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Elwood BW, Godwin CR, Anders JJ, Kardon RH, Gramlich OW. Correlation of Visual System Biomarkers With Motor Deficits in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis-Optic Neuritis. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2024; 13:1. [PMID: 39087931 PMCID: PMC11305423 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.8.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) scoring, the most commonly used primary outcome metric for an in vivo model of multiple sclerosis (MS), is highly variable and subjective. Here we explored the use of visual biomarkers in EAE as more objective and clinically relevant primary outcomes. Methods Motor impairment in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-immunized C57BL/6J mice was quantified using a five-point EAE grading scale. Pattern electroretinography (pERG) and retinal ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer (RGC/IPL) complex thickness were measured 60 days after induction. Optic nerve histopathology was analyzed at endpoint. Results EAE mice displayed motor impairments ranging from mild to severe. Significant correlations were seen between pERG amplitude and last EAE score, mean EAE score, and cumulative EAE score. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between thinning of the RGC/IPL complex and both EAE score and pERG amplitude. Optic nerve histopathology showed significant correlations between demyelination and cumulative EAE score, pERG amplitude, and RGC/IPL complex thickness, as well as between immune cell infiltration and cumulative EAE score, pERG amplitude, and RGC/IPL complex thickness in EAE mice. Conclusions Unlike EAE scoring, pERG and OCT show direct measurement of retinal structure and function. Therefore we conclude that visual outcomes are well suited as a direct assessment of optic nerve involvement in this EAE model of MS while also being indicative of motor impairment. Translational Relevance Standardizing directly translatable measurements as primary outcome parameters in the murine EAE model could lead to more rapid and relevant testing of new therapeutic approaches for mitigating MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin W. Elwood
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Cheyanne R. Godwin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jeffrey J. Anders
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Randy H. Kardon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Oliver W. Gramlich
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Liu D, Webber HC, Bian F, Xu Y, Prakash M, Feng X, Yang M, Yang H, You IJ, Li L, Liu L, Liu P, Huang H, Chang CY, Liu L, Shah SH, Torre AL, Welsbie DS, Sun Y, Duan X, Goldberg JL, Braun M, Lansky Z, Hu Y. Optineurin-facilitated axonal mitochondria delivery promotes neuroprotection and axon regeneration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.02.587832. [PMID: 38617277 PMCID: PMC11014509 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.02.587832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Optineurin (OPTN) mutations are linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and normal tension glaucoma (NTG), but a relevant animal model is lacking, and the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration are unknown. We found that OPTN C-terminus truncation (OPTN∆C) causes late-onset neurodegeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), optic nerve (ON), and spinal cord motor neurons, preceded by a striking decrease of axonal mitochondria. Surprisingly, we discover that OPTN directly interacts with both microtubules and the mitochondrial transport complex TRAK1/KIF5B, stabilizing them for proper anterograde axonal mitochondrial transport, in a C-terminus dependent manner. Encouragingly, overexpressing OPTN/TRAK1/KIF5B reverses not only OPTN truncation-induced, but also ocular hypertension-induced neurodegeneration, and promotes striking ON regeneration. Therefore, in addition to generating new animal models for NTG and ALS, our results establish OPTN as a novel facilitator of the microtubule-dependent mitochondrial transport necessary for adequate axonal mitochondria delivery, and its loss as the likely molecular mechanism of neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Liu
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Hannah C. Webber
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Fuyun Bian
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Yangfan Xu
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Manjari Prakash
- Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Prague West, Czechia
| | - Xue Feng
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Ming Yang
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Hang Yang
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - In-Jee You
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Liang Li
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Liping Liu
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Pingting Liu
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Haoliang Huang
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Chien-Yi Chang
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Liang Liu
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Sahil H Shah
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Anna La Torre
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA; USA
| | - Derek S. Welsbie
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA; USA
| | - Yang Sun
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Xin Duan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; USA
| | - Jeffrey Louis Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Marcus Braun
- Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Prague West, Czechia
| | - Zdenek Lansky
- Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Prague West, Czechia
| | - Yang Hu
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
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3
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Harper MM, Boehme NA, Dutca L, Navarro V. Increasing the number and intensity of shock tube generated blast waves leads to earlier retinal ganglion cell dysfunction and regional cell death. Exp Eye Res 2024; 239:109754. [PMID: 38113955 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a blast exposure generated from a shock tube on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) function and structure. Mice were exposed to one of three blast conditions using a shock tube; a single blast wave of 20 PSI, a single blast wave of 30 PSI, or three blast waves of 30 PSI given on three consecutive days with a one-day inter-blast interval. The structure and function of the retina were analyzed using the pattern electroretinogram (PERG), the optomotor reflex (OMR), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). The in vivo parameters were examined at baseline, and then again 1-week, 4-weeks, and 16-weeks following blast exposure. The number of surviving RGCs was quantified at the end of the study. Analysis of mice receiving a 20 PSI injury showed decreased PERG and OMR responses 16-weeks post blast, without evidence of changed retinal thickness or RGC death. Mice subjected to a 30 PSI injury showed decreased PERG responses 4 weeks and 16 weeks after injury, without changes in the retinal thickness or RGC density. Mice subjected to 30 PSI X 3 blast exposures had PERG deficits 1-week and 4-weeks post exposure. There was also significant change in retinal thickness 1-week and 16-weeks post blast exposure. Mice receiving 30 PSI X 3 blast injuries had regional loss of RGCs in the central retina, but not in the mid-peripheral or peripheral retina. Overall, this study has shown that increasing the number of blast exposures and the intensity leads to earlier functional loss of RGCs. We have also shown regional RGC loss only when using the highest blast intensity and number of blast injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Harper
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Veterans Administration Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Nickolas A Boehme
- Veterans Administration Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Laura Dutca
- Veterans Administration Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Victor Navarro
- Veterans Administration Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Fang F, Liu P, Huang H, Feng X, Li L, Sun Y, Kaufman RJ, Hu Y. RGC-specific ATF4 and/or CHOP deletion rescues glaucomatous neurodegeneration and visual function. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:286-295. [PMID: 37547290 PMCID: PMC10400881 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been linked with various acute and chronic neurodegenerative diseases. We previously found that optic nerve (ON) injury and diseases induce neuronal ER stress in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). We further demonstrated that germline deletion of CHOP preserves the structure and function of both RGC somata and axons in mouse glaucoma models. Here we report that RGC-specific deletion of CHOP and/or its upstream regulator ATF4 synergistically promotes RGC and ON survival and preserves visual function in mouse ON crush and silicone oil-induced ocular hypertension (SOHU) glaucoma models. Consistently, topical application of the ATF4/CHOP chemical inhibitor ISRIB or RGC-specific CRISPR-mediated knockdown of the ATF4 downstream effector Gadd45a also delivers significant neuroprotection in the SOHU glaucoma model. These studies suggest that blocking the neuronal intrinsic ATF4/CHOP axis of ER stress is a promising neuroprotection strategy for neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Pingting Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Haoliang Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Xue Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Randal J. Kaufman
- Degenerative Diseases Program, Center for Genetic Disorders and Aging Research, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
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5
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El-Darzi N, Mast N, Li Y, Dailey B, Kang M, Rhee DJ, Pikuleva IA. The normalizing effects of the CYP46A1 activator efavirenz on retinal sterol levels and risk factors for glaucoma in Apoj -/- mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:194. [PMID: 37392222 PMCID: PMC10314885 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04848-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Apolipoprotein J (APOJ) is a multifunctional protein with genetic evidence suggesting an association between APOJ polymorphisms and Alzheimer's disease as well as exfoliation glaucoma. Herein we conducted ocular characterizations of Apoj-/- mice and found that their retinal cholesterol levels were decreased and that this genotype had several risk factors for glaucoma: increased intraocular pressure and cup-to-disk ratio and impaired retinal ganglion cell (RGC) function. The latter was not due to RGC degeneration or activation of retinal Muller cells and microglia/macrophages. There was also a decrease in retinal levels of 24-hydroxycholesterol, a suggested neuroprotectant under glaucomatous conditions and a positive allosteric modulator of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors mediating the light-evoked response of the RGC. Therefore, Apoj-/- mice were treated with low-dose efavirenz, an allosteric activator of CYP46A1 which converts cholesterol into 24-hydroxycholesterol. Efavirenz treatment increased retinal cholesterol and 24-hydroxycholesterol levels, normalized intraocular pressure and cup-to-disk ratio, and rescued in part RGC function. Retinal expression of Abcg1 (a cholesterol efflux transporter), Apoa1 (a constituent of lipoprotein particles), and Scarb1 (a lipoprotein particle receptor) was increased in EVF-treated Apoj-/- mice, indicating increased retinal cholesterol transport on lipoprotein particles. Ocular characterizations of Cyp46a1-/- mice supported the beneficial efavirenz treatment effects via CYP46A1 activation. The data obtained demonstrate an important APOJ role in retinal cholesterol homeostasis and link this apolipoprotein to the glaucoma risk factors and retinal 24-hydroxycholesterol production by CYP46A1. As the CYP46A1 activator efavirenz is an FDA-approved anti-HIV drug, our studies suggest a new therapeutic approach for treatment of glaucomatous conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole El-Darzi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Natalia Mast
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Brian Dailey
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Min Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Douglas J Rhee
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Irina A Pikuleva
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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6
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Liu P, Chen W, Jiang H, Huang H, Liu L, Fang F, Li L, Feng X, Liu D, Dalal R, Sun Y, Jafar-Nejad P, Ling K, Rigo F, Ye J, Hu Y. Differential effects of SARM1 inhibition in traumatic glaucoma and EAE optic neuropathies. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 32:13-27. [PMID: 36950280 PMCID: PMC10025007 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Optic neuropathy is a group of optic nerve (ON) diseases with progressive degeneration of ON and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The lack of neuroprotective treatments is a central challenge for this leading cause of irreversible blindness. SARM1 (sterile α and TIR motif-containing protein 1) has intrinsic nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) hydrolase activity that causes axon degeneration by degrading axonal NAD+ significantly after activation by axon injury. SARM1 deletion is neuroprotective in many, but not all, neurodegenerative disease models. Here, we compare two therapy strategies for SARM1 inhibition, antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) and CRISPR, with germline SARM1 deletion in the neuroprotection of three optic neuropathy mouse models. This study reveals that, similar to germline SARM1 knockout in every cell, local retinal SARM1 ASO delivery and adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated RGC-specific CRISPR knockdown of SARM1 provide comparable neuroprotection to both RGC somata and axons in the silicone oil-induced ocular hypertension (SOHU) glaucoma model but only protect RGC axons, not somata, after traumatic ON injury. Surprisingly, neither of these two therapy strategies of SARM1 inhibition nor SARM1 germline knockout (KO) benefits RGC or ON survival in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)/optic neuritis model. Our studies therefore suggest that SARM1 inhibition by local ASO delivery or AAV-mediated CRISPR is a promising neuroprotective gene therapy strategy for traumatic and glaucomatous optic neuropathies but not for demyelinating optic neuritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingting Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Haowen Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Haoliang Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Liping Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Xue Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Dong Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Roopa Dalal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | | | - Karen Ling
