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Wongchaisuwat N, Amato A, Yang P, Everett L, Pennesi ME, Huang D, Chen S. Optical Coherence Tomography Split-Spectrum Amplitude-Decorrelation Optoretinography Detects Early Central Cone Photoreceptor Dysfunction in Retinal Dystrophies. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2024; 13:5. [PMID: 39361318 PMCID: PMC11451826 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.10.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate if split-spectrum amplitude-decorrelation optoretinography (SSADOR) can detect and measure macular cone dysfunction in inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs). Methods This study was a case series of participants presenting with various IRD pathologies. Participants were recruited from the Ophthalmic Genetics clinic at the Casey Eye Institute from February to August 2023. Multimodal and SSADOR imaging was obtained in all cases. Results We recruited nine participants, including four with macular dystrophy, one with fundus flavimaculatus, one with cone dystrophy, and three with retinitis pigmentosa. SSADOR decorrelation maps identified areas of cone functional impairment consistent with disease phenotypes. A correlation between the SSADOR signal and retinal sensitivity measured by microperimetry within the central 20° diameter area was observed. Additionally, SSADOR was able to demonstrate a decreased signal in mild cases when microperimetry measurements were still normal but subtle changes were also apparent on structural OCT. Conclusions SSADOR is sensitive at detecting functional changes in macular cones, even prior to abnormalities in perimetry testing. We highlight the potential benefits of this innovative technology for the early detection of cone dysfunction and their potential contributions to earlier diagnosis and more accurate monitoring of progression. Translational Relevance SSADOR is an innovative technology that detects early macular cone function changes, allowing for early diagnosis and precise monitoring of cone dysfunction progression. By serving as a potential clinical trial endpoint, SSADOR facilitates the translation of scientific findings into practical applications, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nida Wongchaisuwat
- Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Alessia Amato
- Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Paul Yang
- Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Lesley Everett
- Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Mark E. Pennesi
- Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Retina Foundation of the Southwest, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - David Huang
- Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Siyu Chen
- Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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Liu Y, Zong X, Cao W, Zhang W, Zhang N, Yang N. Gene Therapy for Retinitis Pigmentosa: Current Challenges and New Progress. Biomolecules 2024; 14:903. [PMID: 39199291 PMCID: PMC11352491 DOI: 10.3390/biom14080903] [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: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) poses a significant threat to eye health worldwide, with prevalence rates of 1 in 5000 worldwide. This genetically diverse retinopathy is characterized by the loss of photoreceptor cells and atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium. Despite the involvement of more than 3000 mutations across approximately 90 genes in its onset, finding an effective treatment has been challenging for a considerable time. However, advancements in scientific research, especially in gene therapy, are significantly expanding treatment options for this most prevalent inherited eye disease, with the discovery of new compounds, gene-editing techniques, and gene loci offering hope for more effective treatments. Gene therapy, a promising technology, utilizes viral or non-viral vectors to correct genetic defects by either replacing or silencing disease-causing genes, potentially leading to complete recovery. In this review, we primarily focus on the latest applications of gene editing research in RP. We delve into the most prevalent genes associated with RP and discuss advancements in genome-editing strategies currently employed to correct various disease-causing mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ningzhi Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road #238, Wuhan 430060, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (W.C.); (W.Z.)
| | - Ning Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road #238, Wuhan 430060, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (W.C.); (W.Z.)
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Puertas-Neyra K, Coco-Martin RM, Hernandez-Rodriguez LA, Gobelli D, Garcia-Ferrer Y, Palma-Vecino R, Tellería JJ, Simarro M, de la Fuente MA, Fernandez-Bueno I. Clinical exome analysis and targeted gene repair of the c.1354dupT variant in iPSC lines from patients with PROM1-related retinopathies exhibiting diverse phenotypes. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:192. [PMID: 38956727 PMCID: PMC11218195 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03804-2] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRD) are one of the main causes of incurable blindness worldwide. IRD are caused by mutations in genes that encode essential proteins for the retina, leading to photoreceptor degeneration and loss of visual function. IRD generates an enormous global financial burden due to the lack of understanding of a significant part of its pathophysiology, molecular diagnosis, and the near absence of non-palliative treatment options. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) for IRD seem to be an excellent option for addressing these questions, serving as exceptional tools for in-depth studies of IRD pathophysiology and testing new therapeutic approaches. METHODS From a cohort of 8 patients with PROM1-related IRD, we identified 3 patients carrying the same variant (c.1354dupT) but expressing three different IRD phenotypes: Cone and rod dystrophy (CORD), Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and Stargardt disease type 4 (STGD4). These three target patients, along with one healthy relative from each, underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examinations and their genetic panel study was expanded through clinical exome sequencing (CES). Subsequently, non-integrative patient-derived iPSC were generated and fully characterized. Correction of the c.1354dupT mutation was performed using CRISPR/Cas9, and the genetic restoration of the PROM1 gene was confirmed through flow cytometry and western blotting in the patient-derived iPSC lines. RESULTS CES revealed that 2 target patients with the c.1354dupT mutation presented monoallelic variants in genes associated with the complement system or photoreceptor differentiation and peroxisome biogenesis disorders, respectively. The pluripotency and functionality of the patient-derived iPSC lines were confirmed, and the correction of the target mutation fully restored the capability of encoding Prominin-1 (CD133) in the genetically repaired patient-derived iPSC lines. CONCLUSIONS The c.1354dupT mutation in the PROM1 gene is associated to three distinct AR phenotypes of IRD. This pleotropic effect might be related to the influence of monoallelic variants in other genes associated with retinal dystrophies. However, further evidence needs to be provided. Future experiments should include gene-edited patient-derived iPSC due to its potential as disease modelling tools to elucidate this matter in question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Puertas-Neyra
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Rosa M Coco-Martin
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientadas a Resultados en Salud (RICORS-REI), Inflamación E Inmunopatologia de Organos y Sistemas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain.
- Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa, y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain.
| | | | - Dino Gobelli
- Unidad de Excelencia Instituto de Biomedicina y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid y Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valladolid, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Genética, Histología y Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Yenisey Garcia-Ferrer
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Raicel Palma-Vecino
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Juan José Tellería
- Unidad de Excelencia Instituto de Biomedicina y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid y Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valladolid, Spain
| | - Maria Simarro
- Unidad de Excelencia Instituto de Biomedicina y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid y Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valladolid, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Genética, Histología y Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Miguel A de la Fuente
- Unidad de Excelencia Instituto de Biomedicina y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid y Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valladolid, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Genética, Histología y Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ivan Fernandez-Bueno
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientadas a Resultados en Salud (RICORS-REI), Inflamación E Inmunopatologia de Organos y Sistemas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain
- Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa, y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain
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Ayash J, Woods RL, Akula JD, Rajabi F, Alwattar BK, Altschwager P, Fulton AB. Characteristics of Eyes With CRB1-Associated EOSRD/LCA: Age-Related Changes. Am J Ophthalmol 2024; 263:168-178. [PMID: 38461945 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2024.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate ocular and retinal features of CRB1-associated early onset severe retinal dystrophy/Leber congenital amaurosis (EOSRD/LCA) for age-related changes. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS Sixteen pediatric patients with biallelic CRB1 EOSRD/LCA who had been followed for up to 18 years were reviewed. Results of comprehensive ophthalmic examinations-including visual acuity, refractive error, dark-adapted visual threshold, Goldmann perimetry, and macular optical coherence tomography (OCT)-were analyzed for significant age-related changes using mixed-effects models. RESULTS Visual acuity dark-adapted visual sensitivity, and area of seeing visual field (all subnormal from the earliest ages recorded) declined with increasing age. Hyperopia was stable through childhood and adolescence. In CRB1 EOSRD/LCA, OCT extrafoveal inner and outer laminar thicknesses exceeded those in controls but varied little with age, and foveal metrics (depth, breadth, thickness at rim) differed significantly from those in controls, but variations in foveal metrics were not associated with declines in acuity. CONCLUSIONS From the youngest ages, retinal and visual function is significantly subnormal and becomes progressively compromized. A goal of future therapies should be intervention at young ages, when there is more function to be rescued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jad Ayash
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (J.A., R.L.W., J.D.A., F.R., B.K.A., P.A., A.B.F.), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Russell L Woods
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (J.A., R.L.W., J.D.A., F.R., B.K.A., P.A., A.B.F.), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Ophthalmology (R.L.W., J.D.A., F.R., B.K.A., P.A., A.B.F.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James D Akula
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (J.A., R.L.W., J.D.A., F.R., B.K.A., P.A., A.B.F.), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Ophthalmology (R.L.W., J.D.A., F.R., B.K.A., P.A., A.B.F.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Farrah Rajabi
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (J.A., R.L.W., J.D.A., F.R., B.K.A., P.A., A.B.F.), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Ophthalmology (R.L.W., J.D.A., F.R., B.K.A., P.A., A.B.F.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bilal K Alwattar
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (J.A., R.L.W., J.D.A., F.R., B.K.A., P.A., A.B.F.), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Ophthalmology (R.L.W., J.D.A., F.R., B.K.A., P.A., A.B.F.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Pablo Altschwager
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (J.A., R.L.W., J.D.A., F.R., B.K.A., P.A., A.B.F.), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Ophthalmology (R.L.W., J.D.A., F.R., B.K.A., P.A., A.B.F.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anne B Fulton
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (J.A., R.L.W., J.D.A., F.R., B.K.A., P.A., A.B.F.), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Ophthalmology (R.L.W., J.D.A., F.R., B.K.A., P.A., A.B.F.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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Müller PL, Treis T, Tufail A, Holz FG. Progression, reliability, predicting parameters and sample size calculations for quantitative fundus autofluorescence measures in ABCA4-related retinopathy. Br J Ophthalmol 2024; 108:760-769. [PMID: 37286357 DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2022-322829] [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: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS To investigate the progression of quantitative autofluorescence (qAF) measures and the potential as clinical trial endpoint in ABCA4-related retinopathy. METHODS In this longitudinal monocentre study, 64 patients with ABCA4-related retinopathy (age (mean±SD), 34.84±16.36 years) underwent serial retinal imaging, including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and qAF (488 nm excitation) imaging using a modified confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope with a mean (±SD) review period of 20.32±10.90 months. A group of 110 healthy subjects served as controls. Retest variability, changes of qAF measures over time and its association with genotype and phenotype were analysed. Furthermore, individual prognostic feature importance was assessed, and sample size calculations for future interventional trials were performed. RESULTS Compared with controls, qAF levels of patients were significantly elevated. The test-retest reliability revealed a 95% coefficient of repeatability of 20.37. During the observation time, young patients, patients with a mild phenotype (morphological and functional) and patients with mild mutations showed an absolute and relative increase in qAF values, while patients with advanced disease manifestation (morphological and functional), and homozygous mutations at adulthood revealed a decrease in qAF. Considering these parameters, required sample size and study duration could significantly be reduced. CONCLUSION Under standardised settings with elaborated conditions towards operators and analysis to counterbalance variability, qAF imaging might be reliable, suitable for quantifying disease progression and constitutes a potential clinical surrogate marker in ABCA4-related retinopathy. Trial design based on patients' baseline characteristics and genotype has the potential to provide benefits regarding required cohort size and absolute number of visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp L Müller
