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Audo I, Nassisi M, Zeitz C, Sahel JA. The Extraordinary Phenotypic and Genetic Variability of Retinal and Macular Degenerations: The Relevance to Therapeutic Developments. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041652. [PMID: 37604589 PMCID: PMC11146306 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of rare conditions leading to various degrees of visual handicap and to progressive blindness in more severe cases. Besides visual rehabilitation, educational, and socio-professional support, there are currently limited therapeutic options, but the approval of the first gene therapy product for RPE65-related IRDs raised hope for therapeutic innovations. Such developments are facing obstacles intrinsic to the disease and the affected tissue including the extreme phenotypic and genetic variability of IRDs and the fine tuning of visual processing through the complex architecture of the postmitotic neural retina. A precise phenotypic characterization is required prior to genetic testing, which now relies on high-throughput sequencing. Their challenges will be discussed within this article as well as their implications in clinical trial design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Audo
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France
- Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, National Rare Disease Center REFERET and INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, Paris F-75012, France
| | - Marco Nassisi
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan 20122, Italy
- Ophthalmology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Christina Zeitz
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France
- Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, National Rare Disease Center REFERET and INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, Paris F-75012, France
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
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Brotherton C, Megaw R. Molecular Mechanisms Governing Sight Loss in Inherited Cone Disorders. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:727. [PMID: 38927662 PMCID: PMC11202562 DOI: 10.3390/genes15060727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Inherited cone disorders (ICDs) are a heterogeneous sub-group of inherited retinal disorders (IRDs), the leading cause of sight loss in children and working-age adults. ICDs result from the dysfunction of the cone photoreceptors in the macula and manifest as the loss of colour vision and reduced visual acuity. Currently, 37 genes are associated with varying forms of ICD; however, almost half of all patients receive no molecular diagnosis. This review will discuss the known ICD genes, their molecular function, and the diseases they cause, with a focus on the most common forms of ICDs, including achromatopsia, progressive cone dystrophies (CODs), and cone-rod dystrophies (CORDs). It will discuss the gene-specific therapies that have emerged in recent years in order to treat patients with some of the more common ICDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Brotherton
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU1, UK;
| | - Roly Megaw
- Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, NHS Lothian, Chalmers St., Edinburgh EH3 9HA, UK
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3
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Ibrahim M, Jaffal L, Assi A, Helou C, El Shamieh S. ABCA4-related retinopathies in Lebanon. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30304. [PMID: 38694055 PMCID: PMC11061736 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Variants in ATP-binding cassette transporter type A4 (ABCA4) have been linked to several forms of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) besides the classically defined Stargardt disease (STGD), known collectively as ABCA4 retinopathies. ABCA4 is a sizable locus harboring 50 exons; thus, its analysis has revealed over 2,400 variants described, of which more than 2,000 are causal. Due to the clinical and genetic heterogeneity, diagnosing ABCA4 retinopathies is challenging. To date, no ABCA4-related retinopathy has been detected in Lebanon. Using next-generation sequencing, we analyzed our IRDs' cohort retrospectively (61 families) and identified five with ABCA4-related retinopathies, making it a relatively abundant cause of IRDs (about 8 %). Three families were diagnosed with rod-cone dystrophy (RCD), two with STGD, and one with cone-rod dystrophy (CRD). In conclusion, our study showed the presence of ABCA4 variants with a high degree of heterogeneity in Lebanon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Ibrahim
- Molecular Testing Laboratory, Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Rammal Hassan Rammal Research Laboratory, PhyToxE Research Group, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Nabatieh, Lebanon
| | - Lama Jaffal
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Charles Helou
- Retinal Service, Beirut Eye & ENT Specialist Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Said El Shamieh
- Molecular Testing Laboratory, Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Georgiou M, Robson AG, Fujinami K, de Guimarães TAC, Fujinami-Yokokawa Y, Daich Varela M, Pontikos N, Kalitzeos A, Mahroo OA, Webster AR, Michaelides M. Phenotyping and genotyping inherited retinal diseases: Molecular genetics, clinical and imaging features, and therapeutics of macular dystrophies, cone and cone-rod dystrophies, rod-cone dystrophies, Leber congenital amaurosis, and cone dysfunction syndromes. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 100:101244. [PMID: 38278208 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRD) are a leading cause of blindness in the working age population and in children. The scope of this review is to familiarise clinicians and scientists with the current landscape of molecular genetics, clinical phenotype, retinal imaging and therapeutic prospects/completed trials in IRD. Herein we present in a comprehensive and concise manner: (i) macular dystrophies (Stargardt disease (ABCA4), X-linked retinoschisis (RS1), Best disease (BEST1), PRPH2-associated pattern dystrophy, Sorsby fundus dystrophy (TIMP3), and autosomal dominant drusen (EFEMP1)), (ii) cone and cone-rod dystrophies (GUCA1A, PRPH2, ABCA4, KCNV2 and RPGR), (iii) predominant rod or rod-cone dystrophies (retinitis pigmentosa, enhanced S-Cone syndrome (NR2E3), Bietti crystalline corneoretinal dystrophy (CYP4V2)), (iv) Leber congenital amaurosis/early-onset severe retinal dystrophy (GUCY2D, CEP290, CRB1, RDH12, RPE65, TULP1, AIPL1 and NMNAT1), (v) cone dysfunction syndromes (achromatopsia (CNGA3, CNGB3, PDE6C, PDE6H, GNAT2, ATF6), X-linked cone dysfunction with myopia and dichromacy (Bornholm Eye disease; OPN1LW/OPN1MW array), oligocone trichromacy, and blue-cone monochromatism (OPN1LW/OPN1MW array)). Whilst we use the aforementioned classical phenotypic groupings, a key feature of IRD is that it is characterised by tremendous heterogeneity and variable expressivity, with several of the above genes associated with a range of phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalis Georgiou
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
| | - Anthony G Robson
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Kaoru Fujinami
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Thales A C de Guimarães
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Yu Fujinami-Yokokawa
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Health Policy and Management, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Malena Daich Varela
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Nikolas Pontikos
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Angelos Kalitzeos
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Omar A Mahroo
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Section of Ophthalmology, King s College London, St Thomas Hospital Campus, London, United Kingdom; Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Department of Translational Ophthalmology, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Andrew R 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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Fujinami K, Waheed N, Laich Y, Yang P, Fujinami-Yokokawa Y, Higgins JJ, Lu JT, Curtiss D, Clary C, Michaelides M. Stargardt macular dystrophy and therapeutic approaches. Br J Ophthalmol 2024; 108:495-505. [PMID: 37940365 PMCID: PMC10958310 DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2022-323071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Stargardt macular dystrophy (Stargardt disease; STGD1; OMIM 248200) is the most prevalent inherited macular dystrophy. STGD1 is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by multiple pathogenic sequence variants in the large ABCA4 gene (OMIM 601691). Major advances in understanding both the clinical and molecular features, as well as the underlying pathophysiology, have culminated in many completed, ongoing and planned human clinical trials of novel therapies.The aims of this concise review are to describe (1) the detailed phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of the disease, multimodal imaging findings, natural history of the disease, and pathogenesis, (2) the multiple avenues of research and therapeutic intervention, including pharmacological, cellular therapies and diverse types of genetic therapies that have either been investigated or are under investigation and (3) the exciting novel therapeutic approaches on the translational horizon that aim to treat STGD1 by replacing the entire 6.8 kb ABCA4 open reading frame.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaoru Fujinami
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, NHO Tokyo Medical Center, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nadia Waheed
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yannik Laich
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Eye Center, Medical Center, University of Freiburg Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Paul Yang
- Oregon Health and Science University Casey Eye Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Yu Fujinami-Yokokawa
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, NHO Tokyo Medical Center, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Keio University School of Medicine Graduate School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Jonathan T Lu
- SalioGen Therapeutics Inc, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Darin Curtiss
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, Florida, USA
| | - Cathryn Clary
- SalioGen Therapeutics Inc, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michel Michaelides
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Munir A, Afsar S, Rehman AU. A systematic review of inherited retinal dystrophies in Pakistan: updates from 1999 to April 2023. BMC Ophthalmol 2024; 24:55. [PMID: 38317096 PMCID: PMC10840256 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-024-03319-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) are a group of rare genetic conditions affecting retina of the eye that range in prevalence from 1 in 2000 to 1 in 4000 people globally. This review is based on a retrospective analysis of research articles reporting IRDs associated genetic findings in Pakistani families between 1999 and April 2023. METHODS Articles were retrieved through survey of online sources, notably, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Following a stringent selection criterion, a total of 126 research articles and conference abstracts were considered. All reported variants were cross-checked and validated for their correct genomic nomenclature using different online resources/databases, and their pathogenicity scores were explained as per ACMG guidelines. RESULTS A total of 277 unique sequence variants in 87 distinct genes, previously known to cause IRDs, were uncovered. In around 70% cases, parents of the index patient were consanguineously married, and approximately 88.81% of the detected variants were found in a homozygous state. Overall, more than 95% of the IRDs cases were recessively inherited. Missense variants were predominant (41.88%), followed by Indels/frameshift (26.35%), nonsense (19.13%), splice site (12.27%) and synonymous change (0.36%). Non-syndromic IRDs were significantly higher than syndromic IRDs (77.32% vs. 22.68%). Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) was the most frequently observed IRD followed by Leber's congenital amaurosis (LCA). Altogether, mutations in PDE6A gene was the leading cause of IRDs in Pakistani families followed by mutations in TULP1 gene. CONCLUSION In summary, Pakistani families are notable in expressing recessively inherited monogenic disorders including IRDs likely due to the highest prevalence of consanguinity in the country that leads to expression of rare pathogenic variants in homozygous state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asad Munir
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological and Health Sciences, Hazara University, Mansehra, 21300, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Salma Afsar
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological and Health Sciences, Hazara University, Mansehra, 21300, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Atta Ur Rehman
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological and Health Sciences, Hazara University, Mansehra, 21300, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
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Ablordeppey RK, Lin CR, Song B, Benavente-Perez A. Choroidal Morphology and Photoreceptor Activity Are Related and Affected by Myopia Development. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:3. [PMID: 38300557 PMCID: PMC10846344 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.2.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The choroid is critical for the regulation of eye growth and is involved in the pathogenesis of myopia-associated ocular complications. This study explores the relationship among choroidal biometry, photoreceptor activity, and myopic growth in marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) with lens-induced myopia. Methods A total of 34 common marmosets aged 92 to 273 days old were included in this study. Axial myopia was induced in 17 marmosets using negative soft contact lenses and 17 marmosets served as untreated controls. Cycloplegic refraction (RE) and vitreous chamber depth (VCD) were measured using autorefraction and A-scan ultrasonography, respectively. Choroidal scans were obtained using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and binarized to calculate subfoveal choroidal thickness (ChT), total choroidal area (TCA), luminal area (LA), stromal area (SA), choroidal vascularity index (CVI), and LA/SA. To assess photoreceptor activity, the a-wave of the full-field electroretinogram was measured. Regression models were used to investigate the relationship between outcome measures. Results Eyes induced with axial myopia (RE = -7.14 ± 4.03 diopters [D], VCD = 6.86 ± 0.39 mm) showed significant reductions (4.92-21.24%) in all choroidal parameters (ChT, TCA, LA, SA, CVI, and LA/SA) compared to controls (RE = -1.25 ± 0.60 D, VCD = 6.58 ± 0.26 mm, all P < 0.05), which changed as a function of refraction and vitreous elongation, and were associated with a decrease in the a-wave amplitude. Further, multiple regression showed that a combination of ChT and CVI could well predict RE and VCD. Conclusions This study reports the existence of significant alterations in choroidal morphology in non-human primate eyes induced with myopia. The changes in choroidal anatomy were associated with reduced light-adapted a-wave amplitude. These findings may represent early markers for reduced visual performance and chorioretinal complications known to occur in eyes with large degrees of myopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reynolds Kwame Ablordeppey
- Department of Biological and Vision Sciences, State University of New York College of Optometry, New York, New York, United States
| | - Carol Ren Lin
- Department of Biological and Vision Sciences, State University of New York College of Optometry, New York, New York, United States
| | - Brian Song
- Department of Biological and Vision Sciences, State University of New York College of Optometry, New York, New York, United States
| | - Alexandra Benavente-Perez
- Department of Biological and Vision Sciences, State University of New York College of Optometry, New York, New York, United States
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Asteriti S, Marino V, Avesani A, Biasi A, Dal Cortivo G, Cangiano L, Dell'Orco D. Recombinant protein delivery enables modulation of the phototransduction cascade in mouse retina. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:371. [PMID: 38001384 PMCID: PMC10673981 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05022-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies are often associated with mutations in the genes involved in the phototransduction cascade in photoreceptors, a paradigmatic signaling pathway mediated by G protein-coupled receptors. Photoreceptor viability is strictly dependent on the levels of the second messengers cGMP and Ca2+. Here we explored the possibility of modulating the phototransduction cascade in mouse rods using direct or liposome-mediated administration of a recombinant protein crucial for regulating the interplay of the second messengers in photoreceptor outer segments. The effects of administration of the free and liposome-encapsulated human guanylate cyclase-activating protein 1 (GCAP1) were compared in biological systems of increasing complexity (in cyto, ex vivo, and in vivo). The analysis of protein biodistribution and the direct measurement of functional alteration in rod photoresponses show that the exogenous GCAP1 protein is fully incorporated into the mouse retina and photoreceptor outer segments. Furthermore, only in the presence of a point mutation associated with cone-rod dystrophy in humans p.(E111V), protein delivery induces a disease-like electrophysiological phenotype, consistent with constitutive activation of the retinal guanylate cyclase. Our study demonstrates that both direct and liposome-mediated protein delivery are powerful complementary tools for targeting signaling cascades in neuronal cells, which could be particularly important for the treatment of autosomal dominant genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Asteriti
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
- Department of Translational Research, University of Pisa, 56123, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valerio Marino
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Avesani
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Amedeo Biasi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Giuditta Dal Cortivo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Cangiano
- Department of Translational Research, University of Pisa, 56123, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Daniele Dell'Orco
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy.
