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Leinonen H, Zhang J, Occelli LM, Seemab U, Choi EH, L P Marinho LF, Querubin J, Kolesnikov AV, Galinska A, Kordecka K, Hoang T, Lewandowski D, Lee TT, Einstein EE, Einstein DE, Dong Z, Kiser PD, Blackshaw S, Kefalov VJ, Tabaka M, Foik A, Petersen-Jones SM, Palczewski K. A combination treatment based on drug repurposing demonstrates mutation-agnostic efficacy in pre-clinical retinopathy models. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5943. [PMID: 39009597 PMCID: PMC11251169 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50033-5] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinopathies are devastating diseases that in most cases lack treatment options. Disease-modifying therapies that mitigate pathophysiology regardless of the underlying genetic lesion are desirable due to the diversity of mutations found in such diseases. We tested a systems pharmacology-based strategy that suppresses intracellular cAMP and Ca2+ activity via G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) modulation using tamsulosin, metoprolol, and bromocriptine coadministration. The treatment improves cone photoreceptor function and slows degeneration in Pde6βrd10 and RhoP23H/WT retinitis pigmentosa mice. Cone degeneration is modestly mitigated after a 7-month-long drug infusion in PDE6A-/- dogs. The treatment also improves rod pathway function in an Rpe65-/- mouse model of Leber congenital amaurosis but does not protect from cone degeneration. RNA-sequencing analyses indicate improved metabolic function in drug-treated Rpe65-/- and rd10 mice. Our data show that catecholaminergic GPCR drug combinations that modify second messenger levels via multiple receptor actions provide a potential disease-modifying therapy against retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henri Leinonen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1C, 70211, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Jianye Zhang
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute-Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Laurence M Occelli
- Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Umair Seemab
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1C, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Elliot H Choi
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute-Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | | | - Janice Querubin
- Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Alexander V Kolesnikov
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute-Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Anna Galinska
- International Centre for Translational Eye Research, Warsaw, Poland
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kordecka
- International Centre for Translational Eye Research, Warsaw, Poland
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Thanh Hoang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Dominik Lewandowski
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute-Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Timothy T Lee
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute-Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Elliott E Einstein
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute-Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - David E Einstein
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute-Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Zhiqian Dong
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute-Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Philip D Kiser
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute-Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California - Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California - Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Research Service, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, California, 90822, USA
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Vladimir J Kefalov
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute-Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California - Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Marcin Tabaka
- International Centre for Translational Eye Research, Warsaw, Poland
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Foik
- International Centre for Translational Eye Research, Warsaw, Poland
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute-Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California - Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute-Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
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Li X. lncRNA MALAT1 promotes diabetic retinopathy by upregulating PDE6G via miR-378a-3p. Arch Physiol Biochem 2024; 130:119-127. [PMID: 34674599 DOI: 10.1080/13813455.2021.1985144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the main cause of adult insomnia, which causes certain social and economic pressure. This research was to investigate the role and regulatory mechanisms of MALAT1, miR-378a-3p and PDE6g in retinal microvascular endothelial cells (RMECs) under high glucose (HG). MALAT1, Mir-378a-3p and PDE6G expressions level were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The proliferation, Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression of RMECs were detected by CCK-8 and western blot. The target relationships of MALAT1, miR-378a-3p and PDE6G were determined by bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter gene, RIP and RNA pull-down assay. HG enhanced the expression of MALAT1 and PDE6G, and inhibited the expression of miR-378a-3p. Overexpression of MALAT1 promotes the proliferation of RMECs and inhibits apoptosis under HG condition. MALAT1 competitively adsorbed miR-378a-3p, which targeted PDE6G. Data reveal that MALAT1/miR-378a-3p/PDE6G signal axis restrain the apoptosis of RMECs under HG. This finding may help to delay the development of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Petersen-Jones SM, Komáromy AM. Canine and Feline Models of Inherited Retinal Diseases. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041286. [PMID: 37217283 PMCID: PMC10835616 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Naturally occurring inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) in cats and dogs provide a rich source of potential models for human IRDs. In many cases, the phenotypes between the species with mutations of the homologous genes are very similar. Both cats and dogs have a high-acuity retinal region, the area centralis, an equivalent to the human macula, with tightly packed photoreceptors and higher cone density. This and the similarity in globe size to that of humans means these large animal models provide information not obtainable from rodent models. The established cat and dog models include those for Leber congenital amaurosis, retinitis pigmentosa (including recessive, dominant, and X-linked forms), achromatopsia, Best disease, congenital stationary night blindness and other synaptic dysfunctions, RDH5-associated retinopathy, and Stargardt disease. Several of these models have proven to be important in the development of translational therapies such as gene-augmentation therapies. Advances have been made in editing the canine genome, which necessitated overcoming challenges presented by the specifics of canine reproduction. Feline genome editing presents fewer challenges. We can anticipate the generation of specific cat and dog IRD models by genome editing in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon M Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - András M Komáromy
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
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Occelli LM, Sun K, Winkler PA, Morgan BJ, Petersen-Jones SM. Elevated retinal cGMP is not associated with elevated circulating cGMP levels in a canine model of retinitis pigmentosa. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0279437. [PMID: 36584140 PMCID: PMC9803105 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether raised levels of retinal cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) was reflected in plasma levels in PDE6A-/- dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retina was collected from 2-month-old wildtype dogs (PDE6A+/+, N = 6), heterozygous dogs (PDE6A+/-, N = 4) and affected dogs (PDE6A-/-, N = 3) and plasma was collected from 2-month-old wildtype dogs (PDE6A+/+, N = 5), heterozygous dogs (PDE6A+/-, N = 5) and affected dogs (PDE6A-/-, N = 5). Retina and plasma samples were measured by ELISA. RESULTS cGMP levels in retinal samples of PDE6A-/- dogs at 2 months of age were significantly elevated. There was no significant difference in plasma cGMP levels between wildtype and PDE6A-/- or PDE6A+/- puppies. However, the plasma cGMP levels of the PDE6A-/- puppies were significantly lower than that of PDE6A+/- puppies. CONCLUSION cGMP levels in the plasma from PDE6A-/- was not elevated when compared to control dogs. At the 2-month timepoint, cGMP plasma levels would not be a useful biomarker for disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence M. Occelli
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Kelian Sun
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Paige A. Winkler
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Brandy J. Morgan
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Simon M. Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Preclinical Models of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2560:181-215. [PMID: 36481897 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2651-1_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the name for a group of phenotypically-related heritable retinal degenerative disorders. Many genes have been implicated as causing variants of RP, and while the clinical phenotypes are remarkably similar, they may differ in age of onset, progression, and severity. Common inheritance patterns for specific genes connected with the development of the disorder include autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and X-linked. Modeling the disease in animals and other preclinical systems offers a cost-conscious, ethical, and time-efficient method for studying the disease subtypes. The history of RP models is briefly examined, and both naturally occurring and transgenic preclinical models of RP in many different organisms are discussed. Syndromic forms of RP and models thereof are reviewed as well.
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Abstract
PURPOSE Mutations in the cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel beta subunit (CNGB1) are an important cause of recessive retinitis pigmentosa. We identified a large animal model with a truncating mutation of CNGB1. This study reports the persistence of small, desensitized rod ERG responses in this model. METHODS Dark-, light-adapted and chromatic ERGs were recorded in CNGB1 mutant dogs and age and breed matched controls. Comparisons were made with a dog model known to completely lack rod function; young dogs with a mutation in the rod phosphodiesterase 6 alpha subunit (PDE6A-/-). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) to label the rod CNG alpha (CNGA1) and CNGB1 subunits was performed. RESULTS The dark-adapted ERG of CNGB1 mutant dogs had a raised response threshold with lack of normal rod response and a remaining cone response. Increasing stimulus strength resulted in the appearance of a separate, slower positive waveform following the dark-adapted cone b-wave. With increasing stimulus strength this increased in amplitude and became faster to merge with the initial b-wave. Comparison of responses from PDE6A-/- (cone only dogs) with CNGB1 mutant dogs to red and blue flashes and between dark-adapted and light-adapted responses supported the hypothesis that the CNGB1 mutant dog had residual desensitized rod responses. CNGB1 mutant dogs had a small amount of CNGA1 detectable in the outer segments. CONCLUSIONS CNGB1 mutant dogs have a residual ERG response from desensitized rods. This may be due to low levels of CNGA1 in outer segments.
