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Tao Q, Wu L, An J, Liu Z, Zhang K, Zhou L, Zhang X. Proteomic analysis of human aqueous humor from fuchs uveitis syndrome. Exp Eye Res 2024; 239:109752. [PMID: 38123010 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109752] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Fuchs uveitis syndrome (FUS) is a commonly misdiagnosed uveitis syndrome often presenting as an asymptomatic mild inflammatory condition until complications arise. The diagnosis of this disease remains clinical because of the lack of specific laboratory tests. The aqueous humor (AH) is a complex fluid containing nutrients and metabolic wastes from the eye. Changes in the AH protein provide important information for diagnosing intraocular diseases. This study aimed to analyze the proteomic profile of AH in individuals diagnosed with FUS and to identify potential biomarkers of the disease. We used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based proteomic methods to evaluate the AH protein profiles of all 37 samples, comprising 15 patients with FUS, six patients with Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS), and 16 patients with age-related cataract. A total of 538 proteins were identified from a comprehensive spectral library of 634 proteins. Subsequent differential expression analysis, enrichment analysis, and construction of key sub-networks revealed that the inflammatory response, complement activation and hypoxia might be crucial in mediating the process of FUS. The hypoxia inducible factor-1 may serve as a key regulator and therapeutic target. Additionally, the innate and adaptive immune responses are considered dominant in the patients with FUS. A diagnostic model was constructed using machine-learning algorithm to classify FUS, PSS, and normal controls. Two proteins, complement C1q subcomponent subunit B and secretogranin-1, were found to have the highest scores by the Extreme Gradient Boosting, suggesting their potential utility as a biomarker panel. Furthermore, these two proteins as biomarkers were validated in a cohort of 18 patients using high resolution multiple reaction monitoring assays. Therefore, this study contributes to advancing of the current knowledge of FUS pathogenesis and promotes the development of effective diagnostic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqin Tao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Lingzi Wu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China; Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinying An
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | | | - Kai Zhang
- The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- School of Optometry, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), 17W Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaomin Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China.
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Fang R, Yue PL, Li HL, Ding XF, Jia YX, Liu ZC, Zhou HG, Song XD. Transcriptome sequencing and microRNA-mRNA regulatory network construction in the lens from a Na 2SeO 3-induced Sprague Dawley rat cataract model. BMC Ophthalmol 2023; 23:461. [PMID: 37974089 PMCID: PMC10652440 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-023-03202-x] [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: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A sight-threatening, cataract is a common degenerative disease of the ocular lens. This study aimed to explore the regulatory mechanism of age-related cataract (ARC) formation and progression. METHODS Cataracts in Sprague Dawley rats were induced by adopting the method that injected selenite subcutaneously in the nape. We performed high-throughput RNA sequencing technology to identify the mRNA and microRNA(miRNA) expression profiles of the capsular membrane of the lens from Na2SeO3-induced and saline-injected Sprague Dawley rats. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were carried out to forecast the regulatory and functional role of mRNAs in cataracts by DAVID and Metascape. The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network of differentially expressed mRNA(DEmRNAs) was built via the STRING. Target miRNAs of hub genes were predicted by miRBD and TargetScan. Furthermore, differentially expressed miRNA(DEmiRNAs) were selected as hub genes' targets, validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR), and a DEmiRNA-DEmRNA regulatory network was constructed via Cytoscape. RESULT In total, 329 DEmRNAs including 40 upregulated and 289 downregulated genes were identified. Forty seven DEmiRNAs including 29 upregulated and 18 downregulated miRNAs were detected. The DEmRNAs are involved in lens development, visual perception, and aging-related biological processes. A protein-protein interaction network including 274 node genes was constructed to explore the interactions of DEmRNAs. Furthermore, a DEmiRNA-DEmRNA regulatory network related to cataracts was constructed, including 8 hub DEmRNAs, and 8 key DEmiRNAs which were confirmed by qRT-PCR analysis. CONCLUSION We identified several differentially expressed genes and established a miRNA-mRNA-regulated network in a Na2SeO3-induced Sprague Dawley rat cataract model. These results may provide novel insights into the clinical treatment of cataracts, and the hub DEmRNAs and key DEmiRNAs could be potential therapeutic targets for ARC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Fang
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
- Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Pei-Lin Yue
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
- Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Hai-Long Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xue-Fei Ding
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
- Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yu-Xuan Jia
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
- Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Zhao-Chuan Liu
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
- Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing, China
- Beijing, Ophthalmology&Visual Sciences Key Lab, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Gang Zhou
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
| | - Xu-Dong Song
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China.
- Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China.
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing, China.
- Beijing, Ophthalmology&Visual Sciences Key Lab, Beijing, China.