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Makula Center, Südblick Eye Centers, Augsburg, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universitat Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tim Treis
- German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Adnan Tufail
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Frank G Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universitat Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Colombo L, Bonetti G, Maltese PE, Iarossi G, Ziccardi L, Fogagnolo P, De Ruvo V, Murro V, Giorgio D, Falsini B, Placidi G, Martella S, Galantin E, Bertelli M, Rossetti L. Genotypic and Phenotypic Characterization of a Cohort of Patients Affected by Rod Cyclic Nucleotide Channel-Associated Retinitis Pigmentosa. Ophthalmic Res 2024; 67:301-310. [PMID: 38705136 DOI: 10.1159/000538746] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a heterogeneous inherited retinal disorder causing gradual vision loss, affects over 1 million people worldwide. Pathogenic variants in CNGA1 and CNGB1 genes, respectively, accounting for 1% and 4% of cases, impact the cyclic nucleotide-gated channel in rod photoreceptor cells. The aim of this study was to describe and compare genotypic and clinical characteristics of a cohort of patients with CNGA1- or CNGB1-related RP and to explore potential genotype-phenotype correlations. METHODS The following data from patients with CNGA1- or CNGB1-related RP, followed in five Italian inherited retinal degenerations services, were retrospectively collected: genetic variants in CNGA1 and CNGB1, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ellipsoid zone (EZ) width, fundus photographs, and short-wavelength fundus autofluorescence (SW-AF) images. Comparisons and correlation analyses were performed by first dividing the cohort in two groups according to the gene responsible for the disease (CNGA1 and CNGB1 groups). In parallel, the whole cohort of RP patients was divided into two other groups, according to the expected impact of the variants at protein level (low and high group). RESULTS In total, 29 patients were recruited, 11 with CNGA1- and 18 with CNGB1-related RP. In both CNGA1 and CNGB1, 5 novel variants in CNGA1 and 5 in CNGB1 were found. BCVA was comparable between CNGA1 and CNGB1 groups, as well as between low and high groups. CNGA1 group had a larger mean EZ width compared to CNGB1 group, albeit not statistically significant, while EZ width did not differ between low and high groups A statistically significant correlation between EZ width and BCVA as well as between EZ width and age were observed in the whole cohort of RP patients. Fundus photographs of all patients in the cohort showed classic RP pattern, and in SW-AF images an hyperautofluorescent ring was observed in 14/21 patients. CONCLUSION Rod CNG channel-associated RP was demonstrated to be a slowly progressive disease in both CNGA1- and CNGB1-related forms, making it an ideal candidate for gene augmentation therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Colombo
- Department of Ophthalmology, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Bonetti
- MAGI'S LAB S.R.L., Rovereto, Italy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Giancarlo Iarossi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Fogagnolo
- Department of Ophthalmology, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentino De Ruvo
- Department of Ophthalmology, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Vittoria Murro
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Dario Giorgio
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Benedetto Falsini
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Ophthalmology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS/Università Cattolica del S. Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Placidi
- Ophthalmology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS/Università Cattolica del S. Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Martella
- Department of Ophthalmology, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Galantin
- Department of Ophthalmology, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Bertelli
- MAGI'S LAB S.R.L., Rovereto, Italy
- MAGI EUREGIO, Bolzano, Italy
- MAGISNAT, Atlanta Tech Park, Peachtree Corners, Georgia, USA
| | - Luca Rossetti
- Department of Ophthalmology, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Tahia F, Basu SK, Prislovsky A, Mondal K, Ma D, Kochat H, Brown K, Stephenson DJ, Chalfant CE, Mandal N. Sphingolipid biosynthetic inhibitor L-Cycloserine prevents oxidative-stress-mediated death in an in vitro model of photoreceptor-derived 661W cells. Exp Eye Res 2024; 242:109852. [PMID: 38460719 PMCID: PMC11089890 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109852] [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: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. Retinal degeneration causes irreversible death of photoreceptor cells, ultimately leading to vision loss. Under oxidative stress, the synthesis of bioactive sphingolipid ceramide increases, triggering apoptosis in photoreceptor cells and leading to their death. This study investigates the effect of L-Cycloserine, a small molecule inhibitor of ceramide biosynthesis, on sphingolipid metabolism and the protection of photoreceptor-derived 661W cells from oxidative stress. The results demonstrate that treatment with L-Cycloserine, an inhibitor of Serine palmitoyl transferase (SPT), markedly decreases bioactive ceramide and associated sphingolipids in 661W cells. A nontoxic dose of L-Cycloserine can provide substantial protection of 661W cells against H2O2-induced oxidative stress by reversing the increase in ceramide level observed under oxidative stress conditions. Analysis of various antioxidant, apoptotic and sphingolipid pathway genes and proteins also confirms the ability of L-Cycloserine to modulate these pathways. Our findings elucidate the generation of sphingolipid mediators of cell death in retinal cells under oxidative stress and the potential of L-Cycloserine as a therapeutic candidate for targeting ceramide-induced degenerative diseases by inhibiting SPT. The promising therapeutic prospect identified in our findings lays the groundwork for further validation in in-vivo and preclinical models of retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiza Tahia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Sandip K Basu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Amanda Prislovsky
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA; Memphis VA Medical Center, Memphis, TN, 38104, USA
| | - Koushik Mondal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Dejian Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Harry Kochat
- Plough Center for Sterile Drug Delivery Solutions, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Kennard Brown
- Office of Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operations Officer, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Daniel J Stephenson
- Departments of Medicine and Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | - Charles E Chalfant
- Departments of Medicine and Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA; Research Service, Richmond Veterans Administration Medical Center, Richmond VA, 23298, USA
| | - Nawajes Mandal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA; Memphis VA Medical Center, Memphis, TN, 38104, USA; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
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Fujinami K, Waheed N, Laich Y, Yang P, Fujinami-Yokokawa Y, Higgins JJ, Lu JT, Curtiss D, Clary C, Michaelides M. Stargardt macular dystrophy and therapeutic approaches. Br J Ophthalmol 2024; 108:495-505. [PMID: 37940365 PMCID: PMC10958310 DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2022-323071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Stargardt macular dystrophy (Stargardt disease; STGD1; OMIM 248200) is the most prevalent inherited macular dystrophy. STGD1 is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by multiple pathogenic sequence variants in the large ABCA4 gene (OMIM 601691). Major advances in understanding both the clinical and molecular features, as well as the underlying pathophysiology, have culminated in many completed, ongoing and planned human clinical trials of novel therapies.The aims of this concise review are to describe (1) the detailed phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of the disease, multimodal imaging findings, natural history of the disease, and pathogenesis, (2) the multiple avenues of research and therapeutic intervention, including pharmacological, cellular therapies and diverse types of genetic therapies that have either been investigated or are under investigation and (3) the exciting novel therapeutic approaches on the translational horizon that aim to treat STGD1 by replacing the entire 6.8 kb ABCA4 open reading frame.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaoru Fujinami
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, NHO Tokyo Medical Center, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nadia Waheed
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yannik Laich
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Eye Center, Medical Center, University of Freiburg Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Paul Yang
- Oregon Health and Science University Casey Eye Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Yu Fujinami-Yokokawa
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, NHO Tokyo Medical Center, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Keio University School of Medicine Graduate School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Jonathan T Lu
- SalioGen Therapeutics Inc, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Darin Curtiss
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, Florida, USA
| | - Cathryn Clary
- SalioGen Therapeutics Inc, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michel Michaelides
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Schließleder G, Kalitzeos A, Kasilian M, Singh N, Wang Z, Hu Z, Großpötzl M, Sadda S, Wedrich A, Michaelides M, Strauss RW. Deep phenotyping of PROM1-associated retinal degeneration. Br J Ophthalmol 2024; 108:558-565. [PMID: 37080590 DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2022-322036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The purpose of this study was to investigate retinal structure in detail of subjects with autosomal-dominant (AD) and autosomal-recessive (AR) PROM1-associated retinal degeneration (PROM1-RD), study design: institutional, cross-sectional study. METHODS Four eyes from four subjects (three with AD and one with AR) PROM1-RD were investigated by ophthalmic examination including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and multimodal retinal imaging: fundus autofluorescence (FAF), spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy. Quantitative assessment of atrophic lesions determined by FAF, thickness of individual retinal layers and cone photoreceptor quantification was performed. RESULTS BCVA ranged from 20/16 to 20/200. Initial pathological changes included the presence of hyperautofluorescent spots on FAF imaging, while later stages demonstrated discrete areas of atrophy. In all patients, thinning of the outer retinal layers on SD-OCT with varying degrees of atrophy could be detected depending on disease-causing variants and age. Cone density was quantified both in central and/or at different eccentricities from the fovea. Longitudinal assessments were possible in two patients. CONCLUSIONS PROM1-RD comprises a wide range of clinical phenotypes. Depending on the stage of disease, the cone mosaic in PROM1-RD is relatively preserved and can potentially be targeted by cone-directed interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angelos Kalitzeos
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Melissa Kasilian
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Navjit Singh
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ziyuan Wang
- School of Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Doheny Image Analysis Laboratory, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Zhihong Hu
- School of Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Doheny Image Analysis Laboratory, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Manuel Großpötzl
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Styria, Austria
| | - SriniVas Sadda
- Doheny Image Reading Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Andreas Wedrich
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Styria, Austria
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Rupert W Strauss
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Styria, Austria
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kepler University Hospital University Clinic for Ophthalmology and Optometry, Linz, Austria
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IoB), Basel, Switzerland
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10
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Du X, Butler AG, Chen HY. Cell-cell interaction in the pathogenesis of inherited retinal diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1332944. [PMID: 38500685 PMCID: PMC10944940 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1332944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The retina is part of the central nervous system specialized for vision. Inherited retinal diseases (IRD) are a group of clinically and genetically heterogenous disorders that lead to progressive vision impairment or blindness. Although each disorder is rare, IRD accumulatively cause blindness in up to 5.5 million individuals worldwide. Currently, the pathophysiological mechanisms of IRD are not fully understood and there are limited treatment options available. Most IRD are caused by degeneration of light-sensitive photoreceptors. Genetic mutations that abrogate the structure and/or function of photoreceptors lead to visual impairment followed by blindness caused by loss of photoreceptors. In healthy retina, photoreceptors structurally and functionally interact with retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Müller glia (MG) to maintain retinal homeostasis. Multiple IRD with photoreceptor degeneration as a major phenotype are caused by mutations of RPE- and/or MG-associated genes. Recent studies also reveal compromised MG and RPE caused by mutations in ubiquitously expressed ciliary genes. Therefore, photoreceptor degeneration could be a direct consequence of gene mutations and/or could be secondary to the dysfunction of their interaction partners in the retina. This review summarizes the mechanisms of photoreceptor-RPE/MG interaction in supporting retinal functions and discusses how the disruption of these processes could lead to photoreceptor degeneration, with an aim to provide a unique perspective of IRD pathogenesis and treatment paradigm. We will first describe the biology of retina and IRD and then discuss the interaction between photoreceptors and MG/RPE as well as their implications in disease pathogenesis. Finally, we will summarize the recent advances in IRD therapeutics targeting MG and/or RPE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Holly Y. Chen
