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Beaufort N, Ingendahl L, Merdanovic M, Schmidt A, Podlesainski D, Richter T, Neumann T, Kuszner M, Vetter IR, Stege P, Burston SG, Filipovic A, Ruiz-Blanco YB, Bravo-Rodriguez K, Mieres-Perez J, Beuck C, Uebel S, Zobawa M, Schillinger J, Malik R, Todorov-Völgyi K, Rey J, Roberti A, Hagemeier B, Wefers B, Müller SA, Wurst W, Sanchez-Garcia E, Zimmermann A, Hu XY, Clausen T, Huber R, Lichtenthaler SF, Schmuck C, Giese M, Kaiser M, Ehrmann M, Dichgans M. Rational correction of pathogenic conformational defects in HTRA1. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5944. [PMID: 39013852 PMCID: PMC11252331 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49982-8] [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: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in the homotrimeric serine protease HTRA1 cause cerebral vasculopathy. Here, we establish independent approaches to achieve the functional correction of trimer assembly defects. Focusing on the prototypical R274Q mutation, we identify an HTRA1 variant that promotes trimer formation thus restoring enzymatic activity in vitro. Genetic experiments in Htra1R274Q mice further demonstrate that expression of this protein-based corrector in trans is sufficient to stabilize HtrA1-R274Q and restore the proteomic signature of the brain vasculature. An alternative approach employs supramolecular chemical ligands that shift the monomer-trimer equilibrium towards proteolytically active trimers. Moreover, we identify a peptidic ligand that activates HTRA1 monomers. Our findings open perspectives for tailored protein repair strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Beaufort
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Linda Ingendahl
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Melisa Merdanovic
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Andree Schmidt
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - David Podlesainski
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tim Richter
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Thorben Neumann
- Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Michael Kuszner
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ingrid R Vetter
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Patricia Stege
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Steven G Burston
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Biomedical Sciences Building, Bristol, UK
| | - Anto Filipovic
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Yasser B Ruiz-Blanco
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kenny Bravo-Rodriguez
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Joel Mieres-Perez
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Christine Beuck
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Stephan Uebel
- Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Monika Zobawa
- Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Jasmin Schillinger
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Rainer Malik
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katalin Todorov-Völgyi
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Juliana Rey
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Annabell Roberti
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Birte Hagemeier
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Benedikt Wefers
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Institute of Developmental Genetics (IDG), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Stephan A Müller
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wurst
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Institute of Developmental Genetics (IDG), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
- Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Freising, Germany
| | - Elsa Sanchez-Garcia
- Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Alexander Zimmermann
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Xiao-Yu Hu
- College of Material Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, China
| | - Tim Clausen
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert Huber
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Stefan F Lichtenthaler
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Carsten Schmuck
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Michael Giese
- Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Markus Kaiser
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Michael Ehrmann
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Martin Dichgans
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.
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2
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Kaštelan S, Nikuševa-Martić T, Pašalić D, Antunica AG, Zimak DM. Genetic and Epigenetic Biomarkers Linking Alzheimer's Disease and Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7271. [PMID: 39000382 PMCID: PMC11242094 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a prominent neurodegenerative disorder (NDD), accounting for the majority of dementia cases worldwide. In addition to memory deficits, individuals with AD also experience alterations in the visual system. As the retina is an extension of the central nervous system (CNS), the loss in retinal ganglion cells manifests clinically as decreased visual acuity, narrowed visual field, and reduced contrast sensitivity. Among the extensively studied retinal disorders, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) shares numerous aging processes and risk factors with NDDs such as cognitive impairment that occurs in AD. Histopathological investigations have revealed similarities in pathological deposits found in the retina and brain of patients with AD and AMD. Cellular aging processes demonstrate similar associations with organelles and signaling pathways in retinal and brain tissues. Despite these similarities, there are distinct genetic backgrounds underlying these diseases. This review comprehensively explores the genetic similarities and differences between AMD and AD. The purpose of this review is to discuss the parallels and differences between AMD and AD in terms of pathophysiology, genetics, and epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snježana Kaštelan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Hospital Dubrava, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tamara Nikuševa-Martić
- Department of Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Daria Pašalić
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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3
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Navneet S, Ishii M, Rohrer B. Altered Elastin Turnover, Immune Response, and Age-Related Retinal Thinning in a Transgenic Mouse Model With RPE-Specific HTRA1 Overexpression. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:34. [PMID: 39028977 PMCID: PMC11262478 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.8.34] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose A single-nucleotide polymorphism in HTRA1 has been linked to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Here we investigated the potential links between age-related retinal changes, elastin turnover, elastin autoantibody production, and complement C3 deposition in a mouse model with RPE-specific human HTRA1 overexpression. Methods HTRA1 transgenic mice and age-matched CD1 wild-type mice were analyzed at 6 weeks and 4, 6, and 12 to 14 months of age using in vivo retinal imaging by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus photography, as well as molecular readouts, focusing on elastin and elastin-derived peptide quantification, antielastin autoantibody, and total Ig antibody measurements and immunohistochemistry to examine elastin, IgG, and C3 protein levels in retinal sections. Results OCT imaging indicated thinning of inner nuclear layer as an early phenotype in HTRA1 mice, followed by age and age/genotype-related thinning of the photoreceptor layer, RPE, and total retina. HTRA1 mice exhibited reduced elastin protein levels in the RPE/choroid and increased elastin breakdown products in the retina and serum. A corresponding age-dependent increase of serum antielastin IgG and IgM autoantibodies and total Ig antibody levels was observed. In the RPE/choroid, these changes were associated with an age-related increase of IgG and C3 deposition. Conclusions Our results confirm that RPE-specific overexpression of human HTRA1 induces certain AMD-like phenotypes in mice. This includes altered elastin turnover, immune response, and complement deposition in the RPE/choroid in addition to age-related outer retinal and photoreceptor layer thinning. The identification of elastin-derived peptides and corresponding antielastin autoantibodies, together with increased C3 deposition in the RPE/choroid, provides a rationale for an overactive complement system in AMD irrespective of the underlying genetic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Navneet
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
| | - Masaaki Ishii
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
| | - Bärbel Rohrer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Division of Research, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
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4
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Liang H, Sedillo JC, Schrodi SJ, Ikeda A. Structural variants in linkage disequilibrium with GWAS-significant SNPs. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32053. [PMID: 38882374 PMCID: PMC11177133 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32053] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
With the recent expansion of structural variant identification in the human genome, understanding the role of these impactful variants in disease architecture is critically important. Currently, a large proportion of genome-wide-significant genome-wide association study (GWAS) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are functionally unresolved, raising the possibility that some of these SNPs are associated with disease through linkage disequilibrium with causal structural variants. Hence, understanding the linkage disequilibrium between newly discovered structural variants and statistically significant SNPs may provide a resource for further investigation into disease-associated regions in the genome. Here we present a resource cataloging structural variant-significant SNP pairs in high linkage disequilibrium. The database is composed of (i) SNPs that have exhibited genome-wide significant association with traits, primarily disease phenotypes, (ii) newly released structural variants (SVs), and (iii) linkage disequilibrium values calculated from unphased data. All data files including those detailing SV and GWAS SNP associations and results of GWAS-SNP-SV pairs are available at the SV-SNP LD Database and can be accessed at 'https://github.com/hliang-SchrodiLab/SV_SNPs. Our analysis results represent a useful fine mapping tool for interrogating SVs in linkage disequilibrium with disease-associated SNPs. We anticipate that this resource may play an important role in subsequent studies which investigate incorporating disease causing SVs into disease risk prediction models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Liang
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Joni C Sedillo
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Computation and Informatics in Biology and Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Steven J Schrodi
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Computation and Informatics in Biology and Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Akihiro Ikeda
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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5
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Nguyen VP, Karoukis AJ, Qian W, Chen L, Perera ND, Yang D, Zhang Q, Zhe J, Henry J, Liu B, Zhang W, Fahim AT, Wang X, Paulus YM. Multimodal Imaging-Guided Stem Cell Ocular Treatment. ACS NANO 2024; 18:14893-14906. [PMID: 38801653 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c10632] [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: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Stem cell therapies are gaining traction as promising treatments for a variety of degenerative conditions. Both clinical and preclinical studies of regenerative medicine are hampered by the lack of technologies that can evaluate the migration and behavior of stem cells post-transplantation. This study proposes an innovative method to longitudinally image in vivo human-induced pluripotent stem cells differentiated to retinal pigment epithelium (hiPSC-RPE) cells by multimodal photoacoustic microscopy, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescence imaging powered by ultraminiature chain-like gold nanoparticle cluster (GNC) nanosensors. The GNC exhibits an optical absorption peak in the near-infrared regime, and the 7-8 nm size in diameter after disassembly enables renal excretion and improved safety as well as biocompatibility. In a clinically relevant rabbit model, GNC-labeled hiPSC-RPE cells migrated to RPE degeneration areas and regenerated damaged tissues. The hiPSC-RPE cells' distribution and migration were noninvasively, longitudinally monitored for 6 months with exceptional sensitivity and spatial resolution. This advanced platform for cellular imaging has the potential to enhance regenerative cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Phuc Nguyen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, United States
| | - Athanasios J Karoukis
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, United States
| | - Wei Qian
- IMRA America Inc., Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, United States
| | - Lisheng Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, United States
| | - Nirosha D Perera
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, United States
| | - Dongshan Yang
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Qitao Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, United States
| | - Josh Zhe
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, United States
| | - Jessica Henry
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, United States
| | - Bing Liu
- IMRA America Inc., Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, United States
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, United States
| | - Abigail T Fahim
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, United States
| | - Xueding Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, United States
| | - Yannis M Paulus
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, United States
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6
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Li Y, Wei Y, Ultsch M, Li W, Tang W, Tombling B, Gao X, Dimitrova Y, Gampe C, Fuhrmann J, Zhang Y, Hannoush RN, Kirchhofer D. Cystine-knot peptide inhibitors of HTRA1 bind to a cryptic pocket within the active site region. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4359. [PMID: 38777835 PMCID: PMC11111691 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48655-w] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cystine-knot peptides (CKPs) are naturally occurring peptides that exhibit exceptional chemical and proteolytic stability. We leveraged the CKP carboxypeptidase A1 inhibitor as a scaffold to construct phage-displayed CKP libraries and subsequently screened these collections against HTRA1, a trimeric serine protease implicated in age-related macular degeneration and osteoarthritis. The initial hits were optimized by using affinity maturation strategies to yield highly selective and potent picomolar inhibitors of HTRA1. Crystal structures, coupled with biochemical studies, reveal that the CKPs do not interact in a substrate-like manner but bind to a cryptic pocket at the S1' site region of HTRA1 and abolish catalysis by stabilizing a non-competent active site conformation. The opening and closing of this cryptic pocket is controlled by the gatekeeper residue V221, and its movement is facilitated by the absence of a constraining disulfide bond that is typically present in trypsin fold serine proteases, thereby explaining the remarkable selectivity of the CKPs. Our findings reveal an intriguing mechanism for modulating the activity of HTRA1, and highlight the utility of CKP-based phage display platforms in uncovering potent and selective inhibitors against challenging therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie Li
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Yuehua Wei
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Mark Ultsch
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Wanjian Tang
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Benjamin Tombling
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Xinxin Gao
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Yoana Dimitrova
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Christian Gampe
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Jakob Fuhrmann
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Yingnan Zhang
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Rami N Hannoush
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.
| | - Daniel Kirchhofer
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.