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Park SA, Rhodes J, Iwabe S, Ying GS, Pan W, Huang J, Komáromy AM. Quantitative and qualitative characterization of retinal dystrophies in canine models of inherited retinal diseases using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Exp Eye Res 2022; 220:109106. [PMID: 35588783 PMCID: PMC9789526 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to establish spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) assessment data in well-established canine models of inherited retinal dystrophies: PDE6B-rod-cone dysplasia 1 (RCD1: early onset retinitis pigmentosa), PRCD-progressive rod-cone degeneration (PRCD: late onset retinitis pigmentosa), CNGB3-achromatopsia, and RPE65-Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). High resolution SD-OCT images of the retina were acquired from both eyes in 5 planes: temporal; superotemporal; superior; nasal; and inferior in adult dogs with: RCD1 (n = 4 dogs, median age: 1.5 yrs); PRCD (n = 2, 4.3 yrs); LCA (n = 3, 5.2 yrs); achromatopsia (n = 3, 4.2 yrs); and wild types (wt, n = 6, 5.5 yrs). Total, inner and outer retinal thicknesses and ellipsoid zone were analyzed. In selected animals, histomorphometric evaluations were performed. In dogs with RCD1, PRCD, and LCA, the thickness of the outer retina was, compared to wt, significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.02) in all OCT imaging planes, and in superotemporal and inferior imaging planes in dogs with achromatopsia. No significant thinning was observed in inner retina thickness in any disease model except in the inferior imaging plane in dogs with RCD1. Dogs with RCD1, PRCD, and LCA had significantly more areas with disrupted ellipsoid zone in the presumed area centralis than wt (p ≤ 0.001). OCT findings provide baseline information for research of retinal dystrophies using these canine models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Ae Park
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA; Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| | - Jamie Rhodes
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Simone Iwabe
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gui-Shuang Ying
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wei Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jiayan Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - András M Komáromy
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA; Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Kuehlewein L, Straßer T, Blumenstock G, Stingl K, Fischer MD, Wilhelm B, Zrenner E, Wissinger B, Kohl S, Weisschuh N, Zobor D. Central Visual Function and Genotype-Phenotype Correlations in PDE6A-Associated Retinitis Pigmentosa. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:9. [PMID: 35533076 PMCID: PMC9106976 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.5.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (arRP) can be caused by mutations in the phosphodiesterase 6A (PDE6A) gene. Here, we describe the natural course of disease progression with respect to central retinal function (i.e., visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and color vision) and establish a detailed genotype-–phenotype correlation. Methods Forty-four patients (26 females; mean age ± SD, 43 ± 13 years) with a confirmed genetic diagnosis of PDE6A-associated arRP underwent comprehensive ophthalmological examinations including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) with Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study charts, contrast sensitivity (CS) with Pelli–Robson charts at distances of 3 m and 1 m, and color vision testing using Roth 28-Hue and Panel D-15 saturated color cups. Results The most frequently observed variants were c.998+1G>A/p.?, c.304C>A/p.R102S, and c.2053G>A/p.V685M. Central retinal function in patients homozygous for variant c.304C>A/p.R102S was better when compared to patients homozygous for variant c.998+1G>A/p.?, although the former were older at baseline. Central retinal function was similar in patients homozygous for variant c.304C>A/p.R102S and patients heterozygous for variants c.304C>A/p.R102S and c.2053G>A/p.V685M, although the latter were younger at baseline. Annual decline rates in central retinal function were small. Conclusions We conclude that the severity of the different disease-causing PDE6A mutations in humans with respect to central visual function may be ranked as follows: c.2053G>A/p.V685M in homozygous state (most severe) > c.998+1G>A/p.? in homozygous state > c.304C>A/p.R102S and c.2053G>A/p.V685M in compound-heterozygous state > c.304C>A/p.R102S in homozygous state (mildest). The assessment of treatment efficacy in interventional trials will remain challenging due to small annual decline rates in central retinal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kuehlewein
- University Eye Hospital, Centre for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Torsten Straßer
- University Eye Hospital, Centre for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gunnar Blumenstock
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Katarina Stingl
- University Eye Hospital, Centre for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - M Dominik Fischer
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Barbara Wilhelm
- STZ eyetrial at the Centre for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Eberhart Zrenner
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bernd Wissinger
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Kohl
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nicole Weisschuh
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ditta Zobor
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Pasmanter N, Occelli LM, Komáromy AM, Petersen-Jones SM. Use of extended protocols with nonstandard stimuli to characterize rod and cone contributions to the canine electroretinogram. Doc Ophthalmol 2022; 144:81-97. [PMID: 35247111 PMCID: PMC10426558 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-022-09866-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In this study, we assessed several extended electroretinographic protocols using nonstandard stimuli. Our aim was to separate and quantify the contributions of different populations of retinal cells to the overall response, both to assess normal function and characterize dogs with inherited retinal disease. METHODS We investigated three different protocols for measuring the full-field flash electroretinogram-(1) chromatic dark-adapted red and blue flashes, (2) increasing luminance blue-background, (3) flicker with fixed frequency and increasing luminance, and flicker with increasing frequency at a fixed luminance-to assess rod and cone contributions to electroretinograms recorded in phenotypically normal control dogs and dogs lacking rod function. RESULTS Temporal separation of the rod- and cone-driven responses is possible in the fully dark-adapted eye using dim red flashes. A- and b-wave amplitudes decrease at different rates with increasing background luminance in control dogs. Flicker responses elicited with extended flicker protocols are well fit with mathematical models in control dogs. Dogs lacking rod function demonstrated larger amplitude dark-adapted compared to light-adapted flicker responses. CONCLUSIONS Using extended protocols of the full-field electroretinogram provides additional characterization of the health and function of different populations of cells in the normal retina and enables quantifiable comparison between phenotypically normal dogs and those with retinal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nate Pasmanter
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, D-208, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Laurence M Occelli
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, D-208, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - András M Komáromy
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, D-208, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Simon M Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, D-208, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are an important cause of blindness worldwide. Over 270 genes have been associated with IRD. Genetic testing can determine the cause of the clinical disease in the majority of patients. However, at least 25-50% of patients with clinical diagnosis of IRD remain unsolved even after whole genome sequencing. Animal models of IRD can be useful for expanding the set of established IRD genes, to gain biological understanding of the function of these genes in the retina, and to test advanced therapeutics prior to human clinical trials. In this chapter some small and large animal models of IRD are discussed including some of the advantages and limitations of each for various forms of retinopathy.
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Crouzier L, Diez C, Richard EM, Cubedo N, Barbereau C, Rossel M, Delaunay T, Maurice T, Delprat B. Loss of Pde6a Induces Rod Outer Segment Shrinkage and Visual Alterations in pde6aQ70X Mutant Zebrafish, a Relevant Model of Retinal Dystrophy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:675517. [PMID: 34095146 PMCID: PMC8173125 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.675517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is one of the most common forms of inherited retinal degeneration with 1/4,000 people being affected. The vision alteration primarily begins with rod photoreceptor degeneration, then the degenerative process continues with cone photoreceptor death. Variants in 71 genes have been linked to RP. One of these genes, PDE6a is responsible for RP43. To date no treatment is available and patients suffer from pronounced visual impairment in early childhood. We used the novel zebrafish pde6aQ70X mutant, generated by N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea at the European Zebrafish Resource Centre, to better understand how PDE6a loss of function leads to photoreceptor alteration. Interestingly, zebrafish pde6aQ70X mutants exhibited impaired visual function at 5 dpf as evidenced by the decrease in their visual motor response (VMR) compared to pde6aWT larvae. This impaired visual function progressed with time and was more severe at 21 dpf. These modifications were associated with an alteration of rod outer segment length at 5 and 21 dpf. In summary, these findings suggest that rod outer segment shrinkage due to Pde6a deficiency begins very early in zebrafish, progresses with time. The zebrafish pde6aQ70X mutant represents an ideal model of RP to screen relevant active small molecules that will block the progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Crouzier
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Camille Diez
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Nicolas Cubedo
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | | | - Tangui Maurice
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, Montpellier, France
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ERG assessment of altered retinal function in canine models of retinitis pigmentosa and monitoring of response to translatable gene augmentation therapy. Doc Ophthalmol 2021; 143:171-184. [PMID: 33818677 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-021-09832-0] [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: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze ERG responses from two dog models of retinitis pigmentosa, one due to a PDE6A mutation and the other a CNGB1 mutation, both to assess the effect of these mutations on retinal function and the ability of gene augmentation therapy to restore normal function. METHODS Scotopic and photopic ERGs from young affected and normal control dogs and affected dogs following AAV-mediated gene augmentation therapy were analyzed. Parameters reflecting rod and cone function were collected by modeling the descending slope of the a-wave to measure receptor response and sensitivity. Rod-driven responses were further assessed by Naka-Rushton fitting of the first limb of the scotopic b-wave luminance-response plot. RESULTS PDE6A-/- dogs showed a dramatic decrease in rod-driven responses with very reduced rod maximal responses and sensitivity. There was a minor reduction in the amplitude of maximal cone responses. In contrast, CNGB1-/- dogs had some residual rod responses with reduced amplitude and sensitivity and normal cone responses. Following gene augmentation therapy, rod parameters were substantially improved in both models with restoration of sensitivity parameters log S and log K and a large increase in log Rmax in keeping with rescue of normal rod phototransduction in the treated retinal regions. CONCLUSIONS Modeling of rod and cone a-waves and the luminance-response function of the scotopic b-wave characterized the loss of rod photoreceptor function in two dog models of retinitis pigmentosa and showed the effectiveness of gene augmentation therapy in restoring normal functional parameters.