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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11
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Großpötzl M, Riedl R, Schließleder G, Hu ZJ, Michaelides M, Sadda S, Birch D, Charbel Issa P, Wedrich A, Seidel G, Scholl HPN, Strauss RW. Progression of PROM1-Associated Retinal Degeneration as Determined by Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Over a 24-Month Period. Am J Ophthalmol 2024; 259:109-116. [PMID: 37979600 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2023.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the progression of atrophy as determined by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in patients with molecularly confirmed PROM1-associated retinal degeneration (RD) over a 24-month period. DESIGN International, multicenter, prospective case series. METHODS A total of 13 eyes (13 patients) affected with PROM1-associated RD were enrolled at 5 sites and SD-OCT images were obtained at baseline and after 24 months. Loss of mean thickness (MT) and intact area were estimated after semi-automated segmentation for the following individual retinal layers in the central subfield (CS), inner ring, and outer ring of the ETDRS grid: retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), outer segments (OS), inner segments (IS), outer nuclear layer (ONL), inner retina (IR), and total retina (TR). RESULTS Statistically significant losses of thickness of RPE and TR were detected in the CS and inner ring and of ONL and IS in the outer ring (all P < .05); a statistically significant decrease in the intact area of RPE and IS was observed in the inner ring, and of ONL in the outer ring (all P < .05); the change in MT and the intact area of the other layers showed a trend of decline over an observational period of 24 months. CONCLUSIONS Significant thickness losses could be detected in outer retinal layers by SD-OCT over a 24-month period in patients with PROM1-associated retinal degeneration. Loss of thickness and/or intact area of such layers may serve as potential endpoints for clinical trials that aim to slow down the disease progression of PROM1-associated retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Großpötzl
- Department of Ophthalmology (M.G., G.S., A.W., G.S., R.W.S), Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Regina Riedl
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Documentation (R.R.), Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gernot Schließleder
- Department of Ophthalmology (M.G., G.S., A.W., G.S., R.W.S), Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Zhihong Jewel Hu
- Doheny Eye Institute (Z.J.H., S.V.S.), David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Michel Michaelides
- Moorfields Eye Hospital (M.M., R.W.S.), NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (M.M., R.W.S.), University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - SriniVas Sadda
- Doheny Eye Institute (Z.J.H., S.V.S.), David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David Birch
- Retina Foundation of the Southwest (D.B.), Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Peter Charbel Issa
- Department of Ophthalmology (P.C.I.), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Oxford Eye Hospital (P.C.I.), Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology (P.C.I.), Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Wedrich
- Department of Ophthalmology (M.G., G.S., A.W., G.S., R.W.S), Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gerald Seidel
- Department of Ophthalmology (M.G., G.S., A.W., G.S., R.W.S), Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Hendrik P N Scholl
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (H.P.N.S.), Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology (R.W.S.), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rupert W Strauss
- Department of Ophthalmology (M.G., G.S., A.W., G.S., R.W.S), Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria; Moorfields Eye Hospital (M.M., R.W.S.), NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (M.M., R.W.S.), University College London, London, United Kingdom; Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (H.P.N.S.), Basel, Switzerland; Wilmer Eye Institute (R.W.S.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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12
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Abstract
This Viewpoint discusses genetic counseling for predictive retinal imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha R De Silva
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Omar A Mahroo
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Charbel Issa
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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13
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He X, Fu Y, Ma L, Yao Y, Ge S, Yang Z, Fan X. AAV for Gene Therapy in Ocular Diseases: Progress and Prospects. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2023; 6:0291. [PMID: 38188726 PMCID: PMC10768554 DOI: 10.34133/research.0291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Owing to the promising therapeutic effect and one-time treatment advantage, gene therapy may completely change the management of eye diseases, especially retinal diseases. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is considered one of the most promising viral gene delivery tools because it can infect various types of tissues and is considered as a relatively safe gene delivery vector. The eye is one of the most popular organs for gene therapy, since its limited volume is suitable for small doses of AAV stably transduction. Recently, an increasing number of clinical trials of AAV-mediated gene therapy are underway. This review summarizes the biological functions of AAV and its application in the treatment of various ocular diseases, as well as the characteristics of different AAV delivery routes in clinical applications. Here, the latest research progresses in AAV-mediated gene editing and silencing strategies to modify that the genetic ocular diseases are systematically outlined, especially by base editing and prime editing. We discuss the progress of AAV in ocular optogenetic therapy. We also summarize the application of AAV-mediated gene therapy in animal models and the difficulties in its clinical transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital,
Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yidian Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital,
Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital,
Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yizheng Yao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University; Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease,
The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital,
Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital,
Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianqun Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital,
Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
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14
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Dentel A, Brazhnikova E, Norberg N, Jaillard C, Grieve K, Paques M, Sahel JA, Bertin S, Forster V, Picaud S. Adaptive Optics Flood Illumination Ophthalmoscopy in Nonhuman Primates: Findings in Normal and Short-term Induced Detached Retinae. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2023; 3:100316. [PMID: 37274010 PMCID: PMC10238594 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2023.100316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective To describe adaptive optics flood illumination ophthalmoscopy (AO-FIO) of the photoreceptor layer in normal nonhuman primates (NHPs) and in the case of a short-term induced retinal detachment (RD). Design Longitudinal fundamental research study. Subjects Four NHPs were used to image normal retinae with AO-FIO (in comparison with 4 healthy humans); 2 NHPs were used to assess the effects of RD. Intervention The photoreceptor layer (cone mosaic metrics, including cone density, cone spacing, and cone regularity) was followed with AO-FIO imaging (rtx1, Imagine Eyes) during a surgically induced RD in 2 NHPs using a vehicle solution containing dimethyl sulfoxide, classically used as a chemical solvent. We also performed functional testing of the retina (full-field and multifocal electroretinogram [ERG]). Main Outcome Measures Correlation of cone mosaic metrics (cone density, spacing, and regularity) between normal retinae of NHPs and humans, and cone metrics, power spectrum, and ERG wave amplitudes after RD. Results Imaging features were very similar in terms of cone reflectivity, cell density, regularity, and spacing values, showing strong positive correlations between NHPs and humans. After RD, AO-FIO revealed several alterations of the cone mosaic slowly recovering during the 3 months after the reattachment, which were not detected functionally by ERG. Conclusions These results demonstrate by in vivo AO-FIO imaging the transient structural changes of photoreceptors after an RD in the primate retina. They also provide an interesting illustration of the AO-FIO potential for investigating photoreceptor toxicity during preclinical studies in NHPs with a high translatability to human studies. Financial Disclosures Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Dentel
- Institut de la Vision, INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Elena Brazhnikova
- Institut de la Vision, INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | | | - Céline Jaillard
- Institut de la Vision, INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Kate Grieve
- CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, Paris, France
| | - Michel Paques
- Institut de la Vision, INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, Paris, France
| | - José A. Sahel
- Institut de la Vision, INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, Paris, France
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Valérie Forster
- Institut de la Vision, INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Serge Picaud
- Institut de la Vision, INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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15
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Young B, Zhao PY, Shen LL, Fahim A, Jayasundera T. Local progression kinetics of macular atrophy in recessive Stargardt disease. Ophthalmic Genet 2023; 44:539-546. [PMID: 37381907 PMCID: PMC10755069 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2023.2228891] [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: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine the effect of lesion topography on progression in Stargardt disease (STGD1). METHODS Fundus autofluoresence (excitation 488 nm) images of 193 eyes in patients with proven ABCA4 mutation were semi-automatically segmented for autofluoresence changes: (DDAF) and questionably decreased autofluoresence (QDAF), which are proxies for retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) atrophy. We calculated topographic incidence of DDAF and DDAF + QDAF, as well as velocity of progression of the border of lesions using Euclidean distance mapping. RESULTS Incidence of atrophy was highest near the fovea, then decreased in incidence with increased foveal eccentricity. However, the rate of atrophy progression followed the opposite pattern; rate of atrophy increased with distance from foveal center. The mean growth rate 500 microns from the foveal center for DDAF + QDAF was 39 microns per year (95% CI = 28-49), whereas the mean growth rate 3000 microns from the foveal center was 342 microns per year (95% CI = 194-522). No difference in growth rate was noted by axis around the fovea. CONCLUSIONS Incidence and progression of atrophy by fundus autofluorescence follow opposite patterns in STGD1. Further, atrophy progression increases significantly with distance from foveal center, which should be taken into consideration in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Young
- Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR USA
| | - Peter Y. Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
| | - Liangbo L. Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Abigail Fahim
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Thiran Jayasundera
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI USA
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16
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Xia CH, Liu H, Li M, Zhang H, Xing X, Gong X. Identification and Characterization of Retinitis Pigmentosa in a Novel Mouse Model Caused by PDE6B-T592I. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3173. [PMID: 38137394 PMCID: PMC10740990 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123173] [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: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The cGMP-phosphodiesterase 6 beta subunit (PDE6B) is an essential component in the phototransduction pathway for light responses in photoreceptor cells. PDE6B gene mutations cause the death of rod photoreceptors, named as hereditary retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in humans and retinal degeneration (RD) in rodents. Here, we report a new RD model, identified from a phenotypic screen of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU)-induced mutant mice, which displays retinal degeneration caused by a point mutation in the Pde6b gene that results in PDE6B-T592I mutant protein. The homozygous mutant mice show an extensive loss of rod photoreceptors at the age of 3 weeks; unexpectedly, the loss of rod photoreceptors can be partly rescued by dark rearing. Thus, this RD mutant model displays a light-dependent loss of rod photoreceptors. Both western blot and immunostaining results show very low level of mutant PDE6B-T592I protein in the retina. Structure modeling suggests that the T592I mutation probably affects the function and stability of PDE6B protein by changing intramolecular interactions. We further demonstrate that the expression of wild-type PDE6B delivered by subretinally injected adeno-associated virus (rAAV) prevents photoreceptor cell death in this RD model in vivo. The PDE6B-T592I mutant is, therefore, a valuable RD model for evaluating rAAV-mediated treatment and for investigating the molecular mechanism of light-dependent rod photoreceptor cell death that is related to impaired PDE6B function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Xiaohua Gong
- Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science Program, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; (C.-H.X.); (H.L.); (M.L.); (H.Z.); (X.X.)
