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Bitard J, Grellier EK, Lourdel S, Filipe HP, Hamon A, Fenaille F, Castelli FA, Chu-Van E, Roger JE, Locker M, Perron M. Uveitic glaucoma-like features in Yap conditional knockout mice. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:48. [PMID: 38272861 PMCID: PMC10811226 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01791-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive and irreversible degeneration of the optic nerve and retinal ganglion cells. Despite medical advances aiming at slowing degeneration, around 40% of treated glaucomatous patients will undergo vision loss. It is thus of utmost importance to have a better understanding of the disease and to investigate more deeply its early causes. The transcriptional coactivator YAP, an important regulator of eye homeostasis, has recently drawn attention in the glaucoma research field. Here we show that Yap conditional knockout mice (Yap cKO), in which the deletion of Yap is induced in both Müller glia (i.e. the only retinal YAP-expressing cells) and the non-pigmented epithelial cells of the ciliary body, exhibit a breakdown of the aqueous-blood barrier, accompanied by a progressive collapse of the ciliary body. A similar phenotype is observed in human samples that we obtained from patients presenting with uveitis. In addition, aged Yap cKO mice harbor glaucoma-like features, including deregulation of key homeostatic Müller-derived proteins, retinal vascular defects, optic nerve degeneration and retinal ganglion cell death. Finally, transcriptomic analysis of Yap cKO retinas pointed to early-deregulated genes involved in extracellular matrix organization potentially underlying the onset and/or progression of the observed phenotype. Together, our findings reveal the essential role of YAP in preserving the integrity of the ciliary body and retinal ganglion cells, thereby preventing the onset of uveitic glaucoma-like features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Bitard
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France.
| | - Elodie-Kim Grellier
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Sophie Lourdel
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Helena Prior Filipe
- West Lisbon Hospitals Center, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Lisbon, Portugal
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Annaïg Hamon
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - François Fenaille
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), MetaboHUB, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Florence Anne Castelli
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), MetaboHUB, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Emeline Chu-Van
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), MetaboHUB, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Jérôme E Roger
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Morgane Locker
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Muriel Perron
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France.
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2
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Fadjukov J, Wienbar S, Hakanen S, Aho V, Vihinen-Ranta M, Ihalainen TO, Schwartz GW, Nymark S. Gap junctions and connexin hemichannels both contribute to the electrical properties of retinal pigment epithelium. J Gen Physiol 2022; 154:213064. [PMID: 35275193 PMCID: PMC8922333 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202112916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions are intercellular channels that permit the transfer of ions and small molecules between adjacent cells. These cellular junctions are particularly dense in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and their contribution to many retinal diseases has been recognized. While gap junctions have been implicated in several aspects of RPE physiology, their role in shaping the electrical properties of these cells has not been characterized in mammals. The role of gap junctions in the electrical properties of the RPE is particularly important considering the growing appreciation of RPE as excitable cells containing various voltage-gated channels. We used a whole-cell patch clamp to measure the electrical characteristics and connectivity between RPE cells, both in cultures derived from human embryonic stem cells and in the intact RPE monolayers from mouse eyes. We found that the pharmacological blockade of gap junctions eliminated electrical coupling between RPE cells, and that the blockade of gap junctions or Cx43 hemichannels significantly increased their input resistance. These results demonstrate that gap junctions function in the RPE not only as a means of molecular transport but also as a regulator of electrical excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Fadjukov
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Sophia Wienbar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.,Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.,Department of Neurobiology, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
| | - Satu Hakanen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Vesa Aho
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Maija Vihinen-Ranta
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Teemu O Ihalainen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Gregory W Schwartz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.,Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.,Department of Neurobiology, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
| | - Soile Nymark
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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3