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Jiangbin Ye
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
- Corresponding author: Yang Hu, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
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7
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Velmurugan S, Chou TH, Eastwood JD, Porciatti V, Liu Y, Hauswirth WW, Guy J, Yu H. Comparison of different gene-therapy methods to treat Leber hereditary optic neuropathy in a mouse model. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1119724. [PMID: 37051151 PMCID: PMC10083341 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1119724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionTherapies for Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), in common with all disorders caused by mutated mitochondrial DNA, are inadequate. We have developed two gene therapy strategies for the disease: mitochondrial-targeted and allotopic expressed and compared them in a mouse model of LHON.MethodsA LHON mouse model was generated by intravitreal injection of a mitochondrialtargeted Adeno-associated virus (AAV) carrying mutant human NADH dehydrogenase 4 gene (hND4/m.11778G>A) to induce retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration and axon loss, the hallmark of the human disease. We then attempted to rescue those mice using a second intravitreal injection of either mitochondrial-targeted or allotopic expressed wildtype human ND4. The rescue of RGCs and their axons were assessed using serial pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and transmission electron microscopy.ResultsCompared to non-rescued LHON controls where PERG amplitude was much reduced, both strategies significantly preserved PERG amplitude over 15 months. However, the rescue effect was more marked with mitochondrial-targeted therapy than with allotopic therapy (p = 0.0128). Post-mortem analysis showed that mitochondrial-targeted human ND4 better preserved small axons that are preferentially lost in human LHON.ConclusionsThese results in a pre-clinical mouse model of LHON suggest that mitochondrially-targeted AAV gene therapy, compared to allotopic AAV gene therapy, is more efficient in rescuing the LHON phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sindhu Velmurugan
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Tsung-Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Jeremy D. Eastwood
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Vittorio Porciatti,
| | - Yuan Liu
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - William W. Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - John Guy
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Hong Yu
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Hong Yu,
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8
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Chou TH, Toft-Nielsen J, Porciatti V. High-Throughput Binocular Pattern Electroretinograms in the Mouse. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2708:147-153. [PMID: 37558969 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3409-7_16] [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] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
The pattern electroretinogram (PERG) reflects the electrical activity of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and has become the most used technology to assess RGC function in experimental models of glaucoma and optic neuropathies. We describe a novel method for obtaining user-friendly, robust PERG simultaneously from each eye using asynchronous binocular stimulation and one-channel acquisition of signals recorded from a subcutaneous needle in the snout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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9
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Harper MM, Gramlich OW, Elwood BW, Boehme NA, Dutca LM, Kuehn MH. Immune responses in mice after blast-mediated traumatic brain injury TBI autonomously contribute to retinal ganglion cell dysfunction and death. Exp Eye Res 2022; 225:109272. [PMID: 36209837 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the role of the immune system and its influence on chronic retinal ganglion cell (RGC) dysfunction following blast-mediated traumatic brain injury (bTBI). METHODS C57BL/6J and B6.129S7-Rag1tm1Mom/J (Rag-/-) mice were exposed to one blast injury of 140 kPa. A separate cohort of C57BL/6J mice was exposed to sham-blast. Four weeks following bTBI mice were euthanized, and splenocytes were collected. Adoptive transfer (AT) of splenocytes into naïve C57BL/6J recipient mice was accomplished via tail vein injection. Three groups of mice were analyzed: those receiving AT of splenocytes from C57BL/6J mice exposed to blast (AT-TBI), those receiving AT of splenocytes from C57BL/6J mice exposed to sham (AT-Sham), and those receiving AT of splenocytes from Rag-/- mice exposed to blast (AT-Rag-/-). The visual function of recipient mice was analyzed with the pattern electroretinogram (PERG), and the optomotor response (OMR). The structure of the retina was evaluated using optical coherence tomography (OCT), and histologically using BRN3A-antibody staining. RESULTS Analysis of the PERG showed a decreased amplitude two months post-AT that persisted for the duration of the study in AT-TBI mice. We also observed a significant decrease in the retinal thickness of AT-TBI mice two months post-AT compared to sham, but not at four or six months post-AT. The OMR response was significantly decreased in AT-TBI mice 5- and 6-months post-AT. BRN3A staining showed a loss of RGCs in AT-TBI and AT-Rag-/- mice. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the immune system contributes to chronic RGC dysfunction following bTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Harper
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Departments of Biology, And Pharmacology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Veterans Administration Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Oliver W Gramlich
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Departments of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Veterans Administration Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Benjamin W Elwood
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Veterans Administration Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Nickolas A Boehme
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Veterans Administration Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Laura M Dutca
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Veterans Administration Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Markus H Kuehn
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Veterans Administration Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, IA, USA
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10
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Wang H, Peng Z, Li Y, Sahn JJ, Hodges TR, Chou TH, Liu Q, Zhou X, Jiao S, Porciatti V, Liebl DJ, Martin SF, Wen R. σ 2R/TMEM97 in retinal ganglion cell degeneration. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20753. [PMID: 36456686 PMCID: PMC9715665 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24537-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The sigma 2 receptor (σ2R) was recently identified as an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein known as transmembrane protein 97 (TMEM97). Studies have shown that σ2R/TMEM97 binding compounds are neuroprotective, suggesting a role of σ2R/TMEM97 in neurodegenerative processes. To understand the function of σ2R/TMEM97 in neurodegeneration pathways, we characterized ischemia-induced retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration in TMEM97-/- mice and found that RGCs in TMEM97-/- mice are resistant to degeneration. In addition, intravitreal injection of a selective σ2R/TMEM97 ligand DKR-1677 significantly protects RGCs from ischemia-induced degeneration in wildtype mice. Our results provide conclusive evidence that σ2R/TMEM97 plays a role to facilitate RGC death following ischemic injury and that inhibiting the function of σ2R/TMEM97 is neuroprotective. This work is a breakthrough toward elucidating the biology and function of σ2R/TMEM97 in RGCs and likely in other σ2R/TMEM97 expressing neurons. Moreover, these findings support future studies to develop new neuroprotective approaches for RGC degenerative diseases by inhibiting σ2R/TMEM97.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Wang
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Zhiyou Peng
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Yiwen Li
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - James J Sahn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Timothy R Hodges
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Tsung-Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Qiong Liu
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Xuezhi Zhou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Shuliang Jiao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33174, USA
| | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Daniel J Liebl
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Stephen F Martin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
| | - Rong Wen
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
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11
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Li L, Feng X, Fang F, Miller DA, Zhang S, Zhuang P, Huang H, Liu P, Liu J, Sredar N, Liu L, Sun Y, Duan X, Goldberg JL, Zhang HF, Hu Y. Longitudinal in vivo Ca 2+ imaging reveals dynamic activity changes of diseased retinal ganglion cells at the single-cell level. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2206829119. [PMID: 36409915 PMCID: PMC9889883 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2206829119] [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: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are heterogeneous projection neurons that convey distinct visual features from the retina to brain. Here, we present a high-throughput in vivo RGC activity assay in response to light stimulation using noninvasive Ca2+ imaging of thousands of RGCs simultaneously in living mice. Population and single-cell analyses of longitudinal RGC Ca2+ imaging reveal distinct functional responses of RGCs and unprecedented individual RGC activity conversions during traumatic and glaucomatous degeneration. This study establishes a foundation for future in vivo RGC function classifications and longitudinal activity evaluations using more advanced imaging techniques and visual stimuli under normal, disease, and neural repair conditions. These analyses can be performed at both the population and single-cell levels using temporal and spatial information, which will be invaluable for understanding RGC pathophysiology and identifying functional biomarkers for diverse optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Li
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304
| | - Xue Feng
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304
| | - Fang Fang
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha410011, China
| | - David A. Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL60208
| | - Shaobo Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - Pei Zhuang
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304
| | - Haoliang Huang
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304
| | - Pingting Liu
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304
| | - Junting Liu
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304
| | - Nripun Sredar
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304
| | - Liang Liu
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304
| | - Yang Sun
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304
| | - Xin Duan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - Jeffrey L. Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304
| | - Hao F. Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL60208
| | - Yang Hu
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304
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12
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Ventrella D, Maya-Vetencourt JF, Elmi A, Barone F, Aniballi C, Muscatello LV, Mete M, Pertile G, Benfenati F, Bacci ML. The p-ERG spatial acuity in the biomedical pig under physiological conditions. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15479. [PMID: 36104429 PMCID: PMC9474814 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19925-8] [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: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigs are becoming an important pre-clinical animal species for translational ophthalmology, due to similarities with humans in anatomical and physiological patterns. Different models of eye disorders have been proposed, and they are good candidates to assess biocompatibility/functionality of retinal prostheses. Electroretinography is a common tool allowing to gain information on retinal function, with several types of electroretinogram (ERG) been implemented including full field (ff-ERG), multifocal (mf-ERG) and pattern (p-ERG). p-ERG represents a valuable tool to monitor Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs) activity and can be used to calculate p-ERG spatial acuity. Unfortunately, scarce methodological data are available regarding recording/interpretation of p-ERG and retinal acuity in biomedical pigs yet enhancing knowledge regarding pig vision physiology will allow for more refined and responsible use of such species. Aim of this study was to record p-ERG in juvenile pigs to functionally assess visual acuity. Six female hybrid pigs underwent two p-ERG recording sessions at 16 and 19 weeks of age. Photopic ff-ERG were also recorded; optical coherence tomography (OCT) and histology were used to confirm retinal integrity. ff-ERG signals were repeatable within/across sessions. All p-ERG traces consistently displayed characterizing peaks, and the progressive decrease of amplitude in response to the increment of spatial frequency revealed the reliability of the method. Mean p-ERG spatial acuities were 5.7 ± 0.14 (16 weeks) and 6.2 ± 0.15 cpd (19 weeks). Overall, the p-ERG recordings described in the present work seem reliable and repeatable, and may represent an important tool when it comes to vision assessment in pigs.