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17
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Cupini S, Di Marco S, Boselli L, Cavalli A, Tarricone G, Mastronardi V, Castagnola V, Colombo E, Pompa PP, Benfenati F. Platinum Nanozymes Counteract Photoreceptor Degeneration and Retina Inflammation in a Light-Damage Model of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. ACS NANO 2023; 17:22800-22820. [PMID: 37934489 PMCID: PMC10690844 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c07517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Degeneration of photoreceptors in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is associated with oxidative stress due to the intense aerobic metabolism of rods and cones that if not properly counterbalanced by endogenous antioxidant mechanisms can precipitate photoreceptor degeneration. In spite of being a priority eye disease for its high incidence in the elderly, no effective treatments for AMD exist. While systemic administration of antioxidants has been unsuccessful in slowing down degeneration, locally administered rare-earth nanoparticles were shown to be effective in preventing retinal photo-oxidative damage. However, because of inherent problems of dispersion in biological media, limited antioxidant power, and short lifetimes, these NPs are still confined to the preclinical stage. Here we propose platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs), potent antioxidant nanozymes, as a therapeutic tool for AMD. PtNPs exhibit high catalytic activity at minimal concentrations and protect primary neurons against oxidative insults and the ensuing apoptosis. We tested the efficacy of intravitreally injected PtNPs in preventing or mitigating light damage produced in dark-reared albino Sprague-Dawley rats by in vivo electroretinography (ERG) and ex vivo retina morphology and electrophysiology. We found that both preventive and postlesional treatments with PtNPs increased the amplitude of ERG responses to light stimuli. Ex vivo recordings demonstrated the selective preservation of ON retinal ganglion cell responses to light stimulation in lesioned retinas treated with PtNPs. PtNPs administered after light damage significantly preserved the number of photoreceptors and inhibited the inflammatory response to degeneration, while the preventive treatment had a milder effect. The data indicate that PtNPs can effectively break the vicious cycle linking oxidative stress, degeneration, and inflammation by exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. The increased photoreceptor survival and visual performances in degenerated retinas, together with their high biocompatibility, make PtNPs a potential strategy to cure AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cupini
- Center
for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Department
of Experimental Medicine, University of
Genova, Viale Benedetto
XV 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Marco
- Center
for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS
Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rossana Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Luca Boselli
- Nanobiointeractions
& Nanodiagnostics, Istituto Italiano
di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Alessio Cavalli
- Center
for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Department
of Experimental Medicine, University of
Genova, Viale Benedetto
XV 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Giulia Tarricone
- Nanobiointeractions
& Nanodiagnostics, Istituto Italiano
di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Valentina Mastronardi
- Nanobiointeractions
& Nanodiagnostics, Istituto Italiano
di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Valentina Castagnola
- Center
for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS
Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rossana Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Colombo
- Center
for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS
Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rossana Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Pompa
- Nanobiointeractions
& Nanodiagnostics, Istituto Italiano
di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center
for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS
Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rossana Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
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18
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Beaver D, Limnios IJ. A treatment within sight: challenges in the development of stem cell-derived photoreceptor therapies for retinal degenerative diseases. FRONTIERS IN TRANSPLANTATION 2023; 2:1130086. [PMID: 38993872 PMCID: PMC11235385 DOI: 10.3389/frtra.2023.1130086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Stem cell therapies can potentially treat various retinal degenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and inherited retinal diseases like retinitis pigmentosa. For these diseases, transplanted cells may include stem cell-derived retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells, photoreceptors, or a combination of both. Although stem cell-derived RPE cells have progressed to human clinical trials, therapies using photoreceptors and other retinal cell types are lagging. In this review, we discuss the potential use of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived photoreceptors for the treatment of retinal degeneration and highlight the progress and challenges for their efficient production and clinical application in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davinia Beaver
- Clem Jones Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QL, Australia
| | - Ioannis Jason Limnios
- Clem Jones Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QL, Australia
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19
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Wood EH, Kreymerman A, Kowal T, Buickians D, Sun Y, Muscat S, Mercola M, Moshfeghi DM, Goldberg JL. Cellular and subcellular optogenetic approaches towards neuroprotection and vision restoration. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 96:101153. [PMID: 36503723 PMCID: PMC10247900 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101153] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Optogenetics is defined as the combination of genetic and optical methods to induce or inhibit well-defined events in isolated cells, tissues, or animals. While optogenetics within ophthalmology has been primarily applied towards treating inherited retinal disease, there are a myriad of other applications that hold great promise for a variety of eye diseases including cellular regeneration, modulation of mitochondria and metabolism, regulation of intraocular pressure, and pain control. Supported by primary data from the authors' work with in vitro and in vivo applications, we introduce a novel approach to metabolic regulation, Opsins to Restore Cellular ATP (ORCA). We review the fundamental constructs for ophthalmic optogenetics, present current therapeutic approaches and clinical trials, and discuss the future of subcellular and signaling pathway applications for neuroprotection and vision restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward H Wood
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Alexander Kreymerman
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Tia Kowal
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - David Buickians
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Yang Sun
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Stephanie Muscat
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Mark Mercola
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Darius M Moshfeghi
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
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Maeda T, Takahashi M. iPSC-RPE in Retinal Degeneration: Recent Advancements and Future Perspectives. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2023; 13:a041308. [PMID: 36690464 PMCID: PMC10411862 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041308] [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: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Regenerative medicine is a great hope for patients suffering from diseases for which no effective treatment is available. With the creation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in 2006, research and development has accelerated expeditiously, reaching a practical stage worldwide. The iPSC-regenerative medicine in ophthalmology is one of the pioneers, which has kicked off clinical application ahead of other fields owing to its advantages. The clinical safety issues of iPSC-derived retinal pigment epithelial (iPSC-RPE) transplantation for exudative age-related macular degeneration have been addressed to a certain extent. Preparations are being made for the next clinical study based on the improvement of its therapeutic effects and expansion of indications globally. Steady progress toward the practical applications of regenerative medicine for the treatment of retinal disorders is expected in the future while strengthening global cooperation amid various research areas, clinical fields, and regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadao Maeda
- Research Center, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe 6500-047, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe 6500-047, Japan
- Vision Care Cell Therapy, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- Research Center, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe 6500-047, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe 6500-047, Japan
- Vision Care Cell Therapy, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
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21
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Chou HD, Hwang YS, Chen KJ, Wu WC, Liu L, Ou ST, Liao W, Wang CC, Lin T, Lai CC. Analysis of Retinol Binding Protein 4 and ABCA4 Gene Variation in Non-Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2411. [PMID: 37510153 PMCID: PMC10378304 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13142411] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may be associated with ABCA4 variants and is characterized by the accumulation of visual cycle-byproduct lipofuscin. Reducing retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), a retinol transporter protein, may reduce lipofuscin production. This study aims to assess the associations between plasma RBP4, the ABCA4 variation, and AMD severity. Sixty-seven participants were grouped into healthy/mild AMD (n = 32) and severe AMD (n = 35) groups. The latter group was older than the former group and had higher levels of RBP4 (36.8 ± 8.3 vs. 30.4 ± 7.0 μg/mL, p = 0.0012). The ten participants with six ABCA4 linked-variants had higher RBP4 than those without (37.8 ± 7.7 vs. 32.4 ± 7.9 μg/mL; p = 0.026), and eight of them had severe AMD. Univariate analyses showed that severe AMD was related to older age (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.13-1.40; p < 0.0001) and to higher RBP4 levels (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.04-1.20; p = 0.003), whereas the linked ABCA4 variants had no associations. After adjustment, however, only age remained significantly associated with severe AMD. This pilot study shows a trend of higher plasma RBP4 levels in severe AMD or the ABCA4-linked variants, and further age-matched studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Da Chou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Main Branch, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Yih-Shiou Hwang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Main Branch, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Jen Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Main Branch, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Main Branch, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Laura Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Main Branch, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Shyh-Tyan Ou
- Department of Statistics, National Taipei University, Taipei 22102, Taiwan
| | | | | | - Tom Lin
- Lin BioScience Inc., Taipei 11071, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chun Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Main Branch, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung 204011, Taiwan
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22
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Ye Z, Hang Chan LL. Effect of the Aperiodic Electrical Stimulation on the Visual Cortical Neuronal Response . ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2023; 2023:1-4. [PMID: 38083157 DOI: 10.1109/embc40787.2023.10341193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
In patients with retinal degenerative illnesses such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration, retinal prosthesis shows the potential to restore partial vision. The natural stimuli are the aperiodic events distributed across a short time span. However, most studies commonly used periodic stimulation. Even though some in vitro studies explored the effect of aperiodic retinal stimulation on the retina ganglion cells' membrane potential, it still needs to understand how the aperiodic electrical stimulation on the retina affects the response in visual cortex. This study investigated how aperiodic retinal stimulation affects the electrically evoked cortical response compared with periodic stimulation in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. We found that the aperiodic retinal stimulation evoked a significantly higher spike rate than the periodic pattern, especially at high frequencies (10 and 20 Hz). The spike rates showed a more significant difference between the periodic and 10% noise stimulation (P = 0.0013 at 20 Hz, two-tailed paired t-test) at 20 Hz stimulation. Regarding the temporal precision of responses, the responses to aperiodic stimulation showed higher temporal precision compared to periodic stimulation. The response to some stimulation pulse numbers under 10 and 20 Hz 50% noise and Poisson pattern stimulation was higher than the response to the first pulse. However, at the same frequency, the response to some stimulation pulse numbers under periodic stimulation was lower than the response to the first pulse. These findings raised a possible way to increase the response level and the temporal precision of the electrically evoked response.Clinical Relevance- This suggests that using aperiodic stimulation in retinal prostheses can increase electrically evoked response levels and temporal precision.