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Solebo AL, Teoh L, Sargent J, Rahi JS. Avoidable childhood blindness in a high-income country: findings from the British Childhood Visual Impairment and Blindness Study 2. Br J Ophthalmol 2023; 107:1787-1792. [PMID: 36229176 DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2022-321718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Addressing childhood visual disability is an international priority, with data on causes needed to plan, implement and evaluate public health and clinical care. We have examined the contribution of 'avoidable' blinding disorders to childhood visual impairment, severe visual impairment and blindness (VI/SVIBL) in the UK. METHODS National prospective observational longitudinal study, the British Childhood Visual Impairment and Blindness Study 2 (BCVIS2), of children (aged 18 years or under) newly diagnosed with vision worse than 0.48 logMAR (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) or equivalent in both eyes. Proportions of children with an 'avoidable' disorder comprising either a potentially preventable (isolated disorders with an effective intervention which reduces disease incidence) or treatable (isolated eye or vision disorders for which there are routinely available effective interventions able to improve vision or halt progressive visual loss) are reported. RESULTS Of the 784 children within BCVIS2, isolated potentially preventable disorders were present in only 17% (132/784) and treatable disorders in an additional 13% (99/784). The most common treatable causes were cataract, retinopathy of prematurity and glaucoma. Of the 132 children with potentially preventable disease, 64 had hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy. Non-accidental injury accounted for almost two-thirds (11/16, 69%) of those with VI/SVIBL due to injury. CONCLUSION Despite significant progress in the past decades in high-income countries, there remains a need to be vigilant about implementing preventive strategies and treatments. Attention to disorders that are currently neither preventable nor treatable remains a priority in these settings and will become increasingly important in lower-income and middle-income countries undergoing economic transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameenat Lola Solebo
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Population Policy and Practice, London, UK
- NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
- Ophthalmology Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
- Ulverscroft Vision Research Group, London, UK
| | - Lucinda Teoh
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Population Policy and Practice, London, UK
- Ulverscroft Vision Research Group, London, UK
| | - Jenefer Sargent
- Wolfson Neurodisability Service, Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Jugnoo S Rahi
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Population Policy and Practice, London, UK
- NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
- Ophthalmology Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
- Ulverscroft Vision Research Group, London, UK
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Haraguchi Y, Chiang TK, Yu M. Application of Electrophysiology in Non-Macular Inherited Retinal Dystrophies. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6953. [PMID: 37959417 PMCID: PMC10649281 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies encompass a diverse group of disorders affecting the structure and function of the retina, leading to progressive visual impairment and, in severe cases, blindness. Electrophysiology testing has emerged as a valuable tool in assessing and diagnosing those conditions, offering insights into the function of different parts of the visual pathway from retina to visual cortex and aiding in disease classification. This review provides an overview of the application of electrophysiology testing in the non-macular inherited retinal dystrophies focusing on both common and rare variants, including retinitis pigmentosa, progressive cone and cone-rod dystrophy, bradyopsia, Bietti crystalline dystrophy, late-onset retinal degeneration, and fundus albipunctatus. The different applications and limitations of electrophysiology techniques, including multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG), full-field ERG (ffERG), electrooculogram (EOG), pattern electroretinogram (PERG), and visual evoked potential (VEP), in the diagnosis and management of these distinctive phenotypes are discussed. The potential for electrophysiology testing to allow for further understanding of these diseases and the possibility of using these tests for early detection, prognosis prediction, and therapeutic monitoring in the future is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Minzhong Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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11
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Awadh Hashem S, Georgiou M, Ali RR, Michaelides M. RPGR-Related Retinopathy: Clinical Features, Molecular Genetics, and Gene Replacement Therapy. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2023; 13:a041280. [PMID: 37188525 PMCID: PMC10626266 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene variants are the predominant cause of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) and a common cause of cone-rod dystrophy (CORD). XLRP presents as early as the first decade of life, with impaired night vision and constriction of peripheral visual field and rapid progression, eventually leading to blindness. In this review, we present RPGR gene structure and function, molecular genetics, animal models, RPGR-associated phenotypes and highlight emerging potential treatments such as gene-replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaima Awadh Hashem
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, United Kingdom
| | - Michalis Georgiou
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, United Kingdom
- Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, USA
| | - Robin R Ali
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, United Kingdom
- Centre for Cell and Gene Therapy, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, United Kingdom
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Yang S, Li Y, Yang L, Guo Q, You Y, Lei B. Pathogenicity and functional analysis of CFAP410 mutations causing cone-rod dystrophy with macular staphyloma. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1216427. [PMID: 37901396 PMCID: PMC10601463 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1216427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cone-rod dystrophy (CORD) caused by pathogenic variants in CFAP410 is a very rare disease. The mechanisms by which the variants caused the disease remained largely unknown. CFAP410 pathogenic variants were identified in a cone-rod dystrophy with macular staphyloma patient. We explored the pathogenicity and performed functional analysis of two compound heterozygous mutations. Methods A 6-year-old boy complained decreased vision for 1 year, underwent ocular examinations together with systemic X-ray check. Blood sample was taken for targeted next generation sequencing (Tg-NGS). Pathogenicity of identified variants was determined by ACMG guideline. Mutated plasmids were constructed and transferred to HEK293T cells. Cell cycle, protein stability, and protein ubiquitination level was measured. Results The best-corrected visual acuity of proband was 0.20 bilaterally. Fundus showed macular staphyloma and uneven granular pigment disorder in the periphery of the retina. SS-OCT showed thinning and atrophy of the outer retina, residual ellipsoid zone (EZ) in the fovea. Scotopic and photopic ERG responses severe reduced. Two heterozygous missense pathogenic variants, c.319 T > C (p.Tyr107His) and c.347 C > T (p.Pro116Leu) in exon 4 of the CFAP410, were found and were pathogenic by the ACMG guideline. In vitro, pathogenic variants affect cell cycle. Immunofluorescence and western blotting showed that the mutant proteins decreased expression levels protein stability. Meanwhile, co-IP data suggested that ubiquitination level was altered in cells transferred with the mutated plasmids. Conclusion Compound heterozygous pathogenic variants c.319 T > C and c.347 C > T in CFAP410 caused CORD with macular staphyloma. The pathogenic mechanisms may be associated with alternations of protein stability and degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoqing Yang
- Henan University People’s Hospital, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ya Li
- Henan Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Henan Eye Institute/Henan Eye Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Henan Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Henan Eye Institute/Henan Eye Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qingge Guo
- Henan Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Henan Eye Institute/Henan Eye Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ya You
- Henan Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Henan Eye Institute/Henan Eye Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bo Lei
- Henan University People’s Hospital, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Henan Eye Institute/Henan Eye Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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Rodilla C, Martín-Merida I, Blanco-Kelly F, Trujillo-Tiebas MJ, Avila-Fernandez A, Riveiro-Alvarez R, Del Pozo-Valero M, Perea-Romero I, Swafiri ST, Zurita O, Villaverde C, López MÁ, Romero R, Iancu IF, Núñez-Moreno G, Jiménez-Rolando B, Martin-Gutierrez MP, Carreño E, Minguez P, García-Sandoval B, Ayuso C, Corton M. Comprehensive Genotyping and Phenotyping Analysis of GUCY2D-Associated Rod- and Cone-Dominated Dystrophies. Am J Ophthalmol 2023; 254:87-103. [PMID: 37327959 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2023.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the genetic and clinical spectrum of GUCY2D-associated retinopathies and to accurately establish their prevalence in a large cohort of patients. DESIGN Retrospective case series. METHODS Institutional study of 47 patients from 27 unrelated families with retinal dystrophies carrying disease-causing GUCY2D variants from the Fundación Jiménez Díaz hospital dataset of 8000 patients. Patients underwent ophthalmological examination and molecular testing by Sanger or exome sequencing approaches. Statistical and principal component analyses were performed to determine genotype-phenotype correlations. RESULTS Four clinically different associated phenotypes were identified: 66.7% of families with cone/cone-rod dystrophy, 22.2% with Leber congenital amaurosis, 7.4% with early-onset retinitis pigmentosa, and 3.7% with congenital night blindness. Twenty-three disease-causing GUCY2D variants were identified, including 6 novel variants. Biallelic variants accounted for 28% of patients, whereas most carried dominant alleles associated with cone/cone-rod dystrophy. The disease onset had statistically significant differences according to the functional variant effect. Patients carrying GUCY2D variants were projected into 3 subgroups by allelic combination, disease onset, and presence of nystagmus or night blindness. In contrast to patients with the most severe phenotype of Leber congenital amaurosis, 7 patients with biallelic GUCY2D had a later and milder rod form with night blindness in infancy as the first symptom. CONCLUSIONS This study represents the largest GUCY2D cohort in which 4 distinctly different phenotypes were identified, including rare intermediate presentations of rod-dominated retinopathies. We established that GUCY2D is linked to about 1% of approximately 3000 molecularly characterized families of our cohort. All of these findings are critical for defining cohorts for inclusion in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Rodilla
- From the Department of Genetics and Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I., G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I, G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.)
| | - Inmaculada Martín-Merida
- From the Department of Genetics and Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I., G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I, G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.)
| | - Fiona Blanco-Kelly
- From the Department of Genetics and Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I., G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I, G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.)
| | - María José Trujillo-Tiebas
- From the Department of Genetics and Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I., G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I, G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.)
| | - Almudena Avila-Fernandez
- From the Department of Genetics and Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I., G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I, G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.)
| | - Rosa Riveiro-Alvarez
- From the Department of Genetics and Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I., G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I, G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.)
| | - Marta Del Pozo-Valero
- From the Department of Genetics and Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I., G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I, G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.)
| | - Irene Perea-Romero
- From the Department of Genetics and Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I., G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I, G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.)
| | - Saoud Tahsin Swafiri
- From the Department of Genetics and Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I., G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I, G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.)
| | - Olga Zurita
- From the Department of Genetics and Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I., G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I, G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.)
| | - Cristina Villaverde
- From the Department of Genetics and Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I., G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I, G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.)
| | - Miguel Ángel López
- From the Department of Genetics and Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I., G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I, G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.)
| | - Raquel Romero
- From the Department of Genetics and Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I., G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I, G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.); Bioinformatics Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain (R.R., I.F.I., G.N.-M., P.M.)
| | - Ionut Florin Iancu
- From the Department of Genetics and Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I., G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I, G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.); Bioinformatics Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain (R.R., I.F.I., G.N.-M., P.M.)
| | - Gonzalo Núñez-Moreno
- From the Department of Genetics and Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I., G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I, G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.); Bioinformatics Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain (R.R., I.F.I., G.N.-M., P.M.)
| | - Belén Jiménez-Rolando
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain (B.J.-R., M.P.M.-G., E.C., B.G.-S.)
| | - María Pilar Martin-Gutierrez
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain (B.J.-R., M.P.M.-G., E.C., B.G.-S.)
| | - Ester Carreño
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain (B.J.-R., M.P.M.-G., E.C., B.G.-S.)
| | - Pablo Minguez
- From the Department of Genetics and Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I., G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I, G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.); Bioinformatics Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain (R.R., I.F.I., G.N.-M., P.M.)
| | - Blanca García-Sandoval
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain (B.J.-R., M.P.M.-G., E.C., B.G.-S.)
| | - Carmen Ayuso
- From the Department of Genetics and Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I., G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I, G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.).
| | - Marta Corton
- From the Department of Genetics and Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I., G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (C.R., I.M.-M., F.B.-K., M.J.T.-T., A.A.-F., R.R.-A., M.d.P.V., I.P.-R., S.T.S., O.Z., C.V., M.A.L., R.R., I.F.I, G.N.-M., P.M., C.A., M.C.).
