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Li G, Luo Y, Zhang Q, Chen W, Lai K, Liu Y, Zheng Y. The RBPMS CreERT2-tdTomato mouse line for studying retinal and vascular relevant diseases. iScience 2023; 26:108111. [PMID: 37867934 PMCID: PMC10589894 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding protein with multiple splicing (RBPMS) plays a crucial role in cardiac mesoderm specification and cardiovascular development, as well as being a typical marker for whole retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). However, there is a lack of animal models to spatiotemporally trace the location and function of RBPMS-expressing cells in vivo. In this study, we develop a tamoxifen-inducible RBPMS-tdTomato reporter mouse line to track RBPMS-expressing cells during embryogenesis and adulthood. This mouse line allows us to identify and locate RBPMS-tdTomato-positive cells among various tissues, especially in RGCs and smooth muscle cells, which assist to simulate related retinal degenerative diseases, model and examine choroidal neovascularization non-invasively in vivo. Our results show that the RBPMSCreERT2-tdTomato mouse line is a valuable tool for lineage tracing, disease modeling, drug screening, as well as isolating specific target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
- Research Units of Ocular Development and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yuanting Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Qikai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Wenfei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Kunbei Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
- Research Units of Ocular Development and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yingfeng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
- Research Units of Ocular Development and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
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2
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Mong MA. Vitamin K and the Visual System-A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15081948. [PMID: 37111170 PMCID: PMC10143727 DOI: 10.3390/nu15081948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin K occupies a unique and often obscured place among its fellow fat-soluble vitamins. Evidence is mounting, however, that vitamin K (VK) may play an important role in the visual system apart from the hepatic carboxylation of hemostatic-related proteins. However, to our knowledge, no review covering the topic has appeared in the medical literature. Recent studies have confirmed that matrix Gla protein (MGP), a vitamin K-dependent protein (VKDP), is essential for the regulation of intraocular pressure in mice. The PREDIMED (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea) study, a randomized trial involving 5860 adults at risk for cardiovascular disease, demonstrated a 29% reduction in the risk of cataract surgery in participants with the highest tertile of dietary vitamin K1 (PK) intake compared with those with the lowest tertile. However, the specific requirements of the eye and visual system (EVS) for VK, and what might constitute an optimized VK status, is currently unknown and largely unexplored. It is, therefore, the intention of this narrative review to provide an introduction concerning VK and the visual system, review ocular VK biology, and provide some historical context for recent discoveries. Potential opportunities and gaps in current research efforts will be touched upon in the hope of raising awareness and encouraging continued VK-related investigations in this important and highly specialized sensory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Mong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Veteran Affairs North Texas Health Care Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75216, USA
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3
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Kenney HM, Wu CL, Loiselle AE, Xing L, Ritchlin CT, Schwarz EM. Single-cell transcriptomics of popliteal lymphatic vessels and peripheral veins reveals altered lymphatic muscle and immune cell populations in the TNF-Tg arthritis model. Arthritis Res Ther 2022; 24:64. [PMID: 35255954 PMCID: PMC8900348 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-022-02730-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lymphatic dysfunction exists in tumor necrosis factor transgenic (TNF-Tg) mice and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. While joint-draining TNF-Tg popliteal lymphatic vessels (PLVs) have deficits in contractility during end-stage arthritis, the nature of lymphatic muscle cells (LMCs) and their TNF-altered transcriptome remain unknown. Thus, we performed single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNAseq) on TNF-Tg LMCs in PLVs efferent to inflamed joints versus wild-type (WT) controls. Methods Single-cell suspensions of PLVs were sorted for smooth muscle cells (SMCs), which was validated by Cspg4-Cre;tdTomato reporter gene expression. Single-cell RNA-seq was performed on a 10x Genomics platform and analyzed using the Seurat R package. Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projections (UMAPs) and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software were used to assess cell clusters and functional genomics in WT vs. TNF-Tg populations. Results Fluorescent imaging of Cspg4-Cre;tdTomato vessels demonstrated dim PLVs and strong reporter gene expression in the adjacent superficial saphenous vein, which was corroborated by flow cytometry of LMCs and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from these vessels. Due to their unique morphology, these populations could also be readily detected by scatter analysis of cells from non-fluorescent mice. Bioinformatics analysis of flow sorted WT and TNF-Tg cells identified 20 unique cell clusters that together were 22.4% LMCs, 15.0% VSMCs, and 62.6% non-muscle cells of 8879 total cells. LMCs and M2-macrophages were decreased, while inflammatory monocytes were increased in TNF-Tg lower limb vasculature. SMC populations were defined by Cald1, Tpm1, and Pdgfrb expression and were enriched in myofibroblast-like gene expression. TNF-Tg LMCs exhibited enhanced functional genomics associated with cell death, phagocyte recruitment, and joint inflammation. Among the most prominent TNF-induced genes in SMCs were Mmp3, Cxcl12, and Ccl19, and the most downregulated genes were Zbtb16, Galnt15, and Apod. Conclusions Single-cell RNA-seq can be used to investigate functional genomics of lower limb vasculature in mice. Our findings confirm the inflammatory transcriptome of TNF-Tg vessels and altered gene expression in SMC populations. This study further supports a potential role of mesenchymal stromal cells in inflammatory-erosive arthritis pathogenesis, and warrants future studies to define the effects of this TNF-altered transcriptome on PLV function and joint homeostasis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13075-022-02730-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Mark Kenney
