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Kong K, Ding X, Wang Y, Xu S, Li G, Wang X, Zhang M, Ni Y, Xu G. Circular RNA expression profile and functional analysis of circUvrag in light-induced photoreceptor degeneration. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024; 52:558-575. [PMID: 38282307 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14355] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated in retinal pathophysiology; however, their expression profiles and functions in photoreceptor apoptosis are largely unknown. We explored circRNA-expression profiles and circUvrag (host gene: Uvrag, ultraviolet radiation resistance associated gene) function in light-induced photoreceptor apoptosis. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats and 661 W photoreceptor cells were exposed to blue light to establish light-induced photoreceptor degeneration. Differentially expressed circRNAs were identified using microarrays. Potential functions of dysregulated circRNAs were analysed using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. CircUvrag expression and localization were evaluated using quantitative RT-PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization, respectively. CircUvrag overexpression and knockdown were induced using a plasmid and a small interfering RNA, respectively, and retinal function and structure were assessed using scotopic electroretinography, haematoxylin-eosin staining, and TUNEL staining. Microglial migration was assessed using IBA1 immunostaining. The apoptosis ratio of photoreceptor cells in vitro was detected using flow cytometry. RESULTS We identified 764 differentially expressed circRNAs, which were potentially related with the development of retinal structures, including neurons, dendrites, and synapses, and might participate in nervous-system pathophysiology. Light exposure enriched circUvrag in the cytoplasm of photoreceptors in the outer nuclear layer (ONL). CircUvrag knockdown decreased photoreceptor apoptosis and microglial migration to the ONL after light exposure, preserving ONL thickness and a-wave amplitude. In vitro, circUvrag knockdown inhibited photoreceptor apoptosis, although circUvrag overexpression slightly promoted photoreceptor apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS CircUvrag knockdown attenuated light-induced photoreceptor apoptosis, and might be a potential target in retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangjie Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyi Ding
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingchao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sisi Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Gang Li
- Research Center, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingqin Ni
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gezhi Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Zhao X, Hu L, Liu G, Yin X, Gong Q, Li Y, Li Q, Zhou Y, Sun Y, Guo C, Du Z. Fibronectin binds integrin α5β1 to regulate macular neovascularization through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Exp Eye Res 2024; 242:109880. [PMID: 38552713 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive, degenerative disease of the macula. The formation of macular neovascularization (MNV) and subretinal fibrosis of AMD is the most classic cause of the loss of vision in older adults worldwide. While the underlying causes of MNV and subretinal fibrosis remain elusive, the common feature of many common retinal diseases is changes the proportions of protein deposition in extracellular matrix (ECM) when compared to normal tissue. In ECM, fibronectin (FN) is a crucial component and plays a pivotal part not only in fibrotic diseases but also in the process of angiogenesis. The study aims to understand the role of ligand FN and its common integrin receptor α5β1 on MNV, and to understand the molecular mechanism involved. To study this, the laser-induced MNV mouse model and the rhesus macaque choroid-retinal endothelial cell line (RF/6A) chemical hypoxia mode were established, and the FN-α5β1 expression levels were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative real-time PCR analysis (qRT-PCR). Fibronectin expression was silenced using small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting FN. The tube formation and vitro scratch assays were used to assess the ability to form blood vessels and cell migration. To measure the formation of MNV, immunofluorescence, and Western blot assays were used. These results revealed that the expressions of FN and integrin α5β1 were distinctly increased in the laser-induced MNV mouse model and in the RF/6A cytochemically induced hypoxia model, and the expression tendency was identical. After the use of FN siRNA, the tube formation and migration abilities of the RF/6A cells were lower, the ability of endothelial cells to proliferate was confined and the scope of damage caused by the laser in animal models was significantly cut down. In addition, FN gene knockdown dramatically inhibited the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signal. The interaction of FN with the integrin receptor α5β1 in the constructed model, which may act through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, was confirmed in this study. In conclusion, FN may be a potential new molecular target for the prevention and treatment of subretinal fibrosis and MNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoran Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Liting Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Guibo Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Xiaoni Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Qingyun Gong
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Linyi People's Hospital, Jiefang Road Number 27, Lanshan District, Linyi, 276003, Shandong, China
| | - Qinghua Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yuzheng Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yibin Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Chunyan Guo
- People's Hospital of Dingxi, Dingxi, 743000, Gansu Province, China.
| | - Zhaodong Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China.
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Reinhard J, Mueller-Buehl C, Wiemann S, Roll L, Luft V, Shabani H, Rathbun DL, Gan L, Kuo CC, Franzen J, Joachim SC, Faissner A. Neural extracellular matrix regulates visual sensory motor integration. iScience 2024; 27:108846. [PMID: 38318351 PMCID: PMC10839651 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Visual processing depends on sensitive and balanced synaptic neurotransmission. Extracellular matrix proteins in the environment of cells are key modulators in synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity. In the present study, we provide evidence that the combined loss of the four extracellular matrix components, brevican, neurocan, tenascin-C, and tenascin-R, in quadruple knockout mice leads to severe retinal dysfunction and diminished visual motion processing in vivo. Remarkably, impaired visual motion processing was accompanied by a developmental loss of cholinergic direction-selective starburst amacrine cells. Additionally, we noted imbalance of inhibitory and excitatory synaptic signaling in the quadruple knockout retina. Collectively, the study offers insights into the functional importance of four key extracellular matrix proteins for retinal function, visual motion processing, and synaptic signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Reinhard
- Department of Cell Morphology and Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Cornelius Mueller-Buehl
- Department of Cell Morphology and Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Susanne Wiemann
- Department of Cell Morphology and Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Lars Roll
- Department of Cell Morphology and Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Veronika Luft
- Department of Cell Morphology and Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Hamed Shabani
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Daniel L. Rathbun
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Lin Gan
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Clinical Research Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Chao-Chung Kuo
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Clinical Research Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Julia Franzen
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Clinical Research Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Stephanie C. Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, 44892 Bochum, Germany
| | - Andreas Faissner
- Department of Cell Morphology and Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
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Niu Y, Xi Y, Jing Y, Zhou Z, Sun X, Zhang G, Yuan T, Chang T, Dou G. Endothelial Notch Signaling Regulates the Function of the Retinal Pigment Epithelial Barrier via EC Angiocrine Signaling. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1979. [PMID: 38001832 PMCID: PMC10669439 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12111979] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The outer blood-retina barrier (oBRB), comprises tightly connected retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, Bruch's membrane, and choroid blood vessels, and is essential for retinal health and normal visual function. Disruption of the RPE barrier and its dysfunction can lead to retinal disorders such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In the present study, we investigated the essential role of choroid endothelial cells (ECs) in the RPE barrier formation process and its dysfunction. We discovered that ECs promoted RPE barrier formation through angiocrine signaling. Through blocking or activating endothelial Notch signaling and conducting experiments in vitro and in vivo, we confirmed that endothelial Notch signaling regulated the expression of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HBEGF) and consequently impacted the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-9 in RPE cells. This modulation influenced the RPE extracellular matrix deposition, tight junctions and RPE barrier function. In in vivo experiments, the intravitreal administration of recombinant HBEGF (r-HBEGF) alleviated the RPE barrier disruption induced by subretinal injection (SI) or laser treatment and also rescued RPE barrier disruption in endothelial Notch-deficient mice. Our results showed that the endothelial Notch signaling drove HBEGF expression through angiocrine signaling and effectively improved RPE barrier function by regulating the MMP-9 expression in RPE cells. It suggests that the modulation of Notch signaling in the choroidal endothelium may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Niu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Y.N.); (Y.J.); (Z.Z.); (X.S.); (G.Z.); (T.Y.)