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Chang FY, Huang CH, Yang CH, Chang JT, Yang CM, Ho TC, Hsieh YT, Lai TT, Lin CW, Lin CP, Chen YC, Lai YJ, Chen PL, Hsu JS, Chen TC. Genetics in neovascular age-related macular degeneration susceptibility and treatment response to anti-VEGF intravitreal injection: A case series study. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024. [PMID: 38757252 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14388] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To identify genotypes associated with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and investigate the associations between genotype variations and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment response. METHODS This observational, retrospective, case series study enrolled patients diagnosed with nAMD who received anti-VEGF treatment in National Taiwan University Hospital with at least one-year follow-up between 2012 and 2020. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted on enrolled patients and controls. Correlations between the genotypes identified from GWAS and the treatment response of functional/anatomical biomarkers, including visual acuity (VA), presence of intraretinal or subretinal fluid (SRF), serous or fibrovascular pigmented epithelium detachment (PED), and disruption of the ellipsoid zone (EZ), were analysed. RESULTS In total, 182 patients with nAMD and 1748 controls were enrolled. GWAS revealed 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as risk loci for nAMD, including seven loci in CFH and ARMS2/HTRA1 and nine novel loci, including rs117517872 and rs79835234(COPB2-DT), rs7525578(RAP1A), rs2123738(LOC105376755), rs1374879(CNTN3), rs3812692(SAR1A), rs117501587(PRKCA), rs9965945(CNDP1), and rs189769231(MATK). Our study revealed rs800292(CFH), rs11200638(HTRA1), and rs2123738(LOC105376755) correlated with poor treatment response in VA (P = 0.005), SRF (P = 0.044), and fibrovascular PED (P = 0.007), respectively. Rs9965945(CNDP1) was correlated with poor response in disruption of EZ (P = 0.046) and serous PED (P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS Among the 16 SNPs found in the GWAS, four loci-CFH, ARMS2/HTRA1, and two novel loci-were correlated with the susceptibility of nAMD and anatomical/functional responses after anti-VEGF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Yu Chang
- College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chu-Hsuan Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Hao Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Tzu Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-May Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzzy-Chang Ho
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Hsieh
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tso-Ting Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Wen Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Pin Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chieh Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Ju Lai
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Pei-Lung Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jacob Shujui Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Ching Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center of Frontier Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Research Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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8
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Song S, Li X, Xue X, Dong W, Li C. Progress in the Study of the Role and Mechanism of HTRA1 in Diseases Related to Vascular Abnormalities. Int J Gen Med 2024; 17:1479-1491. [PMID: 38650587 PMCID: PMC11034561 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s456912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
High temperature requirement A1 (HTRA1) is a member of the serine protease family, comprising four structural domains: IGFBP domain, Kazal domain, protease domain and PDZ domain. HTRA1 encodes a serine protease, a secreted protein that is widely expressed in the vasculature. HTRA1 regulates a wide range of physiological processes through its proteolytic activity, and is also involved in a variety of vascular abnormalities-related diseases. This article reviews the role of HTRA1 in the development of vascular abnormalities-related hereditary cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), tumors and other diseases. Through relevant research advances to understand the role of HTRA1 in regulating signaling pathways or refolding, translocation, degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, thus directly or indirectly regulating angiogenesis, vascular remodeling, and playing an important role in vascular homeostasis, further understanding the mechanism of HTRA1's role in vascular abnormality-related diseases is important for HTRA1 to be used as a therapeutic target in related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shina Song
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Geriatrics, General Hospital of TISCO, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuting Xue
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenping Dong
- Department of Geriatrics, General Hospital of TISCO, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Changxin Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
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9
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Honda S, Misawa N, Sato Y, Oikawa D, Tokunaga F. The hypothetical molecular mechanism of the ethnic variations in the manifestation of age-related macular degeneration; focuses on the functions of the most significant susceptibility genes. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024:10.1007/s00417-024-06442-9. [PMID: 38507046 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-024-06442-9] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading sight-threatening disease in developed countries. On the other hand, recent studies indicated an ethnic variation in the phenotype of AMD. For example, several reports demonstrated that the incidence of drusen in AMD patients is less in Asians compared to Caucasians though the reason has not been clarified yet. In the last decades, several genome association studies have disclosed many susceptible genes of AMD and revealed that the association strength of some genes was different among races and AMD phenotypes. In this review article, the essential findings of the clinical studies and genome association studies for the most significant genes CFH and ARMS2/HTRA1 in AMD of different races are summarized, and theoretical hypotheses about the molecular mechanisms underlying the ethnic variation in the AMD manifestation mainly focused on those genes between Caucasians and Asians are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeru Honda
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-4-3 Asahi-Machi, Abeno-Ku, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Norihiko Misawa
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-4-3 Asahi-Machi, Abeno-Ku, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Center for Research On Green Sustainable Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Daisuke Oikawa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Fuminori Tokunaga
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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10
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Souri Laki E, Rabiei B, Marashi H, Jokarfard V, Börner A. Association study of morpho-phenological traits in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) using SSR markers. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5991. [PMID: 38472315 PMCID: PMC10933322 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56587-0] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, the genetic and molecular diversity of 60 quinoa accessions was assessed using agronomically important traits related to grain yield as well as microsatellite (SSR) markers, and informative markers linked to the studied traits were identified using association study. The results showed that most of the studied traits had a relatively high diversity, but grain saponin and protein content showed the highest diversity. High diversity was also observed in all SSR markers, but KAAT023, KAAT027, KAAT036, and KCAA014 showed the highest values for most of the diversity indices and can be introduced as the informative markers to assess genetic diversity in quinoa. Population structure analysis showed that the studied population probably includes two subclusters, so that out of 60 quinoa accessions, 29 (48%) and 23 (38%) accessions were assigned to the first and second subclusters, respectively, and eight (13%) accessions were considered as the mixed genotypes. The study of the population structure using Structure software showed two possible subgroups (K = 2) in the studied population and the results of the bar plot confirmed it. Association study using the general linear model (GLM) and mixed linear model (MLM) identified the number of 35 and 32 significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) for the first year (2019) and 37 and 35 significant MTAs for the second year (2020), respectively. Among the significant MTAs identified for different traits, the highest number of significant MTAs were obtained for grain yield and 1000-grain weight with six and five MTAs, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebrahim Souri Laki
- Department of Plant Production and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, PO Box: 41635-1314, Rasht, Iran
| | - Babak Rabiei
- Department of Plant Production and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, PO Box: 41635-1314, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Hassan Marashi
- Department of Biotechnology and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ferdowsi, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Vahid Jokarfard
- Department of Plant Production and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, PO Box: 41635-1314, Rasht, Iran
| | - Andreas Börner
- Department of Gene Bank, Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, Corrensstr. 3, Seeland/OT, Gatersleben, Germany
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11
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Malih S, Song YS, Sorenson CM, Sheibani N. Choroidal Mast Cells and Pathophysiology of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Cells 2023; 13:50. [PMID: 38201254 PMCID: PMC10778483 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010050] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains a leading cause of vision loss in elderly patients. Its etiology and progression are, however, deeply intertwined with various cellular and molecular interactions within the retina and choroid. Among the key cellular players least studied are choroidal mast cells, with important roles in immune and allergic responses. Here, we will review what is known regarding the pathophysiology of AMD and expand on the recently proposed intricate roles of choroidal mast cells and their activation in outer retinal degeneration and AMD pathogenesis. We will focus on choroidal mast cell activation, the release of their bioactive mediators, and potential impact on ocular oxidative stress, inflammation, and overall retinal and choroidal health. We propose an important role for thrombospondin-1 (TSP1), a major ocular angioinflammatory factor, in regulation of choroidal mast cell homeostasis and activation in AMD pathogenesis. Drawing from limited studies, this review underscores the need for further comprehensive studies aimed at understanding the precise roles changes in TSP1 levels and choroidal mast cell activity play in pathophysiology of AMD. We will also propose potential therapeutic strategies targeting these regulatory pathways, and highlighting the promise they hold for curbing AMD progression through modulation of mast cell activity. In conclusion, the evolving understanding of the role of choroidal mast cells in AMD pathogenesis will not only offer deeper insights into the underlying mechanisms but will also offer opportunities for development of novel preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Malih
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (S.M.); (Y.-S.S.)
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 15614, Iran
| | - Yong-Seok Song
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (S.M.); (Y.-S.S.)
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - Christine M. Sorenson
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Nader Sheibani
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (S.M.); (Y.-S.S.)
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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12
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Vujosevic S, Alovisi C, Chakravarthy U. Epidemiology of geographic atrophy and its precursor features of intermediate age-related macular degeneration. Acta Ophthalmol 2023; 101:839-856. [PMID: 37933608 DOI: 10.1111/aos.15767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Globally age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness with a significant impact on quality of life. Geographic atrophy (GA) is the atrophic late form of AMD and its prevalence increases markedly with age with around 1 in 5 persons aged 85 and above having GA in at least one eye. Bilateral GA leads to severe visual impairment thus posing a significant burden on patients, careers and health providers. The incidence and prevalence of GA varies across different geographic regions, with the highest rates in those of European ancestry. Although heterogeneity in definitions of GA and reporting strategy can explain some of the discrepancies, the data overall are consistent in showing a lower prevalence in other ethnicities such as those of Asian heritage. This is at present unexplained but thought to be due to the existence of protective factors such as differences in eye pigmentation, diet, environmental exposures and genetic variability. This review covers key aspects of the prevalence and incidence of the ocular precursor features of GA (large drusen, pigmentary abnormalities and reticular pseudo-drusen), the late stage of GA and factors that have been known to be associated with modifying risk including systemic, demographic, environment, genetic and ocular. Understanding the global epidemiology scenario is crucial for the prevention of and management of patients with GA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stela Vujosevic
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Eye Clinic, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Usha Chakravarthy
- Center for Public Health, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
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13
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Pan Y, Fu Y, Baird PN, Guymer RH, Das T, Iwata T. Exploring the contribution of ARMS2 and HTRA1 genetic risk factors in age-related macular degeneration. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 97:101159. [PMID: 36581531 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101159] [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: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe irreversible central vision loss in individuals over 65 years old. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have shown that the region at chromosome 10q26, where the age-related maculopathy susceptibility (ARMS2/LOC387715) and HtrA serine peptidase 1 (HTRA1) genes are located, represents one of the strongest associated loci for AMD. However, the underlying biological mechanism of this genetic association has remained elusive. In this article, we extensively review the literature by us and others regarding the ARMS2/HTRA1 risk alleles and their functional significance. We also review the literature regarding the presumed function of the ARMS2 protein and the molecular processes of the HTRA1 protein in AMD pathogenesis in vitro and in vivo, including those of transgenic mice overexpressing HtrA1/HTRA1 which developed Bruch's membrane (BM) damage, choroidal neovascularization (CNV), and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), similar to human AMD patients. The elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of the ARMS2 and HTRA1 susceptibility loci has begun to untangle the complex biological pathways underlying AMD pathophysiology, pointing to new testable paradigms for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Pan
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, 2-5-1, Higashigaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 152-8902, Japan
| | - Yingbin Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, NC506, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Paul N Baird
- Department of Surgery, (Ophthalmology), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robyn H Guymer
- Department of Surgery, (Ophthalmology), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, 3002, Australia
| | - Taraprasad Das
- Anant Bajaj Retina Institute-Srimati Kanuri Santhamma Centre for Vitreoretinal Diseases, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, 500034, India
| | - Takeshi Iwata
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, 2-5-1, Higashigaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 152-8902, Japan.
