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Wang B, Arbuckle RK, Davoli KA, Clinger OD, Brown R, Sahel JA, Chen Y, Pi S. Compensation of inner retina to early-stage photoreceptor degeneration in a Rho P23H/+ mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. Exp Eye Res 2024; 240:109826. [PMID: 38340947 PMCID: PMC10940204 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal disorder characterized by the degeneration of photoreceptors. RhoP23H/+ mice, which carry a Pro23His mutation in the RHODOPSIN (Rho) gene, are one of the most studied animal models for RP. However, except for the photoreceptors, other retinal neural cells have not been fully investigated in this model. Here, we record the temporal changes of the retina by optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of the RhoP23H/+ mice, from early to mid-phase of retinal degeneration. Based on thickness analysis, we identified a natural retinal thickness adaption in wild-type mice during early adulthood and observed morphological compensation of the inner retina layer to photoreceptor degeneration in the RhoP23H/+ mice, primarily on the inner nuclear layer (INL). RhoP23H/+ mice findings were further validated via: histology showing the negative correlation of INL and ONL thicknesses; as well as electroretinogram (ERG) showing an increased b-wave to a-wave ratio. These results unravel the sequential morphologic events in this model and suggest a better understanding of retinal degeneration of RP for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingjie Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; UPMC Vision Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Riley K Arbuckle
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; UPMC Vision Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Katherine A Davoli
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; UPMC Vision Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Owen D Clinger
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; UPMC Vision Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Richard Brown
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; UPMC Vision Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; UPMC Vision Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; UPMC Vision Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
| | - Shaohua Pi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; UPMC Vision Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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Zhang ZJ, Wu YR, Chien Y, Chen Y, Chiou SH, Chen SJ, Syu JP, Kuo WC. Quantification of microvascular change of retinal degeneration in Royal College of Surgeons rats using high-resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography angiography. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2023; 28:106001. [PMID: 37841506 PMCID: PMC10570624 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.28.10.106001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Significance For research on retinitis pigmentosa in humans, the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat is commonly used as the primary animal model since the disease process is similar. Therefore, it is necessary to understand how the disease develops and determine whether the treatment is effective. Aim In this study, structural and microvascular change of retinal degeneration in RCS rats was assessed non-invasively on specific dates over 3.5 months. Approach Using a high-resolution spectral domain (SD) optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), the retinal degeneration in RCS rats, from day 14 until day 126, was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. Results Aside from the thinning of the retina thickness starting from 2 weeks of age, blood vessels in the deep layer of the retina also began to degenerate at about 4 weeks of age. Hole structures appeared at the inner nuclear layer and the inner plexiform layer by the age of 10 weeks. Observations of abnormal angiogenesis in the choroid began by 12 weeks of age. Conclusions We conducted a longitudinal study of retina degeneration structure and vascular changes in an RCS rat model using a supercontinuum laser based high-resolution SD-OCTA. Combined with OCTA, OCT leads to a better understanding of photoreceptor pathology as retinal degeneration by identifying tissue and vessel loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Jie Zhang
- National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Institute of Biophotonics, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - You-Ren Wu
- Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Department of Medical Research, Taipei, Taiwan
- National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Institute of Pharmacology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yueh Chien
- Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Department of Medical Research, Taipei, Taiwan
- National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Institute of Pharmacology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yang Chen
- National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Institute of Biophotonics, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hwa Chiou
- Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Department of Medical Research, Taipei, Taiwan
- National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Institute of Pharmacology, Taipei, Taiwan
- Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jen Chen
- Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, Taiwan
- National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, School of Medicine, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Pu Syu
- National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Institute of Biophotonics, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chuan Kuo
- National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Institute of Biophotonics, Taipei, Taiwan
