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Tahia F, Basu SK, Prislovsky A, Mondal K, Ma D, Kochat H, Brown K, Stephenson DJ, Chalfant CE, Mandal N. Sphingolipid biosynthetic inhibitor L-Cycloserine prevents oxidative-stress-mediated death in an in vitro model of photoreceptor-derived 661W cells. Exp Eye Res 2024; 242:109852. [PMID: 38460719 PMCID: PMC11089890 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. Retinal degeneration causes irreversible death of photoreceptor cells, ultimately leading to vision loss. Under oxidative stress, the synthesis of bioactive sphingolipid ceramide increases, triggering apoptosis in photoreceptor cells and leading to their death. This study investigates the effect of L-Cycloserine, a small molecule inhibitor of ceramide biosynthesis, on sphingolipid metabolism and the protection of photoreceptor-derived 661W cells from oxidative stress. The results demonstrate that treatment with L-Cycloserine, an inhibitor of Serine palmitoyl transferase (SPT), markedly decreases bioactive ceramide and associated sphingolipids in 661W cells. A nontoxic dose of L-Cycloserine can provide substantial protection of 661W cells against H2O2-induced oxidative stress by reversing the increase in ceramide level observed under oxidative stress conditions. Analysis of various antioxidant, apoptotic and sphingolipid pathway genes and proteins also confirms the ability of L-Cycloserine to modulate these pathways. Our findings elucidate the generation of sphingolipid mediators of cell death in retinal cells under oxidative stress and the potential of L-Cycloserine as a therapeutic candidate for targeting ceramide-induced degenerative diseases by inhibiting SPT. The promising therapeutic prospect identified in our findings lays the groundwork for further validation in in-vivo and preclinical models of retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiza Tahia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Sandip K Basu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Amanda Prislovsky
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA; Memphis VA Medical Center, Memphis, TN, 38104, USA
| | - Koushik Mondal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Dejian Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Harry Kochat
- Plough Center for Sterile Drug Delivery Solutions, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Kennard Brown
- Office of Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operations Officer, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Daniel J Stephenson
- Departments of Medicine and Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | - Charles E Chalfant
- Departments of Medicine and Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA; Research Service, Richmond Veterans Administration Medical Center, Richmond VA, 23298, USA
| | - Nawajes Mandal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA; Memphis VA Medical Center, Memphis, TN, 38104, USA; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
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2
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Nolan ND, Cui X, Robbings BM, Demirkol A, Pandey K, Wu WH, Hu HF, Jenny LA, Lin CS, Hass DT, Du J, Hurley JB, Tsang SH. CRISPR editing of anti-anemia drug target rescues independent preclinical models of retinitis pigmentosa. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101459. [PMID: 38518771 PMCID: PMC11031380 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101459] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is one of the most common forms of hereditary neurodegeneration. It is caused by one or more of at least 3,100 mutations in over 80 genes that are primarily expressed in rod photoreceptors. In RP, the primary rod-death phase is followed by cone death, regardless of the underlying gene mutation that drove the initial rod degeneration. Dampening the oxidation of glycolytic end products in rod mitochondria enhances cone survival in divergent etiological disease models independent of the underlying rod-specific gene mutations. Therapeutic editing of the prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing protein gene (PHD2, also known as Egln1) in rod photoreceptors led to the sustained survival of both diseased rods and cones in both preclinical autosomal-recessive and dominant RP models. Adeno-associated virus-mediated CRISPR-based therapeutic reprogramming of the aerobic glycolysis node may serve as a gene-agnostic treatment for patients with various forms of RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D Nolan
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Xuan Cui
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, New York, NY 10032, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Brian M Robbings
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Diabetes Institute, The University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Aykut Demirkol
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, New York, NY 10032, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA; Vocational School of Health Services, Uskudar University, 34672 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kriti Pandey
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Wen-Hsuan Wu
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, New York, NY 10032, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Hannah F Hu
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Laura A Jenny
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, New York, NY 10032, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Chyuan-Sheng Lin
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology & Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Daniel T Hass
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jianhai Du
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26501, USA
| | - James B Hurley
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA; Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology & Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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3
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Lath YV, Thool AR, Jadhav I. Regeneration of the Retina Using Pluripotent Stem Cells: A Comprehensive Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e53479. [PMID: 38440034 PMCID: PMC10910172 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53479] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration are the most frequent causes of irreversible visual impairment in the world. Existing therapeutic methods could be more effective, underscoring the necessity of new treatments. Reconstructing the retinal photoreceptors through the transplantation of human pluripotent stem cells, representing an attractive approach for restoring vision, has gained momentum. This paper gives an exhaustive account of what has been known in this field, the discoveries made, and the recent progress. This review paper outlines the retina's organisation, cell types, the pathophysiology of retinal injury/degeneration, and the reasoning behind using pluripotent stem cells in retinal regeneration. This article investigates differentiation strategies, molecular components that dictate cell type specification, and the recreation of retinal development in vitro, genetically engineering and manipulating epigenetic marks using various techniques for driving specific cell fates and improving therapy efficacy. Subretinal injection methods, cell encapsulation techniques, scaffold-based approaches, cell sheet transplantation, and their impact on integrating implanted cells into a functional retina are thoroughly reviewed. Using bioengineering approaches, biomaterials and growth factors form a favourable micro-ambience for grafted cells. Issues around safety and efficacy (tumorigenicity, immunological rejection, and long-term integration/functionality) are explored. Moreover, the paper emphasises the significance of rigorous characterisation, immunomodulatory strategies, and clinical and pre-clinical studies to ensure the safety and effectiveness of retinal regeneration therapy. Future perspectives and challenges are presented, looking at fine-tuning differentiation strategies, improving functional integration and regulatory aspects, and using co-therapy and supportive treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yash V Lath
- Medicine and Surgery, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, IND
| | - Archana R Thool
- Ophthalmology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, IND
| | - Indrayani Jadhav
- Medicine and Surgery, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, IND
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Sukkar B, Oktay L, Sahaboglu A, Moayedi A, Zenouri S, Al-Maghout T, Cantó A, Miranda M, Durdagi S, Hosseinzadeh Z. Inhibition of altered Orai1 channels in Müller cells protects photoreceptors in retinal degeneration. Glia 2023; 71:2511-2526. [PMID: 37533369 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24429] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
The expressions of ion channels by Müller glial cells (MGCs) may change in response to various retinal pathophysiological conditions. There remains a gap in our understanding of MGCs' responses to photoreceptor degeneration towards finding therapies. The study explores how an inhibition of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) and its major component, Orai1 channel, in MGCs protects photoreceptors from degeneration. The study revealed increased Orai1 expression in the MGCs of retinal degeneration 10 (rd10) mice. Enhanced expression of oxidative stress markers was confirmed as a crucial pathological mechanism in rd10 retina. Inducing oxidative stress in rat MGCs resulted in increasing SOCE and Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) currents. SOCE inhibition by 2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) protected photoreceptors in degenerated retinas. Finally, molecular simulations proved the structural and dynamical features of 2-APB to the target structure Orai1. Our results provide new insights into the physiology of MGCs regarding retinal degeneration and shed a light on SOCE and Orai1 as new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma Sukkar
- Paul Flechsig Institute, Centre of Neuropathology and Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lalehan Oktay
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayse Sahaboglu
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Aylin Moayedi
- Paul Flechsig Institute, Centre of Neuropathology and Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Shima Zenouri
- Paul Flechsig Institute, Centre of Neuropathology and Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tamer Al-Maghout
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine and Physiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Antolin Cantó
- Departamento Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Miranda
- Departamento Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Serdar Durdagi
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Molecular Therapy Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zohreh Hosseinzadeh
- Paul Flechsig Institute, Centre of Neuropathology and Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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5
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Wong NK, Yip SP, Huang CL. Establishing Functional Retina in a Dish: Progress and Promises of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Retinal Neuron Differentiation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13652. [PMID: 37686457 PMCID: PMC10487913 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713652] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The human eye plays a critical role in vision perception, but various retinal degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can lead to vision loss or blindness. Although progress has been made in understanding retinal development and in clinical research, current treatments remain inadequate for curing or reversing these degenerative conditions. Animal models have limited relevance to humans, and obtaining human eye tissue samples is challenging due to ethical and legal considerations. Consequently, researchers have turned to stem cell-based approaches, specifically induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), to generate distinct retinal cell populations and develop cell replacement therapies. iPSCs offer a novel platform for studying the key stages of human retinogenesis and disease-specific mechanisms. Stem cell technology has facilitated the production of diverse retinal cell types, including retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and photoreceptors, and the development of retinal organoids has emerged as a valuable in vitro tool for investigating retinal neuron differentiation and modeling retinal diseases. This review focuses on the protocols, culture conditions, and techniques employed in differentiating retinal neurons from iPSCs. Furthermore, it emphasizes the significance of molecular and functional validation of the differentiated cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nonthaphat Kent Wong
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shea Ping Yip
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chien-Ling Huang
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
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Parnami K, Bhattacharyya A. Current approaches to vision restoration using optogenetic therapy. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1236826. [PMID: 37663125 PMCID: PMC10469018 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1236826] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited progressive degeneration of photoreceptors such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common cause of blindness leading to severe vision impairment affecting ~1 in 5,000 people worldwide. Although the function and morphology of the photoreceptors get disrupted, there is evidence that the inner retinal neurons such as bipolar cells and the retinal ganglion cells are left intact until later stages. Among several innovative therapeutic options aiming to restore vision, optogenetic therapy can bestow light sensitivity to remaining retinal neurons by ectopic expression of light-sensitive proteins. Since the advent of this technique, a diverse class of opsins (microbial and mammalian opsins), chimeric proteins, ligand-gated ion channels, and switchable opsins have been used to study their potential in vision restoration. These proteins differ in their excitation spectra, response kinetics, and signal amplification cascade. Although most of the studies have reported high fidelity of responses in the retina, only a handful of them have achieved functional vision in the visual cortex. This review is a summary of the visuocortical and behavioral responses after optogenetic treatment of the degenerated retina. This clarifies to what extent improved and meaningful vision can be obtained for therapeutic efficacy and continued clinical progress.