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Pan WW, Wubben TJ, Besirli CG. Photoreceptor metabolic reprogramming: current understanding and therapeutic implications. Commun Biol 2021; 4:245. [PMID: 33627778 PMCID: PMC7904922 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01765-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acquired and inherited retinal disorders are responsible for vision loss in an increasing proportion of individuals worldwide. Photoreceptor (PR) death is central to the vision loss individuals experience in these various retinal diseases. Unfortunately, there is a lack of treatment options to prevent PR loss, so an urgent unmet need exists for therapies that improve PR survival and ultimately, vision. The retina is one of the most energy demanding tissues in the body, and this is driven in large part by the metabolic needs of PRs. Recent studies suggest that disruption of nutrient availability and regulation of cell metabolism may be a unifying mechanism in PR death. Understanding retinal cell metabolism and how it is altered in disease has been identified as a priority area of research. The focus of this review is on the recent advances in the understanding of PR metabolism and how it is critical to reduction-oxidation (redox) balance, the outer retinal metabolic ecosystem, and retinal disease. The importance of these metabolic processes is just beginning to be realized and unraveling the metabolic and redox pathways integral to PR health may identify novel targets for neuroprotective strategies that prevent blindness in the heterogenous group of retinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren W Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Thomas J Wubben
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Cagri G Besirli
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Annear MJ, Mowat FM, Occelli LM, Smith AJ, Curran PG, Bainbridge JW, Ali RR, Petersen-Jones SM. A Comprehensive Study of the Retinal Phenotype of Rpe65-Deficient Dogs. Cells 2021; 10:cells10010115. [PMID: 33435495 PMCID: PMC7827248 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The Rpe65-deficient dog has been important for development of translational therapies of Leber congenital amaurosis type 2 (LCA2). The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive report of the natural history of retinal changes in this dog model. Rpe65-deficient dogs from 2 months to 10 years of age were assessed by fundus imaging, electroretinography (ERG) and vision testing (VT). Changes in retinal layer thickness were assessed by optical coherence tomography and on plastic retinal sections. ERG showed marked loss of retinal sensitivity, with amplitudes declining with age. Retinal thinning initially developed in the area centralis, with a slower thinning of the outer retina in other areas starting with the inferior retina. VT showed that dogs of all ages performed well in bright light, while at lower light levels they were blind. Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) inclusions developed and in younger dogs and increased in size with age. The loss of photoreceptors was mirrored by a decline in ERG amplitudes. The slow degeneration meant that sufficient photoreceptors, albeit very desensitized, remained to allow for residual bright light vision in older dogs. This study shows the natural history of the Rpe65-deficient dog model of LCA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Annear
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (M.J.A.); (F.M.M.); (L.M.O.)
| | - Freya M Mowat
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (M.J.A.); (F.M.M.); (L.M.O.)
| | - Laurence M Occelli
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (M.J.A.); (F.M.M.); (L.M.O.)
| | - Alexander J Smith
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK; (A.J.S.); (J.W.B.); (R.R.A.)
| | - Paul G Curran
- Center for Statistical Consulting, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
| | - James W Bainbridge
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK; (A.J.S.); (J.W.B.); (R.R.A.)
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Robin R Ali
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK; (A.J.S.); (J.W.B.); (R.R.A.)
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Simon M Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (M.J.A.); (F.M.M.); (L.M.O.)
- Correspondence:
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Occelli LM, Pasmanter N, Ayoub EE, Petersen-Jones SM. Changes in retinal layer thickness with maturation in the dog: an in vivo spectral domain - optical coherence tomography imaging study. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:225. [PMID: 32605619 PMCID: PMC7329457 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02390-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal diseases are common in dogs. Some hereditary retinal dystrophies in dogs are important not only because they lead to vision loss but also because they show strong similarities to the orthologous human conditions. Advances in in vivo non-invasive retinal imaging allow the capture of retinal cross-section images that parallel low power microscopic examination of histological sections. Spectral domain - optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) allows the measurement of retinal layer thicknesses and gives the opportunity for repeat examination to investigate changes in thicknesses in health (such as changes with maturation and age) and disease (following the course of retinal degenerative conditions). The purpose of this study was to use SD-OCT to measure retinal layer thicknesses in the dog during retinal maturation and over the first year of life. SD-OCT was performed on normal beagle cross dogs from 4 weeks of age to 52 weeks of age. To assess changes in layer thickness with age, measurements were taken from fixed regions in each of the 4 quadrants and the area centralis (the region important for most detailed vision). Additionally, changes in retinal layer thickness along vertical and horizontal planes passing through the optic nerve head were assessed. RESULTS In the four quadrants an initial thinning of retinal layers occurred over the first 12 to 15 weeks of life after which there was little change in thickness. However, in the area centralis there was a thickening of the photoreceptor layer over this time period which was mostly due to a lengthening of the photoreceptor inner/outer segment layer. The retina thinned with greater distances from the optic nerve head in both vertical and horizontal planes with the dorsal retina being thicker than the ventral retina. Most of the change in thickness with distance from the optic nerve head was due to difference in thickness of the inner retinal layers. The outer retinal layers remained more constant in thickness, particularly in the horizontal plane and dorsal to the optic nerve head. CONCLUSIONS These measurements will provide normative data for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence M. Occelli
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, D-208, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Nate Pasmanter
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, D-208, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Elias E. Ayoub
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, D-208, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Simon M. Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, D-208, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
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16
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Winkler PA, Occelli LM, Petersen-Jones SM. Large Animal Models of Inherited Retinal Degenerations: A Review. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040882. [PMID: 32260251 PMCID: PMC7226744 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies utilizing large animal models of inherited retinal degeneration (IRD) have proven important in not only the development of translational therapeutic approaches, but also in improving our understanding of disease mechanisms. The dog is the predominant species utilized because spontaneous IRD is common in the canine pet population. Cats are also a source of spontaneous IRDs. Other large animal models with spontaneous IRDs include sheep, horses and non-human primates (NHP). The pig has also proven valuable due to the ease in which transgenic animals can be generated and work is ongoing to produce engineered models of other large animal species including NHP. These large animal models offer important advantages over the widely used laboratory rodent models. The globe size and dimensions more closely parallel those of humans and, most importantly, they have a retinal region of high cone density and denser photoreceptor packing for high acuity vision. Laboratory rodents lack such a retinal region and, as macular disease is a critical cause for vision loss in humans, having a comparable retinal region in model species is particularly important. This review will discuss several large animal models which have been used to study disease mechanisms relevant for the equivalent human IRD.