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Swinkels D, Baes M. The essential role of docosahexaenoic acid and its derivatives for retinal integrity. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 247:108440. [PMID: 37201739 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The fatty acid composition of photoreceptor outer segment (POS) phospholipids diverges from other membranes, being highly enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The most abundant PUFA is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3), an omega-3 PUFA that amounts to over 50% of the POS phospholipid fatty acid side chains. Interestingly, DHA is the precursor of other bioactive lipids such as elongated PUFAs and oxygenated derivatives. In this review, we present the current view on metabolism, trafficking and function of DHA and very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC-PUFAs) in the retina. New insights on pathological features generated from PUFA deficient mouse models with enzyme or transporter defects and corresponding patients are discussed. Not only the neural retina, but also abnormalities in the retinal pigment epithelium are considered. Furthermore, the potential involvement of PUFAs in more common retinal degeneration diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration are evaluated. Supplementation treatment strategies and their outcome are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniëlle Swinkels
- Laboratory of Cell Metabolism, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Myriam Baes
- Laboratory of Cell Metabolism, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Gopalakrishnan P, Beryozkin A, Banin E, Sharon D. Morphological and Functional Comparison of Mice Models for Retinitis Pigmentosa. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1415:365-370. [PMID: 37440058 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-27681-1_53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the predominant form of inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) caused by abnormalities and loss of photoreceptor cells ensuing diminishment of vision. RP is a heterogenous genetic disorder associated with mutations in over 80 genes, showing various inheritance patterns. Laboratory mouse models are important for our understanding of disease mechanisms, modifier effects, and development of therapeutic modalities. In this review, we have summarized a comprehensive comparison of our previously reported Fam161a knockout (KO) mouse model with other well-studied RP mouse models, Fam161aGT/GT, Pde6brd1, Nr2e3rd7, Rpgrrd9, and Pde6brd10 using structural and functional analysis of the retina. Fam161atm1b/tm1b mouse models are important for developing novel therapies and mainly AAV-based gene therapy and translational read-through-inducing drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakadeeswari Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Avigail Beryozkin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Eyal Banin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dror Sharon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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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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Mansouri V. X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa Gene Therapy: Preclinical Aspects. Ophthalmol Ther 2022; 12:7-34. [PMID: 36346573 PMCID: PMC9641696 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-022-00602-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common inherited eye disease is retinitis pigmentosa (RP). X-linked RP (XLRP) is one of the most severe types of RP, with a considerable disease burden. Patients with XLRP experience a decrease in their vision and become blind in their 4th decade of life, causing much morbidity after starting a rather normal life. Treatment of XLRP remains challenging, and current treatments are not effective enough in restoring vision. Gene therapy of XLRP, capable of restoring the functional RPGR gene, showed promising results in preclinical studies and clinical trials; however, to date, no approved product has entered the market. The development of a gene therapy product needs through preliminary assessment of the drug in animal models before administration to humans. In this article, we reviewed the genetic pathology of XLRP, along with the preclinical aspects of the XLRP gene therapy, animal models, associated assessments, and future challenges and directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Mansouri
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Lu B, Chao G, Xie L. Optical coherence tomography angiography in retinitis pigmentosa: A narrative review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e30068. [PMID: 36042583 PMCID: PMC9410654 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000030068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal disorders characterized by progressive rod and cone photoreceptor degeneration. Changes in retinal vasculature have long been associated with RP. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a novel imaging technology that enables noninvasive visualization of the retinal and choroidal microvasculature. OCTA enables quantification of microvascular changes in the retinal capillary plexus and choriocapillaris, in addition to qualitative feature description. Therefore, OCTA has the potential to become an important tool for better understanding, early detection, progression, and treatment of RP. In this review, we focus on the applications of OCTA in clinical research on RP. We also discuss future improvements in the OCTA technology for RP management. We believe that the advancement of the OCTA technique will ultimately lead to a better understanding of RP and aid in the prevention of visual impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingwen Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guojun Chao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Like Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- * Correspondence: Like Xie, Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology Hospital of China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (e-mail: )
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8