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Tay HG, Andre H, Chrysostomou V, Adusumalli S, Guo J, Ren X, Tan WS, Tor JE, Moreno-Moral A, Plastino F, Bartuma H, Cai Z, Tun SBB, Barathi VA, Siew Wei GT, Grenci G, Chong LY, Holmgren A, Kvanta A, Crowston JG, Petretto E, Tryggvason K. Photoreceptor laminin drives differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells to photoreceptor progenitors that partially restore retina function. Mol Ther 2023; 31:825-846. [PMID: 36638800 PMCID: PMC10014235 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Blindness caused by advanced stages of inherited retinal diseases and age-related macular degeneration are characterized by photoreceptor loss. Cell therapy involving replacement with functional photoreceptor-like cells generated from human pluripotent stem cells holds great promise. Here, we generated a human recombinant retina-specific laminin isoform, LN523, and demonstrated the role in promoting the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into photoreceptor progenitors. This chemically defined and xenogen-free method enables reproducible production of photoreceptor progenitors within 32 days. We observed that the transplantation into rd10 mice were able to protect the host photoreceptor outer nuclear layer (ONL) up to 2 weeks post transplantation as measured by full-field electroretinogram. At 4 weeks post transplantation, the engrafted cells were found to survive, mature, and associate with the host's rod bipolar cells. Visual behavioral assessment using the water maze swimming test demonstrated visual improvement in the cell-transplanted rodents. At 20 weeks post transplantation, the maturing engrafted cells were able to replace the loss of host ONL by extensive association with host bipolar cells and synapses. Post-transplanted rabbit model also provided congruent evidence for synaptic connectivity with the degenerated host retina. The results may pave the way for the development of stem cell-based therapeutics for retina degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwee Goon Tay
- Centre for Vision Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.
| | - Helder Andre
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vicki Chrysostomou
- Centre for Vision Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | | | - Jing Guo
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Xiaoyuan Ren
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wei Sheng Tan
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Jia En Tor
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Aida Moreno-Moral
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Flavia Plastino
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hammurabi Bartuma
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Zuhua Cai
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Sai Bo Bo Tun
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Veluchamy Amutha Barathi
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gavin Tan Siew Wei
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Gianluca Grenci
- Mechanobiology Institute (MBI) and Department of Biomedical Engineering, NUS, Singapore
| | - Li Yen Chong
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Arne Holmgren
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Kvanta
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonathan Guy Crowston
- Centre for Vision Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Enrico Petretto
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Karl Tryggvason
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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Bernardo-Colón A, Lerner M, Becerra SP. Pigment epithelium-derived factor is an interleukin-6 antagonist in the RPE: Insight of structure-function relationships. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1045613. [PMID: 36467689 PMCID: PMC9709256 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1045613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinal and choroidal inflammatory lesions increase the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6). Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) has anti-inflammatory properties, but it is not known if it can prevent the production of IL-6 by the retinal pigment epithelium. To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of PEDF in the RPE, we used human ARPE-19 cells stimulated with human recombinant tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) to induce overexpression of the IL6 gene. We found that the viability of ARPE-19 cells decreased by 22% with TNF-α at 10 ng/ml, being drastically decreased at ≥50 ng/ml. TNF-α at 5-100 ng/ml elevated the production and secretion of IL-6 protein, as measured by ELISA. To challenge the TNF-α-mediated stimulation of IL-6, we used recombinant human PEDF protein. PEDF at 100 nM recovered the TNF-α-mediated loss of cell viability and repressed IL-6 gene expression as determined by RT-PCR. PEDF at 10-100 nM attenuated the IL-6 protein secretion in a dose dependent fashion (IC50 = 65 nM), being abolished with 100 nM PEDF. To map the region that confers the IL-6 blocking effect to the PEDF polypeptide, we used chemically synthesized peptides designed from its biologically active domains, pro-death 34-mer, and pro-survival 44-mer and 17-mer (H105A), to challenge the IL-6 overproduction. The pro-survival peptides recovered the TNF-α-mediated cell viability loss, and inhibited IL-6 secretion, while the 34-mer did not have an effect, suggesting a role for the pro-survival domain in blocking TNF-α-mediated cell death and IL-6 stimulation. Our findings position PEDF as a novel antagonistic agent of IL-6 production in RPE cells, underscoring its use for the management of retinal disease-related inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - S. Patricia Becerra
- Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, Section of Protein Structure and Function, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Tang VD, Egense A, Yiu G, Meyers E, Moshiri A, Shankar SP. Retinal dystrophies: A look beyond the eyes. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep 2022; 27:101613. [PMID: 35756836 PMCID: PMC9228281 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2022.101613] [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: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To illustrate the importance of systemic evaluation in retinal dystrophies through examples of Alstrom syndrome, Bardet Biedl syndrome, and Refsum disease. Observations Detailed eye evaluations, including visual acuity, visual field, slit lamp examination, and indirect ophthalmoscopy were performed. Retinal imaging included fundus photography and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Functional testing of the retina was done using full field electroretinography (ffERG). In addition, molecular genetic testing was performed using a ciliopathy panel, a retinal dystrophy panel, and whole genome sequencing (WGS). We report three individuals who presented with vision concerns first to ophthalmology, noted to have retinal dystrophy, and then referred to genomic medicine for genetic testing. Additional evaluation led to suspicion of specific groups of systemic disorders and guided appropriate genetic testing. The first individual presented with retinal dystrophy, obesity, and short stature with no reported neurocognitive deficits. Genetic testing included a ciliopathy panel that was negative followed by WGS that identified biallelic variants in ALMS: a novel frame-shift pathogenic variant c.6525dupT (p.Gln2176Serfs*17) and a rare nonsense pathogenic variant c.2035C > T (p.Arg679Ter) consistent with Alstrom syndrome. The second individual presented with retinal dystrophy, central obesity, and mild neurocognitive deficits. A ciliopathy genetic testing panel identified a homozygous pathogenic variant in BBS7: c.389_390del (p.Asn130Thrfs*4), confirming the diagnosis of Bardet Biedl syndrome. The third individual presented with progressive vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa, anosmia, hearing loss, and shortened metatarsals and digits. Genetic testing identified two variants in PHYH: c.375_375del (p.Glu126Argfs*2) a pathogenic variant and c.536A > G (p.His179Arg), a variant of uncertain significance (VUS), suggestive of Refsum disease. Additional biochemical testing revealed markedly elevated phytanic acid with a low concentration of pristanic acid and normal concentrations of very long-chain fatty acids (C22:0, C24:0, C26:0), a pattern consistent with a diagnosis of Refsum disease. Conclusions and importance In individuals who present with retinal dystrophy to ophthalmologists, additional systemic manifestations such as sensorineural hearing loss, anosmia, or polydactyly, should be sought and a positive history or examination finding should prompt an immediate referral to a clinical geneticist for additional evaluation and appropriate genetic testing. This facilitates pre-test genetic counseling and allows for more accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and management of affected individuals along with better recurrence risk estimates for family members. Identification of an underlying etiology also enhances the understanding of the pathophysiology of disease and expands the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum. Ultimately, successful recognition of these diseases facilitates development of targeted therapies and surveillance of affected individuals.
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Hassanzadeh K, Vahabzadeh Z, Bucarello L, Dragotto J, Corbo M, Maccarone R, Feligioni M. Protective Effect of Curcuma Extract in an Ex Vivo Model of Retinal Degeneration via Antioxidant Activity and Targeting the SUMOylation. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:8923615. [PMID: 35941902 PMCID: PMC9356244 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8923615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Retinal degeneration is the major and principal cause behind many incurable blindness diseases. Several studies indicated the neuroprotective effect of Curcuma longa in eye pathologies, specifically retinopathy. However, the molecular mechanism behind its effect has not been completely elucidated. Using an ex vivo model of retinal degeneration obtained from an ex vivo optic nerve cut (ONC), we demonstrated that Curcuma extract (Cur) exerted a neuroprotective effect. Importantly, Cur was able to modulate apoptosis and MAPK signaling pathway activation and prevent retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss. Other well-known neuroprotective pharmacological tools, including memantine (Mem), citicoline (Cit), and ginkgolic acid (GA), were used to compare the potential mechanisms of Cur. The antioxidant activity of retinas treated with Cur following optic nerve cut was significantly higher than control, but Cur failed to change the retina glutamate content. Considering the antioxidant effect of Cur and taking advantage of our recent findings on the crosstalk between oxidative stress and post-translational protein modifiers, in particular, small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO), we were interested in exploring the effect of Cur on SUMOylation. We found that Cur significantly prevented the increase of protein SUMOylation, confirming our previous in vitro data indicating the cytoprotective effect of curcumin through modulating the oxidative stress and SUMO-JNK axis. Altogether, these results suggest that Curcuma protects the retina from degeneration via antioxidant activity and targets SUMOylation. Therefore, it might be considered for the combination therapy with other neuroprotective agents with different mechanisms in preclinical studies on retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kambiz Hassanzadeh
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- Laboratory of Neuronal Cell Signaling, EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Zakaria Vahabzadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Lucia Bucarello
- Laboratory of Neuronal Cell Signaling, EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, Rome 00161, Italy
- Need Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Jessica Dragotto
- Laboratory of Neuronal Cell Signaling, EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Massimo Corbo
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura del Policlinico, Milan 20144, Italy
| | - Rita Maccarone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Marco Feligioni
- Laboratory of Neuronal Cell Signaling, EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, Rome 00161, Italy
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura del Policlinico, Milan 20144, Italy
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11
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Ciampi L, Mantica F, López-Blanch L, Permanyer J, Rodriguez-Marín C, Zang J, Cianferoni D, Jiménez-Delgado S, Bonnal S, Miravet-Verde S, Ruprecht V, Neuhauss SCF, Banfi S, Carrella S, Serrano L, Head SA, Irimia M. Specialization of the photoreceptor transcriptome by Srrm3-dependent microexons is required for outer segment maintenance and vision. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2117090119. [PMID: 35858306 PMCID: PMC9303857 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2117090119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal photoreceptors have a distinct transcriptomic profile compared to other neuronal subtypes, likely reflecting their unique cellular morphology and function in the detection of light stimuli by way of the ciliary outer segment. We discovered a layer of this molecular specialization by revealing that the vertebrate retina expresses the largest number of tissue-enriched microexons of all tissue types. A subset of these microexons is included exclusively in photoreceptor transcripts, particularly in genes involved in cilia biogenesis and vesicle-mediated transport. This microexon program is regulated by Srrm3, a paralog of the neural microexon regulator Srrm4. Despite the fact that both proteins positively regulate retina microexons in vitro, only Srrm3 is highly expressed in mature photoreceptors. Its deletion in zebrafish results in widespread down-regulation of microexon inclusion from early developmental stages, followed by other transcriptomic alterations, severe photoreceptor defects, and blindness. These results shed light on the transcriptomic specialization and functionality of photoreceptors, uncovering unique cell type-specific roles for Srrm3 and microexons with implications for retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Ciampi