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China;
| | - Yixuan Xi
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China;
| | - Yutong Jing
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Y.N.); (Y.J.); (Z.Z.); (X.S.); (G.Z.); (T.Y.)
| | - Ziyi Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Y.N.); (Y.J.); (Z.Z.); (X.S.); (G.Z.); (T.Y.)
| | - Xiaojia Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Y.N.); (Y.J.); (Z.Z.); (X.S.); (G.Z.); (T.Y.)
| | - Guoheng Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Y.N.); (Y.J.); (Z.Z.); (X.S.); (G.Z.); (T.Y.)
| | - Tianhao Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Y.N.); (Y.J.); (Z.Z.); (X.S.); (G.Z.); (T.Y.)
| | - Tianfang Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Y.N.); (Y.J.); (Z.Z.); (X.S.); (G.Z.); (T.Y.)
| | - Guorui Dou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Y.N.); (Y.J.); (Z.Z.); (X.S.); (G.Z.); (T.Y.)
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Castellini ME, Spagnolli G, Poggi L, Biasini E, Casarosa S, Messina A. Identification of the zebrafish homologues of IMPG2, a retinal proteoglycan. Cell Tissue Res 2023; 394:93-105. [PMID: 37470839 PMCID: PMC10558372 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-023-03808-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Photoreceptor outer segments are surrounded by a carbohydrate-rich matrix, the interphotoreceptor matrix, necessary for physiological retinal function. Few roles for molecules characterizing the interphotoreceptor matrix have been clearly defined. Recent studies have found the presence of nonsense mutations in the interphotoreceptor matrix proteoglycan 2 (IMPG2) gene in patients affected by retinal dystrophies. IMPG2 encodes for a proteoglycan synthesized by photoreceptors and secreted in the interphotoreceptor matrix. Little is known about the structure and function of this protein, we thus decided to characterize zebrafish impg2. In zebrafish there are two Impg2 proteins, Impg2a and Impg2b. We generated a phylogenetic tree based on IMPG2 protein sequence similarity among vertebrates, showing a significant similarity between humans and teleosts. The human and zebrafish proteins share conserved domains, as also shown by homology models. Expression analyses of impg2a and impg2b show a continued expression in the photoreceptor layer starting from developmental stages and continuing through adulthood. Between 1 and 6 months post-fertilization, there is a significant shift of Impg2 expression toward the outer segment region, suggesting an increase in secretion. This raises intriguing hypotheses about its possible role(s) during retinal maturation, laying the groundwork for the generation of most needed models for the study of IMPG2-related inherited retinal dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Castellini
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive, 9, 38123, Povo, TN, Italy
| | - G Spagnolli
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive, 9, 38123, Povo, TN, Italy
- Sibylla Biotech S.R.L, Piazzetta Chiavica 2 - 37121, Verona, VR, Italy
| | - L Poggi
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive, 9, 38123, Povo, TN, Italy
- Centre for Medical Sciences (CISMed), University of Trento, Via S. Maria Maddalena, 1, 38122, Trento, TN, Italy
| | - E Biasini
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive, 9, 38123, Povo, TN, Italy
- Centre for Medical Sciences (CISMed), University of Trento, Via S. Maria Maddalena, 1, 38122, Trento, TN, Italy
| | - S Casarosa
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive, 9, 38123, Povo, TN, Italy.
- Centre for Medical Sciences (CISMed), University of Trento, Via S. Maria Maddalena, 1, 38122, Trento, TN, Italy.
| | - A Messina
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive, 9, 38123, Povo, TN, Italy
- Centre for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Piazza Manifattura 1, 38068, Rovereto, TN, Italy
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Abyadeh M, Gupta V, Paulo JA, Sheriff S, Shadfar S, Fitzhenry M, Amirkhani A, Gupta V, Salekdeh GH, Haynes PA, Graham SL, Mirzaei M. Apolipoprotein ε in Brain and Retinal Neurodegenerative Diseases. Aging Dis 2023; 14:1311-1330. [PMID: 37199411 PMCID: PMC10389820 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0312-1] [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: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia that remains incurable and has become a major medical, social, and economic challenge worldwide. AD is characterized by pathological hallmarks of senile plaques (SP) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) that damage the brain up to twenty years before a clinical diagnosis is made. Interestingly these pathological features have also been observed in retinal neurodegenerative diseases including age related macular degeneration (ARMD), glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy (DR). An association of AD with these diseases has been suggested in epidemiological studies and several common pathological events and risk factors have been identified between these diseases. The E4 allele of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a well-established genetic risk factor for late onset AD. The ApoE ε4 allele is also associated with retinal neurodegenerative diseases however in contrast to AD, it is considered protective in AMD, likewise ApoE E2 allele, which is a protective factor for AD, has been implicated as a risk factor for AMD and glaucoma. This review summarizes the evidence on the effects of ApoE in retinal neurodegenerative diseases and discusses the overlapping molecular pathways in AD. The involvement of ApoE in regulating amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau pathology, inflammation, vascular integrity, glucose metabolism and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vivek Gupta
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Joao A Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Samran Sheriff
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Sina Shadfar
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Matthew Fitzhenry
- Australian Proteome Analysis Facility, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113, Australia.
| | - Ardeshir Amirkhani
- Australian Proteome Analysis Facility, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113, Australia.
| | - Veer Gupta
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, VIC, Australia.