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Occelli LM, Pirie CG, Petersen‐Jones SM. Non‐invasive optical coherence tomography angiography: A comparison with fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography in normal adult dogs and cats. Vet Ophthalmol 2022; 25 Suppl 1:164-178. [DOI: 10.1111/vop.12973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Laurence M. Occelli
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine Michigan State University East Lansing Michigan USA
| | - Chris G. Pirie
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine Michigan State University East Lansing Michigan USA
| | - Simon M. Petersen‐Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine Michigan State University East Lansing Michigan USA
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Cho H, Jeong M, Lee S, Yoo S. Comparison of the qualitative and quantitative optical coherence tomographic features between sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome and normal eyes in dogs. Vet Ophthalmol 2022; 25 Suppl 1:144-163. [PMID: 35144323 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12975] [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: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantitatively and qualitatively characterize the retinal optical coherence tomographic features of sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) and SARDS suspect dogs. ANIMALS STUDIED Fourteen SARDS affected dogs, 11 age-, breed-, and sex-matched control dogs, and two SARDS suspect dogs. PROCEDURES Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) images were used to evaluate the quantitative features, including thickness, intereye asymmetry, and longitudinal changes in retinal layer thickness and the qualitative features, including retinal architecture and vitreous haze. RESULTS Mean outer retinal layer thickness (ORT), outer nuclear layer thickness (ONL), and photoreceptor layer thickness (PRL) were significantly lower in the SARDS group, whereas mean inner retinal layer thickness was significantly higher in the SARDS group than in the control group. While thickness values of all retinal layers did not differ significantly between paired eyes in each group, the absolute intereye asymmetries in the ORT (p < .0001), ONL (p = .008), and PRL (p < .0001) were significantly higher in the SARDS group than in the control group. Some SARDS patients and SARDS suspects had a greater PRL than the control group, and serial OCT evaluation showed an increase in PRL in one SARDS suspect. Vitreous haze severity was greater in the SARDS group than in the control group (vitreous relative intensity, p = .030). CONCLUSIONS We described the OCT features of SARDS patients and suspects. In particular, PRL thickening in the SARDS suspects might indicate an early change in SARDS. Although further studies are needed, this finding might provide new insights into the pathogenesis of SARDS.
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The Communication between Ocular Surface and Nasal Epithelia in 3D Cell Culture Technology for Translational Research: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312994. [PMID: 34884799 PMCID: PMC8657734 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a lack of knowledge regarding the connection between the ocular and nasal epithelia. This narrative review focuses on conjunctival, corneal, ultrastructural corneal stroma, and nasal epithelia as well as an introduction into their interconnections. We describe in detail the morphology and physiology of the ocular surface, the nasolacrimal ducts, and the nasal cavity. This knowledge provides a basis for functional studies and the development of relevant cell culture models that can be used to investigate the pathogenesis of diseases related to these complex structures. Moreover, we also provide a state-of-the-art overview regarding the development of 3D culture models, which allow for addressing research questions in models resembling the in vivo situation. In particular, we give an overview of the current developments of corneal 3D and organoid models, as well as 3D cell culture models of epithelia with goblet cells (conjunctiva and nasal cavity). The benefits and shortcomings of these cell culture models are discussed. As examples for pathogens related to ocular and nasal epithelia, we discuss infections caused by adenovirus and measles virus. In addition to pathogens, also external triggers such as allergens can cause rhinoconjunctivitis. These diseases exemplify the interconnections between the ocular surface and nasal epithelia in a molecular and clinical context. With a final translational section on optical coherence tomography (OCT), we provide an overview about the applicability of this technique in basic research and clinical ophthalmology. The techniques presented herein will be instrumental in further elucidating the functional interrelations and crosstalk between ocular and nasal epithelia.
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Looking for In Vitro Models for Retinal Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910334. [PMID: 34638674 PMCID: PMC8508697 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Retina is a layered structure of the eye, composed of different cellular components working together to produce a complex visual output. Because of its important role in visual function, retinal pathologies commonly represent the main causes of visual injury and blindness in the industrialized world. It is important to develop in vitro models of retinal diseases to use them in first screenings before translating in in vivo experiments and clinics. For this reason, it is important to develop bidimensional (2D) models that are more suitable for drug screening and toxicological studies and tridimensional (3D) models, which can replicate physiological conditions, for investigating pathological mechanisms leading to visual loss. This review provides an overview of the most common retinal diseases, relating to in vivo models, with a specific focus on alternative 2D and 3D in vitro models that can replicate the different cellular and matrix components of retinal layers, as well as injury insults that induce retinal disease and loss of the visual function.