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Chitra U, Arnold BJ, Sarkar H, Ma C, Lopez-Darwin S, Sanno K, Raphael BJ. Mapping the topography of spatial gene expression with interpretable deep learning. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.10.561757. [PMID: 37873258 PMCID: PMC10592770 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.10.561757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Spatially resolved transcriptomics technologies provide high-throughput measurements of gene expression in a tissue slice, but the sparsity of this data complicates the analysis of spatial gene expression patterns such as gene expression gradients. We address these issues by deriving a topographic map of a tissue slice-analogous to a map of elevation in a landscape-using a novel quantity called the isodepth. Contours of constant isodepth enclose spatial domains with distinct cell type composition, while gradients of the isodepth indicate spatial directions of maximum change in gene expression. We develop GASTON, an unsupervised and interpretable deep learning algorithm that simultaneously learns the isodepth, spatial gene expression gradients, and piecewise linear functions of the isodepth that model both continuous gradients and discontinuous spatial variation in the expression of individual genes. We validate GASTON by showing that it accurately identifies spatial domains and marker genes across several biological systems. In SRT data from the brain, GASTON reveals gradients of neuronal differentiation and firing, and in SRT data from a tumor sample, GASTON infers gradients of metabolic activity and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related gene expression in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uthsav Chitra
- Department of Computer Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Brian J. Arnold
- Department of Computer Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Center for Statistics and Machine Learning, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Hirak Sarkar
- Department of Computer Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Ludwig Cancer Institute, Princeton Branch, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Cong Ma
- Department of Computer Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | | | - Kohei Sanno
- Department of Computer Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Center for Statistics and Machine Learning, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
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4
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Chen YY, Chen CK, Wu TT, Ho CY, Yeh TC, Sun GC, Tseng CJ, Cheng PW. Attenuation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition via SGLT2 inhibition and diabetic cataract suppression by dapagliflozin nanoparticles treatment. Life Sci 2023; 330:122005. [PMID: 37549827 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Chronic hyperglycemia triggers overproduction of AKR1B1 (aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B) and receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE), which causes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the lens epithelial cells (LECs) of diabetic mellitus (DM) cataracts. However, it is unclear whether EMT in LECs is related to abnormal increase of SGLT2. Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, also known as dapagliflozin (Dapa) can be used to treat diabetes. Here, we examined how Dapa or nano eye-drops (DapaN) reduce EMT in LECs of DM cataracts. The nano eye-drop provides an ophthalmic treatment that suppressed diabetic cataract progression and improved potency with reduced side effects. MAIN METHODS SD rats were injected with streptozocin (STZ) (65 mg/kg, ip), nano-Dapa drops (0.456 mg/10 ml/eye) or Dapa (1.2 mg/kg/day) treatment for 6-12 weeks. Immunofluorescence staining was used for protein quantification of RAGE, SGLT2, N-cadherin and E-cadherin in the LECs of rats. KEY FINDINGS In this study, Dapa applies nanotechnology-based delivery system and it contains polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and HPBCD. Dapa showed therapeutic effect on DM cataracts, wherein it targeted EMT biomarker, E-cadherin. The nano-Dapa drops or oral Dapa inhibited SGLT2, suppressed AKR1B1 expression, decreased AcSOD2- and RAGE-induced EMT in diabetic cataracts. Our findings suggest that nanotechnology-based Dapa eye drops (Dapa-PVP-HPBCD) can effectively improve solubility of Dapa in aqueous solution. SIGNIFICANCE Taken together, results suggest that the SGLT2-mediated DM cataract therapy may involve the AKR1B1-RAGE-AcSOD2-EMT pathway. The nano eye drops and Dapa show potential beneficial effects for cataract prevention. This study conveys new insights into cataract treatment and supplementation of nano-Dapa drops shows promising result in preventing diabetic cataracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Ying Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan; National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Kuang Chen
- Department of Materials and Optoelectronic Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Tien Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan; National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Chiu-Yi Ho
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Chen Yeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan
| | - Gwo-Ching Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Jiunn Tseng
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Wen Cheng
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan.
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Lin X, Yang T, Liu X, Fan F, Zhou X, Li H, Luo Y. TGF-β/Smad Signalling Activation by HTRA1 Regulates the Function of Human Lens Epithelial Cells and Its Mechanism in Posterior Subcapsular Congenital Cataract. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214431. [PMID: 36430917 PMCID: PMC9692351 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital cataract is the leading cause of blindness among children worldwide. Patients with posterior subcapsular congenital cataract (PSC) in the central visual axis can result in worsening vision and stimulus deprivation amblyopia. However, the pathogenesis of PSC remains unclear. This study aims to explore the functional regulation and mechanism of HTRA1 in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs). HTRA1 was significantly downregulated in the lens capsules of children with PSC compared to normal controls. HTRA1 is a suppression factor of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signalling pathway, which plays a key role in cataract formation. The results showed that the TGF-β/Smad signalling pathway was activated in the lens tissue of PSC. The effect of HTRA1 on cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis was measured in HLECs. In primary HLECs, the downregulation of HTRA1 can promote the proliferation and migration of HLECs by activating the TGF-β/Smad signalling pathway and can significantly upregulate the TGF-β/Smad downstream target genes FN1 and α-SMA. HTRA1 was also knocked out in the eyes of C57BL/6J mice via adeno-associated virus-mediated RNA interference. The results showed that HTRA1 knockout can significantly upregulate p-Smad2/3 and activate the TGF-β/Smad signalling pathway, resulting in abnormal proliferation and irregular arrangement of lens epithelial cells and leading to the occurrence of subcapsular cataract. To conclude, HTRA1 was significantly downregulated in children with PSC, and the downregulation of HTRA1 enhanced the proliferation and migration of HLECs by activating the TGF-β/Smad signalling pathway, which led to the occurrence of PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Eye Disease Prevention and Treatment Center, Shanghai Eye Hospital, Shanghai 200040, China;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; (T.Y.); (X.L.); (F.F.); (X.Z.); (H.L.)
| | - Tianke Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; (T.Y.); (X.L.); (F.F.); (X.Z.); (H.L.)
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; (T.Y.); (X.L.); (F.F.); (X.Z.); (H.L.)
| | - Fan Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; (T.Y.); (X.L.); (F.F.); (X.Z.); (H.L.)
| | - Xiyue Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; (T.Y.); (X.L.); (F.F.); (X.Z.); (H.L.)
| | - Hongzhe Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; (T.Y.); (X.L.); (F.F.); (X.Z.); (H.L.)