| | - Ghasem H Salekdeh
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Paul A Haynes
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Stuart L Graham
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
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Chu-Tan JA, Cioanca AV, Wooff Y, Kirkby M, Ellis M, Gulati P, Karl T, Boatright JH, Bales K, Nickerson J, Natoli R. Voluntary exercise modulates pathways associated with amelioration of retinal degenerative diseases. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1116898. [PMID: 36969592 PMCID: PMC10036398 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1116898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Exercise has been shown to promote a healthier and longer life and linked to a reduced risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases including retinal degenerations. However, the molecular pathways underpinning exercise-induced cellular protection are not well understood. In this work we aim to profile the molecular changes underlying exercise-induced retinal protection and investigate how exercise-induced inflammatory pathway modulation may slow the progression of retinal degenerations.Methods: Female C57Bl/6J mice at 6 weeks old were given free access to open voluntary running wheels for a period of 28 days and then subjected to 5 days of photo-oxidative damage (PD)-induced retinal degeneration. Following, retinal function (electroretinography; ERG), morphology (optical coherence tomography; OCT) and measures of cell death (TUNEL) and inflammation (IBA1) were analysed and compared to sedentary controls. To decipher global gene expression changes as a result of voluntary exercise, RNA sequencing and pathway and modular gene co-expression analyses were performed on retinal lysates of exercised and sedentary mice that were subjected to PD, as well as healthy dim-reared controls.Results: Following 5 days of PD, exercised mice had significantly preserved retinal function, integrity and reduced levels of retinal cell death and inflammation, compared to sedentary controls. In response to voluntary exercise, inflammatory and extracellular matrix integrity pathways were significantly modulated, with the gene expression profile of exercised mice more closely trending towards that of a healthy dim-reared retina.Conclusion: We suggest that voluntary exercise may mediate retinal protection by influencing key pathways involved in regulating retinal health and shifting the transcriptomic profile to a healthy phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A. Chu-Tan
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
- School of Medicine and Psychology, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Adrian V. Cioanca
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
- School of Medicine and Psychology, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Yvette Wooff
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
- School of Medicine and Psychology, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Max Kirkby
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Marissa Ellis
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Pranay Gulati
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Katie Bales
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - John Nickerson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Riccardo Natoli
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
- School of Medicine and Psychology, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
- *Correspondence: Riccardo Natoli,
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8
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Xu R, Wang Y, Du J, Salido EM. Retinal Metabolic Profile on IMPG2 Deficiency Mice with Subretinal Lesions. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1415:457-463. [PMID: 37440072 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-27681-1_67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM) is the extracellular matrix between the photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The IPM has two proteoglycans: the IPM proteoglycans 1 and 2 (IMPG1 and IMPG2, respectively). Patients with mutations on IMPG2 develop subretinal vitelliform lesions that affect vision. We previously created an IMPG2 knockout (KO) mice model that generates subretinal lesions similar to those found in humans. These subretinal lesions in IMPG2 KO mice retinas are, in part, composed of mislocalized IMPG1. In addition, IMPG2 KO mice show microscopic IMPG1 material accumulation between the RPE and the photoreceptor outer segments. In this work we discuss the possibility that material accumulation on IMPG2 KO mice retinas affects photoreceptor metabolism. To further investigate this idea, we used targeted metabolomics to profile retinal metabolome on IMPG2 KO mice. The metabolite set enrichment analysis showed reduced glutamate metabolism, urea cycle, and galactose metabolism suggesting affected energy metabolism in mice retinas of IMPG2 KO mice with subretinal lesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Xu
- Departments of Biochemistry and molecular medicine, and Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Yekai Wang
- Departments of Biochemistry and molecular medicine, and Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Jianhai Du
- Departments of Biochemistry and molecular medicine, and Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Ezequiel M Salido
- Departments of Biochemistry and molecular medicine, and Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
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Serjanov D, Hyde DR. Extracellular Matrix: The Unexplored Aspects of Retinal Pathologies and Regeneration. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1415:309-317. [PMID: 37440050 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-27681-1_45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Nearly a billion people worldwide are affected by vision-impairing conditions, with retinal degenerative diseases being a major cause of blindness. Unfortunately, such diseases are often permanent and progressive, resulting in further degeneration and loss of sight, due to the human retina possessing little, if any, regenerative capacity. Despite numerous efforts and great progress being made to understand the molecular mechanisms of these diseases and possible therapies, the majority of investigations focused on cell-intrinsic factors. However, the microenvironment surrounding retinal cells throughout these processes also plays an important role, though our current understanding of its involvement remains limited. Here we present a brief overview of the current state of the field of extracellular matrix studies within the retina and its potential roles in retinal diseases and potential therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitri Serjanov
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - David R Hyde
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
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10
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Martins RR, Zamzam M, Tracey-White D, Moosajee M, Thummel R, Henriques CM, MacDonald RB. Müller Glia maintain their regenerative potential despite degeneration in the aged zebrafish retina. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13597. [PMID: 35315590 PMCID: PMC9009236 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ageing is a significant risk factor for degeneration of the retina. Müller glia cells (MG) are key for neuronal regeneration, so harnessing the regenerative capacity of MG in the retina offers great promise for the treatment of age-associated blinding conditions. Yet, the impact of ageing on MG regenerative capacity is unclear. Here, we show that the zebrafish retina undergoes telomerase-independent, age-related neurodegeneration but that this is insufficient to stimulate MG proliferation and regeneration. Instead, age-related neurodegeneration is accompanied by MG morphological aberrations and loss of vision. Mechanistically, yes-associated protein (Yap), part of the Hippo signalling, has been shown to be critical for the regenerative response in the damaged retina, and we show that Yap expression levels decline with ageing. Despite this, morphologically and molecularly altered aged MG retain the capacity to regenerate neurons after acute light damage, therefore, highlighting key differences in the MG response to high-intensity acute damage versus chronic neuronal loss in the zebrafish retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel R Martins
- The Bateson Centre, Healthy Lifespan Institute, MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated research into Musculoskeletal Ageing and Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield Medical School, Sheffield, UK
| | - Mazen Zamzam
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Mariya Moosajee
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Ryan Thummel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Catarina M Henriques
- The Bateson Centre, Healthy Lifespan Institute, MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated research into Musculoskeletal Ageing and Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield Medical School, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ryan B MacDonald
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
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11