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14
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Acar IE, Galesloot TE, Luhmann UFO, Fauser S, Gayán J, den Hollander AI, Nogoceke E. Whole Genome Sequencing Identifies Novel Common and Low-Frequency Variants Associated With Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:24. [PMID: 37975850 PMCID: PMC10664724 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.14.24] [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: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To identify associations of common, low-frequency, and rare variants with advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using whole genome sequencing (WGS). Methods WGS data were obtained for 2123 advanced AMD patients (participants of clinical trials for advanced AMD) and 2704 controls (participants of clinical trials for asthma [N = 2518] and Alzheimer's disease [N = 186]), and joint genotype calling was performed, followed by quality control of the dataset. Single variant association analyses were performed for all identified common, low-frequency, and rare variants. Gene-based tests were executed for rare and low-frequency variants using SKAT-O and three groups of variants based on putative impact information: (1) all variants, (2) modifier impact variants, and (3) high- and moderate-impact variants. To ascertain independence of the identified associations from previously reported AMD and asthma loci, conditional analyses were performed. Results Previously identified AMD variants at the CFH, ARMS2/HTRA1, APOE, and C3 loci were associated with AMD at a genome-wide significance level. We identified new single variant associations for common variants near the PARK7 gene and in the long non-coding RNA AC103876.1, and for a rare variant near the TENM3 gene. In addition, gene-based association analyses identified a burden of modifier variants in eight intergenic and gene-spanning regions and of high- and moderate-impact variants in the C3, CFHR5, SLC16A8, and CFI genes. Conclusions We describe the largest WGS study in AMD to date. We confirmed previously identified associations and identified several novel associations that are worth exploring in further follow-up studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilhan E. Acar
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tessel E. Galesloot
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department for Health Evidence, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrich F. O. Luhmann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sascha Fauser
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Javier Gayán
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anneke I. den Hollander
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Everson Nogoceke
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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15
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Merle DA, Sen M, Armento A, Stanton CM, Thee EF, Meester-Smoor MA, Kaiser M, Clark SJ, Klaver CCW, Keane PA, Wright AF, Ehrmann M, Ueffing M. 10q26 - The enigma in age-related macular degeneration. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 96:101154. [PMID: 36513584 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101154] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite comprehensive research efforts over the last decades, the pathomechanisms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remain far from being understood. Large-scale genome wide association studies (GWAS) were able to provide a defined set of genetic aberrations which contribute to disease risk, with the strongest contributors mapping to distinct regions on chromosome 1 and 10. While the chromosome 1 locus comprises factors of the complement system with well-known functions, the role of the 10q26-locus in AMD-pathophysiology remains enigmatic. 10q26 harbors a cluster of three functional genes, namely PLEKHA1, ARMS2 and HTRA1, with most of the AMD-associated genetic variants mapping to the latter two genes. High linkage disequilibrium between ARMS2 and HTRA1 has kept association studies from reliably defining the risk-causing gene for long and only very recently the genetic risk region has been narrowed to ARMS2, suggesting that this is the true AMD gene at this locus. However, genetic associations alone do not suffice to prove causality and one or more of the 14 SNPs on this haplotype may be involved in long-range control of gene expression, leaving HTRA1 and PLEKHA1 still suspects in the pathogenic pathway. Both, ARMS2 and HTRA1 have been linked to extracellular matrix homeostasis, yet their exact molecular function as well as their role in AMD pathogenesis remains to be uncovered. The transcriptional regulation of the 10q26 locus adds an additional level of complexity, given, that gene-regulatory as well as epigenetic alterations may influence expression levels from 10q26 in diseased individuals. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview on the 10q26 locus and its three gene products on various levels of biological complexity and discuss current and future research strategies to shed light on one of the remaining enigmatic spots in the AMD landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Merle
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; Department for Ophthalmology, University Eye Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Graz, 8036, Graz, Austria.
| | - Merve Sen
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Angela Armento
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Chloe M Stanton
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Eric F Thee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015GD, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015CE, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Magda A Meester-Smoor
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015GD, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015CE, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Markus Kaiser
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, 45117, Essen, Germany
| | - Simon J Clark
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; Department for Ophthalmology, University Eye Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Caroline C W Klaver
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015GD, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015CE, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology, Radboudumc, 6525EX, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, CH-4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pearse A Keane
- Institute for Health Research, Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Alan F Wright
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Michael Ehrmann
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, 45117, Essen, Germany
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; Department for Ophthalmology, University Eye Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
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16
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Chang YJ, Jenny L, Li YS, Cui X, Kong Y, Li Y, Sparrow J, Tsang S. CRISPR editing demonstrates rs10490924 raised oxidative stress in iPSC-derived retinal cells from patients with ARMS2/HTRA1-related AMD. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2215005120. [PMID: 37126685 PMCID: PMC10175836 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2215005120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified genetic risk loci for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) on the chromosome 10q26 (Chr10) locus and are tightly linked: the A69S (G>T) rs10490924 single-nucleotide variant (SNV) and the AATAA-rich insertion-deletion (indel, del443/ins54), which are found in the age-related maculopathy susceptibility 2 (ARMS2) gene, and the G512A (G>A) rs11200638 SNV, which is found in the high-temperature requirement A serine peptidase 1 (HTRA1) promoter. The fourth variant is Y402H complement factor H (CFH), which directs CFH signaling. CRISPR manipulation of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells may allow one to isolate the effects of the individual SNV and thus identify SNV-specific effects on cell phenotype. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) editing demonstrates that rs10490924 raised oxidative stress in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived retinal cells from patients with AMD. Sodium phenylbutyrate preferentially reverses the cell death caused by ARMS2 rs10490924 but not HTRA1 rs11200638. This study serves as a proof of concept for the use of patient-specific iPSCs for functional annotation of tightly linked GWAS to study the etiology of a late-onset disease phenotype. More importantly, we demonstrate that antioxidant administration may be useful for reducing reactive oxidative stress in AMD, a prevalent late-onset neurodegenerative disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ju Chang
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care, Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY10032
| | - Laura A. Jenny
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care, Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY10032
| | - Yong-Shi Li
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care, Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY10032
| | - Xuan Cui
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care, Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY10032
| | - Yang Kong
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care, Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY10032
| | - Yao Li
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care, Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY10032
| | - Janet R. Sparrow
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care, Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY10032
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY10032
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY10032
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY10032
| | - Stephen H. Tsang
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care, Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY10032
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY10032
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY10032
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY10032
- Institute of Human Nutrition, and Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University, New York, NY10032
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17
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Navneet S, Brandon C, Simpson K, Rohrer B. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Elastase Inhibition in Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Mouse and Human. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091308. [PMID: 37174708 PMCID: PMC10177483 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091308] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal turnover of the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein elastin has been linked to AMD pathology. Elastin is a critical component of Bruch's membrane (BrM), an ECM layer that separates the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) from the underlying choriocapillaris. Reduced integrity of BrM's elastin layer corresponds to areas of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in wet AMD. Serum levels of elastin-derived peptides and anti-elastin antibodies are significantly elevated in AMD patients along with the prevalence of polymorphisms of genes regulating elastin turnover. Despite these results indicating significant associations between abnormal elastin turnover and AMD, very little is known about its exact role in AMD pathogenesis. Here we report on results that suggest that elastase enzymes could play a direct role in the pathogenesis of AMD. We found significantly increased elastase activity in the retinas and RPE cells of AMD mouse models, and AMD patient-iPSC-derived RPE cells. A1AT, a protease inhibitor that inactivates elastase, reduced CNV lesion sizes in mouse models. A1AT completely inhibited elastase-induced VEGFA expression and secretion, and restored RPE monolayer integrity in ARPE-19 monolayers. A1AT also mitigated RPE thickening, an early AMD phenotype, in HTRA1 overexpressing mice, HTRA1 being a serine protease with elastase activity. Finally, in an exploratory study, examining archival records from large patient data sets, we identified an association between A1AT use, age and AMD risk. Our results suggest that repurposing A1AT may have therapeutic potential in modifying the progression to AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Navneet
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Carlene Brandon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Kit Simpson
- Department of Healthcare Leadership and Management, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Bärbel Rohrer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Division of Research, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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18
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Guymer RH, Campbell TG. Age-related macular degeneration. Lancet 2023; 401:1459-1472. [PMID: 36996856 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)02609-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration is an increasingly important public health issue due to ageing populations and increased longevity. Age-related macular degeneration affects individuals older than 55 years and threatens high-acuity central vision required for important tasks such as reading, driving, and recognising faces. Advances in retinal imaging have identified biomarkers of progression to late age-related macular degeneration. New treatments for neovascular age-related macular degeneration offer potentially longer-lasting effects, and progress is being made towards a treatment for atrophic late age-related macular degeneration. An effective intervention to slow progression in the earlier stages of disease, or to prevent late age-related macular degeneration development remains elusive, and our understanding of underlying mechanistic pathways continues to evolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn H Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Thomas G Campbell
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Ophthalmology, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia.
