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Liu PK, Lee W, Su PY, Kim AH, Kang EYC, Levi SR, Jenny LA, Lin PH, Chi YC, Wu PL, Wang HH, Chang YC, Liu L, Chen KJ, Hwang YS, Wu WC, Lai CC, Tsang SH, Allikmets RL, Wang NK. Cross-sectional Analysis of Outer Retinal Tubulation in Inherited Retinal Diseases: A Multicenter Study. Am J Ophthalmol 2024:S0002-9394(24)00336-2. [PMID: 39127396 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2024.07.032] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to explore genetic variants that potentially lead to outer retinal tubulation (ORT), estimate the prevalence of ORT in these candidate genes, and investigate the clinical etiology of ORT in patients with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), with respect to each gene. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS A retrospective cross-sectional review was conducted on 565 patients with molecular diagnoses of IRD, confirming the presence of ORT as noted in each patient's respective spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging. Using SD-OCT imaging, the presence of ORT was analyzed in relation to specific genetic variants and phenotypic characteristics. Outcomes included the observed ORT frequencies across two gene-specific cohorts: non- retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-specific genes, and RPE-specific genes; and to investigate the analogous characteristics caused by variants in these genes. RESULTS Among the 565 patients included in this study, 104 exhibited ORT on SD-OCT. We observed ORT frequencies among the following genes from our patient cohort: 100% (23/23) forCHM, 100%(2/2) forPNPLA6, 100% (4/4) forRCBTB1, 100% formtDNA[100% (4/4) forMT-TL1and 100% (1/1) formtDNAdeletion], 100% (1/1) forOAT, 95.2% (20/21) forCYP4V2, 72.7% (8/11) forCHMfemale carriers, 66.7% (2/3) forC1QTNF5, 57.1% (8/14) forPROM1, 53.8% (7/13) forPRPH2, 42.9% (3/7) forCERKL, 28.6% (2/7) forCDHR1, 20% (1/5) forRPE65, 4% (18/445) forABCA4.In contrast, ORT was not observed in any patients with photoreceptor-specific gene variants, such asRHO(n=13),USH2A(n=118),EYS(n=70),PDE6B(n=10),PDE6A(n=4),and others. CONCLUSION These results illustrate a compelling association between the presence of ORT and IRDs caused by variants in RPE-specific genes, as well as non-RPE-specific genes. In contrast, IRDs caused by photoreceptor-specific genes are typically not associated with ORT occurrence. Further analysis revealed that ORT tends to manifest in IRDs with milder intraretinal pigment migration (IPM), a finding that is typically associated with RPE-specific genes. These findings regarding ORT, genetic factors, atrophic patterns in the fundus, and IPM provide valuable insight into the complex etiology of IRDs. Future prospective studies are needed to further explore the association and underlying mechanisms of ORT in these contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Kang Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Winston Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Pei-Yin Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Angela H Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Eugene Yu-Chuan Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Sarah R Levi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Laura A Jenny
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Pei-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chun Chi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Liang Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA; College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Hsi Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA; College of Arts and Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Yo-Chen Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Luara Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taiwan; School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Jen Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yih-Shiou Hwang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chun Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rando L Allikmets
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nan-Kai Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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2
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Liu J, Copland DA, Clare AJ, Gorski M, Richards BT, Scott L, Theodoropoulou S, Greferath U, Cox K, Shi G, Bell OH, Ou K, Powell JLB, Wu J, Robles LM, Li Y, Nicholson LB, Coffey PJ, Fletcher EL, Guymer R, Radeke MJ, Heid IM, Hageman GS, Chan YK, Dick AD. Replenishing IRAK-M expression in retinal pigment epithelium attenuates outer retinal degeneration. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadi4125. [PMID: 38838135 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adi4125] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is a constitutive component of many age-related diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Here, we identified interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase M (IRAK-M) as a key immunoregulator in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) that declines during the aging process. Rare genetic variants of IRAK3, which encodes IRAK-M, were associated with an increased likelihood of developing AMD. In human samples and mouse models, IRAK-M abundance in the RPE declined with advancing age or exposure to oxidative stress and was further reduced in AMD. Irak3-knockout mice exhibited an increased incidence of outer retinal degeneration at earlier ages, which was further exacerbated by oxidative stressors. The absence of IRAK-M led to a disruption in RPE cell homeostasis, characterized by compromised mitochondrial function, cellular senescence, and aberrant cytokine production. IRAK-M overexpression protected RPE cells against oxidative or immune stressors. Subretinal delivery of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-expressing human IRAK3 rescued light-induced outer retinal degeneration in wild-type mice and attenuated age-related spontaneous retinal degeneration in Irak3-knockout mice. Our data show that replenishment of IRAK-M in the RPE may redress dysregulated pro-inflammatory processes in AMD, suggesting a potential treatment for retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Liu
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - David A Copland
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Alison J Clare
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Mathias Gorski
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg 93053, Germany
| | - Burt T Richards
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Louis Scott
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Sofia Theodoropoulou
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Ursula Greferath
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Katherine Cox
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Gongyu Shi
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Oliver H Bell
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Kepeng Ou
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Jenna Le Brun Powell
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Jiahui Wu
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Luis Martinez Robles
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Yingxin Li
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Lindsay B Nicholson
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Peter J Coffey
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Erica L Fletcher
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Robyn Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Monte J Radeke
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Iris M Heid
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg 93053, Germany
| | - Gregory S Hageman
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Ying Kai Chan
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Andrew D Dick
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London EC1V 2PD, UK
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3
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Hassanpoor N, Ebrahimiadib N, Riazi-Esfahani H, Moghaddasi A, Suri F. Bilateral helicoid peri-papillary sub-retinal fibrosis due to a biallelic NR2E3 mutation: Describing variable expressivity of a mutation. Eur J Ophthalmol 2024:11206721241234396. [PMID: 38444285 DOI: 10.1177/11206721241234396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To describe different clinical presentations of a same NR2E3 recessive mutation in two families and within one family. DESIGN Interventional family study. RESULTS Our first case was a one-year-old male child with high hyperopia and refractive accommodative esotropia. In retinal examination, peri-papillary sub-retinal fibrosis with a helicoid configuration was observed in both eyes. The parents and the only sibling had no pathologic findings in the eyes. The child showed to have severely reduced responses in both photopic and scotopic electroretinogram components. In the genetic investigation, a homozygous autosomal recessive mutation in the NR2E3 gene (IVS1-2A > C) was discovered in the affected child, while the other family members were heterozygous for this mutation. We followed up with the patient for 3 years and no new lesion developed during this period. The second case was a 13-year-old male child referred to the retina clinic for decreased vision in the right eye. In retina examination, there were nummular pigmentary changes at the level of retinal pigment epithelium and along the vascular arcades with foveo-schitic changes in both eyes. A choroidal neovascularization (CNV) was noticed in the macula of his right eye. The genetic evaluation proved the same mutation in the NR2E3 gene as in the first case. Family history was remarkable for an uncle, an aunt, and two cousins with night blindness. CONCLUSION Same NR2E3 gene mutation can cause heterogeneous clinical manifestations such as slight retinal changes in the absence of any visual symptoms to high hyperopia associated with helicoid peri-papillary sub-retinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Hassanpoor
- Retina & Vitreous Service, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nazanin Ebrahimiadib
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Hamid Riazi-Esfahani
- Retina & Vitreous Service, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afrooz Moghaddasi
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Suri
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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4
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Liu J, Copland DA, Clare AJ, Gorski M, Richards BT, Scott L, Theodoropoulou S, Greferath U, Cox K, Bell OH, Ou K, Powell JLB, Wu J, Robles LM, Li Y, Nicholson LB, Coffey PJ, Fletcher EL, Guymer R, Radeke MJ, Heid IM, Hageman GS, Chan YK, Dick AD. Replenishing Age-Related Decline of IRAK-M Expression in Retinal Pigment Epithelium Attenuates Outer Retinal Degeneration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.27.559733. [PMID: 37808640 PMCID: PMC10557650 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.27.559733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Unchecked, chronic inflammation is a constitutive component of age-related diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Here we identified interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK)-M as a key immunoregulator in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) that declines with age. Rare genetic variants of IRAK-M increased the likelihood of AMD. IRAK-M expression in RPE declined with age or oxidative stress and was further reduced in AMD. IRAK-M-deficient mice exhibited increased incidence of outer retinal degeneration at earlier ages, which was further exacerbated by oxidative stressors. The absence of IRAK-M disrupted RPE cell homeostasis, including compromised mitochondrial function, cellular senescence, and aberrant cytokine production. IRAK-M overexpression protected RPE cells against oxidative or immune stressors. Subretinal delivery of AAV-expressing IRAK-M rescued light-induced outer retinal degeneration in wild-type mice and attenuated age-related spontaneous retinal degeneration in IRAK-M-deficient mice. Our data support that replenishment of IRAK-M expression may redress dysregulated pro-inflammatory processes in AMD, thereby treating degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Liu
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - David A. Copland
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Alison J. Clare
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Mathias Gorski
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Burt T. Richards
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Louis Scott
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Sofia Theodoropoulou
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ursula Greferath
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katherine Cox
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver H. Bell
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Kepeng Ou
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jenna Le Brun Powell
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jiahui Wu
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Luis Martinez Robles
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Yingxin Li
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Lindsay B. Nicholson
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J. Coffey
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erica L. Fletcher
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robyn Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Monte J. Radeke
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, United States
| | - Iris M. Heid
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gregory S. Hageman
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Ying Kai Chan
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Andrew D. Dick
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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5
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Yang TH, Kang EYC, Lin PH, Wu PL, Sachs JA, Wang NK. The Value of Electroretinography in Identifying Candidate Genes for Inherited Retinal Dystrophies: A Diagnostic Guide. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3041. [PMID: 37835784 PMCID: PMC10572658 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13193041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a group of heterogeneous diseases caused by genetic mutations that specifically affect the function of the rod, cone, or bipolar cells in the retina. Electroretinography (ERG) is a diagnostic tool that measures the electrical activity of the retina in response to light stimuli, and it can help to determine the function of these cells. A normal ERG response consists of two waves, the a-wave and the b-wave, which reflect the activity of the photoreceptor cells and the bipolar and Muller cells, respectively. Despite the growing availability of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, identifying the precise genetic mutation causing an IRD can be challenging and costly. However, certain types of IRDs present with unique ERG features that can help guide genetic testing. By combining these ERG findings with other clinical information, such as on family history and retinal imaging, physicians can effectively narrow down the list of candidate genes to be sequenced, thereby reducing the cost of genetic testing. This review article focuses on certain types of IRDs with unique ERG features. We will discuss the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of, and ERG findings on, these disorders, emphasizing the unique role ERG plays in their diagnosis and genetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsai-Hsuan Yang
- Department of Education, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan;
- College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
| | - Eugene Yu-Chuan Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan;
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsuan Lin
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Yunlin 640203, Taiwan;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (P.-L.W.); (J.A.S.)
| | - Pei-Liang Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (P.-L.W.); (J.A.S.)
- Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Jacob Aaron Sachs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (P.-L.W.); (J.A.S.)
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Nan-Kai Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan;
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (P.-L.W.); (J.A.S.)
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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6
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Kumari A, Borooah S. The Role of Microglia in Inherited Retinal Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1415:197-205. [PMID: 37440034 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-27681-1_29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a leading cause of irreversible visual loss in the developed world. The primary driver of pathology in IRDs is pathogenic genetic variant. However, there is increasing evidence, from recent studies, for a role of the immune system in disease mechanism, particularly retinal microglia. Microglia are the primary immune cells in the retina and actively contribute to disease pathogenesis when activated locally by phagocytosing photoreceptors, inducing inflammation and signaling infiltration of circulating monocytes. In this article, we discuss the evidence for the contribution of retinal microglia to IRD pathogenesis reported so far using mice model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asha Kumari
- Jacobs Retina Center, Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shyamanga Borooah
- Jacobs Retina Center, Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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7
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Huang WC, Liu PK, Wang NK. Electroretinogram (ERG) to Evaluate the Retina in Cases of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2560:111-122. [PMID: 36481888 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2651-1_10] [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] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Electroretinogram (ERG) captures the electrical responses of photoreceptors, the summation of action potentials from all neurons in the retina elicited by illumination. ERG testing is an incredibly useful tool in obtaining more specific information regarding a retinal dystrophy. Specifically, ERGs are typically used to test photoreceptors and inner retinal function in humans and animals, to diagnose retinal dystrophies, and to monitor disease progression. In this chapter, we will introduce the components of ERGs and the standard ERG protocols for clinical examination. We will also introduce the various specialized ERG tests, which can help to differentiate retinitis pigmentosa (RP) from other retinal disorders. Lastly, we will elaborate on how to use ERGs to predict visual prognosis in RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Chun Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pei-Kang Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Nan-Kai Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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Sun C, Chen S. Disease-causing mutations in genes encoding transcription factors critical for photoreceptor development. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1134839. [PMID: 37181651 PMCID: PMC10172487 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1134839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptor development of the vertebrate visual system is controlled by a complex transcription regulatory network. OTX2 is expressed in the mitotic retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) and controls photoreceptor genesis. CRX that is activated by OTX2 is expressed in photoreceptor precursors after cell cycle exit. NEUROD1 is also present in photoreceptor precursors that are ready to specify into rod and cone photoreceptor subtypes. NRL is required for the rod fate and regulates downstream rod-specific genes including the orphan nuclear receptor NR2E3 which further activates rod-specific genes and simultaneously represses cone-specific genes. Cone subtype specification is also regulated by the interplay of several transcription factors such as THRB and RXRG. Mutations in these key transcription factors are responsible for ocular defects at birth such as microphthalmia and inherited photoreceptor diseases such as Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and allied dystrophies. In particular, many mutations are inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, including the majority of missense mutations in CRX and NRL. In this review, we describe the spectrum of photoreceptor defects that are associated with mutations in the above-mentioned transcription factors, and summarize the current knowledge of molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenic mutations. At last, we deliberate the outstanding gaps in our understanding of the genotype-phenotype correlations and outline avenues for future research of the treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Chi Sun,
| | - Shiming Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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Kumari A, Ayala-Ramirez R, Zenteno JC, Huffman K, Sasik R, Ayyagari R, Borooah S. Single cell RNA sequencing confirms retinal microglia activation associated with early onset retinal degeneration. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15273. [PMID: 36088481 PMCID: PMC9464204 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19351-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the Membrane-type frizzled related protein (Mfrp) gene results in an early-onset retinal degeneration associated with retinitis pigmentosa, microphthalmia, optic disc drusen and foveal schisis. In the current study, a previously characterized mouse model of human retinal degeneration carrying homozygous c.498_499insC mutations in Mfrp (MfrpKI/KI) was used. Patients carrying this mutation have retinal degeneration at an early age. The model demonstrates subretinal deposits and develops early-onset photoreceptor degeneration. We observed large subretinal deposits in MfrpKI/KI mice which were strongly CD68 positive and co-localized with autofluorescent spots. Single cell RNA sequencing of MfrpKI/KI mice retinal microglia showed a significantly higher number of pan-macrophage marker Iba-1 and F4/80 positive cells with increased expression of activation marker (CD68) and lowered microglial homeostatic markers (TMEM119, P2ry13, P2ry13, Siglech) compared with wild type mice confirming microglial activation as observed in retinal immunostaining showing microglia activation in subretinal region. Trajectory analysis identified a small cluster of microglial cells with activation transcriptomic signatures that could represent a subretinal microglia population in MfrpKI/KI mice expressing higher levels of APOE. We validated these findings using immunofluorescence staining of retinal cryosections and found a significantly higher number of subretinal Iba-1/ApoE positive microglia in MfrpKI/KI mice with some subretinal microglia also expressing lowered levels of microglial homeostatic marker TMEM119, confirming microglial origin. In summary, we confirm that MfrpKI/KI mice carrying the c.498_499insC mutation had a significantly higher population of activated microglia in their retina with distinct subsets of subretinal microglia. Further, studies are required to confirm whether the association of increased subretinal microglia in MfrpKI/KI mice are causal in degeneration.
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Venturini G, Kokona D, Steiner BL, Bulla EG, Jovanovic J, Zinkernagel MS, Escher P. In vivo analysis of onset and progression of retinal degeneration in the Nr2e3 rd7/rd7 mouse model of enhanced S-cone sensitivity syndrome. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19032. [PMID: 34561487 PMCID: PMC8463594 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98271-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The photoreceptor-specific nuclear receptor Nr2e3 is not expressed in Nr2e3rd7/rd7 mice, a mouse model of the recessively inherited retinal degeneration enhanced S-cone sensitivity syndrome (ESCS). We characterized in detail C57BL/6J Nr2e3rd7/rd7 mice in vivo by fundus photography, optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography and, post mortem, by histology and immunohistochemistry. White retinal spots and so-called 'rosettes' first appear at postnatal day (P) 12 in the dorsal retina and reach maximal expansion at P21. The highest density in 'rosettes' is observed within a region located between 100 and 350 µM from the optic nerve head. 'Rosettes' disappear between 9 to 12 months. Non-apoptotic cell death markers are detected during the slow photoreceptor degeneration, at a rate of an approximately 3% reduction of outer nuclear layer thickness per month, as observed from 7 to 31 months of age. In vivo analysis of Nr2e3rd7/rd7 Cx3cr1gfp/+ retinas identified microglial cells within 'rosettes' from P21 on. Subretinal macrophages were observed in vivo and by confocal microscopy earliest in 12-months-old Nr2e3rd7/rd7 retinas. At P21, S-opsin expression and the number of S-opsin expressing dorsal cones was increased. The dorso-ventral M-cone gradient was present in Nr2e3rd7/rd7 retinas, but M-opsin expression and M-opsin expressing cones were decreased. Retinal vasculature was normal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Venturini
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Despina Kokona
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Beatrice L Steiner
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Emanuele G Bulla
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joel Jovanovic
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin S Zinkernagel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Escher
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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11
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Ferdous S, Liao KL, Gefke ID, Summers VR, Wu W, Donaldson KJ, Kim YK, Sellers JT, Dixon JA, Shelton DA, Markand S, Kim SM, Zhang N, Boatright JH, Nickerson JM. Age-Related Retinal Changes in Wild-Type C57BL/6J Mice Between 2 and 32 Months. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:9. [PMID: 34100889 PMCID: PMC8196434 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.7.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to extend our understanding of how aging affects normal retina function and morphology in wild-type C57BL/6J mice, by analyzing electrophysiological recordings and in vivo and post mortem anatomy. Methods Electroretinograms (ERGs), spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (cSLO) in vivo images were obtained from mice between the ages of 2 and 32 months in four groups: group 1 (<0.5 years), group 2 (1.0-1.5 years), group 3 (1.5-2.0 years), and group 4 (>2.0 years). Afterward, mouse bodies and eyes were weighed. Eyes were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and cell nuclei were quantified. Results With aging, mice showed a significant reduction in both a- and b-wave ERG amplitudes in scotopic and photopic conditions. Additionally, total retina and outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness, as measured by SD-OCT images, were significantly reduced in older groups. The cSLO images showed an increase in auto-fluorescence at the photoreceptor-RPE interface as age increases. H&E cell nuclei quantification showed significant reduction in the ONL in older ages, but no differences in the inner nuclear layer (INL) or ganglion cell layer (GCL). Conclusions By using multiple age groups and extending the upper age limit of our animals to approximately 2.65 years (P970), we found that natural aging causes negative effects on retinal function and morphology in a gradual, rather than abrupt, process. Future studies should investigate the exact mechanisms that contribute to these gradual declines in order to discover pathways that could potentially serve as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma Ferdous
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Kristie L. Liao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Isabelle D. Gefke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Vivian R. Summers
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Wenfei Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shan'xi, China
| | - Kevin J. Donaldson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Yong-Kyu Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jana T. Sellers
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Jendayi A. Dixon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Debresha A. Shelton
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Shanu Markand
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Somin M. Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jeffrey H. Boatright
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Atlanta Veterans Administration Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Decatur, Georgia, United States
| | - John M. Nickerson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
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12
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Huang CY, Kang EYC, Yeh LK, Wu AL, Liu PK, Huang IW, Ryu J, Liu L, Wu WC, Lai CC, Chen KJ, Wang NK. Predicting visual acuity in Bietti crystalline dystrophy: evaluation of image parameters. BMC Ophthalmol 2021; 21:68. [PMID: 33541298 PMCID: PMC7860191 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-021-01811-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To analyze multiple imaging modalities in patients with Bietti crystalline dystrophy (BCD) and to investigate which factors from these modalities are associated with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). METHODS In this retrospective study, 40 eyes from 22 patients with BCD were included and were separated into group 1 (BCVA ≤20/200) and group 2 (BCVA > 20/200). Data including BCVA and characteristic findings from near-infrared reflectance (NIR) imaging, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and spectral domain-optic coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were analyzed and compared. The outcome measures of multimodal imaging were evaluated for correlation with BCVA. RESULTS NIR is a good diagnostic tool for detecting either crystalline or sclerotic vessels in BCD. Patients in group 1 tended to have a thinner choroid (P = 0.047) with ellipsoid zone (EZ) disruption (P = 0.011). Calculation of the area under the curve indicated that EZ disruption detected on SD-OCT could be a good predictor of legal blindness in BCD. CONCLUSION For the diagnosis of BCD, NIR could be a good diagnostic tool. Of the studied imaging modalities, we found that EZ disruption at the fovea were strongly associated with legal blindness, which could be easily assessed by SD-OCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu-Yen Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Eugene Yu-Chuan Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Lung-Kun Yeh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - An-Lun Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Kang Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemical Science, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - I-Wen Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Joseph Ryu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Laura Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chun Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Jen Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Nan-Kai Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, USA.