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van der Sande E, Haarman AEG, Quint WH, Tadema KCD, Meester-Smoor MA, Kamermans M, De Zeeuw CI, Klaver CCW, Winkelman BHJ, Iglesias AI. The Role of GJD2(Cx36) in Refractive Error Development. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:5. [PMID: 35262731 PMCID: PMC8934558 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.3.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Refractive errors are common eye disorders characterized by a mismatch between the focal power of the eye and its axial length. An increased axial length is a common cause of the refractive error myopia (nearsightedness). The substantial increase in myopia prevalence over the last decades has raised public health concerns because myopia can lead to severe ocular complications later in life. Genomewide association studies (GWAS) have made considerable contributions to the understanding of the genetic architecture of refractive errors. Among the hundreds of genetic variants identified, common variants near the gap junction delta-2 (GJD2) gene have consistently been reported as one of the top hits. GJD2 encodes the connexin 36 (Cx36) protein, which forms gap junction channels and is highly expressed in the neural retina. In this review, we provide current evidence that links GJD2(Cx36) to the development of myopia. We summarize the gap junctional communication in the eye and the specific role of GJD2(Cx36) in retinal processing of visual signals. Finally, we discuss the pathways involving dopamine and gap junction phosphorylation and coupling as potential mechanisms that may explain the role of GJD2(Cx36) in refractive error development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie van der Sande
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Royal Dutch Academy of Art & Science (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annechien E. G. Haarman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wim H. Quint
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kirke C. D. Tadema
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Magda A. Meester-Smoor
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Kamermans
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Royal Dutch Academy of Art & Science (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Physics and Biomedical Photonics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chris I. De Zeeuw
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Royal Dutch Academy of Art & Science (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline C. W. Klaver
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Beerend H. J. Winkelman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Royal Dutch Academy of Art & Science (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adriana I. Iglesias
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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4
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Pang J, Thomas N, Tsuchiya D, Parmely T, Yan D, Xie T, Wang Y. Step-by-step preparation of mouse eye sections for routine histology, immunofluorescence, and RNA in situ hybridization multiplexing. STAR Protoc 2021; 2:100879. [PMID: 34806041 PMCID: PMC8585658 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2021.100879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
It can be challenging to maintain tissue integrity using established histology protocols. Here, we describe a protocol composed of Hartman's fixation, window technique, microwave-based tissue processing, optimized depigmentation, and antigen retrieval pretreatment. This is followed by the ViewRNA single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence techniques to optimize routine histological staining and molecular histology multiplexing assays. Our protocol is highly reproducible in any laboratory and may decrease animal usage and lab resource expenditure. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Pang et al. (2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Pang
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Nancy Thomas
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Dai Tsuchiya
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Tari Parmely
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Deyue Yan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ting Xie
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas School of Medicine, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Yongfu Wang
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
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5
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Huang OS, Seet LF, Ho HW, Chu SW, Narayanaswamy A, Perera SA, Husain R, Aung T, Wong TT. Altered Iris Aquaporin Expression and Aqueous Humor Osmolality in Glaucoma. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:34. [PMID: 33616622 PMCID: PMC7910645 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.2.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Aquaporins (AQPs) facilitate transmembrane osmotic water transport and may play a role in iris fluid conductivity, which is implicated in the pathophysiology of glaucoma. In this study, we compared the iris expression of AQPs and aqueous osmolality between primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG), primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and nonglaucoma eyes. Methods AQP1-5 transcripts from a cohort of 36 PACG, 34 POAG and 26 nonglaucoma irises were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Osmolality of aqueous humor from another cohort of 49 PACG, 50 POAG, and 50 nonglaucoma eyes were measured using an osmometer. The localization of AQP1 in both glaucoma and nonglaucoma irises was determined by immunofluorescent analysis. Results Of the five AQP genes evaluated, AQP1 and AQP2 transcripts were significantly upregulated in both PACG (3.48- and 8.07-fold, respectively) and POAG (3.12- and 11.58-fold, respectively) irises relative to nonglaucoma counterparts. The aqueous osmolalities of PACG (303.68 mmol/kg) and POAG (300.79 mmol/kg) eyes were significantly lower compared to nonglaucoma eyes (312.6 mmol/kg). There was no significant difference in expression of AQP transcripts or aqueous osmolality between PACG and POAG eyes. Conclusions PACG and POAG eyes featured significant increase in AQP1 and AQP2 expression in the iris and reduced aqueous osmolality compared to nonglaucoma eyes. These findings suggest that the iris may be involved in altered aqueous humor dynamics in glaucoma pathophysiology. Because PACG did not differ from POAG in both properties studied, it is likely that they are common to glaucoma disease in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia S Huang
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Li-Fong Seet
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | | | | | | | - Shamira A Perera
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Rahat Husain
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Tin Aung
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Tina T Wong
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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6