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13
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Li L, Fang F, Feng X, Zhuang P, Huang H, Liu P, Liu L, Xu AZ, Qi LS, Cong L, Hu Y. Single-cell transcriptome analysis of regenerating RGCs reveals potent glaucoma neural repair genes. Neuron 2022; 110:2646-2663.e6. [PMID: 35952672 PMCID: PMC9391304 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Axon regeneration holds great promise for neural repair of CNS axonopathies, including glaucoma. Pten deletion in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) promotes potent optic nerve regeneration, but only a small population of Pten-null RGCs are actually regenerating RGCs (regRGCs); most surviving RGCs (surRGCs) remain non-regenerative. Here, we developed a strategy to specifically label and purify regRGCs and surRGCs, respectively, from the same Pten-deletion mice after optic nerve crush, in which they differ only in their regeneration capability. Smart-Seq2 single-cell transcriptome analysis revealed novel regeneration-associated genes that significantly promote axon regeneration. The most potent of these, Anxa2, acts synergistically with its ligand tPA in Pten-deletion-induced axon regeneration. Anxa2, its downstream effector ILK, and Mpp1 dramatically protect RGC somata and axons and preserve visual function in a clinically relevant model of glaucoma, demonstrating the exciting potential of this innovative strategy to identify novel effective neural repair candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Li
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Fang Fang
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Xue Feng
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Pei Zhuang
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Haoliang Huang
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Pingting Liu
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Liang Liu
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Adam Z Xu
- Saratoga High School, Saratoga, CA 95070, USA
| | - Lei S Qi
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Stanford ChEM-H Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Le Cong
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Wu Tsai Neuroscience Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yang Hu
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
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14
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Patil SV, Kasetti RB, Millar JC, Zode GS. A Novel Mouse Model of TGFβ2-Induced Ocular Hypertension Using Lentiviral Gene Delivery. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:6883. [PMID: 35805889 PMCID: PMC9266301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a multifactorial disease leading to irreversible blindness. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form and is associated with the elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP). Reduced aqueous humor (AH) outflow due to trabecular meshwork (TM) dysfunction is responsible for IOP elevation in POAG. Extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, actin cytoskeletal reorganization, and stiffening of the TM are associated with increased outflow resistance. Transforming growth factor (TGF) β2, a profibrotic cytokine, is known to play an important role in the development of ocular hypertension (OHT) in POAG. An appropriate mouse model is critical in understanding the underlying molecular mechanism of TGFβ2-induced OHT. To achieve this, TM can be targeted with recombinant viral vectors to express a gene of interest. Lentiviruses (LV) are known for their tropism towards TM with stable transgene expression and low immunogenicity. We, therefore, developed a novel mouse model of IOP elevation using LV gene transfer of active human TGFβ2 in the TM. We developed an LV vector-encoding active hTGFβ2C226,228S under the control of a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. Adult C57BL/6J mice were injected intravitreally with LV expressing null or hTGFβ2C226,228S. We observed a significant increase in IOP 3 weeks post-injection compared to control eyes with an average delta change of 3.3 mmHg. IOP stayed elevated up to 7 weeks post-injection, which correlated with a significant drop in the AH outflow facility (40.36%). Increased expression of active TGFβ2 was observed in both AH and anterior segment samples of injected mice. The morphological assessment of the mouse TM region via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and direct ophthalmoscopy examination revealed no visible signs of inflammation or other ocular abnormalities in the injected eyes. Furthermore, transduction of primary human TM cells with LV_hTGFβ2C226,228S exhibited alterations in actin cytoskeleton structures, including the formation of F-actin stress fibers and crossed-linked actin networks (CLANs), which are signature arrangements of actin cytoskeleton observed in the stiffer fibrotic-like TM. Our study demonstrated a mouse model of sustained IOP elevation via lentiviral gene delivery of active hTGFβ2C226,228S that induces TM dysfunction and outflow resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gulab S. Zode
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; (S.V.P.); (R.B.K.); (J.C.M.)
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15
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Porciatti V, Chou TH. Using Noninvasive Electrophysiology to Determine Time Windows of Neuroprotection in Optic Neuropathies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5751. [PMID: 35628564 PMCID: PMC9145583 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105751] [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] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The goal of neuroprotection in optic neuropathies is to prevent loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and spare their function. The ideal time window for initiating neuroprotective treatments should be the preclinical period at which RGCs start losing their functional integrity before dying. Noninvasive electrophysiological tests such as the Pattern Electroretinogram (PERG) can assess the ability of RGCs to generate electrical signals under a protracted degenerative process in both clinical conditions and experimental models, which may have both diagnostic and prognostic values and provide the rationale for early treatment. The PERG can be used to longitudinally monitor the acute and chronic effects of neuroprotective treatments. User-friendly versions of the PERG technology are now commercially available for both clinical and experimental use.
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16
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Fang F, Zhuang P, Feng X, Liu P, Liu D, Huang H, Li L, Chen W, Liu L, Sun Y, Jiang H, Ye J, Hu Y. NMNAT2 is downregulated in glaucomatous RGCs, and RGC-specific gene therapy rescues neurodegeneration and visual function. Mol Ther 2022; 30:1421-1431. [PMID: 35114390 PMCID: PMC9077370 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The lack of neuroprotective treatments for retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and optic nerve (ON) is a central challenge for glaucoma management. Emerging evidence suggests that redox factor NAD+ decline is a hallmark of aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Supplementation with NAD+ precursors and overexpression of NMNAT1, the key enzyme in the NAD+ biosynthetic process, have significant neuroprotective effects. We first profile the translatomes of RGCs in naive mice and mice with silicone oil-induced ocular hypertension (SOHU)/glaucoma by RiboTag mRNA sequencing. Intriguingly, only NMNAT2, but not NMNAT1 or NMNAT3, is significantly decreased in SOHU glaucomatous RGCs, which we confirm by in situ hybridization. We next demonstrate that AAV2 intravitreal injection-mediated overexpression of long half-life NMNAT2 mutant driven by RGC-specific mouse γ-synuclein (mSncg) promoter restores decreased NAD+ levels in glaucomatous RGCs and ONs. Moreover, this RGC-specific gene therapy strategy delivers significant neuroprotection of both RGC soma and axon and preservation of visual function in the traumatic ON crush model and the SOHU glaucoma model. Collectively, our studies suggest that the weakening of NMNAT2 expression in glaucomatous RGCs contributes to a deleterious NAD+ decline, and that modulating RGC-intrinsic NMNAT2 levels by AAV2-mSncg vector is a promising gene therapy for glaucomatous neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Pei Zhuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Xue Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Pingting Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Dong Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Haoliang Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Haowen Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jiangbin Ye
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
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17
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Somvanshi RK, Zou S, Kadhim S, Padania S, Hsu E, Kumar U. Cannabinol modulates neuroprotection and intraocular pressure: A potential multi-target therapeutic intervention for glaucoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166325. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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18
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Early-Onset Glaucoma in egl1 Mice Homozygous for Pitx2 Mutation. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030516. [PMID: 35327318 PMCID: PMC8945683 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030516] [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: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in PITX2 cause Axenfeld–Rieger syndrome, with congenital glaucoma as an ocular feature. The egl1 mouse strain carries a chemically induced Pitx2 mutation and develops early-onset glaucoma. In this study, we characterized the glaucomatous features in egl1 mice. The eyes of egl1 and C57BL/6J control mice were assessed by slit lamp examination, total aqueous humor outflow facility, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, pattern electroretinography (PERG) recording, and histologic and immunohistochemistry assessment beginning at 3 weeks and up to 12 months of age. The egl1 mice developed elevated IOP as early as 4 weeks old. The IOP elevation was variable and asymmetric within and between the animals. The aqueous humor outflow facility was significantly reduced in 12-month-old animals. PERG detected a decreased response at 2 weeks after the development of IOP elevation. Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss was detected after 8 weeks of IOP elevation. Slit lamp and histologic evaluation revealed corneal opacity, iridocorneal adhesions (anterior synechiae), and ciliary body atrophy in egl1 mice. Immunohistochemistry assessment demonstrated glial cell activation and RGC axonal injury in response to IOP elevation. These results show that the eyes of egl1 mice exhibit anterior segment dysgenesis and early-onset glaucoma. The egl1 mouse strain may represent a useful model for the study of congenital glaucoma.
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19
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Liu P, Huang H, Fang F, Liu L, Li L, Feng X, Chen W, Dalal R, Sun Y, Hu Y. Neuronal NMNAT2 Overexpression Does Not Achieve Significant Neuroprotection in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis/Optic Neuritis. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:754651. [PMID: 34707482 PMCID: PMC8542903 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.754651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Optic neuritis, inflammation, and demyelination of the optic nerve (ON), is one of the most common clinical manifestations of multiple sclerosis; affected patients suffer persistent visual symptoms due to ON degeneration and secondary retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. The mouse experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model replicates optic neuritis and significant RGC soma and axon loss. Nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferases (NMNATs) are NAD+-synthetic enzymes that have been shown to be essential for axon integrity, activation of which significantly delays axonal Wallerian degeneration. NMNAT2, which is enriched in axons, has been proposed as a promising therapeutic target for axon injury-induced neurodegeneration. We therefore investigated whether activation of NMNAT2 can be used as a gene therapy strategy for neuroprotection in EAE/optic neuritis. To avoid the confounding effects in inflammatory cells, which play important roles in EAE initiation and progression, we used an RGC-specific promoter to drive the expression of the long half-life NMNAT2 mutant in mouse RGCs in vivo. However, optical coherence tomography in vivo retina imaging did not reveal significant protection of the ganglion cell complex, and visual function assays, pattern electroretinography, and optokinetic response also showed no improvement in mice with NMNAT2 overexpression. Postmortem histological analysis of retina wholemounts and semithin sections of ON confirmed the in vivo results: NMNAT2 activation in RGCs does not provide significant neuroprotection of RGCs in EAE/optic neuritis. Our studies suggest that a different degenerative mechanism than Wallerian degeneration is involved in autoimmune inflammatory axonopathy and that NMNAT2 may not be a major contributor to this mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingting Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Haoliang Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Xue Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Roopa Dalal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
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20
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Lazzara F, Amato R, Platania CBM, Conti F, Chou TH, Porciatti V, Drago F, Bucolo C. 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 protects retinal ganglion cells in glaucomatous mice. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:206. [PMID: 34530842 PMCID: PMC8444391 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02263-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy characterized by loss of function and death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), leading to irreversible vision loss. Neuroinflammation is recognized as one of the causes of glaucoma, and currently no treatment is addressing this mechanism. We aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 (1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, calcitriol), in a genetic model of age-related glaucomatous neurodegeneration (DBA/2J mice). METHODS DBA/2J mice were randomized to 1,25(OH)2D3 or vehicle treatment groups. Pattern electroretinogram, flash electroretinogram, and intraocular pressure were recorded weekly. Immunostaining for RBPMS, Iba-1, and GFAP was carried out on retinal flat mounts to assess retinal ganglion cell density and quantify microglial and astrocyte activation, respectively. Molecular biology analyses were carried out to evaluate retinal expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, pNFκB-p65, and neuroprotective factors. Investigators that analysed the data were blind to experimental groups, which were unveiled after graph design and statistical analysis, that were carried out with GraphPad Prism. Several statistical tests and approaches were used: the generalized estimated equations (GEE) analysis, t-test, and one-way ANOVA. RESULTS DBA/2J mice treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 for 5 weeks showed improved PERG and FERG amplitudes and reduced RGCs death, compared to vehicle-treated age-matched controls. 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment decreased microglial and astrocyte activation, as well as expression of inflammatory cytokines and pNF-κB-p65 (p < 0.05). Moreover, 1,25(OH)2D3-treated DBA/2J mice displayed increased mRNA levels of neuroprotective factors (p < 0.05), such as BDNF. CONCLUSIONS 1,25(OH)2D3 protected RGCs preserving retinal function, reducing inflammatory cytokines, and increasing expression of neuroprotective factors. Therefore, 1,25(OH)2D3 could attenuate the retinal damage in glaucomatous patients and warrants further clinical evaluation for the treatment of optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rosario Amato
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Conti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Tsung-Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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21