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Pasmanter N, Petersen-Jones SM. A review of electroretinography waveforms and models and their application in the dog. Vet Ophthalmol 2020; 23:418-435. [PMID: 32196872 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Electroretinography (ERG) is a commonly used technique to study retinal function in both clinical and research ophthalmology. ERG responses can be divided into component waveforms, analysis of which can provide insight into the health and function of different types and populations of retinal cells. In dogs, ERG has been used in the characterization of normal retinal function, as well as the diagnosis of retinal diseases and measuring effects of treatment. While many components of the recorded waveform are similar across species, dogs have several notable features that should be differentiated from the responses in humans and other animals. Additionally, modifications of standard protocols, such as changing flash frequency and stimulus color, and mathematical models of ERG waveforms have been used in studies of human retinal function but have been infrequently applied to visual electrophysiology in dogs. This review provides an overview of the origins and applications of ERG in addition to potential avenues for further characterization of responses in the dog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel Pasmanter
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Simon M Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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18
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Khateb S, Nassisi M, Bujakowska KM, Méjécase C, Condroyer C, Antonio A, Foussard M, Démontant V, Mohand-Saïd S, Sahel JA, Zeitz C, Audo I. Longitudinal Clinical Follow-up and Genetic Spectrum of Patients With Rod-Cone Dystrophy Associated With Mutations in PDE6A and PDE6B. JAMA Ophthalmol 2020; 137:669-679. [PMID: 30998820 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2018.6367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Importance A precise phenotypic characterization of retinal dystrophies is needed for disease modeling as a basis for future therapeutic interventions. Objective To compare genotype, phenotype, and structural changes in patients with rod-cone dystrophy (RCD) associated with mutations in PDE6A or PDE6B. Design, Setting, and Participants In a retrospective cohort study conducted in Paris, France, from January 2007 to September 2017, 54 patients from a cohort of 1095 index patients with RCD underwent clinical examination, including personal and familial history, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), color vision, slitlamp examination, full-field electroretinography, kinetic visual fields (VFs), retinophotography, optical coherence tomography, near-infrared fundus autofluorescence, and short-wavelength fundus autofluorescence imaging. Genotyping was performed using microarray analysis, targeted next-generation sequencing, and Sanger sequencing validation with familial segregation when possible. Data were analyzed from September 1, 2017, to February 1, 2018. Clinical variables were subsequently analyzed in 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures Phenotype and genotype comparison of patients carrying mutations in PDE6A or PDE6B. Results Of the 54 patients included in the study, 19 patients of 17 families (11 women [58%]; mean [SD] age at diagnosis, 14.83 [10.63] years) carried pathogenic mutations in PDE6A, and 35 patients of 26 families (17 women [49%]; mean [SD] age at diagnosis, 21.10 [11.56] years) had mutations in PDE6B, accounting for prevalences of 1.6% and 2.4%, respectively. Among 49 identified genetic variants, 14 in PDE6A and 15 in PDE6B were novel. Overall, phenotypic analysis revealed no substantial differences between the 2 groups except for night blindness as a presenting symptom that was noted to be more prevalent in the PDE6A than PDE6B group (80% vs 37%, respectively; P = .005). The mean binocular BCVA and VF decrease over time (measured as mean individual slopes coefficients) was comparable between patients with PDE6A and PDE6B mutations: 0.04 (0.12) vs 0.02 (0.05) for BCVA (P = .89) and 14.33 (7.12) vs 13.27 (6.77) for VF (P = .48). Conclusions and Relevance Mutations in PDE6A and PDE6B accounted for 1.6% and 2.4%, respectively, in a cohort of French patients with RCD. The functional and structural findings reported may constitute the basis of disease modeling that might be used for better prognostic estimation and candidate selection for photoreceptor therapeutic rescue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer Khateb
- Sorbonne Université, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, DHU Sight Restore, Inserm-Direction Générale de l'Offre de Soins, CIC1423, Paris, France.,Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Marco Nassisi
- Sorbonne Université, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, DHU Sight Restore, Inserm-Direction Générale de l'Offre de Soins, CIC1423, Paris, France
| | - Kinga M Bujakowska
- Sorbonne Université, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.,Ocular Genomics Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Cécile Méjécase
- Sorbonne Université, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Christel Condroyer
- Sorbonne Université, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Aline Antonio
- Sorbonne Université, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, DHU Sight Restore, Inserm-Direction Générale de l'Offre de Soins, CIC1423, Paris, France
| | - Marine Foussard
- Sorbonne Université, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Vanessa Démontant
- Sorbonne Université, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Saddek Mohand-Saïd
- Sorbonne Université, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, DHU Sight Restore, Inserm-Direction Générale de l'Offre de Soins, CIC1423, Paris, France
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Université, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, DHU Sight Restore, Inserm-Direction Générale de l'Offre de Soins, CIC1423, Paris, France.,Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, France.,Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Académie des Sciences-Institut de France, Paris, France
| | - Christina Zeitz
- Sorbonne Université, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Audo
- Sorbonne Université, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, DHU Sight Restore, Inserm-Direction Générale de l'Offre de Soins, CIC1423, Paris, France.,Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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19
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Petersen-Jones SM, Occelli LM, Biel M, Michalakis S. Advancing Gene Therapy for PDE6A Retinitis Pigmentosa. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1185:103-107. [PMID: 31884596 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-27378-1_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the gene encoding the phosphodiesterase 6 alpha subunit (PDE6A) account for 3-4% of autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and currently no treatment is available. There are four animal models for PDE6A-RP: a dog with a frameshift truncating mutation (p.Asn616ThrfsTer39) and three mouse models with missense mutations (Val685Met, Asp562Trp, and Asp670Gly) showing a range of phenotype severities. Initial proof-of-concept gene augmentation studies in the Asp670Gly mouse model and dog model used a subretinally delivered adeno-associated virus serotype 8 with a 733 tyrosine capsid mutation delivering species-specific Pde6a cDNAs. These restored some rod-mediated function and preserved retinal structure. Subsequently, a translatable vector (AAV8 with a human rhodopsin promoter and human PDE6A cDNA) was tested in the dog and the Asp670Gly mouse model. In the dog, there was restoration of rod function, a robust rod-mediated ERG, and introduction of dim-light vision. Treatment improved morphology of the photoreceptor layer, and the retina was preserved in the treated region. In the Asp670Gly mouse, therapy also preserved photoreceptors with cone survival being reflected by maintenance of cone-mediated ERG responses. These studies are an important step toward a translatable therapy for PDE6A-RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon M Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Veterinary Medical Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| | - Laurence M Occelli
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Veterinary Medical Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Martin Biel
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Stylianos Michalakis
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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20
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Dufour VL, Yu Y, Pan W, Ying GS, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA. In-vivo longitudinal changes in thickness of the postnatal canine retina. Exp Eye Res 2020; 192:107926. [PMID: 31931002 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.107926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of the present work were to assess by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) the changes in thickness of the outer nuclear layer (ONL), the ONL + photoreceptor inner segment (IS), and the retinal thickness, as a function of age in the normal canine retina. OCT retinal scans extending from the edge of the optic nerve head (ONH) along the superior and inferior meridians were captured in both eyes of 17 normal dogs at age ranging from 4 to 119 weeks. The different parameters along the superior and the inferior regions were determined following manual segmentation using the Heidelberg Eye Explorer software. Changes in thickness with age were modeled using one-phase exponential decay models. In vivo OCT imaging results showed no interocular statistically significant differences in ONL, ONL + IS, and retinal thickness at any age. All three parameters were however found to be statistically significantly thicker in the superior vs inferior retina. A rapid thinning of the three layers occurs in both the superior and inferior retina between 4 and 12 weeks of age, before reaching a plateau at around 20 weeks of age. In conclusion, the ONL, ONL + IS, and retinal thickness of the normal canine retina decrease significantly during the first three postnatal months, and is likely attributed to an overall increase in the eye volume and tangential dispersion of the photoreceptor since early photoreceptor developmental cell death is very limited at that age. Establishment of the natural history of ONL, ONL + IS, and retinal thinning will allow a more accurate assessment of the progression of a retinal degenerative condition as well as facilitate the detection of positive rescue effect of novel retinal therapies evaluated in this large animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie L Dufour
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yinxi Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wei Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gui-Shuang Ying
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Singh RK, Occelli LM, Binette F, Petersen-Jones SM, Nasonkin IO. Transplantation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Tissue in the Subretinal Space of the Cat Eye. Stem Cells Dev 2019; 28:1151-1166. [PMID: 31210100 PMCID: PMC6708274 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2019.0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
To develop biological approaches to restore vision, we developed a method of transplanting stem cell-derived retinal tissue into the subretinal space of a large-eye animal model (cat). Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) were differentiated to retinal organoids in a dish. hESC-derived retinal tissue was introduced into the subretinal space of wild-type cats following a pars plana vitrectomy. The cats were systemically immunosuppressed with either prednisolone or prednisolone plus cyclosporine A. The eyes were examined by fundoscopy and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging for adverse effects due to the presence of the subretinal grafts. Immunohistochemistry was done with antibodies to retinal and human markers to delineate graft survival, differentiation, and integration into cat retina. We successfully delivered hESC-derived retinal tissue into the subretinal space of the cat eye. We observed strong infiltration of immune cells in the graft and surrounding tissue in the cats treated with prednisolone. In contrast, we showed better survival and low immune response to the graft in cats treated with prednisolone plus cyclosporine A. Immunohistochemistry with antibodies (STEM121, CALB2, DCX, and SMI-312) revealed large number of graft-derived fibers connecting the graft and the host. We also show presence of human-specific synaptophysin puncta in the cat retina. This work demonstrates feasibility of engrafting hESC-derived retinal tissue into the subretinal space of large-eye animal models. Transplanting retinal tissue in degenerating cat retina will enable rapid development of preclinical in vivo work focused on vision restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratnesh K Singh
- Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (formerly BioTime Inc.), Carlsbad, California
| | - Laurence M Occelli
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lasing, Michigan
| | - Francois Binette
- Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (formerly BioTime Inc.), Carlsbad, California