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23
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Duch Hurtado M, Vidal Oliver L, Marín Lambies C, Salom Alonso D. Microvascular quantitative metrics in retinitis pigmentosa using optical coherence tomography angiography. ARCHIVOS DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE OFTALMOLOGIA 2023; 98:270-275. [PMID: 37031736 DOI: 10.1016/j.oftale.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To describe the changes in vessel density (VD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) of the different sectors in the macular area between retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients and controls. METHODS Observational case-control study. We initially included 22 patients with RP and 21 controls. We obtained 6 × 6 OCTA images of the macular area using Angio-OCT SS-DRI-Triton 1.22 (Topcon, Japan), together with visual acuity, biomicroscopy, visual field and optical coherence tomography examination. We compared the VD values in both groups for both superficial (SVP) and deep vascular plexus (DVP). Correlation between VD and macular thickness was also calculated. RESULTS The mean visual field index (VFI) in the RP group was 26.11% (+/- 17.29). VD was significantly lower in the RP group compared with healthy controls in all sectors of the DVP (Superior 43.48+/-3.79 vs 48.86+/-2.62, p < 0.0001; Nasal 40,52+/- 4.30 vs 46,01+/- 3.23, p = 0.0002; Inferior 42.76+/-5.26 vs 50.10+/- 3.36, p < 0.0001; Temporal 40.42+/- 4.46 vs 46.09+/-2.91, p = 0.0001) and in all but nasal sector in the SVP (Superior 39.86+/-4.46 vs 46.47+/- 2.61, p < 0.0001; Nasal 40.35+/- 4.56 vs 44.09+/-2.87, p = 0.0067; Inferior 40.74+/- 4.61 vs 46.58+/-3.26, p = 0.0002; Temporal 39.98+/-5.07 vs 44.78+/-3.28, p = 0.0024). Correlation between VD and macular thickness was positive and significant (RP: r = 0.59, p = 0.043; controls r = 0.51, p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS Patients with advanced forms of RP have less vessel density in the macular area than healthy subjects. These differences are present in all four quadrants in the DVP and three in the SVP.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Duch Hurtado
- Servicio de Atención Primaria, Centro de Salud Pego, Alicante, Spain
| | - L Vidal Oliver
- Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Clínico Universitario Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
| | - C Marín Lambies
- Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital de Manises, Manises, Valencia, Spain
| | - D Salom Alonso
- Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital de Manises, Manises, Valencia, Spain
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24
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Frederick CE, Zenisek D. Ribbon Synapses and Retinal Disease: Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5090. [PMID: 36982165 PMCID: PMC10049380 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic ribbons are presynaptic protein complexes that are believed to be important for the transmission of sensory information in the visual system. Ribbons are selectively associated with those synapses where graded changes in membrane potential drive continuous neurotransmitter release. Defective synaptic transmission can arise as a result of the mutagenesis of a single ribbon component. Visual diseases that stem from malfunctions in the presynaptic molecular machinery of ribbon synapses in the retina are rare. In this review, we provide an overview of synaptopathies that give rise to retinal malfunction and our present understanding of the mechanisms that underlie their pathogenesis and discuss muscular dystrophies that exhibit ribbon synapse involvement in the pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Zenisek
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, P.O. Box 208026, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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25
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Völkner M, Wagner F, Kurth T, Sykes AM, Del Toro Runzer C, Ebner LJA, Kavak C, Alexaki VI, Cimalla P, Mehner M, Koch E, Karl MO. Modeling inducible neuropathologies of the retina with differential phenotypes in organoids. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1106287. [PMID: 37213216 PMCID: PMC10196395 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1106287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases remain incompletely understood and therapies are needed. Stem cell-derived organoid models facilitate fundamental and translational medicine research. However, to which extent differential neuronal and glial pathologic processes can be reproduced in current systems is still unclear. Here, we tested 16 different chemical, physical, and cell functional manipulations in mouse retina organoids to further explore this. Some of the treatments induce differential phenotypes, indicating that organoids are competent to reproduce distinct pathologic processes. Notably, mouse retina organoids even reproduce a complex pathology phenotype with combined photoreceptor neurodegeneration and glial pathologies upon combined (not single) application of HBEGF and TNF, two factors previously associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Pharmacological inhibitors for MAPK signaling completely prevent photoreceptor and glial pathologies, while inhibitors for Rho/ROCK, NFkB, and CDK4 differentially affect them. In conclusion, mouse retina organoids facilitate reproduction of distinct and complex pathologies, mechanistic access, insights for further organoid optimization, and modeling of differential phenotypes for future applications in fundamental and translational medicine research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Völkner
- Technische Universität Dresden, Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Dresden, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Felix Wagner
- Technische Universität Dresden, Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Dresden, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Kurth
- Technische Universität Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technology Platform Core Facility Electron Microscopy and Histology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Alex M. Sykes
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Lynn J. A. Ebner
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Cagri Kavak
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Vasileia Ismini Alexaki
- Technische Universität Dresden, Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Peter Cimalla
- Technische Universität Dresden, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Clinical Sensoring and Monitoring, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mirko Mehner
- Technische Universität Dresden, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Clinical Sensoring and Monitoring, Dresden, Germany
| | - Edmund Koch
- Technische Universität Dresden, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Clinical Sensoring and Monitoring, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mike O. Karl
- Technische Universität Dresden, Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Dresden, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
- *Correspondence: Mike O. Karl, ,
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26
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Mondal AK, Swaroop A. Network Biology and Medicine to Rescue: Applications for Retinal Disease Mechanisms and Therapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1415:165-171. [PMID: 37440030 PMCID: PMC11377069 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-27681-1_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) are clinically and genetically heterogenous blinding diseases that manifest through dysfunction of target cells, photoreceptors, and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the retina. Despite knowledge of numerous underlying genetic defects, current therapeutic approaches, including gene centric applications, have had limited success, thereby asserting the need of new directions for basic and translational research. Human diseases have commonalities that can be represented in a network form, called diseasome, which captures relationships among disease genes, proteins, metabolites, and patient meta-data. Clinical and genetic information of IRDs suggest shared relationships among pathobiological factors, making these a model case for network medicine. Characterization of the diseasome would considerably improve our understanding of retinal pathologies and permit better design of targeted therapies for disrupted regions within the integrated disease network. Network medicine in synergy with the ongoing artificial intelligence revolution can boost therapeutic developments, especially gene agnostic treatment opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupam K Mondal
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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27
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Shin CS, Veettil RA, Sakthivel TS, Adumbumkulath A, Lee R, Zaheer M, Kolanthai E, Seal S, Acharya G. Noninvasive Delivery of Self-Regenerating Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles to Modulate Oxidative Stress in the Retina. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:5816-5825. [PMID: 36441967 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Diseases affecting the retina, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and retinal vein occlusions, are currently treated by the intravitreal injection of drug formulations. These disease pathologies are driven by oxidative damage due to chronic high concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the retina. Intravitreal injections often induce retinal detachment, intraocular hemorrhage, and endophthalmitis. Furthermore, the severe eye pain associated with these injections lead to patient noncompliance and treatment discontinuation. Hence, there is a critical need for the development of a noninvasive therapy that is effective for a prolonged period for treating retinal diseases. In this study, we developed a noninvasive cerium oxide nanoparticle (CNP) delivery wafer (Cerawafer) for the modulation of ROS in the retina. We fabricated Cerawafer loaded with CNP and determined its SOD-like enzyme-mimetic activity and ability to neutralize ROS generated in vitro. We demonstrated Cerawafer's ability to deliver CNP in a noninvasive fashion to the retina in healthy mouse eyes and the CNP retention in the retina for more than a week. Our studies have demonstrated the in vivo efficacy of the Cerawafer to modulate ROS and associated down-regulation of VEGF expression in the retinas of very-low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (vldlr-/-) mouse model. The development of a Cerawafer nanotherapeutic will fulfill a hitherto unmet need. Currently, there is no such therapeutic available, and the development of a Cerawafer nanotherapeutic will be a major advancement in the treatment of retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal S Shin
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Remya Ammassam Veettil
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Tamil S Sakthivel
- Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Center, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanoscience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816, United States
| | - Aparna Adumbumkulath
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States.,Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Richard Lee
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Mahira Zaheer
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Elayaraja Kolanthai
- Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Center, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanoscience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816, United States
| | - Sudipta Seal
- Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Center, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanoscience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816, United States.,College of Medicine, Biionix Cluster, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32827, United States
| | - Ghanashyam Acharya
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States.,Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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28
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Rotov AY, Firsov ML. Optogenetic Prosthetization of Retinal Bipolar Cells. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093022060011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Although the experience of optogenetic retinal prosthetics
in animal models dates back to more than 16 years, the first results
obtained on humans have only been reported in the last year. Over this
period, the main challenges of prosthetics became clear and the
approaches to their solution were proposed. In this review, we aim
to present the achievements in the field of optogenetic prosthetization
of retinal bipolar cells with a focus mainly on relatively recent
publications. The review addresses the advantages and disadvantages
of bipolar cell prosthetics as compared to the alternative target,
retinal ganglion cells, and provides a comparative analysis of the
effectiveness of ionotropic light-sensitive proteins (channelrhodopsins)
or metabotropic receptors (rhodopsins) as prosthetic tools.