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Guo X, Zhou J, Starr C, Mohns EJ, Li Y, Chen EP, Yoon Y, Kellner CP, Tanaka K, Wang H, Liu W, Pasquale LR, Demb JB, Crair MC, Chen B. Preservation of vision after CaMKII-mediated protection of retinal ganglion cells. Cell 2021; 184:4299-4314.e12. [PMID: 34297923 PMCID: PMC8530265 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the sole output neurons that transmit visual information from the retina to the brain. Diverse insults and pathological states cause degeneration of RGC somas and axons leading to irreversible vision loss. A fundamental question is whether manipulation of a key regulator of RGC survival can protect RGCs from diverse insults and pathological states, and ultimately preserve vision. Here, we report that CaMKII-CREB signaling is compromised after excitotoxic injury to RGC somas or optic nerve injury to RGC axons, and reactivation of this pathway robustly protects RGCs from both injuries. CaMKII activity also promotes RGC survival in the normal retina. Further, reactivation of CaMKII protects RGCs in two glaucoma models where RGCs degenerate from elevated intraocular pressure or genetic deficiency. Last, CaMKII reactivation protects long-distance RGC axon projections in vivo and preserves visual function, from the retina to the visual cortex, and visually guided behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinzheng Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Christopher Starr
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ethan J Mohns
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Yidong Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | | | - Yonejung Yoon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Christopher P Kellner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Kohichi Tanaka
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, School of Biomedical Sciences and Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hongbing Wang
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Louis R Pasquale
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jonathan B Demb
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Michael C Crair
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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22
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Xing X, Tong X, Liu Y, Tapia M, Jin P, Holley TD, Qiu O, Lee RK. Long-Term Effects of a Photodisruptive Laser-Induced Traumatic Neuropathy Model. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:8. [PMID: 34251423 PMCID: PMC8287041 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.8.8] [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: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To create a mouse traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) model that is reproducible, reliable, and easy to manipulate with high specificity to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) layer and no mortality. The model will be useful for understanding the pathophysiology of retinal ganglion cell death and for testing neuroprotective therapeutics. Methods An Nd:YAG laser was used to generate focal photodisruptive retinal damage. Noninvasive in vivo ophthalmologic imaging technologies such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and confocal laser scanning ophthalmoscopy (CSLO) were used to longitudinally track the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and RGC number change, respectively. Immunostaining and pattern electroretinography (PERG) were also used to evaluate structure and functional change after laser injury. Results Our ND:YAG laser generates a concussive photodisruptive laser shockwave force which induces focal RGC death in the targeted area. We observed a correlative decrease in RGCs number, RNFL, and PERG function of RGC in the laser zone. The pattern of RNFL thinning and RGC soma loss correlates with the pattern and amount of fluorescence loss on OCT and CSLO images, respectively. The ND:YAG laser does not cause any damage to other layers in the retina nor any side effects including changes in intraocular pressure, corneal edema, and calcification or mortality (which has been observed in other TON models). Conclusions We have created a new and novel RGC TON death model that confers no mortality and produces a quantifiable decrease in RGC number and function. The laser targeted regions of the retina correlate with both in vivo imaging by OCT and CSLO and histologically with regions of RGC loss without ophthalmic side effects. Translational Relevance This laser-based TON injury model is simple to implement, is reproducible, and is useful for determining the molecular and cellular pathophysiology of TON and RGC death and for testing neuroprotective therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Xing
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaowei Tong
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Shanghai Eye Diseases Prevention & Treatment Center, Shanghai Eye Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mary Tapia
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Peiyao Jin
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Timothy D Holley
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Oscar Qiu
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Richard K Lee
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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23
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Petrash JM, Shieh B, Ammar DA, Pedler MG, Orlicky DJ. Diabetes-Independent Retinal Phenotypes in an Aldose Reductase Transgenic Mouse Model. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11070450. [PMID: 34357344 PMCID: PMC8305400 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11070450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aldose reductase (AR), the first and rate-limiting enzyme of the polyol pathway, has been implicated in the onset and development of the ocular complications of diabetes, including cataracts and retinopathy. Despite decades of research conducted to address possible mechanisms, questions still persist in understanding if or how AR contributes to imbalances leading to diabetic eye disease. To address these questions, we created a strain of transgenic mice engineered for the overexpression of human AR (AR-Tg). In the course of monitoring these animals for age-related retinal phenotypes, we observed signs of Müller cell gliosis characterized by strong immunostaining for glial fibrillary acidic protein. In addition, we observed increased staining for Iba1, consistent with an increase in the number of retinal microglia, a marker of retinal inflammation. Compared to age-matched nontransgenic controls, AR-Tg mice showed an age-dependent loss of Brn3a-positive retinal ganglion cells and an associated decrease in PERG amplitude. Both RGC-related phenotypes were rescued in animals treated with Sorbinil in drinking water. These results support the hypothesis that increased levels of AR may be a risk factor for structural and functional changes known to accompany retinopathy in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Mark Petrash
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (B.S.); (M.G.P.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 1635 Aurora Ct, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Biehuoy Shieh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (B.S.); (M.G.P.)
| | - David A. Ammar
- Lions Eye Institute for Transplant and Research, 1410 N 21st St, Tampa, FL 33605, USA;
| | - Michelle G. Pedler
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (B.S.); (M.G.P.)
| | - David J. Orlicky
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
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24
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Ning K, Sendayen BE, Kowal TJ, Wang B, Jones BW, Hu Y, Sun Y. Primary Cilia in Amacrine Cells in Retinal Development. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:15. [PMID: 34241625 PMCID: PMC8287049 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.9.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Primary cilia are conserved organelles found in polarized cells within the eye that regulate cell growth, migration, and differentiation. Although the role of cilia in photoreceptors is well-studied, the formation of cilia in other retinal cell types has received little attention. In this study, we examined the ciliary profile focused on the inner nuclear layer of retinas in mice and rhesus macaque primates. Methods Retinal sections or flatmounts from Arl13b-Cetn2 tg transgenic mice were immunostained for cell markers (Pax6, Sox9, Chx10, Calbindin, Calretinin, ChaT, GAD67, Prox1, TH, and vGluT3) and analyzed by confocal microscopy. Primate retinal sections were immunostained for ciliary and cell markers (Pax6 and Arl13b). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and ERGs were used to assess visual function of Vift88 mice. Results During different stages of mouse postnatal eye development, we found that cilia are present in Pax6-positive amacrine cells, which were also observed in primate retinas. The cilia of subtypes of amacrine cells in mice were shown by immunostaining and electron microscopy. We also removed primary cilia from vGluT3 amacrine cells in mouse and found no significant vision defects. In addition, cilia were present in the outer limiting membrane, suggesting that a population of Müller glial cells forms cilia. Conclusions We report that several subpopulations of amacrine cells in inner nuclear layers of the retina form cilia during early retinal development in mice and primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Ning
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, United States
| | - Brent E Sendayen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, United States.,Palo Alto Veterans Administration, Palo Alto, California, United States
| | - Tia J Kowal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, United States
| | - Biao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, United States
| | - Bryan W Jones
- Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, United States
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, United States.,Palo Alto Veterans Administration, Palo Alto, California, United States
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25
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Amato R, Lazzara F, Chou TH, Romano GL, Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M, Casini G, Porciatti V. Diabetes Exacerbates the Intraocular Pressure-Independent Retinal Ganglion Cells Degeneration in the DBA/2J Model of Glaucoma. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:9. [PMID: 34232257 PMCID: PMC8267218 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.9.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Glaucoma is a multifactorial disease, causing retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and optic nerve degeneration. The role of diabetes as a risk factor for glaucoma has been postulated but still not unequivocally demonstrated. The purpose of this study is to clarify the effect of diabetes in the early progression of glaucomatous RGC dysfunction preceding intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation, using the DBA/2J mouse (D2) model of glaucoma. Methods D2 mice were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) obtaining a combined model of diabetes and glaucoma (D2 + STZ). D2 and D2 + STZ mice were monitored for weight, glycemia, and IOP from 3.5 to 6 months of age. In addition, the activity of RGC and outer retina were assessed using pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and flash electroretinogram (FERG), respectively. At the end point, RGC density and astrogliosis were evaluated in flat mounted retinas. In addition, Müller cell reactivity was evaluated in retinal cross-sections. Finally, the expression of inflammation and oxidative stress markers were analyzed. Results IOP was not influenced by time or diabetes. In contrast, RGC activity resulted progressively decreased in the D2 group independently from IOP elevation and outer retinal dysfunction. Diabetes exacerbated RGC dysfunction, which resulted independent from variation in IOP and outer retinal activity. Diabetic retinas displayed decreased RGC density and increased glial reactivity given by an increment in oxidative stress and inflammation. Conclusions Diabetes can act as an IOP-independent risk factor for the early progression of glaucoma promoting oxidative stress and inflammation-mediated RGC dysfunction, glial reactivity, and cellular death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States
- Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences Department, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Tsung-Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Giovanni Luca Romano
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States
- Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences Department, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States
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26
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Harper MM, Boehme N, Dutca LM, Anderson MG. The Retinal Ganglion Cell Response to Blast-Mediated Traumatic Brain Injury Is Genetic Background Dependent. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:13. [PMID: 34106210 PMCID: PMC8196410 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.7.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of genetic background on the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) response to blast-mediated traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Jackson Diversity Outbred (J:DO), C57BL/6J and BALB/cByJ mice. Methods Mice were subject to one blast injury of 137 kPa. RGC structure was analyzed by optical coherence tomography (OCT), function by the pattern electroretinogram (PERG), and histologically using BRN3A antibody staining. Results Comparison of the change in each group from baseline for OCT and PERG was performed. There was a significant difference in the J:DOΔOCT compared to C57BL/6J mice (P = 0.004), but not compared to BALB/cByJ (P = 0.21). There was a significant difference in the variance of the ΔOCT in J:DO compared to both C57BL/6J and BALB/cByJ mice. The baseline PERG amplitude was 20.33 ± 9.32 µV, which decreased an average of −4.14 ± 12.46 µV following TBI. Baseline RGC complex + RNFL thickness was 70.92 ± 4.52 µm, which decreased an average of −1.43 ± 2.88 µm following blast exposure. There was not a significant difference in the ΔPERG between J:DO and C57BL/6J (P = 0.13), although the variances of the groups were significantly different. Blast exposure in J:DO mice results in a density change of 558.6 ± 440.5 BRN3A-positive RGCs/mm2 (mean ± SD). Conclusions The changes in retinal outcomes had greater variance in outbred mice than what has been reported, and largely replicated herein, for inbred mice. These results demonstrate that the RGC response to blast injury is highly dependent upon genetic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Harper
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.,Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Department of Veterans Affairs, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Nickolas Boehme
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.,Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Department of Veterans Affairs, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Laura M Dutca
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.,Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Department of Veterans Affairs, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Michael G Anderson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.,Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Department of Veterans Affairs, Iowa City, IA, United States.,The Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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27
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Modeling Retinal Ganglion Cell Dysfunction in Optic Neuropathies. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061398. [PMID: 34198840 PMCID: PMC8227951 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As in glaucoma and other optic neuropathies cellular dysfunction often precedes cell death, the assessment of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) function represents a key outcome measure for neuroprotective strategies aimed at targeting distressed but still viable cells. RGC dysfunction can be assessed with the pattern electroretinogram (PERG), a sensitive measure of electrical activity of RGCs that is recorded non-invasively in human subjects and mouse models. Here, we offer a conceptual framework based on an intuitive state-transition model used for disease management in patients to identify progressive, potentially reversible stages of RGC dysfunction leading to cell death in mouse models of glaucoma and other optic neuropathies. We provide mathematical equations to describe state-transitions with a set of modifiable parameters that alter the time course and severity of state-transitions, which can be used for hypothesis testing and fitting experimental PERG data. PERG dynamics as a function of physiological stimuli are also used to differentiate phenotypic and altered RGC response dynamics, to assess susceptibility to stressors and to assess reversible dysfunction upon pharmacological treatment.