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 665, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.,Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Chia-Lung Wu
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 665, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.,Department of Orthopaedics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Alayna E Loiselle
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 665, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.,Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Orthopaedics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Lianping Xing
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 665, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.,Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Christopher T Ritchlin
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 665, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, Rheumatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Edward M Schwarz
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 665, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA. .,Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA. .,Department of Orthopaedics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, Rheumatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
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Taiyab A, Akula M, Dham J, Deschamps P, Sheardown H, Williams T, Borrás T, West-Mays JA. Deletion of transcription factor AP-2β from the developing murine trabecular meshwork region leads to progressive glaucomatous changes. J Neurosci Res 2021; 100:638-652. [PMID: 34822722 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness and can result from abnormalities in anterior segment structures required for aqueous humor outflow, including the trabecular meshwork (TM) and Schlemm's canal (SC). Transcription factors such as AP-2β play critical roles in anterior segment development. Here, we show that the Mgp-Cre knock-in (Mgp-Cre.KI) mouse can be used to target the embryonic periocular mesenchyme giving rise to the TM and SC. Fate mapping of male and female mice indicates that AP-2β loss causes a decrease in iridocorneal angle cells derived from Mgp-Cre.KI-expressing populations compared to controls. Moreover, histological analyses revealed peripheral iridocorneal adhesions in AP-2β mutants that were accompanied by a decrease in expression of TM and SC markers, as observed using immunohistochemistry. In addition, rebound tonometry showed significantly higher intraocular pressure (IOP) that was correlated with a progressive significant loss of retinal ganglion cells, reduced retinal thickness, and reduced retinal function, as measured using an electroretinogram, in AP-2β mutants compared with controls, reflecting pathology described in late-stage glaucoma patients. Importantly, elevated IOP in AP-2β mutants was significantly reduced by treatment with latanoprost, a prostaglandin analog that increases unconventional outflow. These findings demonstrate that AP-2β is critical for TM and SC development, and that these mutant mice can serve as a model for understanding and treating progressive human primary angle-closure glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aftab Taiyab
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Monica Akula
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Japnit Dham
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Paula Deschamps
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Heather Sheardown
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Trevor Williams
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Teresa Borrás
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Judith A West-Mays
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Kumric M, Borovac JA, Ticinovic Kurir T, Martinovic D, Frka Separovic I, Baric L, Bozic J. Role of Matrix Gla Protein in the Complex Network of Coronary Artery Disease: A Comprehensive Review. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:737. [PMID: 34440481 PMCID: PMC8398385 DOI: 10.3390/life11080737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is widely recognized as one of the most important clinical entities. In recent years, a large body of accumulated data suggest that coronary artery calcification, a process highly prevalent in patients with CAD, occurs via well-organized biologic processes, rather than passively, as previously regarded. Matrix Gla protein (MGP), a vitamin K-dependent protein, emerged as an important inhibitor of both intimal and medial vascular calcification. The functionality of MGP hinges on two post-translational modifications: phosphorylation and carboxylation. Depending on the above-noted modifications, various species of MGP may exist in circulation, each with their respective level of functionality. Emerging data suggest that dysfunctional species of MGP, markedly, dephosphorylated-uncarboxylated MGP, might find its application as biomarkers of microvascular health, and assist in clinical decision making with regard to initiation of vitamin K supplementation. Hence, in this review we summarized the current knowledge with respect to the role of MGP in the complex network of vascular calcification with concurrent inferences to CAD. In addition, we discussed the effects of warfarin use on MGP functionality, with concomitant implications to coronary plaque stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Kumric
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.K.); (J.A.B.); (T.T.K.); (D.M.); (I.F.S.)