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29
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Ahmad I. CRISPR/Cas9-A Promising Therapeutic Tool to Cure Blindness: Current Scenario and Future Prospects. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:11482. [PMID: 36232782 PMCID: PMC9569777 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-based targeted genome editing is bringing revolutionary changes in the research arena of biological sciences. CRISPR/Cas9 has been explored as an efficient therapeutic tool for the treatment of genetic diseases. It has been widely used in ophthalmology research by using mouse models to correct pathogenic mutations in the eye stem cells. In recent studies, CRISPR/Cas9 has been used to correct a large number of mutations related to inherited retinal disorders. In vivo therapeutic advantages for retinal diseases have been successfully achieved in some rodents. Current advances in the CRISPR-based gene-editing domain, such as modified Cas variants and delivery approaches have optimized its application to treat blindness. In this review, recent progress and challenges of the CRISPR-Cas system have been discussed to cure blindness and its prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irshad Ahmad
- Department of Bioengineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia; ; Tel.: +966-13-8608393
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Membranes and Water Security, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
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30
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Daich Varela M, Bellingham J, Motta F, Jurkute N, Ellingford JM, Quinodoz M, Oprych K, Niblock M, Janeschitz-Kriegl L, Kaminska K, Cancellieri F, Scholl HPN, Lenassi E, Schiff E, Knight H, Black G, Rivolta C, Cheetham ME, Michaelides M, Mahroo OA, Moore AT, Webster AR, Arno G. Multidisciplinary team directed analysis of whole genome sequencing reveals pathogenic non-coding variants in molecularly undiagnosed inherited retinal dystrophies. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 32:595-607. [PMID: 36084042 PMCID: PMC9896476 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to identify likely pathogenic non-coding variants in inherited retinal dystrophy (IRD) genes, using genome sequencing (GS). Patients with IRD were recruited to the study and underwent comprehensive ophthalmological evaluation and GS. The results of GS were investigated through virtual gene panel analysis, and plausible pathogenic variants and clinical phenotype evaluated by the multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussion. For unsolved patients in whom a specific gene was suspected to harbor a missed pathogenic variant, targeted re-analysis of non-coding regions was performed on GS data. Candidate variants were functionally tested by messenger RNA analysis, minigene or luciferase reporter assays. Previously unreported, likely pathogenic, non-coding variants in 7 genes (PRPF31, NDP, IFT140, CRB1, USH2A, BBS10 and GUCY2D), were identified in 11 patients. These were shown to lead to mis-splicing (PRPF31, IFT140, CRB1 and USH2A) or altered transcription levels (BBS10 and GUCY2D). MDT-led, phenotype-driven, non-coding variant re-analysis of GS is effective in identifying the missing causative alleles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malena Daich Varela
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | | | - Fabiana Motta
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK,Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 04021001, Brazil
| | - Neringa Jurkute
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Jamie M Ellingford
- North West Genomic Laboratory Hub, Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester M13 9WL, UK,Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Neuroscience and Mental Health Domain, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Mathieu Quinodoz
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland,Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | | | | | - Lucas Janeschitz-Kriegl
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - Karolina Kaminska
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Cancellieri
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - Hendrik P N Scholl
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - Eva Lenassi
- North West Genomic Laboratory Hub, Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester M13 9WL, UK,Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Neuroscience and Mental Health Domain, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | | | | | - Graeme Black
- North West Genomic Laboratory Hub, Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester M13 9WL, UK,Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Neuroscience and Mental Health Domain, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Carlo Rivolta
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland,Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | | | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Omar A Mahroo
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Anthony T Moore
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London EC1V 2PD, UK,University of California, San Francisco, CA 94607, USA
| | - Andrew R Webster
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Gavin Arno
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at: UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1 9EL, UK. Tel: +44 2076086971;
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Rosa RH, Xie W, Zhao M, Tsai SH, Roddy GW, Su MG, Potts LB, Hein TW, Kuo L. Intravitreal Administration of Stanniocalcin-1 Rescues Photoreceptor Degeneration with Reduced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in a Porcine Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Am J Ophthalmol 2022; 239:230-243. [PMID: 35307380 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2022.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effect of stanniocalcin-1 (STC-1), a secreted polypeptide exhibiting multiple functions in cell survival and death, on photoreceptor degeneration in a porcine model of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). METHODS P23H transgenic pigs (TG P23H) and wild-type hybrid littermates were obtained from the National Swine Resource and Research Center. Human recombinant STC-1 was injected intravitreally every 2 weeks from postnatal day 15 (P15) to P75. The contralateral eye was injected with balanced salt solution as a control. Electroretinography (ERG) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were performed to evaluate retinal function and morphology in vivo at P90. Retinal tissue was collected for histologic analysis and molecular assays to evaluate the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory mechanisms by which STC-1 may rescue photoreceptor degeneration. RESULTS Intravitreal injection of STC-1 improved retinal function in TG P23H pigs with increased photopic and flicker ERG a- and b-wave amplitudes. Greater integrity of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) band on SD-OCT and morphologic rescue with preservation of cone photoreceptors were observed in STC-1-treated TG P23H pigs. STC-1 altered gene expression in TG P23H pig retina on microarray analysis and increased photoreceptor specific gene expression by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. STC-1 significantly decreased oxidative stress and the expressions of NLRP3 inflammasome, cleaved caspase-1, and IL-1β in TG P23H pig retina. CONCLUSIONS Intravitreal administration of STC-1 enhances cone photoreceptor function, improves EZ integrity, and reduces retinal degeneration through antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in a large animal (pig) model of the most common form of autosomal dominant RP in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Rosa
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA (RR, WX, MZ, ST, LP, TH, LK); Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor Scott & White Eye Institute, Temple, TX, USA (RR, WX, MZ, MS, LP, TH, LK).
| | - Wankun Xie
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA (RR, WX, MZ, ST, LP, TH, LK); Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor Scott & White Eye Institute, Temple, TX, USA (RR, WX, MZ, MS, LP, TH, LK)
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA (RR, WX, MZ, ST, LP, TH, LK); Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor Scott & White Eye Institute, Temple, TX, USA (RR, WX, MZ, MS, LP, TH, LK)
| | - Shu-Huai Tsai
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA (RR, WX, MZ, ST, LP, TH, LK)
| | - Gavin W Roddy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (GR)
| | - Maxwell G Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor Scott & White Eye Institute, Temple, TX, USA (RR, WX, MZ, MS, LP, TH, LK)
| | - Luke B Potts
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA (RR, WX, MZ, ST, LP, TH, LK); Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor Scott & White Eye Institute, Temple, TX, USA (RR, WX, MZ, MS, LP, TH, LK)
| | - Travis W Hein
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA (RR, WX, MZ, ST, LP, TH, LK); Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor Scott & White Eye Institute, Temple, TX, USA (RR, WX, MZ, MS, LP, TH, LK)
| | - Lih Kuo
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA (RR, WX, MZ, ST, LP, TH, LK); Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor Scott & White Eye Institute, Temple, TX, USA (RR, WX, MZ, MS, LP, TH, LK)
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32
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Shao Z, Chwa M, Atilano SR, Park J, Karageozian H, Karageozian V, Kenney MC. The Transcriptome Profile of Retinal Pigment Epithelium and Müller Cell Lines Protected by Risuteganib Against Hydrogen Peroxide Stress. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2022; 38:513-526. [PMID: 35731128 PMCID: PMC9508878 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2022.0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of vision-impairing diseases. In the retina, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Müller cells support neuronal homeostasis, but also contribute to pathological development under stressed conditions. Recent studies found that the investigational drug risuteganib (RSG) has a good safety profile, provided protection in experimental models, and improved visual acuity in patients. The present in vitro study evaluated the effects of RSG in RPE and Müller cell lines stressed with the oxidant hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Methods: Human RPE (ARPE-19) and Müller (MIO-M1) cell lines were treated with various combinations of RSG and H2O2. Trypan blue assay was used to investigate the effect of compounds on cell viability. Gene expression was measured using RNA sequencing to identify regulated genes and the biological processes and pathways involved. Results: Trypan blue assay found RSG pre-treatment significantly protected against H2O2-induced cell death in ARPE-19 and MIO-M1 cells. Transcriptome analysis found H2O2 regulated genes in several disease-relevant biological processes, including cell adhesion, migration, death, and proliferation; ECM organization; angiogenesis; metabolism; and immune system processes. RSG pre-treatment modulated these gene expression profiles in the opposite direction of H2O2. Pathway analysis found genes in integrin, AP-1, and syndecan signaling pathways were regulated. Expression of selected RSG-regulated genes was validated using qRT-PCR. Conclusions: RSG protected cultured human RPE and Müller cell lines against H2O2-induced cell death and mitigated the associated transcriptome changes in biological processes and pathways relevant to the pathogenesis of retinal diseases. These results demonstrate RSG reduced oxidative stress-induced toxicity in two retinal cell lines with potential relevance to the treatment of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Shao
- Allegro Ophthalmics, LLC, San Juan Capistrano, California, USA
| | - Marilyn Chwa
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Shari R Atilano
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - John Park
- Allegro Ophthalmics, LLC, San Juan Capistrano, California, USA
| | | | | | - M Cristina Kenney
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
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Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a heterogeneous group of diseases that affect more than 2 million people worldwide. Gene therapy (GT) has emerged as an exciting treatment modality with the potential to provide long-term benefit to patients. Today, gene addition is the most straightforward GT for autosomal recessive IRDs. However, there are three scenarios where this approach falls short. First, in autosomal dominant diseases caused by gain-of-function or dominant-negative mutations, the toxic mutated protein needs to be silenced. Second, a number of IRD genes exceed the limited carrying capacity of adeno-associated virus vectors. Third, there are still about 30% of patients with unknown mutations. In the first two contexts, precise editing tools, such as CRISPR-Cas9, base editors, or prime editors, are emerging as potential GT solutions for the treatment of IRDs. Here, we review gene editing tools based on CRISPR-Cas9 technology that have been used in vivo and the recent first-in-human application of CRISPR-Cas9 in an IRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Pulman
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.,Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, Paris, France.,Fondation Ophtalmologique Rothschild, Paris, France
| | - Deniz Dalkara
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
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34
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Guan Y, Wang Y, Zheng D, Xie B, Xu P, Gao G, Zhong X. Generation of an RCVRN-eGFP Reporter hiPSC Line by CRISPR/Cas9 to Monitor Photoreceptor Cell Development and Facilitate the Cell Enrichment for Transplantation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:870441. [PMID: 35573687 PMCID: PMC9096726 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.870441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell-based cell therapies are considered to be promising treatments for retinal disorders with dysfunction or death of photoreceptors. However, the enrichment of human photoreceptors suitable for transplantation has been highly challenging so far. This study aimed to generate a photoreceptor-specific reporter human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) line using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, which harbored an enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) sequence at the endogenous locus of the pan photoreceptor marker recoverin (RCVRN). After confirmation of successful targeting and gene stability, three-dimensional retinal organoids were induced from this reporter line. The RCVRN-eGFP reporter faithfully replicated endogenous protein expression of recoverin and revealed the developmental characteristics of photoreceptors during retinal differentiation. The RCVRN-eGFP specifically and steadily labeled photoreceptor cells from photoreceptor precursors to mature rods and cones. Additionally, abundant eGFP-positive photoreceptors were enriched by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and their transcriptome signatures were revealed by RNA sequencing and data analysis. Moreover, potential clusters of differentiation (CD) biomarkers were extracted for the enrichment of photoreceptors for clinical applications, such as CD133 for the positive selection of photoreceptors. Altogether, the RCVRN-eGFP reporter hiPSC line was successfully established and the first global expression database of recoverin-positive photoreceptors was constructed. These achievements will provide a powerful tool for dynamically monitoring photoreceptor cell development and purification of human photoreceptors, thus facilitating photoreceptor cell therapy for advanced retinal disorders.
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35
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Maeda T, Mandai M, Sugita S, Kime C, Takahashi M. Strategies of pluripotent stem cell-based therapy for retinal degeneration: update and challenges. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:388-404. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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36
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Bellapianta A, Cetkovic A, Bolz M, Salti A. Retinal Organoids and Retinal Prostheses: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2922. [PMID: 35328339 PMCID: PMC8953078 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the progress of modern medicine in the last decades, millions of people diagnosed with retinal dystrophies (RDs), such as retinitis pigmentosa, or age-related diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, are suffering from severe visual impairment or even legal blindness. On the one hand, the reprogramming of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and the progress of three-dimensional (3D) retinal organoids (ROs) technology provide a great opportunity to study, understand, and even treat retinal diseases. On the other hand, research advances in the field of electronic retinal prosthesis using inorganic photovoltaic polymers and the emergence of organic semiconductors represent an encouraging therapeutical strategy to restore vision to patients at the late onset of the disease. This review will provide an overview of the latest advancement in both fields. We first describe the retina and the photoreceptors, briefly mention the most used RD animal models, then focus on the latest RO differentiation protocols, carry out an overview of the current technology on inorganic and organic retinal prostheses to restore vision, and finally summarize the potential utility and applications of ROs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ahmad Salti
- Center for Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinic for Ophthalmology and Optometry, Johannes Kepler University Linz, 4020 Linz, Austria; (A.B.); (A.C.); (M.B.)