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13
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de Carvalho ER, Robson AG, Arno G, Boon CJF, Webster AA, Michaelides M. Enhanced S-Cone Syndrome: Spectrum of Clinical, Imaging, Electrophysiologic, and Genetic Findings in a Retrospective Case Series of 56 Patients. Ophthalmol Retina 2021; 5:195-214. [PMID: 32679203 PMCID: PMC7861019 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2020.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the detailed phenotype, long-term clinical course, clinical variability, and genotype of patients with enhanced S-cone syndrome (ESCS). DESIGN Retrospective case series. PARTICIPANTS Fifty-six patients with ESCS. METHODS Clinical history, examination, imaging, and electrophysiologic findings of 56 patients (age range, 1-75 years) diagnosed with ESCS were reviewed. Diagnosis was established by molecular confirmation of disease-causing variants in the NR2E3 gene (n = 38) or by diagnostic full-field electroretinography findings (n = 18). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Age at onset of visual symptoms, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), quantitative age-related electrophysiologic decline, and imaging findings. RESULTS Mean age at onset of visual symptoms was 4.0 years, and median age at presentation was 20.5 years, with mean follow-up interval being 6.1 years. Six patients were assessed once. Disease-causing variants in NR2E3 were identified in 38 patients. Mean BCVA of the better-seeing eye was 0.32 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) at baseline and 0.39 logMAR at follow-up. In most eyes (76% [76/100]), BCVA remained stable, with a mean BCVA change of 0.07 logMAR during follow-up. Nyctalopia was the most common initial symptom, reported in 92.9% of patients (52/56). Clinical findings were highly variable and included foveomacular schisis (41.1% [26/56]), yellow-white dots (57.1% [32/56]), nummular pigmentation (85.7% [48/56]), torpedo-like lesions (10.7% [6/56]), and circumferential subretinal fibrosis (7.1% [4/56]). Macular and peripheral patterns of autofluorescence were classified as (1) minimal change, (2) hypoautofluorescent (mild diffuse, moderate speckled, moderate diffuse, or advanced), or (3) hyperautofluorescent flecks. One patient showed undetectable electroretinography findings; quantification of main electroretinography components in all other patients revealed amplitude and peak time variability but with pathognomonic electroretinography features. The main electroretinography components showed evidence of age-related worsening over 6.7 decades, at a rate indistinguishable from that seen in unaffected control participants. Eighteen sequence variants in NR2E3 were identified, including 4 novel missense changes. CONCLUSIONS Enhanced S-cone syndrome has a highly variable phenotype with relative clinical and imaging stability over time. Most electroretinography findings have pathognomonic features, but quantitative assessment reveals variability and a normal mean rate of age-related decline, consistent with largely nonprogressive peripheral retinal dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel R de Carvalho
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anthony G Robson
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gavin Arno
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Camiel J F Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Andrew A Webster
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michel Michaelides
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Iannaccone A, Brabbit E, Lopez-Miro C, Love Z, Griffiths V, Kedrov M, Haider NB. Interspecies Correlations between Human and Mouse NR2E3-Associated Recessive Disease. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10030475. [PMID: 33513943 PMCID: PMC7865474 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10030475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
NR2E3-associated recessive disease in humans is historically defined by congenital night blinding retinopathy, characterized by an initial increase in short-wavelength (S)-cone sensitivity and progressive loss of rod and cone function. The retinal degeneration 7 (rd7) murine model, harboring a recessive mutation in the mouse ortholog of NR2E3, has been a well-studied disease model and recently evaluated as a therapeutic model for NR2E3-associated retinal degenerations. This study aims to draw parallels between human and mouse NR2E3-related disease through examination of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging between different stage of human disease and its murine counterpart. We propose that SD-OCT is a useful non-invasive diagnostic tool to compare human clinical dystrophy presentation with that of the rd7 mouse and make inference that may be of therapeutically relevance. Additionally, a longitudinal assessment of rd7 disease progression, utilizing available clinical data from our patients as well as extensive retrospective analysis of visual acuity data from published cases of human NR2E3-related disease, was curated to identify further valuable correlates between human and mouse Nr2e3 disease. Results of this study validate the slow progression of NR2E3-associated disease in humans and the rd7 mice and identify SD-OCT characteristics in patients at or near the vascular arcades that correlate well with the whorls and rosettes that are seen also in the rd7 mouse and point to imaging features that appear to be associated with better preserved S-cone mediated retinal function. The correlation of histological findings between rd7 mice and human imaging provides a solid foundation for diagnostic use of pathophysiological and prognostic information to further define characteristics and a relevant timeline for therapeutic intervention in the field of NR2E3-associated retinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Iannaccone
- Center for Retinal Degenerations and Ophthalmic Genetic Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (C.L.-M.); (V.G.); (M.K.)
- Correspondence: (A.I.); (N.B.H.)
| | - Emily Brabbit
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (E.B.); (Z.L.)
| | - Christiaan Lopez-Miro
- Center for Retinal Degenerations and Ophthalmic Genetic Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (C.L.-M.); (V.G.); (M.K.)
| | - Zoe Love
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (E.B.); (Z.L.)
| | - Victoria Griffiths
- Center for Retinal Degenerations and Ophthalmic Genetic Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (C.L.-M.); (V.G.); (M.K.)
| | - Marina Kedrov
- Center for Retinal Degenerations and Ophthalmic Genetic Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (C.L.-M.); (V.G.); (M.K.)
| | - Neena B. Haider
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (E.B.); (Z.L.)
- Correspondence: (A.I.); (N.B.H.)
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Al-khuzaei S, Broadgate S, Halford S, Jolly JK, Shanks M, Clouston P, Downes SM. Novel Pathogenic Sequence Variants in NR2E3 and Clinical Findings in Three Patients. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E1288. [PMID: 33138239 PMCID: PMC7716234 DOI: 10.3390/genes11111288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A retrospective review of the clinical records of patients seen at the Oxford Eye Hospital identified as having NR2E3 mutations was performed. The data included symptoms, best-corrected visual acuity, multimodal retinal imaging, visual fields and electrophysiology testing. Three participants were identified with biallelic NR2E3 pathogenic sequence variants detected using a targeted NGS gene panel, two of which were novel. Participant I was a Nepalese male aged 68 years, and participants II and III were white Caucasian females aged 69 and 10 years old, respectively. All three had childhood onset nyctalopia, a progressive decrease in central vision, and visual field loss. Patients I and III had photopsia, patient II had photosensitivity and patient III also had photophobia. Visual acuities in patients I and II were preserved even into the seventh decade, with the worst visual acuity measured at 6/36. Visual field constriction was severe in participant I, less so in II, and fields were full to bright targets targets in participant III. Electrophysiology testing in all three demonstrated loss of rod function. The three patients share some of the typical distinctive features of NR2E3 retinopathies, as well as a novel clinical observation of foveal ellipsoid thickening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saoud Al-khuzaei
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (S.A.-k.); (J.K.J.)
| | - Suzanne Broadgate
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford, Level 6 John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (S.B.); (S.H.)
| | - Stephanie Halford
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford, Level 6 John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (S.B.); (S.H.)
| | - Jasleen K. Jolly
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (S.A.-k.); (J.K.J.)