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Pang J, Le L, Zhou Y, Tu R, Hou Q, Tsuchiya D, Thomas N, Wang Y, Yu Z, Alexander R, Thexton M, Lewis B, Corbin T, Durnin M, Li H, Ashery-Padan R, Yan D, Xie T. NOTCH Signaling Controls Ciliary Body Morphogenesis and Secretion by Directly Regulating Nectin Protein Expression. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108603. [PMID: 33440163 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Anterior segment dysgenesis is often associated with cornea diseases, cataracts, and glaucoma. In the anterior segment, the ciliary body (CB) containing inner and outer ciliary epithelia (ICE and OCE) secretes aqueous humor that maintains intraocular pressure (IOP). However, CB development and function remain poorly understood. Here, this study shows that NOTCH signaling in the CB maintains the vitreous, IOP, and eye structures by regulating CB morphogenesis, aqueous humor secretion, and vitreous protein expression. Notch2 and Notch3 function via RBPJ in the CB to control ICE-OCE adhesion, CB morphogenesis, aqueous humor secretion, and protein expression, thus maintaining IOP and eye structures. Mechanistically, NOTCH signaling transcriptionally controls Nectin1 expression in the OCE to promote cell adhesion for driving CB morphogenesis and to directly stabilize Cx43 for controlling aqueous humor secretion. Finally, NOTCH signaling directly controls vitreous protein secretion in the ICE. Therefore, this study provides important insight into CB functions and involvement in eye diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Pang
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50(th) Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Liang Le
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50(th) Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Yi Zhou
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50(th) Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas School of Medicine, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Renjun Tu
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50(th) Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Qiang Hou
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50(th) Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA; State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dai Tsuchiya
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50(th) Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Nancy Thomas
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50(th) Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Yongfu Wang
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50(th) Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Zulin Yu
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50(th) Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Richard Alexander
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50(th) Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Marina Thexton
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50(th) Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Brandy Lewis
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50(th) Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Timothy Corbin
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50(th) Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Michael Durnin
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50(th) Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Hua Li
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50(th) Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Ruth Ashery-Padan
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Deyue Yan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ting Xie
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50(th) Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas School of Medicine, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
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7
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Adak A, Unal YC, Yucel S, Vural Z, Turan FB, Yalcin-Ozuysal O, Ozcivici E, Mese G. Connexin 32 induces pro-tumorigenic features in MCF10A normal breast cells and MDA-MB-231 metastatic breast cancer cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118851. [PMID: 32918981 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Connexins (Cx), the basic subunit of gap junctions, play important roles in cell homeostasis, and their abnormal expression and function are associated with human hereditary diseases and cancers. In tumorigenesis, connexins were observed to have both anti-tumorigenic and pro-tumorigenic roles in a context- and stage-dependent manner. Initially, Cx26 and Cx43 were thought to be the only connexins involved in normal breast homeostasis and breast cancer. Later on, association of Cx32 expression with lymph node metastasis of breast cancer and subsequent demonstration of its expression in normal breast tissue suggested that Cx32 contributes to breast tissue homeostasis. Here, we aimed to determine the effects of Cx32 on normal breast cells, MCF10A, and on breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231. Cx32 overexpression had profound effects on MCF10A cells, decreasing cell proliferation by increasing the doubling time of MCF10A. Furthermore, MCF10A cells acquired mesenchymal-like appearance upon Cx32 expression and had increased migration capacity and expression of both E-cadherin and vimentin. In contrast, Cx32 overexpression altered the EMT markers of MDA-MB-231 by increasing the expression of mesenchymal markers, such as slug and vimentin, and decreasing E-cadherin expression without affecting their proliferation and morphology. Our results indicate, for the first time in the literature, that Cx32 has tumor-promoting roles in MCF10A and MDA-MB-231 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asli Adak
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Yagmur Ceren Unal
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Simge Yucel
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Zehra Vural
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Fatma Basak Turan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ozden Yalcin-Ozuysal
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Engin Ozcivici
- Department of Bioengineering, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gulistan Mese
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey.