| | - Yi Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; (T.Y.); (X.L.); (F.F.); (X.Z.); (H.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-(0)21-64377134
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Parreno J, Emin G, Vu MP, Clark JT, Aryal S, Patel SD, Cheng C. Methodologies to unlock the molecular expression and cellular structure of ocular lens epithelial cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:983178. [PMID: 36176273 PMCID: PMC9514789 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.983178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The transparent ocular lens in the anterior chamber of the eye is responsible for fine focusing of light onto the retina. The lens is entirely cellular with bulk of the tissue composed of fiber cells, and the anterior hemisphere of the lens is covered by a monolayer of epithelial cells. Lens epithelial cells are important for maintaining fiber cell homeostasis and for continual growth of the lens tissue throughout life. Cataracts, defined as any opacity in the lens, remain the leading cause of blindness in the world. Following cataract surgery, lens epithelial cells can undergo a process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), leading to secondary cataracts due to posterior capsular opacification (PCO). Since the epithelial cells make up only a small fraction of the lens, specialized techniques are required to study lens epithelial cell biology and pathology. Studies using native lens epithelial cells often require pooling of samples to obtain enough cells to make sufficient samples for traditional molecular biology techniques. Here, we provide detailed protocols that enable the study of native mouse lens epithelial cells, including immunostaining of the native lens epithelium in flat mounts, extraction of RNA and proteins from pairs of lens epithelial monolayers, and isolation of lens epithelial cells for primary culture. These protocols will enable researchers to gain better insight on representative molecular expression and cellular structure of lens epithelial cells. We also provide comparative data between native, primary culture, and immortalized lens epithelial cells and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each technique presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Parreno
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
- *Correspondence: Justin Parreno, ; Catherine Cheng,
| | - Grace Emin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Michael P. Vu
- School of Optometry and Vision Science Program, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Jackson T. Clark
- School of Optometry and Vision Science Program, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Sandeep Aryal
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Shaili D. Patel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Catherine Cheng
- School of Optometry and Vision Science Program, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- *Correspondence: Justin Parreno, ; Catherine Cheng,
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7
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Silibinin suppresses TGFβ2-induced lens epithelial cell migration and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. J Biosci 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-022-00286-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE To review information pertaining to secondary glaucoma following infant lensectomy and provide evidence to support the mechanism responsible for this condition. METHODS Reported risk factors and proposed mechanisms for infantile aphakic glaucoma are reviewed. Laboratory studies and clinical observations in affected patients with glaucoma are described. Evidence of postoperative anterior chamber fibrosis is reviewed and interpreted. RESULTS Clinical evidence demonstrated the development of anterior chamber fibrosis following infant cataract surgery. Laboratory studies showed liberated lens epithelial cell transition to fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS The review and assessment of laboratory and clinical evidence support the proposal that infantile aphakic glaucoma is caused, in part, by postoperative anterior chamber fibroization related to lens cell dispersion, cytokine activation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition with resultant filtration angle fibrosis and secondary loss of filtration function. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2022;59(4):236-242.].
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Li X, Sun X, Li L, Luo Y, Chi Y, Zheng G. MDM2-mediated ubiquitination of LKB1 contributes to the development of diabetic cataract. Exp Cell Res 2022; 417:113191. [PMID: 35513074 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic cataract (DC) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lens epithelial cells (LECs) is a crucial event in the development of DC. Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that promotes EMT by regulating diverse targets. However, little is known about how MDM2 is involved in the pathogenesis of DC. We found the mRNA and protein levels of MDM2 were up-regulated in the lens of DC patients and rats. Thus, high glucose (HG)-induced human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) were constructed for further investigation. The results showed that the level of MDM2 was increased in HG-cultured HLECs, and the MDM2 knockdown alleviated HG-induced abnormal migration, EMT, and oxidative stress damage. Moreover, co-immunoprecipitation and ubiquitination assays demonstrated that MDM2 down-regulated LKB1 expression by ubiquitination degradation. LKB1 was found to be lower expressed in human and rat DC lenses, and HG-stimulated HLECs. Also, LKB1 overexpression mitigated HG-induced dysfunction of HLECs. Finally, our data showed that the changes related to EMT and oxidative stress induced by MDM2 knockdown were restored by down-regulation of LKB1. Together, MDM2 may involve in the pathogenesis of DC through down-regulating LKB1. MDM2 might be an effective therapeutical target of DC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaowei Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yao Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yingjie Chi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Guangying Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Guo M, Su F, Chen Y, Su B. Interfering Hsa_circRNA_0060640 Suppresses TGF-β2-Induced Proliferation, Motility and EMT in Human Lens Epithelium Cells by Targeting miR-214-3p and Collagen Type I alpha2 Chain. Curr Eye Res 2022; 47:735-746. [PMID: 35392747 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2022.2053724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNA (circRNA) is a novel star factor in the research of ocular diseases including cataract and the most common postoperative complication posterior capsule opacification (PCO). Hsa_circRNA_0060640 (circ_0060640) is an age-related cataract-related circRNA. However, its role in cataractogenesis is unrevealed yet. METHODS PCO in vitro model was established in human lens epithelium cells (hLECs) induced by transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-β2). RNA and protein expressions were respectively detected by quantitative PCR and western blotting. Direct interaction between two RNAs was predicted by Starbase tool and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. MTS and EdU assays measured cell proliferation; Transwell, starch wound and western blotting assays evaluated cell motility and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). RESULTS Circ_0060640 expression is higher in anterior lens capsule tissues from human cataractous eyes and TGF-β2-stimulated hLECs cells line SRA01/04. RNA interference of circ_0060640 could prevent SRA01/04 cells from TGF-β2-induced cell proliferation, migration and invasion, accompanied with decreased N-cadherin and α-smooth muscle actin and increased E-cadherin. Mechanistically, circ_0060640 directly controls microRNA (miR)-214-3p expression and then regulates gene expression of collagen type I alpha2 chain (COL1A2). Notably, COL1A2 inhibition is underlying the protective role of circ_0060640 silencing and miR-214-3p ectopic expression in TGF-β2-stimulated SRA01/04 cells. CONCLUSION Circ_0060640 is a novel cataract-related gene and its silencing could block TGF-β2-evoked hLECs proliferation, motility and EMT in vitro via targeting miR-214-3p-COL1A2 axis. Therefore, targeting circ_0060640 via RNA interference might be a treatment strategy for PCO development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jingzhou Hospital, Yangtze University (Jingzhou Central Hospital), Jingzhou, China