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19
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Ruamviboonsuk P, Lai TYY, Chen SJ, Yanagi Y, Wong TY, Chen Y, Gemmy Cheung CM, Teo KYC, Sadda S, Gomi F, Chaikitmongkol V, Chang A, Lee WK, Kokame G, Koh A, Guymer R, Lai CC, Kim JE, Ogura Y, Chainakul M, Arjkongharn N, Hong Chan H, Lam DSC. Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy: Updates on Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Treatments. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2023; 12:184-195. [PMID: 36728294 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
There have been recent advances in basic research and clinical studies in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). A recent, large-scale, population-based study found systemic factors, such as male gender and smoking, were associated with PCV, and a recent systematic review reported plasma C-reactive protein, a systemic biomarker, was associated with PCV. Growing evidence points to an association between pachydrusen, recently proposed extracellular deposits associated with the thick choroid, and the risk of development of PCV. Many recent studies on diagnosis of PCV have focused on applying criteria from noninvasive multimodal retinal imaging without requirement of indocyanine green angiography. There have been attempts to develop deep learning models, a recent subset of artificial intelligence, for detecting PCV from different types of retinal imaging modality. Some of these deep learning models were found to have high performance when they were trained and tested on color retinal images with corresponding images from optical coherence tomography. The treatment of PCV is either a combination therapy using verteporfin photodynamic therapy and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), or anti-VEGF monotherapy, often used with a treat-and-extend regimen. New anti-VEGF agents may provide more durable treatment with similar efficacy, compared with existing anti-VEGF agents. It is not known if they can induce greater closure of polypoidal lesions, in which case, combination therapy may still be a mainstay. Recent evidence supports long-term follow-up of patients with PCV after treatment for early detection of recurrence, particularly in patients with incomplete closure of polypoidal lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy Y Y Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shih-Jen Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yasuo Yanagi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Microtechnology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tien Yin Wong
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Youxin Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chui Ming Gemmy Cheung
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kelvin Y C Teo
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Srinivas Sadda
- Doheny Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Fumi Gomi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hyogo Medical University, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Voraporn Chaikitmongkol
- Retina Division, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Andrew Chang
- Sydney Retina Clinic, Sydney Eye Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Gregg Kokame
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Hawaii School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI
| | - Adrian Koh
- Eye & Retina Surgeons, Camden Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Robyn Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Chi-Chun Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Judy E Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Yuichiro Ogura
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Dennis S C Lam
- The C-MER International Eye Research Center of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
- The C-MER Dennis Lam & Partners Eye Center, C-MER International Eye Care Group, Hong Kong, China
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20
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Chen LJ, Chen ZJ, Pang CP. Latest Development on Genetics of Common Retinal Diseases. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2023; 12:228-251. [PMID: 36971708 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Many complex forms of retinal diseases are common and pan-ethnic in occurrence. Among them, neovascular age-related macular degeneration, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, and central serous choroid retinopathy involve both choroidopathy and neovascularization with multifactorial etiology. They are sight-threatening and potentially blinding. Early treatment is crucial to prevent disease progression. To understand their genetic basis, candidate gene mutational and association analyses, linkage analysis, genome-wide association studies, transcriptome analysis, next-generation sequencing, which includes targeted deep sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, and whole genome sequencing have been conducted. Advanced genomic technologies have led to the identification of many associated genes. But their etiologies are attributed to complicated interactions of multiple genetic and environmental risk factors. Onset and progression of neovascular age-related macular degeneration and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy are affected by aging, smoking, lifestyle, and variants in over 30 genes. Although some genetic associations have been confirmed and validated, individual genes or polygenic risk markers of clinical value have not been established. The genetic architectures of all these complex retinal diseases that involve sequence variant quantitative trait loci have not been fully delineated. Recently artificial intelligence is making an impact in the collection and advanced analysis of genetic, investigative, and lifestyle data for the establishment of predictive factors for the risk of disease onset, progression, and prognosis. This will contribute to individualized precision medicine for the management of complex retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Jia Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital Eye Centre, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong Hub of Pediatric Excellence, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhen Ji Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Pui Pang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong Hub of Pediatric Excellence, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Joint Shantou International Eye Centre of Shantou University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
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21
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Gogna N, Hyde LF, Collin GB, Stone L, Naggert JK, Nishina PM. Current Views on Chr10q26 Contribution to Age-Related Macular Degeneration. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1415:27-36. [PMID: 37440010 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-27681-1_5] [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: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the global aging population. Familial aggregation and genome-wide association (GWA) studies have identified gene variants associated with AMD, implying a strong genetic contribution to AMD development. Two loci, on human Chr 1q31 and 10q26, respectively, represent the most influential of all genetic factors. While the role of CFH at Chr 1q31 is well established, uncertainty remains about the genes ARMS2 and HTRA1, at the Chr 10q26 locus. Since both genes are in strong linkage disequilibrium, assigning individual gene effects is difficult. In this chapter, we review current literature about ARMS2 and HTRA1 and their relevance to AMD risk. Future studies will be necessary to unravel the mechanisms by which they contribute to AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lisa Stone
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
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22
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Ott J, Park T. Overview of frequent pattern mining. Genomics Inform 2022; 20:e39. [PMID: 36617647 PMCID: PMC9847378 DOI: 10.5808/gi.22074] [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: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Various methods of frequent pattern mining have been applied to genetic problems, specifically, to the combined association of two genotypes (a genotype pattern, or diplotype) at different DNA variants with disease. These methods have the ability to come up with a selection of genotype patterns that are more common in affected than unaffected individuals, and the assessment of statistical significance for these selected patterns poses some unique problems, which are briefly outlined here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jurg Ott
- Laboratory of Statistical Genetics, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA,Corresponding author E-mail:
| | - Taesung Park
- Department of Statistics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
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23
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Harraka P, Wightman T, Akom S, Sandhu K, Colville D, Catran A, Langsford D, Pianta T, Barit D, Ierino F, Skene A, Mack H, Savige J. Increased retinal drusen in IgA glomerulonephritis are further evidence for complement activation in disease pathogenesis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18301. [PMID: 36316518 PMCID: PMC9622730 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21386-y] [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: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Drusen are retinal deposits comprising cell debris, immune material and complement that are characteristic of macular degeneration but also found in glomerulonephritis. This was a pilot cross-sectional study to determine how often drusen occurred in IgA glomerulonephritis and their clinical significance. Study participants underwent non-mydriatic retinal photography, and their deidentified retinal images were examined for drusen by two trained graders, who compared central drusen counts, counts ≥ 10 and drusen size with those of matched controls. The cohort comprised 122 individuals with IgA glomerulonephritis including 89 males (73%), 49 individuals (40%) of East Asian or Southern European ancestry, with an overall median age of 54 years (34-64), and median disease duration of 9 years (4-17). Thirty-nine (33%) had an eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 72 had previously reached kidney failure (61%). Overall mean drusen counts were higher in IgA glomerulonephritis (9 ± 27) than controls (2 ± 7, p < 0.001). Central counts ≥ 10 were also more common (OR = 3.31 (1.42-7.73, p = 0.006), and were associated with longer disease duration (p = 0.03) but not kidney failure (p = 0.31). Larger drusen were associated with more mesangial IgA staining (p = 0.004). Increased drusen counts were also present in IgA glomerulonephritis secondary to Crohn's disease but not with Henoch-Schonlein purpura. The finding of retinal drusen in IgA glomerulonephritis is consistent with complement activation and represents a model for better understanding glomerular immune deposition and a supporting argument for treatment with anti-complement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Harraka
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medicine, Northern Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050 Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medicine, Melbourne Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050 Australia
| | - Tony Wightman
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medicine, Northern Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050 Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medicine, Melbourne Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050 Australia
| | - Sarah Akom
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medicine, Northern Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050 Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medicine, Melbourne Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050 Australia
| | - Kieran Sandhu
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medicine, Northern Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050 Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medicine, Melbourne Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050 Australia
| | - Deb Colville
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medicine, Northern Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050 Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medicine, Melbourne Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050 Australia
| | - Andrew Catran
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medicine, Northern Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050 Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medicine, Melbourne Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050 Australia
| | - David Langsford
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medicine, Northern Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050 Australia
| | - Timothy Pianta
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medicine, Northern Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050 Australia
| | - David Barit
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medicine, Northern Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050 Australia
| | - Frank Ierino
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Nephrology, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050 Australia
| | - Alison Skene
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Pathology, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050 Australia
| | - Heather Mack
- grid.410670.40000 0004 0625 8539The University of Melbourne Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002 Australia
| | - Judy Savige
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medicine, Northern Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050 Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medicine, Melbourne Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050 Australia
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24
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Stradiotto E, Allegrini D, Fossati G, Raimondi R, Sorrentino T, Tripepi D, Barone G, Inforzato A, Romano MR. Genetic Aspects of Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Their Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13280. [PMID: 36362067 PMCID: PMC9653831 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex and multifactorial disease, resulting from the interaction of environmental and genetic factors. The continuous discovery of associations between genetic polymorphisms and AMD gives reason for the pivotal role attributed to the genetic component to its development. In that light, genetic tests and polygenic scores have been created to predict the risk of development and response to therapy. Still, none of them have yet been validated. Furthermore, there is no evidence from a clinical trial that the determination of the individual genetic structure can improve treatment outcomes. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the polymorphisms of the main pathogenetic ways involved in AMD development to identify which of them constitutes a potential therapeutic target. As complement overactivation plays a major role, the modulation of targeted complement proteins seems to be a promising therapeutic approach. Herein, we summarize the complement-modulating molecules now undergoing clinical trials, enlightening those in an advanced phase of trial. Gene therapy is a potential innovative one-time treatment, and its relevance is quickly evolving in the field of retinal diseases. We describe the state of the art of gene therapies now undergoing clinical trials both in the field of complement-suppressors and that of anti-VEGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Stradiotto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Unit Humanitas Gavazzeni-Castelli, Via Mazzini 11, 24128 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Davide Allegrini
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Unit Humanitas Gavazzeni-Castelli, Via Mazzini 11, 24128 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Fossati
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Unit Humanitas Gavazzeni-Castelli, Via Mazzini 11, 24128 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Raffaele Raimondi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Unit Humanitas Gavazzeni-Castelli, Via Mazzini 11, 24128 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Tania Sorrentino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Unit Humanitas Gavazzeni-Castelli, Via Mazzini 11, 24128 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Domenico Tripepi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Unit Humanitas Gavazzeni-Castelli, Via Mazzini 11, 24128 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Gianmaria Barone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Unit Humanitas Gavazzeni-Castelli, Via Mazzini 11, 24128 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Antonio Inforzato
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano-Milan, Italy
| | - Mario R. Romano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Unit Humanitas Gavazzeni-Castelli, Via Mazzini 11, 24128 Bergamo, Italy
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25
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Huang G, Li H, Lai S, Xiao J, Wang L, Xu H, Lei C, Zhang J, Yu M, Shuai P, Liu Y, Shi Y, Wang K, Gong B. HTRA1 rs11528744, BCRA1 rs9928736, and B3GLCT rs4381465 are associated with age-related macular degeneration in a Chinese population. Front Genet 2022; 13:997840. [PMID: 36263425 PMCID: PMC9574478 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.997840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss. A Previous study based on the co-localization analysis of the genome-wide association study (GWAS) and eQTL genetic signals have reported that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including rs760975, rs11528744, rs3761159, rs7212510, rs6965458, rs7559693, rs56108400, rs28495773, rs9928736, rs11777697, rs4381465 are associated with AMD in Americans. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of these SNPs in a Han Chinese population.Methods: There were 576 patients with wet AMD and 572 healthy controls collected in this study. All SNPs were genotyped by flight mass spectrum. Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium was applied to evaluate allele distributions for both AMD and control groups. The genotype and allele frequencies were evaluated using the χ2 tests. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated for the risk of genotype and allele.Results: Three of the 11 SNPs (rs11528744 in HTRA1, rs9928736 in BCRA1 and rs4381465 in B3GLCT) were found to be significantly associated with AMD in the allelic model (corrected p = 0.001, OR = 1.391, 95%CI = 1.179–1.640 for rs11528744; corrected p = 0.004, OR = 0.695, 95%CI = 0.544–0.888 for rs9928736; corrected p = 0.002, OR = 0.614, 95%CI = 0.448–0.841 for rs4381465). There were no differences for the remaining eight SNPs between AMD cases and healthy controls.Conclusion: Our results showed that HTRA1 rs11528744, BCRA1 rs9928736, and B3GLCT rs4381465 were associated with wet AMD, suggesting that HTRA1, BCRA1, and B3GLCT genes may be involved in the development of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Huang
- Human Disease Genes Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Health Management, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huan Li
- Human Disease Genes Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Health Management, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shuang Lai
- Human Disease Genes Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jialing Xiao
- Human Disease Genes Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Health Management, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Human Disease Genes Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huijuan Xu
- Human Disease Genes Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chuntao Lei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinglan Zhang
- Human Disease Genes Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Man Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ping Shuai
- Human Disease Genes Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuping Liu
- Human Disease Genes Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Human Disease Genes Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kaijie Wang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Bo Gong, ; Kaijie Wang,
| | - Bo Gong
- Human Disease Genes Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Health Management, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Bo Gong, ; Kaijie Wang,
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26
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HTRA1 Regulates Subclinical Inflammation and Activates Proangiogenic Response in the Retina and Choroid. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810206. [PMID: 36142120 PMCID: PMC9499640 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810206] [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: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
High-temperature requirement A1 (HtrA1) has been identified as a disease-susceptibility gene for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) including polypoidal choroidal neovasculopathy (PCV). We characterized the underlying phenotypic changes of transgenic (Tg) mice expressing ubiquitous CAG promoter (CAG-HtrA1 Tg). In vivo imaging modalities and histopathology were performed to investigate the possible neovascularization, drusen formation, and infiltration of macrophages. Subretinal white material deposition and scattered white-yellowish retinal foci were detected on CFP [(Tg—33% (20/60) and wild-type (WT)—7% (1/15), p < 0.05]. In 40% (4/10) of the CAG-HtrA1 Tg retina, ICGA showed punctate hyperfluorescent spots. There was no leakage on FFA and OCTA failed to confirm vascular flow signals from the subretinal materials. Increased macrophages and RPE cell migrations were noted from histopathological sections. Monocyte subpopulations were increased in peripheral blood in the CAG-HtrA1 Tg mice (p < 0.05). Laser induced CNV in the CAG-HtrA1 Tg mice and showed increased leakage from CNV compared to WT mice (p < 0.05). Finally, choroidal explants of the old CAG-HtrA1 Tg mice demonstrated an increased area of sprouting (p < 0.05). Signs of subclinical inflammation was observed in CAG-HtrA1 Tg mice. Such subclinical inflammation may have resulted in increased RPE cell activation and angiogenic potential.