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Shepeleva IP. A Comparative Analysis of the Camera-like Eyes of Jumping Spiders and Humans. Vision (Basel) 2021; 6:vision6010002. [PMID: 35076633 PMCID: PMC8788500 DOI: 10.3390/vision6010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Among invertebrates, jumping spiders are one of the few groups whose representatives have camera-like eyes, and the only group whose representatives have fovea. The latter is present in the camera-like eyes of representatives of some groups of vertebrates, including humans. Based on the literature data, a comparative analysis of the camera-like eyes of jumping spiders and humans was carried out, in the course of which the similarities and differences in the properties and functions of their basic components were identified. The presented data are necessary for the formation of knowledge about jumping spiders as model animals for studying the functioning of the visual system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina P Shepeleva
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Makarova emb. 6, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
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12
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Liu S, Miyaji M, Hosoya O, Matsuo T. Effect of NK-5962 on Gene Expression Profiling of Retina in a Rat Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413276. [PMID: 34948073 PMCID: PMC8703378 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: NK-5962 is a key component of photoelectric dye-coupled polyethylene film, designated Okayama University type-retinal prosthesis (OUReP™). Previously, we found that NK-5962 solution could reduce the number of apoptotic photoreceptors in the eyes of the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats by intravitreal injection under a 12 h light/dark cycle. This study aimed to explore possible molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-apoptotic effect of NK-5962 in the retina of RCS rats. Methods: RCS rats received intravitreal injections of NK-5962 solution in the left eye at the age of 3 and 4 weeks, before the age of 5 weeks when the speed in the apoptotic degeneration of photoreceptors reaches its peak. The vehicle-treated right eyes served as controls. All rats were housed under a 12 h light/dark cycle, and the retinas were dissected out at the age of 5 weeks for RNA sequence (RNA-seq) analysis. For the functional annotation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), the Metascape and DAVID databases were used. Results: In total, 55 up-regulated DEGs, and one down-regulated gene (LYVE1) were found to be common among samples treated with NK-5962. These DEGs were analyzed using Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Reactome pathway analyses. We focused on the up-regulated DEGs that were enriched in extracellular matrix organization, extracellular exosome, and PI3K–Akt signaling pathways. These terms and pathways may relate to mechanisms to protect photoreceptor cells. Moreover, our analyses suggest that SERPINF1, which encodes pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), is one of the key regulatory genes involved in the anti-apoptotic effect of NK-5962 in RCS rat retinas. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that photoelectric dye NK-5962 may delay apoptotic death of photoreceptor cells in RCS rats by up-regulating genes related to extracellular matrix organization, extracellular exosome, and PI3K–Akt signaling pathways. Overall, our RNA-seq and bioinformatics analyses provide insights in the transcriptome responses in the dystrophic RCS rat retinas that were induced by NK-5962 intravitreal injection and offer potential target genes for developing new therapeutic strategies for patients with retinitis pigmentosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihui Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama City 700-8558, Japan;
| | - Mary Miyaji
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama City 700-8558, Japan; (M.M.); (O.H.)
| | - Osamu Hosoya
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama City 700-8558, Japan; (M.M.); (O.H.)
| | - Toshihiko Matsuo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama City 700-8558, Japan;
- Correspondence:
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13
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Modulation of SOD3 Levels Is Detrimental to Retinal Homeostasis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10101595. [PMID: 34679728 PMCID: PMC8533566 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10101595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal oxidative stress is a common secondary feature of many retinal diseases. Though it may not be the initial insult, it is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of highly prevalent retinal dystrophic diseases like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinitis pigmentosa. We explored the role of superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3) in retinal homeostasis since SOD3 protects the extracellular matrix (ECM) from oxidative injury. We show that SOD3 is mainly extracellularly localized and is upregulated as a result of environmental and pathogenic stress. Ablation of SOD3 resulted in reduced functional electroretinographic responses and number of photoreceptors, which is exacerbated with age. By contrast, overexpression showed increased electroretinographic responses and increased number of photoreceptors at young ages, but appears deleterious as the animal ages, as determined from the associated functional decline. Our exploration shows that SOD3 is vital to retinal homeostasis but its levels are tightly regulated. This suggests that SOD3 augmentation to combat oxidative stress during retinal degenerative changes may only be effective in the short-term.
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Vanhunsel S, Bergmans S, Beckers A, Etienne I, Van Houcke J, Seuntjens E, Arckens L, De Groef L, Moons L. The killifish visual system as an in vivo model to study brain aging and rejuvenation. NPJ Aging Mech Dis 2021; 7:22. [PMID: 34404797 PMCID: PMC8371010 DOI: 10.1038/s41514-021-00077-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, people are getting older, and this prolonged lifespan unfortunately also results in an increased prevalence of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, contributing to a diminished life quality of elderly. Age-associated neuropathies typically include diseases leading to dementia (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease), as well as eye diseases such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Despite many research attempts aiming to unravel aging processes and their involvement in neurodegeneration and functional decline, achieving healthy brain aging remains a challenge. The African turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri) is the shortest-lived reported vertebrate that can be bred in captivity and displays many of the aging hallmarks that have been described for human aging, which makes it a very promising biogerontology model. As vision decline is an important hallmark of aging as well as a manifestation of many neurodegenerative diseases, we performed a comprehensive characterization of this fish's aging visual system. Our work reveals several aging hallmarks in the killifish retina and brain that eventually result in a diminished visual performance. Moreover, we found evidence for the occurrence of neurodegenerative events in the old killifish retina. Altogether, we introduce the visual system of the fast-aging killifish as a valuable model to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying aging in the vertebrate central nervous system. These findings put forward the killifish for target validation as well as drug discovery for rejuvenating or neuroprotective therapies ensuring healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Vanhunsel
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven Bergmans
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - An Beckers
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Jolien Van Houcke
- Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eve Seuntjens
- Developmental Neurobiology Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lut Arckens
- Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies De Groef
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieve Moons
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium.
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15
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Maturation and Protection Effect of Retinal Tissue-Derived Bioink for 3D Cell Printing Technology. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13070934. [PMID: 34201702 PMCID: PMC8309106 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13070934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration is a leading cause of incurable vision loss and blindness. The increasing incidence of retinal degeneration has triggered research into the development of in vitro retinal models for drug development and retinal alternatives for transplantation. However, the complex retinal structure and the retinal microenvironment pose serious challenges. Although 3D cell printing technology has been widely used in tissue engineering, including in vitro model development and regeneration medicine, currently available bioinks are insufficient to recapitulate the complex extracellular matrix environment of the retina. Therefore, in this study, we developed a retinal decellularized extracellular matrix (RdECM) from the porcine retina and evaluated its characteristics. The RdECM conserved the ECM components from the native retina without cellular components. Then, we mixed the RdECM with collagen to form a bioink and confirmed its suitability for 3D cell printing. We further studied the effect of the RdECM bioink on the differentiation of Muller cells. The retinal protective effect of the RdECM bioink was confirmed through a retinal degeneration animal model. Thus, we believe that the RdECM bioink is a promising candidate for retinal tissue engineering.