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Fujinami-Yokokawa Y, Yang L, Joo K, Tsunoda K, Liu X, Kondo M, Ahn SJ, Li H, Park KH, Tachimori H, Miyata H, Woo SJ, Sui R, Fujinami K. Occult Macular Dysfunction Syndrome: Identification of Multiple Pathologies in a Clinical Spectrum of Macular Dysfunction with Normal Fundus in East Asian Patients: EAOMD Report No. 5. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1869. [PMID: 37895218 PMCID: PMC10606510 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Occult macular dystrophy (OMD) is the most prevalent form of macular dystrophy in East Asia. Beyond RP1L1, causative genes and mechanisms remain largely uncharacterised. This study aimed to delineate the clinical and genetic characteristics of OMD syndrome (OMDS). Patients clinically diagnosed with OMDS in Japan, South Korea, and China were enrolled. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) macular dysfunction and (2) normal fundus appearance. Comprehensive clinical evaluation and genetic assessment were performed to identify the disease-causing variants. Clinical parameters were compared among the genotype groups. Seventy-two patients with OMDS from fifty families were included. The causative genes were RP1L1 in forty-seven patients from thirty families (30/50, 60.0%), CRX in two patients from one family (1/50, 2.0%), GUCY2D in two patients from two families (2/50, 4.0%), and no genes were identified in twenty-one patients from seventeen families (17/50, 34.0%). Different severities were observed in terms of disease onset and the prognosis of visual acuity reduction. This multicentre large cohort study furthers our understanding of the phenotypic and genotypic spectra of patients with macular dystrophy and normal fundus. Evidently, OMDS encompasses multiple Mendelian retinal disorders, each representing unique pathologies that dictate their respective severity and prognostic patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fujinami-Yokokawa
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (Y.F.-Y.)
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, NHO Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo 152-8902, Japan
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
- Division of Public Health, Yokokawa Clinic, Suita 564-0083, Japan
| | - Lizhu Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kwangsic Joo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam 13620, Republic of Korea
| | - Kazushige Tsunoda
- Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, NHO Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo 152-8902, Japan
| | - Xiao Liu
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, NHO Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo 152-8902, Japan
- Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Mineo Kondo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Seong Joon Ahn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hanyang University Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kyu Hyung Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Hisateru Tachimori
- Endowed Course for Health System Innovation, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Miyata
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (Y.F.-Y.)
| | - Se Joon Woo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam 13620, Republic of Korea
| | - Ruifang Sui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kaoru Fujinami
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, NHO Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo 152-8902, Japan
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London EC1V 2PD, UK
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15
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Mellen RW, Calabro KR, McCullough KT, Crosson SM, Cova ADL, Fajardo D, Xu E, Boye SL, Boye SE. Development of an AAV-CRISPR-Cas9-based treatment for dominant cone-rod dystrophy 6. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 30:48-64. [PMID: 37361352 PMCID: PMC10285452 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Cone-rod dystrophy 6 (CORD6) is caused by gain-of-function mutations in the GUCY2D gene, which encodes retinal guanylate cyclase-1 (RetGC1). There are currently no treatments available for this autosomal dominant disease, which is characterized by severe, early-onset visual impairment. The purpose of our study was to develop an adeno-associated virus (AAV)-CRISPR-Cas9-based approach referred to as "ablate and replace" and evaluate its therapeutic potential in mouse models of CORD6. This two-vector system delivers (1) CRISPR-Cas9 targeted to the early coding sequence of the wild-type and mutant GUCY2D alleles and (2) a CRISPR-Cas9-resistant cDNA copy of GUCY2D ("hardened" GUCY2D). Together, these vectors knock out ("ablate") expression of endogenous RetGC1 in photoreceptors and supplement ("replace") a healthy copy of exogenous GUCY2D. First, we confirmed that ablation of mutant R838S GUCY2D was therapeutic in a transgenic mouse model of CORD6. Next, we established a proof of concept for "ablate and replace" and optimized vector doses in Gucy2e+/-:Gucy2f-/- and Gucy2f-/- mice, respectively. Finally, we confirmed that the "ablate and replace" approach stably preserved retinal structure and function in a novel knockin mouse model of CORD6, the RetGC1 (hR838S, hWT) mouse. Taken together, our results support further development of the "ablate and replace" approach for treatment of CORD6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell W. Mellen
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kaitlyn R. Calabro
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - K. Tyler McCullough
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sean M. Crosson
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Alejandro de la Cova
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Diego Fajardo
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Emily Xu
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sanford L. Boye
- Powell Gene Therapy Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Shannon E. Boye
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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16
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Samelska K, Szaflik JP, Śmigielska B, Zaleska-Żmijewska A. Progression of Rare Inherited Retinal Dystrophies May Be Monitored by Adaptive Optics Imaging. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1871. [PMID: 37763275 PMCID: PMC10532666 DOI: 10.3390/life13091871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are bilateral genetic conditions of the retina, leading to irreversible vision loss. This study included 55 eyes afflicted with IRDs affecting the macula. The diseases examined encompassed Stargardt disease (STGD), cone dystrophy (CD), and cone-rod dystrophy (CRD) using adaptive optics (Rtx1™; Imagine Eyes, Orsay, France). Adaptive optics facilitate high-quality visualisation of retinal microstructures, including cones. Cone parameters, such as cone density (DM), cone spacing (SM), and regularity (REG), were analysed. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was assessed as well. Examinations were performed twice over a 6-year observation period. A significant change was observed in DM (1282.73/mm2 vs. 10,073.42/mm2, p< 0.001) and SM (9.83 μm vs. 12.16 μm, p< 0.001) during the follow-up. BCVA deterioration was also significant (0.16 vs. 0.12, p = 0.001), albeit uncorrelated with the change in cone parameters. No significant difference in REG was detected between the initial examination and the follow-up (p = 0.089).
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Samelska
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, 00-576 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Paweł Szaflik
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, 00-576 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Barbara Śmigielska
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, 00-576 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Zaleska-Żmijewska
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, 00-576 Warsaw, Poland
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17
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Benson MD, Mukherjee S, Agather AR, Blain D, Cunningham D, Mays R, Sun X, Li T, Hufnagel RB, Brooks BP, Huryn LA, Zein WM, Cukras CA. RPGR: Deep Phenotyping and Genetic Characterization With Findings Specific to the 3'-end of ORF15. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:19. [PMID: 37695603 PMCID: PMC10501488 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.12.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To describe a group of patients with retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR)-related retinopathy with a tapetal-like retinal sheen and corresponding changes in the reflectivity of the ellipsoid zone on optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. Methods A retrospective case series of 66 patients with a disease-causing variant in RPGR was performed. An expert examiner, masked to patient demographics, clinical evaluations, and specific RPGR variant, analyzed color fundus photographs for the presence of a tapetal-like retinal sheen and assessed OCT images for the presence of an abnormally broad hyper-reflective band in the outer retina. Longitudinal reflectivity profiles were generated and compared with healthy controls. Results Twelve patients (18.2%) had a retinal sheen on color images that cosegregated with an abnormally broad hyper-reflective ellipsoid zone band on OCT imaging. Three-fourths of these patients were male, had a cone-rod dystrophy, and had pathogenic RPGR variants located toward the 3'-end of ORF15. This group had a different longitudinal reflectivity profile signature compared with controls. After a period of prolonged dark adaptation, the abnormal hyper-reflective band on OCT became less apparent, and the outer retinal layers adopted a more normal appearance. Conclusions RPGR-related retinopathy should be considered for males presenting with retinal sheen, abnormal ellipsoid zone hyper-reflectivity, and cone or cone-rod dysfunction on ERG, and pursued with molecular testing. Our results have implications for understanding the role of the C-terminal domain encoded by RPGR ORF15 in the phototransduction cascade. Further, the findings may be important to incorporate into both inclusion criteria and outcome measure developments in future RPGR-related cone or cone-rod dystrophy clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D. Benson
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Souvick Mukherjee
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Aime R. Agather
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Delphine Blain
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Denise Cunningham
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Robert Mays
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Xun Sun
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Tiansen Li
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Robert B. Hufnagel
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Brian P. Brooks
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Laryssa A. Huryn
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Wadih M. Zein
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Catherine A. Cukras
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
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18
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Daich Varela M, Georgiadis A, Michaelides M. Genetic treatment for autosomal dominant inherited retinal dystrophies: approaches, challenges and targeted genotypes. Br J Ophthalmol 2023; 107:1223-1230. [PMID: 36038193 DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2022-321903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) have been in the front line of gene therapy development for the last decade, providing a useful platform to test novel therapeutic approaches. More than 40 clinical trials have been completed or are ongoing, tackling autosomal recessive and X-linked conditions, mostly through adeno-associated viral vector delivery of a normal copy of the disease-causing gene. However, only recently has autosomal dominant (ad) disease been targeted, with the commencement of a trial for rhodopsin (RHO)-associated retinitis pigmentosa (RP), implementing antisense oligonucleotide (AON) therapy, with promising preliminary results (NCT04123626).Autosomal dominant RP represents 15%-25% of all RP, with RHO accounting for 20%-30% of these cases. Autosomal dominant macular and cone-rod dystrophies (MD/CORD) correspond to approximately 7.5% of all IRDs, and approximately 35% of all MD/CORD cases, with the main causative gene being BEST1 Autosomal dominant IRDs are not only less frequent than recessive, but also tend to be less severe and have later onset; for example, an individual with RHO-adRP would typically become severely visually impaired at an age 2-3 times older than in X-linked RPGR-RP.Gain-of-function and dominant negative aetiologies are frequently seen in the prevalent adRP genes RHO, RP1 and PRPF31 among others, which would not be effectively addressed by gene supplementation alone and need creative, novel approaches. Zinc fingers, RNA interference, AON, translational read-through therapy, and gene editing by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas are some of the strategies that are currently under investigation and will be discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malena Daich Varela
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Michel Michaelides
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
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19
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Moran AL, Fehilly JD, Blacque O, Kennedy BN. Gene therapy for RAB28: What can we learn from zebrafish? Vision Res 2023; 210:108270. [PMID: 37321111 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2023.108270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The eye is particularly suited to gene therapy due to its accessibility, immunoprivileged state and compartmentalised structure. Indeed, many clinical trials are underway for therapeutic gene strategies for inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs). However, as there are currently 281 genes associated with IRD, there is still a large unmet need for effective therapies for the majority of IRD-causing genes. In humans, RAB28 null and hypomorphic alleles cause autosomal recessive cone-rod dystrophy (arCORD). Previous work demonstrated that restoring wild type zebrafish Rab28 via germline transgenesis, specifically in cone photoreceptors, is sufficient to rescue the defects in outer segment phagocytosis (OSP) observed in zebrafish rab28-/- knockouts (KO). This rescue suggests that gene therapy for RAB28-associated CORD may be successful by RAB28 gene restoration to cones. It also inspired us to critically consider the scenarios in which zebrafish can provide informative preclinical data for development of gene therapies. Thus, this review focuses on RAB28 biology and disease, and delves into both the opportunities and limitations of using zebrafish as a model for both gene therapy development and as a diagnostic tool for patient variants of unknown significance (VUS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailis L Moran
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John D Fehilly
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Oliver Blacque
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Breandán N Kennedy
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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20
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Jones MK, Orozco LD, Qin H, Truong T, Caplazi P, Elstrott J, Modrusan Z, Chaney SY, Jeanne M. Integration of human stem cell-derived in vitro systems and mouse preclinical models identifies complex pathophysiologic mechanisms in retinal dystrophy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1252547. [PMID: 37691820 PMCID: PMC10483287 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1252547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare DRAM2 coding variants cause retinal dystrophy with early macular involvement via unknown mechanisms. We found that DRAM2 is ubiquitously expressed in the human eye and expression changes were observed in eyes with more common maculopathy such as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). To gain insights into pathogenicity of DRAM2-related retinopathy, we used a combination of in vitro and in vivo models. We found that DRAM2 loss in human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived retinal organoids caused the presence of additional mesenchymal cells. Interestingly, Dram2 loss in mice also caused increased proliferation of cells from the choroid in vitro and exacerbated choroidal neovascular lesions in vivo. Furthermore, we observed that DRAM2 loss in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells resulted in increased susceptibility to stress-induced cell death in vitro and that Dram2 loss in mice caused age-related photoreceptor degeneration. This highlights the complexity of DRAM2 function, as its loss in choroidal cells provided a proliferative advantage, whereas its loss in post-mitotic cells, such as photoreceptor and RPE cells, increased degeneration susceptibility. Different models such as human pluripotent stem cell-derived systems and mice can be leveraged to study and model human retinal dystrophies; however, cell type and species-specific expression must be taken into account when selecting relevant systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa K. Jones
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
- Product Development Clinical Science Ophthalmology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Luz D. Orozco
- Department of Bioinformatics, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Han Qin
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Tom Truong
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Patrick Caplazi
- Department of Research Pathology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Justin Elstrott
- Department of Translational Imaging, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Zora Modrusan
- Department of Microchemistry, Proteomics, Lipidomics and Next-Generation Sequencing, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Shawnta Y. Chaney
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Marion Jeanne
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
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21