| | - Fanfan Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jingzhou Hospital, Yangtze University (Jingzhou Central Hospital), Jingzhou, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jingzhou Hospital, Yangtze University (Jingzhou Central Hospital), Jingzhou, China
| | - Bo Su
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
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Huai B, Huang C, Hu L. Curcumin suppresses TGF-β2-induced proliferation, migration, and invasion in lens epithelial cells by targeting KCNQ1OT1/miR-377-3p/COL1A2 axis in posterior capsule opacification. Curr Eye Res 2022; 47:715-726. [PMID: 35179079 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2021.2021537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a common complication after cataract surgery, which can lead to secondary loss of vision. Curcumin has been reported to play a suppressive role in PCO progression, and the potential molecular mechanism was explored in this study. METHODS Cell viability and proliferation were analyzed by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay. Transwell assay and wound healing assay were performed to assess cell invasion and migration abilities. Western blot assay and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were conducted to measure the expression of proteins and RNAs. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were conducted to confirm the interaction between microRNA-377-3p (miR-377-3p) and KCNQ1 opposite strand/antisense transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) or collagen type I alpha 2 chain (COL1A2). RESULTS Curcumin dose-dependently alleviated transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2)-induced proliferation, migration, and invasion in SRA01/04 cells. KCNQ1OT1 was up-regulated in PCO patients and TGF-β2-induced SRA01/04 cells. Curcumin-induced protective effects in TGF-β2-induced SRA01/04 cells were largely overturned by KCNQ1OT1 overexpression. KCNQ1OT1 directly interacted with miR-377-3p and negatively regulated its expression. miR-377-3p silencing overturned Curcumin-mediated protective effects in SRA01/04 cells upon TGF-β2 treatment. miR-377-3p directly interacted with the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of COL1A2. COL1A2 overexpression largely counteracted KCNQ1OT1 silencing-induced effects in TGF-β2-stimulated SRA01/04 cells. KCNQ1OT1 could up-regulate COL1A2 expression by sponging miR-377-3p in SRA01/04 cells. CONCLUSION In conclusion, Curcumin suppressed TGF-β2-induced malignant changes in lens epithelial cells by targeting KCNQ1OT1/miR-377-3p/COL1A2 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Huai
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinan Second People's Hospital (Jinan Eye Hospital), Jinan 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Chao Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jinan Second People's Hospital (Jinan Eye Hospital), Jinan 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Lin Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Jinan 250001, Shandong, China
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12
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Huang P, Hu Y, Duan Y. TGF-β2-induced circ-PRDM5 regulates migration, invasion, and EMT through the miR-92b-3p/COL1A2 pathway in human lens epithelial cells. J Mol Histol 2022; 53:309-320. [PMID: 35083632 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-021-10053-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
CircRNA circ-PRDM5 (PR/SET domain 5) (circ-PRDM5) is overexpressed in age-related cataracts. Nevertheless, the biological role of circ-PRDM5 in posterior capsule opacities (PCO) (a common complication after cataract surgery) is unclear. Human lens epithelial cells SRA01/04 (LECs) were stimulated with TGF-β2 (transforming growth factor beta-2) to mimic the PCO model in vitro. Cell viability, migration, and invasion were determined by MTT, transwell, or wound-healing assays. Protein levels of EMT (epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition) markers and COL1A2 (collagen type I alpha 2 chain) were analyzed by western blotting (WB). Relative expression of circ-PRDM5, miR-92b-3p, and COL1A2 mRNA was analyzed by qRT-PCR. The targeting relationship was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter and RIP assays. We observed that circ-PRDM5 and COL1A2 were upregulated in PCO tissues and TGF-β2-treated LECs, while miR-92b-3p was downregulated. Both circ-PRDM5 and COL1A2 knockdown impaired TGF-β2-induced LEC migration, invasion, and EMT. Also, circ-PRDM5 could adsorb miR-92b-3p to regulate COL1A2 expression. Furthermore, miR-92b-3p inhibitor offset circ-PRDM5 knockdown-mediated influence on migration, invasion, and EMT of LECs under TGF-β2 stimulation. Also, COL1A2 overexpression overturned the repressive influence of miR-92b-3p mimic on TGF-β2-induced LEC migration, invasion, and EMT. In summary, TGF-β2-induced circ-PRDM5 facilitated LEC migration, invasion, and EMT by adsorbing miR-92b-3p and increasing COL1A2 expression, offering new insights into the development of PCO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Huang
- Department of Cataract and Glaucoma, The Eyegood Eye Hospital of WuHan, Wuhan, China
| | - Yao Hu
- Department of Ocular Fundus Diseases, The Eyegood Eye Hospital of WuHan, No. 10, Chang Gang Road, Wuhan, 430024, Hubei, China
| | - Yuping Duan
- Department of Ocular Fundus Diseases, The Eyegood Eye Hospital of WuHan, No. 10, Chang Gang Road, Wuhan, 430024, Hubei, China.
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13
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Wang H, Zheng G. Circ-GGA3 promotes the biological functions of human lens epithelial cells depending on the regulation of miR-497-5p/SMAD4 axis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 598:62-68. [PMID: 35151205 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.09.082] [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: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The cause of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is the dysfunction of lens epithelial cells (LECs). Circular RNA (circRNA) was found to regulate cell biological functions, including LECs. However, the role of circ-GGA3 in PCO formation is unclear. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the expression of circ-GGA3, miR-497-5p and SMAD4. Cell proliferation, invasion and migration were determined via MTT assay, EdU staining, transwell assay and wound healing assay. The protein expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, fibrosis markers, TGF-β/SMAD pathway markers and SMAD4 were determined by western blot assay. The interaction between miR-497-5p and circ-GGA3 or SMAD4 was confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter assay. Circ-GGA3 was highly expressed in PCO patients, and its silencing inhibited the proliferation, invasion, migration, EMT process and fibrosis of TGF-β2-induced LECs. Circ-GGA3 could sponge miR-497-5p to regulate SMAD4. Further experiments revealed that miR-497-5p inhibitor recovered the negative regulation of circ-GGA3 knockdown on the biological functions of TGF-β2-induced LECs, and SMAD4 overexpression also abolished the suppressive effect of miR-497-5p. In addition, circ-GGA3/miR-497-5p/SMAD4 axis could activate the TGF-β/SMAD pathway. Our results indicated that circ-GGA3 could enhance the biological functions of LECs, suggesting that circ-GGA3 might be a potential target for PCO therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajun Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China
| | - Guangying Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China.