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Pouw AE, Greiner MA, Coussa RG, Jiao C, Han IC, Skeie JM, Fingert JH, Mullins RF, Sohn EH. Cell-Matrix Interactions in the Eye: From Cornea to Choroid. Cells 2021; 10:687. [PMID: 33804633 PMCID: PMC8003714 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role in all parts of the eye, from maintaining clarity and hydration of the cornea and vitreous to regulating angiogenesis, intraocular pressure maintenance, and vascular signaling. This review focuses on the interactions of the ECM for homeostasis of normal physiologic functions of the cornea, vitreous, retina, retinal pigment epithelium, Bruch's membrane, and choroid as well as trabecular meshwork, optic nerve, conjunctiva and tenon's layer as it relates to glaucoma. A variety of pathways and key factors related to ECM in the eye are discussed, including but not limited to those related to transforming growth factor-β, vascular endothelial growth factor, basic-fibroblastic growth factor, connective tissue growth factor, matrix metalloproteinases (including MMP-2 and MMP-9, and MMP-14), collagen IV, fibronectin, elastin, canonical signaling, integrins, and endothelial morphogenesis consistent of cellular activation-tubulogenesis and cellular differentiation-stabilization. Alterations contributing to disease states such as wound healing, diabetes-related complications, Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, angiogenesis, fibrosis, age-related macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and posteriorly inserted vitreous base are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E. Pouw
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (A.E.P.); (M.A.G.); (R.G.C.); (C.J.); (I.C.H.); (J.M.S.); (J.H.F.); (R.F.M.)
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Mark A. Greiner
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (A.E.P.); (M.A.G.); (R.G.C.); (C.J.); (I.C.H.); (J.M.S.); (J.H.F.); (R.F.M.)
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Razek G. Coussa
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (A.E.P.); (M.A.G.); (R.G.C.); (C.J.); (I.C.H.); (J.M.S.); (J.H.F.); (R.F.M.)
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Chunhua Jiao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (A.E.P.); (M.A.G.); (R.G.C.); (C.J.); (I.C.H.); (J.M.S.); (J.H.F.); (R.F.M.)
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Ian C. Han
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (A.E.P.); (M.A.G.); (R.G.C.); (C.J.); (I.C.H.); (J.M.S.); (J.H.F.); (R.F.M.)
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Jessica M. Skeie
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (A.E.P.); (M.A.G.); (R.G.C.); (C.J.); (I.C.H.); (J.M.S.); (J.H.F.); (R.F.M.)
| | - John H. Fingert
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (A.E.P.); (M.A.G.); (R.G.C.); (C.J.); (I.C.H.); (J.M.S.); (J.H.F.); (R.F.M.)
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Robert F. Mullins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (A.E.P.); (M.A.G.); (R.G.C.); (C.J.); (I.C.H.); (J.M.S.); (J.H.F.); (R.F.M.)
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Elliott H. Sohn
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (A.E.P.); (M.A.G.); (R.G.C.); (C.J.); (I.C.H.); (J.M.S.); (J.H.F.); (R.F.M.)
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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17
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Vijayasarathy C, Zeng Y, Brooks MJ, Fariss RN, Sieving PA. Genetic Rescue of X-Linked Retinoschisis Mouse ( Rs1-/y) Retina Induces Quiescence of the Retinal Microglial Inflammatory State Following AAV8- RS1 Gene Transfer and Identifies Gene Networks Underlying Retinal Recovery. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 32:667-681. [PMID: 33019822 PMCID: PMC8312029 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand RS1 gene interaction networks in the X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) mouse retina (Rs1-/y), we analyzed the transcriptome by RNA sequencing before and after in vivo expression of exogenous retinoschisin (RS1) gene delivered by AAV8. RS1 is a secreted cell adhesion protein that is critical for maintaining structural lamination and synaptic integrity of the neural retina. RS1 loss-of-function mutations cause XLRS disease in young boys and men, with splitting ("schisis") of retinal layers and synaptic dysfunction that cause progressive vision loss with age. Analysis of differential gene expression profiles and pathway enrichment analysis of Rs1-KO (Rs1-/y) retina identified cell surface receptor signaling and positive regulation of cell adhesion as potential RS1 gene interaction networks. Most importantly, it also showed massive dysregulation of immune response genes at early age, with characteristics of a microglia-driven proinflammatory state. Delivery of AAV8-RS1 primed the Rs1-KO retina toward structural and functional recovery. The disease transcriptome transitioned toward a recovery phase with upregulation of genes implicated in wound healing, anatomical structure (camera type eye) development, metabolic pathways, and collagen IV networks that provide mechanical stability to basement membrane. AAV8-RS1 expression also attenuated the microglia gene signatures to low levels toward immune quiescence. This study is among the first to identify RS1 gene interaction networks that underlie retinal structural and functional recovery after RS1 gene therapy. Significantly, it also shows that providing wild-type RS1 gene function caused the retina immune status to transition from a degenerative inflammatory phenotype toward immune quiescence, even though the transgene is not directly linked to microglia function. This study indicates that inhibition of microglial proinflammatory responses is an integral part of therapeutic rescue in XLRS gene therapy, and gene therapy might realize its full potential if delivered before microglia activation and photoreceptor cell death. Clinical Trials. gov Identifier NTC 02317887.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yong Zeng
- Section for Translational Research in Retinal and Macular Degeneration
| | | | - Robert N Fariss
- Biological Imaging Core, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Paul A Sieving
- Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Ocular Regenerative Therapy, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
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18
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Felder AE, Leiderman YI, Tomback M, Chicano A, Burek M, Arendovich X, Wilkens K, Frisbie C, Luciano C, Kanu LN, Pfanner P. Design of a navigational catheter system for the targeted delivery of therapeutics within the suprachoroidal space. J Med Eng Technol 2020; 44:508-516. [PMID: 33118388 DOI: 10.1080/03091902.2020.1831632] [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: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Diseases of the posterior segment of the eye are common causes of blindness and can be difficult to treat due to their location. Recently, there has been increased interest in the use of the suprachoroidal space to deliver therapeutics to the posterior segment. This space is accessible through a trans-scleral approach and blunt dissection of the adjacent scleral and choroidal tissues. However, despite recent commercial interest, there are few tools designed specifically to provide targeted delivery of therapeutics to a localised region within the suprachoroidal space. Therefore, we designed and prototyped a novel navigational catheter system for the targeted delivery of payloads within the suprachoroidal space. The system consists of a customised catheter tip designed to minimise blunt dissection stresses on neighbouring tissues, a mechanism for controlled catheter navigation, and a method for targeted delivery of large payloads. A customised in vitro model of the eye was also designed to visually demonstrate the capability of the catheter system to controllably navigate within the suprachoroidal space and deliver a targeted payload. This system can enable the delivery of large therapeutic payloads to the eye for the treatment of posterior eye diseases, thereby impacting the development and availability of vision-saving treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony E Felder
