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Arsenijevic Y, Berger A, Udry F, Kostic C. Lentiviral Vectors for Ocular Gene Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081605. [PMID: 36015231 PMCID: PMC9414879 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This review offers the basics of lentiviral vector technologies, their advantages and pitfalls, and an overview of their use in the field of ophthalmology. First, the description of the global challenges encountered to develop safe and efficient lentiviral recombinant vectors for clinical application is provided. The risks and the measures taken to minimize secondary effects as well as new strategies using these vectors are also discussed. This review then focuses on lentiviral vectors specifically designed for ocular therapy and goes over preclinical and clinical studies describing their safety and efficacy. A therapeutic approach using lentiviral vector-mediated gene therapy is currently being developed for many ocular diseases, e.g., aged-related macular degeneration, retinopathy of prematurity, inherited retinal dystrophies (Leber congenital amaurosis type 2, Stargardt disease, Usher syndrome), glaucoma, and corneal fibrosis or engraftment rejection. In summary, this review shows how lentiviral vectors offer an interesting alternative for gene therapy in all ocular compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvan Arsenijevic
- Unit Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland;
- Correspondence: (Y.A.); (C.K.)
| | - Adeline Berger
- Group Epigenetics of ocular diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Florian Udry
- Unit Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Corinne Kostic
- Group for Retinal Disorder Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (Y.A.); (C.K.)
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MacDonald WW, Swaminathan SS, Heo JY, Castillejos A, Hsueh J, Liu BJ, Jo D, Du A, Lee H, Kang MH, Rhee DJ. Effect of SPARC Suppression in Mice, Perfused Human Anterior Segments, and Trabecular Meshwork Cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:8. [PMID: 35671048 PMCID: PMC9187959 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.6.8] [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] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) elevates intraocular pressure (IOP), increases certain structural extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the juxtacanalicular trabecular meshwork (JCT), and decreases matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) protein levels in trabecular meshwork (TM) endothelial cells. We investigated SPARC as a potential target for lowering IOP. We hypothesized that suppressing SPARC will decrease IOP, decrease structural JCT ECM proteins, and alter the levels of MMPs and/or their inhibitors. Methods A lentivirus containing short hairpin RNA of human SPARC suppressed SPARC in mouse eyes and perfused cadaveric human anterior segments with subsequent IOP measurements. Immunohistochemistry determined structural correlates. Human TM cell cultures were treated with SPARC suppressing lentivirus. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunoblotting, and zymography determined total RNA, relative protein levels, and MMP enzymatic activity, respectively. Results Suppressing SPARC decreased IOP in mouse eyes and perfused human anterior segments by approximately 20%. Histologically, this correlated to a decrease in collagen I, IV, and VI in both the mouse TM and human JCT regions; in the mouse, fibronectin was also decreased but not in the human. In TM cells, collagen I and IV, fibronectin, MMP-2, and tissue inhibitor of MMP-1 were decreased. Messenger RNA of the aforementioned genes was not changed. Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) was upregulated in vitro by quantitative PCR and immunoblotting. MMP-1 activity was reduced in vitro by zymography. Conclusions Suppressing SPARC decreased IOP in mice and perfused cadaveric human anterior segments corresponding to qualitative structural changes in the JCT ECM, which do not appear to be the result of transcription regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- William W MacDonald
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Swarup S Swaminathan
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Jae Young Heo
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Alexandra Castillejos
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Jessica Hsueh
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Brian J Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Diane Jo
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Annie Du
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Hyunpil Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Min Hyung Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Douglas J Rhee
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