| | - Josip A. Borovac
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.K.); (J.A.B.); (T.T.K.); (D.M.); (I.F.S.)
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Tina Ticinovic Kurir
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.K.); (J.A.B.); (T.T.K.); (D.M.); (I.F.S.)
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Dinko Martinovic
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.K.); (J.A.B.); (T.T.K.); (D.M.); (I.F.S.)
| | - Ivan Frka Separovic
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.K.); (J.A.B.); (T.T.K.); (D.M.); (I.F.S.)
| | - Ljupka Baric
- Institute of Emergency Medicine of Split-Dalmatia County (ZHM SDZ), Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Josko Bozic
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.K.); (J.A.B.); (T.T.K.); (D.M.); (I.F.S.)
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6
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Mehrvar S, Mostaghimi S, Camara AKS, Foomani FH, Narayanan J, Fish B, Medhora M, Ranji M. Three-dimensional vascular and metabolic imaging using inverted autofluorescence. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2021; 26:JBO-210064R. [PMID: 34240589 PMCID: PMC8265174 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.26.7.076002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Three-dimensional (3D) vascular and metabolic imaging (VMI) of whole organs in rodents provides critical and important (patho)physiological information in studying animal models of vascular network. AIM Autofluorescence metabolic imaging has been used to evaluate mitochondrial metabolites such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and flavine adenine dinucleotide (FAD). Leveraging these autofluorescence images of whole organs of rodents, we have developed a 3D vascular segmentation technique to delineate the anatomy of the vasculature as well as mitochondrial metabolic distribution. APPROACH By measuring fluorescence from naturally occurring mitochondrial metabolites combined with light-absorbing properties of hemoglobin, we detected the 3D structure of the vascular tree of rodent lungs, kidneys, hearts, and livers using VMI. For lung VMI, an exogenous fluorescent dye was injected into the trachea for inflation and to separate the airways, confirming no overlap between the segmented vessels and airways. RESULTS The kidney vasculature from genetically engineered rats expressing endothelial-specific red fluorescent protein TdTomato confirmed a significant overlap with VMI. This approach abided by the "minimum work" hypothesis of the vascular network fitting to Murray's law. Finally, the vascular segmentation approach confirmed the vascular regression in rats, induced by ionizing radiation. CONCLUSIONS Simultaneous vascular and metabolic information extracted from the VMI provides quantitative diagnostic markers without the confounding effects of vascular stains, fillers, or contrast agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Mehrvar
- University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Biophotonics Laboratory, Department of Electrical Engineering, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Soudeh Mostaghimi
- University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Biophotonics Laboratory, Department of Electrical Engineering, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Amadou K. S. Camara
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Department of Physiology, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Farnaz H. Foomani
- University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Biophotonics Laboratory, Department of Electrical Engineering, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Jayashree Narayanan
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Department of Physiology, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Brian Fish
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Department of Physiology, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Meetha Medhora
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Department of Physiology, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Mahsa Ranji
- Florida Atlantic University, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Boca Raton, Florida, United States
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7