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford, Level 6 John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (S.B.); (S.H.)
| | - Morag Shanks
- Oxford Medical Genetics Laboratory, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK; (M.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Penny Clouston
- Oxford Medical Genetics Laboratory, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK; (M.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Susan M. Downes
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (S.A.-k.); (J.K.J.)
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford, Level 6 John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (S.B.); (S.H.)
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16
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En Face Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging in Enhanced S-Cone Syndrome. Retina 2020; 40:e32-e33. [DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000002857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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17
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Garafalo AV, Calzetti G, Cideciyan AV, Roman AJ, Saxena S, Sumaroka A, Choi W, Wright AF, Jacobson SG. Cone Vision Changes in the Enhanced S-Cone Syndrome Caused by NR2E3 Gene Mutations. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:3209-3219. [PMID: 29971438 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine the progression of cone vision loss in patients with recessive disease from NR2E3 gene mutations. Methods Patients with NR2E3 mutations (n = 37) were studied as a retrospective observational case series clinically and with chromatic static perimetry. Patients were investigated cross-sectionally, and a subset was followed longitudinally. Results Patients showed a range of visual acuities; there was no clear relationship to age. With kinetic perimetry (V4e target), a full field could be retained over many years. Other patients showed progression from a full field, with or without pericentral scotomas, to a small central island. Three patterns of S-cone function were defined, based on percentage of hypersensitive S-cone loci in the field. From occupying most of the visual field, hyperfunctioning S-cone loci could diminish in percent, remaining largely in the periphery. Normal S-cone functioning then dominates, followed by the appearance of an annular region of abnormal S-cone loci approximately 10° to 40° from the fovea. Overall, S-cone sensitivity declined 2.6 times faster than L/M-cone sensitivity. Conclusions Murine proof-of-concept studies suggest that clinical trials of patients with NR2E3 mutations may be forthcoming. Patterns of S-cone hyperfunction across the field would serve as a means to categorize patients as entry criteria or cohort selection in clinical trials. S-cone perimetry can be measured in the clinic and would be the logical efficacy monitor for therapeutic strategies. Given further understanding of the natural history of the disease, targeting the annular region of S-cone dysfunction for a focal therapy or for monitoring in a retina-wide intervention warrants consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra V Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Giacomo Calzetti
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alejandro J Roman
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Supna Saxena
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Windy Choi
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alan F Wright
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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von Eisenhart-Rothe P, Grubman A, Greferath U, Fothergill LJ, Jobling AI, Phipps JA, White AR, Fletcher EL, Vessey KA. Failure of Autophagy–Lysosomal Pathways in Rod Photoreceptors Causes the Early Retinal Degeneration Phenotype Observed inCln6nclfMice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 59:5082-5097. [DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexandra Grubman
- Department of Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ursula Greferath
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Linda J. Fothergill
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew I. Jobling
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joanna A. Phipps
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony R. White
- Department of Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Erica L. Fletcher
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kirstan A. Vessey
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Zhao J, Ueda K, Riera M, Kim HJ, Sparrow JR. Bisretinoids mediate light sensitivity resulting in photoreceptor cell degeneration in mice lacking the receptor tyrosine kinase Mer. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:19400-19410. [PMID: 30352873 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase Mer is expressed by retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and participates in photoreceptor outer-segment phagocytosis, a process enabling membrane renewal. Mutations in the gene encoding MERTK cause blinding retinitis pigmentosa in humans. Targeted Mertk disruption in mice causes defective RPE-mediated phagocytosis of the outer segments, leading to deposition of autofluorescent debris at the RPE-photoreceptor cell interface, followed by photoreceptor cell degeneration. Here, we show that retinaldehyde adducts (bisretinoid fluorophores) that form in photoreceptor outer segments occupy the unphagocytosed outer-segment debris that accumulates in Mertk -/- mice. Bisretinoids measured by HPLC were elevated in Mertk -/- mice compared with WT animals. Bisretinoids were also more abundant in albino Mertk -/- mice expressing leucine at position 450 of the isomerase RPE65 (Rpe65-Leu450) rather than the variant methionine (Rpe65-450Met) that yields lower bisretinoid levels. In Royal College of Surgeons rats having dysfunctional Mertk, bisretinoids were higher than in WT rats. Intensities of in vivo fundus autofluorescence were higher in Mertk -/- mice than in WT mice and peaked earlier in albino Mertk -/-/Rpe65-Leu450 mice than in albino Mertk -/-/Rpe65-450Met mice. Of note, the rate of photoreceptor cell degeneration was more rapid in albino Mertk -/- mice exposed to higher levels of intraocular light (albino versus pigmented mice) and in mice carrying Rpe65-Leu450 than in Rpe65-450Met mice, revealing a link between bisretinoid accumulation and light-mediated acceleration of photoreceptor cell degeneration. In conclusion, the light sensitivity of photoreceptor cell degeneration arising from Mertk deficiency is consistent with the known phototoxicity of bisretinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhao
- From the Departments of Ophthalmology and
| | - Keiko Ueda
- From the Departments of Ophthalmology and
| | | | | | - Janet R Sparrow
- From the Departments of Ophthalmology and .,Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
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Novel clinical findings in autosomal recessive NR2E3-related retinal dystrophy. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2018; 257:9-22. [PMID: 30324420 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-018-4161-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the clinical phenotype of autosomal recessive NR2E3-related retinal dystrophy. METHODS We retrospectively studied 11 patients carrying out at least 2 NR2E3 mutations; they had undergone comprehensive ophthalmological examination, fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, electrophysiological testing, and visual field at the Regional Reference Center for Hereditary Retinal Degenerations of the Eye Clinic in Florence. RESULTS Five females and six males with a diagnosis of NR2E3-related retinal dystrophy were included in the study. All patients complained of nyctalopia. Visual acuity ranged from 0.00 logMAR to hand motion. Two patients presented bull's eye maculopathy, and one of these was characterized by a triple hyper-autofluorescent ring at the fundus autofluorescence examination. Three patients showed small yellowish dots and spots at the mid-periphery. One patient was characterized by widespread subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD) at the posterior pole. Four patients showed vitreous abnormalities. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) examinations detected variable degrees of abnormal retinal lamination and schitic changes. Seven patients were compound heterozygous and four were homozygous for mutations in NR2E3. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirmed high variable phenotype in autosomal recessive NR2E3-related retinal dystrophy. Bull's eye maculopathy, subretinal drusenoid deposits, and foveal hypoplasia represent novel clinical findings in NR2E3-related retinal dystrophy. Macular involvement was detectable in all the patients, and the abnormal foveal avascular zone (FAZ) supports the role of NR2E3 in retinal development.
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Pichi F, Abboud EB, Ghazi NG, Khan AO. Fundus autofluorescence imaging in hereditary retinal diseases. Acta Ophthalmol 2018; 96:e549-e561. [PMID: 29098804 DOI: 10.1111/aos.13602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) is a non-invasive retinal imaging modality used in clinical practice to non-invasively map changes at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/photoreceptor complex and alterations of macular pigment distribution. This imaging method is based on the visualization of intrinsic fluorophores and may be easily and rapidly used in routine patient care. Excessive accumulation of lipofuscin granules in the lysosomal compartment of RPE cells represents a common downstream pathogenic pathway in various hereditary and complex retinal diseases. The clinical applications of FAF continue to expand. It is now an essential tool for evaluating macular dystrophies and various hereditary retinal disorders. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) may detect abnormalities beyond those detected on funduscopic examination, fluorescein angiography (FA) or optical coherence tomography (OCT). Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging is particularly helpful for differential diagnosis, detection and extent delineation of involved retinal areas, genotype-phenotype correlations and monitoring of changes overtime. Given its ease of use, non-invasive nature and value in characterizing retinal disease, FAF enjoys increasing clinical relevance. This review summarizes basic principles and FAF findings in various hereditary retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pichi
- Eye Institute; Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi; Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
| | - Emad B. Abboud
- Eye Institute; Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi; Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
| | - Nicola G. Ghazi
- Eye Institute; Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi; Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
| | - Arif O. Khan
- Eye Institute; Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi; Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
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Correspondence. Retina 2018; 38:e72-e73. [DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000002256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Özateş S, Tekin K, Teke MY. Goldmann-Favre Syndrome: Case Series. Turk J Ophthalmol 2018; 48:47-51. [PMID: 29576899 PMCID: PMC5854860 DOI: 10.4274/tjo.76158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Goldmann-Favre syndrome, which is caused by mutation of the NR2E3 gene, is a retinal degenerative disease with a wide spectrum of phenotypic properties. Variations in clinical presentation result in difficulties in differential diagnosis. In this article, Goldmann-Favre syndrome cases with different clinical findings are presented. Clinical characteristics of our cases were reviewed and discussed in light of the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serdar Özateş
- University of Health Sciences, Dr. Sami Ulus Maternity and Children Training and Research Hospital, Ophthalmology Clinic, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kemal Tekin
- Kars Harakani State Hospital, Ophthalmology Clinic, Kars, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Yasin Teke
- University of Health Sciences, Ulucanlar Eye Training and Research Hospital, Ophthalmology Clinic, Ankara, Turkey
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Kokona D, Jovanovic J, Ebneter A, Zinkernagel MS. In Vivo Imaging of Cx3cr1gfp/gfp Reporter Mice with Spectral-domain Optical Coherence Tomography and Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 29155795 DOI: 10.3791/55984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) are extensively used in experimental ophthalmology. In the present protocol, mice expressing green fluorescent protein (gfp) under the promoter of Cx3cr1 (BALB/c-Cx3cr1gfp/gfp) were used to image microglia cells in vivo in the retina. Microglia are resident macrophages of the retina and have been implicated in several retinal diseases1,2,3,4,5,6. This protocol provides a detailed approach for generation of retinal B-scans, with SD-OCT, and imaging of microglia cell distribution in Cx3cr1gfp/gfp mice with SLO in vivo, using an ophthalmic imaging platform system. The protocol can be used in several reporter mouse lines. However, there are some limitations to the protocol presented here. First, both SLO and SD-OCT, when used in the high-resolution mode, collect data with high axial resolution but the lateral resolution is lower (3.5 µm and 6 µm, respectively). Moreover, the focus and saturation level in SLO is highly dependent on parameter selection and correct alignment of the eye. Additionally, using devices designed for human patients in mice is challenging due to the higher total optical power of the mouse eye compared to the human eye; this can lead to lateral magnification inaccuracies7, which are also dependent on the magnification by the mouse lens among others. However, despite that the axial scan position is dependent upon lateral magnification, the axial SD-OCT measurements are accurate8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despina Kokona
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Clinical Research, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern;
| | - Joël Jovanovic
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Clinical Research, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern
| | - Andreas Ebneter
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Clinical Research, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern
| | - Martin S Zinkernagel
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Clinical Research, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern
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Long time remodeling during retinal degeneration evaluated by optical coherence tomography, immunocytochemistry and fundus autofluorescence. Exp Eye Res 2015; 150:122-34. [PMID: 26521765 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2015] [Revised: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To characterize the relationship between fundus autofluorescence (FAF), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) over the course of chronic retinal degeneration in the P23H rat. METHODS Homozygous albino P23H rats, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats as controls and pigmented Long Evans (LE) rats were used. A Spectralis HRA OCT system was used for scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) imaging OCT and angiography. To determine FAF, fluorescence was excited using diode laser at 488 nm. A fast retina map OCT was performed using the optic nerve as a landmark. IHC was performed to correlate with the findings of OCT and FAF changes. RESULTS During the course of retinal degeneration, the FAF pattern evolved from some spotting at 2 months old to a mosaic of hyperfluorescent dots in rats 6 months and older. Retinal thicknesses progressively diminished over the course of the disease. At later stages of degeneration, OCT documented changes in the retinal layers, however, IHC better identified the cell loss and remodeling changes. Angiography revealed attenuation of the retinal vascular plexus with time. CONCLUSION We provide for the first time a detailed long-term analysis of the course of retinal degeneration in P23H rats using a combination of SLO and OCT imaging, angiography, FAF and IHC. Although, the application of noninvasive methods enables longitudinal studies and will decrease the number of animals needed for a study, IHC is still an essential tool to identify retinal changes at the cellular level.