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Federica Mantica
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura López-Blanch
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jon Permanyer
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Rodriguez-Marín
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jingjing Zang
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Damiano Cianferoni
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Senda Jiménez-Delgado
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sophie Bonnal
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Samuel Miravet-Verde
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Verena Ruprecht
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stephan C. F. Neuhauss
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sandro Banfi
- Medical Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Sabrina Carrella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
- Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Luis Serrano
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sarah A. Head
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Irimia
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
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12
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Gasparini SJ, Tessmer K, Reh M, Wieneke S, Carido M, Völkner M, Borsch O, Swiersy A, Zuzic M, Goureau O, Kurth T, Busskamp V, Zeck G, Karl MO, Ader M. Transplanted human cones incorporate and function in a murine cone degeneration model. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:154619. [PMID: 35482419 PMCID: PMC9197520 DOI: 10.1172/jci154619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Once human photoreceptors die, they do not regenerate, thus, photoreceptor transplantation has emerged as a potential treatment approach for blinding diseases. Improvements in transplant organization, donor cell maturation, and synaptic connectivity to the host will be critical in advancing this technology for use in clinical practice. Unlike the unstructured grafts of prior cell-suspension transplantations into end-stage degeneration models, we describe the extensive incorporation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) retinal organoid–derived human photoreceptors into mice with cone dysfunction. This incorporative phenotype was validated in both cone-only as well as pan-photoreceptor transplantations. Rather than forming a glial barrier, Müller cells extended throughout the graft, even forming a series of adherens junctions between mouse and human cells, reminiscent of an outer limiting membrane. Donor-host interaction appeared to promote polarization as well as the development of morphological features critical for light detection, namely the formation of inner and well-stacked outer segments oriented toward the retinal pigment epithelium. Putative synapse formation and graft function were evident at both structural and electrophysiological levels. Overall, these results show that human photoreceptors interacted readily with a partially degenerated retina. Moreover, incorporation into the host retina appeared to be beneficial to graft maturation, polarization, and function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen Tessmer
- Ader Lab, Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Miriam Reh
- Department of Neurophysics, NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Stephanie Wieneke
- Karl Lab, Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Madalena Carido
- Ader Lab, Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Manuela Völkner
- Karl Lab, Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Oliver Borsch
- Ader Lab, Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anka Swiersy
- Busskamp Lab, Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marta Zuzic
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Olivier Goureau
- Institut de la Vision, INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Kurth
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Volker Busskamp
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Günther Zeck
- Department of Neurophysics, NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Mike O Karl
- Karl Lab, Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marius Ader
- Ader Lab, Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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13
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Aboumanei MH, Mahmoud AF. Development of Tamoxifen In Situ Gel Nanoemulsion for Ocular Delivery in Photoreceptor Degeneration Disorder: In Vitro Characterization, 131I-Radiolabeling, and In Vivo Biodistribution Studies. J Pharm Innov 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12247-022-09638-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of our work is to develop an in situ ocular gellan gum–based nanoemulsion (NE) of tamoxifen TAM as an alternative drug delivery system to the oral route for the treatment of photoreceptor degeneration disorder.
Method
Six pseudoternary phase diagrams were developed using oil (oleic acid), surfactants (Tween 80 or Tween 20), a co-surfactant (polyethylene glycol 400), and water. The particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of the developed systems were all measured. The safety of ocular application of the optimum system was established via in vivo histopathological investigation. To track the biodistribution of the optimum gel, iodine-131 (131I) was incorporated into the gel via coupling with TAM via direct electrophilic substitution reaction.
Results
Based on the obtained results, TAMNE-1 was chosen as the optimal system, with PS = 140.20 ± 1.50 nm, ZP = − 27.86 ± 1.13 mV, and PDI = 0.20 ± 0.00%. In vitro release displayed a prolonged and sustained release of TAMNE-1 gel compared to TAM solution (plain eye drop). Transparent in situ TAMNE-1 gel was developed after the incorporation of the TAMNE-1 system into gellan gum aqueous solution (0.3% w/w). In this study, TAM was successfully radiolabeled with 131I for subsequent evaluation of the efficacy of the developed in situ gel system (TAMNE-1 gel) in vivo. The developed TAMNE-1 gel system was nonirritant and safe and the biodistribution studies showed better retention of TAMNE-1 gel than plain TAM eye drops.
Conclusion
The developed TAMNE-1 gel is able to enhance the ocular bioavailability of TAM and can go further with clinical evaluation.
Graphic Abstract
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14
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Jin N, Sha W, Gao L. Shaping the Microglia in Retinal Degenerative Diseases Using Stem Cell Therapy: Practice and Prospects. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:741368. [PMID: 34966736 PMCID: PMC8710684 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.741368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative disease (RDD) refers to a group of diseases with retinal degeneration that cause vision loss and affect people's daily lives. Various therapies have been proposed, among which stem cell therapy (SCT) holds great promise for the treatment of RDDs. Microglia are immune cells in the retina that have two activation phenotypes, namely, pro-inflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 phenotypes. These cells play an important role in the pathological progression of RDDs, especially in terms of retinal inflammation. Recent studies have extensively investigated the therapeutic potential of stem cell therapy in treating RDDs, including the immunomodulatory effects targeting microglia. In this review, we substantially summarized the characteristics of RDDs and microglia, discussed the microglial changes and phenotypic transformation of M1 microglia to M2 microglia after SCT, and proposed future directions for SCT in treating RDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Jin
- Senior Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Endocrinology, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Weiwei Sha
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lixiong Gao
- Senior Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
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15
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Ye Q, Wang J, Liu X, Liu Z, BaZong L, Ma J, Shen R, Ye W, Zhang W, Wang D. The Role of RAD6B and PEDF in Retinal Degeneration. Neuroscience 2021; 480:19-31. [PMID: 34774969 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
RAD6B is an E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, playing an important role in DNA damage repair, gene expression, senescence, apoptosis and protein degradation. However, the specific mechanism between ubiquitin and retinal degeneration requires more investigation. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) has a potent neurotrophic effect on the retina, protecting retinal neurons and photoreceptors from cell death caused by pathological damage. In this study, we found that loss of RAD6B leads to retinal degeneration in mice, especially in old age. Affymetrix microarray analysis showed that the PEDF signal was changed in RAD6B deficient groups. The expression of γ-H2AX, β-Gal, P53, Caspase-3, P21 and P16 was increased significantly in retinas of RAD6B knockout (KO) mice. Our studies suggest that RAD6B and PEDF play an important role in the health of retina, whereas the absence of RAD6B accelerates the degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Ye
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Basic Medical College, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, 82 Cuiying Door, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Basic Medical College, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiangwen Liu
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Basic Medical College, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zihua Liu
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Basic Medical College, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - LuoSong BaZong
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, 82 Cuiying Door, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jinhai Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, 82 Cuiying Door, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Rong Shen
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Basic Medical College, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Weichun Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Wenfang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, 82 Cuiying Door, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Degui Wang
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Basic Medical College, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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16
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Ponzini E, Ami D, Duse A, Santambrogio C, De Palma A, Di Silvestre D, Mauri P, Pezzoli F, Natalello A, Tavazzi S, Grandori R. Single-Tear Proteomics: A Feasible Approach to Precision Medicine. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10750. [PMID: 34639092 PMCID: PMC8509675 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Lacrimal fluid is an attractive source of noninvasive biomarkers, the main limitation being the small sample amounts typically collected. Advanced analytical methods to allow for proteomics profiling from a few microliters are needed to develop innovative biomarkers, with attractive perspectives of applications to precision medicine. This work describes an effective, analytical pipeline for single-tear analysis by ultrahigh-resolution, shotgun proteomics from 23 healthy human volunteers, leading to high-confidence identification of a total of 890 proteins. Highly reproducible quantification was achieved by either peak intensity, peak area, or spectral counting. Hierarchical clustering revealed a stratification of females vs. males that did not emerge from previous studies on pooled samples. Two subjects were monitored weekly over 3 weeks. The samples clustered by withdrawal time of day (morning vs. afternoon) but not by follow-up week, with elevated levels of components of the immune system in the morning samples. This study demonstrates feasibility of single-tear quantitative proteomics, envisaging contributions of this unconventional body fluid to individualized approaches in biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Ponzini
- Materials Science Department, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via R. Cozzi 55, 20125 Milan, Italy; (A.D.); (F.P.); (S.T.)
| | - Diletta Ami
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy; (D.A.); (C.S.); (A.N.)
| | - Alessandro Duse
- Materials Science Department, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via R. Cozzi 55, 20125 Milan, Italy; (A.D.); (F.P.); (S.T.)
| | - Carlo Santambrogio
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy; (D.A.); (C.S.); (A.N.)
| | - Antonella De Palma
- Institute of Technologies in Biomedicine, National Research Council (ITB-CNR), Via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20090 Segrate, Italy; (A.D.P.); (D.D.S.); (P.M.)
| | - Dario Di Silvestre
- Institute of Technologies in Biomedicine, National Research Council (ITB-CNR), Via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20090 Segrate, Italy; (A.D.P.); (D.D.S.); (P.M.)
| | - Pierluigi Mauri
- Institute of Technologies in Biomedicine, National Research Council (ITB-CNR), Via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20090 Segrate, Italy; (A.D.P.); (D.D.S.); (P.M.)
| | - Fabio Pezzoli
- Materials Science Department, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via R. Cozzi 55, 20125 Milan, Italy; (A.D.); (F.P.); (S.T.)
| | - Antonino Natalello
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy; (D.A.); (C.S.); (A.N.)
| | - Silvia Tavazzi
- Materials Science Department, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via R. Cozzi 55, 20125 Milan, Italy; (A.D.); (F.P.); (S.T.)
| | - Rita Grandori
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy; (D.A.); (C.S.); (A.N.)