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Gao Y, Ren X, Lin H, Li K, Xiao L, Wang X, Zeng Z, Ran R, Tao Y, Lin Y, Fu X, Yan N, Zhang M. Phenotypic characterization of autosomal dominant progressive cone dystrophies associated with a heterozygous variant c.2512C>T of GUCY2D gene in a large kindred. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:2461-2469. [PMID: 36509996 PMCID: PMC10397296 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-022-02355-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In this study, we described a large family presenting different manifestations of cone dystrophy at different ages associated with GUCY2D gene mutation. METHOD Sixty-three individuals of a single kindred, including 23 affected with cone dystrophies, were recruited and received ocular examinations, including best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, color fundus photograph (CFP), fundus autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography, fluorescence fundus angiography, color vision testing, full-field electroretinography, and electro-oculogram. Whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing were performed for underlying mutations associated with cone dystrophy. RESULT There were 23 affected family members. Clinical analysis showed that the proband and other patients had impaired visual acuity ranging from 20/800 to 20/50 with impaired color vision. Fundus photograph showed retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) granular abnormalities with depressed macular reflex in young patients and macular or retinochoriodal atrophy in older patients. OCT examination confirmed the reduced outer retinal thickness or inner retinal thickness, absence of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) and retinal atrophy to varying degrees. Electroretinography revealed a reduced cone response combined with a relatively maintained rod response. WES and Sanger sequencing revealed a heterozygous variant c.2512C>T in the GUCY2D gene of the affected family members. CONCLUSIONS We reported cone dystrophy in 23 affected individuals in a five-generation family and demonstrated different macular abnormalities in OCT scans and CFP at different ages. The multimodal ocular records in our study provide physicians and ophthalmologists with a better understanding of cone dystrophy associated with GUCY2D mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxia Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiang Ren
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy; West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Hong Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Kang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciencies, 100730, Beijing, PR China
| | - Lirong Xiao
- Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy; West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiaoyue Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Zhibing Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Ruijin Ran
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Minda Hospital of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, PR China
| | - Yunhan Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yu Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy; West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiangyu Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy; West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Naihong Yan
- Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy; West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
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22
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Samelska K, Szaflik JP, Guszkowska M, Kurowska AK, Zaleska-Żmijewska A. Characteristics of Rare Inherited Retinal Dystrophies in Adaptive Optics-A Study on 53 Eyes. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2472. [PMID: 37568834 PMCID: PMC10417470 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13152472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are genetic disorders that lead to the bilateral degeneration of the retina, causing irreversible vision loss. These conditions often manifest during the first and second decades of life, and their primary symptoms can be non-specific. Diagnostic processes encompass assessments of best-corrected visual acuity, fundoscopy, optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography, electrophysiological tests, and genetic testing. This study focuses on the application of adaptive optics (AO), a non-invasive retinal examination, for the assessment of patients with IRDs. AO facilitates the high-quality, detailed observation of retinal photoreceptor structures (cones and rods) and enables the quantitative analysis of parameters such as cone density (DM), cone spacing (SM), cone regularity (REG), and Voronoi analysis (N%6). AO examinations were conducted on eyes diagnosed with Stargardt disease (STGD, N=36), cone dystrophy (CD, N=9), and cone-rod dystrophy (CRD, N=8), and on healthy eyes (N=14). There were significant differences in the DM, SM, REG, and N%6 parameters between the healthy and IRD-affected eyes (p<0.001 for DM, SM, and REG; p=0.008 for N%6). The mean DM in the CD, CRD, and STGD groups was 8900.39/mm2, 9296.32/mm2, and 16,209.66/mm2, respectively, with a significant inter-group difference (p=0.006). The mean SM in the CD, CRD, and STGD groups was 12.37 μm, 14.82 μm, and 9.65 μm, respectively, with a significant difference observed between groups (p=0.002). However, no significant difference was found in REG and N%6 among the CD, CRD, and STGD groups. Significant differences were found in SM and DM between CD and STGD (p=0.014 for SM; p=0.003 for DM) and between CRD and STGD (p=0.027 for SM; p=0.003 for DM). Our findings suggest that AO holds significant potential as an impactful diagnostic tool for IRDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Samelska
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, 00-576 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Paweł Szaflik
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, 00-576 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Anna Katarzyna Kurowska
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, 00-576 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Zaleska-Żmijewska
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, 00-576 Warsaw, Poland
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23
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García-Llorca A, Ólafsson KH, Sigurdsson AT, Eysteinsson T. Progressive Cone-Rod Dystrophy and RPE Dysfunction in Mitfmi/+ Mice. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1458. [PMID: 37510362 PMCID: PMC10379086 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the mouse microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (Mitf) gene affect retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) differentiation and development and can lead to hypopigmentation, microphthalmia, deafness, and blindness. For instance, an association has been established between loss-of-function mutations in the mouse Mitf gene and a variety of human retinal diseases, including Waardenburg type 2 and Tietz syndromes. Although there is evidence showing that mice with the homozygous Mitfmi mutation manifest microphthalmia and osteopetrosis, there are limited or no data on the effects of the heterozygous condition in the eye. Mitf mice can therefore be regarded as an important model system for the study of human disease. Thus, we characterized Mitfmi/+ mice at 1, 3, 12, and 18 months old in comparison with age-matched wild-type mice. The light- and dark-adapted electroretinogram (ERG) recordings showed progressive cone-rod dystrophy in Mitfmi/+ mice. The RPE response was reduced in the mutant in all age groups studied. Progressive loss of pigmentation was found in Mitfmi/+ mice. Histological retinal sections revealed evidence of retinal degeneration in Mitfmi/+ mice at older ages. For the first time, we report a mouse model of progressive cone-rod dystrophy and RPE dysfunction with a mutation in the Mitf gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea García-Llorca
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | | | - Arnór Thorri Sigurdsson
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Thor Eysteinsson
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Landspitali—National University Hospital, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
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24
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Zufiaurre-Seijo M, García-Arumí J, Duarri A. Clinical and Molecular Aspects of C2orf71/PCARE in Retinal Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10670. [PMID: 37445847 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310670] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the photoreceptor-specific C2orf71 gene (also known as photoreceptor cilium actin regulator protein PCARE) cause autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa type 54 and cone-rod dystrophy. No treatments are available for patients with C2orf71 retinal ciliopathies exhibiting a severe clinical phenotype. Our understanding of the disease process and the role of PCARE in the healthy retina significantly limits our capacity to transfer recent technical developments into viable therapy choices. This study summarizes the current understanding of C2orf71-related retinal diseases, including their clinical manifestations and an unclear genotype-phenotype correlation. It discusses molecular and functional studies on the photoreceptor-specific ciliary PCARE, focusing on the photoreceptor cell and its ciliary axoneme. It is proposed that PCARE is an actin-associated protein that interacts with WASF3 to regulate the actin-driven expansion of the ciliary membrane during the development of a new outer segment disk in photoreceptor cells. This review also introduces various cellular and animal models used to model these diseases and provides an overview of potential treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddalen Zufiaurre-Seijo
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José García-Arumí
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Duarri
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
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25
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Liu X, Han S, Liu F, Yu S, Qin Y, Li J, Jia D, Gao P, Chen X, Tang Z, Liu M, Huang Y. Retinal degeneration in rpgra mutant zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1169941. [PMID: 37351277 PMCID: PMC10282147 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1169941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Pathogenic mutations in RPGR ORF15, one of two major human RPGR isoforms, were responsible for most X-linked retinitis pigmentosa cases. Previous studies have shown that RPGR plays a critical role in ciliary protein transport. However, the precise mechanisms of disease triggered by RPGR ORF15 mutations have yet to be clearly defined. There are two homologous genes in zebrafish, rpgra and rpgrb. Zebrafish rpgra has a single transcript homologous to human RPGR ORF15; rpgrb has two major transcripts: rpgrb ex1-17 and rpgrb ORF15, similar to human RPGR ex1-19 and RPGR ORF15, respectively. rpgrb knockdown in zebrafish resulted in both abnormal development and increased cell death in the dysplastic retina. However, the impact of knocking down rpgra in zebrafish remains undetermined. Here, we constructed a rpgra mutant zebrafish model to investigate the retina defect and related molecular mechanism. Methods: we utilized transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) to generate a rpgra mutant zebrafish. Western blot was used to determine protein expression. RT-PCR was used to quantify gene transcription levels. The visual function of embryonic zebrafish was detected by electroretinography. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the pathological changes in the retina of mutant zebrafish and transmission electron microscope was employed to view subcellular structure of photoreceptor cells. Results: A homozygous rpgra mutant zebrafish with c.1675_1678delins21 mutation was successfully constructed. Despite the normal morphological development of the retina at 5 days post-fertilization, visual dysfunction was observed in the mutant zebrafish. Further histological and immunofluorescence assays indicated that rpgra mutant zebrafish retina photoreceptors progressively began to degenerate at 3-6 months. Additionally, the mislocalization of cone outer segment proteins (Opn1lw and Gnb3) and the accumulation of vacuole-like structures around the connecting cilium below the OSs were observed in mutant zebrafish. Furthermore, Rab8a, a key regulator of opsin-carrier vesicle trafficking, exhibited decreased expression and evident mislocalization in mutant zebrafish. Discussion: This study generated a novel rpgra mutant zebrafish model, which showed retinal degeneration. our data suggested Rpgra is necessary for the ciliary transport of cone-associated proteins, and further investigation is required to determine its function in rods. The rpgra mutant zebrafish constructed in this study may help us gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of retinal degeneration caused by RPGR ORF15 mutation and find some useful treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiliang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Sansure Biotech Inc., Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shanshan Han
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- The Institute of Infection and Inflammation, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shanshan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yayun Qin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jingzhen Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Danna Jia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Pan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhaohui Tang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mugen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yuwen Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Birch DG, Cheetham JK, Daiger SP, Hoyng C, Kay C, MacDonald IM, Pennesi ME, Sullivan LS. Overcoming the Challenges to Clinical Development of X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa Therapies: Proceedings of an Expert Panel. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:5. [PMID: 37294701 PMCID: PMC10270308 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.6.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) is a rare inherited retinal disease manifesting as impaired night vision and peripheral vision loss that progresses to legal blindness. Although several trials of ocular gene therapy for XLRP have been conducted or are in progress, there is currently no approved treatment. In July 2022, the Foundation Fighting Blindness convened an expert panel to examine relevant research and make recommendations for overcoming the challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities in conducting clinical trials of RPGR-targeted therapy for XLRP. Data presented concerned RPGR structure and mutation types known to cause XLRP, RPGR mutation-associated retinal phenotype diversity, patterns in genotype/phenotype relationships, disease onset and progression from natural history studies, and the various functional and structural tests used to monitor disease progression. Panel recommendations include considerations, such as genetic screening and other factors that can impact clinical trial inclusion criteria, the influence of age on defining and stratifying participant cohorts, the importance of conducting natural history studies early in clinical development programs, and the merits and drawbacks of available tests for measuring treatment outcomes. We recognize the need to work with regulators to adopt clinically meaningful end points that would best determine the efficacy of a trial. Given the promise of RPGR-targeted gene therapy for XLRP and the difficulties encountered in phase III clinical trials to date, we hope these recommendations will help speed progress to finding a cure. Translational Relevance Examination of relevant data and recommendations for the successful clinical development of gene therapies for RPGR-associated XLRP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stephen P. Daiger
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Carel Hoyng
- Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Mark E. Pennesi
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Lori S. Sullivan
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
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27
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Lu CF, Zhou YN, Zhang J, Su S, Liu Y, Peng GH, Zang W, Cao J. The role of epigenetic methylation/demethylation in the regulation of retinal photoreceptors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1149132. [PMID: 37305686 PMCID: PMC10251769 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1149132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptors are integral and crucial for the retina, as they convert light into electrical signals. Epigenetics plays a vital role in determining the precise expression of genetic information in space and time during the development and maturation of photoreceptors, cell differentiation, degeneration, death, and various pathological processes. Epigenetic regulation has three main manifestations: histone modification, DNA methylation, and RNA-based mechanisms, where methylation is involved in two regulatory mechanisms-histone methylation and DNA methylation. DNA methylation is the most studied form of epigenetic modification, while histone methylation is a relatively stable regulatory mechanism. Evidence suggests that normal methylation regulation is essential for the growth and development of photoreceptors and the maintenance of their functions, while abnormal methylation can lead to many pathological forms of photoreceptors. However, the role of methylation/demethylation in regulating retinal photoreceptors remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to review the role of methylation/demethylation in regulating photoreceptors in various physiological and pathological situations and discuss the underlying mechanisms involved. Given the critical role of epigenetic regulation in gene expression and cellular differentiation, investigating the specific molecular mechanisms underlying these processes in photoreceptors may provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of retinal diseases. Moreover, understanding these mechanisms could lead to the development of novel therapies that target the epigenetic machinery, thereby promoting the maintenance of retinal function throughout an individual's lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Fan Lu
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ya-Nan Zhou
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Songxue Su
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yupeng Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guang-Hua Peng
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Laboratory of Visual Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weidong Zang
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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28