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Luna C, Parker M, Challa P, Gonzalez P. Long-Term Decrease of Intraocular Pressure in Rats by Viral Delivery of miR-146a. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:14. [PMID: 34254987 PMCID: PMC8287046 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.8.14] [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: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the effects of miR-146a in trabecular meshwork (TM) cells and on intraocular pressure (IOP) in vivo via viral delivery of miR-146a to the anterior chamber of rat eyes. Methods Human TM cells were transfected with miR-146 mimic or inhibitor. Some cells from each group were then subjected to cyclic mechanical stress (CMS). Other cells from each group had no force applied. Gene expression was then analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Replication-deficient adenovirus and lentivirus expressing miR-146a were inoculated into the anterior segment of Brown Norway rat eyes. IOP was monitored by rebound tonometry, visual acuity was evaluated by optokinetic tracking (OKT), and inflammation markers in the anterior segment were examined by slit-lamp, qPCR, and semi-thin sections. Results miR-146 affected the expression of genes potentially involved in outflow homeostasis at basal levels and under CMS. Both lentiviral and adenoviral vectors expressing miR-146a resulted in sustained decreases in IOP ranging from 2.6 to 4.4 mmHg. Long term follow-up of rats injected with lentiviral vectors showed a sustained effect on IOP of 4.4 ± 2.9 mmHg that lasted until rats were sacrificed more than 8 months later. Eyes showed no signs of inflammation, loss of visual acuity, or other visible abnormalities. Conclusions Intracameral delivery of miR-146a can provide a long-term decrease of IOP in rats without signs of inflammation or other visible adverse effects. Transitional Relevance The IOP-lowering effects of miR-146 observed in rats provides a necessary step toward the development of an effective gene therapy for glaucoma in humans.
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Sauter MM, Brandt CR. Knockdown of TRIM5α or TRIM11 increases lentiviral vector transduction efficiency of human Muller cells. Exp Eye Res 2021; 204:108436. [PMID: 33440192 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to determine the expression and distribution of the host restriction factors (RFs) TRIM5α and TRIM11 in non-human primate (NHP) neural retina tissue and the human Muller cell line MIO-M1. In addition, experiments were performed to determine the effect of TRIM5α and TRIM11 knockdown on FIVGFP transduction of MIO-M1 cells with the goal of devising strategies to increase the efficiency of lentiviral (LV) gene delivery. Immunofluorescence (IF) studies indicated that TRIM5α and TRIM11 were localized predominantly in nuclei within the outer nuclear layer (ONL) and inner nuclear layer (INL) of NHP retina tissue. Double label IF indicated that TRIM5α and TRIM11 were localized to some of the retinal Muller cell nuclei. MIO-M1 cells expressed TRIM5α predominantly in the nucleus and TRIM11 primarily in the cytosol. FIVGFP transduction efficiency was significantly increased, at 4 and 7 days post transduction, in TRIM5α and TRIM11 knockdown clones (KD) compared to WT MIO-M1 cells. In addition, pretreatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 increased the transduction efficiency of FIVGFP in WT MIO-M1 cells. The nuclear translocation of NF-κB (p65), at 72 h post FIVGFP transduction, was enhanced in TRIM5α and TRIM11 KD clones. The expression of TRIM5α and TRIM11 in macaque neural retina tissue and MIO-M1 cells indicate the presence of these RFs in NHP retina and human Muller cells. Our data indicate that even partial knockdown of TRIM5α or TRIM11, or a short proteasome inhibitor pretreatment, can increase the transduction efficiency of a LV vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica M Sauter
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Curtis R Brandt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA; Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
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Kaufman PL. Deconstructing aqueous humor outflow - The last 50 years. Exp Eye Res 2020; 197:108105. [PMID: 32590004 PMCID: PMC7990028 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Herein partially summarizes one scientist-clinician's wanderings through the jungles of primate aqueous humor outflow over the past ~45 years. Totally removing the iris has no effect on outflow facility or its response to pilocarpine, whereas disinserting the ciliary muscle (CM) from the scleral spur/trabecular meshwork (TM) completely abolishes pilocarpine's effect. Epinephrine increases facility in CM disinserted eyes. Cytochalasins and latrunculins increase outflow facility, subthreshold doses of cytochalasins and epinephrine given together increase facility, and phalloidin, which has no effect on facility, partially blocks the effect of both cytochalasins and epinephrine. H-7, ML7, Y27632 and nitric oxide - donating compounds all increase facility, consistent with a mechanosensitive