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17
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Abstract
The beginning of the twenty-first century was marked by the innovative use of pharmacochemical interventions, which have since expanded to include gene-based molecular therapies. For years, treatment has focused on tackling the pathophysiology of monogenic orphan diseases, and one of the first applications of these novel genome editing technologies was the treatment of rare inherited retinal dystrophies. In this review, we present recent, ongoing, and future gene therapy-based treatment trials for choroideremia, X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, and age-related macular degeneration. As these trials pave the way toward halting the progression of such devastating diseases, we will begin to see the exciting development of newer, cutting-edge strategies including base editing and prime editing, ushering in a new era of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Levi
- Jonas Children's Vision Care, Department of Ophthalmology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York 10032, USA; , , ,
| | - Joseph Ryu
- Jonas Children's Vision Care, Department of Ophthalmology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York 10032, USA; , , ,
| | - Pei-Kang Liu
- Jonas Children's Vision Care, Department of Ophthalmology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York 10032, USA; , , , .,Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Jonas Children's Vision Care, Department of Ophthalmology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York 10032, USA; , , , .,Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, New York, New York 10032, USA
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18
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Lin KT, Wang A, Nguyen AB, Iyer J, Tran SD. Recent Advances in Hydrogels: Ophthalmic Applications in Cell Delivery, Vitreous Substitutes, and Ocular Adhesives. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1203. [PMID: 34572389 PMCID: PMC8471559 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
With the prevalence of eye diseases, such as cataracts, retinal degenerative diseases, and glaucoma, different treatments including lens replacement, vitrectomy, and stem cell transplantation have been developed; however, they are not without their respective shortcomings. For example, current methods to seal corneal incisions induced by cataract surgery, such as suturing and stromal hydration, are less than ideal due to the potential for surgically induced astigmatism or wound leakage. Vitrectomy performed on patients with diabetic retinopathy requires an artificial vitreous substitute, with current offerings having many shortcomings such as retinal toxicity. The use of stem cells has also been investigated in retinal degenerative diseases; however, an optimal delivery system is required for successful transplantation. The incorporation of hydrogels into ocular therapy has been a critical focus in overcoming the limitations of current treatments. Previous reviews have extensively documented the use of hydrogels in drug delivery; thus, the goal of this review is to discuss recent advances in hydrogel technology in surgical applications, including dendrimer and gelatin-based hydrogels for ocular adhesives and a variety of different polymers for vitreous substitutes, as well as recent advances in hydrogel-based retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and retinal progenitor cell (RPC) delivery to the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Simon D. Tran
- McGill Craniofacial Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells Laboratory, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, 3640 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada; (K.T.L.); (A.W.); (A.B.N.); (J.I.)
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19
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Adak S, Magdalene D, Deshmukh S, Das D, Jaganathan BG. A Review on Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Treatment of Retinal Diseases. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 17:1154-1173. [PMID: 33410097 PMCID: PMC7787584 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-020-10090-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) have been studied extensively for the treatment of several retinal diseases. The therapeutic potential of MSCs lies in its ability to differentiate into multiple lineages and secretome enriched with immunomodulatory, anti-angiogenic and neurotrophic factors. Several studies have reported the role of MSCs in repair and regeneration of the damaged retina where the secreted factors from MSCs prevent retinal degeneration, improve retinal morphology and function. MSCs also donate mitochondria to rescue the function of retinal cells and exosomes secreted by MSCs were found to have anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects. Based on several promising results obtained from the preclinical studies, several clinical trials were initiated to explore the potential advantages of MSCs for the treatment of retinal diseases. This review summarizes the various properties of MSCs that help to repair and restore the damaged retinal cells and its potential for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjucta Adak
- Stem Cells and Cancer Biology Research Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Damaris Magdalene
- Department of Strabismus, Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya Hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Saurabh Deshmukh
- Department of Strabismus, Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya Hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Dipankar Das
- Department of Pathology, Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya Hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Bithiah Grace Jaganathan
- Stem Cells and Cancer Biology Research Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India.
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20
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Singh D, Chen X, Xia T, Ghiassi-Nejad M, Tainsh L, Adelman RA, Rizzolo LJ. Partially Differentiated Neuroretinal Cells Promote Maturation of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:9. [PMID: 33151282 PMCID: PMC7671856 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.13.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Many studies have demonstrated the ability of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to foster the maturation of the developing retina. Few studies have examined the reciprocal effects of developing retina on the RPE. Methods RPE isolated from human fetal RPE or differentiated from human stem cells was cultured on Transwell filter inserts. Retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) were differentiated from human stem cells and cultured on a planar scaffold composed of gelatin, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and laminin-521. Cultures were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, and transepithelial electrical resistance (TER). Results RPCs initially differentiated into several retina-like cell types that segregated from one another and formed loosely organized layers or zones. With time, the presumptive photoreceptor and ganglion cell layers persisted, but the intervening zone became dominated by cells that expressed glial markers with no evidence of bipolar cells or interneurons. Co-culture of this underdeveloped retinoid with the RPE resulted in a thickened layer of recoverin-positive cells but did not prevent the loss of interneuron markers in the intervening zone. Although photoreceptor inner and outer segments were not observed, immunoblots revealed that co-culture increased expression of rhodopsin and red/green opsin. Co-culture of the RPE with this underdeveloped retinal culture increased the TER of the RPE and the expression of RPE signature genes. Conclusions These studies indicated that an immature neurosensory retina can foster maturation of the RPE; however, the ability of RPE alone to foster maturation of the neurosensory retina is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Singh
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tina Xia
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Maryam Ghiassi-Nejad
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Laurel Tainsh
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Ron A Adelman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Lawrence J Rizzolo
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
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21
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Xu S, Zhang P, Zhang M, Wang X, Li G, Xu G, Ni Y. Synaptic changes and the response of microglia in a light-induced photoreceptor degeneration model. Mol Vis 2021; 27:206-220. [PMID: 33967574 PMCID: PMC8100860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore synaptic changes and the response of microglia in a light-induced photoreceptor degeneration model. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were euthanized 1 h, 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, and 14 days after being exposed to intense blue light for 24 h. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining were used to evaluate changes in the outer nuclear layer (ONL). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was applied to observe the ultrastructural changes in the synapses between the photoreceptors and second-order neurons. Western blotting was conducted to evaluate specific proteins, including postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95), metabotropic glutamate receptor 6 (mGluR6), synapsin I, and synaptophysin. Immunofluorescence of CD11b and PKC-α or mGluR6 was used to explore the spatial relationships between microglial processes and synaptic elements. Immunoelectron microscopy of PSD-95 was performed to further confirm its engulfment of synaptic materials. Results H&E and TUNEL staining showed that the thickness of the ONL decreased markedly, and the number of apoptotic photoreceptors peaked at day 1. TEM revealed darkened photoreceptor terminals and that ribbons of them were floating in the cytoplasm, coinciding with the downregulation of PSD-95 and mGluR6. Downstream synaptic protein synapsin I and synaptophysin exhibited upregulation in the inner plexiform layer. Activated microglia migrated to the outer retina, and their processes were found in close proximity to synapses in the outer plexiform layer under light and electron microscopy levels. Double immunostaining of CD11b and mGluR6 showed colocalization. PSD-95-immunoreactive electron-dense materials were observed inside the microglia suggesting engulfment of synaptic components. Conclusions The study showed that there are early synaptic impairment and late compensatory changes in downstream synapses in this photic injury model. Activated microglia touched and directly engulfed synaptic materials. Microglia may play a role or a partial role in synaptic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Key NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Peijun Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Key NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Key NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Key NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Li
- Research Center, Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gezhi Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Key NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingqin Ni
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Key NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University); Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
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22
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Piccolo is essential for the maintenance of mouse retina but not cochlear hair cell function. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:11678-11695. [PMID: 33882456 PMCID: PMC8109093 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202861] [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: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Piccolo is a presynaptic protein with high conservation among different species, and the expression of Piccolo is extensive in vertebrates. Recently, a small fragment of Piccolo (Piccolino), arising due to the incomplete splicing of intron 5/6, was found to be present in the synapses of retinas and cochleae. However, the comprehensive function of Piccolo in the retina and cochlea remains unclear. In this study, we generated Piccolo knockout mice using CRISPR-Cas9 technology to explore the function of Piccolo. Unexpectedly, whereas no abnormalities were found in the cochlear hair cells of the mutant mice, significant differences were found in the retinas, in which two layers (the outer nuclear layer and the outer plexiform layer) were absent. Additionally, the amplitudes of electroretinograms were significantly reduced and pigmentation was observed in the fundoscopy of the mutant mouse retinas. The expression levels of Bassoon, a homolog of Piccolo, as well as synapse-associated proteins CtBP1, CtBP2, Kif3A, and Rim1 were down-regulated. The numbers of ribbon synapses in the retinas of the mutant mice were also reduced. Altogether, the phenotype of Piccolo-/- mice resembled the symptoms of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in humans, suggesting Piccolo might be a candidate gene of RP and indicates Piccolo knockout mice are a good model for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of RP.