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8
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Park DY, Cho SY, Jin DK, Kee C. Clinical Characteristics of Autosomal Dominant GJA1 Missense Mutation Linked to Oculodentodigital Dysplasia in a Korean Family. J Glaucoma 2020; 28:357-362. [PMID: 30628995 DOI: 10.1097/ijg.0000000000001190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to present a comprehensive assessment of the ophthalmic characteristics of genetically confirmed oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD) in 4 members of a single Korean family across 3 generations. PATIENTS AND METHODS The characteristics of 4 affected ODDD patients were evaluated. Comprehensive ophthalmic and medical examinations were performed in 3 patients including the proband, together with genetic analysis, and retrospective chart review was conducted for an affected ancestor. For genetic analysis, targeted gene panel sequencing was conducted using genomic DNA extracted from peripheral blood. RESULTS All affected individuals in this family showed shared ophthalmic abnormalities of microcornea, microphthalmia, elevated intraocular pressure, and shallow anterior chamber, all of which have been reported as typical ocular features of ODDD. Myopic refractive error despite short axial length and thick cornea were highlighted as new findings of ODDD. Facial abnormalities were common in all affected members, but their fingers were normal. Severity of glaucoma was different among the affected individuals and seemed to depend on elevation of intraocular pressure, which occurred in narrow, but open-angle. Genetic analysis revealed the presence of c.119C>T (p.Ala40Val) in GJA1, which is responsible for ODDD, but not found in the control population. CONCLUSIONS This report describes detailed ocular characteristics in a genetically confirmed ODDD family, including unreported findings of thick cornea and myopic refractive error despite short axial length. The ocular features derived from the A40V mutation in GJA1 showed complete penetrance, suggesting a possible role of Cx43 in regulation of IOP and pathogenesis of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sung Yoon Cho
- Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong-Kyu Jin
- Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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9
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Wu J, Bell OH, Copland DA, Young A, Pooley JR, Maswood R, Evans RS, Khaw PT, Ali RR, Dick AD, Chu CJ. Gene Therapy for Glaucoma by Ciliary Body Aquaporin 1 Disruption Using CRISPR-Cas9. Mol Ther 2020; 28:820-829. [PMID: 31981492 PMCID: PMC7054720 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a common cause of blindness, yet current therapeutic options are imperfect. Clinical trials have invariably shown that reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) regardless of disease subtype prevents visual loss. Reducing ciliary body aqueous humor production can lower IOP, and the adeno-associated virus ShH10 serotype was identified as able to transduce mouse ciliary body epithelium following intravitreal injection. Using ShH10 to deliver a single vector CRISPR-Cas9 system disrupting Aquaporin 1 resulted in reduced IOP in treated eyes (10.4 ± 2.4 mmHg) compared with control (13.2 ± 2.0 mmHg) or non-injected eyes (13.1 ± 2.8 mmHg; p < 0.001; n = 12). Editing in the aquaporin 1 gene could be detected in ciliary body, and no off-target increases in corneal or retinal thickness were identified. In experimental mouse models of corticosteroid and microbead-induced ocular hypertension, IOP could be reduced to prevent ganglion cell loss (32 ± 4 /mm2) compared with untreated eyes (25 ± 5/mm2; p < 0.01). ShH10 could transduce human ciliary body from post-mortem donor eyes in ex vivo culture with indel formation detectable in the Aquaporin 1 locus. Clinical translation of this approach to patients with glaucoma may permit long-term reduction of IOP following a single injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Wu
- Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Oliver H Bell
- Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - David A Copland
- Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Alison Young
- Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - John R Pooley
- Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Ryea Maswood
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Rachel S Evans
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Peng Tee Khaw
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Robin R Ali
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Andrew D Dick
- Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Colin J Chu
- Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK.
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Burgos J, Villanueva S, Ojeda M, Cornejo I, Cid LP, Sepúlveda FV. Kir7.1 inwardly rectifying K + channel is expressed in ciliary body non pigment epithelial cells and might contribute to intraocular pressure regulation. Exp Eye Res 2019; 186:107723. [PMID: 31319081 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Inwardly rectifying K+ channel Kir7.1 is expressed in epithelia where it shares membrane localisation with the Na+/K+-pump. The ciliary body epithelium (CBE) of the eye is a determinant of intraocular pressure (IOP) through NaCl-driven fluid secretion of aqueous humour. In the present study we explored the presence Kir7.1 in this epithelium in the mouse and its possible functional role in the generation of IOP. Use heterozygous animals for total Kir7.1 knockout expressing β-galactosidase under the control of Kir7.1 promoter, identified the expression of Kir7.1 in non-pigmented epithelial cells of CBE. Using conditional, floxed knockout Kir7.1 mice as negative controls, we found Kir7.1 at the basolateral membrane of the same CBE cell layer. This was confirmed using a knockin mouse expressing the Kir7.1 protein tagged with a haemagglutinin epitope. Measurements using the conditional knockout mouse show only a minor effect of Kir7.1 inactivation on steady-state IOP. Transient increases in IOP in response to general anaesthetics, or to water injection, are absent or markedly curtailed in Kir7.1-deficient mice. These results suggest a role for Kir7.1 in IOP regulation through a possible modulation of aqueous humour production by the CBE non-pigmented epithelial cells. The location of Kir7.1 in the CBE, together with the effect of its removal on dynamic changes in IOP, point to a possible role of the channel as a leak pathway preventing cellular overload of K+ during the secretion process. Kir7.1 could be used as a potential therapeutic target in pathological conditions leading to elevated intraocular pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Burgos