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27
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Gerhardy S, Ultsch M, Tang W, Green E, Holden JK, Li W, Estevez A, Arthur C, Tom I, Rohou A, Kirchhofer D. Allosteric inhibition of HTRA1 activity by a conformational lock mechanism to treat age-related macular degeneration. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5222. [PMID: 36064790 PMCID: PMC9445180 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32760-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The trimeric serine protease HTRA1 is a genetic risk factor associated with geographic atrophy (GA), a currently untreatable form of age-related macular degeneration. Here, we describe the allosteric inhibition mechanism of HTRA1 by a clinical Fab fragment, currently being evaluated for GA treatment. Using cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography and biochemical assays we identify the exposed LoopA of HTRA1 as the sole Fab epitope, which is approximately 30 Å away from the active site. The cryo-EM structure of the HTRA1:Fab complex in combination with molecular dynamics simulations revealed that Fab binding to LoopA locks HTRA1 in a non-competent conformational state, incapable of supporting catalysis. Moreover, grafting the HTRA1-LoopA epitope onto HTRA2 and HTRA3 transferred the allosteric inhibition mechanism. This suggests a conserved conformational lock mechanism across the HTRA family and a critical role of LoopA for catalysis, which was supported by the reduced activity of HTRA1-3 upon LoopA deletion or perturbation. This study reveals the long-range inhibition mechanism of the clinical Fab and identifies an essential function of the exposed LoopA for activity of HTRA family proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Gerhardy
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mark Ultsch
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wanjian Tang
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Evan Green
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey K Holden
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alberto Estevez
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chris Arthur
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Irene Tom
- Department of OMNI Biomarker Development, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alexis Rohou
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Kirchhofer
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Navneet S, Rohrer B. Elastin turnover in ocular diseases: A special focus on age-related macular degeneration. Exp Eye Res 2022; 222:109164. [PMID: 35798060 PMCID: PMC9795808 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) and its turnover play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Elastin, a critical protein component of the ECM, not only provides structural and mechanical support to tissues, but also mediates several intracellular and extracellular molecular signaling pathways. Abnormal turnover of elastin has pathological implications. In the eye elastin is a major structural component of Bruch's membrane (BrM), a critical ECM structure separating the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) from the choriocapillaris. Reduced integrity of macular BrM elastin, increased serum levels of elastin-derived peptides (EDPs), and elevated elastin antibodies have been reported in AMD. Existing reports suggest that elastases, the elastin-degrading enzymes secreted by RPE, infiltrating macrophages or neutrophils could be involved in BrM elastin degradation, thus contributing to AMD pathogenesis. EDPs derived from elastin degradation can increase inflammatory and angiogenic responses in tissues, and the elastin antibodies are shown to play roles in immune cell activity and complement activation. This review summarizes our current understanding on the elastases/elastin fragments-mediated mechanisms of AMD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Navneet
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Bärbel Rohrer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Division of Research, Charleston, SC, USA.
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He F, Li X, Cai S, Lu L, Zhang T, Yang M, Fan N, Wang X, Liu X. Polymorphism rs11200638 enhanced HtrA1 responsiveness and expression are associated with age-related macular degeneration. Eye (Lond) 2022; 36:1631-1638. [PMID: 34326497 PMCID: PMC9307815 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-021-01706-8] [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: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the role of polymorphism rs11200638 of high-temperature requirement factor A-1 (HtrA1) gene in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS Cultured adult retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) expressing HtrA1 gene were treated with H2O2 or lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and analysed using western blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction to illustrate the effects of oxidative and inflammatory stress on HtrA1 gene expression. Luciferase reporter plasmid driven by HtrA1 promoter with either normal allele G or risk allele A at SNP rs11200638 was transfected to ARPE-19 cells to investigate the effect of the G/A variation on HtrA1 promoter activity. The effects of HtrA1 overexpression on ARPE-19 cells were analysed with respect to percentage of cell proliferation inhibition and cell apoptosis. RESULTS HtrA1 expression was significantly increased with LPS or H2O2 stimulations (p < 0.05). In ARPE-19 cells, HtrA1 promoters (-1 to -2175 bp from translation starting point) with risk allele A or normal G at rs11200638 did not show statistically significant differences in their luciferase reporter expression (p = 0.054425173), however, both promoters showed a persistent trend of higher luciferase expressions after 100 ng/ml LPS treatment. The luciferase expression level was significantly greater in the promoter with risk A when compared to that with normal G. Overexpression of HtrA1 resulted in apoptosis of ARPE-19 cells with 53.8 ± 1.6% of proliferation inhibition (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Risk haplotype A at rs11200638 significantly increased the responsiveness of HtrA1 promoter to inflammation and subsequently enhanced HtrA1 expression. HtrA1 overexpression induced ARPE-19 apoptosis and growth inhibition, relevant to pathogenesis of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen He
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital Affiliated to Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Department of Biopharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Suping Cai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Lan Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Ning Fan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xizhen Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuyang Liu
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the 2nd Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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Wang J, Li S, Li X, Liu J, Yang J, Li Y, Li W, Yang Y, Li J, Chen R, Li K, Huang D, Liu Y, Lv L, Li M, Xiao X, Luo XJ. Functional variant rs2270363 on 16p13.3 confers schizophrenia risk by regulating NMRAL1. Brain 2022; 145:2569-2585. [PMID: 35094059 PMCID: PMC9612800 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent genome-wide association studies have reported multiple schizophrenia risk loci, yet the functional variants and their roles in schizophrenia remain to be characterized. Here we identify a functional single nucleotide polymorphism (rs2270363: G>A) at the schizophrenia risk locus 16p13.3. rs2270363 lies in the E-box element of the promoter of NMRAL1 and disrupts binding of the basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper family proteins, including USF1, MAX and MXI1. We validated the regulatory effects of rs2270363 using reporter gene assays and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Besides, expression quantitative trait loci analysis showed that the risk allele (A) of rs2270363 was significantly associated with elevated NMRAL1 expression in the human brain. Transcription factors knockdown and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated editing further confirmed the regulatory effects of the genomic region containing rs2270363 on NMRAL1. Intriguingly, NMRAL1 was significantly downregulated in the brain of schizophrenia patients compared with healthy subjects, and knockdown of Nmral1 expression affected proliferation and differentiation of mouse neural stem cells, as well as genes and pathways associated with brain development and synaptic transmission. Of note, Nmral1 knockdown resulted in significant decrease of dendritic spine density, revealing the potential pathophysiological mechanisms of NMRAL1 in schizophrenia. Finally, we independently confirmed the association between rs2270363 and schizophrenia in the Chinese population and found that the risk allele of rs2270363 was the same in European and Chinese populations. These lines of evidence suggest that rs2270363 may confer schizophrenia risk by regulating NMRAL1, a gene whose expression dysregulation might be involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia by affecting neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Shiwu Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Jiewei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
| | - Jinfeng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Yifan Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Wenqiang Li
- Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China
| | - Yongfeng Yang
- Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China
| | - Jiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Kaiqin Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
| | - Di Huang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
| | - Yixing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Luxian Lv
- Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China
| | - Ming Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
| | - Xiong Jian Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
- Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
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Shughoury A, Sevgi DD, Ciulla TA. Molecular Genetic Mechanisms in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13071233. [PMID: 35886016 PMCID: PMC9316037 DOI: 10.3390/genes13071233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is among the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. In addition to environmental risk factors, such as tobacco use and diet, genetic background has long been established as a major risk factor for the development of AMD. However, our ability to predict disease risk and personalize treatment remains limited by our nascent understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying AMD pathogenesis. Research into the molecular genetics of AMD over the past two decades has uncovered 52 independent gene variants and 34 independent loci that are implicated in the development of AMD, accounting for over half of the genetic risk. This research has helped delineate at least five major pathways that may be disrupted in the pathogenesis of AMD: the complement system, extracellular matrix remodeling, lipid metabolism, angiogenesis, and oxidative stress response. This review surveys our current understanding of each of these disease mechanisms, in turn, along with their associated pathogenic gene variants. Continued research into the molecular genetics of AMD holds great promise for the development of precision-targeted, personalized therapies that bring us closer to a cure for this debilitating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aumer Shughoury
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Duriye Damla Sevgi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Thomas A Ciulla
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Clearside Biomedical, Inc., Alpharetta, GA 30005, USA
- Midwest Eye Institute, Indianapolis, IN 46290, USA
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32
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Zebrafish and inherited photoreceptor disease: Models and insights. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 91:101096. [PMID: 35811244 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Photoreceptor dysfunctions and degenerative diseases are significant causes of vision loss in patients, with few effective treatments available. Targeted interventions to prevent or reverse photoreceptor-related vision loss are not possible without a thorough understanding of the underlying mechanism leading to disease, which is exceedingly difficult to accomplish in the human system. Cone diseases are particularly challenging to model, as some popular genetically modifiable model animals are nocturnal with a rod-dominant visual system and cones that have dissimilarities to human cones. As a result, cone diseases, which affect visual acuity, colour perception, and central vision in patients, are generally poorly understood in terms of pathology and mechanism. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) provide the opportunity to model photoreceptor diseases in a diurnal vertebrate with a cone-rich retina which develops many macular degeneration-like pathologies. Zebrafish undergo external development, allowing early-onset retinal diseases to be detected and studied, and many ophthalmic tools are available for zebrafish visual assessment during development and adulthood. There are numerous zebrafish models of photoreceptor disease, spanning the various types of photoreceptor disease (developmental, rod, cone, and mixed photoreceptor diseases) and genetic/molecular cause. In this review, we explore the features of zebrafish that make them uniquely poised to model cone diseases, summarize the established zebrafish models of inherited photoreceptor disease, and discuss how disease in these models compares to the human presentation, where applicable. Further, we highlight the contributions of these zebrafish models to our understanding of photoreceptor biology and disease, and discuss future directions for utilising and investigating these diverse models.