| | - Simon M Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lasing, Michigan
| | - Igor O Nasonkin
- Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (formerly BioTime Inc.), Carlsbad, California
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22
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Pierce KE, Curran PG, Zelinka CP, Fischer AJ, Petersen-Jones SM, Bartoe JT. Sildenafil Administration in Dogs Heterozygous for a Functional Null Mutation in Pde6a: Suppressed Rod-Mediated ERG Responses and Apparent Retinal Outer Nuclear Layer Thinning. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1185:371-376. [PMID: 31884640 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-27378-1_61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to assess risk for retinal toxicity associated with administration of high-dose sildenafil citrate to dogs heterozygous for a functionally null mutation in Pde6a over a 4-month period. Three Pde6a +/- dogs were administered 14.3 mg/kg sildenafil per os and two Pde6a +/- dogs placebo once daily for 16 weeks. Three Pde6a +/+ dogs were administered sildenafil for 7 days. Ophthalmic examination, vision testing, and electroretinography (ERG) were regularly performed. At study termination, dogs were euthanized and globes collected. Retinal layer thickness and photoreceptor nuclei counts were determined from plastic sections. In both Pde6a +/- and Pde6a +/+ sildenafil-treated (ST) dogs, elevation of dark-adapted b-wave threshold and unmasking of the scotopic threshold response (STR) were observed. Sildenafil treated Pde6a +/- dogs had significantly thinner ONL (24.90 +/-1.88 μm, p = 0.004) and lower photoreceptor nuclei counts (273.6 +/- 29.3 cells/100 μm, p = 0.008) compared to measurements (35.90 +/- 1.63 μm) and counts (391.5 +/-27.0 cells/100 μm) from archived untreated Pde6a +/- dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth E Pierce
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Paul G Curran
- Center for Statistical Training and Consulting, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | | | - Andy J Fischer
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Simon M Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| | - Joshua T Bartoe
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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Petit L, Ma S, Cheng SY, Gao G, Punzo C. Rod Outer Segment Development Influences AAV-Mediated Photoreceptor Transduction After Subretinal Injection. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 28:464-481. [PMID: 28510482 PMCID: PMC5488363 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vectors based on the adeno-associated virus (AAV) are currently the preferred tools for delivering genes to photoreceptors (PR) in small and large animals. AAVs have been applied successfully in various models of PR dystrophies. However, unknown barriers still limit AAV's efficient application in several forms of severe PR degenerations due to insufficient transgene expression and/or treated cells at the time of injection. Optimizations of PR gene therapy strategies will likely benefit from the identification of the cellular factors that influence PR transduction. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that the AAV transduction profile of PRs differs significantly between neonatal and adult mouse retinas after subretinal injection. This phenomenon may provide clues to identify host factors that influence the efficiency of AAV-mediated PR transduction. This study demonstrates that rod outer segments are critical modulators of efficient AAV-mediated rod transduction. During retinal development, rod transduction correlated temporally and spatially with the differentiation order of PRs when vectors were introduced subretinally but not when introduced intravitreally. All subretinally injected vectors had an initial preference to transduce cones in the absence of formed rod outer segments and then displayed a preference for rods as the cells matured, independently of the expression cassette or AAV serotype. Consistent with this observation, altered development of rod outer segments was associated with a strong reduction of rod transduction and an increase in the percentage of transduced cones by 2- to 2.8-fold. A similar increase of cone transduction was observed in the adult retinal degeneration 1 (rd1) retina compared to wild-type mice. These results suggest that the loss of rod outer segments in diseased retinas could markedly affect gene transfer efficiency of AAV vectors by limiting the ability of AAVs to infect dying rods efficiently. This information could be exploited for the development of more efficient AAV-based PR gene delivery procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lolita Petit
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Shan Ma
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Shun-Yun Cheng
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Guangping Gao
- 3 Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Claudio Punzo
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts.,2 Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
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24
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Occelli LM, Schön C, Seeliger MW, Biel M, Michalakis S, Petersen-Jones SM. Gene Supplementation Rescues Rod Function and Preserves Photoreceptor and Retinal Morphology in Dogs, Leading the Way Toward Treating Human PDE6A-Retinitis Pigmentosa. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 28:1189-1201. [PMID: 29212382 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the phosphodiesterase 6A gene (PDE6A) result in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) type 43 (RP43) and are responsible for about 4% of autosomal recessive RP. There is currently no treatment for this blinding condition. The aim of this project was to use a large-animal model to test a gene supplementation viral vector designed to be translated for use in a clinical trial for the treatment of RP43. Seven Pde6a-/- puppies were given sub-retinal injections of an adeno-associated viral vector (AAV) serotype 2/8 delivering human PDE6A cDNA under control of a short rhodopsin promoter (AAV8-PDE6A). Three puppies received ∼1 × 1011 vg in one eye and four puppies ∼5 × 1011 vg/per eye, with both eyes being injected in two animals. In vivo outcome measures included vision testing and electroretinography (ERG), as well as fundus and spectral domain-optical coherence tomography imaging. Some puppies were euthanized and their eyes processed for immunohistochemistry. All puppies had improved rod-mediated vision in the treated eye. ERGs showed improved rod-mediated responses in the higher-dose group but in only one of the lower-dose group animals. Receptor+ thickness was preserved and photoreceptor morphology improved in the treated retinal regions in all puppies. Treatment resulted in PDE6A transgene expression, accompanied by much increased levels of Pde6b, in rod outer segments in the injected retinal regions. There were several indications of improved retinal health in the PDE6A-expressing regions, including lack of abnormal cyclic guanosine monophosphate accumulation, appropriate rod opsin localization to the outer segments with a large reduction in mislocalization to other regions of the rod cell, and reduced Müller cell activation. Additionally, cone photoreceptors showed morphological improvement in the treated region, with normal-appearing inner and outer segments. AAV8-PDE6A gene supplementation therapy restored rod vision in Pde6a-/- puppies and preserved retinal morphology. These positive outcomes are an important step toward a human clinical trial to treat PDE6A-RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence M Occelli
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Christian Schön
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Mathias W Seeliger
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Martin Biel
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Stylianos Michalakis
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Simon M Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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25
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Petersen-Jones SM, Occelli LM, Winkler PA, Lee W, Sparrow JR, Tsukikawa M, Boye SL, Chiodo V, Capasso JE, Becirovic E, Schön C, Seeliger MW, Levin AV, Michalakis S, Hauswirth WW, Tsang SH. Patients and animal models of CNGβ1-deficient retinitis pigmentosa support gene augmentation approach. J Clin Invest 2017; 128:190-206. [PMID: 29202463 PMCID: PMC5749539 DOI: 10.1172/jci95161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a major cause of blindness that affects 1.5 million people worldwide. Mutations in cyclic nucleotide-gated channel β 1 (CNGB1) cause approximately 4% of autosomal recessive RP. Gene augmentation therapy shows promise for treating inherited retinal degenerations; however, relevant animal models and biomarkers of progression in patients with RP are needed to assess therapeutic outcomes. Here, we evaluated RP patients with CNGB1 mutations for potential biomarkers of progression and compared human phenotypes with those of mouse and dog models of the disease. Additionally, we used gene augmentation therapy in a CNGβ1-deficient dog model to evaluate potential translation to patients. CNGB1-deficient RP patients and mouse and dog models had a similar phenotype characterized by early loss of rod function and slow rod photoreceptor loss with a secondary decline in cone function. Advanced imaging showed promise for evaluating RP progression in human patients, and gene augmentation using adeno-associated virus vectors robustly sustained the rescue of rod function and preserved retinal structure in the dog model. Together, our results reveal an early loss of rod function in CNGB1-deficient patients and a wide window for therapeutic intervention. Moreover, the identification of potential biomarkers of outcome measures, availability of relevant animal models, and robust functional rescue from gene augmentation therapy support future work to move CNGB1-RP therapies toward clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon M Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Laurence M Occelli
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Paige A Winkler
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Winston Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology Pathology & Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Janet R Sparrow
- Department of Ophthalmology Pathology & Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mai Tsukikawa
- Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sanford L Boye
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Vince Chiodo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jenina E Capasso
- Ocular Genetics, Wills Eye Hospital (WEH), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elvir Becirovic
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Schön
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Mathias W Seeliger
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Alex V Levin
- Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Ocular Genetics, Wills Eye Hospital (WEH), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stylianos Michalakis
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - William W Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Department of Ophthalmology Pathology & Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA.,Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC), Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York, New York, USA
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26
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Mowat FM, Occelli LM, Bartoe JT, Gervais KJ, Bruewer AR, Querubin J, Dinculescu A, Boye SL, Hauswirth WW, Petersen-Jones SM. Gene Therapy in a Large Animal Model of PDE6A-Retinitis Pigmentosa. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:342. [PMID: 28676737 PMCID: PMC5476745 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [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: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite mutations in the rod phosphodiesterase 6-alpha (PDE6A) gene being well-recognized as a cause of human retinitis pigmentosa, no definitive treatments have been developed to treat this blinding disease. We performed a trial of retinal gene augmentation in the Pde6a mutant dog using Pde6a delivery by capsid-mutant adeno-associated virus serotype 8, previously shown to have a rapid onset of transgene expression in the canine retina. Subretinal injections were performed in 10 dogs at 29-44 days of age, and electroretinography and vision testing were performed to assess functional outcome. Retinal structure was assessed using color fundus photography, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and histology. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine transgene expression and expression of other retinal genes. Treatment resulted in improvement in dim light vision and evidence of rod function on electroretinographic examination. Photoreceptor layer thickness in the treated area was preserved compared with the contralateral control vector treated or uninjected eye. Improved rod and cone photoreceptor survival, rhodopsin localization, cyclic GMP levels and bipolar cell dendrite distribution was observed in treated areas. Some adverse effects including foci of retinal separation, foci of retinal degeneration and rosette formation were identified in both AAV-Pde6a and control vector injected regions. This is the first description of successful gene augmentation for Pde6a retinitis pigmentosa in a large animal model. Further studies will be necessary to optimize visual outcomes and minimize complications before translation to human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya M. Mowat