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Avenida Arturo Prat 514, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Sandra Villanueva
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Avenida Arturo Prat 514, Valdivia, Chile; Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Margarita Ojeda
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Avenida Arturo Prat 514, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Isabel Cornejo
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Avenida Arturo Prat 514, Valdivia, Chile
| | - L Pablo Cid
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Avenida Arturo Prat 514, Valdivia, Chile
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Li SKL, Shan SW, Li HL, Cheng AKW, Pan F, Yip SP, Civan MM, To CH, Do CW. Characterization and Regulation of Gap Junctions in Porcine Ciliary Epithelium. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 59:3461-3468. [DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Ka-Lok Li
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sze-Wan Shan
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hoi-Lam Li
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China
| | - Angela King-Wah Cheng
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China
| | - Feng Pan
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shea-Ping Yip
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mortimer M. Civan
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Chi-Ho To
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi-Wai Do
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China
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Li X, He F, Gabelt BT, Wang Y, Cai S, Cao J, Fan N, Kaufman PL, Liu X. Effects of Latanoprost and Bimatoprost on the Expression of Molecules Relevant to Ocular Inflow and Outflow Pathways. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151644. [PMID: 27011234 PMCID: PMC4807090 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering and side effects in response to different prostaglandin F2α analogues can be variable, but, the underlying basis for this difference remains unknown. This study investigated the differential changes of cellular proteins relevant to IOP-lowering effects of latanoprost and bimatoprost. METHODS The human T lymphoblast (MOLT-3) cell line and immortalized human trabecular meshwork (iHTM) cells were studied by quantitative PCR and by immunofluorescence after treatment with either latanoprost or bimatoprost. New Zealand white rabbit eyes were treated topically with each agent and, following euthanasia, anterior segment tissues were studied with immunostaining. RESULTS In cultured MOLT-3 cells, mRNA expression of both c-fos and matrix metalloproteinase 9 increased significantly in response to each agent. In addition, there was little change in tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-3 mRNA, but a significant decrease in TIMP-4. Fibronectin mRNA in MOLT-3 cells was down-regulated with bimatoprost, but was up-regulated with latanoprost. Immunofluorescence analysis of iHTM cells showed that intracellular fibronectin was significantly decreased by bimatoprost, but was increased by latanoprost. Both latanoprost and bimatoprost increased mRNA expression of NF-кB p65 and decreased that of IкBα. Aquaporin-1 mRNA expression was significantly down-regulated by bimatoprost. Immunostaining also revealed a significant decrease of aquaporin-1 in the ciliary epithelium of New Zealand white rabbits after bimatoprost treatment. CONCLUSIONS Similarities in protein expression produced by latanoprost and bimatoprost in vitro may be relevant to the mechanism for their IOP-lowering effects in vivo. Differences in fibronectin expression and in aquaporin-1 expression in response to each agent may contribute to variability in the IOP-lowering efficacy in some studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Li
- Department of Biopharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fen He
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - B’Ann T. Gabelt
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Yun Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Suping Cai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Juanhui Cao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ning Fan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Paul L. Kaufman
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Xuyang Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
The blood-aqueous barrier of the eye is composed by tight junctions in the ciliary process nonpigmented epithelium, the endothelial cells in the iris vasculature, and the inner wall endothelium of Schlemm's canal. Tight junctions are gatekeepers of the paracellular transport limiting the selective diffusion of ions and small solutes through the space between neighboring cells. Tight junctions (ie, junctional adhesion molecules, claudins, occludins, zonula occludens, cingulin) are part of the apical junctional complex that also includes the adherens junctions (ie, cadherin-catenin and nectin-afadin complexes) and the gap junctions (ie, connexins). These junctional complexes respond rapidly to pharmacologic agents and physiological changes. Barrier dysfunction can contribute to the pathophysiology of inflammatory ocular diseases in a passive way by the vascular leakage of blood-borne molecules and inflammatory cells into the anterior segment of the eye.