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28
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Fang F, Zhang J, Zhuang P, Liu P, Li L, Huang H, Webber HC, Xu Y, Liu L, Dalal R, Sun Y, Hu Y. Chronic mild and acute severe glaucomatous neurodegeneration derived from silicone oil-induced ocular hypertension. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9052. [PMID: 33907301 PMCID: PMC8079709 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88690-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, we established silicone oil-induced ocular hypertension (SOHU) mouse model with significant glaucomatous neurodegeneration. Here we characterize two additional variations of this model that simulate two distinct glaucoma types. The first is a chronic model produced by high frequency (HF) pupillary dilation after SO-induced pupillary block, which shows sustained moderate IOP elevation and corresponding slow, mild glaucomatous neurodegeneration. We also demonstrate that although SO removal quickly returns IOP to normal, the glaucomatous neurodegeneration continues to advance to a similar degree as in the HF group without SO removal. The second, an acute model created by no pupillary dilation (ND), shows a greatly elevated IOP and severe inner retina degeneration at an early time point. Therefore, by a straightforward dilation scheme, we extend our original SOHU model to recapitulate phenotypes of two major glaucoma forms, which will be invaluable for selecting neuroprotectants and elucidating their molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Pei Zhuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Pingting Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Haoliang Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Hannah C Webber
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Yangfan Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Roopa Dalal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA.
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29
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Regulation of distinct caspase-8 functions in retinal ganglion cells and astroglia in experimental glaucoma. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 150:105258. [PMID: 33434617 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) expanding from the retina to the brain are primary victims of neurodegeneration in glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness; however, the neighboring astroglia survive the glaucoma-related stress and promote neuroinflammation. In light of diverse functions of caspase-8 in apoptosis, cell survival, and inflammation, this study investigated the importance of caspase-8 in different fates of glaucomatous RGCs and astroglia using two experimental approaches in parallel. In the first approach, cell type-specific responses of RGCs and astroglia to a caspase-8 cleavage-inhibiting pharmacological treatment were studied in rat eyes with or without experimentally induced glaucoma. The second approach utilized an experimental model of glaucoma in mice in which astroglial caspase-8 was conditionally deleted by cre/lox. Findings of these experiments revealed cell type-specific distinct processes that regulate caspase-8 functions in experimental glaucoma, which are involved in inducing the apoptosis of RGCs and promoting the survival and inflammatory responses of astroglia. Deletion of caspase-8 in astroglia protected RGCs against glia-driven inflammatory injury, while the inhibition of caspase-8 cleavage inhibited apoptosis in RGCs themselves. Various caspase-8 functions impacting both RGC apoptosis and astroglia-driven neuroinflammation may suggest the multi-target potential of caspase-8 regulation to provide neuroprotection and immunomodulation in glaucoma.
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30
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Disturbed glucose and pyruvate metabolism in glaucoma with neuroprotection by pyruvate or rapamycin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:33619-33627. [PMID: 33318177 PMCID: PMC7776900 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2014213117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Intraocular pressure-sensitive retinal ganglion cell degeneration is a hallmark of glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Here, we used RNA-sequencing and metabolomics to examine early glaucoma in DBA/2J mice. We demonstrate gene expression changes that significantly impact pathways mediating the metabolism and transport of glucose and pyruvate. Subsequent metabolic studies characterized an intraocular pressure (IOP)-dependent decline in retinal pyruvate levels coupled to dysregulated glucose metabolism prior to detectable optic nerve degeneration. Remarkably, retinal glucose levels were elevated 50-fold, consistent with decreased glycolysis but possibly including glycogen mobilization and other metabolic changes. Oral supplementation of the glycolytic product pyruvate strongly protected from neurodegeneration in both rat and mouse models of glaucoma. Investigating further, we detected mTOR activation at the mechanistic nexus of neurodegeneration and metabolism. Rapamycin-induced inhibition of mTOR robustly prevented glaucomatous neurodegeneration, supporting a damaging role for IOP-induced mTOR activation in perturbing metabolism and promoting glaucoma. Together, these findings support the use of treatments that limit metabolic disturbances and provide bioenergetic support. Such treatments provide a readily translatable strategy that warrants investigation in clinical trials.
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31
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Harder JM, Williams PA, Braine CE, Yang HS, Thomas JM, Foxworth NE, John SWM, Howell GR. Complement peptide C3a receptor 1 promotes optic nerve degeneration in DBA/2J mice. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:336. [PMID: 33176797 PMCID: PMC7656757 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-02011-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk of glaucoma increases significantly with age and exposure to elevated intraocular pressure, two factors linked with neuroinflammation. The complement cascade is a complex immune process with many bioactive end-products, including mediators of inflammation. Complement cascade activation has been shown in glaucoma patients and models of glaucoma. However, the function of complement-mediated inflammation in glaucoma is largely untested. Here, the complement peptide C3a receptor 1 was genetically disrupted in DBA/2J mice, an ocular hypertensive model of glaucoma, to test its contribution to neurodegeneration. METHODS A null allele of C3ar1 was backcrossed into DBA/2J mice. Development of iris disease, ocular hypertension, optic nerve degeneration, retinal ganglion cell activity, loss of RGCs, and myeloid cell infiltration in C3ar1-deficient and sufficient DBA/2J mice were compared across multiple ages. RNA sequencing was performed on microglia from primary culture to determine global effects of C3ar1 on microglia gene expression. RESULTS Deficiency in C3ar1 lowered the risk of degeneration in ocular hypertensive mice without affecting intraocular pressure elevation at 10.5 months of age. Differences were found in the percentage of mice affected, but not in individual characteristics of disease progression. The protective effect of C3ar1 deficiency was then overcome by additional aging and ocular hypertensive injury. Microglia and other myeloid-derived cells were the primary cells identified that express C3ar1. In the absence of C3ar1, microglial expression of genes associated with neuroinflammation and other immune functions were differentially expressed compared to WT. A network analysis of these data suggested that the IL10 signaling pathway is a major interaction partner of C3AR1 signaling in microglia. CONCLUSIONS C3AR1 was identified as a damaging neuroinflammatory factor. These data help suggest complement activation causes glaucomatous neurodegeneration through multiple mechanisms, including inflammation. Microglia and infiltrating myeloid cells expressed high levels of C3ar1 and are the primary candidates to mediate its effects. C3AR1 appeared to be a major regulator of microglia reactivity and neuroinflammatory function due to its interaction with IL10 signaling and other immune related pathways. Targeting myeloid-derived cells and C3AR1 signaling with therapies is expected to add to or improve neuroprotective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pete A Williams
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
- Division of Eye and Vision, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catherine E Braine
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Simon W M John
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, and Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Gareth R Howell
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA.
- Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA.
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32
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Kasetti RB, Patel PD, Maddineni P, Patil S, Kiehlbauch C, Millar JC, Searby CC, Raghunathan V, Sheffield VC, Zode GS. ATF4 leads to glaucoma by promoting protein synthesis and ER client protein load. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5594. [PMID: 33154371 PMCID: PMC7644693 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19352-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The underlying pathological mechanisms of glaucomatous trabecular meshwork (TM) damage and elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) are poorly understood. Here, we report that the chronic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced ATF4-CHOP-GADD34 pathway is activated in TM of human and mouse glaucoma. Expression of ATF4 in TM promotes aberrant protein synthesis and ER client protein load, leading to TM dysfunction and cell death. These events lead to IOP elevation and glaucomatous neurodegeneration. ATF4 interacts with CHOP and this interaction is essential for IOP elevation. Notably, genetic depletion or pharmacological inhibition of ATF4-CHOP-GADD34 pathway prevents TM cell death and rescues mouse models of glaucoma by reducing protein synthesis and ER client protein load in TM cells. Importantly, glaucomatous TM cells exhibit significantly increased protein synthesis along with induction of ATF4-CHOP-GADD34 pathway. These studies indicate a pathological role of ATF4-CHOP-GADD34 pathway in glaucoma and provide a possible treatment for glaucoma by targeting this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh B Kasetti
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and the North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, TX, 76107, Fort Worth, USA
| | - Pinkal D Patel
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and the North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, TX, 76107, Fort Worth, USA
| | - Prabhavathi Maddineni
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and the North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, TX, 76107, Fort Worth, USA
| | - Shruti Patil
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and the North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, TX, 76107, Fort Worth, USA
| | - Charles Kiehlbauch
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and the North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, TX, 76107, Fort Worth, USA
| | - J Cameron Millar
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and the North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, TX, 76107, Fort Worth, USA
| | - Charles C Searby
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - VijayKrishna Raghunathan
- Department of Basic Sciences and the Ocular Surface Institute, College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Val C Sheffield
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Gulab S Zode
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and the North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, TX, 76107, Fort Worth, USA.