TM/SC. Adenosine A1 agonists increase and angiotensin II decrease facility. OCT and optical imaging techniques now permit visualization and digital recording of the distal outflow pathways in real time. Prostaglandin (PG) F2α analogues increase the synthesis and release of matrix metalloproteinases by the CM cells, causing remodeling and thinning of the interbundle extracellular matrix (ECM), thereby increasing uveoscleral outflow and reducing IOP. Combination molecules (one molecule, two or more effects) and fixed combination products (two molecules in one bottle) simplify drug regimens for patients. Gene and stem cell therapies to enhance aqueous outflow have been successful in laboratory models and may fill an unmet need in terms of patient compliance, taking the patient out of the delivery system. Functional transfer of genes inhibiting the rho cascade or decoupling actin from myosin increase facility, while genes preferentially expressed in the glaucomatous TM decrease facility. In live NHP, reporter genes are expressed for 2+ years in the TM after a single intracameral injection, with no adverse reaction. However, except for one recent report, injection of facility-effective genes in monkey organ cultured anterior segments (MOCAS) have no effect in live NHP. While intracameral injection of an FIV. BOVPGFS-myc.GFP PGF synthase vector construct reproducibly induces an ~2 mmHg reduction in IOP, the effect is much less than that of topical PGF2⍺ analogue eyedrops, and dissipates after 5 months. The turnoff mechanism has yet to be defeated, although proteasome inhibition enhances reporter gene expression in MOCAS. Intracanalicular injection might minimize off-target effects that activate turn-off mechanisms. An AD-P21 vector injected sub-tenon is effective in 'right-timing' wound healing after trabeculectomy in live laser-induced glaucomatous monkeys. In human (H)OCAS, depletion of TM cells by saponification eliminates the aqueous flow response to pressure elevation, which can be restored by either cultured TM cells or by IPSC-derived TM cells. There were many other steps along the way, but much was accomplished, biologically and therapeutically over the past half century of research and development focused on one very small but complex ocular apparatus. I am deeply grateful for this award, named for a giant in our field that none of us can live up to.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul L Kaufman
- University of Wisconsin - Madison, School of Medicine & Public Health, Dept of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, United States.
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Tan J, Liu G, Zhu X, Wu Z, Wang N, Zhou L, Zhang X, Fan N, Liu X. Lentiviral Vector-Mediated Expression of Exoenzyme C3 Transferase Lowers Intraocular Pressure in Monkeys. Mol Ther 2019; 27:1327-1338. [PMID: 31129118 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is considered a lifelong disease characterized by optic nerve deterioration and visual field damage. Although the disease progression can usually be controlled by lowering the intraocular pressure (IOP), therapeutic effects of current approaches do not last long. Gene therapy could be a promising method for persistent treatment of the disease. Our previous study demonstrated that gene transfer of exoenzyme C3 transferase (C3) to the trabecular meshwork (TM) to inhibit Rho GTPase (Rho), the upstream signal molecule of Rho-associated kinase (ROCK), resulted in lowered IOP in normal rodent eyes. In the present study, we show that the lentiviral vector (LV)-mediated C3 expression inactivates RhoA in human TM cells by ADP ribosylation, resulting in disruption of the actin cytoskeleton and altered cell morphology. In addition, intracameral delivery of the C3 vector to monkey eyes leads to persistently lowered IOP without obvious signs of inflammation. This is the first report of using a vector to transduce the TM of an alive non-human primate with a gene that alters cellular machinery and physiology. Our results in non-human primates support that LV-mediated C3 expression in the TM may have therapeutic potential for glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junkai Tan
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guo Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xianjun Zhu
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Chengdu Institute of Biology, Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhijian Wu
- Ocular Gene Therapy Core, National Eye Institute, NIH, 6 Center Drive, Room 307, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ningli Wang
- Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoguang Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ning Fan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuyang Liu
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