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14
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Berthoud VM, Minogue PJ, Osmolak P, Snabb JI, Beyer EC. Roles and regulation of lens epithelial cell connexins. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:1297-303. [PMID: 24434541 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2013.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The avascular lens of the eye is covered anteriorly by an epithelium containing nucleated, metabolically active cells. This epithelium contains the first lens cells to encounter noxious external stimuli and cells that can develop compensatory or protective responses. Lens epithelial cells express the gap junction proteins, connexin43 (Cx43) and connexin50 (Cx50). Cx43 and Cx50 form gap junction channels and hemichannels with different properties. Although they may form heteromeric hemichannels, Cx43 and Cx50 probably do not form heterotypic channels in the lens. Cx50 channels make their greatest contribution to intercellular communication during the early postnatal period; subsequently, Cx43 becomes the predominant connexin supporting intercellular communication. Although epithelial Cx43 appears dispensable for lens development, Cx50 is critical for epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. Cx43 and Cx50 hemichannels and gap junction channels are regulated by multiple different agents. Lens epithelial cell connexins contribute to both normal lens physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana M Berthoud
- Department of Pediatrics and Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States.
| | - Peter J Minogue
- Department of Pediatrics and Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
| | - Patricia Osmolak
- Department of Pediatrics and Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
| | - Joseph I Snabb
- Department of Pediatrics and Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
| | - Eric C Beyer
- Department of Pediatrics and Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
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15
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Connexins form functional hemichannels in porcine ciliary epithelium. Exp Eye Res 2013; 118:20-9. [PMID: 24262135 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2013.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Revised: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The expression of connexins in the ciliary epithelium is consistent with gap junctions between the pigmented (PE) and nonpigmented ciliary epithelium (NPE) that form when connexon hemichannels from adjacent cells pair to form a channel. Here we present evidence that suggests undocked connexons may form functional hemichannels that permit exchange of substances between NPE and the aqueous humor. Intact porcine eyes were perfused via the ciliary artery and propidium iodide (PI) (MW 668) was added to the aqueous humor compartment as a tracer. After calcium-free solution containing PI was introduced into the aqueous humor compartment for 30 min, fluorescence microscopy revealed PI in the NPE cell layer. PI entry into the NPE was inhibited by calcium and by the connexin antagonist 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid (18-AGA). Studies also were carried out with cultured porcine NPE. Under normal conditions, little PI entered the cultured cells but calcium-free medium stimulated PI accumulation and the entry was inhibited by 18-AGA. In cells loaded with calcein (MW 622), calcium-free solution stimulated calcein exit. 18-AGA partially suppressed calcein exit in calcium-free medium. Connexin 43 and connexin 50 proteins were detected by western blot analysis in both native and cultured NPE. In the intact eye, immunolocalization studies revealed connexin 50 at the basolateral, aqueous humor-facing, margin of the NPE. In contrast, connexin 43 was observed at the junction of the PE and NPE layer and on the basolateral membrane of PE. The results point to functional hemichannels at the NPE basolateral surface. It is feasible that hemichannels might contribute to the transfer of substances between the ciliary epithelium cytoplasm and aqueous humor.
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16
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Zonta F, Polles G, Zanotti G, Mammano F. Permeation pathway of homomeric connexin 26 and connexin 30 channels investigated by molecular dynamics. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2012; 29:985-98. [PMID: 22292956 DOI: 10.1080/073911012010525027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the genes GJB2 and GJB6 encoding human connnexin26 (hCx26) and connexin30 (hCx30), respectively, are the leading cause of non-syndromic prelingual deafness in several human populations. In this work, we exploited the high degree (77%) of sequence similarity shared by hCx26 and hCx30 to create atomistic models of homomeric hCx26 and hCx30 connexons starting from the X-ray crystallographic structure of an intercellular channel formed by hCx26 protomers at 3.5-å resolution. The equilibrium dynamics of the two protein complexes was followed for 40 ns each by Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. Our results indicate that, in hCx26, positively charged Lys41 residues establish a potential barrier within the fully open channel, hindering ion diffusion in the absence of an electrochemical gradient. A similar role is played, in hCx30, by negatively charged Glu49 residues. The different position and charge of these two ion sieves account for the differences in unitary conductance observed experimentally. Our results are discussed in terms of present models of voltage gating in connexin channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Zonta