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Bayat K, Hassanpour K, Sabbaghi H, Fekri S, Daftarian N, Motevasseli T, Suri F, Kheiri B, Yaseri M, Ahmadieh H. Choroidal structure investigated by choroidal vascularity index in patients with inherited retinal diseases. Int J Retina Vitreous 2023; 9:18. [PMID: 36978199 PMCID: PMC10044756 DOI: 10.1186/s40942-023-00457-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the choroidal structure in patients with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) by investigating the choroidal vascularity index (CVI). METHODS The present study was conducted on 113 IRD patients and 113 sex- and age-matched healthy individuals. Patients' data was extracted from the Iranian National Registry for IRDs (IRDReg®). Total choroidal area (TCA) was determined between retinal pigment epithelium and choroid-scleral junction,1500 microns on either side of the fovea. Luminal area (LA) was considered as the black area corresponding to the choroidal vascular spaces, following Niblack binarization. CVI was calculated as the ratio of the LA to the TCA. CVI and other parameters were compared among different types of IRD and the control group. RESULTS The IRD diagnosis included retinitis pigmentosa (n = 69), cone-rod dystrophy (n = 15), Usher syndrome (n = 15), Leber congenital amaurosis (n = 9), and Stargardt disease (n = 5). Sixty-one (54.0%) individuals of each of the study and control groups were male. The average CVI was 0.65 ± 0.06 in the IRD patients and 0.70 ± 0.06 in the control group (P < 0.001). Accordingly, the average of TCA and LA were 2.32 ± 0.63 and 1.52 ± 0.44 mm [1] in patients with IRDs, respectively. The measurements for the TCA and the LA were significantly lower in all subtypes of IRD (P-values < 0.05). CONCLUSION CVI is significantly lower in patients with IRD than in healthy age-matched individuals. Choroidal changes in IRDs may be related to the changes in the lumen of the choroidal vessels rather than the stromal changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kia Bayat
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kiana Hassanpour
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Ophthalmology, Labbafinejad Medical Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamideh Sabbaghi
- Ophthalmic Epidemiology Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahba Fekri
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Ophthalmology, Labbafinejad Medical Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narsis Daftarian
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahmineh Motevasseli
- 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
| | - Bahareh Kheiri
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yaseri
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Ahmadieh
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Hathibelagal AR, Bhutia P, Das M, Babu H, Jalali S, Takkar B, Paremeswarappa DC, Ballae Ganeshrao S. Tablet-based 'ON/OFF' pathway test can distinguish between rod- and cone-dominated diseases. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2023; 43:231-238. [PMID: 36416095 DOI: 10.1111/opo.13072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The photopic ON pathway defect is associated with nocturnal vision loss. However, the measurement of ON function to detect a rod-dominated disease (rods affected more than cones) has not been explored. We evaluated whether the psychophysical evaluation of ON/OFF pathways can be used to distinguish cone-dominated from rod-dominated diseases. METHODS Thirty-seven patients with inherited retinal diseases were tested using the 'EyeSpeed' [iOS application] on an iPad. The test displayed a random number (1-3) of light or dark targets on a black-and-white noise background. Participants responded on a touch screen indicating the correct number of targets displayed. The outcome variables-reaction time, accuracy and performance index (speed [1/reaction time] * accuracy) to both light and dark targets were assessed for diagnostic ability using standard receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS Mean ± standard deviation age and visual acuity for the cone- and rod-dominated groups were 25.15 ± 11.74 years, 0.80 ± 0.25 logMAR and 28.3 ± 14.29 years, 0.48 ± 0.26 logMAR, respectively. The median reaction time to light targets in rod-dominated disease [interquartile range] was 5.28 s [3.17], significantly greater than for patients with cone-dominated disease (2.07 s [0.93]; Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.001). Amongst all of the outcome variables evaluated, the reaction time to light targets (criterion of ≥2.98 s) exhibited the highest area under the ROC curve (area = 0.89 ± 0.11; p < 0.001), with a sensitivity and specificity of 82.4% and 85% respectively. CONCLUSIONS Reaction time to light targets using the ON/OFF pathway paradigm is a valid marker to differentiate between rod- and cone-dominated retinal dystrophies. ON pathway function measured using a tablet-based test could act as a supplemental test in the diagnosis of challenging photoreceptor-specific inherited retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amithavikram R Hathibelagal
- Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision Sciences, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,Professor Brien Holden Eye Research Center, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Phuntsok Bhutia
- Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision Sciences, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,Professor Brien Holden Eye Research Center, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Mritunjoy Das
- Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision Sciences, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,Professor Brien Holden Eye Research Center, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Helna Babu
- Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision Sciences, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,Professor Brien Holden Eye Research Center, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Subhadra Jalali
- Srimati Kanuri Santhamma Centre for Vitreoretinal Diseases, Anant Bajaj Retina Institute, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,Jasti V Ramanamma Children's Eye Care Centre, Child Sight Institute, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Brijesh Takkar
- Srimati Kanuri Santhamma Centre for Vitreoretinal Diseases, Anant Bajaj Retina Institute, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,Indian Health Outcomes, Public Health, and Economics Research (IHOPE) Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Deepika C Paremeswarappa
- Srimati Kanuri Santhamma Centre for Vitreoretinal Diseases, Anant Bajaj Retina Institute, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Shonraj Ballae Ganeshrao
- Department of Optometry, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, India
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30
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CDHR1-Related Cone-Rod Dystrophy: Clinical Characteristics, Imaging Findings, and Genetic Test Results-A Case Report. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59020399. [PMID: 36837600 PMCID: PMC9966332 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59020399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Background: Cone-rod dystrophies (CRDs) are a heterogeneous group of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) characterized by cone photoreceptor loss, that is followed by subsequent rod photoreceptor impairment. Case presentation: A 49-year-old man complaining of diminution of vision in both eyes (OU) was referred to our outpatient clinic. He reported visual loss for 5 years, but it was most progressive during the last few months. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at presentation was 0.4 in the right eye (RE) and 1.0 in the left eye (LE). Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) revealed granular hyperfluorescence in the macula and concomitant areas of capillary atrophy. Flash full-field electroretinography (ffERG) showed lowering of a and b waves as well as prolonged peak time in light-adapted conditions. However, outcomes of dark-adapted ERGs were within normal limits. Based on the constellation of clinical, angiographic, and electrophysiological tests findings, a diagnosis of IRD was suspected. Genetic testing showed a homozygous, pathogenic c.783G>A mutation in the cadherin-related family member 1 (CDHR1) gene, which confirmed CRD type 15 (CRD15). Conclusions: We demonstrate the clinical characteristics, retinal imaging outcomes, and genetic test results of a patient with CRD15. Our case contributes to expanding our knowledge of the clinical involvement of the pathogenic mutation c.783G>A in CDHR1 variants.
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Hadalin V, Buscarino M, Sajovic J, Meglič A, Jarc-Vidmar M, Hawlina M, Volk M, Fakin A. Genetic Characteristics and Long-Term Follow-Up of Slovenian Patients with RPGR Retinal Dystrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043840. [PMID: 36835250 PMCID: PMC9958649 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic characteristics and a long-term clinical follow-up of 18 Slovenian retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) patients from 10 families with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) or cone/cone-rod dystrophy (COD/CORD) are reported. RP (eight families) was associated with two already known (p.(Ser407Ilefs*46) and p.(Glu746Argfs*23)) and five novel variants (c.1245+704_1415-2286del, p.(Glu660*), p.(Ala153Thr), c.1506+1G>T, and p.(Arg780Serfs*54)). COD (two families) was associated with p.(Ter1153Lysext*38). The median age of onset in males with RP (N = 9) was 6 years. At the first examination (median age of 32 years), the median best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.30 logMAR, and all patients had a hyperautofluorescent ring on fundus autofluorescence (FAF) encircling preserved photoreceptors. At the last follow-up (median age of 39 years), the median BCVA was 0.48 logMAR, and FAF showed ring constriction transitioning to patch in 2/9. Among females (N = 6; median age of 40 years), two had normal/near-normal FAF, one had unilateral RP (male pattern), and three had a radial and/or focal pattern of retinal degeneration. After a median of 4 years (4-21) of follow-up, 2/6 exhibited disease progression. The median age of onset in males with COD was 25 years. At first examination (median age of 35 years), the median BCVA was 1.00 logMAR, and all patients had a hyperautofluorescent FAF ring encircling foveal photoreceptor loss. At the last follow-up (median age of 42 years), the median BCVA was 1.30 logMAR, and FAF showed ring enlargement. The majority of the identified variants (75%; 6/8) had not been previously reported in other RPGR cohorts, which suggested the presence of distinct RPGR alleles in the Slovenian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vlasta Hadalin
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Grablovičeva 46, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maša Buscarino
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Grablovičeva 46, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jana Sajovic
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Grablovičeva 46, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andrej Meglič
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Grablovičeva 46, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Martina Jarc-Vidmar
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Grablovičeva 46, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Hawlina
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Grablovičeva 46, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marija Volk
- Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Šlajmerjeva 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ana Fakin
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Grablovičeva 46, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence:
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32
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Zhu T, Zhang Y, Sheng X, Zhang X, Chen Y, Zhu H, Guo Y, Qi Y, Zhao Y, Zhou Q, Chen X, Guo X, Zhao C. Absence of CEP78 causes photoreceptor and sperm flagella impairments in mice and a human individual. eLife 2023; 12:76157. [PMID: 36756949 PMCID: PMC9984195 DOI: 10.7554/elife.76157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cone-rod dystrophy (CRD) is a genetically inherited retinal disease that can be associated with male infertility, while the specific genetic mechanisms are not well known. Here, we report CEP78 as a causative gene of a particular syndrome including CRD and male infertility with multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella (MMAF) both in human and mouse. Cep78 knockout mice exhibited impaired function and morphology of photoreceptors, typified by reduced ERG amplitudes, disrupted translocation of cone arrestin, attenuated and disorganized photoreceptor outer segments (OS) disks and widen OS bases, as well as interrupted connecting cilia elongation and abnormal structures. Cep78 deletion also caused male infertility and MMAF, with disordered '9+2' structure and triplet microtubules in sperm flagella. Intraflagellar transport (IFT) proteins IFT20 and TTC21A are identified as interacting proteins of CEP78. Furthermore, CEP78 regulated the interaction, stability, and centriolar localization of its interacting protein. Insufficiency of CEP78 or its interacting protein causes abnormal centriole elongation and cilia shortening. Absence of CEP78 protein in human caused similar phenotypes in vision and MMAF as Cep78-/- mice. Collectively, our study supports the important roles of CEP78 defects in centriole and ciliary dysfunctions and molecular pathogenesis of such multi-system syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xunlun Sheng
- Gansu Aier Ophthalmiology and Optometry HospitalLanzhouChina
- Ningxia Eye Hospital, People’s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Third Clinical Medical College of Ningxia Medical UniversityYinchuanChina
| | - Xiangzheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Hongjing Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yueshuai Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yaling Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yichen Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Qi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xue Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Chen Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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Popova LT, Abuzaitoun RO, Abalem MF, Andrews CA, Mondul AM, Lacy GD, Musch DC, Jayasundera KT. Effects of duration and number of symptoms on vision-related anxiety in patients with Inherited Retinal Diseases. Ophthalmic Genet 2023; 44:11-18. [PMID: 36440767 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2022.2144901] [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: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with Inherited Retinal Diseases (IRDs) are at increased risk for vision-related anxiety due to progressive and irreversible vision loss, yet little is known about risk factors for anxiety in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a single-center, retrospective cross-sectional study at a large academic center. 128 adults with an IRD and without other significant eye conditions were recruited between December 2016 and March 2020. Participants were asked about the duration and number of symptoms they had in the following vision domains: reading, contrast vision, color vision, glare/light sensitivity, night vision, and peripheral vision. The outcomes of interest were the two domains of the Michigan Vision-Related Anxiety Questionnaire (MVAQ), rod- and cone-function related anxiety. We conducted an adjusted analysis to isolate the independent effect of duration and number of symptoms on vision-related anxiety. RESULTS Of 126 participants had complete data, 62 (49%) were female and 64 (51%) were male, with an average age of 49 years (range: 18-87). Patients with duration of symptoms for greater than 25 years had an adjusted anxiety theta that was one-half standard deviations lower than patients with symptoms for less time. Patients with higher number of symptoms had higher anxiety theta after adjusting for confounding variables (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The number of symptoms but not the duration of symptoms, is an independent risk factor for vision-related anxiety. Patients with more symptoms are at higher risk for vision-related anxiety. Having symptoms for longer than 25 years may reduce this anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilia T Popova
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Rebhi O Abuzaitoun
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Maria Fernanda Abalem
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Chris A Andrews
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Alison M Mondul
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Gabrielle D Lacy
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - David C Musch
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - K Thiran Jayasundera
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Challenges and Opportunities in the Genetic Analysis of Inherited Retinal Dystrophies in Africa, a Literature Review. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13020239. [PMID: 36836473 PMCID: PMC9964248 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13020239] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a global problem that is largely unaddressed, especially in Africa. Black indigenous Africans are rarely represented in research that develops genetic tests and genetic therapies for IRDs, yet their genomes are more diverse. The aim of this literature review is to synthesize information on the IRD genetic research conducted among indigenous black Africans to identify challenges and opportunities for progress. PubMed was searched to identify empirical publications reporting the genetic analysis of IRDs among indigenous Africans. A total of 11 articles were selected for the review. Based on the information in the articles, the main genetic testing methods in use include next-generation, whole exome, and Sanger sequencing. The main IRDs characterized by the genetic tests include retinitis pigmentosa, Leber Congenital Amaurosis, Stagardt disease, and cone dystrophy. Examples of implicated genes include MERTK, GUCY2D, ABCA4, and KCNV2 for the four IRDs, respectively. Research activities on the genetics of IRDs are generally scanty in Africa. Even in South Africa and North Africa where some research activities were noted, only a few indigenous black Africans were included in the study cohorts. There is an urgent need for genetic research on IRDs, especially in East, Central, and West Africa.