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23
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Gogia N, Chimata AV, Deshpande P, Singh A, Singh A. Hippo signaling: bridging the gap between cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:643-652. [PMID: 33063715 PMCID: PMC8067938 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.295273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During development, regulation of organ size requires a balance between cell proliferation, growth and cell death. Dysregulation of these fundamental processes can cause a variety of diseases. Excessive cell proliferation results in cancer whereas excessive cell death results in neurodegenerative disorders. Many signaling pathways known-to-date have a role in growth regulation. Among them, evolutionarily conserved Hippo signaling pathway is unique as it controls both cell proliferation and cell death by a variety of mechanisms during organ sculpture and development. Neurodegeneration, a complex process of progressive death of neuronal population, results in fatal disorders with no available cure to date. During normal development, cell death is required for sculpting of an organ. However, aberrant cell death in neuronal cell population can result in neurodegenerative disorders. Hippo pathway has gathered major attention for its role in growth regulation and cancer, however, other functions like its role in neurodegeneration are also emerging rapidly. This review highlights the role of Hippo signaling in cell death and neurodegenerative diseases and provide the information on the chemical inhibitors employed to block Hippo pathway. Understanding Hippo mediated cell death mechanisms will aid in development of reliable and effective therapeutic strategies in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Gogia
- Department of Biology, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, USA
| | | | | | - Aditi Singh
- Medical Candidate, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Amit Singh
- Department of Biology; Premedical Program; Center for Tissue Regeneration and Engineering at Dayton (TREND); The Integrative Science and Engineering Center, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH; Center for Genomic Advocacy (TCGA), Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN, USA
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24
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Vig A, Poulter JA, Ottaviani D, Tavares E, Toropova K, Tracewska AM, Mollica A, Kang J, Kehelwathugoda O, Paton T, Maynes JT, Wheway G, Arno G, Khan KN, McKibbin M, Toomes C, Ali M, Di Scipio M, Li S, Ellingford J, Black G, Webster A, Rydzanicz M, Stawiński P, Płoski R, Vincent A, Cheetham ME, Inglehearn CF, Roberts A, Heon E. DYNC2H1 hypomorphic or retina-predominant variants cause nonsyndromic retinal degeneration. Genet Med 2020; 22:2041-2051. [PMID: 32753734 PMCID: PMC7708302 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-020-0915-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Determining the role of DYNC2H1 variants in nonsyndromic inherited retinal disease (IRD). METHODS Genome and exome sequencing were performed for five unrelated cases of IRD with no identified variant. In vitro assays were developed to validate the variants identified (fibroblast assay, induced pluripotent stem cell [iPSC] derived retinal organoids, and a dynein motility assay). RESULTS Four novel DYNC2H1 variants (V1, g.103327020_103327021dup; V2, g.103055779A>T; V3, g.103112272C>G; V4, g.103070104A>C) and one previously reported variant (V5, g.103339363T>G) were identified. In proband 1 (V1/V2), V1 was predicted to introduce a premature termination codon (PTC), whereas V2 disrupted the exon 41 splice donor site causing incomplete skipping of exon 41. V1 and V2 impaired dynein-2 motility in vitro and perturbed IFT88 distribution within cilia. V3, homozygous in probands 2-4, is predicted to cause a PTC in a retina-predominant transcript. Analysis of retinal organoids showed that this new transcript expression increased with organoid differentiation. V4, a novel missense variant, was in trans with V5, previously associated with Jeune asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy (JATD). CONCLUSION The DYNC2H1 variants discussed herein were either hypomorphic or affecting a retina-predominant transcript and caused nonsyndromic IRD. Dynein variants, specifically DYNC2H1 variants are reported as a cause of non syndromic IRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Vig
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - James A Poulter
- Department of Ophthalmology, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Erika Tavares
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Katerina Toropova
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Anna Maria Tracewska
- DNA Analysis Unit, ŁUKASIEWICZ Research Network-PORT Polish Center for Technology Development, Wrocław, Poland
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Antonio Mollica
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jasmine Kang
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Tara Paton
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jason T Maynes
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Gavin Arno
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Kamron N Khan
- Department of Ophthalmology, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Martin McKibbin
- Department of Ophthalmology, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Carmel Toomes
- Department of Ophthalmology, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Manir Ali
- Department of Ophthalmology, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Matteo Di Scipio
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Shuning Li
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jamie Ellingford
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicines and health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC), University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Graeme Black
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicines and health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew Webster
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Piotr Stawiński
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Płoski
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ajoy Vincent
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | - Anthony Roberts
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birbeck, University of London, London, UK.
| | - Elise Heon
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Science, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.
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25
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Han F, Lu P. Introduction for Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Neurodegenerative Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1266:1-8. [PMID: 33105491 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-4370-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are a group of neurological diseases caused by the progressive degeneration of neurons and glial cells in the brain and spinal cords. Usually there is a selective loss of specific neuronal cells in a restricted brain area from any neurodegenerative diseases, such as dopamine (DA) neuron death in Parkinson disease (PD) and motor neuron loss in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or a widespread degeneration affecting many types of neurons in Alzheimer's disease (AD). As there is no effective treatment to stop the progression of these neurodegenerative diseases, stem cell-based therapies have provided great potentials for these disorders. Currently transplantation of different stem cells or their derivatives has improved neural function in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases by replacing the lost neural cells, releasing cytokines, modulation of inflammation, and mediating remyelination. With the advance in somatic cell reprogramming to generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) and directly induced neural stem cells or neurons, pluripotent stem cell can be induced to differentiate to any kind of neural cells and overcome the immune rejection of the allogeneic transplantation. Recent studies have proved the effectiveness of transplanted stem cells in animal studies and some clinical trials on patients with NDs. However, some significant hurdles need to be resolved before these preclinical results can be translated to clinic. In particular, we need to better understand the molecular mechanisms of stem cell transplantation and develop new approaches to increase the directed neural differentiation, migration, survival, and functional connections of transplanted stem cells in the pathological environment of the patient's central nerve system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabin Han
- The Institute for Translational Medicine, Shandong University/Affiliated Second Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China. .,The Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Liaocheng University/Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China.
| | - Paul Lu
- Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.,Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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26
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Ikelle L, Al-Ubaidi MR, Naash MI. Pluripotent Stem Cells for the Treatment of Retinal Degeneration: Current Strategies and Future Directions. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:743. [PMID: 32923439 PMCID: PMC7457054 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cells have been part of the biomedical landscape since the early 1960s. However, the translation of stem cells to effective therapeutics have met significant challenges, especially for retinal diseases. The retina is a delicate and complex architecture of interconnected cells that are steadfastly interdependent. Degenerative mechanisms caused by acquired or inherited diseases disrupt this interconnectivity, devastating the retina and causing severe vision loss in many patients. Consequently, retinal differentiation of exogenous and endogenous stem cells is currently being explored as replacement therapies in the debilitating diseases. In this review, we will examine the mechanisms involved in exogenous stem cells differentiation and the challenges of effective integration to the host retina. Furthermore, we will explore the current advancements in trans-differentiation of endogenous stem cells, primarily Müller glia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Ikelle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Muayyad R Al-Ubaidi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Muna I Naash
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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27
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Progressive Effects of Sildenafil on Visual Processing in Rats. Neuroscience 2020; 441:131-141. [PMID: 32615234 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.06.033] [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: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Photoreceptors are light-sensitive cells in the retina converting visual stimuli into electrochemical signals. These signals are evaluated and interpreted in the visual pathway, a process referred to as visual processing. Phosphodiesterase type 5 and 6 (PDE5 and 6) are abundant enzymes in retinal vessels and notably photoreceptors where PDE6 is exclusively present. The effects of the PDE inhibitor sildenafil on the visual system, have been studied using electroretinography and a variety of clinical visual tasks. Here we evaluate effects of sildenafil administration by electrophysiological recordings of flash visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) from key regions in the rodent visual pathway. Progressive changes were investigated in female Sprague-Dawley rats at 10 timepoints from 30 min to 28 h after peroral administration of sildenafil (50 mg/kg). Sildenafil caused a significant reduction in the amplitude of VEPs in both visual cortex and superior colliculus, and a significant delay of the VEPs as demonstrated by increased latency of several VEP peaks. Also, sildenafil-treatment significantly reduced the signal-to-noise ratio of SSVEPs. The effects of sildenafil were dependent on the wavelength condition in both assays. Our results support the observation that while PDE6 is a key player in phototransduction, near full inhibition of PDE6 is not enough to abolish the complex process of visual processing. Taken together, VEPs and SSVEPs are effective in demonstrating progressive effects of drug-induced changes in visual processing in rats and as the same paradigms may be applied in humans, representing a promising tool for translational research.
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28
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Patil MA, Kompella UB. Noninvasive Monitoring of Choroid-Retina Autofluorescence and Intravitreal Nanoparticle Disposition in Royal College of Surgeon Rats of Different Ages and Retinal Thinning. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2020; 36:458-466. [PMID: 32552217 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2020.0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To determine the baseline choroid-retina fluorescence signal in Royal College of Surgeon (RCS) rats of various ages with different degrees of retinal degeneration and assess the persistence of intravitreal nanoparticles. Methods: In RCS rats of age 6, 12, and 20 weeks and Sprague Dawley (SD) rats of age 6 and 20 weeks, baseline eye tissue fluorescence and retinal thickness were recorded noninvasively using fluorophotometry and optical coherence tomography (OCT), respectively. Further, 20-nm carboxylate-modified fluorescent particles were injected intravitreally in the above groups of rats, and the depth-wise fluorescence signal was monitored over 7 days using fluorophotometry and confocal laser scanning ophthalmoscopy (cSLO). Additionally, 200 nm particles of the same material were injected intravitreally into about 7-week-old RCS rats and the fluorescence signal was monitored up to 35 days using fluorophotometry. Results: Reduction in retinal thickness and an increase in choroid-retina and lens baseline fluorescence was observed with increasing age of RCS and SD rats. The 20 nm particles persisted in the vitreous of animals from all age groups for at least 7 days postadministration, irrespective of the differences in retinal thickness. cSLO confirmed nanoparticle persistence in the eye. The fluorescence signal from 200 nm particles persisted for 35 days in the vitreous humor. Conclusions: Choroid-retina and lens autofluorescence monitored using fluorophotometry increase with age. Intravitreally injected nanoparticles can be monitored noninvasively in rats using fluorophotometry and cSLO imaging. Both 20 and 200 nm particles persist in the back of the eye tissues, for several days following intravitreal injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhoosudan A Patil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Uday B Kompella
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, and University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Department of Colorado Center for Nanomedicine and Nanosafety, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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29
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Impacts of ciliary neurotrophic factor on the retinal transcriptome in a mouse model of photoreceptor degeneration. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6593. [PMID: 32313077 PMCID: PMC7171121 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63519-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) has been tested in clinical trials for human retinal degeneration due to its potent neuroprotective effects in various animal models. To decipher CNTF-triggered molecular events in the degenerating retina, we performed high-throughput RNA sequencing analyses using the Rds/Prph2 (P216L) transgenic mouse as a preclinical model for retinitis pigmentosa. In the absence of CNTF treatment, transcriptome alterations were detected at the onset of rod degeneration compared with wild type mice, including reduction of key photoreceptor transcription factors Crx, Nrl, and rod phototransduction genes. Short-term CNTF treatments caused further declines of photoreceptor transcription factors accompanied by marked decreases of both rod- and cone-specific gene expression. In addition, CNTF triggered acute elevation of transcripts in the innate immune system and growth factor signaling. These immune responses were sustained after long-term CNTF exposures that also affected neuronal transmission and metabolism. Comparisons of transcriptomes also uncovered common pathways shared with other retinal degeneration models. Cross referencing bulk RNA-seq with single-cell RNA-seq data revealed the CNTF responsive cell types, including Müller glia, rod and cone photoreceptors, and bipolar cells. Together, these results demonstrate the influence of exogenous CNTF on the retinal transcriptome landscape and illuminate likely CNTF impacts in degenerating human retinas.