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Koster C, van den Hurk KT, Lewallen CF, Talib M, ten Brink JB, Boon CJF, Bergen AA. The Lrat -/- Rat: CRISPR/Cas9 Construction and Phenotyping of a New Animal Model for Retinitis Pigmentosa. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137234. [PMID: 34281288 PMCID: PMC8267968 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We developed and phenotyped a pigmented knockout rat model for lecithin retinol acyltransferase (LRAT) using CRISPR/Cas9. The introduced mutation (c.12delA) is based on a patient group harboring a homologous homozygous frameshift mutation in the LRAT gene (c.12delC), causing a dysfunctional visual (retinoid) cycle. METHODS The introduced mutation was confirmed by DNA and RNA sequencing. The expression of Lrat was determined on both the RNA and protein level in wildtype and knockout animals using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The retinal structure and function, as well as the visual behavior of the Lrat-/- and control rats, were characterized using scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), optical coherence tomography (OCT), electroretinography (ERG) and vision-based behavioral assays. RESULTS Wildtype animals had high Lrat mRNA expression in multiple tissues, including the eye and liver. In contrast, hardly any expression was detected in Lrat-/- animals. LRAT protein was abundantly present in wildtype animals and absent in Lrat-/- animals. Lrat-/- animals showed progressively reduced ERG potentials compared to wildtype controls from two weeks of age onwards. Vison-based behavioral assays confirmed reduced vision. Structural abnormalities, such as overall retinal thinning, were observed in Lrat-/- animals. The retinal thickness in knockout rats was decreased to roughly 80% by four months of age. No functional or structural differences were observed between wildtype and heterozygote animals. CONCLUSIONS Our Lrat-/- rat is a new animal model for retinal dystrophy, especially for the LRAT-subtype of early-onset retinal dystrophies. This model has advantages over the existing mouse models and the RCS rat strain and can be used for translational studies of retinal dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Koster
- Department of Human Genetics Amsterdam, Section of Ophthalmogenetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Location Meibergdreef, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.K.); (K.T.v.d.H.); (J.B.t.B.)
| | - Koen T. van den Hurk
- Department of Human Genetics Amsterdam, Section of Ophthalmogenetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Location Meibergdreef, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.K.); (K.T.v.d.H.); (J.B.t.B.)
| | - Colby F. Lewallen
- Georgia Institute of Technology, G.W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA;
| | - Mays Talib
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.T.); (C.J.F.B.)
| | - Jacoline B. ten Brink
- Department of Human Genetics Amsterdam, Section of Ophthalmogenetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Location Meibergdreef, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.K.); (K.T.v.d.H.); (J.B.t.B.)
| | - Camiel J. F. Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.T.); (C.J.F.B.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Location Meibergdreef, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arthur A. Bergen
- Department of Human Genetics Amsterdam, Section of Ophthalmogenetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Location Meibergdreef, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.K.); (K.T.v.d.H.); (J.B.t.B.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Location Meibergdreef, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN-KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
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Inoue C, Takeuchi T, Shiota A, Kondo M, Nshizawa Y. A rat model for retinitis pigmentosa with rapid retinal degeneration enables drug evaluation in vivo. Biol Proced Online 2021; 23:11. [PMID: 34088267 PMCID: PMC8176615 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-021-00150-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is most frequently studied in mouse models, rats, rabbits, and pigs are also used as animal models of RP. However, no studies have reported postnatal photoreceptor cell loss before complete development in these models. Here, we generated a transgenic rat strain, named the P347L rat, in which proline at position 347 in the rhodopsin protein was replaced with leucine. Results A pathological analysis of photoreceptor cells in the P347L rat model was performed, and drugs with potential use as therapeutic agents against RP were investigated. The data clearly showed rapid degeneration and elimination of the outer nuclear layer even before the photoreceptor cells were fully established in P347L rats. To test the usefulness of the P347L rat in the search for new therapeutic agents against RP, the effects of rapamycin on RP were investigated in this rat strain. The findings suggest that rapamycin promotes autophagy and autophagosomal uptake of the rhodopsin that has accumulated abnormally in the cytoplasm, thereby alleviating stress and delaying photoreceptor cell death. Conclusions In this RP model, the time to onset of retinal degeneration was less than that of previously reported RP models with other rhodopsin mutations, enabling quicker in vivo evaluation of drug efficacy. Administration of rapamycin delayed the photoreceptor cell degeneration by approximately 1 day. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12575-021-00150-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chisato Inoue
- Center for Clinical Examination Practicum Supp, ort, Chubu University, Kasugai, Aichi, 4878501, Japan.