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yannek I Leiderman
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Matthew Tomback
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Aaron Chicano
- School of Design, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Manuela Burek
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xenon Arendovich
- College of Business Administration, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kimberlee Wilkens
- School of Design, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Charles Frisbie
- College of Business Administration, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Cristian Luciano
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Levi N Kanu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Peter Pfanner
- Innovation Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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19
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Allan K, DiCicco R, Ramos M, Asosingh K, Yuan A. Preparing a Single Cell Suspension from Zebrafish Retinal Tissue for Flow Cytometric Cell Sorting of Müller Glia. Cytometry A 2020; 97:638-646. [PMID: 31769194 PMCID: PMC7246168 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.23936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Preparation of a single cell suspension from solid tissue is vital for a successful flow cytometry experiment. We report a detailed and reproducible method to produce a quality cell suspension from the zebrafish retina. Zebrafish retinas, especially their Müller glia cells, are of particular interest for their inherent regenerative capacity, making them a useful model for regenerative medicine and cell therapy research. Here, we detail a papain-based dissociation that is gentle enough to keep cells intact, but strong enough to disrupt cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions to yield a cell suspension that produces clean and reliable flow cytometric cell sorting results. This procedure consistently results in over 90% viability and three populations of cells based on GFP expression. The dissociation procedure described herein has been optimized for the collection of Müller glia from Tg(apoe:gfp) zebrafish retinas; however, the overall process may be applicable to other cell types in the fish retina, additional flow cytometric techniques, or preparing cell suspensions from similar tissues. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Allan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
- Cole Eye Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Rose DiCicco
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
- Cole Eye Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Michael Ramos
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
- Cole Eye Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Kewal Asosingh
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
- Flow Cytometry Core, Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Alex Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
- Cole Eye Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
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20
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Kim HS, Vargas A, Eom YS, Li J, Yamamoto KL, Craft CM, Lee EJ. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 enhances rod survival in the rd1 mouse retina. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197322. [PMID: 29742163 PMCID: PMC5942829 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), an inherited retinal degenerative disease, is characterized by a progressive loss of rod photoreceptors followed by loss of cone photoreceptors. Previously, when tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1), a key extracellular matrix (ECM) regulator that binds to and inhibits activation of Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) was intravitreal injected into eyes of a transgenic rhodopsin rat model of RP, S334ter-line3, we discovered cone outer segments are partially protected. In parallel, we reported that a specific MMP9 and MMP2 inhibitor, SB-3CT, interferes with mechanisms leading to rod photoreceptor cell death in an MMP9 dependent manner. Here, we extend our initial rat studies to examine the potential of TIMP1 as a treatment in retinal degeneration by investigating neuroprotective effects in a classic mouse retinal degeneration model, rdPde6b-/- (rd1). The results clearly demonstrate that intravitreal injections of TIMP1 produce extended protection to delay rod photoreceptor cell death. The mean total number of rods in whole-mount retinas was significantly greater in TIMP-treated rd1 retinas (postnatal (P) 30, P35 (P<0.0001) and P45 (P<0.05) than in saline-treated rd1 retinas. In contrast, SB-3CT did not delay rod cell death, leading us to further investigate alternative pathways that do not involve MMPs. In addition to inducing phosphorylated ERK1/2, TIMP1 significantly reduces BAX activity and delays attenuation of the outer nuclear layer (ONL). Physiological responses using scotopic electroretinograms (ERG) reveal b-wave amplitudes from TIMP1-treated retinas are significantly greater than from saline-treated rd1 retinas (P<0.05). In later degenerative stages of rd1 retinas, photopic b-wave amplitudes from TIMP1-treated rd1 retinas are significantly larger than from saline-treated rd1 retinas (P<0.05). Our findings demonstrate that TIMP1 delays photoreceptor cell death. Furthermore, this study provides new insights into how TIMP1 works in the mouse animal model of RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa Sun Kim
- MDA Vision Research, USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Andrew Vargas
- MDA Vision Research, USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Yun Sung Eom
- MDA Vision Research, USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Justin Li
- MDA Vision Research, USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Kyra L. Yamamoto
- MDA Vision Research, USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Cheryl Mae Craft
- MDA Vision Research, USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Eun-Jin Lee
- MDA Vision Research, USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Report on the National Eye Institute's Audacious Goals Initiative: Creating a Cellular Environment for Neuroregeneration. eNeuro 2018; 5:eN-COM-0035-18. [PMID: 29766041 PMCID: PMC5952320 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0035-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular environment of the CNS is non-permissive for growth and regeneration. In the retina, transplantation of stem cells has been limited by inefficient survival and integration into existing circuits. In November 2016, as part of the National Eye Institute's Audacious Goals Initiative (AGI), a diverse collection of investigators gathered for a workshop devoted to articulating the gaps in knowledge, barriers to progress, and ideas for new approaches to understanding cellular environments within the retina and how these environments may be manipulated. In doing so, the group identified the areas of (1) retinal and optic nerve glia, (2) microglia and inflammation, and the (3) extracellular matrix (ECM) and retinal vasculature as key to advancing our understanding and manipulation of the retinal microenvironments. We summarize here the findings of the workshop for the broader scientific community.