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Wert KJ, Bassuk AG, Wu WH, Gakhar L, Coglan D, Mahajan M, Wu S, Yang J, Lin CS, Tsang SH, Mahajan VB. CAPN5 mutation in hereditary uveitis: the R243L mutation increases calpain catalytic activity and triggers intraocular inflammation in a mouse model. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:4584-98. [PMID: 25994508 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A single amino acid mutation near the active site of the CAPN5 protease was linked to the inherited blinding disorder, autosomal dominant neovascular inflammatory vitreoretinopathy (ADNIV, OMIM #193235). In homology modeling with other calpains, this R243L CAPN5 mutation was situated in a mobile loop that gates substrate access to the calcium-regulated active site. In in vitro activity assays, the mutation increased calpain protease activity and made it far more active at low concentrations of calcium. To test whether the disease allele could yield an animal model of ADNIV, we created transgenic mice expressing human (h) CAPN5(R243L) only in the retina. The resulting hCAPN5(R243L) transgenic mice developed a phenotype consistent with human uveitis and ADNIV, at the clinical, histological and molecular levels. The fundus of hCAPN5(R243L) mice showed enhanced autofluorescence (AF) and pigment changes indicative of reactive retinal pigment epithelial cells and photoreceptor degeneration. Electroretinography showed mutant mouse eyes had a selective loss of the b-wave indicating an inner-retina signaling defect. Histological analysis of mutant mouse eyes showed protein extravasation from dilated vessels into the anterior chamber and vitreous, vitreous inflammation, vitreous and retinal fibrosis and retinal degeneration. Analysis of gene expression changes in the hCAPN5(R243L) mouse retina showed upregulation of several markers, including members of the Toll-like receptor pathway, chemokines and cytokines, indicative of both an innate and adaptive immune response. Since many forms of uveitis share phenotypic characteristics of ADNIV, this mouse offers a model with therapeutic testing utility for ADNIV and uveitis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine J Wert
- Barbara and Donald Jonas Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine and Bernard and Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Institute of Human Nutrition, College of Physicians and Surgeons
| | | | - Wen-Hsuan Wu
- Barbara and Donald Jonas Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine and Bernard and Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute
| | - Lokesh Gakhar
- Department of Biochemistry, Protein Crystallography Facility
| | - Diana Coglan
- Omics Laboratory and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - MaryAnn Mahajan
- Omics Laboratory and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Shu Wu
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology
| | - Jing Yang
- Protein Crystallography Facility, Omics Laboratory and
| | | | - Stephen H Tsang
- Barbara and Donald Jonas Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine and Bernard and Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Institute of Human Nutrition, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA,
| | - Vinit B Mahajan
- Omics Laboratory and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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28
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Gelman R, Greenberg JP, Duncker T, Nguyen HV, Yannuzzi LA, Tsang SH. Hyperautofluorescent macular ring in a series of patients with enhanced S-cone syndrome. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2015; 45:592-5. [PMID: 25423642 DOI: 10.3928/23258160-20141118-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The authors describe fundus autofluorescence (AF) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) findings in three patients with enhanced S-cone syndrome and their correlation around the hyperautofluorescent ring border. Patients had AF imaging in combination with SD-OCT line-scans through the fovea, at the posterior pole, and at a temporal locus centered on the ring border. All eyes demonstrated a macular ring of high-intensity AF. The inner segment ellipsoid band showed thinning and disorganization toward the ring border, where it was lost.
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29
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Wang NK, Liu L, Chen HM, Tsai S, Chang TC, Tsai TH, Yang CM, Chao AN, Chen KJ, Kao LY, Yeung L, Yeh LK, Hwang YS, Wu WC, Lai CC. Clinical presentations of X-linked retinoschisis in Taiwanese patients confirmed with genetic sequencing. Mol Vis 2015; 21:487-501. [PMID: 25999676 PMCID: PMC4415592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the clinical characteristics of X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) and identify genetic mutations in Taiwanese patients with XLRS. METHODS This study included 23 affected males from 16 families with XLRS. Fundus photography, spectral domain optical coherent tomography (SD-OCT), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and full-field electroretinograms (ERGs) were performed. The coding regions of the RS1 gene that encodes retinoschisin were sequenced. RESULTS The median age at diagnosis was 18 years (range 4-58 years). The best-corrected visual acuity ranged from no light perception to 20/25. The typical spoke-wheel pattern in the macula was present in 61% of the patients (14/23) while peripheral retinoschisis was present in 43% of the patients (10/23). Four eyes presented with vitreous hemorrhage, and two eyes presented with leukocoria that mimics Coats' disease. Macular schisis was identified with SD-OCT in 82% of the eyes (31/38) while foveal atrophy was present in 18% of the eyes (7/38). Concentric area of high intensity was the most common FAF abnormality observed. Seven out of 12 patients (58%) showed electronegative ERG findings. Sequencing of the RS1 gene identified nine mutations, six of which were novel. The mutations are all located in exons 4-6, including six missense mutations, two nonsense mutations, and one deletion-caused frameshift mutation. CONCLUSIONS XLRS is a clinically heterogeneous disease with profound phenotypic inter- and intrafamiliar variability. Genetic sequencing is valuable as it allows a definite diagnosis of XLRS to be made without the classical clinical features and ERG findings. This study showed the variety of clinical features of XLRS and reported novel mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan-Kai Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Laura Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ho-Min Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shawn Tsai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Optometry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tsong-Chi Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Hsun Tsai
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital; College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-May Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital; College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - An-Ning Chao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Jen Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Yuh Kao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ling Yeung
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan,Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Lung-Kun Yeh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yih-Shiou Hwang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chun Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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von Alpen D, Tran HV, Guex N, Venturini G, Munier FL, Schorderet DF, Haider NB, Escher P. Differential dimerization of variants linked to enhanced S-cone sensitivity syndrome (ESCS) located in the NR2E3 ligand-binding domain. Hum Mutat 2015; 36:599-610. [PMID: 25703721 DOI: 10.1002/humu.22775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
NR2E3 encodes the photoreceptor-specific nuclear hormone receptor that acts as a repressor of cone-specific gene expression in rod photoreceptors, and as an activator of several rod-specific genes. Recessive variants located in the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of NR2E3 cause enhanced short wavelength sensitive- (S-) cone syndrome (ESCS), a retinal degeneration characterized by an excess of S-cones and non-functional rods. We analyzed the dimerization properties of NR2E3 and the effect of disease-causing LBD missense variants by bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET(2) ) protein interaction assays. Homodimerization was not affected in presence of p.A256V, p.R039G, p.R311Q, and p.R334G variants, but abolished in presence of p.L263P, p.L336P, p.L353V, p.R385P, and p.M407K variants. Homology modeling predicted structural changes induced by NR2E3 LBD variants. NR2E3 LBD variants did not affect interaction with CRX, but with NRL and rev-erbα/NR1D1. CRX and NRL heterodimerized more efficiently together, than did either with NR2E3. NR2E3 did not heterodimerize with TLX/NR2E1 and RXRα/NR2C1. The identification of a new compound heterozygous patient with detectable rod function, who expressed solely the p.A256V variant protein, suggests a correlation between LBD variants able to form functional NR2E3 dimers and atypical mild forms of ESCS with residual rod function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Désirée von Alpen
- IRO-Institute for Research in Ophthalmology, Sion, Switzerland.,EPFL-Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hoai Viet Tran
- Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Guex
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Francis L Munier
- Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Daniel F Schorderet
- IRO-Institute for Research in Ophthalmology, Sion, Switzerland.,EPFL-Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Neena B Haider
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Pascal Escher
- IRO-Institute for Research in Ophthalmology, Sion, Switzerland.,Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Karlstetter M, Scholz R, Rutar M, Wong WT, Provis JM, Langmann T. Retinal microglia: just bystander or target for therapy? Prog Retin Eye Res 2014; 45:30-57. [PMID: 25476242 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2014.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 374] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Revised: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Resident microglial cells can be regarded as the immunological watchdogs of the brain and the retina. They are active sensors of their neuronal microenvironment and rapidly respond to various insults with a morphological and functional transformation into reactive phagocytes. There is strong evidence from animal models and in situ analyses of human tissue that microglial reactivity is a common hallmark of various retinal degenerative and inflammatory diseases. These include rare hereditary retinopathies such as retinitis pigmentosa and X-linked juvenile retinoschisis but also comprise more common multifactorial retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and uveitis as well as neurological disorders with ocular manifestation. In this review, we describe how microglial function is kept in balance under normal conditions by cross-talk with other retinal cells and summarize how microglia respond to different forms of retinal injury. In addition, we present the concept that microglia play a key role in local regulation of complement in the retina and specify aspects of microglial aging relevant for chronic inflammatory processes in the retina. We conclude that this resident immune cell of the retina cannot be simply regarded as bystander of disease but may instead be a potential therapeutic target to be modulated in the treatment of degenerative and inflammatory diseases of the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Karlstetter
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Rebecca Scholz
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Matt Rutar
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University (ANU), Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Wai T Wong
- Unit on Neuron-Glia Interactions in Retinal Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jan M Provis
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University (ANU), Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Thomas Langmann