| | - Tamaki Takeuchi
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, Aichi, 4878501, Japan
| | - Akira Shiota
- Institute of Immunology Co., LTD, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, 3290512, Japan
| | - Mineo Kondo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, 5148507, Japan
| | - Yuji Nshizawa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, Aichi, 4878501, Japan
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Telias M, Nawy S, Kramer RH. Degeneration-Dependent Retinal Remodeling: Looking for the Molecular Trigger. Front Neurosci 2021; 14:618019. [PMID: 33390897 PMCID: PMC7775662 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.618019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Vision impairment and blindness in humans are most frequently caused by the degeneration and loss of photoreceptor cells in the outer retina, as is the case for age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, retinal detachment and many other diseases. While inner retinal neurons survive degeneration, they undergo fundamental pathophysiological changes, collectively known as “remodeling.” Inner retinal remodeling downstream to photoreceptor death occurs across mammalian retinas from mice to humans, independently of the cause of degeneration. It results in pervasive spontaneous hyperactivity and membrane hyperpermeability in retinal ganglion cells, which funnel all retinal signals to the brain. Remodeling reduces light detection in vision-impaired patients and precludes meaningful vision restoration in blind individuals. In this review, we summarize current hypotheses proposed to explain remodeling and their potential medical significance highlighting the important role played by retinoic acid and its receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Telias
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Scott Nawy
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Richard H Kramer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States.,Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States
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15
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Sher I, Moverman D, Ketter-Katz H, Moisseiev E, Rotenstreich Y. In vivo retinal imaging in translational regenerative research. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1096. [PMID: 33145315 PMCID: PMC7575995 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-4355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Regenerative translational studies must include a longitudinal assessment of the changes in retinal structure and function that occur as part of the natural history of the disease and those that result from the studied intervention. Traditionally, retinal structural changes have been evaluated by histological analysis which necessitates sacrificing the animals. In this review, we describe key imaging approaches such as fundus imaging, optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT-angiography, adaptive optics (AO), and confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO) that enable noninvasive, non-contact, and fast in vivo imaging of the posterior segment. These imaging technologies substantially reduce the number of animals needed and enable progression analysis and longitudinal follow-up in individual animals for accurate assessment of disease natural history, effects of interventions and acute changes. We also describe the benefits and limitations of each technology, as well as outline possible future directions that can be taken in translational retinal imaging studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifat Sher
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Daniel Moverman
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Hadas Ketter-Katz
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Elad Moisseiev
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Ophthalmology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Ygal Rotenstreich
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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16
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Allen RS, Bales K, Feola A, Pardue MT. In vivo Structural Assessments of Ocular Disease in Rodent Models using Optical Coherence Tomography. J Vis Exp 2020. [PMID: 32773758 DOI: 10.3791/61588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) is useful for visualizing retinal and ocular structures in vivo. In research, SD-OCT is a valuable tool to evaluate and characterize changes in a variety of retinal and ocular disease and injury models. In light induced retinal degeneration models, SD-OCT can be used to track thinning of the photoreceptor layer over time. In glaucoma models, SD-OCT can be used to monitor decreased retinal nerve fiber layer and total retinal thickness and to observe optic nerve cupping after inducing ocular hypertension. In diabetic rodents, SD-OCT has helped researchers observe decreased total retinal thickness as well as decreased thickness of specific retinal layers, particularly the retinal nerve fiber layer with disease progression. In mouse models of myopia, SD-OCT can be used to evaluate axial parameters, such as axial length changes. Advantages of SD-OCT include in vivo imaging of ocular structures, the ability to quantitatively track changes in ocular dimensions over time, and its rapid scanning speed and high resolution. Here, we detail the methods of SD-OCT and show examples of its use in our laboratory in models of retinal degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and myopia. Methods include anesthesia, SD-OCT imaging, and processing of the images for thickness measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael S Allen