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37
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Zhang L, Wang K, Ning S, Pedersen PA, Duelli AS, Gourdon PE. Isolation and Crystallization of the D156C form of Optogenetic ChR2. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050895. [PMID: 35269517 PMCID: PMC8909857 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Channelrhodopsins (ChRs) are light-gated ion channels that are receiving increasing attention as optogenetic tools. Despite extensive efforts to gain understanding of how these channels function, the molecular events linking light absorption of the retinal cofactor to channel opening remain elusive. While dark-state structures of ChR2 or chimeric proteins have demonstrated the architecture of non-conducting states, there is a need for open- and desensitized-state structures to uncover the mechanistic principles underlying channel activity. To facilitate comprehensive structural studies of ChR2 in non-closed states, we report a production and purification procedure of the D156C form of ChR2, which displays prolonged channel opening compared to the wild type. We demonstrate considerable yields (0.45 mg/g fermenter cell culture) of recombinantly produced protein using S. cerevisiae, which is purified to high homogeneity both as opsin (retinal-free) and as functional ChR2 with added retinal. We also develop conditions that enable the growth of ChR2 crystals that scatter X-rays to 6 Å, and identify a molecular replacement solution that suggests that the packing is different from published structures. Consequently, our cost-effective production and purification pipeline opens the way for downstream structural studies of different ChR2 states, which may provide a foundation for further adaptation of this protein for optogenetic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liying Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Nørre Allé 14, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (L.Z.); (K.W.); (A.S.D.)
| | - Kaituo Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Nørre Allé 14, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (L.Z.); (K.W.); (A.S.D.)
| | - Shuo Ning
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China;
| | - Per Amstrup Pedersen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Annette Susanne Duelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Nørre Allé 14, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (L.Z.); (K.W.); (A.S.D.)
| | - Pontus Emanuel Gourdon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Nørre Allé 14, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (L.Z.); (K.W.); (A.S.D.)
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sölvegatan 19, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-50339990
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38
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Glatz M, Riedl R, Glatz W, Schneider M, Wedrich A, Bolz M, Strauss RW. Blindness and visual impairment in Central Europe. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0261897. [PMID: 35025896 PMCID: PMC8758103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To assess the prevalence and causes of visual impairment and blindness in a Central European country. The findings may have implications for the planning of further research and development of therapies in order to prevent blindness. Setting Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Graz, Austria. Design Retrospective, epidemiological study. Methods The database of the Main Confederation of Austrian Social Insurances was searched for patients with visual impairment, legal blindness or deaf-blindness. This database gathers data from patients of all insurance providers in the country who receive care due to visual impairment and blindness. To determine the prevalence of these conditions, the number of all entries recorded in February 2019 was evaluated. Additionally, all new entries between (January 1st,) 2017, and (December 31st,) 2018, were analysed for distinct characteristics, such as sex, the cause of blindness/visual impairment, and age. Since health care allowances can provide a considerable source of income (459.90€-936.90€ per month), good coverage of practically all patients who are blind and visually impaired in the country can be assumed. Results On February 2nd, 2019, 17,730 patients with visual impairments, blindness or deaf-blindness were registered in Austria, resulting in a prevalence of these diagnoses of 0.2% in the country. During the observational period from 2017 to 2018, 4040 persons met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 2877 were female (65.3%), and 1527 were male (34.7%). The mean age was 75.7 ± 18.0 years (median 82). Most patients (n = 3675, 83.4%) were of retirement age, while 729 (16.6%) were working-age adults or minors. In total, an incidence of 25.0 (95% confidence limit (CL) 24.3–25.8) per 100,000 person-years was observed from 2017 to 2018. A higher incidence was observed for females (32.2, 95% CL 31.0–33.3) than for males (17.7, 95% CL 16.8–18.5). Incidences where higher for males in lower age groups (e.g. 10–14 years: rate ratio RR = 2.7, 95% CL 1.1–6.8), and higher for females in higher age groups (e.g. 70–74 years: RR = 0.6, 95% CL 0.5–0.8). In total, the most frequent diagnoses were macular degeneration (1075 persons, 24.4%), other retinal disorders (493 persons, 11.2%) and inherited retinal and choroidal diseases (IRDs) (186 persons, 4.2%). Persons with IRDs were significantly younger compared to persons with macular degeneration or retinal disorders (IRDs: median 57, range 2–96 vs 83, 5–98 and 82, 1–98 years, p<0.001). For persons of retirement age, macular degeneration, other retinal disorders and glaucoma were the three most frequent diagnoses. In contrast, among working-aged adults and children, IRDs were the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness (103 persons, 14.1%). Conclusion These data show that IRDs are the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in working-aged persons and children in Austria. Thus, these findings suggest to draw attention to enhance further research in the fields of emerging therapies for IRDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Glatz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Regina Riedl
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Documentation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Wilfried Glatz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Mona Schneider
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Wedrich
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Matthias Bolz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kepler University Clinic of Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Rupert W. Strauss
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kepler University Clinic of Linz, Linz, Austria
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology, Basel, Switzerland
- Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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39
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Bansal A, Shikha S, Zhang Y. Towards translational optogenetics. Nat Biomed Eng 2022; 7:349-369. [PMID: 35027688 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-021-00829-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetics is widely used to interrogate the neural circuits underlying disease and has most recently been harnessed for therapeutic applications. The optogenetic toolkit consists of light-responsive proteins that modulate specific cellular functions, vectors for the delivery of the transgenes that encode the light-responsive proteins to targeted cellular populations, and devices for the delivery of light of suitable wavelengths at effective fluence rates. A refined toolkit with a focus towards translational uses would include efficient and safer viral and non-viral gene-delivery vectors, increasingly red-shifted photoresponsive proteins, nanomaterials that efficiently transduce near-infrared light deep into tissue, and wireless implantable light-delivery devices that allow for spatiotemporally precise interventions at clinically relevant tissue depths. In this Review, we examine the current optogenetics toolkit and the most notable preclinical and translational uses of optogenetics, and discuss future methodological and translational developments and bottlenecks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshaya Bansal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Swati Shikha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. .,NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. .,NUS Suzhou Research Institute, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China.
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40
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Christelle M, Lise M, Ben M'Barek K. Challenges of cell therapies for retinal diseases. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 166:49-77. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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41
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Kaur G, Singh NK. The Role of Inflammation in Retinal Neurodegeneration and Degenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010386. [PMID: 35008812 PMCID: PMC8745623 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal neurodegeneration is predominantly reported as the apoptosis or impaired function of the photoreceptors. Retinal degeneration is a major causative factor of irreversible vision loss leading to blindness. In recent years, retinal degenerative diseases have been investigated and many genes and genetic defects have been elucidated by many of the causative factors. An enormous amount of research has been performed to determine the pathogenesis of retinal degenerative conditions and to formulate the treatment modalities that are the critical requirements in this current scenario. Encouraging results have been obtained using gene therapy. We provide a narrative review of the various studies performed to date on the role of inflammation in human retinal degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, inherited retinal dystrophies, retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt macular dystrophy, and Leber congenital amaurosis. In addition, we have highlighted the pivotal role of various inflammatory mechanisms in the progress of retinal degeneration. This review also offers an assessment of various therapeutic approaches, including gene-therapies and stem-cell-based therapies, for degenerative retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetika Kaur
- Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Nikhlesh K. Singh
- Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Correspondence:
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42
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Li T, Li C, Zhang X, Liang W, Chen Y, Ye Y, Lin H. Augmented Reality in Ophthalmology: Applications and Challenges. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:733241. [PMID: 34957138 PMCID: PMC8703032 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.733241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Augmented reality (AR) has been developed rapidly and implemented in many fields such as medicine, maintenance, and cultural heritage. Unlike other specialties, ophthalmology connects closely with AR since most AR systems are based on vision systems. Here we summarize the applications and challenges of AR in ophthalmology and provide insights for further research. Firstly, we illustrate the structure of the standard AR system and present essential hardware. Secondly, we systematically introduce applications of AR in ophthalmology, including therapy, education, and clinical assistance. To conclude, there is still a large room for development, which needs researchers to pay more effort. Applications in diagnosis and protection might be worth exploring. Although the obstacles of hardware restrict the development of AR in ophthalmology at present, the AR will realize its potential and play an important role in ophthalmology in the future with the rapidly developing technology and more in-depth research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongkeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chenghao Li
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiayin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenting Liang
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongxin Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunpeng Ye
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haotian Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Center for Precision Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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43
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Godini R, Fallahi H. Dynamics of transcription regulatory network during mice-derived retina organoid development. Gene 2021; 813:146131. [PMID: 34933077 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.146131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The retina is a complex system containing several neuron types arranged in distinct layers. Many aspects of the retina's development and the molecular events in the human light-sensing system have been previously unveiled. However, there is limited information about regulatory networks governing the transitional stages during retina development. To address this issue, we have studied the transcriptome dynamics of mice-derived retinal organoid development in 10 successive time-points, from stem cell to functional retina. For the first time, we have identified the main modules of genes related to different stages of development and predicted all possible transcription factors. A major shift in the transcriptome occurs during the transition of cells from D0 to D10 and again at the late stages of retina development. Transcription, nervous system development, cell cycle, neurotransmitter transport, glycosylation, and lipid metabolisms are the most important biological processes during retina development. Altogether, we have identified and reported 15 TFs, including Irx2, Irx3, Lmo2, Tead2, Tbx20, and Zeb1, which are potentially involved in the regulation of retinal organoid development. In conclusion, using several rigorous analyses, we have found main stage-specific biological processes in the retina development and predicted TFs with strong potency in controlling this structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Godini
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Hossein Fallahi
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Razi University, Kermanshah 6714115111, Iran.