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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Flynn E, Ueda K, Auran E, Sullivan JM, Sparrow JR. Fundus autofluorescence and photoreceptor cell rosettes in mouse models. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2014; 55:5643-52. [PMID: 25015357 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.14-14136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was conducted to study correlations among fundus autofluorescence (AF), RPE lipofuscin accumulation, and photoreceptor cell degeneration and to investigate the structural basis of fundus AF spots. METHODS Fundus AF images (55° lens; 488-nm excitation) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans were acquired in pigmented Rdh8(-/-)/Abca4(-/-) mice (ages 1-9 months) with a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (cSLO). For quantitative fundus AF (qAF), gray levels (GLs) were calibrated to an internal fluorescence reference. Retinal bisretinoids were measured by quantitative HPLC. Histometric analysis of outer nuclear layer (ONL) thicknesses was performed, and cryostat sections of retina were examined by fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS Quantified A2E and qAF intensities increased until age 4 months in the Rdh8(-/-)/Abca4(-/-) mice. The A2E levels declined after 4 months of age, but qAF intensity values continued to rise. The decline in A2E levels in the Rdh8(-/-)/Abca4(-/-) mice paralleled reduced photoreceptor cell viability as reflected in ONL thinning. Hyperautofluorescent puncta in fundus AF images corresponded to photoreceptor cell rosettes in SD-OCT images and histological sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The inner segment/outer segment-containing core of the rosette emitted an autofluorescence detected by fluorescence microscopy. CONCLUSIONS When neural retina is disordered, AF from photoreceptor cells can contribute to noninvasive fundus AF images. Hyperautofluorescent puncta in fundus AF images are attributable, in at least some cases, to photoreceptor cell rosettes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Flynn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Keiko Ueda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Emily Auran
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Jack M Sullivan
- Research Service, Veterans Administration Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, New York, United States
| | - Janet R Sparrow
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
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Yzer S, Barbazetto I, Allikmets R, van Schooneveld MJ, Bergen A, Tsang SH, Jacobson SG, Yannuzzi LA. Expanded clinical spectrum of enhanced S-cone syndrome. JAMA Ophthalmol 2013; 131:1324-30. [PMID: 23989059 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2013.4349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE New funduscopic findings in patients with enhanced S-cone syndrome (ESCS) may help clinicians in diagnosing this rare autosomal recessive retinal dystrophy. OBJECTIVE To expand the clinical spectrum of ESCS due to mutations in the NR2E3 gene. DESIGN Retrospective, noncomparative case series of 31 patients examined between 1983 and 2012. SETTING Academic and private ophthalmology practices specialized in retinal dystrophies. PARTICIPANTS A cohort of patients diagnosed with ESCS and harboring known NR2E3 mutations. INTERVENTION Patients had ophthalmic examinations including visual function testing that led to the original diagnosis. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES New fundus features captured with imaging modalities. RESULTS New clinical observations in ESCS include (1) torpedo-like, deep atrophic lesions with a small hyperpigmented rim, variably sized and predominantly located along the arcades; (2) circumferential fibrotic scars in the posterior pole with a spared center and large fibrotic scars around the optic nerve head; and (3) yellow dots in areas of relatively normal-appearing retina. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Enhanced S-cone syndrome has more pleiotropy than previously appreciated. While the nummular type of pigmentation at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium and cystoid or schisis-like maculopathy with typical functional findings remain classic hallmarks of the disease, changes such as circumferential fibrosis of the macula or peripapillary area and "torpedo-like" lesions along the vascular arcades may also direct the clinical diagnosis and focus on screening the NR2E3 gene for a molecular diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Yzer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York2Rotterdam Eye Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Abstract
The third-most common cause of autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is due to defective cGMP phosphodiesterase-6 (PDE6). Previous work using viral gene therapy on PDE6-mutant mouse models demonstrated photoreceptors can be rescued if administered before degeneration. However, whether visual function can be rescued after degeneration onset has not been addressed. This is a clinically important question, as newly diagnosed patients exhibit considerable loss of rods and cones in their peripheral retinas. We have generated and characterized a tamoxifen inducible Cre-loxP rescue allele, Pde6b(Stop), which allows us to temporally correct PDE6-deficiency. Whereas untreated mutants exhibit degeneration, activation of Cre-loxP recombination in early embryogenesis produced stable long-term rescue. Reversal at later time-points showed partial long-term or short-lived rescue. Our results suggest stable restoration of retinal function by gene therapy can be achieved if a sufficient number of rods are treated. Because patients are generally diagnosed after extensive loss of rods, the success of clinical trials may depend on identifying patients as early as possible to maximize the number of treatable rods.
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Park SP, Hong IH, Tsang SH, Lee W, Horowitz J, Yzer S, Allikmets R, Chang S. Disruption of the human cone photoreceptor mosaic from a defect in NR2E3 transcription factor function in young adults. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2013; 251:2299-309. [PMID: 23604511 PMCID: PMC4291322 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-013-2296-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Revised: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/24/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enhanced S-cone syndrome is an orphan disease caused by mutations in the NR2E3 gene which result in an increased number of S-cones overpopulating the retina. Although the characteristic onset of enhanced S-cone syndrome can be well-documented by current ophthalmic imaging modalities, techniques such as spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) fail to provide sufficient details regarding the microstructure of photoreceptors in retinal diseases. Adaptive optics (AO) provides a unique opportunity to analyze the effects of genetic mutations on photoreceptors by compensating aberrations of human eyes. METHODS Three eyes of three young adults with enhanced S-cone syndrome were studied by clinical examination, genetic screening, fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging, SD-OCT, and electroretinography (ERG). Cone mosaic imaging was accomplished by an AO-SLO equipped with a dual crystal on silicon spatial light modulator. Qualitative image analyses and genetic findings were investigated in each patient. RESULTS The diagnosis of patients was confirmed by ERG finding. Genetic screening confirmed the presence of two disease-causing mutations in the NR2E3 gene in each study patient, as well as identified a novel mutation (202 A > G, S68G). Fundus photograph, FAF, and SD-OCT found rosette-like lesion within the mid-periphery along the vascular arcades of the retina. In all AO-SLO images of patients, sparse distribution and asymmetric size of cone mosaic pattern were found within central retina. There were regions of dark space between groups of photoreceptors, distinguishable from shadowing and artifacts. CONCLUSIONS AO-SLO provided an in-depth window into the retina of live enhanced S-cone syndrome patients beyond the ability of other current imaging modalities. Dark lesions within the central retina in each patient contain structurally dysfunctional cones which account for retinal mosaic disorganization, and may predispose affected areas to other abnormalities such as rosette lesions. AO-SLO can be an efficient diagnostic tool in clinics for examining cellular-level pathologies in various retinal dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Pyo Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - In Hwan Hong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Stephen H. Tsang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology and Cell Biology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, 635 west 165th street, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Winston Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jason Horowitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Rando Allikmets
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stanley Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Wang NK, Lai CC, Liu CH, Yeh LK, Chou CL, Kong J, Nagasaki T, Tsang SH, Chien CL. Origin of fundus hyperautofluorescent spots and their role in retinal degeneration in a mouse model of Goldmann-Favre syndrome. Dis Model Mech 2013; 6:1113-22. [PMID: 23828046 PMCID: PMC3759331 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.012112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Goldmann-Favre syndrome, also known as enhanced S-cone syndrome, is an inherited retinal degeneration disease in which a gain of photoreceptor cell types results in retinal dysplasia and degeneration. Although microglia have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases, the fundamental role of these cells in this disease is unknown. In the current study, sequential analyses suggest that microglia are recruited and appear after outer nuclear layer folding. By crossing rd7 mice (a model for hereditary retinal degeneration owing to Nr2e3 mutation) with mice carrying the macrophage Fas-induced apoptosis (Mafia) transgene, we generated double-mutant mice and studied the role of the resident retinal microglia. Microglial cells in these double-mutant mice express enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and a suicide gene that can trigger Fas-mediated apoptosis via systemic treatment with AP20187 (FK506 dimerizer). We demonstrated that more than 80% of the EGFP+ cells in retinas from rd7/rd7;Tg/Tg mice express Iba-1 (a microglial marker), and resident microglia are still present in the retina because AP20187 does not cross the blood-brain barrier. Hence, only circulating bone marrow (BM)-derived microglia are depleted. Depletion of circulating BM-derived microglia accelerates retinal degeneration in rd7 mice. An increased number of autofluorescent (AF) spots is a consequence of resident microglia proliferation, which in turn establishes an inflammatory cytokine milieu via the upregulation of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα expression. This inflammation is likely to accelerate retinal degeneration. This study not only identifies inflammation as a crucial step in the pathogenesis of retinal degeneration, but also highlights the involvement of specific cytokine genes that could serve as future treatment targets in retinal degenerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan-Kai Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
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Evaluation of multimodal imaging in carriers of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa. Exp Eye Res 2013; 113:41-8. [PMID: 23669302 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2013.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Revised: 04/26/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate visualization of the tapetal-like reflex using current imaging modalities and evaluate SD-OCT changes in known carriers of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP); the objective being the development of an optimal protocol for clinicians to identify carriers. Ten XLRP carriers (19 eyes) were examined using color fundus photography, 488 nm reflectance (488-R), near-infrared reflectance (NIR-R), autofluorescence (AF) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging (Spectralis SLO-OCT, Heidelberg). Horizontal line scans through the fovea were acquired in all subjects and in a group of 10 age-similar controls. Peripheral SD-OCT scans (extending to 27.5° eccentricity) were also acquired in both eyes of 7 carriers. MP-1 microperimetery (10-2 pattern; Nidek) was performed in one eye of each carrier. For the XLRP carriers, a tapetal reflex was observed with all imaging modalities in 8 of 19 eyes. It had the same retinal location on color fundus, 488-R and NIR-R imaging but a different location on AF. The tapetal reflex was most easily detected in 488-R images. The horizontal foveal SD-OCT scans were qualitatively normal, but measurements showed significant outer retinal layer thinning in all eyes. Additionally, the 14 eyes with peripheral SD-OCTs demonstrated patchy loss of the inner segment ellipsoid band. Microperimetry exhibited patchy visual sensitivity loss in 9 eyes. Full field ERGs were variable, ranging from normal to severely abnormal rod and cone responses. Our findings suggest that an optimal protocol for identifying carriers of XLRP should include 488-R imaging in a multimodal approach. Peripheral SD-OCT imaging and central retinal layer quantification revealed significant structural abnormalities.