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14
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Walton DS, Yeung HH. Glaucoma following Infant Lensectomy: 2021 Update. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2021; 238:1065-1068. [PMID: 34535026 DOI: 10.1055/a-1554-5398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To review information pertaining to glaucoma following infant lensectomy surgery and to provide evidence to support the responsible mechanism of this condition. METHODS AND RESULTS Described risk factors and proposed mechanisms for infantile aphakic glaucoma were assessed. The clinical evidence observed in affected glaucoma patients was analyzed, and evidence of postoperative anterior chamber fibrosis was reviewed and interpreted. CONCLUSION The review and assessment of laboratory and clinical evidence support the proposal that infantile aphakic glaucoma is caused, in part, by postoperative anterior chamber fibroization related to lens cell dispersion and active epithelial-mesenchymal transition with resultant filtration angle tissue injury and loss of function.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Walton
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Helen H Yeung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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15
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Song Y, Overmass M, Fan J, Hodge C, Sutton G, Lovicu FJ, You J. Application of Collagen I and IV in Bioengineering Transparent Ocular Tissues. Front Surg 2021; 8:639500. [PMID: 34513910 PMCID: PMC8427501 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2021.639500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Collagens represent a major group of structural proteins expressed in different tissues and display distinct and variable properties. Whilst collagens are non-transparent in the skin, they confer transparency in the cornea and crystalline lens of the eye. There are 28 types of collagen that all share a common triple helix structure yet differ in the composition of their α-chains leading to their different properties. The different organization of collagen fibers also contributes to the variable tissue morphology. The important ability of collagen to form different tissues has led to the exploration and application of collagen as a biomaterial. Collagen type I (Col-I) and collagen type IV (Col-IV) are the two primary collagens found in corneal and lens tissues. Both collagens provide structure and transparency, essential for a clear vision. This review explores the application of these two collagen types as novel biomaterials in bioengineering unique tissue that could be used to treat a variety of ocular diseases leading to blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Song
- Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Morgan Overmass
- Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jiawen Fan
- Key Laboratory of Myopia of State Health Ministry, Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Eye and Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chris Hodge
- Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- New South Wales (NSW) Tissue Bank, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Vision Eye Institute, Chatswood, NSW, Australia
| | - Gerard Sutton
- Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- New South Wales (NSW) Tissue Bank, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Vision Eye Institute, Chatswood, NSW, Australia
| | - Frank J. Lovicu
- Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jingjing You
- Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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16
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Peng C, Wang Y, Ji L, Kuang L, Yu Z, Li H, Zhang J, Zhao J. LncRNA-MALAT1/miRNA-204-5p/Smad4 Axis Regulates Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, Proliferation and Migration of Lens Epithelial Cells. Curr Eye Res 2021; 46:1137-1147. [PMID: 33327804 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2020.1857778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
MATERIALS AND METHODS LECs were cultured and induced with TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL). SiRNA against MALAT1 (Si-MALAT1) was transfected into LECs to knockdown the expression of MALAT1. To overexpress or knockdown miR-204-5p, miR-204-5p mimics (miR-204-5p mimics) and anti-miR-204-5p (miR-204-5p inhibitor) were transfected into LECs. We used RNA FISH to identify the location of MALAT1. RNA levels of MALAT1 and miR-204-5p were analyzed by RT-qPCR. Additionally, target protein levels of Smad4, epithelial differentiation and mesenchymal markers were analyzed with Western blot. We employed EdU Labeling to measured cell proliferation and performed Transwell Assay to analyze the cell migration. Dual-luciferase reporter assays in LECs were conducted to verify whether miRNA-204-5p was negatively regulated by MALAT1 and Smad4 was a direct target of miR-204-5p. RESULTS The expression of MALAT1 was upregulated in PCO specimens. MALAT1 was overexpressed in TGF-β2 induced LECs, and the knockdown of MALAT1 could attenuate TGF-β2 induced EMT. Besides, the upregulation of MALAT1 was correlated with the downregulation of miR-204-5p and upregulation of Smad4. Importantly, MALAT1 was revealed to be located in the cytoplasm of LECs. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assays confirmed that MALAT1 could negatively regulate the expression of miR-204-5p and then regulate its direct target Smad4. Finally, the knockdown of MALAT1 could inhibit the EMT, proliferation, and migration of LECs; however, those can be reversed by anti-miR-204-5p. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal that MALAT1 may regulate EMT, proliferation, and migration of LECs as a ceRNA by "sponging" miR-204-5p and targeting Smad4, and serve as a promising therapeutic target in preventing PCO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Lens Research of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuchi Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Lens Research of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Liyang Ji
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Lens Research of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Liangju Kuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ziyan Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Lens Research of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Hanrong Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Lens Research of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Jinsong Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Lens Research of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiangyue Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Lens Research of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
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17
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Ahmadi M, Barnard S, Ainsbury E, Kadhim M. Early Responses to Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation in Cellular Lens Epithelial Models. Radiat Res 2021; 197:78-91. [PMID: 34324666 DOI: 10.1667/rade-20-00284.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Cataract is the leading cause of visual impairment which can result in blindness. Cataract formation has been associated with radiation exposure; however, the mechanistic understanding of this phenomenon is still lacking. The goal of this study was to investigate mechanisms of cataract induction in isolated lens epithelial cells (LEC) exposed to ionizing radiation. Human LECs from different genetic backgrounds (SV40 immortalized HLE-B3 and primary HLEC cells) were exposed to varying doses of 137Cs gamma rays (0, 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 Gy), at low (0.065 Gy/min) and higher (0.3 Gy/min) dose rates. Different assays were used to measure LEC response for, e.g., viability, oxidative stress, DNA damage studies, senescence and changes to telomere length/telomerase activity at two time points (1 h and 24 h, or 24 h and 15 days, depending on the type of assay and expected response time). The viability of cells decreased in a dose-dependent manner within 24 h of irradiation. Measurement of reactive oxygen species showed an increase at 1 h postirradiation, which was alleviated within 24 h. This was consistent with DNA damage results showing high DNA damage after 1 h postirradiation which reduced significantly (but not completely) within 24 h. Induction of senescence was also observed 15 days postirradiation, but this was not attributed to telomere erosion or telomerase activity reduction. Overall, these findings provide a mechanistic understanding of low-dose radiation-induced cataractogenesis which will ultimately help to inform judgements on the magnitude of risk and improve existing radiation protection procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Ahmadi