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30
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Cisneros E, di Marco F, Rueda-Carrasco J, Lillo C, Pereyra G, Martín-Bermejo MJ, Vargas A, Sanchez R, Sandonís Á, Esteve P, Bovolenta P. Sfrp1 deficiency makes retinal photoreceptors prone to degeneration. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5115. [PMID: 32198470 PMCID: PMC7083943 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61970-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from impaired vision, a condition with multiple origins that often impinge upon the light sensing cells of the retina, the photoreceptors, affecting their integrity. The molecular components contributing to this integrity are however not yet fully understood. Here we have asked whether Secreted Frizzled Related Protein 1 (SFRP1) may be one of such factors. SFRP1 has a context-dependent function as modulator of Wnt signalling or of the proteolytic activity of A Disintegrin And Metalloproteases (ADAM) 10, a main regulator of neural cell-cell communication. We report that in Sfrp1−/− mice, the outer limiting membrane (OLM) is discontinuous and the photoreceptors disorganized and more prone to light-induced damage. Sfrp1 loss significantly enhances the effect of the Rpe65Leu450Leu genetic variant -present in the mouse genetic background- which confers sensitivity to light-induced stress. These alterations worsen with age, affect visual function and are associated to an increased proteolysis of Protocadherin 21 (PCDH21), localized at the photoreceptor outer segment, and N-cadherin, an OLM component. We thus propose that SFRP1 contributes to photoreceptor fitness with a mechanism that involves the maintenance of OLM integrity. These conclusions are discussed in view of the broader implication of SFRP1 in neurodegeneration and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Cisneros
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Biología Celular y Patología, Universidad de Salamanca, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León and IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain.,Centro Universitario Internacional de Madrid (CUNIMAD), Dept. de Biología de Sistemas, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fabiana di Marco
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Concepción Lillo
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Patología, Universidad de Salamanca, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León and IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain
| | | | | | - Alba Vargas
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Sanchez
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - África Sandonís
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Esteve
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Paola Bovolenta
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.
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Singh MS, Park SS, Albini TA, Canto-Soler MV, Klassen H, MacLaren RE, Takahashi M, Nagiel A, Schwartz SD, Bharti K. Retinal stem cell transplantation: Balancing safety and potential. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 75:100779. [PMID: 31494256 PMCID: PMC7056514 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.100779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell transplantation holds great promise as a potential treatment for currently incurable retinal degenerative diseases that cause poor vision and blindness. Recently, safety data have emerged from several Phase I/II clinical trials of retinal stem cell transplantation. These clinical trials, usually run in partnership with academic institutions, are based on sound preclinical studies and are focused on patient safety. However, reports of serious adverse events arising from cell therapy in other poorly regulated centers have now emerged in the lay and scientific press. While progress in stem cell research for blindness has been greeted with great enthusiasm by patients, scientists, doctors and industry alike, these adverse events have raised concerns about the safety of retinal stem cell transplantation and whether patients are truly protected from undue harm. The aim of this review is to summarize and appraise the safety of human retinal stem cell transplantation in the context of its potential to be developed into an effective treatment for retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandeep S Singh
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
| | - Susanna S Park
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California-Davis Eye Center, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Thomas A Albini
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - M Valeria Canto-Soler
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Research Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Henry Klassen
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute and Stem Cell Research Center, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford and Oxford University Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Aaron Nagiel
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA; USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90007, USA
| | - Steven D Schwartz
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; Edythe and Eli Broad Stem Cell Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Kapil Bharti
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 90892, USA
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Yang D, Yao Q, Li Y, Xu Y, Wang J, Zhao H, Liu F, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Bie X, Wang Y, Xu L, Luan Y, Yang S, Yang G, He Y. A c.544_618del75bp mutation in the splicing factor gene PRPF31 is involved in non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa by reducing the level of mRNA expression. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2020; 40:289-299. [PMID: 32031697 DOI: 10.1111/opo.12672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE A previous study reported a novel c.544_618del75bp mutation in exon 7 of the PRPF31 gene in a Chinese family with autosomal dominant retinal pigmentosa (ADRP). However, the selected pedigree was a small part of the whole family and the function of the c.544_618del75bp mutation was not explored deeply. The aim of the present study was to validate the previous results and explore the functional significance of the c.544_618del75bp mutation. METHODS We extended the size of the ADRP pedigree and sequenced DNA and cDNA of the PRPF31 gene for all members of the family and 100 healthy controls. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was performed on the cDNA of patients in the family and cell culture, plasmids transfection and western blot analysis were done to evaluate the functional effect of the mutation in vitro. RESULTS Sanger sequencing showed that the mutation was present in all patients and absent in all normal individuals, except for participant III-9. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the c.544_618del75bp mutation caused a 25 amino acid deletion in the PRPF31 protein. In addition, the mRNA expression assay revealed that the mRNA expression level of the PRPF31 and RP9 genes were significantly lower in RP patients than controls (p < 0.05). Finally, the in vitro transfection assay demonstrated that the mRNA expression level of the mutant transfection group was significantly lower than the wild-type transfection group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our study suggested that the c.544_618del75bp mutation in the PRPF31 gene was a causative mutation in this ADRP family and affected the expression of RP9 gene by influencing the formation of U4/U6-U5 tri-snRNP, eventually leading to the occurrence of RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongzhi Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qihui Yao
- Department of Medical Genetics & Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ya Li
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Medical Genetics & Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics & Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huiling Zhao
- Department of Medical Genetics & Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fuyong Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics & Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhaojing Zhang
- Department of Medical Genetics & Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics & Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoshuai Bie
- Department of Medical Genetics & Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuanli Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics & Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liyan Xu
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yingying Luan
- Department of Medical Genetics & Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shangdong Yang
- Department of Medical Genetics & Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ge Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ying He
- Department of Medical Genetics & Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Chu L, Xiao L, Xu B, Xu J. Dissociation of HKII in retinal epithelial cells induces oxidative stress injury in the retina. Int J Mol Med 2019; 44:1377-1387. [PMID: 31432102 PMCID: PMC6713434 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2019.4304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The retina is sensitive to injury resulting from oxidative stress (OS) due to its high oxygen consumption. Patients with retinitis pigmentosa suffer from excessive OS. N‑acetylcysteine (NAC) is used as a mucolytic agent for the clinical treatment of disorders, such as chronic bronchitis and other pulmonary diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of hexokinase 2 (HKII) in retinal OS injury. Amyloid β (Aβ)1‑40 was used to establish a cellular model of OS. Cell viability was measured with a Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay, and the apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of cells were analyzed via flow cytometry with corresponding kits. The mRNA and protein levels were detected by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blot analyses, respectively. It was observed that Aβ1‑40 reduced the expression of HKII in the mitochondria of retinal pigment epithelial ARPE cells and impaired mitochondrial antioxidant functions. Additionally, knockdown of HKII promoted apoptosis, and increased ROS levels and the MMP. NAC attenuated the inhibition of mitochondrial functions induced by Aβ1‑40. The knockdown of HKII was revealed to decrease the levels of Bcl‑2, manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD) and copper‑zinc‑SOD, and increase the levels of cleaved caspase‑3, Bax and cytochrome c. The present findings suggested that the dissociation of HKII induced by OS induces apoptosis and mitochondrial damage. This study provided improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effects of OS on retinal epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Chu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100091, P.R. China
| | - Lin Xiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, CMU, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
| | - Bing Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, CMU, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
| | - Jingmei Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, CMU, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
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34
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Tsuruma K, Saito Y, Okuyoshi H, Yamaguchi A, Shimazawa M, Goldman D, Hara H. Granulin 1 Promotes Retinal Regeneration in Zebrafish. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:6057-6066. [PMID: 30577041 PMCID: PMC6314112 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal degenerative diseases can progress to severe reductions of vision. In general, the changes are permanent in higher vertebrates, including humans; however, retinal regeneration can occur in lower vertebrates, such as amphibians and teleost fish. Progranulin is a secreted growth factor that is involved in normal development and wound-healing processes. We have shown that progranulin promotes the proliferation of retinal precursor cells in mouse retinas. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role played by granulin 1 (grn1) in the retinal regeneration in zebrafish. Methods We injured the retina of zebrafish with needle puncturing, and the retinas were examined at different times after the injury. We also checked the proliferation and the expression of retinal regeneration–related genes after knockdown of grn1 by electroporation with morpholino oligonucleotides (MO) and intravitreal injection of recombinant grn1. Results Our results showed that the level of grn1 was highly increased after retinal injury, and it was expressed in various types of retinal cells. A knockdown of grn1 reduced the proliferation of Müller glial cells in zebrafish eyes undergoing retinal regeneration. The knockdown of grn1 also reduced the expression of achaete-scute homolog 1a (ascl1a), an important factor in retinal regeneration. An intravitreal injection of recombinant grn1 led to a proliferation of Müller glial cells and an increase in the expression of retinal regeneration–related genes, such as ascl1a and lin28. Conclusions These findings suggested that grn1 should be considered as a target for stimulating the dedifferentiation of Müller glial cells and retinal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Tsuruma
- Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Molecular Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan.,Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute and Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Yuichi Saito
- Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Molecular Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Okuyoshi
- Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Molecular Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Akihiro Yamaguchi
- Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Molecular Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Shimazawa
- Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Molecular Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Daniel Goldman
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute and Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Hideaki Hara
- Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Molecular Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
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35
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Ye H, Xia XP. Visual field mean deviation and relevant factors in 928 Chinese retinitis pigmentosa patients. Int J Ophthalmol 2018; 11:1978-1983. [PMID: 30588433 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2018.12.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the associations between demographic and clinical factors with the rate of visual field mean derivation (MD) decline in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients. METHODS Correlations of MDs with the visual acuity and retinal pigmentation were analyzed in 928 RP patients. MD decreasing rate in 10y and potential influences of gender, age, family history and retinal pigmentation on the rate were explored in 201 RP patients. RESULTS In the 928 patients, average MD and visual acuity were -14.44±8.61 dB and 0.79±0.35 respectively and when MD was lower than -9.18 dB the visual acuity would be below 1.0 (20/20). The average MD medium between eyes with or without retinal pigmentation was -14.82 dB. In 123 non-pigmented eyes, the average MD were lower than the medium but in 153 pigmented eyes it was higher than that. In the 201 patients, the average decreasing value of MD in 10 years' period was -8.01±3.66 dB and the value were correlated to retinal pigmentation but not to gender, age or RP family history. CONCLUSION The rate of MD decline in RP eyes is significantly related to retinal pigmentation. Our study demonstrates the quantitative rate of MD decline in RP patients and the value of MD could well reflect the severity of RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Xia