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John MC, Quinn J, Hu ML, Cehajic-Kapetanovic J, Xue K. Gene-agnostic therapeutic approaches for inherited retinal degenerations. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1068185. [PMID: 36710928 PMCID: PMC9881597 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1068185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are associated with mutations in over 250 genes and represent a major cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. While gene augmentation or gene editing therapies could address the underlying genetic mutations in a small subset of patients, their utility remains limited by the great genetic heterogeneity of IRDs and the costs of developing individualised therapies. Gene-agnostic therapeutic approaches target common pathogenic pathways that drive retinal degeneration or provide functional rescue of vision independent of the genetic cause, thus offering potential clinical benefits to all IRD patients. Here, we review the key gene-agnostic approaches, including retinal cell reprogramming and replacement, neurotrophic support, immune modulation and optogenetics. The relative benefits and limitations of these strategies and the timing of clinical interventions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly C. John
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Joel Quinn
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Monica L. Hu
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jasmina Cehajic-Kapetanovic
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kanmin Xue
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Lorenz B, Tavares J, van den Born LI, Marques JP, Pilotto E, Stingl K, Charbel Issa P, Leroux D, Dollfus H, Scholl HPN. Current Management of Inherited Retinal Degeneration Patients in Europe: Results of a 2-Year Follow-Up Multinational Survey by the European Vision Institute Clinical Research Network - EVICR.net. Ophthalmic Res 2023; 66:550-568. [PMID: 36592621 DOI: 10.1159/000528716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An increasing number of gene-specific therapies are being developed for inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs). Identification of well-characterized patients is an emerging need. We conducted the second multinational survey among the EVICR.net and ERN-EYE members to understand the management and treatment of IRDs in Europe and compared it to the 2019 survey. METHODS An electronic survey questionnaire was developed and sent to 124 clinical centers (25 countries) by June/July 2021. Statistical analysis was performed with Excel and R. RESULTS The overall response rate was 44% but varied among countries. Only 9% of responding centers do not see IRD patients (2019 survey 14%), 42% follow at least 200 patients per year, 18% follow 500-999, and 2% more than 1,000. Databases exist in 86% of the centers (local 86%; national web based 12%). IRD patients are referred to EVICR.net and ERN-EYE centers mainly by general ophthalmologists, patient self-referral, or medical retina specialists. Most IRD patients are first seen as adults. Signs and symptoms depend on age of onset: in infancy, nystagmus; at older age, night blindness and reduced visual field; reduced visual acuity is described at any age. Comprehensive ophthalmic examination always includes visual acuity and almost always visual field multimodal retinal imaging, electrophysiology, color vision testing, and refraction. Identification of genotypes is successful in 72% of centers in 40-80% of cases (2019 survey 69% of centers). The time for confirmation of the genetic diagnosis varies from 2-4 weeks to 24 months (2019 survey >4 weeks ≤10 years). Genetic testing is covered by public health service in 83%, private health insurance in 29%, research funds in 24%; 5% do not have access to genetic testing (2019 survey 15%). The most striking result is the high increase in the involvement of centers in natural history and gene therapy trials that more than doubled for the latter. DISCUSSION This second multinational survey on management of IRDs in Europe highlights persistent important differences in the number of IRD patients managed per center, comparable diagnostic work-up, and increasing genotyping in diagnostic laboratories. The important increase in involvement of centers in natural history and gene therapy trials reflects the rapidly evolving field of gene therapy development. The survey provides important follow-up data for researchers, clinicians, caregivers, patient advocate groups, pharmaceutical companies, and investors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Lorenz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Joana Tavares
- AIBILI - Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image, Coimbra, Portugal,
| | - L Ingeborgh van den Born
- Rotterdam Eye Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Rotterdam Ophthalmic Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - João Pedro Marques
- AIBILI - Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Katarina Stingl
- Center for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Peter Charbel Issa
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Dorothée Leroux
- CARGO & ERN-EYE management, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Hélène Dollfus
- CARGO & ERN-EYE management, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Hendrik P N Scholl
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Gersch J, Hufendiek K, Delarocque J, Framme C, Jacobsen C, Stöhr H, Kellner U, Hufendiek K. Investigation of Structural Alterations in Inherited Retinal Diseases: A Quantitative SD-OCT-Analysis of Retinal Layer Thicknesses in Light of Underlying Genetic Mutations. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:16007. [PMID: 36555650 PMCID: PMC9788460 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases can result from various genetic defects and are one of the leading causes for blindness in the working-age population. The present study aims to provide a comprehensive description of changes in retinal structure associated with phenotypic disease entities and underlying genetic mutations. Full macular spectral domain optical coherence tomography scans were obtained and manually segmented in 16 patients with retinitis pigmentosa, 7 patients with cone−rod dystrophy, and 7 patients with Stargardt disease, as well as 23 age- and sex-matched controls without retinal disease, to assess retinal layer thicknesses. As indicated by generalized least squares models, all IRDs were associated with retinal thinning (p < 0.001), especially of the outer nuclear layer (ONL, p < 0.001). Except for the retinal nerve fiber layer, such thinning was associated with a reduced visual acuity (p < 0.001). These advances in our understanding of ultrastructural retinal changes are important for the development of gene-, cell-, and optogenetic therapy. Longitudinal studies are warranted to describe the temporal component of those changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Gersch
- University Eye Hospital, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Katerina Hufendiek
- University Eye Hospital, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Julien Delarocque
- Clinic for Horses, University Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Carsten Framme
- University Eye Hospital, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Christina Jacobsen
- University Eye Hospital, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Heidi Stöhr
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kellner
- Center for Rare Retinal Diseases, AugenZentrum Siegburg, MVZ Augenärztliches Diagnostik- und Therapiecentrum Siegburg GmbH, Europaplatz 3, 53721 Siegburg, Germany
- RetinaScience, P.O. Box 301212, 53192 Bonn, Germany
| | - Karsten Hufendiek
- University Eye Hospital, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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The impact of modifier genes on cone-rod dystrophy heterogeneity: An explorative familial pilot study and a hypothesis on neurotransmission impairment. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278857. [PMID: 36490268 PMCID: PMC9733859 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cone-rod dystrophies (CORDs) are a heterogeneous group of inherited retinopathies (IRDs) with more than 30 already known disease-causing genes. Uncertain phenotypes and extended range of intra- and interfamilial heterogenicity make still difficult to determine a precise genotype-phenotype correlation. Here, we used a next-generation sequencing approach to study a Sicilian family with a suspected form of CORD. Affected family members underwent ophthalmological examinations and a proband, blind from 50 years, underwent whole genome and exome sequencing. Variant analysis was enriched by pathway analysis and relevant variants were, then, investigated in other family members and in 100 healthy controls from Messina. CORD diagnosis with an intricate pattern of symptoms was confirmed by ophthalmological examinations. A total of about 50,000 variants were identified in both proband's genome and exome. All affected family members presented specific genotypes mainly determined by mutated GUCY2D gene, and different phenotypical traits, mainly related to focus and color perception. Thus, we looked for possible modifier genes. According to relationship with GUCY2D, predicted functional effects, eye localization, and ocular disease affinity, only 9 variants, carried by 6 genes (CACNG8, PAX2, RXRG, CCDC175, PDE4DIP and LTF), survived the filtering. These genes encode key proteins involved in cone development and survival, and retina neurotransmission. Among analyzed variants, CACNG8c.*6819A>T and the new CCDC175 c.76C>T showed extremely low frequency in the control group, suggesting a key role on disease phenotypes. Such discovery could enforce the role of modifier genes into CORD onset/progression, contributing to improve diagnostic test towards a better personalized medicine.
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Alkhudairy Z, Al Shamlan F. The Use of Chromagen Lenses in Different Ocular and Non-ocular Conditions: A Prospective Cohort Study. Cureus 2022; 14:e28963. [PMID: 36237810 PMCID: PMC9548049 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.28963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of chromagen lenses and compare the pre- and post-intervention outcomes among individuals with non-ocular conditions such as dyslexia and Irlen syndrome and ocular conditions such as color vision deficiency (CVD) and cone-rod dystrophy (CRD). Methodology This prospective cohort study was conducted from 2016 to 2021 among cases (seven years or older) who were diagnosed with dyslexia, Irlen syndrome, CVD, or CRD. Participants were given a short questionnaire to read, followed by asking direct questions regarding medical health history, ocular history, eyeglasses prescription, and a full orthoptics evaluation. The main outcomes were the improvement in reading speed, reading accuracy, and visual stress. Results A total of 156 patients were included in this study; 110 patients with dyslexia, 19 with Irlen syndrome, 16 with CVD, and 11 with CRD. The findings showed that the reading speed and accuracy were improved in 96.34% of patients with dyslexia and 78.9% of patients with Irlen syndrome. The use of a chromagen lens was significantly associated with visual stress improvement in 89.8% of patients (p = 0.02). Photosensitivity was significantly improved after wearing the chromagen lenses in patients with CVD (87.5%) and CRD (63.6%). Conclusions The study findings showed a positive impact of chromagen lenses on reducing visual stress, including reading speed and accuracy, in patients with dyslexia and Irlen syndrome. Photosensitivity improved in patients with Irlen syndrome and CRD. Color vision was enhanced in patients with CVD. However, further studies are required to investigate the predictors of improvement and assess the long-term efficacy of chromagen lenses on daily activities and learning skills.