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State UniversityRaleigh, NC, United States
| | - Laurence M. Occelli
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Joshua T. Bartoe
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Kristen J. Gervais
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Ashlee R. Bruewer
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Janice Querubin
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Astra Dinculescu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of MedicineGainesville, FL, United States
| | - Sanford L. Boye
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of MedicineGainesville, FL, United States
| | - William W. Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of MedicineGainesville, FL, United States
| | - Simon M. Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MI, United States
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27
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Somma AT, Moreno JCD, Sato MT, Rodrigues BD, Bacellar-Galdino M, Occelli LM, Petersen-Jones SM, Montiani-Ferreira F. Characterization of a novel form of progressive retinal atrophy in Whippet dogs: a clinical, electroretinographic, and breeding study. Vet Ophthalmol 2016; 20:450-459. [PMID: 27896899 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe a form of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in Whippets including clinical, electroretinographic, optical coherence tomographic changes and pedigree analysis. ANIMALS STUDIED Client-owned Whippet dogs (n = 51) living in Brazil. PROCEDURES All animals were submitted for routine ophthalmic screening for presumed inherited ocular disease, which included the following: visual tests, such as obstacle course tests, in scotopic and photopic conditions, cotton ball test, dazzle reflex, ocular fundus evaluation by indirect ophthalmoscopy followed by fundus photography. Additionally, electroretinography (ERG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed in 24 and four dogs, respectively. RESULTS Sixteen dogs were diagnosed with PRA. Vision deficits in dim light were detected in dogs examined at a young age associated with nystagmus. Funduscopic changes included the development of multifocal retinal bullae from 6 months of age. Retinal thinning became apparent later, at which time the bullae were no longer detected. OCT examination of selected young dogs revealed that the retinal bullae were due to separation between photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium, and of dogs with more advanced disease confirmed the development of retinal thinning. Electroretinography in young dogs revealed a negative ERG due to a lack of b-wave in both scotopic and photopic recordings. With progression, the ERG became unrecordable. Pedigree analysis suggested an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. CONCLUSION The retinal dystrophy reported here in Whippet dogs has a unique phenotype of an initial lack of ERG b-wave, development of retinal bullae then a progressive generalized retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Tavares Somma
- Veterinary Medicine Department, Comparative Ophthalmology Laboratory, Rua dos Funcionários, 1540, Curtiba, 80035-050, Brazil
| | - Juan Carlos Duque Moreno
- Veterinary Medicine Department, Comparative Ophthalmology Laboratory, Rua dos Funcionários, 1540, Curtiba, 80035-050, Brazil
| | - Mario Teruo Sato
- Universidade Federal do Parana, R. Padre Camargo, 280, Curtiba, 80060-240, Brazil
| | - Blanche Dreher Rodrigues
- Ophthalmology Service, Centro Integrado de Especialidades Veterinárias, Rua André Zanetti, 144, Curtiba, 808010-280, Brazil
| | - Marianna Bacellar-Galdino
- Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road D-208, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Laurence Mireille Occelli
- Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road D-208, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Simon Michael Petersen-Jones
- Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road D-208, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Fabiano Montiani-Ferreira
- Veterinary Medicine Department, Comparative Ophthalmology Laboratory, Rua dos Funcionários, 1540, Curtiba, 80035-050, Brazil
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28
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Petersen-Jones SM, Komáromy AM. Dog models for blinding inherited retinal dystrophies. HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2015; 26:15-26. [PMID: 25671556 DOI: 10.1089/humc.2014.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous canine models exist for several inherited retinal dystrophies. This review will summarize the models and indicate where they have been used in translational gene therapy trials. The RPE65 gene therapy trials to treat childhood blindness are a good example of how studies in dogs have contributed to therapy development. Outcomes in human clinical trials are compared and contrasted with the result of the preclinical dog trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon M Petersen-Jones
- 1 Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University , East Lansing, MI 48824
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29
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Petersen-Jones S, Komaromy AM. Dog Models for Blinding Inherited Retinal Degenerations. HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2014. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2014.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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30
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Mellersh CS. The genetics of eye disorders in the dog. Canine Genet Epidemiol 2014; 1:3. [PMID: 26401320 PMCID: PMC4574392 DOI: 10.1186/2052-6687-1-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited forms of eye disease are arguably the best described and best characterized of all inherited diseases in the dog, at both the clinical and molecular level and at the time of writing 29 different mutations have been documented in the scientific literature that are associated with an inherited ocular disorder in the dog. The dog has already played an important role in the identification of genes that are important for ocular development and function as well as emerging therapies for inherited blindness in humans. Similarities in disease phenotype and eye structure and function between dog and man, together with the increasingly sophisticated genetic tools that are available for the dog, mean that the dog is likely to play an ever increasing role in both our understanding of the normal functioning of the eye and in our ability to treat inherited eye disorders. This review summarises the mutations that have been associated with inherited eye disorders in the dog.
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31
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Wert KJ, Lin JH, Tsang SH. General pathophysiology in retinal degeneration. DEVELOPMENTS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2014; 53:33-43. [PMID: 24732759 DOI: 10.1159/000357294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Retinal degeneration, including that seen in age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa (RP), is the most common form of neural degenerative disease in the world. There is great genetic and allelic heterogeneity of the various retinal dystrophies. Classifications of these diseases can be ambiguous, as there are similar clinical presentations in retinal degenerations arising from different genetic mechanisms. As would be expected, alterations in the activity of the phototransduction cascade, such as changes affecting the renewal and shedding of the photoreceptor OS, visual transduction, and/or retinol metabolism have a great impact on the health of the retina. Mutations within any of the molecules responsible for these visual processes cause several types of retinal and retinal pigment epithelium degenerative diseases. Apoptosis has been implicated in the rod cell loss seen in a mouse model of RP, but the precise mechanisms that connect the activation of these pathways to the loss of phosphodiesterase (PDE6β) function has yet to be defined. Additionally, the activation of apoptosis by CCAAT/-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), after activation of the unfolded protein response pathway, may be responsible for cell death, although the mechanism remains unknown. However, the mechanisms of cell death after loss of function of PDE6, which is a commonly studied mammalian model in research, may be generalizable to loss of function of different key proteins involved in the phototransduction cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine J Wert
- Bernard and Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology and Cell Biology, New York, N.Y., USA
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32
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Tyrosine capsid-mutant AAV vectors for gene delivery to the canine retina from a subretinal or intravitreal approach. Gene Ther 2013; 21:96-105. [PMID: 24225638 PMCID: PMC3880610 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2013.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Revised: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses are important vectors for retinal gene delivery. Currently utilized vectors have relatively slow onset and for efficient transduction it is necessary to deliver treatment subretinally, with the potential for damage to the retina. Amino-acid substitutions in the viral capsid improve efficiency in rodent eyes by evading host responses. As dogs are important large animal models for human retinitis pigmentosa, we evaluated the speed and efficiency of retinal transduction using capsid-mutant vectors injected both subretinally and intravitreally. We evaluated AAV serotypes 2 and 8 with amino-acid substitutions of surface exposed capsid tyrosine residues. The chicken beta-actin promoter was used to drive green fluorescent protein expression. Twelve normal adult beagles were injected, 4 dogs received intravitreal injections, 8 dogs received subretinal injections. Capsid-mutant viruses tested included AAV2(quad Y-F) (intravitreal and subretinal), and self-complementary scAAV8(Y733F) (subretinal only). Contralateral control eyes received injections of scAAV5 (subretinal) or scAAV2 (intravitreal). Subretinally delivered vectors had a faster expression onset than intravitreally delivered vectors. Subretinally delivered scAAV8(Y733F) had a faster onset of expression than scAAV5. All subretinally injected vector types transduced the outer retina with high efficiency, and the inner retina with moderate efficiency. Intravitreally delivered AAV2(quad Y-F) had a marginally higher efficiency of transduction of both outer retinal and inner retinal cells than scAAV2. Because of their rapid expression onset and efficient transduction, subretinally delivered capsid-mutant AAV8 vectors may increase the efficacy of gene therapy treatment for rapid photoreceptor degenerative diseases. With further refinement, capsid-mutant AAV2 vectors show promise for retinal gene delivery from an intravitreal approach.
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33
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Martínez-Fernández de la Cámara C, Sequedo MD, Gómez-Pinedo U, Jaijo T, Aller E, García-Tárraga P, García-Verdugo JM, Millán JM, Rodrigo R. Phosphodiesterase inhibition induces retinal degeneration, oxidative stress and inflammation in cone-enriched cultures of porcine retina. Exp Eye Res 2013; 111:122-33. [PMID: 23578797 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2013.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2012] [Revised: 03/15/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Inherited retinal degenerations affecting both rod and cone photoreceptors constitute one of the causes of incurable blindness in the developed world. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is crucial in the phototransduction and, mutations in genes related to its metabolism are responsible for different retinal dystrophies. cGMP-degrading phosphodiesterase 6 (PDE6) mutations cause around 4-5% of the retinitis pigmentosa, a rare form of retinal degeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether pharmacological PDE6 inhibition induced retinal degeneration in cone-enriched cultures of porcine retina similar to that found in murine models. PDE6 inhibition was induced in cone-enriched retinal explants from pigs by Zaprinast. PDE6 inhibition induced cGMP accumulation and triggered retinal degeneration, as determined by TUNEL assay. Western blot analysis and immunostaining indicated that degeneration was accompanied by caspase-3, calpain-2 activation and poly (ADP-ribose) accumulation. Oxidative stress markers, total antioxidant capacity, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and nitric oxide measurements revealed the presence of oxidative damage. Elevated TNF-alpha and IL-6, as determined by enzyme immunoassay, were also found in cone-enriched retinal explants treated with Zaprinast. Our study suggests that this ex vivo model of retinal degeneration in porcine retina could be an alternative model for therapeutic research into the mechanisms of photoreceptor death in cone-related diseases, thus replacing or reducing animal experiments.