- Department of Physics and Astronomy G.Galilei, University of Padua, 35129 Padua, Italy
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17
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Pumphrey SA, Pizzirani S, Pirie CG, Needle DB. Glaucoma associated with uveal cysts and goniodysgenesis in American Bulldogs: a case series. Vet Ophthalmol 2012; 16:377-85. [DOI: 10.1111/vop.12000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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18
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Bivi N, Condon KW, Allen MR, Farlow N, Passeri G, Brun LR, Rhee Y, Bellido T, Plotkin LI. Cell autonomous requirement of connexin 43 for osteocyte survival: consequences for endocortical resorption and periosteal bone formation. J Bone Miner Res 2012; 27:374-89. [PMID: 22028311 PMCID: PMC3271138 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43) mediates osteocyte communication with other cells and with the extracellular milieu and regulates osteoblastic cell signaling and gene expression. We now report that mice lacking Cx43 in osteoblasts/osteocytes or only in osteocytes (Cx43(ΔOt) mice) exhibit increased osteocyte apoptosis, endocortical resorption, and periosteal bone formation, resulting in higher marrow cavity and total tissue areas measured at the femoral mid-diaphysis. Blockade of resorption reversed the increased marrow cavity but not total tissue area, demonstrating that endocortical resorption and periosteal apposition are independently regulated. Anatomical mapping of apoptotic osteocytes, osteocytic protein expression, and resorption and formation suggests that Cx43 controls osteoclast and osteoblast activity by regulating osteoprotegerin and sclerostin levels, respectively, in osteocytes located in specific areas of the cortex. Whereas empty lacunae and living osteocytes lacking osteoprotegerin were distributed throughout cortical bone in Cx43(ΔOt) mice, apoptotic osteocytes were preferentially located in areas containing osteoclasts, suggesting that osteoclast recruitment requires active signaling from dying osteocytes. Furthermore, Cx43 deletion in cultured osteocytic cells resulted in increased apoptosis and decreased osteoprotegerin expression. Thus, Cx43 is essential in a cell-autonomous fashion in vivo and in vitro for osteocyte survival and for controlling the expression of osteocytic genes that affect osteoclast and osteoblast function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Bivi
- Dept. Anatomy & Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, U.S.A
| | - Keith W. Condon
- Dept. Anatomy & Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, U.S.A
| | - Matthew R. Allen
- Dept. Anatomy & Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, U.S.A
| | - Nathan Farlow
- Dept. Anatomy & Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, U.S.A
| | - Giovanni Passeri
- Dept. Anatomy & Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, U.S.A
| | - Lucas R. Brun
- Dept. Anatomy & Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, U.S.A
| | - Yumie Rhee
- Dept. Anatomy & Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, U.S.A
| | - Teresita Bellido
- Dept. Anatomy & Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, U.S.A
- Dept. Internal Medicine, Div. Endocrinology, Indiana University School of Medicine, U.S.A
| | - Lilian I. Plotkin
- Dept. Anatomy & Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, U.S.A
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Hernández-Lemus E. Biological physics in México: Review and new challenges. J Biol Phys 2011; 37:167-84. [PMID: 22379227 PMCID: PMC3047202 DOI: 10.1007/s10867-011-9218-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2010] [Accepted: 01/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological and physical sciences possess a long-standing tradition of cooperativity as separate but related subfields of science. For some time, this cooperativity has been limited by their obvious differences in methods and views. Biological physics has recently experienced a kind of revival (or better a rebirth) due to the growth of molecular research on animate matter. New avenues for research have been opened for both theoretical and experimental physicists. Nevertheless, in order to better travel for such paths, the contemporary biological physicist should be armed with a set of specialized tools and methods but also with a new attitude toward multidisciplinarity. In this review article, we intend to somehow summarize what has been done in the past (in particular, as an example we will take a closer look at the Mexican case), to show some examples of fruitful investigations in the biological physics area and also to set a proposal of new curricula for physics students and professionals interested in applying their science to get a better understanding of the physical basis of biological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Hernández-Lemus
- Departamento de Genómica Computacional, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Periférico Sur No. 4124, Torre Zafiro 2, Piso 6 Col. Ex Rancho de Anzaldo, Álvaro Obregón 01900 México, D.F., México
- Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Torre de Ingeniería, Piso 6 Circuito Escolar s/n Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, 04510 México, D.F., México
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20