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Tan J, Fan N, Wang N, Feng B, Yang M, Liu G, Wang Y, Zhu X, Kaufman PL, Pang IH, Liu X. Effects of Lentivirus-Mediated C3 Expression on Trabecular Meshwork Cells and Intraocular Pressure. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:4937-4944. [PMID: 30326062 PMCID: PMC6187949 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24978] [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] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose We evaluated the effects of lentivirus-mediated exoenzyme C3 transferase (C3) expression on cultured primary human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells in vitro, and on rat intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods HTM cells were cultured and treated with lentivirus vectors expressing either green fluorescent protein (GFP) only (LV-GFP) or GFP and C3 together (LV-C3-GFP). Changes in cell morphology and actin stress fibers were assessed. The vectors were also injected into the anterior chamber of rats, and GFP expression was visualized by a Micron III Retinal Imaging Microscope in vivo and a fluorescence microscope ex vivo. Changes in rat IOP were monitored by using a rebound tonometer and the eyes were evaluated by slit lamp. Results LV-mediated C3 expression induced morphologic changes in HTM cells. The cells became retracted and rounded. GFP expression in the anterior chamber angle of rats was observed in vivo from 8 days to 48 days after injection of LV-C3-GFP or LV-GFP. IOP was significantly decreased in the LV-C3-GFP group starting 3 days post injection, and lasting for at least 40 days, when compared to either the contralateral control eyes (the LV-GFP group) or the ipsilateral baseline before injection (P < 0.05). No obvious inflammatory signs were observed in either the LV-C3-GFP or LV-GFP groups. Conclusions LV-mediated C3 expression induced changes in morphology of cultured HTM cells. Intracameral injection of LV-C3-GFP lowered rat IOP for at least 40 days. No significant inflammatory reactions were observed in either the LV-C3-GFP or LV-GFP groups. This study supports the possible use of C3 gene therapy for the treatment of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junkai Tan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ning Fan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ningli Wang
- Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - BingKai Feng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guo Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xianjun Zhu
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Paul L Kaufman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Iok-Hou Pang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Xuyang Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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Aktas Z, Rao H, Slauson SR, Gabelt BT, Larsen IV, Sheridan RTC, Herrnberger L, Tamm ER, Kaufman PL, Brandt CR. Proteasome Inhibition Increases the Efficiency of Lentiviral Vector-Mediated Transduction of Trabecular Meshwork. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2018; 59:298-310. [PMID: 29340644 PMCID: PMC5961099 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-22074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine if proteasome inhibition using MG132 increased the efficiency of FIV vector–mediated transduction in human trabecular meshwork (TM)-1 cells and monkey organ-cultured anterior segments (MOCAS). Methods TM-1 cells were pretreated for 1 hour with 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO; vehicle control) or 5 to 50 μM MG132 and transduced with FIV.GFP (green fluorescent protein)– or FIV.mCherry-expressing vector at a multiplicity of transduction (MOT) of 20. At 24 hours, cells were fixed and stained with antibodies for GFP, and positive cells were counted, manually or by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Cells transduced with FIV.GFP particles alone were used as controls. The effect of 20 μM MG132 treatment on high- and low-dose (2 × 107 and 0.8 × 107 transducing units [TU], respectively) FIV.GFP transduction with or without MG132 was also evaluated in MOCAS using fluorescence microscopy. Vector genome equivalents in cells and tissues were quantified by quantitative (q)PCR on DNA. Results In the MG132 treatment groups, there was a significant dose-dependent increase in the percentage of transduced cells at all concentrations tested. Vector genome equivalents were also increased in TM-1 cells treated with MG132. Increased FIV.GFP expression in the TM was also observed in MOCAS treated with 20 μM MG132 and the high dose of vector. Vector genome equivalents were also significantly increased in the MOCAS tissues. Increased transduction was not seen with the low dose of virus. Conclusions Proteasome inhibition increased the transduction efficiency of FIV particles in TM-1 cells and MOCAS and may be a useful adjunct for delivery of therapeutic genes to the TM by lentiviral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Aktas