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34
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Bruewer AR, Mowat FM, Bartoe JT, Boye SL, Hauswirth WW, Petersen-Jones SM. Evaluation of lateral spread of transgene expression following subretinal AAV-mediated gene delivery in dogs. PLoS One 2013; 8:e60218. [PMID: 23560080 PMCID: PMC3616166 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2013] [Accepted: 02/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dog models with spontaneously occurring mutations in retinal dystrophy genes are an invaluable resource for preclinical development of retinal gene therapy. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have been most successful; to target the outer retina and RPE they are delivered by subretinal injection, causing a temporary retinal detachment with some potential for retinal morbidity. A recent reporter gene study using an AAV2/8 vector in dogs reported transgene expression beyond the boundary of the subretinal bleb. This could be a desirable feature which increases the area of retina treated while minimizing the retinal detachment and any associated morbidity. We performed a detailed study of the lateral spread of transgene expression beyond the subretinal injection site following subretinally delivered AAV vectors in normal dogs. Vectors expressed green fluorescent protein (GFP) using a small chicken beta-actin promoter. AAV2/2 (quadruple tyrosine to phenylalanine (Y-F) capsid mutant), self-complementary (sc) AAV2/8 (single Y-F capsid mutant) and a scAAV2/5 were used. We found that in all eyes GFP expression involved retina beyond the initial post-injection subretinal bleb boundary. In all eyes there was post-injection spread of the retinal detachment within the first 3 days post procedure and prior to retinal reattachment. In 11/16 eyes this accounted for the entire "lateral spread" of GFP expression while in 5/16 eyes a very slight extension of GFP expression beyond the final boundary of the subretinal bleb could be detected. All 3 AAV constructs induced GFP expression in the nerve fiber layer with spread to the optic nerve. Patients treated by subretinal injection should be monitored for possible expansion of the subretinal injection bleb prior to reattachment. Injections in the para-foveal region may expand to lead to a foveal detachment that may be undesirable. Cell-specific promoters may be required to limit spread of expressed transgene to the brain with these AAV serotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlee R. Bruewer
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Freya M. Mowat
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Joshua T. Bartoe
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Sanford L. Boye
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - William W. Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Simon M. Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Petersen-Jones SM. Drug and gene therapy of hereditary retinal disease in dog and cat models. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ddmod.2014.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Abstract
Clinical trials are currently underway using gene therapy to treat retinal disease such as Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). Viral vectors that have been utilized to target retinal cells include adenoviruses, lentiviruses, and recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAV). Of the three classes, rAAV vectors show the greatest promise for retinal gene therapy. Recent developments in virus technology such as the development of hybrid and capsid mutant rAAV vectors mean that specific retinal cells can be targeted and faster stronger transgene expression is now possible compared to that achieved with the first generation of vectors. Gene therapy trials in dogs have been very important in the development of therapy for RPE65 LCA which is currently in phase I/II clinical trials in humans. Recent successes in using gene therapy to treat canine achromatopsia, X-linked progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and the more severe rapid degenerations such as rod-cone dysplasia type 3 may lead also to the translation to human clinical trials. Dogs have played and continue to play an important role as animal models for proof-of-concept studies of retinal gene therapy. As modifications and improvements in gene therapy protocols are made from experience gathered from human clinical trials perhaps gene therapy for the treatment of canine clinical patients will become available to veterinary ophthalmologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon M Petersen-Jones
- Veterinary Medical Center, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, D-208, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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CNGA3 is expressed in inner ear hair cells and binds to an intracellular C-terminus domain of EMILIN1. Biochem J 2012; 443:463-76. [PMID: 22248097 DOI: 10.1042/bj20111255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The molecular characteristics of CNG (cyclic nucleotide-gated) channels in auditory/vestibular hair cells are largely unknown, unlike those of CNG mediating sensory transduction in vision and olfaction. In the present study we report the full-length sequence for three CNGA3 variants in a hair cell preparation from the trout saccule with high identity to CNGA3 in olfactory receptor neurons/cone photoreceptors. A custom antibody targeting the N-terminal sequence immunolocalized CNGA3 to the stereocilia and subcuticular plate region of saccular hair cells. The cytoplasmic C-terminus of CNGA3 was found by yeast two-hybrid analysis to bind the C-terminus of EMILIN1 (elastin microfibril interface-located protein 1) in both the vestibular hair cell model and rat organ of Corti. Specific binding between CNGA3 and EMILIN1 was confirmed with surface plasmon resonance analysis, predicting dependence on Ca2+ with Kd=1.6×10-6 M for trout hair cell proteins and Kd=2.7×10-7 M for organ of Corti proteins at 68 μM Ca2+. Pull-down assays indicated that the binding to organ of Corti CNGA3 was attributable to the EMILIN1 intracellular sequence that follows a predicted transmembrane domain in the C-terminus. Saccular hair cells also express the transcript for PDE6C (phosphodiesterase 6C), which in cone photoreceptors regulates the degradation of cGMP used to gate CNGA3 in phototransduction. Taken together, the evidence supports the existence in saccular hair cells of a molecular pathway linking CNGA3, its binding partner EMILIN1 (and β1 integrin) and cGMP-specific PDE6C, which is potentially replicated in cochlear outer hair cells, given stereociliary immunolocalizations of CNGA3, EMILIN1 and PDE6C.
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Fletcher EL, Jobling AI, Vessey KA, Luu C, Guymer RH, Baird PN. Animal models of retinal disease. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2011; 100:211-86. [PMID: 21377628 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-384878-9.00006-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Diseases of the retina are the leading causes of blindness in the industrialized world. The recognition that animals develop retinal diseases with similar traits to humans has led to not only a dramatic improvement in our understanding of the pathogenesis of retinal disease but also provided a means for testing possible treatment regimes and successful gene therapy trials. With the advent of genetic and molecular biological tools, the association between specific gene mutations and retinal signs has been made. Animals carrying natural mutations usually in one gene now provide well-established models for a host of inherited retinal diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa, Leber congenital amaurosis, inherited macular degeneration, and optic nerve diseases. In addition, the development of transgenic technologies has provided a means by which to study the effects of these and novel induced mutations on retinal structure and function. Despite these advances, there is a paucity of suitable animal models for complex diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy, largely because these diseases are not caused by single gene defects, but involve complex genetics and/or exacerbation through environmental factors, epigenetic, or other modes of genetic influence. In this review, we outline in detail the available animal models for inherited retinal diseases and how this information has furthered our understanding of retinal diseases. We also examine how transgenic technologies have helped to develop our understanding of the role of isolated genes or pathways in complex diseases like AMD, diabetes, and glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica L Fletcher
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Annear MJ, Bartoe JT, Barker SE, Smith AJ, Curran PG, Bainbridge JW, Ali RR, Petersen-Jones SM. Gene therapy in the second eye of RPE65-deficient dogs improves retinal function. Gene Ther 2011; 18:53-61. [PMID: 20703309 PMCID: PMC3381842 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2010.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2010] [Revised: 05/01/2010] [Accepted: 06/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether immune responses interfered with gene therapy rescue using subretinally delivered recombinant adeno-associated viral vector serotype 2 carrying the RPE65 cDNA gene driven by the human RPE65 promoter (rAAV2.hRPE65p.hRPE65) in the second eye of RPE65-/- dogs that had previously been treated in a similar manner in the other eye. Bilateral subretinal injection was performed in nine dogs with the second eye treated 85-180 days after the first. Electroretinography (ERG) and vision testing showed rescue in 16 of 18 treated eyes, with no significant difference between first and second treated eyes. A serum neutralizing antibody (NAb) response to rAAV2 was detected in all treated animals, but this did not prevent or reduce the effectiveness of rescue in the second treated eye. We conclude that successful rescue using subretinal rAAV2.hRPE65p.hRPE65 gene therapy in the second eye is not precluded by prior gene therapy in the contralateral eye of the RPE65-/- dog. This finding has important implications for the treatment of human LCA type II patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- MJ Annear
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - JT Bartoe
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - SE Barker
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - AJ Smith
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - PG Curran
- Center for Statistical Consulting, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - JW Bainbridge
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - RR Ali