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The expression of Wnt2b in the optic cup lip requires a border between the pigmented and nonpigmented epithelium. Mol Vis 2010; 16:2701-17. [PMID: 21179237 PMCID: PMC3002962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2010] [Accepted: 12/09/2010] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Wnt2b is normally expressed at the optic cup lip and is implicated in ciliary body induction. The lens has often been considered an organizer for the anterior eye, but recent studies demonstrate that the anterior cell fates are correctly specified in the absence of the lens. This study uses Wnt2b as a marker to reveal the mechanism behind the specification of the anterior domain of the optic cup. METHODS Developing chick embryos were used as a model system. Eyes were microsurgically manipulated to assess the role of the lens in the development of the anterior optic cup. Eyes were molecularly manipulated, using fibroblast growth factor expressing replication-incompetent retrovirus, introduced into the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) domain. Ectopic fibroblast growth factor transformed the RPE into nonpigmented epithelium (NPE; ciliary body). As the virus does not spread, discrete borders between RPE and NPE were experimentally created. Wnt2b expression was assessed after surgical and molecular manipulation. RESULTS Contrary to expectations, we found that the lens is not able to induce Wnt2b expression in optic cup tissue: When the optic cup lip is experimentally misspecified such that it no longer contains the juxtaposition of pigmented and nonpigmented tissue, Wnt2b is not expressed. In addition, if the prelens ectoderm is removed from the optic vesicle before morphogenesis, the resulting lensless optic cup expresses Wnt2b even though it was not in contact with lens tissue. We also show that ectopic lenses do not induce Wnt2b in optic cup tissue. The ciliary body/anterior eye domain is specified at the border of RPE and the NPE of the ciliary body. During development, this border is normally found at the optic cup lip. We can manipulate tissue specification using retroviral-mediated gene transfer, and create ectopic borders between nonpigmented and pigmented tissue. At such borders, Wnt2b is ectopically expressed in the absence of lens contact. Finally, we describe a role for the lens in maintenance of Wnt2b expression and demonstrate support for this in two ways: First, we show that if the lens is removed from the formed optic cup, endogenous Wnt2b expression is specifically lost from the optic cup lip; and second, we show that while ectopic Wnt2b expression is initially found in the majority of ectopic borders, as eye development proceeds ectopic expression is maintained only in those borders that are close to the lens. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, the results provide support for a model in which the anterior optic cup domain, as described in part by Wnt2b expression, is specified through the elaboration of a border within the optic neuroepithelium rather than through interactions with the surrounding environment.
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Wang Z, Do CW, Valiunas V, Leung CT, Cheng AKW, Clark AF, Wax MB, Chatterton JE, Civan MM. Regulation of gap junction coupling in bovine ciliary epithelium. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2010; 298:C798-806. [PMID: 20089928 PMCID: PMC2853215 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00406.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2009] [Accepted: 01/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Aqueous humor is formed by fluid transfer from the ciliary stroma sequentially across the pigmented ciliary epithelial (PE) cells, gap junctions, and nonpigmented ciliary epithelial (NPE) cells. Which connexins (Cx) contribute to PE-NPE gap junctional formation appears species specific. We tested whether small interfering RNA (siRNA) against Cx43 (siCx43) affects bovine PE-NPE communication and whether cAMP affects communication. Native bovine ciliary epithelial cells were studied by dual-cell patch clamping, Lucifer Yellow (LY) transfer, quantitative polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcription (qRT-PCR), and Western immunoblot. qRT-PCR revealed at least 100-fold greater expression for Cx43 than Cx40. siCx43 knocked down target mRNA expression by 55 +/- 7% after 24 h, compared with nontargeting control siRNA (NTC1) transfection. After 48 h, siCx43 reduced Cx43 protein expression and LY transfer. The ratio of fluorescence intensity (R(f)) in recipient to donor cell was 0.47 +/- 0.09 (n = 11) 10 min after whole cell patch formation in couplets transfected with NTC1. siCx43 decreased R(f) by approximately 60% to 0.20 +/- 0.07 (n = 13, P < 0.02). Dibutyryl-cAMP (500 microM) also reduced LY dye transfer by approximately 60%, reducing R(f) from 0.41 +/- 0.05 (n = 15) to 0.17 +/- 0.05 (n = 20) after 10 min. Junctional currents were lowered by approximately 50% (n = 6) after 10-min perfusion with 500 microM dibutyryl-cAMP (n = 6); thereafter, heptanol abolished the currents (n = 5). Preincubation with the PKA inhibitor H-89 (2 microM) prevented cAMP-triggered current reduction (n = 6). We conclude that 1) Cx43, but not Cx40, is a major functional component of bovine PE-NPE gap junctions; and 2) under certain conditions, cAMP may act through PKA to inhibit bovine PE-NPE gap junctional communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Wang
- Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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