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Maddineni P, Kasetti RB, Patel PD, Millar JC, Kiehlbauch C, Clark AF, Zode GS. CNS axonal degeneration and transport deficits at the optic nerve head precede structural and functional loss of retinal ganglion cells in a mouse model of glaucoma. Mol Neurodegener 2020; 15:48. [PMID: 32854767 PMCID: PMC7457267 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-020-00400-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glaucoma is a leading neurodegenerative disease affecting over 70 million individuals worldwide. Early pathological events of axonal degeneration and retinopathy in response to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) are limited and not well-defined due to the lack of appropriate animal models that faithfully replicate all the phenotypes of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), the most common form of glaucoma. Glucocorticoid (GC)-induced ocular hypertension (OHT) and its associated iatrogenic open-angle glaucoma share many features with POAG. Here, we characterized a novel mouse model of GC-induced OHT for glaucomatous neurodegeneration and further explored early pathological events of axonal degeneration in response to elevated IOP. METHODS C57BL/6 J mice were periocularly injected with either vehicle or the potent GC, dexamethasone 21-acetate (Dex) once a week for 10 weeks. Glaucoma phenotypes including IOP, outflow facility, structural and functional loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), optic nerve (ON) degeneration, gliosis, and anterograde axonal transport deficits were examined at various stages of OHT. RESULTS Prolonged treatment with Dex leads to glaucoma in mice similar to POAG patients including IOP elevation due to reduced outflow facility and dysfunction of trabecular meshwork, progressive ON degeneration and structural and functional loss of RGCs. Lowering of IOP rescued Dex-induced ON degeneration and RGC loss, suggesting that glaucomatous neurodegeneration is IOP dependent. Also, Dex-induced neurodegeneration was associated with activation of astrocytes, axonal transport deficits, ON demyelination, mitochondrial accumulation and immune cell infiltration in the optic nerve head (ONH) region. Our studies further show that ON degeneration precedes structural and functional loss of RGCs in Dex-treated mice. Axonal damage and transport deficits initiate at the ONH and progress toward the distal end of ON and target regions in the brain (i.e. superior colliculus). Most of anterograde transport was preserved during initial stages of axonal degeneration (30% loss) and complete transport deficits were only observed at the ONH during later stages of severe axonal degeneration (50% loss). CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that ON degeneration and transport deficits at the ONH precede RGC structural and functional loss and provide a new potential therapeutic window for rescuing neuronal loss and restoring health of damaged axons in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhavathi Maddineni
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and the North Texas Eye Research Institute, IREB-535, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107 USA
| | - Ramesh B. Kasetti
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and the North Texas Eye Research Institute, IREB-535, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107 USA
| | - Pinkal D. Patel
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and the North Texas Eye Research Institute, IREB-535, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107 USA
| | - J. Cameron Millar
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and the North Texas Eye Research Institute, IREB-535, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107 USA
| | - Charles Kiehlbauch
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and the North Texas Eye Research Institute, IREB-535, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107 USA
| | - Abbot F. Clark
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and the North Texas Eye Research Institute, IREB-535, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107 USA
| | - Gulab S. Zode
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and the North Texas Eye Research Institute, IREB-535, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107 USA
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Romano GL, Amato R, Lazzara F, Porciatti V, Chou TH, Drago F, Bucolo C. P2X7 receptor antagonism preserves retinal ganglion cells in glaucomatous mice. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 180:114199. [PMID: 32798466 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the role of P2X7 receptor to preserve retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) structure and function in a genetic mouse model (DBA/2J mouse) of age-related glaucomatous neurodegeneration. Chronic treatment with P2X7 receptor antagonist eye drops was carried out in order to assess RGCs function and density by pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and RBPMS immunostaining, respectively. Further, microglia activation was assessed in flat-mounted retina by using Iba-1 immunostaining. Untreated glaucomatous eyes displayed significant microglia activation, alteration of PERG signal, and RGCs loss. In the P2X7 receptor antagonist-treated eyes, the PERG signal was significantly (p < 0.05) improved compared to controls, along with a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in terms of retinal microglial activation, and remarkable preservation of RGCs density. Altogether, these findings demonstrated that topical treatment with a P2X7 receptor antagonist has a neuroprotective effect on RGCs in glaucomatous mice, suggesting an appealing pharmacological approach to prevent retinal degenerative damage in optic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Luca Romano
- Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences Department, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Rosario Amato
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States; Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences Department, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Tsung-Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Filippo Drago
- Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences Department, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences Department, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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35
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Gramlich OW, Brown AJ, Godwin CR, Chimenti MS, Boland LK, Ankrum JA, Kardon RH. Systemic Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatment Mitigates Structural and Functional Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration in a Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:16. [PMID: 32855863 PMCID: PMC7422913 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.8.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy efficacy on rescuing the visual system in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of multiple sclerosis (MS) and to provide new mechanistic insights. Methods EAE was induced in female C57BL6 mice by immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)35–55, complete Freund's adjuvant, and pertussis toxin. The findings were compared to sham-immunized mice. Half of the EAE mice received intraperitoneally delivered stem cells (EAE + MSC). Clinical progression was monitored according to a five-point EAE scoring scheme. Pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness were measured 32 days after induction. Retinas were harvested to determine retinal ganglion cell (RGC) density and prepared for RNA-sequencing. Results EAE animals that received MSC treatment seven days after EAE induction showed significantly lower motor-sensory impairment, improvement in the PERG amplitude, and preserved RNFL. Analysis of RNA-sequencing data demonstrated statistically significant differences in gene expression in the retina of MSC-treated EAE mice. Differentially expressed genes were enriched for pathways involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress, endothelial cell differentiation, HIF-1 signaling, and cholesterol transport in the MSC-treated EAE group. Conclusions Systemic MSC treatment positively affects RGC function and survival in EAE mice. Better cholesterol handling by increased expression of Abca1, the cholesterol efflux regulatory protein, paired with the resolution of HIF-1 signaling activation might explain the improvements seen in PERG of EAE animals after MSC treatment. Translational Relevance Using MSC therapy in a mouse model of MS, we discovered previously unappreciated biochemical pathways associated with RGC neuroprotection, which have the potential to be pharmacologically targeted as a new treatment regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver W Gramlich
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Alexander J Brown
- Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA.,Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Cheyanne R Godwin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Michael S Chimenti
- Iowa Institute of Human Genetics, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Lauren K Boland
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering College, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - James A Ankrum
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering College, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Randy H Kardon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, USA
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36
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Chou TH, Romano GL, Amato R, Porciatti V. Nicotinamide-Rich Diet in DBA/2J Mice Preserves Retinal Ganglion Cell Metabolic Function as Assessed by PERG Adaptation to Flicker. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12071910. [PMID: 32605122 PMCID: PMC7401244 DOI: 10.3390/nu12071910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Flickering light increases metabolic demand in the inner retina. Flicker may exacerbate defective mitochondrial function in glaucoma, which will be reflected in the pattern electroretinogram (PERG), a sensitive test of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) function. We tested whether flicker altered the PERG of DBA/2J (D2) glaucomatous mice and whether vitamin B3-rich diet contributed to the flicker effect. D2 mice fed with either standard chow (control, n = 10) or chow/water enriched with nicotinamide (NAM, 2000 mg/kg per day) (treated, n = 10) were monitored from 3 to 12 months. The PERG was recorded with superimposed flicker (F-PERG) at either 101 Hz (baseline) or 11 Hz (test), and baseline-test amplitude difference (adaptation) evaluated. At endpoint, flat-mounted retinas were immunostained (RBPMS and mito-tracker). F-PERG adaptation was 41% in 3-month-old D2 and decreased with age more in control D2 than in NAM-fed D2 (GEE, p < 0.01). At the endpoint, F-PERG adaptation was 0% in control D2 and 17.5% in NAM-fed D2, together with higher RGC density (2.4×), larger RGC soma size (2×), and greater intensity of mitochondrial staining (3.75×). F-PERG adaptation may provide a non-invasive tool to assess RGC autoregulation in response to increased metabolic demand and test the effect of dietary/pharmacological treatments on optic nerve disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (G.L.R.); (R.A.); (V.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-305-482-4827
| | - Giovanni Luca Romano
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (G.L.R.); (R.A.); (V.P.)
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, CT 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Amato
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (G.L.R.); (R.A.); (V.P.)
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, PI 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (G.L.R.); (R.A.); (V.P.)
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37
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Zhang Y, Zhang S, Xia Y, Ji Y, Jiang W, Li M, Huang H, Xu M, Sun J, Ye Q, Hu Y, Wu W. In vivo evaluation of retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve's integrity in large animals by multi-modality analysis. Exp Eye Res 2020; 197:108117. [PMID: 32598972 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Large animal models of optic nerve injury are essential for translating novel findings into effective therapies due to their similarity to humans in many respects. However, most current tests evaluating the integrity of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and optic nerve (ON) are based on rodent animal models. We aimed to evaluate and optimize the in vivo methods to assess RGCs and ON's function and structure in large animals in terms of reproducibility, simplicity and sensitivity. Both goats and rhesus macaques were employed in this study. By using goats, we found anesthesia with isoflurane or xylazine resulted in different effects on reproducibility of flash visual evoked potential (FVEP) and pattern electroretinogram (PERG). FVEP with the large-Ganzfeld stimulator was significantly more stable than that with mini-Ganzfeld stimulator. PERG with simultaneous binocular stimulation, with superior simplicity over separate monocular stimulation, was appliable in goats due to undetectable interocular crosstalk of PERG signals. After ON crush in goats, some FVEP components, PERG, OCT and PLR demonstrated significant changes, in line with the histological study. By using rhesus macaque, we found the implicit time of PVEP, FVEP and PERG were significantly more reproducible than amplitudes, and OCT and PLR demonstrated small intersession variation. In summary, we established an optimized system to evaluate integrity of RGCs and ON in large animals in vivo, facilitating usage of large animal models of optic nerve diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yikui Zhang
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
| | - Si Zhang
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Yu Xia
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Yuanfei Ji
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Wenhao Jiang
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Mengyun Li
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Haoliang Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States
| | - Mingna Xu
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Jiaying Sun
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Qian Ye
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States.