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Multimodal imaging in hereditary retinal diseases. J Ophthalmol 2013; 2013:634351. [PMID: 23710333 PMCID: PMC3655643 DOI: 10.1155/2013/634351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. In this retrospective study we evaluated the multimodal visualization of retinal genetic diseases to better understand their natural course. Material and Methods. We reviewed the charts of 70 consecutive patients with different genetic retinal pathologies who had previously undergone multimodal imaging analyses. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and genotyped at the known locus for the different diseases. Results. The medical records of 3 families of a 4-generation pedigree affected by North Carolina macular dystrophy were reviewed. A total of 8 patients with Stargardt disease were evaluated for their two main defining clinical characteristics, yellow subretinal flecks and central atrophy. Nine male patients with a previous diagnosis of choroideremia and eleven female carriers were evaluated. Fourteen patients with Best vitelliform macular dystrophy and 6 family members with autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy were included. Seven patients with enhanced s-cone syndrome were ascertained. Lastly, we included 3 unrelated patients with fundus albipunctatus. Conclusions. In hereditary retinal diseases, clinical examination is often not sufficient for evaluating the patient's condition. Retinal imaging then becomes important in making the diagnosis, in monitoring the progression of disease, and as a surrogate outcome measure of the efficacy of an intervention.
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Secondi R, Kong J, Blonska AM, Staurenghi G, Sparrow JR. Fundus autofluorescence findings in a mouse model of retinal detachment. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2012; 53:5190-7. [PMID: 22786896 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.12-9672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Fundus autofluorescence (fundus AF) changes were monitored in a mouse model of retinal detachment (RD). METHODS RD was induced by transscleral injection of hyaluronic acid (Healon) or sterile balanced salt solution (BSS) into the subretinal space of 4-5-day-old albino Abca4 null mutant and Abca4 wild-type mice. Images acquired by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (Spectralis HRA) were correlated with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), infrared reflectance (IR), fluorescence spectroscopy, and histologic analysis. Results. In the area of detached retina, multiple hyperreflective spots in IR images corresponded to punctate areas of intense autofluorescence visible in fundus AF mode. The puncta exhibited changes in fluorescence intensity with time. SD-OCT disclosed undulations of the neural retina and hyperreflectivity of the photoreceptor layer that likely corresponded to histologically visible photoreceptor cell rosettes. Fluorescence emission spectra generated using flat-mounted retina, and 488 and 561 nm excitation, were similar to that of RPE lipofuscin. With increased excitation wavelength, the emission maximum shifted towards longer wavelengths, a characteristic typical of fundus autofluorescence. CONCLUSIONS In detached retinas, hyper-autofluorescent spots appeared to originate from photoreceptor outer segments that were arranged within retinal folds and rosettes. Consistent with this interpretation is the finding that the autofluorescence was spectroscopically similar to the bisretinoids that constitute RPE lipofuscin. Under the conditions of a RD, abnormal autofluorescence may arise from excessive production of bisretinoid by impaired photoreceptor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Secondi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
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Wang NK, Chuang LH, Lai CC, Chou CL, Chu HY, Yeung L, Chen YP, Chen KJ, Wu WC, Chen TL, Chao AN, Hwang YS. Multimodal fundus imaging in fundus albipunctatus with RDH5 mutation: a newly identified compound heterozygous mutation and review of the literature. Doc Ophthalmol 2012; 125:51-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s10633-012-9336-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Charbel Issa P, Singh MS, Lipinski DM, Chong NV, Delori FC, Barnard AR, MacLaren RE. Optimization of in vivo confocal autofluorescence imaging of the ocular fundus in mice and its application to models of human retinal degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2012; 53:1066-75. [PMID: 22169101 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.11-8767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the feasibility and to identify sources of experimental variability of quantitative and qualitative fundus autofluorescence (AF) assessment in mice. METHODS Blue (488 nm) and near-infrared (790 nm) fundus AF imaging was performed in various mouse strains and disease models (129S2, C57Bl/6, Abca4(-/-), C3H-Pde6b(rd1/rd1), Rho(-/-), and BALB/c mice) using a commercially available scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Gray-level analysis was used to explore factors influencing fundus AF measurements. RESULTS A contact lens avoided cataract development and resulted in consistent fundus AF recordings. Fundus illumination and magnification were sensitive to changes of the camera position. Standardized adjustment of the recorded confocal plane and consideration of the pupil area allowed reproducible recording of fundus AF from the retinal pigment epithelium with an intersession coefficient of repeatability of ±22%. Photopigment bleaching occurred during the first 1.5 seconds of exposure to 488 nm blue light (∼10 mW/cm(2)), resulting in an increase of fundus AF. In addition, there was a slight decrease in fundus AF during prolonged blue light exposure. Fundus AF at 488 nm was low in animals with an absence of a normal visual cycle, and high in BALB/c and Abca4(-/-) mice. Degenerative alterations in Pde6b(rd1/rd1) and Rho(-/-) were reminiscent of findings in human retinal disease. CONCLUSIONS Investigation of retinal phenotypes in mice is possible in vivo using standardized fundus AF imaging. Correlation with postmortem analysis is likely to lead to further understanding of human disease phenotypes and of retinal degenerations in general. Fundus AF imaging may be useful as an outcome measure in preclinical trials, such as for monitoring effects aimed at lowering lipofuscin accumulation in the retinal pigment epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Charbel Issa
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Oxford Eye Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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Wong R. Longitudinal study of macular folds by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Am J Ophthalmol 2012; 153:88-92.e1. [PMID: 21855051 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2011.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2011] [Revised: 06/09/2011] [Accepted: 06/06/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To understand the natural history of macular folds using serial spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). DESIGN Prospective case series. METHOD Serial OCTs were performed using Topcon 3D OCT. The main outcome measures were: patient demographics; preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative details; serial SD-OCTs; and length of follow-up. RESULTS Ten patients who underwent standard 3-port pars plana vitrectomy with gas tamponade to repair rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were included in this study. Mean follow-up was 9.9 months (range 5-17 months). Three types of retinal folds were identified: 1) ripple; 2) taco; 3) displacement. Ripple and taco folds were found to resolve spontaneously. Outer retinal hyperreflective lesions resolved first, followed by flattening of the inner retinal layers. Displacement folds also resolved, but left the macula translocated inferiorly, causing binocular diplopia. CONCLUSION Ripple and taco folds could be managed conservatively with good outcomes. However, the optimal treatment of displacement folds requires further research.