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Verbakel SK, van Huet RAC, Boon CJF, den Hollander AI, Collin RWJ, Klaver CCW, Hoyng CB, Roepman R, Klevering BJ. Non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa. Prog Retin Eye Res 2018; 66:157-186. [PMID: 29597005 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 492] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) encompasses a group of inherited retinal dystrophies characterized by the primary degeneration of rod and cone photoreceptors. RP is a leading cause of visual disability, with a worldwide prevalence of 1:4000. Although the majority of RP cases are non-syndromic, 20-30% of patients with RP also have an associated non-ocular condition. RP typically manifests with night blindness in adolescence, followed by concentric visual field loss, reflecting the principal dysfunction of rod photoreceptors; central vision loss occurs later in life due to cone dysfunction. Photoreceptor function measured with an electroretinogram is markedly reduced or even absent. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging show a progressive loss of outer retinal layers and altered lipofuscin distribution in a characteristic pattern. Over the past three decades, a vast number of disease-causing variants in more than 80 genes have been associated with non-syndromic RP. The wide heterogeneity of RP makes it challenging to describe the clinical findings and pathogenesis. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical characteristics of RP specific to genetically defined patient subsets. We supply a unique atlas with color fundus photographs of most RP subtypes, and we discuss the relevant considerations with respect to differential diagnoses. In addition, we discuss the genes involved in the pathogenesis of RP, as well as the retinal processes that are affected by pathogenic mutations in these genes. Finally, we review management strategies for patients with RP, including counseling, visual rehabilitation, and current and emerging therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne K Verbakel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ramon A C van Huet
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Camiel J F Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anneke I den Hollander
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rob W J Collin
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline C W Klaver
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carel B Hoyng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald Roepman
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - B Jeroen Klevering
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Hunt NC, Hallam D, Karimi A, Mellough CB, Chen J, Steel DHW, Lako M. 3D culture of human pluripotent stem cells in RGD-alginate hydrogel improves retinal tissue development. Acta Biomater 2017; 49:329-343. [PMID: 27826002 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
No treatments exist to effectively treat many retinal diseases. Retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) and neural retina can be generated from human embryonic stem cells/induced pluripotent stem cells (hESCs/hiPSCs). The efficacy of current protocols is, however, limited. It was hypothesised that generation of laminated neural retina and/or RPE from hiPSCs/hESCs could be enhanced by three dimensional (3D) culture in hydrogels. hiPSC- and hESC-derived embryoid bodies (EBs) were encapsulated in 0.5% RGD-alginate; 1% RGD-alginate; hyaluronic acid (HA) or HA/gelatin hydrogels and maintained until day 45. Compared with controls (no gel), 0.5% RGD-alginate increased: the percentage of EBs with pigmented RPE foci; the percentage EBs with optic vesicles (OVs) and pigmented RPE simultaneously; the area covered by RPE; frequency of RPE cells (CRALBP+); expression of RPE markers (TYR and RPE65) and the retinal ganglion cell marker, MATH5. Furthermore, 0.5% RGD-alginate hydrogel encapsulation did not adversely affect the expression of other neural retina markers (PROX1, CRX, RCVRN, AP2α or VSX2) as determined by qRT-PCR, or the percentage of VSX2 positive cells as determined by flow cytometry. 1% RGD-alginate increased the percentage of EBs with OVs and/or RPE, but did not significantly influence any other measures of retinal differentiation. HA-based hydrogels had no significant effect on retinal tissue development. The results indicated that derivation of retinal tissue from hESCs/hiPSCs can be enhanced by culture in 0.5% RGD-alginate hydrogel. This RGD-alginate scaffold may be useful for derivation, transport and transplantation of neural retina and RPE, and may also enhance formation of other pigmented, neural or epithelial tissue. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The burden of retinal disease is ever growing with the increasing age of the world-wide population. Transplantation of retinal tissue derived from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) is considered a promising treatment. However, derivation of retinal tissue from PSCs using defined media is a lengthy process and often variable between different cell lines. This study indicated that alginate hydrogels enhanced retinal tissue development from PSCs, whereas hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels did not. This is the first study to show that 3D culture with a biomaterial scaffold can improve retinal tissue derivation from PSCs. These findings indicate potential for the clinical application of alginate hydrogels for the derivation and subsequent transplantation retinal tissue. This work may also have implications for the derivation of other pigmented, neural or epithelial tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola C Hunt
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle NE1 3BZ, UK.
| | - Dean Hallam
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle NE1 3BZ, UK.
| | - Ayesha Karimi
- Cumberland Infirmary, North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, Carlisle CA2 7HY, UK
| | - Carla B Mellough
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle NE1 3BZ, UK.
| | - Jinju Chen
- School of Mechanical & Systems Engineering, Stephenson Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| | - David H W Steel
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle NE1 3BZ, UK; Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Queen Alexandra Road, Sunderland SR2 9HP, UK.
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle NE1 3BZ, UK.
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Shin JA, Kim HS, Vargas A, Yu WQ, Eom YS, Craft CM, Lee EJ. Inhibition of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Enhances Rod Survival in the S334ter-line3 Retinitis Pigmentosa Model. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167102. [PMID: 27893855 PMCID: PMC5125676 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is one of the most common forms of inherited visual loss with the initial degeneration of rod photoreceptors, followed by a progressive cone photoreceptor deterioration. Coinciding with this visual loss, the extracellular matrix (ECM) is reorganized, which alters matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity levels. A potential pathological role of MMPs, MMP-9 in particular, involves an excitotoxicity-mediated physiological response. In the current study, we examine the MMP-9 and MMP-2 expression levels in the rhodopsin S334ter-line3 RP rat model and investigate the impact of treatment with SB-3CT, a specific MMP-9 and MMP-2 inhibitor, on rod cell survival was tested. Retinal MMP-9 and MMP-2 expression levels were quantified by immunoblot analysis from S334ter-line3 rats compared to controls. Gelatinolytic activities of MMP-9 and MMP-2 by zymography were examined. The geometry of rod death was further evaluated using Voronoi analysis. Our results revealed that MMP-9 was elevated while MMP-2 was relatively unchanged when S334ter-line 3 retinas were compared to controls. With SB-3CT treatment, we observed gelatinolytic activity of both MMPs was decreased and diminished clustering associated with rod death, in addition to a robust preservation of rod photoreceptors. These results demonstrate that up-regulation of MMP-9 in retinas of S334ter-line3 are associated with rod death. The application of SB-3CT dramatically interferes with mechanisms leading to apoptosis in an MMP-9-dependent manner. Future studies will determine the feasibility of using SB-3CT as a potential therapeutic strategy to slow progression of vision loss in genetic inherited forms of human RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-A Shin
- Mary D. Allen Laboratory for Vision Research, USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa Sun Kim
- Mary D. Allen Laboratory for Vision Research, USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Andrew Vargas
- Mary D. Allen Laboratory for Vision Research, USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Wan-Qing Yu
- Mary D. Allen Laboratory for Vision Research, USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Yun Sung Eom
- Mary D. Allen Laboratory for Vision Research, USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Cheryl Mae Craft
- Mary D. Allen Laboratory for Vision Research, USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Cell & Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Eun-Jin Lee
- Mary D. Allen Laboratory for Vision Research, USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California Viterbi School of Engineering, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION, OSTEOARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: RECORD LINKAGE STUDY. Retina 2016; 35:2613-8. [PMID: 25996429 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000000651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The epidemiologic relationship between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and arthritis is unknown and has implications for understanding disease pathogenesis and treatment strategies. METHODS An AMD cohort of 245,912 people was constructed from English linked hospital episode statistics (1999-2011), principally comprising neovascular AMD patients undergoing anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. We compared the AMD cohort with a reference cohort (2,134,771 people) for rates of subsequent osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis (2,032,472 people) and rheumatoid arthritis (261,232 people) cohorts were also constructed and compared with the reference cohort for rates of subsequent AMD. RESULTS Risk of arthritis after AMD was not elevated. The rate ratio for OA was 0.96 (95% confidence interval 0.95-0.97) and for rheumatoid arthritis was 0.98 (0.94-1.02). However, risk of AMD after arthritis was modestly raised. For OA, the rate ratio was 1.06 (1.04-1.08), but risk increased with longer OA duration, for example, 1.15 (1.08-1.23) for >10 years. For rheumatoid arthritis, the rate ratio was also modestly elevated at 1.15 (1.12-1.19). CONCLUSION Age-related macular degeneration and arthritis are degenerative aging conditions that share some disease mechanisms and extracellular matrix involvement. However, considering arthritis after AMD, they are not positively associated. By contrast, people with OA experience modestly increased AMD risk, perhaps owing to medical treatments for OA.