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Hahn LC, Georgiou M, Almushattat H, van Schooneveld MJ, de Carvalho ER, Wesseling NL, Ten Brink JB, Florijn RJ, Lissenberg-Witte BI, Strubbe I, van Cauwenbergh C, de Zaeytijd J, Walraedt S, de Baere E, Mukherjee R, McKibbin M, Meester-Smoor MA, Thiadens AAHJ, Al-Khuzaei S, Akyol E, Lotery AJ, van Genderen MM, Ossewaarde-van Norel J, van den Born LI, Hoyng CB, Klaver CCW, Downes SM, Bergen AA, Leroy BP, Michaelides M, Boon CJF. The Natural History of Leber Congenital Amaurosis and Cone-Rod Dystrophy Associated with Variants in the GUCY2D Gene. Ophthalmol Retina 2022; 6:711-722. [PMID: 35314386 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2022.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the spectrum of Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and cone-rod dystrophy (CORD) associated with the GUCY2D gene and to identify potential end points and optimal patient selection for future therapeutic trials. DESIGN International, multicenter, retrospective cohort study. SUBJECTS Eighty-two patients with GUCY2D-associated LCA or CORD from 54 families. METHODS Medical records were reviewed for medical history, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ophthalmoscopy, visual fields, full-field electroretinography, and retinal imaging (fundus photography, spectral-domain OCT [SD-OCT], fundus autofluorescence). MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES Age of onset, evolution of BCVA, genotype-phenotype correlations, anatomic characteristics on funduscopy, and multimodal imaging. RESULTS Fourteen patients with autosomal recessive LCA and 68 with autosomal dominant CORD were included. The median follow-up times were 5.2 years (interquartile range [IQR] 2.6-8.8 years) for LCA and 7.2 years (IQR 2.2-14.2 years) for CORD. Generally, LCA presented in the first year of life. The BCVA in patients with LCA ranged from no light perception to 1.00 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) and remained relatively stable during follow-up. Imaging for LCA was limited but showed little to no structural degeneration. In patients with CORD, progressive vision loss started around the second decade of life. The BCVA declined annually by 0.022 logMAR (P < 0.001) with no difference between patients with the c.2513G>A and the c.2512C>T GUCY2D variants (P = 0.798). At the age of 40 years, the probability of being blind or severely visually impaired was 32%. The integrity of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) and that of the external limiting membrane (ELM) on SD-OCT correlated significantly with BCVA (Spearman ρ = 0.744, P = 0.001, and ρ = 0.712, P < 0.001, respectively) in those with CORD. CONCLUSIONS Leber congenital amaurosis associated with GUCY2D caused severe congenital visual impairment with relatively intact macular anatomy on funduscopy and available imaging, suggesting long preservation of photoreceptors. Despite large variability, GUCY2D-associated CORD generally presented during adolescence, with a progressive loss of vision, and culminated in severe visual impairment during mid-to-late adulthood. The integrity of the ELM and EZ may be suitable structural end points for therapeutic studies of GUCY2D-associated CORD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo C Hahn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michalis Georgiou
- Moorfields Eye Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hind Almushattat
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mary J van Schooneveld
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Bartiméus Diagnostic Center for Complex Visual Disorders, Zeist, The Netherlands
| | - Emanuel R de Carvalho
- Moorfields Eye Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nieneke L Wesseling
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jacoline B Ten Brink
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ralph J Florijn
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Birgit I Lissenberg-Witte
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ine Strubbe
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Caroline van Cauwenbergh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital & Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Julie de Zaeytijd
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sophie Walraedt
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elfride de Baere
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital & Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rajarshi Mukherjee
- Department of Ophthalmology, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Martin McKibbin
- Department of Ophthalmology, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Saoud Al-Khuzaei
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, & Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Engin Akyol
- Eye Unit, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J Lotery
- Eye Unit, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Maria M van Genderen
- Bartiméus Diagnostic Center for Complex Visual Disorders, Zeist, The Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Carel B Hoyng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline C W Klaver
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Susan M Downes
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, & Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Arthur A Bergen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN-KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bart P Leroy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital & Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Division of Ophthalmology and Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michel Michaelides
- Moorfields Eye Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Camiel J F Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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The Clinical Spectrum and Disease Course of DRAM2 Retinopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137398. [PMID: 35806404 PMCID: PMC9266529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in DNA-damage regulated autophagy modulator 2 gene (DRAM2) cause a rare autosomal recessive retinal dystrophy and its disease course is not well understood. We present two Slovenian patients harboring a novel DRAM2 variant and a detailed review of all 23 other patients described to date. Whole exome and whole genome sequencing were performed in the two patients, and both underwent ophthalmological examination with a 2-year follow-up. PubMed was searched for papers with clinical descriptions of DRAM2 retinopathy. Patient 1 was homozygous for a novel variant, p.Met1?, and presented with the acute onset of photopsia and retina-wide retinopathy at the age of 35 years. The patient was first thought to have an autoimmune retinopathy and was treated with mycophenolate mofetil, which provided some symptomatic relief. Patient 2 was compound heterozygous for p.Met1? and p.Leu246Pro and presented with late-onset maculopathy at the age of 59 years. On review, patients with DRAM2 retinopathy usually present in the third decade with central visual loss, outer retinal layer loss on optical coherence tomography and a hyperautofluorescent ring on fundus autofluorescence. Either cone–rod or rod–cone dystrophy phenotype is observed on electroretinography, reflecting the importance of DRAM2 in both photoreceptor types. Non-null variants can result in milder disease.
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Nassisi M, De Bartolo G, Mohand-Said S, Condroyer C, Antonio A, Lancelot ME, Bujakowska K, Smirnov V, Pugliese T, Neidhardt J, Sahel JA, Zeitz C, Audo I. Retrospective Natural History Study of RPGR-Related Cone- and Cone-Rod Dystrophies While Expanding the Mutation Spectrum of the Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:7189. [PMID: 35806195 PMCID: PMC9266815 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Variants in the X-linked retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator gene (RPGR) and, specifically, in its retinal opening reading frame-15 isoform (RPGRORF15) may cause rod-cone (RCD), cone, and cone-rod dystrophies (CDs and CRDs). While RPGR-related RCDs have been frequently evaluated, the characteristics and progression of RPGR-related CD/CRDs are largely unknown. Therefore, the goal of our work was to perform genotype-phenotype correlations specifically in RPGRORF15-related CD/CRDs. This retrospective longitudinal study included 34 index patients and two affected relatives with a molecular diagnosis of RPGR-related CD/CRDs. Patients were recruited at the "Quinze-Vingts" Hospital, Paris, France and screened for mutations in RPGRORF15 at the Institut de la Vision, Paris, France. We identified 29 distinct variants, of which 27 were truncating. All were located in the 3' half of the RPGRORF15 transcript. Twenty of them were novel. Fifteen subjects were affected by CD, the remaining had CRD. When analyzing the longitudinal data, a progressive decline in visual acuity (VA) was noted, with more than 60% of the patients reaching VA ≥ 1 LogMar in the best eye after the fifth decade of life. To our knowledge, this is the largest described study of a cohort of CD/CRD patients affected by RPGRORF15 variants. Longitudinal data showed a rapidly progressive disease, possibly locating an optimal window of intervention for future therapies in younger ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Nassisi
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France; (M.N.); (G.D.B.); (S.M.-S.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (M.-E.L.); (K.B.); (V.S.); (T.P.); (J.-A.S.)
- Centre Hospitalier National d’Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, National Rare Disease Center REFERET and INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 75012 Paris, France
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Ophthalmology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Bartolo
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France; (M.N.); (G.D.B.); (S.M.-S.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (M.-E.L.); (K.B.); (V.S.); (T.P.); (J.-A.S.)
- Centre Hospitalier National d’Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, National Rare Disease Center REFERET and INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Saddek Mohand-Said
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France; (M.N.); (G.D.B.); (S.M.-S.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (M.-E.L.); (K.B.); (V.S.); (T.P.); (J.-A.S.)
- Centre Hospitalier National d’Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, National Rare Disease Center REFERET and INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Christel Condroyer
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France; (M.N.); (G.D.B.); (S.M.-S.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (M.-E.L.); (K.B.); (V.S.); (T.P.); (J.-A.S.)
| | - Aline Antonio
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France; (M.N.); (G.D.B.); (S.M.-S.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (M.-E.L.); (K.B.); (V.S.); (T.P.); (J.-A.S.)
- Centre Hospitalier National d’Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, National Rare Disease Center REFERET and INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Marie-Elise Lancelot
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France; (M.N.); (G.D.B.); (S.M.-S.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (M.-E.L.); (K.B.); (V.S.); (T.P.); (J.-A.S.)
| | - Kinga Bujakowska
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France; (M.N.); (G.D.B.); (S.M.-S.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (M.-E.L.); (K.B.); (V.S.); (T.P.); (J.-A.S.)
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Vasily Smirnov
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France; (M.N.); (G.D.B.); (S.M.-S.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (M.-E.L.); (K.B.); (V.S.); (T.P.); (J.-A.S.)
- Exploration de la Vision et Neuro-Ophthalmologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, 59000 Lille, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Thomas Pugliese
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France; (M.N.); (G.D.B.); (S.M.-S.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (M.-E.L.); (K.B.); (V.S.); (T.P.); (J.-A.S.)
- Centre Hospitalier National d’Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, National Rare Disease Center REFERET and INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 75012 Paris, France
| | - John Neidhardt
- Human Genetics, Faculty VI, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany;
- Research Center Neurosensory Science, University Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France; (M.N.); (G.D.B.); (S.M.-S.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (M.-E.L.); (K.B.); (V.S.); (T.P.); (J.-A.S.)
- Centre Hospitalier National d’Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, National Rare Disease Center REFERET and INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 75012 Paris, France
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Christina Zeitz
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France; (M.N.); (G.D.B.); (S.M.-S.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (M.-E.L.); (K.B.); (V.S.); (T.P.); (J.-A.S.)
| | - Isabelle Audo
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France; (M.N.); (G.D.B.); (S.M.-S.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (M.-E.L.); (K.B.); (V.S.); (T.P.); (J.-A.S.)
- Centre Hospitalier National d’Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, National Rare Disease Center REFERET and INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 75012 Paris, France
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Bazvand F, Mahdizad Z. Presumed retinal lead poisoning: a case report. Doc Ophthalmol 2022; 145:71-76. [PMID: 35691959 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-022-09878-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe a case of presumed retinal lead poisoning. METHODS Clinical examination, optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography, and electroretinography were used to study a 42-year-old male with the complaint of bilateral reduced vision following systemic lead poisoning. RESULTS The fundus examination showed venous tortuosity, as well as macular atrophy, and pigmentary changes in his both eyes. Optical coherence tomography revealed retinal thinning, outer retinal and retinal pigment epithelium atrophy, as well as foveal schitic changes. Blue autofluorescence showed moderately hypoautofluorescence in peripapillary area of both eyes. Fluorescein angiogram showed a leopard-like pattern of hypo- and hyperfluorescence in the posterior pole. Electroretinogram showed a moderate reduction in photopic and scotopic responses. CONCLUSIONS The most probable diagnosis of this case is early onset retinal lead poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Bazvand
- Retina and Vitreous Service, Farabi Comprehensive Center of Excellence in Ophthalmology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin square, Tehran, 1336616351, Iran
| | - Zahra Mahdizad
- Retina and Vitreous Service, Farabi Comprehensive Center of Excellence in Ophthalmology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin square, Tehran, 1336616351, Iran.
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Bouzidi A, Charoute H, Charif M, Amalou G, Kandil M, Barakat A, Lenaers G. Clinical and genetic spectrums of 413 North African families with inherited retinal dystrophies and optic neuropathies. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:197. [PMID: 35551639 PMCID: PMC9097391 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02340-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRD) and optic neuropathies (ION) are the two major causes world-wide of early visual impairment, frequently leading to legal blindness. These two groups of pathologies are highly heterogeneous and require combined clinical and molecular diagnoses to be securely identified. Exact epidemiological studies are lacking in North Africa, and genetic studies of IRD and ION individuals are often limited to case reports or to some families that migrated to the rest of the world. In order to improve the knowledge of their clinical and genetic spectrums in North Africa, we reviewed published data, to illustrate the most prevalent pathologies, genes and mutations encountered in this geographical region, extending from Morocco to Egypt, comprising 200 million inhabitants. Main body We compiled data from 413 families with IRD or ION together with their available molecular diagnosis. The proportion of IRD represents 82.8% of index cases, while ION accounted for 17.8%. Non-syndromic IRD were more frequent than syndromic ones, with photoreceptor alterations being the main cause of non-syndromic IRD, represented by retinitis pigmentosa, Leber congenital amaurosis, and cone-rod dystrophies, while ciliopathies constitute the major part of syndromic-IRD, in which the Usher and Bardet Biedl syndromes occupy 41.2% and 31.1%, respectively. We identified 71 ION families, 84.5% with a syndromic presentation, while surprisingly, non-syndromic ION are scarcely reported, with only 11 families with autosomal recessive optic atrophies related to OPA7 and OPA10 variants, or with the mitochondrial related Leber ION. Overall, consanguinity is a major cause of these diseases within North African countries, as 76.1% of IRD and 78.8% of ION investigated families were consanguineous, explaining the high rate of autosomal recessive inheritance pattern compared to the dominant one. In addition, we identified many founder mutations in small endogamous communities. Short conclusion As both IRD and ION diseases constitute a real public health burden, their under-diagnosis in North Africa due to the absence of physicians trained to the identification of inherited ophthalmologic presentations, together with the scarcity of tools for the molecular diagnosis represent major political, economic and health challenges for the future, to first establish accurate clinical diagnoses and then treat patients with the emergent therapies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-022-02340-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aymane Bouzidi
- Equipe MitoLab, Unité MitoVasc, INSERM U1083, CHU d'Angers, CNRS 6015, Université d'Angers, 49933, Angers, France.,Genomics and Human Genetics Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco.,Team of Anthropogenetics and Biotechnologies, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaïb Doukkali University, Eljadida, Morocco
| | - Hicham Charoute
- Research Unit of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Majida Charif
- Genetics, and Immuno-Cell Therapy Team, Mohamed First University, Oujda, Morocco
| | - Ghita Amalou
- Equipe MitoLab, Unité MitoVasc, INSERM U1083, CHU d'Angers, CNRS 6015, Université d'Angers, 49933, Angers, France.,Genomics and Human Genetics Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco.,Team of Anthropogenetics and Biotechnologies, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaïb Doukkali University, Eljadida, Morocco
| | - Mostafa Kandil
- Team of Anthropogenetics and Biotechnologies, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaïb Doukkali University, Eljadida, Morocco
| | - Abdelhamid Barakat
- Genomics and Human Genetics Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Guy Lenaers
- Equipe MitoLab, Unité MitoVasc, INSERM U1083, CHU d'Angers, CNRS 6015, Université d'Angers, 49933, Angers, France. .,Service de Neurologie, CHU d'Angers, Angers, France.