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Homme RP, Sandhu HS, George AK, Tyagi SC, Singh M. Sustained Inhibition of NF-κB Activity Mitigates Retinal Vasculopathy in Diabetes. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2021; 191:947-964. [PMID: 33640319 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of long-term NF-κB inhibition in mitigating retinal vasculopathy in a type 1 diabetic mouse model (Akita, Ins2Akita). Akita and wild-type (C57BL/6J) male mice, 24 to 26 weeks old, were treated with or without a selective inhibitor of NF-κB, 4-methyl-N1-(3-phenyl-propyl) benzene-1,2-diamine (JSH-23), for 4 weeks. Treatment was given when the mice were at least 24 weeks old. Metabolic parameters, key inflammatory mediators, blood-retinal barrier junction molecules, retinal structure, and function were measured. JSH-23 significantly lowered basal glucose levels and intraocular pressure in Akita. It also mitigated vascular remodeling and microaneurysms significantly. Optical coherence tomography of untreated Akita showed thinning of retinal layers; however, treatment with JSH-23 could prevent it. Electroretinogram demonstrated that A- and B-waves in Akita were significantly smaller than in wild type mice, indicating that JSH-23 intervention prevented loss of retinal function. Protein levels and gene expression of key inflammatory mediators, such as NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2, were decreased after JSH-23 treatment. At the same time, connexin-43 and occludin were maintained. Vision-guided behavior also improved significantly. The results show that reducing inflammation could protect the diabetic retina and its vasculature. Findings appear to have broader implications in treating not only ocular conditions but also other vasculopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubens P Homme
- Eye and Vision Science Laboratory, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky; Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Harpal S Sandhu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky; Kentucky Lions Eye Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Akash K George
- Eye and Vision Science Laboratory, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky; Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Suresh C Tyagi
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Mahavir Singh
- Eye and Vision Science Laboratory, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky; Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky.
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Borrás T, Cowley DO, Asokan P, Pandya K. Generation of a Matrix Gla (Mgp) floxed mouse, followed by conditional knockout, uncovers a new Mgp function in the eye. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18583. [PMID: 33122788 PMCID: PMC7596545 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75031-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to ablate a gene in a given tissue by generating a conditional knockout (cKO) is crucial for determining its function in the targeted tissue. Such tissue-specific ablation is even more critical when the gene's conventional knockout (KO) is lethal, which precludes studying the consequences of its deletion in other tissues. Therefore, here we describe a successful strategy that generated a Matrix Gla floxed mouse (Mgp.floxed) by the CRISPR/Cas9 system, that subsequently allowed the generation of cKOs by local viral delivery of the Cre-recombinase enzyme. MGP is a well-established inhibitor of calcification gene, highly expressed in arteries' smooth muscle cells and chondrocytes. MGP is also one of the most abundant genes in the trabecular meshwork, the eye tissue responsible for maintenance of intraocular pressure (IOP) and development of Glaucoma. Our strategy entailed one-step injection of two gRNAs, Cas9 protein and a long-single-stranded-circular DNA donor vector (lsscDNA, 6.7 kb) containing two loxP sites in cis and 900-700 bp 5'/3' homology arms. Ocular intracameral injection of Mgp.floxed mice with a Cre-adenovirus, led to an Mgp.TMcKO mouse which developed elevated IOP. Our study discovered a new role for the Mgp gene as a keeper of physiological IOP in the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Borrás
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 4109C Neuroscience Research Building CB 7041, 115 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7041, USA.