| | - Wencan Wu
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
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38
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Li L, Huang H, Fang F, Liu L, Sun Y, Hu Y. Longitudinal Morphological and Functional Assessment of RGC Neurodegeneration After Optic Nerve Crush in Mouse. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:109. [PMID: 32410964 PMCID: PMC7200994 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The mouse optic nerve crush (ONC) model has been widely used to study optic neuropathies and central nervous system (CNS) axon injury and repair. Previous histological studies of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) somata in retina and axons in ON demonstrate significant neurodegeneration after ONC, but longitudinal morphological and functional assessment of RGCs in living animals is lacking. It is essential to establish these assays to provide more clinically relevant information for early detection and monitoring the progression of CNS neurodegeneration. Here, we present in vivo data gathered by scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and pattern electroretinogram (PERG) at different time points after ONC in mouse eyes and corresponding histological quantification of the RGC somata and axons. Not surprisingly, direct visualization of RGCs by SLO fundus imaging correlated best with histological quantification of RGC somata and axons. Unexpectedly, OCT did not detect obvious retinal thinning until late time points (14 and 28-days post ONC) and instead detected significant retinal swelling at early time points (1–5 days post-ONC), indicating a characteristic initial retinal response to ON injury. PERG also demonstrated an early RGC functional deficit in response to ONC, before significant RGC death, suggesting that it is highly sensitive to ONC. However, the limited progression of PERG deficits diminished its usefulness as a reliable indicator of RGC degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Haoliang Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
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Harper MM, Hedberg-Buenz A, Herlein J, Abrahamson EE, Anderson MG, Kuehn MH, Kardon RH, Poolman P, Ikonomovic MD. Blast-Mediated Traumatic Brain Injury Exacerbates Retinal Damage and Amyloidosis in the APPswePSENd19e Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:2716-2725. [PMID: 31247112 PMCID: PMC6735799 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-26353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a risk factor for developing chronic neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of this study was to examine chronic effects of blast TBI on retinal ganglion cells (RGC), optic nerve, and brain amyloid load in a mouse model of AD amyloidosis. Methods Transgenic (TG) double-mutant APPswePSENd19e (APP/PS1) mice and nontransgenic (Non-TG) littermates were exposed to a single blast TBI (20 psi) at age 2 to 3 months. RGC cell structure and function was evaluated 2 months later (average age at endpoint = 4.5 months) using pattern electroretinogram (PERG), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and the chromatic pupil light reflex (cPLR), followed by histologic analysis of retina, optic nerve, and brain amyloid pathology. Results APP/PS1 mice exposed to blast TBI (TG-Blast) had significantly lower PERG and cPLR responses 2 months after injury compared to preblast values and compared to sham groups of APP/PS1 (TG-Sham) and nontransgenic (Non-TG-Sham) mice as well as nontransgenic blast-exposed mice (Non-TG-Blast). The TG-Blast group also had significantly thinner RGC complex and more optic nerve damage compared to all groups. No amyloid-β (Aβ) deposits were detected in retinas of APP/PS1 mice; however, increased amyloid precursor protein (APP)/Aβ-immunoreactivity was seen in TG-Blast compared to TG-Sham mice, particularly near blood vessels. TG-Blast and TG-Sham groups exhibited high variability in pathology severity, with a strong, but not statistically significant, trend for greater cerebral cortical Aβ plaque load in the TG-Blast compared to TG-Sham group. Conclusions When combined with a genetic susceptibility for developing amyloidosis of AD, blast TBI exposure leads to earlier RGC and optic nerve damage associated with modest but detectable increase in cerebral cortical Aβ pathology. These findings suggest that genetic risk factors for AD may increase the sensitivity of the retina to blast-mediated damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Harper
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States.,The Iowa City VA Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Adam Hedberg-Buenz
- The Iowa City VA Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City, Iowa, United States.,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Judith Herlein
- The Iowa City VA Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Eric E Abrahamson
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Michael G Anderson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States.,The Iowa City VA Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City, Iowa, United States.,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Markus H Kuehn
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States.,The Iowa City VA Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Randy H Kardon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States.,The Iowa City VA Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Pieter Poolman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States.,The Iowa City VA Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Milos D Ikonomovic
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
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40
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Chou TH, Toft-Nielsen J, Porciatti V. Adaptation of retinal ganglion cell function during flickering light in the mouse. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18396. [PMID: 31804570 PMCID: PMC6895232 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54930-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapid dilation of retinal vessels in response to flickering light (functional hyperemia) is a well-known autoregulatory response driven by increased neural activity in the inner retina. Little is known about flicker-induced changes of activity of retinal neurons themselves. We non-invasively investigated flicker-induced changes of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) function in common inbred mouse strains using the pattern electroretinogram (PERG), a sensitive measure of RGC function. Flicker was superimposed on the pattern stimulus at frequencies that did not generate measurable flicker-ERG and alter the PERG response. Transition from flicker at 101 Hz (control) to flicker at 11 Hz (test) at constant mean luminance induced a slow reduction of PERG amplitude to a minimum (39% loss in C57BL/6J mice and 52% loss in DBA/2J mice) 4–5 minutes after 11 Hz flicker onset, followed by a slow recovery to baseline over 20 minutes. Results demonstrate that the magnitude and temporal dynamics of RGC response induced by flicker at 11 Hz can be non-invasively assessed with PERG in the mouse. This allows investigating the functional phenotype of different mouse strains as well as pathological changes in glaucoma and optic nerve disease. The non-contact flicker-PERG method opens the possibility of combined assessment of neural and vascular response dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.
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41
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Harper MM, Woll AW, Evans LP, Delcau M, Akurathi A, Hedberg-Buenz A, Soukup DA, Boehme N, Hefti MM, Dutca LM, Anderson MG, Bassuk AG. Blast Preconditioning Protects Retinal Ganglion Cells and Reveals Targets for Prevention of Neurodegeneration Following Blast-Mediated Traumatic Brian Injury. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:4159-4170. [PMID: 31598627 PMCID: PMC6785841 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.19-27565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of multiple blast exposures and blast preconditioning on the structure and function of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), to identify molecular pathways that contribute to RGC loss, and to evaluate the role of kynurenine-3-monooxygenase (KMO) inhibition on RGC structure and function. Methods Mice were subjected to sham blast injury, one single blast injury, or three blast injuries separated by either 1 hour or 1 week, using a blast intensity of 20 PSI. To examine the effect of blast preconditioning, mice were subjected to sham blast injury, one single 20-PSI injury, or three blast injuries separated by 1 week (5 PSI, 5 PSI, 20 PSI and 5 PSI, 5 PSI, 5 PSI). RGC structure was analyzed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and function was analyzed by the pattern electroretinogram (PERG). BRN3A-positive cells were quantified to determine RGC density. RNA-seq analysis was used to identify transcriptional changes between groups. Results Analysis of mice with multiple blast exposures of 20 PSI revealed no significant differences compared to one 20-pounds per square inch (PSI) exposure using OCT, PERG, or BRN3A cell counts. Analysis of mice exposed to two preconditioning 5-PSI blasts prior to one 20-PSI blast showed preservation of RGC structure and function. RNA-seq analysis of the retina identified multiple transcriptomic changes between conditions. Pharmacologic inhibition of KMO preserved RGC responses compared to vehicle-treated mice. Conclusions Preconditioning protects RGC from blast injury. Protective effects appear to involve changes in KMO activity, whose inhibition is also protective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M. Harper
- The Iowa City Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Addison W. Woll
- The Iowa City Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Lucy P. Evans
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Michael Delcau
- The Iowa City Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Abhigna Akurathi
- The Iowa City Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Adam Hedberg-Buenz
- The Iowa City Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Dana A. Soukup
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Nickolas Boehme
- The Iowa City Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Marco M. Hefti
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Laura M. Dutca
- The Iowa City Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Michael G. Anderson
- The Iowa City Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Alexander G. Bassuk
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
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42
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Zhang J, Li L, Huang H, Fang F, Webber HC, Zhuang P, Liu L, Dalal R, Tang PH, Mahajan VB, Sun Y, Li S, Zhang M, Goldberg JL, Hu Y. Silicone oil-induced ocular hypertension and glaucomatous neurodegeneration in mouse. eLife 2019; 8:45881. [PMID: 31090540 PMCID: PMC6533060 DOI: 10.7554/elife.45881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the molecular mechanism of glaucoma and development of neuroprotectants is significantly hindered by the lack of a reliable animal model that accurately recapitulates human glaucoma. Here, we sought to develop a mouse model for the secondary glaucoma that is often observed in humans after silicone oil (SO) blocks the pupil or migrates into the anterior chamber following vitreoretinal surgery. We observed significant intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation after intracameral injection of SO, and that SO removal allows IOP to return quickly to normal. This simple, inducible and reversible mouse ocular hypertension model shows dynamic changes of visual function that correlate with progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss and axon degeneration. It may be applicable with only minor modifications to a range of animal species in which it will generate stable, robust IOP elevation and significant neurodegeneration that will facilitate selection of neuroprotectants and investigating the pathogenesis of ocular hypertension-induced glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States
| | - Haoliang Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hannah C Webber
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States
| | - Pei Zhuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States
| | - Roopa Dalal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States
| | - Peter H Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care, Palo Alto, United States
| | - Vinit B Mahajan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care, Palo Alto, United States
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care, Palo Alto, United States
| | - Shaohua Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingchang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States
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43
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Tse BC, Dvoriantchikova G, Tao W, Gallo RA, Lee JY, Pappas S, Brambilla R, Ivanov D, Tse DT, Pelaez D. Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibition in the Acute Management of Traumatic Optic Neuropathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:2905-2912. [PMID: 30025145 PMCID: PMC5989875 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine the effectiveness of etanercept, a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor, in conferring neuroprotection to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and improving visual outcomes after optic nerve trauma with either optic nerve crush (ONC) or sonication-induced traumatic optic neuropathy (SI-TON) in mice. Methods Mouse optic nerves were unilaterally subjected to ONC (n = 20) or SI-TON (n = 20). TNF expression was evaluated by using immunohistochemistry and quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) in optic nerves harvested 6 and 24 hours post ONC (n = 10) and SI-TON (n = 10). Mice in each injury group received daily subcutaneous injections of either etanercept (10 mg/kg of body weight; five mice) or vehicle (five mice) for 7 days. Pattern electroretinograms were performed on all mice at 1 and 2 weeks after injury. ONC mice were killed at 2 weeks after injury, while SI-TON mice were euthanized at 4 weeks after injury. Whole retina flat-mounts were used for RGC quantification. Results Immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR showed upregulation of TNF protein and gene expression within 24 hours after injury. In both models, etanercept use immediately following optic nerve injury led to higher RGC survival when compared to controls, which was comparable between the two models (24.23% in ONC versus 20.42% in SI-TON). In both models, 1 and 2 weeks post injury, mice treated with etanercept had significantly higher a-wave amplitudes than untreated injured controls. Conclusions Treatment with etanercept significantly reduced retinal damage and improved visual function in both animal models of TON. These findings suggest that reducing TNF activity in injured optic nerves constitutes an effective therapeutic approach in an acute setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Tse
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Galina Dvoriantchikova
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Wensi Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Ryan A Gallo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - John Y Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Steven Pappas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Roberta Brambilla
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Dmitry Ivanov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Florida, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - David T Tse
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Daniel Pelaez
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Florida, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, United States