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Ishikawa M, Sawada Y, Yoshitomi T. Structure and function of the interphotoreceptor matrix surrounding retinal photoreceptor cells. Exp Eye Res 2015; 133:3-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Future therapies of wet age-related macular degeneration. J Ophthalmol 2015; 2015:138070. [PMID: 25802751 PMCID: PMC4354726 DOI: 10.1155/2015/138070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly population, and the prevalence of the disease increases exponentially with every decade after the age of 50 years. While VEGF inhibitors are promising drugs for treating patients with ocular neovascularization, there are limitations to their potential for improving vision in AMD patients. Thus, future therapies are required to have the potential to improve visual outcomes. This paper will summarize the future strategies and therapeutic targets that are aimed at enhancing the efficacy and duration of effect of antiangiogenic strategies.
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A profile of transcriptomic changes in the rd10 mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. Mol Vis 2014; 20:1612-28. [PMID: 25489233 PMCID: PMC4235044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a photoreceptor disease that affects approximately 100,000 people in the United States. Treatment options are limited, and the prognosis for most patients is progressive vision loss. Unfortunately, understanding of the molecular underpinnings of RP initiation and progression is still limited. However, the development of animal models of RP, coupled with high-throughput sequencing, has provided an opportunity to study the underlying cellular and molecular changes in this disease. METHODS Using RNA-Seq, we present the first retinal transcriptome analysis of the rd10 murine model of retinal degeneration. RESULTS Our data confirm the loss of rod-specific transcripts and the increased relative expression of Müller-specific transcripts, emphasizing the important role of reactive gliosis and innate immune activation in RP. Moreover, we report substantial changes in relative isoform usage among neuronal differentiation and morphogenesis genes, including a marked shift to shorter transcripts. CONCLUSIONS Our analyses implicate remodeling of the inner retina and possible Müller cell dedifferentiation.
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Gene profiling of postnatal Mfrprd6 mutant eyes reveals differential accumulation of Prss56, visual cycle and phototransduction mRNAs. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110299. [PMID: 25357075 PMCID: PMC4214712 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the membrane frizzled-related protein (MFRP/Mfrp) gene, specifically expressed in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and ciliary body, cause nanophthalmia or posterior microphthalmia with retinitis pigmentosa in humans, and photoreceptor degeneration in mice. To better understand MFRP function, microarray analysis was performed on eyes of homozygous Mfrprd6 and C57BL/6J mice at postnatal days (P) 0 and P14, prior to photoreceptor loss. Data analysis revealed no changes at P0 but significant differences in RPE and retina-specific transcripts at P14, suggesting a postnatal influence of the Mfrprd6 allele. A subset of these transcripts was validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). In Mfrprd6 eyes, a significant 1.5- to 2.0-fold decrease was observed among transcripts of genes linked to retinal degeneration, including those involved in visual cycle (Rpe65, Lrat, Rgr), phototransduction (Pde6a, Guca1b, Rgs9), and photoreceptor disc morphogenesis (Rpgrip1 and Fscn2). Levels of RPE65 were significantly decreased by 2.0-fold. Transcripts of Prss56, a gene associated with angle-closure glaucoma, posterior microphthalmia and myopia, were increased in Mfrprd6 eyes by 17-fold. Validation by qRT-PCR indicated a 3.5-, 14- and 70-fold accumulation of Prss56 transcripts relative to controls at P7, P14 and P21, respectively. This trend was not observed in other RPE or photoreceptor mutant mouse models with similar disease progression, suggesting that Prss56 upregulation is a specific attribute of the disruption of Mfrp. Prss56 and Glul in situ hybridization directly identified Müller glia in the inner nuclear layer as the cell type expressing Prss56. In summary, the Mfrprd6 allele causes significant postnatal changes in transcript and protein levels in the retina and RPE. The link between Mfrp deficiency and Prss56 up-regulation, together with the genetic association of human MFRP or PRSS56 variants and ocular size, raises the possibility that these genes are part of a regulatory network influencing postnatal posterior eye development.
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Gene ontology and KEGG enrichment analyses of genes related to age-related macular degeneration. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:450386. [PMID: 25165703 PMCID: PMC4140130 DOI: 10.1155/2014/450386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Identifying disease genes is one of the most important topics in biomedicine and may facilitate studies on the mechanisms underlying disease. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a serious eye disease; it typically affects older adults and results in a loss of vision due to retina damage. In this study, we attempt to develop an effective method for distinguishing AMD-related genes. Gene ontology and KEGG enrichment analyses of known AMD-related genes were performed, and a classification system was established. In detail, each gene was encoded into a vector by extracting enrichment scores of the gene set, including it and its direct neighbors in STRING, and gene ontology terms or KEGG pathways. Then certain feature-selection methods, including minimum redundancy maximum relevance and incremental feature selection, were adopted to extract key features for the classification system. As a result, 720 GO terms and 11 KEGG pathways were deemed the most important factors for predicting AMD-related genes.
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