- Genomic Instability and Cell Communication Research Group, Department of Biological and Medical Science, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Kidney Genetics Group, Academic Unit of Nephrology, The Medical School, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Barnard
- Public Health England, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Ainsbury
- Public Health England, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Munira Kadhim
- Genomic Instability and Cell Communication Research Group, Department of Biological and Medical Science, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
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18
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Ranaei Pirmardan E, Barakat A, Zhang Y, Naseri M, Hafezi-Moghadam A. Diabetic cataract in the Nile grass rat: A longitudinal phenotypic study of pathology formation. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21593. [PMID: 33991133 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100353r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes is a major risk factor for cataract, the leading cause of blindness worldwide. There is an unmet need for a realistic model of diabetic cataract for mechanistic and longitudinal studies, as existing models do not reflect key aspects of the complex human disease. Here, we introduce and characterize diabetic cataract in the Nile grass rat (NGR, Arvicanthis niloticus), an established model of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We conducted a longitudinal study of cataract in over 88 NGRs in their non-diabetic, pre-diabetic, and diabetic stages of metabolism. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results distinguished the metabolic stages. Diverse cataract types were observed in the course of diabetes, including cortical, posterior subcapsular (PSC), and anterior subcapsular (ASC), all of which succeeded a characteristic dotted ring stage in all animals. The onset ages of diabetes and cataract were 44 ± 3 vs 29 ± 1 (P < .001) and 66 ± 5 vs 58 ± 6 (not significant) weeks in females and males, respectively. Histological analysis revealed fiber disorganization, vacuolar structures, and cellular proliferation and migration in cataractous lenses. The lens epithelial cells (LECs) in non-diabetic young NGRs expressed the stress marker GRP78, as did LECs and migrated cells in the lenses of diabetic animals. Elucidating mechanisms underlying LEC proliferation and migration will be clinically valuable in prevention and treatment of posterior capsule opacification, a dreaded complication of cataract surgery. Marked changes in N-cadherin expression emphasized a role for LEC integrity in cataractogenesis. Apoptotic cells were dispersed in the equatorial areas in early cataractogenesis. Our study reveals diverse cataract types that spontaneously develop in the diabetic NGR, and which uniquely mirror the cataract and its chronic course of development in individuals with diabetes. We provide mechanistic insights into early stages of diabetic cataract. These unique characteristics make NGR highly suited for mechanistic studies, especially in the context of metabolism, diabetes, and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Ranaei Pirmardan
- Molecular Biomarkers Nano-Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aliaa Barakat
- Molecular Biomarkers Nano-Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yuanlin Zhang
- Molecular Biomarkers Nano-Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marzieh Naseri
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Hafezi-Moghadam
- Molecular Biomarkers Nano-Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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19
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Wang Q, Li J, Wang S, Deng Q, Wang K, Dai X, An Y, Dong G, Ke W, Chen F, Liu L, Yang H, Du Y, Zhao W, Shang Z. Single-cell transcriptome profiling reveals molecular heterogeneity in human umbilical cord tissue and culture-expanded mesenchymal stem cells. FEBS J 2021; 288:5311-5330. [PMID: 33763993 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (UMSCs) demonstrate great therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine. The use of UMSCs for clinical applications requires high quantity and good quality of cells usually by in vitro expansion. However, the heterogeneity and the characteristics of cultured UMSCs and the cognate human umbilical cord tissue at single-cell resolution remain poorly defined. In this study, we created a single-cell transcriptome profile of human umbilical cord tissue and the cognate culture-expanded UMSCs. Based on the inferred characteristics of cell clusters and trajectory analysis, we identified three subgroups in culture-expanded UMSCs and putative novel transcription factors (TFs) in regulating UMSC state transition. Further, putative ligand-receptor interaction analysis demonstrated that cellular interactions most frequently occurred in epithelial-like cells with other cell groups in umbilical cord tissue. Moreover, we dissected the transcriptomic differences of in vitro and in vivo subgroups and inferred the telomere-related molecules and pathways that might be activated in UMSCs for cell expansion in vitro. Our study provides a comprehensive and integrative study of the transcriptomics of human umbilical cord tissue and their cognate-cultured counterparts, which paves the way for a deeper understanding of cellular heterogeneity and offers fundamental biological insight of UMSCs-based cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanlei Wang
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Innovative Molecular Diagnostics, BGI-Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinlu Li
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, China
| | - Shengpeng Wang
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, China
| | - Qiuting Deng
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, China
| | - Kuixing Wang
- BGI-Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen BGI Cell Technology Co., Ltd, China
| | - Xi Dai
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Guoyi Dong
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, China
| | - Weilin Ke
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen University 1st Affiliated Hospital, China
| | - Fang Chen
- BGI-Shenzhen, China.,MGI, BGI-Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Huanming Yang
- BGI-Shenzhen, China.,James D. Watson Institute of Genome Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Weihua Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen University 1st Affiliated Hospital, China
| | - Zhouchun Shang
- BGI-Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Innovative Molecular Diagnostics, BGI-Shenzhen, China.,MGI, BGI-Shenzhen, China.,BGI College, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
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20
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Chen X, Yan H, Chen Y, Li G, Bin Y, Zhou X. Moderate oxidative stress promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the lens epithelial cells via the TGF-β/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:1631-1642. [PMID: 33417163 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-04034-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a significant role in fibrosis and migration of lens epithelial cells (LECs), and eventually induces posterior capsule opacification (PCO). In the past, it was generally believed that the TGF-β/Smad pathway regulates lens EMT. A recent study found that attenuated glutathione level promotes LECs EMT via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which suggests a more complex pathogenesis of PCO. To test the hypothesis, we used the mouse cataract surgery PCO model and tested both canonical Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways. The results showed that both TGF-β/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin pathways were activated during the lens capsule fibrosis. Compared with the freshly isolated posterior capsule, the expression level of phosphorylated Smad2 was highest at day3 and then slightly decreased, but the expression level of Wnt10a gradually increased from day0 to day7. It shows that these two pathways are involved in the lens epithelium's fibrotic process and may play different roles in different periods. Subsequently, we established oxidative stress-induced EMT model in primary porcine lens epithelial cells and found that both the TGF-β/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin pathways were activated. Further study suggests that block Wnt/β-catenin pathway using XAV939 alone or block TGF-β/Smad pathway using LY2109761 could partially block pLECs fibrosis, but blocking Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β/Smad pathway using combined XAV939 and LY2109761 could completely block pLECs fibrosis. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that both TGF-β/Smad and canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathways play a significant role in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of lens epithelial cells but might be in a different stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Hong Yan