| | - Dale O Cowley
- Animal Models Core, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Priyadarsini Asokan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 4109C Neuroscience Research Building CB 7041, 115 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7041, USA
| | - Kumar Pandya
- Animal Models Core, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Molecular taxonomy of human ocular outflow tissues defined by single-cell transcriptomics. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:12856-12867. [PMID: 32439707 PMCID: PMC7293718 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2001896117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular hypertension is the primary and only modifiable risk factor for glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Intraocular pressure is regulated homeostatically by resistance to aqueous humor outflow through an architecturally complex tissue, the conventional/trabecular pathway. In this study, we generated a comprehensive cell atlas of the human trabecular meshwork and neighboring tissues using single-cell RNA sequencing. We identified 12 distinct cell types and mapped region-specific expression of candidate genes. The utility of our atlas was demonstrated by mapping glaucoma-relevant genes to conventional outflow cell types. Our study provides a comprehensive molecular and cellular classification of tissue structures responsible for intraocular pressure homeostasis in health and dysregulation in disease. The conventional outflow pathway is a complex tissue responsible for maintaining intraocular pressure (IOP) homeostasis. The coordinated effort of multiple cells with differing responsibilities ensures healthy outflow function and IOP maintenance. Dysfunction of one or more resident cell types results in ocular hypertension and risk for glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. In this study, single-cell RNA sequencing was performed to generate a comprehensive cell atlas of human conventional outflow tissues. We obtained expression profiles of 17,757 genes from 8,758 cells from eight eyes of human donors representing the outflow cell transcriptome. Upon clustering analysis, 12 distinct cell types were identified, and region-specific expression of candidate genes was mapped in human tissues. Significantly, we identified two distinct expression patterns (myofibroblast- and fibroblast-like) from cells located in the trabecular meshwork (TM), the primary structural component of the conventional outflow pathway. We also located Schwann cell and macrophage signatures in the TM. The second primary component structure, Schlemm’s canal, displayed a unique combination of lymphatic/blood vascular gene expression. Other expression clusters corresponded to cells from neighboring tissues, predominantly in the ciliary muscle/scleral spur, which together correspond to the uveoscleral outflow pathway. Importantly, the utility of our atlas was demonstrated by mapping glaucoma-relevant genes to outflow cell clusters. Our study provides a comprehensive molecular and cellular classification of conventional and unconventional outflow pathway structures responsible for IOP homeostasis.
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10
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Lee SJ, Lee IK, Jeon JH. Vascular Calcification-New Insights Into Its Mechanism. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082685. [PMID: 32294899 PMCID: PMC7216228 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular calcification (VC), which is categorized by intimal and medial calcification, depending on the site(s) involved within the vessel, is closely related to cardiovascular disease. Specifically, medial calcification is prevalent in certain medical situations, including chronic kidney disease and diabetes. The past few decades have seen extensive research into VC, revealing that the mechanism of VC is not merely a consequence of a high-phosphorous and -calcium milieu, but also occurs via delicate and well-organized biologic processes, including an imbalance between osteochondrogenic signaling and anticalcific events. In addition to traditionally established osteogenic signaling, dysfunctional calcium homeostasis is prerequisite in the development of VC. Moreover, loss of defensive mechanisms, by microorganelle dysfunction, including hyper-fragmented mitochondria, mitochondrial oxidative stress, defective autophagy or mitophagy, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, may all contribute to VC. To facilitate the understanding of vascular calcification, across any number of bioscientific disciplines, we provide this review of a detailed updated molecular mechanism of VC. This encompasses a vascular smooth muscle phenotypic of osteogenic differentiation, and multiple signaling pathways of VC induction, including the roles of inflammation and cellular microorganelle genesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Joo Lee
- New Drug Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, Daegu 41061, Korea;
| | - In-Kyu Lee
- Leading-edge Research Center for Drug Discovery and Development for Diabetes and Metabolic Disease, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu 41404, Korea;
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea
| | - Jae-Han Jeon
- Leading-edge Research Center for Drug Discovery and Development for Diabetes and Metabolic Disease, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu 41404, Korea;
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-(53)-200-3182; Fax: +82-(53)-200-3155
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11
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Wei FF, Trenson S, Verhamme P, Vermeer C, Staessen JA. Vitamin K-Dependent Matrix Gla Protein as Multifaceted Protector of Vascular and Tissue Integrity. Hypertension 2019; 73:1160-1169. [PMID: 31006332 PMCID: PMC6510326 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.119.12412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Fei Wei
- From the Studies Coordinating Centre, Research Unit Hypertension and Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences (F.-F.W., J.A.S.), University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sander Trenson
- Division of Cardiology (S.T.), University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Verhamme
- Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Belgium (P.V.)