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong Province, China
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de Pablo F, Hernández-Sánchez C, de la Rosa EJ. The Prohormone Proinsulin as a Neuroprotective Factor: Past History and Future Prospects. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:426. [PMID: 30534050 PMCID: PMC6275302 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Proinsulin was first identified as the primary translation product of the insulin gene in Donald Steiner’s laboratory in 1967, and was the first prohormone to be isolated and sequenced. While its role as an insulin precursor has been extensively studied in the field of endocrinology, the bioactivity of the proinsulin molecule itself has received much less attention. Insulin binds to isoforms A and B of the insulin receptor (IR) with high affinity. Proinsulin, in contrast, binds with high affinity only to IR-A, which is present in the nervous system, among other tissues and elicits antiapoptotic and neuroprotective effects in the developing and postnatal nervous system. Proinsulin specifically exerts neuroprotection in the degenerating retina in mouse and rat models of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), delaying photoreceptor and vision loss after local administration in the eye or systemic (intramuscular) administration of an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector that induces constitutive proinsulin release. AAV-mediated proinsulin expression also decreases the expression of neuroinflammation markers in the hippocampus and sustains cognitive performance in a mouse model of precocious brain senescence. We have therefore proposed that proinsulin should be considered a functionally distinct member of the insulin superfamily. Here, we briefly review the legacy of Steiner’s research, the neural expression of proinsulin, and the tissue expression patterns and functional characteristics of IR-A. We discuss the neuroprotective activity of proinsulin and its potential as a therapeutic tool in neurodegenerative conditions of the central nervous system, particularly in retinal dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora de Pablo
- 3D Lab, Development, Differentiation and Degeneration, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIB/CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Catalina Hernández-Sánchez
- 3D Lab, Development, Differentiation and Degeneration, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIB/CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Enrique J de la Rosa
- 3D Lab, Development, Differentiation and Degeneration, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIB/CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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37
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Wang T, Reingruber J, Woodruff ML, Majumder A, Camarena A, Artemyev NO, Fain GL, Chen J. The PDE6 mutation in the rd10 retinal degeneration mouse model causes protein mislocalization and instability and promotes cell death through increased ion influx. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:15332-15346. [PMID: 30126843 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.004459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal degeneration model rd10 contains a missense mutation of the catalytic PDE6 β subunit, which hydrolyzes cGMP in response to light. This model produces cell death more slowly than others caused by PDE6 loss of function, making it of particular interest for studying potential therapeutics. We used morphology, biochemistry, and single-cell physiology to examine the mechanism of rd10 degeneration. Our results show that the mutation produces no alteration of Pde6b RNA but does dramatically decrease maximal and basal PDE6 activity, apparently caused by a decrease in protein stability and transport. The enzymatic properties of the remaining mutant PDE6 appear to be nearly normal. We demonstrate that an increase in free cGMP, which would result from decreased PDE6 activity and serve to increase opening of the cGMP-gated channels and calcium influx, is an underlying cause of cell death: degeneration of rd10/Cngb1 -/- double mutants is slower than the parent rd10 line. Paradoxically, degeneration in rd10/Cngb1 -/- is also slower than in Cngb1 -/- This rescue is correlated with a lowering of cGMP content in Cngb1 -/- retinas and suggests that it may be caused by mislocalization of active PDE6. Single-cell recordings from rd10 rods show that the rates of rise and decay of the response are significantly slower; simulations indicate that these changes are primarily the result of the decrease in PDE6 concentration and rod collecting area. Together, these results provide insights into the complex mechanisms that underlie rd10-mediated retinal degeneration and a cautionary note for analysis of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Wang
- From the Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute and Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089-2821
| | - Jürgen Reingruber
- the Institut de Biologie, Group of Computational Biology and Applied Mathematics, École Normale Supérieure, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Michael L Woodruff
- the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095-1606
| | - Anurima Majumder
- the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, and
| | - Andres Camarena
- From the Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute and Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089-2821
| | - Nikolai O Artemyev
- the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, and
| | - Gordon L Fain
- the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095-1606.,the Department of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095-7000
| | - Jeannie Chen
- From the Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute and Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089-2821,
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Kang MK, Lee EJ, Kim YH, Kim DY, Oh H, Kim SI, Kang YH. Chrysin Ameliorates Malfunction of Retinoid Visual Cycle through Blocking Activation of AGE-RAGE-ER Stress in Glucose-Stimulated Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells and Diabetic Eyes. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10081046. [PMID: 30096827 PMCID: PMC6116048 DOI: 10.3390/nu10081046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes-associated visual cycle impairment has been implicated in diabetic retinopathy, and chronic hyperglycemia causes detrimental effects on visual function. Chrysin, a naturally occurring flavonoid found in various herbs, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. The goal of the current study was to identify the retinoprotective role of chrysin in maintaining robust retinoid visual cycle-related components. The in vitro study employed human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells exposed to 33 mM of glucose or advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the presence of 1–20 μM chrysin for three days. In the in vivo study, 10 mg/kg of chrysin was orally administrated to db/db mice. Treating chrysin reversed the glucose-induced production of vascular endothelial growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) in RPE cells. The outer nuclear layer thickness of chrysin-exposed retina was enhanced. The oral gavage of chrysin augmented the levels of the visual cycle enzymes of RPE65, lecithin retinol acyltransferase (LRAT), retinol dehydrogenase 5 (RDH5), and rhodopsin diminished in db/db mouse retina. The diabetic tissue levels of the retinoid binding proteins and the receptor of the cellular retinol-binding protein, cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein-1, interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein and stimulated by retinoic acid 6 were restored to those of normal mouse retina. The presence of chrysin demoted AGE secretion and AGE receptor (RAGE) induction in glucose-exposed RPE cells and diabetic eyes. Chrysin inhibited the reduction of PEDF, RPE 65, LRAT, and RDH5 in 100 μg/mL of AGE-bovine serum albumin-exposed RPE cells. The treatment of RPE cells with chrysin reduced the activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Chrysin inhibited the impairment of the retinoid visual cycle through blocking ER stress via the AGE-RAGE activation in glucose-stimulated RPE cells and diabetic eyes. This is the first study demonstrating the protective effects of chrysin on the diabetes-associated malfunctioned visual cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Kyung Kang
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea.
| | - Eun-Jung Lee
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea.
| | - Yun-Ho Kim
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea.
| | - Dong Yeon Kim
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea.
| | - Hyeongjoo Oh
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea.
| | - Soo-Il Kim
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea.
| | - Young-Hee Kang
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea.
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Increased proteasomal activity supports photoreceptor survival in inherited retinal degeneration. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1738. [PMID: 29712894 PMCID: PMC5928105 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04117-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal degenerations, affecting more than 2 million people worldwide, are caused by mutations in over 200 genes. This suggests that the most efficient therapeutic strategies would be mutation independent, i.e., targeting common pathological conditions arising from many disease-causing mutations. Previous studies revealed that one such condition is an insufficiency of the ubiquitin–proteasome system to process misfolded or mistargeted proteins in affected photoreceptor cells. We now report that retinal degeneration in mice can be significantly delayed by increasing photoreceptor proteasomal activity. The largest effect is observed upon overexpression of the 11S proteasome cap subunit, PA28α, which enhanced ubiquitin-independent protein degradation in photoreceptors. Applying this strategy to mice bearing one copy of the P23H rhodopsin mutant, a mutation frequently encountered in human patients, quadruples the number of surviving photoreceptors in the inferior retina of 6-month-old mice. This striking therapeutic effect demonstrates that proteasomes are an attractive target for fighting inherited blindness. Proteasomal overload can be found in a broad spectrum of mouse models of retinal degeneration. Here the authors find that overexpressing the PA28α subunit of the 11S proteasome cap increased the number of surviving functional photoreceptor cells in a mouse model of retinal degeneration bearing the P23H mutation in rhodopsin.
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40
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Identification of a Novel Mutation in the ABCA4 Gene in a Chinese Family with Retinitis Pigmentosa Using Exome Sequencing. Biosci Rep 2018; 38:BSR20171300. [PMID: 29437900 PMCID: PMC5857910 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20171300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of hereditary, degenerative retinal disorders characterized by progressive retinal dysfunction, outer retina cell loss, and retinal tissue atrophy. It eventually leads to tunnel vision and legal or total blindness. Here, we aimed to reveal the causal gene and mutation contributing to the development of autosomal recessive RP (arRP) in a consanguineous family. A novel homozygous mutation, c.4845delT (p.K1616Rfs*46), in the ATP-binding cassette subfamily A member 4 gene (ABCA4) was identified. It may reduce ABCA4 protein activity, leading to progressive degeneration of both rod and cone photoreceptors. The study extends the arRP genotypic spectrum and confirms a genotype–phenotype relationship. The present study may also disclose some new clues for RP genetic causes and pathogenesis, as well as clinical and genetic diagnosis. The research findings may contribute to improvement in clinical care, therapy, genetic screening, and counseling.
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41
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Mukai R, Okunuki Y, Husain D, Kim CB, Lambris JD, Connor KM. The Complement System Is Critical in Maintaining Retinal Integrity during Aging. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:15. [PMID: 29497373 PMCID: PMC5818470 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The complement system is a key component of innate immunity comprised of soluble components that form a proteolytic cascade leading to the generation of effector molecules involved in cellular clearance. This system is highly activated not only under general inflammatory conditions such as infections, collagen diseases, nephritis, and liver diseases, but also in focal ocular diseases. However, little is known about the role of the complement system in retinal homeostasis during aging. Using young (6-week-old) and adult (6-month-old) mice in wild type (C57BL/6) and complement knockout strains (C1q−/−, Mbl a/c−/−, Fb−/−, C3−/−, and C5−/−), we compared amplitudes of electroretinograms (ERG) and thicknesses of retinal layers in spectral domain optical coherence tomography between young and adult mice. The ERG amplitudes in adult mice were significantly decreased (p < 0.001, p < 0.0001) compared to that of young mice in all complement knockout strains, and there were significant decreases in the inner nuclear layer (INL) thickness in adult mice compared to young mice in all complement knockout strains (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in ERG amplitude or thickness of the INL between young and adult control mice. These data suggest that the complement system plays an important role in maintaining normal retinal integrity over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Mukai
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States.,Department Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yoko Okunuki
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Deeba Husain
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Clifford B Kim
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - John D Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kip M Connor
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
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42
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Abstract
The recent advances in cell-based therapies for the repair of the pigmented epithelium is providing additional impetus for the translation of photoreceptor transplantation to eventual clinical trials. The prospects for transplantation of photoreceptors as a potential therapy for the treatment of photoreceptor degeneration will depend on successfully addressing many critical issues in preclinical studies. Although most of the studies that have carried out transplants of photoreceptors have primarily used normal mice, there have been recent reports that have also shown some success following transplantation to mouse models of retinitis pigmentosa. However, while these results are promising, there are several key issues that require further investigation in order to better understand the optimum timing for transplantation, given the extensive remodeling of the retina that occurs in late stage disease.