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Affiliated Xi'an Fourth Hospital, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Affiliated Xi'an Fourth Hospital, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Guo Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Yue Bin
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xiyuan Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
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21
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Wormstone IM, Wormstone YM, Smith AJO, Eldred JA. Posterior capsule opacification: What's in the bag? Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 82:100905. [PMID: 32977000 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cataract, a clouding of the lens, is the most common cause of blindness in the world. It has a marked impact on the wellbeing and productivity of individuals and has a major economic impact on healthcare providers. The only means of treating cataract is by surgical intervention. A modern cataract operation generates a capsular bag, which comprises a proportion of the anterior capsule and the entire posterior capsule. The bag remains in situ, partitions the aqueous and vitreous humours, and in the majority of cases, houses an intraocular lens (IOL). The production of a capsular bag following surgery permits a free passage of light along the visual axis through the transparent intraocular lens and thin acellular posterior capsule. Lens epithelial cells, however, remain attached to the anterior capsule, and in response to surgical trauma initiate a wound-healing response that ultimately leads to light scatter and a reduction in visual quality known as posterior capsule opacification (PCO). There are two commonly-described forms of PCO: fibrotic and regenerative. Fibrotic PCO follows classically defined fibrotic processes, namely hyperproliferation, matrix contraction, matrix deposition and epithelial cell trans-differentiation to a myofibroblast phenotype. Regenerative PCO is defined by lens fibre cell differentiation events that give rise to Soemmerring's ring and Elschnig's pearls and becomes evident at a later stage than the fibrotic form. Both fibrotic and regenerative forms of PCO contribute to a reduction in visual quality in patients. This review will highlight the wealth of tools available for PCO research, provide insight into our current knowledge of PCO and discuss putative management of PCO from IOL design to pharmacological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- I M Wormstone
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.
| | - Y M Wormstone
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - A J O Smith
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - J A Eldred
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
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22
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Zhao Y, Deng X, Chang P, Hu M, Li Z, Zhang F, Ding X, Zhao Y. Expression Profiles of Inflammatory Cytokines in the Aqueous Humor of Children after Congenital Cataract Extraction. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:3. [PMID: 32855850 PMCID: PMC7422780 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.8.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the change in cytokine microenvironment of the aqueous humor (AH) after surgery in children with congenital or developmental cataracts. Methods AH samples were obtained from 59 eyes diagnosed with a congenital or developmental cataract. Thirty-three of these eyes were aphakic following previous cataract surgery and were scheduled for secondary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Additionally, AH samples from 26 eyes that had not undergone surgery were taken. AH samples were then analyzed for 16 different inflammatory immune mediators using multiplex bead immunoassays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The mean interval between secondary IOL implantation and original cataract surgery was 24.85 months (range, 9–60 months). Levels of IL-6, IP-10 (CXCL10), MCP-1 (CCL2), and IL-2 were significantly elevated in the AH of eyes after surgery compared to eyes that did not undergo surgery (P < 0.001, P = 0.047, P = 0.006, P = 0.012, respectively). There was significant correlation between the levels of TGF-β2 and intraocular pressure (IOP) in postsurgical and nonsurgical eyes (r = 0.532, P = 0.006; r = 0.57, P = 0.001). Postsurgical outcomes, such as iris adhesions, capsular fibrosis, and capsular contraction, were found not to be significantly associated with cytokine levels in the AH after surgery; however, IL-6 levels in capsular exposure eyes were significantly higher than those in cortical closure eyes (P = 0.023). Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study to report significantly increased proinflammatory cytokine levels in the AH after congenital cataract extraction in children. Our study also suggests that this proinflammatory state may be maintained for a prolonged period of time. Overall, these results give us insight into the relationship between the inflammatory cytokine microenvironment of the aqueous humor and potential long-term complications following congenital cataract surgery. Translational Relevance The inflammatory cytokine microenvironment of the aqueous humor might help explain potential long-term complications after surgery in patients with congenital or developmental cataracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinying Zhao
- The Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohui Deng
- The Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pingjun Chang
- The Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Man Hu
- The Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhangliang Li
- The Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- The Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xixia Ding
- The Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yune Zhao
- The Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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AKR1B1-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Mediated by RAGE-Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Cataract Lens. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9040273. [PMID: 32218152 PMCID: PMC7222180 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9040273] [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: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Cataracts are a major cause of visual acuity deterioration in diabetes mellitus (DM) in developed and developing countries. Studies have demonstrated that overproduction of AKR1B1 and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) plays a major role in the pathogenesis of diabetic cataracts, but it is unclear whether the prevalence of diabetic cataracts is related to epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in lens epithelial cells. This study aimed to analyze the role of EMT in cataract formation of DM patients. Methods: Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry assays were used to estimate AKR1B1, RAGE, AMPK, and EMT levels in epithelial human lens of DM or non-DM cataracts. Results: Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that pathologic phases and N-cadherin expression levels were significantly higher in epithelial human lens of DM (+) compared to DM (−) cataracts. Immunofluorescent staining showed that AKR1B1 and RAGE were significantly higher in epithelial human lens of DM (+) compared to DM (−) cataracts. Interestingly, acetyl superoxide dismutase 2 (AcSOD2) levels were significantly higher in DM patients’ lens epithelial cells (LECs), whereas AMPKT172 phosphorylation was significantly increased in non-DM patients. This indicates that AMPKT172 might be related to superoxide reduction and diabetic cataract formation. Conclusions: Our results suggest that AKR1B1 overexpression can decrease AMPK activation, thereby increasing AcSOD2 and RAGE-induced EMT in epithelial human lens of DM cataracts. These novel findings suggest that AKR inhibitors may be candidates for the pharmacological prevention of cataracts in patients with DM.