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Gazi University Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hongyu Rao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Sarah R Slauson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - B'Ann T Gabelt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Inna V Larsen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Rachael T C Sheridan
- UW Carbone Cancer Center Flow Cytometry Laboratory, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Leonie Herrnberger
- Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ernst R Tamm
- Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Paul L Kaufman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States.,McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Curtis R Brandt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States.,McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
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Role of the Rho GTPase/Rho kinase signaling pathway in pathogenesis and treatment of glaucoma: Bench to bedside research. Exp Eye Res 2016; 158:23-32. [PMID: 27593914 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is considered to be a predominant risk factor for primary open angle glaucoma, the most prevalent form of glaucoma. Although the etiological mechanisms responsible for increased IOP are not completely clear, impairment in aqueous humor (AH) drainage through the conventional or trabecular pathway is recognized to be a primary cause in glaucoma patients. Importantly, lowering of IOP has been demonstrated to reduce progression of vision loss and is a mainstay of treatment for all types of glaucoma. Currently however, there are limited therapeutic options available for lowering IOP especially as it relates to enhancement of AH outflow through the trabecular pathway. Towards addressing this challenge, bench and bedside research conducted over the course of the last decade and a half has identified the significance of inhibiting Rho kinase for lowering IOP. Rho kinase is a downstream effector of Rho GTPase signaling that regulates actomyosin dynamics in numerous cell types. Studies from several laboratories have demonstrated that inhibition of Rho kinase lowers IOP via relaxation of the trabecular meshwork which enhances AH outflow. By contrast, activation of Rho GTPase/Rho kinase signaling in the trabecular outflow pathway increases IOP by altering the contractile, cell adhesive and permeability barrier characteristics of the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal tissues, and by influencing extracellular matrix production and fibrotic activity. This article, written in honor of the late David Epstein, MD, summarizes findings from both basic and clinical studies that have been instrumental for recognition of the importance of the Rho/Rho kinase signaling pathway in regulation of AH outflow, and in the development of Rho kinase inhibitors as promising IOP- lowering agents for glaucoma treatment.
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Structural constraints-based evaluation of immunogenic avirulent toxins from Clostridium botulinum C2 and C3 toxins as subunit vaccines. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 44:17-27. [PMID: 27320793 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium botulinum (group-III) is an anaerobic bacterium producing C2 and C3 toxins in addition to botulinum neurotoxins in avian and mammalian cells. C2 and C3 toxins are members of bacterial ADP-ribosyltransferase superfamily, which modify the eukaryotic cell surface proteins by ADP-ribosylation reaction. Herein, the mutant proteins with lack of catalytic and pore forming function derived from C2 (C2I and C2II) and C3 toxins were computationally evaluated to understand their structure-function integrity. We have chosen many structural constraints including local structural environment, folding process, backbone conformation, conformational dynamic sub-space, NAD-binding specificity and antigenic determinants for screening of suitable avirulent toxins. A total of 20 avirulent mutants were identified out of 23 mutants, which were experimentally produced by site-directed mutagenesis. No changes in secondary structural elements in particular to α-helices and β-sheets and also in fold rate of all-β classes. Structural stability was maintained by reordered hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding patterns. Molecular dynamic studies suggested that coupled mutations may restrain the binding affinity to NAD(+) or protein substrate upon structural destabilization. Avirulent toxins of this study have stable energetic backbone conformation with a common blue print of folding process. Molecular docking studies revealed that avirulent mutants formed more favorable hydrogen bonding with the side-chain of amino acids near to conserved NAD-binding core, despite of restraining NAD-binding specificity. Thus, structural constraints in the avirulent toxins would determine their immunogenic nature for the prioritization of protein-based subunit vaccine/immunogens to avian and veterinary animals infected with C. botulinum.
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