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - SM Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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Dvir L, Srour G, Abu-Ras R, Miller B, Shalev SA, Ben-Yosef T. Autosomal-recessive early-onset retinitis pigmentosa caused by a mutation in PDE6G, the gene encoding the gamma subunit of rod cGMP phosphodiesterase. Am J Hum Genet 2010; 87:258-64. [PMID: 20655036 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2010.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2010] [Revised: 06/21/2010] [Accepted: 06/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common form of hereditary retinal degeneration, with a worldwide prevalence of 1 in 4000. Over 30 genes and loci have been implicated in nonsyndromic autosomal-recessive (ar) RP. Genome-wide homozygosity mapping was conducted in two sibships from an extended consanguineous Muslim Arab Israeli family segregating ar severe early-onset RP. A shared homozygous region on chromosome 17q25.3 was identified in both sibships, with an overlap of 4.7 Mb. One of the genes located in this interval is PDE6G, encoding for the inhibitory gamma subunit of rod photoreceptor cyclic GMP-phosphodiesterase. Mutations in the genes encoding for the catalytic subunits of this holoenzyme, PDE6A and PDE6B, cause arRP. Sequencing of all coding exons, including exon-intron boundaries, revealed a homozygous single base change (c.187+1G>T) located in the conserved intron 3 donor splice site of PDE6G. This mutation cosegregated with the disease in the extended family. We used an in vitro splicing assay to demonstrate that this mutation leads to incorrect splicing. Affected individuals had markedly constricted visual fields. Both scotopic and photopic electroretinograms were severely reduced or completely extinct. Funduscopy showed typical bone spicule-type pigment deposits spread mainly at the midperiphery, as well as pallor of the optic disk. Macular involvement was indicated by the lack of foveal reflex and typical cystoid macular edema, proved by optical coherence tomography. These findings demonstrate the positive role of the gamma subunit in maintaining phosphodiesterase activity and confirm the contribution of PDE6G to the etiology of RP in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liron Dvir
- Rappaport Family Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Haifa 31096, Israel
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Liu F, Wollstein A, Hysi PG, Ankra-Badu GA, Spector TD, Park D, Zhu G, Larsson M, Duffy DL, Montgomery GW, Mackey DA, Walsh S, Lao O, Hofman A, Rivadeneira F, Vingerling JR, Uitterlinden AG, Martin NG, Hammond CJ, Kayser M. Digital quantification of human eye color highlights genetic association of three new loci. PLoS Genet 2010; 6:e1000934. [PMID: 20463881 PMCID: PMC2865509 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1000934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2009] [Accepted: 04/01/2010] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have successfully identified genetic variants in several genes associated with human iris (eye) color; however, they all used simplified categorical trait information. Here, we quantified continuous eye color variation into hue and saturation values using high-resolution digital full-eye photographs and conducted a genome-wide association study on 5,951 Dutch Europeans from the Rotterdam Study. Three new regions, 1q42.3, 17q25.3, and 21q22.13, were highlighted meeting the criterion for genome-wide statistically significant association. The latter two loci were replicated in 2,261 individuals from the UK and in 1,282 from Australia. The LYST gene at 1q42.3 and the DSCR9 gene at 21q22.13 serve as promising functional candidates. A model for predicting quantitative eye colors explained over 50% of trait variance in the Rotterdam Study. Over all our data exemplify that fine phenotyping is a useful strategy for finding genes involved in human complex traits. We measured human eye color to hue and saturation values from high-resolution, digital, full-eye photographs of several thousand Dutch Europeans. This quantitative approach, which is extremely cost-effective, portable, and time efficient, revealed that human eye color varies along more dimensions than the one represented by the blue-green-brown categories studied previously. Our work represents the first genome-wide study of quantitative human eye color. We clearly identified 3 new loci, LYST, 17q25.3, TTC3/DSCR9, in contributing to the natural and subtle eye color variation along multiple dimensions, providing new leads towards a more detailed understanding of the genetic basis of human eye color. Our quantitative prediction model explained over 50% of eye color variance, representing the highest accuracy achieved so far in genomic prediction of human complex and quantitative traits, with relevance for future forensic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Liu
- Department of Forensic Molecular Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas Wollstein
- Department of Forensic Molecular Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Pirro G. Hysi
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Georgina A. Ankra-Badu
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy D. Spector
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Park
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Gu Zhu
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mats Larsson
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia
| | - David L. Duffy
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - David A. Mackey
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Lions Eye Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Susan Walsh
- Department of Forensic Molecular Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Oscar Lao
- Department of Forensic Molecular Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Albert Hofman
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fernando Rivadeneira
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes R. Vingerling
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - André G. Uitterlinden
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Christopher J. Hammond
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manfred Kayser
- Department of Forensic Molecular Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Acosta ML, Shin YS, Ready S, Fletcher EL, Christie DL, Kalloniatis M. Retinal metabolic state of the proline-23-histidine rat model of retinitis pigmentosa. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2009; 298:C764-74. [PMID: 20032515 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00253.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We determined the metabolic changes that precede cell death in the dystrophic proline-23-histidine (P23H) line 3 (P23H-3) rat retina compared with the normal Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat retina. Metabolite levels and metabolic enzymes were analyzed early in development and during the early stages of degeneration in the P23H-3 retina. Control and degenerating retinas showed an age-dependent change in metabolite levels and enzymatic activity, particularly around the time when phototransduction was activated. However, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was significantly higher in P23H-3 than SD retina before the onset of photoreceptor death. The creatine/phosphocreatine system did not contribute to the increase in ATP, because phosphocreatine levels, creatine kinase, and expression of the creatine transporter remained constant. However, Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and Mg(2+)-Ca(2+)-ATPase activities were increased in the developing P23H-3 retina. Therefore, photoreceptor apoptosis in the P23H-3 retina occurs in an environment of increased LDH, ATPase activity, and higher-than-normal ATP levels. We tested the effect of metabolic challenge to the retina by inhibiting monocarboxylate transport with alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid or systemically administering the phosphodiesterase inhibitor sildenafil. Secondary to monocarboxylate transport inhibition, the P23H-3 retina did not demonstrate alterations in metabolic activity. However, administration of sildenafil significantly reduced LDH activity in the P23H-3 retina and increased the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUPT nick end-labeled photoreceptor cells. Photoreceptor cells with a rhodopsin mutation display an increase in apoptotic markers secondary to inhibition of a phototransduction enzyme (phosphodiesterase), suggesting increased susceptibility to altered cation entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica L Acosta
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Petersen-Jones S, Bartoe J, Fischer A, Scott M, Boye S, Chiodo V, Hauswirth W. AAV retinal transduction in a large animal model species: comparison of a self-complementary AAV2/5 with a single-stranded AAV2/5 vector. Mol Vis 2009; 15:1835-42. [PMID: 19756181 PMCID: PMC2743804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2009] [Accepted: 09/01/2009] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare self-complementary (sc) and single-stranded (ss) adeno-associated viral 2/5 (AAV2/5) vectors for retinal cell transduction in the dog when delivered by subretinal injection. METHODS ScAAV2/5 and ssAAV2/5 vectors encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) under control of the chicken beta actin promoter were prepared to the same titer. Equal amounts of viral particles were delivered into the subretinal spaces of both eyes of two dogs. In each dog, one eye received the scAAV2/5 and the other the ssAAV2/5. In vivo expression of GFP was monitored ophthalmoscopically. The dogs were sacrificed, and their retinas were examined by fluorescent microscopy and immunohistochemistry to determine GFP expression patterns and to assay for glial reactivity. RESULTS GFP expression in the scAAV2/5 injected eyes was detectable at a much earlier time point than in the ssAAV2/5 injected eyes. Expression of GFP was also at higher levels in the scAAV2/5-injected eyes. Expression levels remained stable for the seven month duration of the study. The types of cells transduced by both vectors were similar; there was strong reporter gene expression in the RPE and photoreceptors, although not all cones in the transduced area expressed GFP. Some horizontal and Müller cells were also transduced. CONCLUSIONS When delivered by subretinal injection in the dog, scAAV2/5 induces faster and stronger transgene expression than ssAAV2/5. The spectrum of retinal neurons transduced is similar between the two vectors. These results confirm in a large animal model those previously reported in the mouse. ScAAV2/5 shows promise for use in the treatment of conditions where a rapid transgene expression is desirable. Furthermore, it may be possible to use a lower number of viral particles to achieve the same effect compared with ssAAV2/5 vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- S.M. Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
| | - J.T. Bartoe
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
| | - A.J. Fischer
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - M. Scott
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - S.L. Boye
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - V. Chiodo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - W.W. Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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Retinal light damage. SPEKTRUM DER AUGENHEILKUNDE 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s00717-009-0340-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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45
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Naturally occurring animal models with outer retina phenotypes. Vision Res 2009; 49:2636-52. [PMID: 19375447 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2009.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2009] [Revised: 04/07/2009] [Accepted: 04/07/2009] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Naturally occurring and laboratory generated animal models serve as powerful tools with which to investigate the etiology of human retinal degenerations, especially retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), cone dystrophies (CD) and macular degeneration (MD). Much progress has been made in elucidating gene defects underlying disease, in understanding mechanisms leading to disease, and in designing molecules for translational research and gene-based therapy to interfere with the progression of disease. Key to this progress has been study of naturally occurring murine and canine retinal degeneration mutants. This article will review the history, phenotypes and gene defects of select animal models with outer retina (photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium) degeneration phenotypes.
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