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Varga S, Gray DM. Naturalism, Disease, and Levels of Functional Description. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE AND PHILOSOPHY 2022; 47:482-493. [DOI: 10.1093/jmp/jhac005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The paper engages Christopher Boorse’s Bio-Statistical Theory (BST). In its current form, BST runs into a significant challenge. For BST to account for its central tenet—that lower-level part-dysfunction is sufficient for higher-level pathology—it must provide criteria for how to decide which lower-level parts are the ones to be analyzed for health or pathology. As BST is a naturalistic theory, such choices must be based solely on naturalistic considerations. An argument is provided to show that, if BST is to be preserved, such parthood choices are based on non-naturalistic considerations. We demonstrate that even when parthood choices are based on the best way to preserve BST, there are counterintuitive results which bring the central tenet of BST into question.
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Thomas MG, Papageorgiou E, Kuht HJ, Gottlob I. Normal and abnormal foveal development. Br J Ophthalmol 2022; 106:593-599. [PMID: 33148537 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2020-316348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Normal foveal development begins in utero at midgestation with centrifugal displacement of inner retinal layers (IRLs) from the location of the incipient fovea. The outer retinal changes such as increase in cone cell bodies, cone elongation and packing mainly occur after birth and continue until 13 years of age. The maturity of the fovea can be assessed invivo using optical coherence tomography, which in normal development would show a well-developed foveal pit, extrusion of IRLs, thickened outer nuclear layer and long outer segments. Developmental abnormalities of various degrees can result in foveal hypoplasia (FH). This is a characteristic feature for example in albinism, aniridia, prematurity, foveal hypoplasia with optic nerve decussation defects with or without anterior segment dysgenesis without albinism (FHONDA) and optic nerve hypoplasia. In achromatopsia, there is disruption of the outer retinal layers with atypical FH. Similarly, in retinal dystrophies, there is abnormal lamination of the IRLs sometimes with persistent IRLs. Morphology of FH provides clues to diagnoses, and grading correlates to visual acuity. The outer segment thickness is a surrogate marker for cone density and in foveal hypoplasia this correlates strongly with visual acuity. In preverbal children grading FH can help predict future visual acuity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mervyn G Thomas
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Eleni Papageorgiou
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Helen J Kuht
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Irene Gottlob
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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47
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Poncet AF, Grunewald O, Vaclavik V, Meunier I, Drumare I, Pelletier V, Bocquet B, Todorova MG, Le Moing AG, Devos A, Schorderet DF, Jobic F, Defoort-Dhellemmes S, Dollfus H, Smirnov VM, Dhaenens CM. Contribution of Whole-Genome Sequencing and Transcript Analysis to Decipher Retinal Diseases Associated with MFSD8 Variants. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084294. [PMID: 35457110 PMCID: PMC9032189 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Biallelic gene defects in MFSD8 are not only a cause of the late-infantile form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, but also of rare isolated retinal degeneration. We report clinical and genetic data of seven patients compound heterozygous or homozygous for variants in MFSD8, issued from a French cohort with inherited retinal degeneration, and two additional patients retrieved from a Swiss cohort. Next-generation sequencing of large panels combined with whole-genome sequencing allowed for the identification of twelve variants from which seven were novel. Among them were one deep intronic variant c.998+1669A>G, one large deletion encompassing exon 9 and 10, and a silent change c.750A>G. Transcript analysis performed on patients’ lymphoblastoid cell lines revealed the creation of a donor splice site by c.998+1669A>G, resulting in a 140 bp pseudoexon insertion in intron 10. Variant c.750A>G produced exon 8 skipping. In silico and in cellulo studies of these variants allowed us to assign the pathogenic effect, and showed that the combination of at least one severe variant with a moderate one leads to isolated retinal dystrophy, whereas the combination in trans of two severe variants is responsible for early onset severe retinal dystrophy in the context of late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs F. Poncet
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172-LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, F-59000 Lille, France; (A.F.P.); (O.G.); (A.D.)
| | - Olivier Grunewald
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172-LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, F-59000 Lille, France; (A.F.P.); (O.G.); (A.D.)
| | - Veronika Vaclavik
- University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland;
- Cantonal Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Meunier
- National Reference Centre for Inherited Sensory Diseases, University of Montpellier, Montpellier University Hospital, Sensgene Care Network, ERN-EYE Network, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (I.M.); (B.B.)
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, INSERM, F-34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Isabelle Drumare
- Exploration de la Vision et Neuro-Ophtalmology, CHU de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (I.D.); (S.D.-D.); (V.M.S.)
| | - Valérie Pelletier
- Centre de Référence pour les Affections Rares en Génétique Ophtalmologiques, Hopitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France; (V.P.); (H.D.)
| | - Béatrice Bocquet
- National Reference Centre for Inherited Sensory Diseases, University of Montpellier, Montpellier University Hospital, Sensgene Care Network, ERN-EYE Network, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (I.M.); (B.B.)
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, INSERM, F-34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Margarita G. Todorova
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cantonal Hospital, 9007 St. Gallen, Switzerland;
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Zürich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Gaëlle Le Moing
- Department of Child Neurology, Amiens-Picardy University Hospital, F-80000 Amiens, France;
| | - Aurore Devos
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172-LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, F-59000 Lille, France; (A.F.P.); (O.G.); (A.D.)
| | - Daniel F. Schorderet
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne and Faculty of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale of Lausanne, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Florence Jobic
- Unité de Génétique Médicale et Oncogénétique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Amiens Picardie, F-80000 Amiens, France;
| | - Sabine Defoort-Dhellemmes
- Exploration de la Vision et Neuro-Ophtalmology, CHU de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (I.D.); (S.D.-D.); (V.M.S.)
| | - Hélène Dollfus
- Centre de Référence pour les Affections Rares en Génétique Ophtalmologiques, Hopitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France; (V.P.); (H.D.)
| | - Vasily M. Smirnov
- Exploration de la Vision et Neuro-Ophtalmology, CHU de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (I.D.); (S.D.-D.); (V.M.S.)
- Université de Lille, Faculté de Médecine, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Claire-Marie Dhaenens
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172-LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, F-59000 Lille, France; (A.F.P.); (O.G.); (A.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-320444953
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Wang L, Sun L, Wan QH, Fang SG. Comparative Genomics Provides Insights into Adaptive Evolution in Tactile-Foraging Birds. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13040678. [PMID: 35456484 PMCID: PMC9028243 DOI: 10.3390/genes13040678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tactile-foraging birds have evolved an enlarged principal sensory nucleus (PrV) but smaller brain regions related to the visual system, which reflects the difference in sensory dependence. The “trade-off” may exist between different senses in tactile foragers, as well as between corresponding sensory-processing areas in the brain. We explored the mechanism underlying the adaptive evolution of sensory systems in three tactile foragers (kiwi, mallard, and crested ibis). The results showed that olfaction-related genes in kiwi and mallard and hearing-related genes in crested ibis were expanded, indicating they may also have sensitive olfaction or hearing, respectively. However, some genes required for visual development were positively selected or had convergent amino acid substitutions in all three tactile branches, and it seems to show the possibility of visual degradation. In addition, we may provide a new visual-degradation candidate gene PDLIM1 who suffered dense convergent amino acid substitutions within the ZM domain. At last, two genes responsible for regulating the proliferation and differentiation of neuronal progenitor cells may play roles in determining the relative sizes of sensory areas in brain. This exploration offers insight into the relationship between specialized tactile-forging behavior and the evolution of sensory abilities and brain structures.
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Hu F, Ma Y, Xu Z, Zhang S, Li J, Sun X, Wu J. Single-Cell RNA-Seq Reveals the Cellular Diversity and Developmental Characteristics of the Retinas of an Infant and a Young Child. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:803466. [PMID: 35386199 PMCID: PMC8979067 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.803466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The human retina, located in the innermost layer of the eye, plays a decisive role in visual perception. Dissecting the heterogeneity of retinal cells is essential for understanding the mechanism of visual development. Here, we performed single-cell RNA-seq to analyze 194,967 cells from the donors of infants and young children, resulting in 17 distinct clusters representing major cell types in the retina: rod photoreceptors (PRs), cone PRs, bipolar cells (BCs), horizontal cells (HCs), amacrine cells (ACs), retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), Müller glial cells (MGs), microglia, and astrocytes (ASTs). Through reclustering, we identified known subtypes of cone PRs as well as additional unreported subpopulations and corresponding markers in BCs. Additionally, we linked inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) to certain cell subtypes or subpopulations through enrichment analysis. We next constructed extensive intercellular communication networks and identified ligand-receptor interactions that play crucial roles in regulating neural cell development and immune homeostasis in the retina. Intriguingly, we found that the status and functions of PRs changed drastically between the young children and adult retina. Overall, our study offers the first retinal cell atlas in infants and young children dissecting the heterogeneity of the retina and identifying the key molecules in the developmental process, which provides an important resource that will pave the way for research on retinal development mechanisms and advancements in regenerative medicine concerning retinal biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Hu
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuting Ma
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zaoxu Xu
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shenghai Zhang
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Xinghuai Sun
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai, China
| | - Jihong Wu
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai, China
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Morgan JIW, Jiang YY, Vergilio GK, Serrano LW, Pearson DJ, Bennett J, Maguire AM, Aleman TS. Short-term Assessment of Subfoveal Injection of Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated hCHM Gene Augmentation in Choroideremia Using Adaptive Optics Ophthalmoscopy. JAMA Ophthalmol 2022; 140:411-420. [PMID: 35266957 PMCID: PMC8914909 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2022.0158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance Subretinal injection for gene augmentation in retinal degenerations forcefully detaches the neural retina from the retinal pigment epithelium, potentially damaging photoreceptors and/or retinal pigment epithelium cells. Objective To use adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) to assess the short-term integrity of the cone mosaic following subretinal injections of adeno-associated virus vector designed to deliver a functional version of the CHM gene (AAV2-hCHM) in patients with choroideremia. Design, Setting, and Participants This longitudinal case series study enrolled adult patients with choroideremia from February 2015 to January 2016 in the US. To be included in the study, study participants must have received uniocular subfoveal injections of low-dose (5 × 1010 vector genome per eye) or high-dose (1 × 1011 vector genome per eye) AAV2-hCHM. Analysis began February 2015. Main Outcomes and Measures The macular regions of both eyes were imaged before and 1 month after injection using a custom-built multimodal AOSLO. Postinjection cone inner segment mosaics were compared with preinjection mosaics at multiple regions of interest. Colocalized spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and dark-adapted cone sensitivity was also acquired at each time point. Results Nine study participants ranged in age from 26 to 50 years at the time of enrollment, and all were White men. Postinjection AOSLO images showed preservation of the cone mosaic in all 9 AAV2-hCHM-injected eyes. Mosaics appeared intact and contiguous 1 month postinjection, with the exception of foveal disruption in 1 patient. Optical coherence tomography showed foveal cone outer segment shortening postinjection. Cone-mediated sensitivities were unchanged in 8 of 9 injected and 9 of 9 uninjected eyes. One participant showed acute loss of foveal optical coherence tomography cone outer segment-related signals along with cone sensitivity loss that colocalized with disruption of the mosaic on AOSLO. Conclusions and Relevance Integrity of the cone mosaic is maintained following subretinal delivery of AAV2-hCHM, providing strong evidence in support of the safety of the injections. Minor foveal thinning observed following surgery corresponds with short-term cone outer segment shortening rather than cone cell loss. Foveal cone loss in 1 participant raises the possibility of individual vulnerability to the subretinal injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica I W Morgan
- Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.,Center for Advanced Retinal & Ocular Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Yu You Jiang
- Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.,Center for Advanced Retinal & Ocular Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Grace K Vergilio
- Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.,Center for Advanced Retinal & Ocular Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Leona W Serrano
- Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.,Center for Advanced Retinal & Ocular Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Denise J Pearson
- Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.,Center for Advanced Retinal & Ocular Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Jean Bennett
- Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.,Center for Advanced Retinal & Ocular Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Albert M Maguire
- Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.,Center for Advanced Retinal & Ocular Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Tomas S Aleman
- Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.,Center for Advanced Retinal & Ocular Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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