- Center of Excellence for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology;
| | - Katie Bales
- Center of Excellence for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center; Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University
| | - Andrew Feola
- Center of Excellence for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
| | - Machelle T Pardue
- Center of Excellence for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology; Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University
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17
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Ha Y, Yoo HJ, Shin S, Jun SB. Hemispherical Microelectrode Array for Ex Vivo Retinal Neural Recording. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11050538. [PMID: 32466300 PMCID: PMC7281771 DOI: 10.3390/mi11050538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the neuronal visual encoding process in the retina, researchers have performed in vitro and ex vivo electrophysiological experiments using animal retinal tissues. The microelectrode array (MEA) has become a key component in retinal experiments because it enables simultaneous neural recording from a population of retinal neurons. However, in most retinal experiments, it is inevitable that the retinal tissue is flattened on the planar MEA, becoming deformed from the original hemispherical shape. During the tissue deforming process, the retina is subjected to mechanical stress, which can induce abnormal physiological conditions. To overcome this problem, in this study, we propose a hemispherical MEA with a curvature that allows retinal tissues to adhere closely to electrodes without tissue deformation. The electrode array is fabricated by stretching a thin, flexible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) electrode layer onto a hemispherical substrate. To form micro patterns of electrodes, laser processing is employed instead of conventional thin-film microfabrication processes. The feasibility for neural recording from retinal tissues using this array is shown by conducting ex vivo retinal experiments. We anticipate that the proposed techniques for hemispherical MEAs can be utilized not only for ex vivo retinal studies but also for various flexible electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoonhee Ha
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea; (Y.H.); (H.-J.Y.)
| | - Hyun-Ji Yoo
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea; (Y.H.); (H.-J.Y.)
| | - Soowon Shin
- Department of Bioengineering, TODOC Co., Ltd., Seoul 08394, Korea;
| | - Sang Beom Jun
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea; (Y.H.); (H.-J.Y.)
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-3277-3892
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18
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The qualitative assessment of optical coherence tomography and the central retinal sensitivity in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232700. [PMID: 32392207 PMCID: PMC7213731 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To analyze the relationships between qualitative and quantitative parameters of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and the central retinal sensitivity in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Materials and methods Ninety-three eyes of 93 patients were finally enrolled, with a median age (quartile) of 58 (24.5) years. We assessed the patients using SD-OCT and the 10–2 program of a Humphry Field Analyzer (HFA). As a qualitative parameter, two graders independently classified the patients’ SD-OCT images into five severity grades (grades 1–5) based on the severity of damage to the photoreceptor inner and outer segments (IS/OS) layer. As quantitative parameters, we measured the IS-ellipsoid zone (IS-EZ) width, IS/OS thickness, outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness, central macular thickness (CMT, 1 and 3 mm) and macular cube (6 × 6 mm) volume and thickness. The central retinal sensitivity was defined by the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; logMAR), average sensitivities of the central 4 (foveal sensitivity [FS]) and 12 (macular sensitivity [MS]) points of the HFA 10–2 program and the mean deviation (MD) of the 10–2 program. Spearman’s correlation was used to assess the association between both qualitative and quantitative parameters and variables of the central retinal sensitivity. In addition, we performed a multiple regression analysis using these parameters to identify the parameters most strongly influencing the central retinal sensitivity. Results The IS/OS severity grade was significantly correlated with the BCVA (ρ = 0.741, P < 0.001), FS (ρ = −0.844, P < 0.001), MS (ρ = −0.820, P < 0.001) and MD (ρ = −0.681, P < 0.001) and showed stronger correlations to them than any other quantitative parameters including the IS-EZ width, IS/OS thickness, ONL thickness, CMTs and macular cube volume/thickness. Furthermore, a step-wise multiple regression analysis indicated that the IS/OS severity grade was more strongly associated with the BCVA (β = 0.659, P < 0.001), FS (β = −0.820, P < 0.001), MS (β = −0.820, P < 0.001) and MD (β = −0.674, P < 0.001) than any other quantitative parameters. The intraclass correlation coefficient between two graders indicated substantial correlation (κ = 0.70). Discussion The qualitative grading of OCT based on the severity of the IS/OS layer was simple and strongly correlated with the central retinal sensitivity in patients with RP. It may be useful to assess the central visual function in patients with RP, although there is some variation in severity within the same severity grade.
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