| | - Cees Vermeer
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, The Netherlands (C.V., J.A.S.)
| | - Jan A. Staessen
- From the Studies Coordinating Centre, Research Unit Hypertension and Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences (F.-F.W., J.A.S.), University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, The Netherlands (C.V., J.A.S.)
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Wei FF, Huang QF, Zhang ZY, Van Keer K, Thijs L, Trenson S, Yang WY, Cauwenberghs N, Mujaj B, Kuznetsova T, Allegaert K, Struijker-Boudier HAJ, Verhamme P, Vermeer C, Staessen JA. Inactive matrix Gla protein is a novel circulating biomarker predicting retinal arteriolar narrowing in humans. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15088. [PMID: 30305657 PMCID: PMC6180139 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33257-6] [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: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Active matrix Gla protein (MGP), a potent inhibitor of calcification in large arteries, protects against macrovascular complications. Recent studies suggested that active MGP helps maintaining the integrity of the renal and myocardial microcirculation, but its role in preserving the retinal microcirculation remains unknown. In 935 randomly recruited Flemish participants (mean age, 40.9 years; 50.3% women), we measured plasma desphospho-uncarboxylated MGP (dp-ucMGP), a marker of poor vitamin K status using an ELISA-based assay at baseline (1996-2010) and retinal microvascular diameters using IVAN software (Vasculomatic ala Nicola, version 1.1) including the central retinal arteriolar (CRAE) and venular (CRVE) equivalent and the arteriole-to-venule ratio (AVR) at follow-up (2008-2015). CRAE (P = 0.005) and AVR (P = 0.080) at follow-up decreased across tertiles of the dp-ucMGP distribution. In unadjusted models, for a doubling of dp-ucMGP at baseline, CRAE and AVR at follow-up respectively decreased by 1.40 µm (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32 to 2.48; P = 0.011) and 0.006 (CI, 0.001 to 0.011; P = 0.016). In multivariable-adjusted models accounting for sex, baseline characteristics and follow-up duration, these estimates were -1.03 µm (CI, -1.96 to -0.11; P = 0.028) and -0.007 (CI, -0.011 to -0.002; P = 0.007). Additional adjustment for changes from baseline to follow-up in major baseline characteristics yielded as estimates -0.91 µm (CI, -1.82 to -0.01; P = 0.048) and -0.006 (95% CI, -0.011 to -0.001; P = 0.014), respectively. Circulating inactive dp-ucMGP is a long-term predictor of smaller retinal arteriolar diameter in the general population. Our observations highlight the possibility that vitamin K supplementation might promote retinal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Fei Wei
- Studies Coordinating Centre, Research Unit Hypertension and Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Qi-Fang Huang
- Studies Coordinating Centre, Research Unit Hypertension and Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Zhen-Yu Zhang
- Studies Coordinating Centre, Research Unit Hypertension and Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karel Van Keer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lutgarde Thijs
- Studies Coordinating Centre, Research Unit Hypertension and Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sander Trenson
- Division of Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wen-Yi Yang
- Studies Coordinating Centre, Research Unit Hypertension and Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicholas Cauwenberghs
- Studies Coordinating Centre, Research Unit Hypertension and Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Blerim Mujaj
- Studies Coordinating Centre, Research Unit Hypertension and Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tatiana Kuznetsova
- Studies Coordinating Centre, Research Unit Hypertension and Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karel Allegaert
- Research Unit Organ Systems, Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Intensive Care and Neonatology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Peter Verhamme
- Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cees Vermeer
- R&D Group VitaK, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan A Staessen
- Studies Coordinating Centre, Research Unit Hypertension and Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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