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Kinoshita J, Peachey NS. Noninvasive Electroretinographic Procedures for the Study of the Mouse Retina. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 8:1-16. [PMID: 30040236 DOI: 10.1002/cpmo.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Overall retinal function can be monitored by recording the light-evoked response of the eye at the corneal surface. The major components of the electroretinogram (ERG) provide important information regarding the functional status of many retinal cell types including rod photoreceptors, cone photoreceptors, bipolar cells, and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The ERG can be readily recorded from mice, and this unit describes procedures for mouse anesthesia and the use of stimulation and recording procedures for measuring ERGs that reflect the response properties of different retinal cell types. Through these, the mouse ERG provides a noninvasive approach to measure multiple aspects of outer retinal function, including the status of the initial rod and cone pathways, rod photoreceptor deactivation, rod dark adaptation, the photoreceptor-to-bipolar cell synapse, and the RPE. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junzo Kinoshita
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Neal S Peachey
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio.,Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio.,Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
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45
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Dibas A, Millar C, Al-Farra A, Yorio T. Neuroprotective Effects of Psalmotoxin-1, an Acid-Sensing Ion Channel (ASIC) Inhibitor, in Ischemia Reperfusion in Mouse Eyes. Curr Eye Res 2018; 43:921-933. [PMID: 29595330 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2018.1454478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the current study is to assess changes in the expression of Acid-Sensing Ion Channel (ASIC)1a and ASIC2 in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after retinal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury and to test if inhibition of ASIC1a provides RGC neuroprotection. METHODS Transient ischemia was induced in one eye of C57BL/6 mice by raising intraocular pressure to 120 mmHg for 60 min followed by retinal reperfusion by restoring normal pressure. RGC function was measured by Pattern electroretinography (PERG). In addition, retinal ASIC1a and ASIC2 were observed by immunohistochemistry and western blot. Changes in calpain, fodrin, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), Brn3a, super oxide dismutase-1 (SOD1), catalase, and glutathione perioxidase-4 (GPX4) protein levels were assessed by western blot. RGC numbers were measured by immunohistochemistry on whole retinal flat mounts using anti-RNA binding protein with multiple splicing (RBPMS) antibodies. Intravitreal injection of psalmotoxin-1, a selective ASIC1a blocker, was used to assess the neuroprotective effect of ASIC1a inhibition. RESULTS Levels of ASIC1a and ASIC2 after I/R increased in RGCs. Upregulation of ASIC1a but not ASIC2 was attenuated by intravitreal injection of psalmotoxin-1. I/R induced activation of calpain and degradation of fodrin, HSP70, and reduction in Brn3a. In contrast, while psalmotoxin-1 attenuated calpain activation and increased Brn3a levels, it failed to block HSP70 degradation. Unlike SOD1 protein which was reduced, catalase protein levels increased after I/R. Psalmotoxin-1, although not affecting SOD1 and GPX4, increased catalase levels significantly. Psalmotoxin-1 also increased RBPMS-labeled RGCs following I/R as judged by immunohistochemistry of retinal flat mounts. Finally, psalmotoxin-1 enhanced the amplitude of PERG following I/R, suggesting partial rescue of RGC function. CONCLUSION Psalmotoxin-1 appears to exert a neuroprotective effect under ischemic insults and targeting inhibition of ASICs may represent a new therapeutic approach in ischemic retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Dibas
- a North Texas Eye Research Institute, Dept. of Pharmacology & Neuroscience , University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth , TX , USA
| | - Cameron Millar
- a North Texas Eye Research Institute, Dept. of Pharmacology & Neuroscience , University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth , TX , USA
| | | | - Thomas Yorio
- a North Texas Eye Research Institute, Dept. of Pharmacology & Neuroscience , University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth , TX , USA
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46
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Mui AM, Yang V, Aung MH, Fu J, Adekunle AN, Prall BC, Sidhu CS, Park HN, Boatright JH, Iuvone PM, Pardue MT. Daily visual stimulation in the critical period enhances multiple aspects of vision through BDNF-mediated pathways in the mouse retina. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192435. [PMID: 29408880 PMCID: PMC5800661 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Visual experience during the critical period modulates visual development such that deprivation causes visual impairments while stimulation induces enhancements. This study aimed to determine whether visual stimulation in the form of daily optomotor response (OMR) testing during the mouse critical period (1) improves aspects of visual function, (2) involves retinal mechanisms and (3) is mediated by brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and dopamine (DA) signaling pathways. We tested spatial frequency thresholds in C57BL/6J mice daily from postnatal days 16 to 23 (P16 to P23) using OMR testing. Daily OMR-treated mice were compared to littermate controls that were placed in the OMR chamber without moving gratings. Contrast sensitivity thresholds, electroretinograms (ERGs), visual evoked potentials, and pattern ERGs were acquired at P21. To determine the role of BDNF signaling, a TrkB receptor antagonist (ANA-12) was systemically injected 2 hours prior to OMR testing in another cohort of mice. BDNF immunohistochemistry was performed on retina and brain sections. Retinal DA levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Daily OMR testing enhanced spatial frequency thresholds and contrast sensitivity compared to controls. OMR-treated mice also had improved rod-driven ERG oscillatory potential response times, greater BDNF immunoreactivity in the retinal ganglion cell layer, and increased retinal DA content compared to controls. VEPs and pattern ERGs were unchanged. Systemic delivery of ANA-12 attenuated OMR-induced visual enhancements. Daily OMR testing during the critical period leads to general visual function improvements accompanied by increased DA and BDNF in the retina, with this process being requisitely mediated by TrkB activation. These results suggest that novel combination therapies involving visual stimulation and using both behavioral and molecular approaches may benefit degenerative retinal diseases or amblyopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M. Mui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States of America
| | - Victoria Yang
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Moe H. Aung
- Neuroscience Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Jieming Fu
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Adewumi N. Adekunle
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States of America
| | - Brian C. Prall
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States of America
- Neuroscience Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Curran S. Sidhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Han na Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey H. Boatright
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States of America
| | - P. Michael Iuvone
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
- Neuroscience Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Machelle T. Pardue
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
- Neuroscience Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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47
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Chou TH, Musada GR, Romano GL, Bolton E, Porciatti V. Anesthetic Preconditioning as Endogenous Neuroprotection in Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E237. [PMID: 29342845 PMCID: PMC5796185 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19010237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Blindness in glaucoma is the result of death of Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs) and their axons. RGC death is generally preceded by a stage of reversible dysfunction and structural remodeling. Current treatments aimed at reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) are ineffective or incompletely effective in management of the disease. IOP-independent neuroprotection or neuroprotection as adjuvant to IOP lowering in glaucoma remains a challenge as effective agents without side effects have not been identified yet. We show in DBA/2J mice with spontaneous IOP elevation and glaucoma that the lifespan of functional RGCs can be extended by preconditioning RGCs with retrobulbar lidocaine in one eye at four months of age that temporary blocks RGC axonal transport. The contralateral, PBS-injected eye served as control. Lidocaine-induced impairment of axonal transport to superior colliculi was assessed by intravitreal injection of cholera toxin B. Long-term (nine months) effect of lidocaine were assessed on RGC electrical responsiveness (PERG), IOP, expression of relevant protein (BDNF, TrkB, PSD95, GFAP, Synaptophysin, and GAPDH) and RGC density. While lidocaine treatment did not alter the age-related increase of IOP, TrkB expression was elevated, GFAP expression was decreased, RGC survival was improved by 35%, and PERG function was preserved. Results suggest that the lifespan of functional RGCs in mouse glaucoma can be extended by preconditioning RGCs in early stages of the disease using a minimally invasive treatment with retrobulbar lidocaine, a common ophthalmologic procedure. Lidocaine is inexpensive, safe and is approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be administered intravenously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1638 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Ganeswara Rao Musada
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1638 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Giovanni Luca Romano
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1638 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Bolton
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1638 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1638 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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48
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Chou TH, Toft-Nielsen J, Porciatti V. High-Throughput Binocular Pattern Electroretinograms in the Mouse. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1695:63-68. [PMID: 29190018 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7407-8_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We describe a new method for obtaining user-friendly, robust pattern electroretinograms (PERG) simultaneously from each eye using asynchronous binocular stimulation and one-channel acquisition of signals recorded from a subcutaneous needle in the snout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, McKnight Vision Research Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1638 NW 10th Avenue, Room 507A, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | | | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, McKnight Vision Research Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1638 NW 10th Avenue, Room 507A, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
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49
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Jain A, Zode G, Kasetti RB, Ran FA, Yan W, Sharma TP, Bugge K, Searby CC, Fingert JH, Zhang F, Clark AF, Sheffield VC. CRISPR-Cas9-based treatment of myocilin-associated glaucoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:11199-11204. [PMID: 28973933 PMCID: PMC5651749 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1706193114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide, with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) a major risk factor. Myocilin (MYOC) dominant gain-of-function mutations have been reported in ∼4% of POAG cases. MYOC mutations result in protein misfolding, leading to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the trabecular meshwork (TM), the tissue that regulates IOP. We use CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing in cultured human TM cells and in a MYOC mouse model of POAG to knock down expression of mutant MYOC, resulting in relief of ER stress. In vivo genome editing results in lower IOP and prevents further glaucomatous damage. Importantly, using an ex vivo human organ culture system, we demonstrate the feasibility of human genome editing in the eye for this important disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankur Jain
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Gulab Zode
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107;
| | - Ramesh B Kasetti
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107
| | - Fei A Ran
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Winston Yan
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Tasneem P Sharma
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Kevin Bugge
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Charles C Searby
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - John H Fingert
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Feng Zhang
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Abbot F Clark
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107
| | - Val C Sheffield
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242;
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
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Tao W, Dvoriantchikova G, Tse BC, Pappas S, Chou TH, Tapia M, Porciatti V, Ivanov D, Tse DT, Pelaez D. A Novel Mouse Model of Traumatic Optic Neuropathy Using External Ultrasound Energy to Achieve Focal, Indirect Optic Nerve Injury. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11779. [PMID: 28924145 PMCID: PMC5603527 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12225-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) is a devastating cause of permanent visual loss following blunt injury to the head. Animal models for TON exist, but most fail to recapitulate the clinical scenario of closed head indirect trauma to the nerve and subsequent neurodegeneration. Thus, we developed a clinically-relevant animal model for TON using a novel ultrasonic pulse injury modality (sonication-induced TON; SI-TON). To trigger TON, a microtip probe sonifier was placed on the supraorbital ridge directly above the entrance of the optic nerve into the bony canal. An ultrasonic pulse was then delivered to the optic nerve. After injury, the number of RGCs in the retina as well as visual function measured by PERG steadily decreased over a two-week period. In the optic nerve, pro-inflammatory markers were upregulated within 6 hours following injury. Immunohistochemistry showed activation of microglia and infiltration of CD45-positive leukocytes in the optic nerve and initiation of a gliotic response. The SI-TON model is capable of delivering a non-contact concussive injury to the optic nerve and induce TON in mice. Thus, our data indicate that the SI-TON model reliably recapitulates the pathophysiology and progressive neurodegeneration seen in the human manifestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wensi Tao
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Galina Dvoriantchikova
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Brian C Tse
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Steven Pappas
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Tsung-Han Chou
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Manuel Tapia
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami College of Engineering, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Dmitry Ivanov
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - David T Tse
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Daniel Pelaez
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami College of Engineering, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA.
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