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Barnstable CJ. Epigenetics and Degenerative Retinal Diseases: Prospects for New Therapeutic Approaches. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2022; 11:328-334. [PMID: 36041147 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT There is growing evidence that retinal degenerative diseases are accompanied by epigenetic changes in both deoxyribonucleic acid methylation and histone modification. Even in the monogenic disease retinitis pigmentosa, there is a cascade of changes in gene expression that correlate with epigenetic changes, suggesting that many of the symptoms, and degenerative changes, may be a result of epigenetic changes downstream from the genetic mutation. This is supported by data from studies of diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration, 2 diseases where it has been difficult to define a single causative change. Initial studies with modifiers of deoxyribonucleic acid methylation suggest that they can provide therapeutic benefit. A number of drugs are available to inhibit specific epigenetic histone modifier enzymes, and these offer the possibility of new therapeutic approaches to retinal disease. Systemic treatment with inhibitors of histone demethylases and histone deacetylases have arrested rod degeneration in rodent models of retinitis pigmentosa. Some evidence has suggested that similar treatments may provide benefits for patients with diabetic retinopathy. Because differentiation of retinal stem cells is regulated in part by epigenetic mechanisms, it may also be possible to direct stem cell differentiation pathways through the use of selective epigenetic modifiers. This is predicted to provide a valuable avenue to accelerate the introduction of regenerative approaches to retinal disease. Epigenetic modifiers are poised to become a powerful new approach to treat retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Barnstable
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, PA, US
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Barnstable CJ, Zhang M, Tombran-Tink J. Uncoupling Proteins as Therapeutic Targets for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5672. [PMID: 35628482 PMCID: PMC9144266 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Most of the major retinal degenerative diseases are associated with significant levels of oxidative stress. One of the major sources contributing to the overall level of stress is the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by mitochondria. The driving force for ROS production is the proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane. This gradient can be modulated by members of the uncoupling protein family, particularly the widely expressed UCP2. The overexpression and knockout studies of UCP2 in mice have established the ability of this protein to provide neuroprotection in a number of animal models of neurological disease, including retinal diseases. The expression and activity of UCP2 are controlled at the transcriptional, translational and post-translational levels, making it an ideal candidate for therapeutic intervention. In addition to regulation by a number of growth factors, including the neuroprotective factors LIF and PEDF, small molecule activators of UCP2 have been found to reduce mitochondrial ROS production and protect against cell death both in culture and animal models of retinal degeneration. Such studies point to the development of new therapeutics to combat a range of blinding retinal degenerative diseases and possibly other diseases in which oxidative stress plays a key role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J. Barnstable
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, 251 Fukang Road, Tianjin 300384, China;
| | - Mingliang Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, 251 Fukang Road, Tianjin 300384, China;
| | - Joyce Tombran-Tink
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, 251 Fukang Road, Tianjin 300384, China;
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Wang W, Li X, Xu Z, Yu W, Zhao J, Ding D, Chen Y. Learning Two-Stream CNN for Multi-Modal Age-related Macular Degeneration Categorization. IEEE J Biomed Health Inform 2022; 26:4111-4122. [PMID: 35503853 DOI: 10.1109/jbhi.2022.3171523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This paper tackles automated categorization of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), a common macular disease among people over 50. Previous research efforts mainly focus on AMD categorization with a single-modal input, let it be a color fundus photograph (CFP) or an OCT B-scan image. By contrast, we consider AMD categorization given a multi-modal input, a direction that is clinically meaningful yet mostly unexplored. Contrary to the prior art that takes a traditional approach of feature extraction plus classifier training that cannot be jointly optimized, we opt for end-to-end multi-modal Convolutional Neural Networks (MM-CNN). Our MM-CNN is instantiated by a two-stream CNN, with spatially-invariant fusion to combine information from the CFP and OCT streams. In order to visually interpret the contribution of the individual modalities to the final prediction, we extend the class activation mapping (CAM) technique to the multi-modal scenario. For effective training of MM-CNN, we develop two data augmentation methods. One is GAN-based CFP/OCT image synthesis, with our novel use of CAMs as conditional input of a high-resolution image-to-image translation GAN. The other method is Loose Pairing, which pairs a CFP image and an OCT image on the basis of their classes instead of eye identities. Experiments on a clinical dataset consisting of 1,094 CFP images and 1,289 OCT images acquired from 1,093 distinct eyes show that the proposed solution obtains better F1 and Accuracy than multiple baselines for multi-modal AMD categorization. Code and data are available at https://github.com/li-xirong/mmc-amd.
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Wang Z, Zou M, Chen A, Liu Z, Young CA, Wang S, Zheng D, Jin G. Genetic associations of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy response in age-related macular degeneration: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Ophthalmol 2022; 100:e669-e680. [PMID: 34403208 DOI: 10.1111/aos.14970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the association of all reported common polymorphisms in anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy response and to identify potential clinically useful biomarkers for anti-VEGF therapy response in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS We searched the Embase, PubMed, Web of Science databases in English and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang and VIP databases in Chinese for pharmacogenetics studies on anti-VEGF therapy response in AMD. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the random effects model. RESULTS Among the 10 468 records yielded by the literature search, 33 articles that met the eligibility criteria were included in the meta-analysis. Nine single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in four genes were observed to be associated with the anti-VEGF therapy response in AMD patients. That is, rs1120063 in the HTRA1 gene; rs10490924 in the age-related maculopathy susceptibility (ARMS2) gene; rs1061170 in the complement factor H (CFH) gene; and rs323085 in the OR52B4 gene were associated with good anti-VEGF therapy responses, while rs800292, rs1410996 and rs1329428 in the CFH gene and rs4910623 and rs10158937 in the OR52B4 gene were associated with poor anti-VEGF therapy response in the AMD patients in our sample. CONCLUSION In this study, nine SNPs of four genes were indicated to be significantly associated with the anti-VEGF therapy response in the samples: rs11200638 in the HTRA1 gene; rs10490924 in the ARMS2 gene; rs1061170, rs800292, rs1410996 and rs1329428 in the CFH gene; and rs323085, rs4910623 and rs10158937 in the OR52B4 gene. Further studies based on various ethnicities and large sample sizes are warranted to strengthen the evidence found in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center Sun Yat‐Sen University Guangzhou China
| | - Minjie Zou
- Zhongshan School of Medicine Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou China
| | - Aiming Chen
- Department of Pharmacy The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐Sen University Zhuhai China
| | - Zhenzhen Liu
- Zhongshan School of Medicine Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou China
| | - Charlotte Aimee Young
- Nanchang Eye Hospital Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University Nanchang China
| | - Shi‐bin Wang
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Guangdong Mental Health Center Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences Guangzhou China
| | - Danying Zheng
- Zhongshan School of Medicine Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou China
| | - Guangming Jin
- Zhongshan School of Medicine Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou China
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Le Goallec A, Diai S, Collin S, Prost JB, Vincent T, Patel CJ. Using deep learning to predict abdominal age from liver and pancreas magnetic resonance images. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1979. [PMID: 35418184 PMCID: PMC9007982 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29525-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
With age, the prevalence of diseases such as fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and type two diabetes increases. Approaches to both predict abdominal age and identify risk factors for accelerated abdominal age may ultimately lead to advances that will delay the onset of these diseases. We build an abdominal age predictor by training convolutional neural networks to predict abdominal age (or "AbdAge") from 45,552 liver magnetic resonance images [MRIs] and 36,784 pancreas MRIs (R-Squared = 73.3 ± 0.6; mean absolute error = 2.94 ± 0.03 years). Attention maps show that the prediction is driven by both liver and pancreas anatomical features, and surrounding organs and tissue. Abdominal aging is a complex trait, partially heritable (h_g2 = 26.3 ± 1.9%), and associated with 16 genetic loci (e.g. in PLEKHA1 and EFEMP1), biomarkers (e.g body impedance), clinical phenotypes (e.g, chest pain), diseases (e.g. hypertension), environmental (e.g smoking), and socioeconomic (e.g education, income) factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Le Goallec
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Systems, Synthetic and Quantitative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Samuel Diai
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Sasha Collin
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jean-Baptiste Prost
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Théo Vincent
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Chirag J Patel
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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A New Algorithm for Multivariate Genome Wide Association Studies Based on Differential Evolution and Extreme Learning Machines. MATHEMATICS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/math10071024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are observational studies of a large set of genetic variants, whose aim is to find those that are linked to a certain trait or illness. Due to the multivariate nature of these kinds of studies, machine learning methodologies have been already applied in them, showing good performance. This work presents a new methodology for GWAS that makes use of extreme learning machines and differential evolution. The proposed methodology was tested with the help of the genetic information (370,750 single-nucleotide polymorphisms) of 2049 individuals, 1076 of whom suffer from colorectal cancer. The possible relationship of 10 different pathways with this illness was tested. The results achieved showed that the proposed methodology is suitable for detecting relevant pathways for the trait under analysis with a lower computational cost than other machine learning methodologies previously proposed.