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24
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Shihan MH, Kanwar M, Wang Y, Jackson EE, Faranda AP, Duncan MK. Fibronectin has multifunctional roles in posterior capsular opacification (PCO). Matrix Biol 2020; 90:79-108. [PMID: 32173580 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2020.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Fibrotic posterior capsular opacification (PCO), one of the major complications of cataract surgery, occurs when lens epithelial cells (LCs) left behind post cataract surgery (PCS) undergo epithelial to mesenchymal transition, migrate into the optical axis and produce opaque scar tissue. LCs left behind PCS robustly produce fibronectin, although its roles in fibrotic PCO are not known. In order to determine the function of fibronectin in PCO pathogenesis, we created mice lacking the fibronectin gene (FN conditional knock out -FNcKO) from the lens. While animals from this line have normal lenses, upon lens fiber cell removal which models cataract surgery, FNcKO LCs exhibit a greatly attenuated fibrotic response from 3 days PCS onward as assessed by a reduction in surgery-induced cell proliferation, and fibrotic extracellular matrix (ECM) production and deposition. This is correlated with less upregulation of Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) and integrin signaling in FNcKO LCs PCS concomitant with sustained Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling and elevation of the epithelial cell marker E cadherin. Although the initial fibrotic response of FNcKO LCs was qualitatively normal at 48 h PCS as measured by the upregulation of fibrotic marker protein αSMA, RNA sequencing revealed that the fibrotic response was already quantitatively attenuated at this time, as measured by the upregulation of mRNAs encoding molecules that control, and are controlled by, TGFβ signaling, including many known markers of fibrosis. Most notably, gremlin-1, a known regulator of TGFβ superfamily signaling, was upregulated sharply in WT LCs PCS, while this response was attenuated in FNcKO LCs. As exogenous administration of either active TGFβ1 or gremlin-1 to FNcKO lens capsular bags rescued the attenuated fibrotic response of fibronectin null LCs PCS including the loss of SMAD2/3 phosphorylation, this suggests that fibronectin plays multifunctional roles in fibrotic PCO development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahbubul H Shihan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Mallika Kanwar
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Erin E Jackson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Adam P Faranda
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Melinda K Duncan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
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25
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Molecular genetics of congenital cataracts. Exp Eye Res 2019; 191:107872. [PMID: 31770519 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Congenital cataracts, the most common cause of visual impairment and blindness in children worldwide, have diverse etiologies. According to statistics analysis, about one quarter of congenital cataracts caused by genetic defects. Various mutations of more than one hundred genes have been identified in hereditary cataracts so far. In this review, we briefly summarize recent developments about the genetics, molecular mechanisms, and treatments of congenital cataracts. The studies of these pathogenic mutations and molecular genetics is making it possible for us to comprehend the underlying mechanisms of cataractogenesis and providing new insights into the preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of cataracts.
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26
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Hah YS, Yoo WS, Seo SW, Chung I, Kim HA, Cho HY, Kim SJ. Reduced NGF Level Promotes Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Human Lens Epithelial Cells Exposed to High Dexamethasone Concentrations. Curr Eye Res 2019; 45:686-695. [PMID: 31751158 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2019.1695844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the protective effects of nerve growth factor (NGF) against steroid-induced cataract formation in dexamethasone (Dex)-treated human lens epithelial B-3 (HLE-B3) cells and the possible molecular mechanisms underlying this protection.Materials and Methods: HLE-B3 cells were treated with Dex, and cell viability was assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The levels of expression of NGF, fibronectin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and E-cadherin mRNAs were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and the levels of NGF, fibronectin, α-SMA, E-cadherin, tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA), and Akt proteins were measured by Western blot analysis. Gene expression profiles of growth factors in Dex-treated HLE-B3 cells were determined by PCR arrays. In addition, anterior capsule tissue was obtained during cataract surgery, and the specimens were also examined expressions of NGF.Results: NGF was expressed in HLE-B3 cells and also in lens epithelial cells of anterior lens capsules. Dex treatment of HLE-B3 cells increased their expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and migration activity, while markedly downregulating the expression of NGF. NGF treatment significantly reduced the expression of α-SMA and fibronectin, as well as cell proliferation. The decreased phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and Akt induced by Dex treatment was significantly reversed by treatment with NGF.Conclusion: NGF/TrkA may repress EMT by targeting the p38 MAPK and pAkt pathways in Dex-treated HLE-B3 cells. NGF may be a novel therapeutic target for patients with steroid-induced cataract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Sool Hah
- Biomedical Research Institute, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, Korea
| | - Woong-Sun Yoo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju, Korea
| | - Seong-Wook Seo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju, Korea
| | - Inyoung Chung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju, Korea
| | - Hyun-A Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju, Korea
| | - Hee Young Cho
- Biomedical Research Institute, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, Korea
| | - Seong-Jae Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju, Korea
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27
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Li Y, Zhao Y, Wang Y. 2',3'-Cyclic-nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase contributes to epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lens epithelial cells through the notch signalling pathway. Cell Prolif 2019; 52:e12707. [PMID: 31617266 PMCID: PMC6869463 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Fibrosis is a complex process involved in multiple diseases that result in organ injury and failure. Cataract, one common form of ocular fibrosis, is a main cause of blindness worldwide, and surgery may be the only cure. In this regard, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lens epithelial cells (LECs) is the primary cause of anterior subcapsular cataract (ASC). This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which 2',3'‐cyclic‐nucleotide 3'‐phosphodiesterase (CNPase) regulates the function of EMT in LECs. Materials and Methods A mouse model of ASC was used to observe the expression of CNPase in the lens and correlate its expression changes with lens EMT. Furthermore, the effects of CNPase on cell migration and cell proliferation were evaluated by transwell migration, wound healing and EdU staining assays. Finally, Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to assess the mechanical properties potentially involved in the regulation of EMT by CNPase. Results The expression of CNPase was upregulated in LECs during the EMT process in mice with ASC. Notably, CNPase significantly promoted the proliferation, migration and EMT of LECs in vitro. Interestingly, the EMT‐promoting mechanism of CNPase may be achieved by targeting the Notch signalling pathway. Conclusions Considering the involvement of EMT in ASC, both CNPase and the Notch signalling pathway may be therapeutic targets for the treatment of cataracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Technology Transfer Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
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