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44
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Daich Varela M, Esener B, Hashem SA, Cabral de Guimaraes TA, Georgiou M, Michaelides M. Structural evaluation in inherited retinal diseases. Br J Ophthalmol 2021; 105:1623-1631. [PMID: 33980508 PMCID: PMC8639906 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2021-319228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ophthalmic genetics is a field that has been rapidly evolving over the last decade, mainly due to the flourishing of translational medicine for inherited retinal diseases (IRD). In this review, we will address the different methods by which retinal structure can be objectively and accurately assessed in IRD. We review standard-of-care imaging for these patients: colour fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT), as well as higher-resolution and/or newer technologies including OCT angiography, adaptive optics imaging, fundus imaging using a range of wavelengths, magnetic resonance imaging, laser speckle flowgraphy and retinal oximetry, illustrating their utility using paradigm genotypes with on-going therapeutic efforts/trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malena Daich Varela
- Moorfields Eye Hospital City Road Campus, London, UK
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Burak Esener
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inonu University School of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Shaima A Hashem
- Moorfields Eye Hospital City Road Campus, London, UK
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Michalis Georgiou
- Moorfields Eye Hospital City Road Campus, London, UK
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michel Michaelides
- Moorfields Eye Hospital City Road Campus, London, UK
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
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45
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Sheck LHN, Esposti SD, Mahroo OA, Arno G, Pontikos N, Wright G, Webster AR, Khan KN, Michaelides M. Panel-based genetic testing for inherited retinal disease screening 176 genes. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2021; 9:e1663. [PMID: 33749171 PMCID: PMC8683638 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This case series reports the performance of a next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel of 176 retinal genes (NGS 176) in patients with inherited retinal disease (IRD). METHODS Subjects are patients who underwent genetic testing between 1 August 2016 and 1 January 2018 at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK. Panel-based genetic testing was performed unless a specific gene (e.g., RS1) or small group of genes (e.g., ABCA4, PRPH2) were suspected. If a novel variant was identified, a further comment on their predicted pathogenicity and evolutionary conservation was offered and segregation studies performed. The main outcome measure is the likelihood of obtaining a genetic diagnosis using NGS 176. RESULTS 488 patients were included. A molecular diagnosis was obtained for 59.4% of patients. Younger patients were more likely to receive a molecular diagnosis; with 92% of children under the age of 6 years receiving a conclusive result. There was a change in their initially assigned inheritance pattern in 8.4% of patients following genetic testing. Selected IRD diagnoses (e.g., achromatopsia, congenital stationary night blindness) were associated with high diagnostic yields. CONCLUSION This study confirms that NGS 176 is a useful first-tier genetic test for most IRD patients. Age and initial clinical diagnosis were strongly associated with diagnostic yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo H. N. Sheck
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- Auckland District Health BoardAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Simona D. Esposti
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- UCL Institute of OphthalmologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Omar A. Mahroo
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- UCL Institute of OphthalmologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Gavin Arno
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- UCL Institute of OphthalmologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Nikolas Pontikos
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- UCL Institute of OphthalmologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Genevieve Wright
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- UCL Institute of OphthalmologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Andrew R. Webster
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- UCL Institute of OphthalmologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Michel Michaelides
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- UCL Institute of OphthalmologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
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46
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Esquenazi RB, Meier K, Beyeler M, Boynton GM, Fine I. Learning to see again: Perceptual learning of simulated abnormal on- off-cell population responses in sighted individuals. J Vis 2021; 21:10. [PMID: 34935878 PMCID: PMC8727313 DOI: 10.1167/jov.21.13.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Many forms of artificial sight recovery, such as electronic implants and optogenetic proteins, generally cause simultaneous, rather than complementary firing of on- and off-center retinal cells. Here, using virtual patients—sighted individuals viewing distorted input—we examine whether plasticity might compensate for abnormal neuronal population responses. Five participants were dichoptically presented with a combination of original and contrast-reversed images. Each image (I) and its contrast-reverse (Iʹ) was filtered using a radial checkerboard (F) in Fourier space and its inverse (Fʹ). [I * F′] + [Iʹ * F] was presented to one eye, and [I * F] + [Iʹ * F′] was presented to the other, such that regions of the image that produced on-center responses in one eye produced off-center responses in the other eye, and vice versa. Participants continuously improved in a naturalistic object discrimination task over 20 one-hour sessions. Pre-training and post-training tests suggest that performance improvements were due to two learning processes: learning to recognize objects with reduced visual information and learning to suppress contrast-reversed image information in a non–eye-selective manner. These results suggest that, with training, it may be possible to adapt to the unnatural on- and off-cell population responses produced by electronic and optogenetic sight recovery technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kimberly Meier
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, USA.,
| | - Michael Beyeler
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, USA.,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, USA.,
| | | | - Ione Fine
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, USA.,
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Botto C, Dalkara D, El-Amraoui A. Progress in Gene Editing Tools and Their Potential for Correcting Mutations Underlying Hearing and Vision Loss. Front Genome Ed 2021; 3:737632. [PMID: 34778871 PMCID: PMC8581640 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2021.737632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Blindness and deafness are the most frequent sensory disorders in humans. Whatever their cause - genetic, environmental, or due to toxic agents, or aging - the deterioration of these senses is often linked to irreversible damage to the light-sensing photoreceptor cells (blindness) and/or the mechanosensitive hair cells (deafness). Efforts are increasingly focused on preventing disease progression by correcting or replacing the blindness and deafness-causal pathogenic alleles. In recent years, gene replacement therapies for rare monogenic disorders of the retina have given positive results, leading to the marketing of the first gene therapy product for a form of childhood hereditary blindness. Promising results, with a partial restoration of auditory function, have also been reported in preclinical models of human deafness. Silencing approaches, including antisense oligonucleotides, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated microRNA delivery, and genome-editing approaches have also been applied to various genetic forms of blindness and deafness The discovery of new DNA- and RNA-based CRISPR/Cas nucleases, and the new generations of base, prime, and RNA editors offers new possibilities for directly repairing point mutations and therapeutically restoring gene function. Thanks to easy access and immune-privilege status of self-contained compartments, the eye and the ear continue to be at the forefront of developing therapies for genetic diseases. Here, we review the ongoing applications and achievements of this new class of emerging therapeutics in the sensory organs of vision and hearing, highlighting the challenges ahead and the solutions to be overcome for their successful therapeutic application in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Botto
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Deniz Dalkara
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Aziz El-Amraoui
- Unit Progressive Sensory Disorders, Pathophysiology and Therapy, Institut Pasteur, Institut de l'Audition, Université de Paris, INSERM-UMRS1120, Paris, France
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48
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Kralik J, Kleinlogel S. Functional Availability of ON-Bipolar Cells in the Degenerated Retina: Timing and Longevity of an Optogenetic Gene Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111515. [PMID: 34768944 PMCID: PMC8584043 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Degenerative diseases of the retina are responsible for the death of photoreceptors and subsequent loss of vision in patients. Nevertheless, the inner retinal layers remain intact over an extended period of time, enabling the restoration of light sensitivity in blind retinas via the expression of optogenetic tools in the remaining retinal cells. The chimeric Opto-mGluR6 protein represents such a tool. With exclusive ON-bipolar cell expression, it combines the light-sensitive domains of melanopsin and the intracellular domains of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 6 (mGluR6), which naturally mediates light responses in these cells. Albeit vision restoration in blind mice by Opto-mGluR6 delivery was previously shown, much is left to be explored in regard to the effects of the timing of the treatment in the degenerated retina. We performed a functional evaluation of Opto-mGluR6-treated murine blind retinas using multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) and observed long-term functional preservation in the treated retinas, as well as successful therapeutical intervention in later stages of degeneration. Moreover, the treatment decreased the inherent retinal hyperactivity of the degenerated retinas to levels undistinguishable from healthy controls. Finally, we observed for the first time micro electroretinograms (mERGs) in optogenetically treated animals, corroborating the origin of Opto-mGluR6 signalling at the level of mGluR6 of ON-bipolar cells.
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Schönbach EM, Janeschitz-Kriegl L, Strauss RW, Cattaneo ME, Fujinami K, Birch DG, Cideciyan AV, Sunness JS, Weleber RG, Ip MS, Sadda SR, Scholl HP. The Progression of Stargardt Disease Using Volumetric Hill of Vision Analyses Over 24 Months: ProgStar Report No.15. Am J Ophthalmol 2021; 230:123-133. [PMID: 33951446 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2021.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report the yearly rate of change in macular function in patients with Stargardt disease type 1 (STGD1) over 24 months and to establish a new volumetric visual function index for use in clinical trials investigating the efficacy on retinal sensitivity. METHODS Design: International, multicenter, prospective cohort study with 5 study visits every 6 months over 24 months. PARTICIPANTS A total of 233 individuals with genetically confirmed STGD1 (≥1 disease-causing ABCA4 variant). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The total volume (VTOT) beneath the sensitivity surface of a 3-D model of the hill of vision and mean sensitivity (MS) derived from mesopic microperimetry performed with a white stimulus. Changes of VTOT over time and its correlation with the ABCA4 genotype and baseline features. RESULTS At baseline, 440 eyes (233 patients) with a mean (SD) age of 33.7 (15.0) years, mean (SD) visual acuity of 46.08 (16.03) ETDRS letters were analyzed with an average VTOT of 0.91 decibel-steradian (dB-sr) and an MS of 10.73 dB. The overall mean rate of decrease in sensitivity [95% confidence interval] was 0.077 [0.064, 0.090] dB-sr/y for VTOT and 0.87 [0.72, 1.02] dB/year for MS. The progression rate of VTOT depended on baseline visual function (0.029 dB-sr/year for low and 0.120 dB-sr/year for high baseline VTOT; P < .001) and exhibited a difference in the first vs second year of follow-up (0.065 dB-sr/year vs 0.089 dB-sr/year, respectively; P < .001). The absence of pigmentary abnormalities of the retinal pigment epithelium at baseline was found to be associated with a faster progression rate (P < .001), whereas a significant association with the genotype was not detected (P = .7). CONCLUSION In STGD1, both microperimetric outcomes demonstrate statistically significant and clinically meaningful changes after relatively short follow-up periods. Volumetric modeling may be useful in future interventional clinical trials that aim to improve retinal sensitivity or to slow down its decline and for structure-function correlations.
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50
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Sarkar A, Junnuthula V, Dyawanapelly S. Ocular Therapeutics and Molecular Delivery Strategies for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (nAMD). Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10594. [PMID: 34638935 PMCID: PMC8508687 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in geriatric population. Intravitreal (IVT) injections are popular clinical option. Biologics and small molecules offer efficacy but relatively shorter half-life after intravitreal injections. To address these challenges, numerous technologies and therapies are under development. Most of these strategies aim to reduce the frequency of injections, thereby increasing patient compliance and reducing patient-associated burden. Unlike IVT frequent injections, molecular therapies such as cell therapy and gene therapy offer restoration ability hence gained a lot of traction. The recent approval of ocular gene therapy for inherited disease offers new hope in this direction. However, until such breakthrough therapies are available to the majority of patients, antibody therapeutics will be on the shelf, continuing to provide therapeutic benefits. The present review aims to highlight the status of pre-clinical and clinical studies of neovascular AMD treatment modalities including Anti-VEGF therapy, upcoming bispecific antibodies, small molecules, port delivery systems, photodynamic therapy, radiation therapy, gene therapy, cell therapy, and combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aira Sarkar
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA;
| | | | - Sathish Dyawanapelly
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Nathalal Parekh Marg, Mumbai 400019, India
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