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Oxidative Stress and AKT-Associated Angiogenesis in a Zebrafish Model and Its Potential Application for Withanolides. Cells 2022; 11:cells11060961. [PMID: 35326412 PMCID: PMC8946239 DOI: 10.3390/cells11060961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress and the AKT serine/threonine kinase (AKT) signaling pathway are essential regulators in cellular migration, metastasis, and angiogenesis. More than 300 withanolides were discovered from the plant family Solanaceae, exhibiting diverse functions. Notably, the relationship between oxidative stress, AKT signaling, and angiogenesis in withanolide treatments lacks comprehensive understanding. Here, we summarize connecting evidence related to oxidative stress, AKT signaling, and angiogenesis in the zebrafish model. A convenient vertebrate model monitored the in vivo effects of developmental and tumor xenograft angiogenesis using zebrafish embryos. The oxidative stress and AKT-signaling-modulating abilities of withanolides were highlighted in cancer treatments, which indicated that further assessments of their angiogenesis-modulating potential are necessary in the future. Moreover, targeting AKT for inhibiting AKT and its AKT signaling shows the potential for anti-migration and anti-angiogenesis purposes for future application to withanolides. This particularly holds for investigating the anti-angiogenetic effects mediated by the oxidative stress and AKT signaling pathways in withanolide-based cancer therapy in the future.
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Zhang C, Owen LA, Lillvis JH, Zhang SX, Kim IK, DeAngelis MM. AMD Genomics: Non-Coding RNAs as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11061484. [PMID: 35329812 PMCID: PMC8954267 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11061484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is the world’s leading cause of blindness in the aging population. Although the clinical stages and forms of AMD have been elucidated, more specific prognostic tools are required to determine when patients with early and intermediate AMD will progress into the advanced stages of AMD. Another challenge in the field has been the appropriate development of therapies for intermediate AMD and advanced atrophic AMD. After numerous negative clinical trials, an anti-C5 agent and anti-C3 agent have recently shown promising results in phase 3 clinical trials, in terms of slowing the growth of geographic atrophy, an advanced form of AMD. Interestingly, both drugs appear to be associated with an increased incidence of wet AMD, another advanced form of the disease, and will require frequent intravitreal injections. Certainly, there remains a need for other therapeutic agents with the potential to prevent progression to advanced stages of the disease. Investigation of the role and clinical utility of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) is a major advancement in biology that has only been minimally applied to AMD. In the following review, we discuss the clinical relevance of ncRNAs in AMD as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; (C.Z.); (L.A.O.); (J.H.L.); (S.X.Z.)
| | - Leah A. Owen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; (C.Z.); (L.A.O.); (J.H.L.); (S.X.Z.)
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - John H. Lillvis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; (C.Z.); (L.A.O.); (J.H.L.); (S.X.Z.)
- Veterans Administration Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY 14212, USA
| | - Sarah X. Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; (C.Z.); (L.A.O.); (J.H.L.); (S.X.Z.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Ivana K. Kim
- Retina Service, Massachusetts Eye & Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Correspondence: (I.K.K.); (M.M.D.)
| | - Margaret M. DeAngelis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; (C.Z.); (L.A.O.); (J.H.L.); (S.X.Z.)
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
- Veterans Administration Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY 14212, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics Graduate Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- Correspondence: (I.K.K.); (M.M.D.)
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Koster C, van den Hurk KT, ten Brink JB, Lewallen CF, Stanzel BV, Bharti K, Bergen AA. Sodium-Iodate Injection Can Replicate Retinal Degenerative Disease Stages in Pigmented Mice and Rats: Non-Invasive Follow-Up Using OCT and ERG. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23062918. [PMID: 35328338 PMCID: PMC8953416 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The lack of suitable animal models for (dry) age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has hampered therapeutic research into the disease, so far. In this study, pigmented rats and mice were systematically injected with various doses of sodium iodate (SI). After injection, the retinal structure and visual function were non-invasively characterized over time to obtain in-depth data on the suitability of these models for studying experimental therapies for retinal degenerative diseases, such as dry AMD. Methods: SI was injected into the tail vein (i.v.) using a series of doses (0–70 mg/kg) in adolescent C57BL/6J mice and Brown Norway rats. The retinal structure and function were assessed non-invasively at baseline (day 1) and at several time points (1–3, 5, and 10-weeks) post-injection by scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and electroretinography (ERG). Results: After the SI injection, retinal degeneration in mice and rats yielded similar results. The lowest dose (10 mg/kg) resulted in non-detectable structural or functional effects. An injection with 20 mg/kg SI did not result in an evident retinal degeneration as judged from the OCT data. In contrast, the ERG responses were temporarily decreased but returned to baseline within two-weeks. Higher doses (30, 40, 50, and 70 mg/kg) resulted in moderate to severe structural RPE and retinal injury and decreased the ERG amplitudes, indicating visual impairment in both mice and rat strains. Conclusions: After the SI injections, we observed dose-dependent structural and functional pathological effects on the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and retina in the pigmented mouse and rat strains that were used in this study. Similar effects were observed in both species. In particular, a dose of 30 mg/kg seems to be suitable for future studies on developing experimental therapies. These relatively easily induced non-inherited models may serve as useful tools for evaluating novel therapies for RPE-related retinal degenerations, such as AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Koster
- Department of Human Genetics, Section Ophthalmogenetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Location AMC, Meibergdreef, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.K.); (K.T.v.d.H.); (J.B.t.B.)
| | - Koen T. van den Hurk
- Department of Human Genetics, Section Ophthalmogenetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Location AMC, Meibergdreef, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.K.); (K.T.v.d.H.); (J.B.t.B.)
| | - Jacoline B. ten Brink
- Department of Human Genetics, Section Ophthalmogenetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Location AMC, Meibergdreef, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.K.); (K.T.v.d.H.); (J.B.t.B.)
| | - Colby F. Lewallen
- Georgia Institute of Technology, G.W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA;
| | - Boris V. Stanzel
- Eye Clinic Sulzbach, Knappschaft Hospital Saar, 66280 Sulzbach/Saar, Germany;
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany
| | - Kapil Bharti
- Ocular and Stem Cell Research Section, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Arthur A. Bergen
- Department of Human Genetics, Section Ophthalmogenetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Location AMC, Meibergdreef, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.K.); (K.T.v.d.H.); (J.B.t.B.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, AUMC, UvA, Location AMC, Meibergdreef, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
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Ham YJ, Nicklason E, Wightman T, Akom S, Sandhu K, Harraka P, Colville D, Catran A, Barit D, Langsford D, Pianta T, Foote A, Buchanan R, Mack H, Savige J. Retinal drusen are more common and larger in SLE with renal impairment. Kidney Int Rep 2022; 7:848-856. [PMID: 35497809 PMCID: PMC9039474 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2022.01.1063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Complement has been implicated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathogenesis on the basis of the associations with inherited complement defects and genome-wide association study risk alleles, glomerular deposits, reduced serum levels, and occasional reports of retinal drusen. This study examined drusen in SLE and their clinical significance. Methods This cross-sectional observational study compared individuals with SLE recruited from renal and rheumatology clinics with hospital controls. Participants were reviewed for clinical features and underwent imaging with a nonmydriatic retinal camera. Deidentified images were examined by 2 trained graders for drusen number and size using a grid overlay. Results The cohort with SLE (n = 65) comprised 55 women (85%) and 10 men (15%) with a median age of 47 years (interquartile range 35–59), where 23 (35%) were of southern European or Asian ancestry, and 32 (49%) had biopsy-proven lupus nephritis. Individuals with SLE had higher mean drusen numbers than controls (27 ± 60, 3 ± 9, respectively, P = 0.001), more drusen counts ≥10 (31, 48% and 3, 5%, respectively, P < 0.001), and more medium-large drusen (14, 22% and 3, 5%, respectively, P < 0.001). In SLE, mean drusen counts were higher, and drusen were larger, with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <90 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (P = 0.02, P = 0.02, respectively) or class IV nephritis (P = 0.03, P = 0.02). Conclusion Drusen composition resembles that of glomerular immune deposits. CFH controls complement activation in the extracellular matrix and CFH risk variants are shared by drusen in macular degeneration and by SLE. CFH represents a possible treatment target for SLE especially with renal impairment.