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43
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Tamoxifen Provides Structural and Functional Rescue in Murine Models of Photoreceptor Degeneration. J Neurosci 2017; 37:3294-3310. [PMID: 28235894 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2717-16.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2016] [Revised: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptor degeneration is a cause of irreversible vision loss in incurable blinding retinal diseases including retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and atrophic age-related macular degeneration. We found in two separate mouse models of photoreceptor degeneration that tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator and a drug previously linked with retinal toxicity, paradoxically provided potent neuroprotective effects. In a light-induced degeneration model, tamoxifen prevented onset of photoreceptor apoptosis and atrophy and maintained near-normal levels of electroretinographic responses. Rescue effects were correlated with decreased microglial activation and inflammatory cytokine production in the retina in vivo and a reduction of microglia-mediated toxicity to photoreceptors in vitro, indicating a microglia-mediated mechanism of rescue. Tamoxifen also rescued degeneration in a genetic (Pde6brd10) model of RP, significantly improving retinal structure, electrophysiological responses, and visual behavior. These prominent neuroprotective effects warrant the consideration of tamoxifen as a drug suitable for being repurposed to treat photoreceptor degenerative disease.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Photoreceptor degeneration is a cause of irreversible blindness in a number of retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and atrophic age-related macular degeneration. Tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator approved for the treatment of breast cancer and previously linked to a low incidence of retinal toxicity, was unexpectedly found to exert marked protective effects against photoreceptor degeneration. Structural and functional protective effects were found for an acute model of light-induced photoreceptor injury and for a genetic model for RP. The mechanism of protection involved the modulation of microglial activation and the production of inflammatory cytokines, highlighting the role of inflammatory mechanisms in photoreceptor degeneration. Tamoxifen may be suitable for clinical study as a potential treatment for diseases involving photoreceptor degeneration.
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44
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Neuroprotective Strategy in Retinal Degeneration: Suppressing ER Stress-Induced Cell Death via Inhibition of the mTOR Signal. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18010201. [PMID: 28106827 PMCID: PMC5297831 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18010201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The retina is a specialized sensory organ, which is essential for light detection and visual formation in the human eye. Inherited retinal degenerations are a heterogeneous group of eye diseases that can eventually cause permanent vision loss. UPR (unfolded protein response) and ER (endoplasmic reticulum) stress plays an important role in the pathological mechanism of retinal degenerative diseases. mTOR (the mammalian target of rapamycin) kinase, as a signaling hub, controls many cellular processes, covering protein synthesis, RNA translation, ER stress, and apoptosis. Here, the hypothesis that inhibition of mTOR signaling suppresses ER stress-induced cell death in retinal degenerative disorders is discussed. This review surveys knowledge of the influence of mTOR signaling on ER stress arising from misfolded proteins and genetic mutations in retinal degenerative diseases and highlights potential neuroprotective strategies for treatment and therapeutic implications.
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45
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Zhang L, Du J, Justus S, Hsu CW, Bonet-Ponce L, Wu WH, Tsai YT, Wu WP, Jia Y, Duong JK, Mahajan VB, Lin CS, Wang S, Hurley JB, Tsang SH. Reprogramming metabolism by targeting sirtuin 6 attenuates retinal degeneration. J Clin Invest 2016; 126:4659-4673. [PMID: 27841758 DOI: 10.1172/jci86905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) encompasses a diverse group of Mendelian disorders leading to progressive degeneration of rods and then cones. For reasons that remain unclear, diseased RP photoreceptors begin to deteriorate, eventually leading to cell death and, consequently, loss of vision. Here, we have hypothesized that RP associated with mutations in phosphodiesterase-6 (PDE6) provokes a metabolic aberration in rod cells that promotes the pathological consequences of elevated cGMP and Ca2+, which are induced by the Pde6 mutation. Inhibition of sirtuin 6 (SIRT6), a histone deacetylase repressor of glycolytic flux, reprogrammed rods into perpetual glycolysis, thereby driving the accumulation of biosynthetic intermediates, improving outer segment (OS) length, enhancing photoreceptor survival, and preserving vision. In mouse retinae lacking Sirt6, effectors of glycolytic flux were dramatically increased, leading to upregulation of key intermediates in glycolysis, TCA cycle, and glutaminolysis. Both transgenic and AAV2/8 gene therapy-mediated ablation of Sirt6 in rods provided electrophysiological and anatomic rescue of both rod and cone photoreceptors in a preclinical model of RP. Due to the extensive network of downstream effectors of Sirt6, this study motivates further research into the role that these pathways play in retinal degeneration. Because reprogramming metabolism by enhancing glycolysis is not gene specific, this strategy may be applicable to a wide range of neurodegenerative disorders.
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46
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Sengillo JD, Justus S, Tsai YT, Cabral T, Tsang SH. Gene and cell-based therapies for inherited retinal disorders: An update. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2016; 172:349-366. [PMID: 27862925 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Retinal degenerations present a unique challenge as disease progression is irreversible and the retina has little regenerative potential. No current treatments for inherited retinal disease have the ability to reverse blindness, and current dietary supplement recommendations only delay disease progression with varied results. However, the retina is anatomically accessible and capable of being monitored at high resolution in vivo. This, in addition to the immune-privileged status of the eye, has put ocular disease at the forefront of advances in gene- and cell-based therapies. This review provides an update on gene therapies and randomized control trials for inherited retinal disease, including Leber congenital amaurosis, choroideremia, retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, X-linked retinoschisis, Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, and achromatopsia. New gene-modifying and cell-based strategies are also discussed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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47
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Beamer G, Reilly CM, Pizzirani S. Microscopic Lesions in Canine Eyes with Primary Glaucoma. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2016; 45:1213-33, vi. [PMID: 26456753 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Although the clinical classification of primary glaucoma in dogs is quite simple, the phenotypes of glaucoma in most of the species are indeed multiple. Ophthalmologists can often evaluate the dynamic changes of clinical signs at different times in the course of the disease, whereas pathologists are often presented with globes that have undergone abundant therapies and are at the end stage. Therefore, an open collaboration between clinicians and pathologists can produce the most accurate interpretation in the pathology report and improve patient outcomes. This article focuses on the histomorphologic elements that characterize, and are important to, canine primary glaucomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Beamer
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Tufts University, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
| | - Christopher M Reilly
- Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Stefano Pizzirani
- Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
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48
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Choudhary M, Malek G. Rethinking Nuclear Receptors as Potential Therapeutic Targets for Retinal Diseases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 21:1007-1018. [PMID: 27455994 DOI: 10.1177/1087057116659856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Collectively, retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and diabetic retinopathy, result in severe vision impairment worldwide. The absence and/or limited availability of successful drug therapies for these blinding disorders necessitates further understanding their pathobiology and identifying new targetable signaling pathways. Nuclear receptors are transcription regulators of many key aspects of human physiology, as well as pathophysiology, with reported roles in development, aging, and disease. Some of the pathways regulated by nuclear receptors include, but are not limited to, angiogenesis, inflammation, and lipid metabolic dysregulation, mechanisms also important in the initiation and development of several retinal diseases. Herein, we present an overview of the biology of three diseases affecting the posterior eye, summarize a growing body of evidence that suggests direct or indirect involvement of nuclear receptors in disease progression, and discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting nuclear receptors for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayur Choudhary
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Goldis Malek
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.,2 Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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49
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Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa is the most common form of hereditary retinal degeneration causing blindness. Great progress has been made in the identification of the causative genes. Gene diagnosis will soon become an affordable routine clinical test because of the wide application of next-generation sequencing. Gene-based therapy provides hope for curing the disease. Investigation into the molecular pathways from mutation to rod cell death may reveal targets for developing new treatment. Related progress with existing systematic review is briefly summarized so that readers may find the relevant references for in-depth reading. Future trends in the study of retinitis pigmentosa are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingjiong Zhang
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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50
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Biswas P, Chavali VRM, Agnello G, Stone E, Chakarova C, Duncan JL, Kannabiran C, Homsher M, Bhattacharya SS, Naeem MA, Kimchi A, Sharon D, Iwata T, Riazuddin S, Reddy GB, Hejtmancik JF, Georgiou G, Riazuddin SA, Ayyagari R. A missense mutation in ASRGL1 is involved in causing autosomal recessive retinal degeneration. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:2483-2497. [PMID: 27106100 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies are a group of genetically heterogeneous conditions with broad phenotypic heterogeneity. We analyzed a large five-generation pedigree with early-onset recessive retinal degeneration to identify the causative mutation. Linkage analysis and homozygosity mapping combined with exome sequencing were carried out to map the disease locus and identify the p.G178R mutation in the asparaginase like-1 gene (ASRGL1), segregating with the retinal dystrophy phenotype in the study pedigree. ASRGL1 encodes an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of L-asparagine and isoaspartyl-peptides. Studies on the ASRGL1 expressed in Escherichia coli and transiently transfected mammalian cells indicated that the p.G178R mutation impairs the autocatalytic processing of this enzyme resulting in the loss of functional ASRGL1 and leaving the inactive precursor protein as a destabilized and aggregation-prone protein. A zebrafish model overexpressing the mutant hASRGL1 developed retinal abnormalities and loss of cone photoreceptors. Our studies suggest that the p.G178R mutation in ASRGL1 leads to photoreceptor degeneration resulting in progressive vision loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Biswas
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Venkata Ramana Murthy Chavali
- Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Giulia Agnello
- Departments of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biosciences, Section of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, and Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Everett Stone
- Departments of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biosciences, Section of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, and Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Jacque L Duncan
- Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chitra Kannabiran
- Kallam Anji Reddy Molecular Genetics Laboratory, L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, L V Prasad Marg, Hyderabad 500 034, India
| | - Melissa Homsher
- Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Muhammad Asif Naeem
- National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Adva Kimchi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dror Sharon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Takeshi Iwata
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shaikh Riazuddin
- Allama Iqbal Medical College, University of Health Sciences Lahore, Pakistan.,National Centre for Genetic Diseases, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | | | - George Georgiou
- Departments of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biosciences, Section of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, and Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - S Amer Riazuddin
- The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Radha Ayyagari
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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