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Mustafi D, Kevany BM, Genoud C, Okano K, Cideciyan AV, Sumaroka A, Roman AJ, Jacobson SG, Engel A, Adams MD, Palczewski K. Defective photoreceptor phagocytosis in a mouse model of enhanced S-cone syndrome causes progressive retinal degeneration. FASEB J 2011; 25:3157-76. [PMID: 21659555 PMCID: PMC3157681 DOI: 10.1096/fj.11-186767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2011] [Accepted: 05/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Enhanced S-cone syndrome (ESCS), featuring an excess number of S cones, manifests as a progressive retinal degeneration that leads to blindness. Here, through optical imaging, we identified an abnormal interface between photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in 9 patients with ESCS. The neural retina leucine zipper transcription factor-knockout (Nrl(-/-)) mouse model demonstrates many phenotypic features of human ESCS, including unstable S-cone-positive photoreceptors. Using massively parallel RNA sequencing, we identified 6203 differentially expressed transcripts between wild-type (Wt) and Nrl(-/-) mouse retinas, with 6 highly significant differentially expressed genes of the Pax, Notch, and Wnt canonical pathways. Changes were also obvious in expression of 30 genes involved in the visual cycle and 3 key genes in photoreceptor phagocytosis. Novel high-resolution (100 nm) imaging and reconstruction of Nrl(-/-) retinas revealed an abnormal packing of photoreceptors that contributed to buildup of photoreceptor deposits. Furthermore, lack of phagosomes in the RPE layer of Nrl(-/-) retina revealed impairment in phagocytosis. Cultured RPE cells from Wt and Nrl(-/-) mice illustrated that the phagocytotic defect was attributable to the aberrant interface between ESCS photoreceptors and the RPE. Overcoming the retinal phagocytosis defect could arrest the progressive degenerative component of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debarshi Mustafi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-4965, USA.
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Aleman TS, Cideciyan AV, Aguirre GK, Huang WC, Mullins CL, Roman AJ, Sumaroka A, Olivares MB, Tsai FF, Schwartz SB, Vandenberghe LH, Limberis MP, Stone EM, Bell P, Wilson JM, Jacobson SG. Human CRB1-associated retinal degeneration: comparison with the rd8 Crb1-mutant mouse model. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2011; 52:6898-910. [PMID: 21757580 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.11-7701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the human disease due to CRB1 mutations and compare results with the Crb1-mutant rd8 mouse. METHODS Twenty-two patients with CRB1 mutations were studied. Function was assessed with perimetry and electroretinography (ERG) and retinal structure with optical coherence tomography (OCT). Cortical structure and function were quantified with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Rd8 mice underwent ERG, OCT, and retinal histopathology. RESULTS Visual acuities ranged from 20/25 to light perception. Rod ERGs were not detectable; small cone signals were recordable. By perimetry, small central visual islands were separated by midperipheral scotomas from far temporal peripheral islands. The central islands were cone mediated, whereas the peripheral islands retained some rod function. With OCT, there were small foveal islands of thinned outer nuclear layer (ONL) surrounded by thick delaminated retina with intraretinal hyperreflective lesions. MRI showed structurally normal optic nerves and only subtle changes to occipital lobe white and gray matter. Functional MRI indicated that whole-brain responses from patients were of reduced amplitude and spatial extent compared with those of normal controls. Rd8 mice had essentially normal ERGs; OCT and histopathology showed patchy retinal disorganization with pseudorosettes more pronounced in ventral than in dorsal retina. Photoreceptor degeneration was associated with dysplastic regions. CONCLUSIONS CRB1 mutations lead to early-onset severe loss of vision with thickened, disorganized, nonseeing retina. Impaired peripheral vision can persist in late disease stages. Rd8 mice also have a disorganized retina, but there is sufficient photoreceptor integrity to produce largely normal retinal function. Differences between human and mouse diseases will complicate proof-of-concept studies intended to advance treatment initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas S Aleman
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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SD OCT features of dry arcuate longstanding retinal folds. Eur J Ophthalmol 2011; 21:845-6; author reply 846. [PMID: 21623589 DOI: 10.5301/ejo.2011.8373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Chavali VRM, Khan NW, Cukras CA, Bartsch DU, Jablonski MM, Ayyagari R. A CTRP5 gene S163R mutation knock-in mouse model for late-onset retinal degeneration. Hum Mol Genet 2011; 20:2000-14. [PMID: 21349921 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddr080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Late-onset retinal macular degeneration (L-ORD) is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder caused by a single missense mutation (S163R) in the CTRP5/C1QTNF5 protein. Early phenotypic features of L-ORD include: dark adaptation abnormalities, nyctalopia, and drusen deposits in the peripheral macular region. Apart from posterior segment abnormalities, these patients also develop abnormally long anterior lens zonules. In the sixth decade of life the rod and cone function declines, accompanied by electroretinogram (ERG) abnormalities. Some patients also develop choroidal neovascularization and glaucoma. In order to understand the disease pathology and mechanisms involved in retinal dystrophy, we generated a knock-in (Ctrp5(+/-)) mouse model carrying the disease-associated mutation in the mouse Ctrp5/C1QTNF5 gene. These mice develop slower rod-b wave recovery consistent with early dark adaptation abnormalities, accumulation of hyperautofluorescence spots, retinal pigment epithelium abnormalities, drusen, Bruch's membrane abnormalities, loss of photoreceptors, and retinal vascular leakage. The Ctrp5(+/-) mice, which have most of the pathological features of age-related macular degeneration, are unique and may serve as a valuable model both to understand the molecular pathology of late-onset retinal degeneration and to evaluate therapies.
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Wang NK, Tosi J, Kasanuki JM, Chou CL, Kong J, Parmalee N, Wert KJ, Allikmets R, Lai CC, Chien CL, Nagasaki T, Lin CS, Tsang SH. Transplantation of reprogrammed embryonic stem cells improves visual function in a mouse model for retinitis pigmentosa. Transplantation 2010; 89:911-9. [PMID: 20164818 PMCID: PMC2855750 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0b013e3181d45a61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To study whether C57BL/6J-Tyr/J (C2J) mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells can differentiate into retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in vitro and then restore retinal function in a model for retinitis pigmentosa: Rpe65/Rpe65 C57BL6 mice. METHODS Yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-labeled C2J ES cells were induced to differentiate into RPE-like structures on PA6 feeders. RPE-specific markers are expressed from differentiated cells in vitro. After differentiation, ES cell-derived RPE-like cells were transplanted into the subretinal space of postnatal day 5 Rpe65/Rpe65 mice. Live imaging of YFP-labeled C2J ES cells demonstrated survival of the graft. Electroretinograms (ERGs) were performed on transplanted mice to evaluate the functional outcome of transplantation. RESULTS RPE-like cells derived from ES cells sequentially express multiple RPE-specific markers. After transplantation, YFP-labeled cells can be tracked with live imaging for as long as 7 months. Although more than half of the mice were complicated with retinal detachments or tumor development, one fourth of the mice showed increased electroretinogram responses in the transplanted eyes. Rpe65/Rpe65 mice transplanted with RPE-like cells showed significant visual recovery during a 7-month period, whereas those injected with saline, PA6 feeders, or undifferentiated ES cells showed no rescue. CONCLUSIONS ES cells can differentiate, morphologically, and functionally, into RPE-like cells. Based on these findings, differentiated ES cells have the potential for the development of new therapeutic approaches for RPE-specific diseases such as certain forms of retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration. Nevertheless, stringent control of retinal detachment and teratoma development will be necessary before initiation of treatment trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan-Kai Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York City, NY
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
- Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Joaquin Tosi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York City, NY
| | | | - Chai Lin Chou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York City, NY
| | - Jian Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York City, NY
| | - Nancy Parmalee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York City, NY
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Katherine J. Wert
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York City, NY
- Institute of Human Nutrient, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Rando Allikmets
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York City, NY
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Chi-Chun Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
- Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Liang Chien
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Chyuan-Sheng Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York City, NY
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY
- Bernard and Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia University, New York City, NY
| | - Stephen H. Tsang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York City, NY
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY
- Bernard and Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia University, New York City, NY
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48
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Fischer MD, Huber G, Beck SC, Tanimoto N, Muehlfriedel R, Fahl E, Grimm C, Wenzel A, Remé CE, van de Pavert SA, Wijnholds J, Pacal M, Bremner R, Seeliger MW. Noninvasive, in vivo assessment of mouse retinal structure using optical coherence tomography. PLoS One 2009; 4:e7507. [PMID: 19838301 PMCID: PMC2759518 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0007507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2009] [Accepted: 09/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a novel method of retinal in vivo imaging. In this study, we assessed the potential of OCT to yield histology-analogue sections in mouse models of retinal degeneration. Methodology/Principal Findings We achieved to adapt a commercial 3rd generation OCT system to obtain and quantify high-resolution morphological sections of the mouse retina which so far required in vitro histology. OCT and histology were compared in models with developmental defects, light damage, and inherited retinal degenerations. In conditional knockout mice deficient in retinal retinoblastoma protein Rb, the gradient of Cre expression from center to periphery, leading to a gradual reduction of retinal thickness, was clearly visible and well topographically quantifiable. In Nrl knockout mice, the layer involvement in the formation of rosette-like structures was similarly clear as in histology. OCT examination of focal light damage, well demarcated by the autofluorescence pattern, revealed a practically complete loss of photoreceptors with preservation of inner retinal layers, but also more subtle changes like edema formation. In Crb1 knockout mice (a model for Leber's congenital amaurosis), retinal vessels slipping through the outer nuclear layer towards the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) due to the lack of adhesion in the subapical region of the photoreceptor inner segments could be well identified. Conclusions/Significance We found that with the OCT we were able to detect and analyze a wide range of mouse retinal pathology, and the results compared well to histological sections. In addition, the technique allows to follow individual animals over time, thereby reducing the numbers of study animals needed, and to assess dynamic processes like edema formation. The results clearly indicate that OCT has the potential to revolutionize the future design of respective short- and long-term studies, as well as the preclinical assessment of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Dominik Fischer
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Gesine Huber
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Ethology and Animal Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Susanne C. Beck
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Naoyuki Tanimoto
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Regine Muehlfriedel
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Edda Fahl
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Christian Grimm
- Laboratory of Retinal Cell Biology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Wenzel
- Laboratory of Retinal Cell Biology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Charlotte E. Remé
- Laboratory of Retinal Cell Biology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Serge A. van de Pavert
- Neuromedical Genetics, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Neuromedical Genetics, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marek Pacal
- Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network, Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, and Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rod Bremner
- Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network, Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, and Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mathias W. Seeliger
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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