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Rubner R, Li KV, Canto-Soler MV. Progress of clinical therapies for dry age-related macular degeneration. Int J Ophthalmol 2022; 15:157-166. [PMID: 35047371 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2022.01.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive blinding disease that currently affects millions of people worldwide with no successful treatment available. Significant research efforts are currently underway to develop therapies aimed at slowing the progression of this disease or, more notably, reversing it. Here the therapies which have reached clinical trial for treatment of dry AMD were reviewed. A thorough search of PubMed, Embase, and Clinicaltrials.gov has led to a comprehensive collection of the most recent strategies being evaluated. This review also endeavors to assess the status and future directions of therapeutics for this debilitating condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhianna Rubner
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Research Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kang V Li
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Research Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - M Valeria Canto-Soler
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Research Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Deng Y, Qiao L, Du M, Qu C, Wan L, Li J, Huang L. Age-related macular degeneration: Epidemiology, genetics, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and targeted therapy. Genes Dis 2022; 9:62-79. [PMID: 35005108 PMCID: PMC8720701 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex eye disorder and is the leading cause of incurable blindness worldwide in the elderly. Clinically, AMD initially affects the central area of retina known as the macula and it is classified as early stage to late stage (advanced AMD). The advanced AMD is classified into the nonexudative or atrophic form (dry AMD) and the exudative or neovascular form (wet AMD). More severe vision loss is typically associated with the wet form. Multiple genetic factors, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and aging, play a role in the etiology of AMD. Dysregulation in genetic to AMD is established to 46%-71% of disease contribution, with CFH and ARMS2/HTRA1 to be the two most notable risk loci among the 103 identified AMD associated loci so far. Chronic cigarette smoking is the most proven consistently risk living habits for AMD. Deep learning algorithm has been developed based on image recognition to distinguish wet AMD and normal macula with high accuracy. Currently, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy is highly effective at treating wet AMD. Several new generation AMD drugs and iPSC-derived RPE cell therapy are in the clinical trial stage and are promising to improve AMD treatment in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Deng
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, PR China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, PR China
| | - Lifeng Qiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, PR China
| | - Mingyan Du
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, PR China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, PR China
| | - Chao Qu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, PR China
| | - Ling Wan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, PR China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, PR China
| | - Lulin Huang
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, PR China
- Institute of Chengdu Biology, Sichuan Translational Medicine Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
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Gili P, Lloreda Martín L, Martín-Rodrigo JC, Kim-Yeon N, Modamio-Gardeta L, Fernández-García JL, Rebolledo-Poves AB, Gómez-Blazquez E, Pazos-Rodriguez R, Pérez-Fernández E, Velasco M. Gene polymorphisms associated with an increased risk of exudative age-related macular degeneration in a Spanish population. Eur J Ophthalmol 2022; 32:651-657. [PMID: 33765843 DOI: 10.1177/11206721211002698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CFH, ARMS2, HTRA1, CFB, C2, and C3 genes and exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in a Spanish population. METHODS In 187 exudative AMD patients and 196 healthy controls (61% women, mean age 75 years), 12 SNPs as risk factors for AMD in CFH (rs1410996, rs1061170, r380390), ARMS2 (rs10490924, rs10490923), HTRA1 (rs11200638), CFB (rs641153), C2 (rs547154, rs9332739), and C3 (rs147859257, rs2230199, rs1047286) genes were analyzed. RESULTS The G allele was the most frequent in CFH gene (rs1410996) with a 7-fold increased risk of AMD (OR 7.69, 95% CI 3.17-18.69), whereas carriers of C allele in CFH (rs1061170) showed a 3-fold increased risk for AMD (OR 3.22, 95% CI 1.93-5.40). In CFH (rs380390), the presence of G allele increased the risk for AMD by 2-fold (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.47-4.30). In ARMS2 (rs10490924), the T-allele was associated with an almost 5-fold increased risk (OR 5.49, 95% CI 3.23-9.31). The A allele in HTRA1 (rs11200638) was more prevalent in AMD versus controls (OR 6.44, 95% CI 3.62-11.47). In C2 gene (rs9332739) the presence of C increased risk for AMD by 3-fold (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.06-9.06). CONCLUSION SNPs in CFH, ARMS2, HTRA1, and C2 genes were associated in our study with an increased risk for exudative AMD in Spanish patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Gili
- Unit of Ophthalmology, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Naon Kim-Yeon
- Unit of Ophthalmology, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Elena Gómez-Blazquez
- Research Support Laboratory, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ruth Pazos-Rodriguez
- Research Support Laboratory, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - María Velasco
- Research Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
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Rajabi F, Jabalameli N, Rezaei N. The Concept of Immunogenetics. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1367:1-17. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-92616-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Khanani AM, Hershberger VS, Pieramici DJ, Khurana RN, Brunstein F, Ma L, Maass KF, Honigberg LA, Tom I, Chen H, Strauss EC, Lai P. Phase 1 Study of the Anti-HtrA1 Antibody-binding Fragment FHTR2163 in Geographic Atrophy Secondary to Age-related Macular Degeneration. Am J Ophthalmol 2021; 232:49-57. [PMID: 34214452 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2021.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE FHTR2163 is a novel antigen-binding fragment (Fab) directed against high-temperature requirement protein A1 (HtrA1). HTRA1 inhibition may preserve retinal integrity and slow disease progression in geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study examined the safety, pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, and changes in the HTRA1-specific substrate Dickkop-related protein 3 (DKK3) in patients with GA who received FHTR2163. DESIGN Phase I, open-label, single ascending dose escalation and multiple-dose expansion study. METHODS Adults aged ≥ 50 years with GA secondary to AMD with best corrected visual acuity ranging between Snellen 20/125 and 20/400 were enrolled. In the first stage, a single intravitreal injection of FHTR2163 was given in 5 dose-escalation cohorts ranging from 1 to 20 mg (n = 3 patients/cohort; n = 15 total patients). The second stage evaluated the maximum tested dose of 20 mg administered every 4 weeks for 3 doses (n = 13 patients). RESULTS No dose limiting toxicities or ocular serious AEs were reported. The most frequently reported AEs in the study eye were conjunctival hemorrhage (n = 7), conjunctival hyperemia (n = 4), and eye pain (n = 2). No non-ocular or ocular AEs were assessed as drug related. There were no clinically significant changes in ocular exams. A sustained pharmacodynamic effect of anti-HtrA1 was observed in the aqueous humor, as measured by levels of cleaved DKK3. CONCLUSIONS FHTR2163, a novel Fab directed against HtrA1, was well tolerated with no DLTs or significant ocular AEs. The molecule when injected intravitreally for 3 doses showed a sustained pharmacodynamic effect at the maximum tested dose of 20 mg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshad M Khanani
- Sierra Eye Associates, Reno, NV, USA, The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA.
| | | | | | - Rahul N Khurana
- Northern California Retina Vitreous Associates, Mountain View, CA, USA, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Ling Ma
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Irene Tom
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hao Chen
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Phillip Lai
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
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Acar IE, Willems E, Kersten E, Keizer-Garritsen J, Kragt E, Bakker B, Galesloot TE, Hoyng CB, Fauser S, van Gool AJ, Lechanteur YTE, Koertvely E, Nogoceke E, Gloerich J, de Jonge MI, Lorés-Motta L, den Hollander AI. Semi-Quantitative Multiplex Profiling of the Complement System Identifies Associations of Complement Proteins with Genetic Variants and Metabolites in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11121256. [PMID: 34945728 PMCID: PMC8705464 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11121256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of vision loss among the elderly in the Western world. The complement system has been identified as one of the main AMD disease pathways. We performed a comprehensive expression analysis of 32 complement proteins in plasma samples of 255 AMD patients and 221 control individuals using mass spectrometry-based semi-quantitative multiplex profiling. We detected significant associations of complement protein levels with age, sex and body-mass index (BMI), and potential associations of C-reactive protein, factor H related-2 (FHR-2) and collectin-11 with AMD. In addition, we confirmed previously described associations and identified new associations of AMD variants with complement levels. New associations include increased C4 levels for rs181705462 at the C2/CFB locus, decreased vitronectin (VTN) levels for rs11080055 at the TMEM97/VTN locus and decreased factor I levels for rs10033900 at the CFI locus. Finally, we detected significant associations between AMD-associated metabolites and complement proteins in plasma. The most significant complement-metabolite associations included increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) subparticle levels with decreased C3, factor H (FH) and VTN levels. The results of our study indicate that demographic factors, genetic variants and circulating metabolites are associated with complement protein components. We suggest that these factors should be considered to design personalized treatment approaches and to increase the success of clinical trials targeting the complement system.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. Erkin Acar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (I.E.A.); (E.K.); (B.B.); (C.B.H.); (Y.T.E.L.); (L.L.-M.)
| | - Esther Willems
- Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (E.W.); (M.I.d.J.)
- Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (J.K.-G.); (E.K.); (A.J.v.G.); (J.G.)
| | - Eveline Kersten
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (I.E.A.); (E.K.); (B.B.); (C.B.H.); (Y.T.E.L.); (L.L.-M.)
| | - Jenneke Keizer-Garritsen
- Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (J.K.-G.); (E.K.); (A.J.v.G.); (J.G.)
| | - Else Kragt
- Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (J.K.-G.); (E.K.); (A.J.v.G.); (J.G.)
| | - Bjorn Bakker
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (I.E.A.); (E.K.); (B.B.); (C.B.H.); (Y.T.E.L.); (L.L.-M.)
| | - Tessel E. Galesloot
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Carel B. Hoyng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (I.E.A.); (E.K.); (B.B.); (C.B.H.); (Y.T.E.L.); (L.L.-M.)
| | - Sascha Fauser
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 124 Grenzacherstrasse, 4070 Basel, Switzerland; (S.F.); (E.K.); (E.N.)
| | - Alain J. van Gool
- Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (J.K.-G.); (E.K.); (A.J.v.G.); (J.G.)
| | - Yara T. E. Lechanteur
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (I.E.A.); (E.K.); (B.B.); (C.B.H.); (Y.T.E.L.); (L.L.-M.)
| | - Elod Koertvely
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 124 Grenzacherstrasse, 4070 Basel, Switzerland; (S.F.); (E.K.); (E.N.)
| | - Everson Nogoceke
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 124 Grenzacherstrasse, 4070 Basel, Switzerland; (S.F.); (E.K.); (E.N.)
| | - Jolein Gloerich
- Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (J.K.-G.); (E.K.); (A.J.v.G.); (J.G.)
| | - Marien I. de Jonge
- Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (E.W.); (M.I.d.J.)
- Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Lorés-Motta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (I.E.A.); (E.K.); (B.B.); (C.B.H.); (Y.T.E.L.); (L.L.-M.)
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 124 Grenzacherstrasse, 4070 Basel, Switzerland; (S.F.); (E.K.); (E.N.)
| | - Anneke I. den Hollander
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (I.E.A.); (E.K.); (B.B.); (C.B.H.); (Y.T.E.L.); (L.L.-M.)
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
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Wu Z, Fletcher EL, Kumar H, Greferath U, Guymer RH. Reticular pseudodrusen: A critical phenotype in age-related macular degeneration. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 88:101017. [PMID: 34752916 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.101017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Reticular pseudodrusen (RPD), or subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD), refer to distinct lesions that occur in the subretinal space. Over the past three decades, their presence in association with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has become increasingly recognized, especially as RPD have become more easily distinguished with newer clinical imaging modalities. There is also an increasing appreciation that RPD appear to be a critical AMD phenotype, where understanding their pathogenesis will provide further insights into the processes driving vision loss in AMD. However, key barriers to understanding the current evidence related to the independent impact of RPD include the heterogeneity in defining their presence, and failure to account for the confounding impact of the concurrent presence and severity of AMD pathology. This review thus critically discusses the current evidence on the prevalence and clinical significance of RPD and proposes a clinical imaging definition of RPD that will help move the field forward in gathering further key knowledge about this critical phenotype. It also proposes a putative mechanism for RPD formation and how they may drive progression to vision loss in AMD, through examining current evidence and presenting novel findings from preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Wu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Erica L Fletcher
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Himeesh Kumar
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ursula Greferath
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Robyn H Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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Association of the HtrA1 rs11200638 Polymorphism with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Indonesia. Ophthalmol Ther 2021; 11:125-133. [PMID: 34727349 PMCID: PMC8770728 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-021-00402-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the HtrA1 rs11200638 polymorphism with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in Indonesia. Methods This case–control study included 80 patients with nAMD and 85 controls. Demographic parameters and whole blood were collected from each participant. Genomic DNA was extracted and used to assess the rs11200638 genotype by PCR and restriction enzyme digestion. Associations between the HtrA1 rs11200638 polymorphism and other risk factors for susceptibility to nAMD were assessed using the logistic regression model. Results Significant allelic associations between the HtrA1 polymorphism and nAMD were detected (odds ratio [OR] 8.67; 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.88–15.41; P < 0.001). Genotype analysis showed a statistical difference between the nAMD group and the control group (P < 0.001). In the multiple adjusted logistic regression model, people with the AA genotype were more likely to have nAMD although there was a wide confidence interval (OR 19.65; 95% CI 4.52–85.38; P < 0.001). Conclusion Our findings show that the risk of nAMD increased in the presence of risk alleles of HtrA1 rs11200638.
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