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Tan J, Cai S, Luo X, Li Q, Chen Y, Chen Z, Mao Y, Liu G, Yang M, Liu X. Stop codon variant in EFEMP1 is associated with primary open-angle glaucoma due to impaired regulation of aqueous humor outflow. Exp Eye Res 2024; 241:109859. [PMID: 38467175 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109859] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
It is known that the actin cytoskeleton and its associated cellular interactions in the trabecular meshwork (TM) and juxtacanalicular tissues mainly contribute to the formation of resistance to aqueous outflow of the eye. Fibulin-3, encoded by EFEMP1 gene, has a role in extracellular matrix (ECM) modulation, and interacts with enzymatic ECM regulators, but the effects of fibulin-3 on TM cells has not been explored. Here, we report a stop codon variant (c.T1480C, p.X494Q) of EFEMP1 that co-segregates with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in a Chinese pedigree. In the human TM cells, overexpression of wild-type fibulin-3 reduced intracellular actin stress fibers formation and the extracellular fibronectin levels by inhibiting Rho/ROCK signaling. TGFβ1 up-regulated fibulin-3 protein levels in human TM cells by activating Rho/ROCK signaling. In rat eyes, overexpression of wild-type fibulin-3 decreased the intraocular pressure and the fibronectin expression of TM, however, overexpression of mutant fibulin-3 (c.T1480C, p.X494Q) showed opposite effects in cells and rat eyes. Taken together, the EFEMP1 variant may impair the regulatory capacity of fibulin-3 which has a role for modulating the cell contractile activity and ECM synthesis in TM cells, and in turn may maintain normal resistance of aqueous humor outflow. This study contributes to the understanding of the important role of fibulin-3 in TM pathophysiology and provides a new possible POAG therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junkai Tan
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen Research Center for Eye Diseases and Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, 361000, Fujian, China
| | - Suping Cai
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen Research Center for Eye Diseases and Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, 361000, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaolin Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanbing Chen
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen Research Center for Eye Diseases and Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, 361000, Fujian, China
| | - Zijie Chen
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen Research Center for Eye Diseases and Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, 361000, Fujian, China
| | - Yukai Mao
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen Research Center for Eye Diseases and Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, 361000, Fujian, China
| | - Guo Liu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Mingming Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xuyang Liu
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen Research Center for Eye Diseases and Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, 361000, Fujian, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China.
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Takita Y, Sugano E, Kitabayashi K, Tabata K, Saito A, Yokoyama T, Onoguchi R, Fukuda T, Ozaki T, Bai L, Tomita H. Evaluation of Local Retinal Function in Light-Damaged Rats Using Multifocal Electroretinograms and Multifocal Visual Evoked Potentials. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16433. [PMID: 38003623 PMCID: PMC10670973 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216433] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Electroretinograms (ERGs) are often used to evaluate retinal function. However, assessing local retinal function can be challenging; therefore, photopic and scotopic ERGs are used to record whole-retinal function. This study evaluated focal retinal function in rats exposed to continuous light using a multifocal ERG (mfERG) system. The rats were exposed to 1000 lux of fluorescent light for 24 h to induce photoreceptor degeneration. After light exposure, the rats were reared under cyclic light conditions (12 h: 5 lux, 12 h: dark). Photopic and multifocal ERGs and single-flash and multifocal visual evoked potentials (mfVEPs) were recorded 7 days after light exposure. Fourteen days following light exposure, paraffin-embedded sections were prepared from the eyes for histological evaluation. The ERG and VEP responses dramatically decreased after 24 h of light exposure, and retinal area-dependent decreases were observed in mfERGs and mfVEPs. Histological assessment revealed severe damage to the superior retina and less damage to the inferior retina. Considering the recorded visual angles of mfERGs and mfVEPs, the degenerated area shown on the histological examinations correlates well with the responses from multifocal recordings.
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Grants
- 21-Ⅱ4001 Terumo (Japan)
- 22H00579 Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan
- 21K18278 Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan
- 22K09760 Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan
- 21K09713 Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hiroshi Tomita
- Laboratory of Visual Neuroscience, Graduate Course in Biological Sciences, Iwate University Division of Science and Engineering, 4-3-5 Ueda, Morioka 020-8551, Iwate, Japan; (Y.T.); (E.S.); (K.K.); (K.T.); (A.S.); (T.Y.); (R.O.); (T.F.); (T.O.); (L.B.)
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3
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Tan JK, Xiao Y, Liu G, Huang LX, Ma WH, Xia Y, Wang XZ, Zhu XJ, Cai SP, Wu XB, Wang Y, Liu XY. Evaluation of trabecular meshwork-specific promoters in vitro and in vivo using scAAV2 vectors expressing C3 transferase. Int J Ophthalmol 2023; 16:1196-1209. [PMID: 37602341 PMCID: PMC10398517 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2023.08.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the potential of two trabecular meshwork (TM)-specific promoters, Chitinase 3-like 1 (Ch3L1) and matrix gla protein (MGP), for improving specificity and safety in glaucoma gene therapy based on self-complementary AAV2 (scAAV2) vector technologies. METHODS An scAAV2 vector with C3 transferase (C3) as the reporter gene (scAAV2-C3) was selected. The scAAV2-C3 vectors were driven by Ch3L1 (scAAV2-Ch3L1-C3), MGP (scAAV2-MGP-C3), enhanced MGP (scAAV2-eMGP-C3) and cytomegalovirus (scAAV2-CMV-C3), respectively. The cultured primary human TM cells were treated with each vector at different multiplicities of infections. Changes in cell morphology were observed by phase contrast microscopy. Actin stress fibers and Rho GTPases/Rho-associated protein kinase pathway-related molecules were assessed by immunofluorescence staining, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Each vector was injected intracamerally into the one eye of each rat at low and high doses respectively. In vivo green fluorescence was visualized by a Micron III Retinal Imaging Microscope. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was monitored using a rebound tonometer. Ocular responses were evaluated by slit-lamp microscopy. Ocular histopathology analysis was examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. RESULTS In TM cell culture studies, the vector-mediated C3 expression induced morphologic changes, disruption of actin cytoskeleton and reduction of fibronectin expression in TM cells by inhibiting the Rho GTPases/Rho-associated protein kinase signaling pathway. At the same dose, these changes were significant in TM cells treated with scAAV2-CMV-C3 or scAAV2-Ch3L1-C3, but not in cells treated with scAAV2-eMGP-C3 or scAAV2-MGP-C3. At low-injected dose, the IOP was significantly decreased in the scAAV2-Ch3L1-C3-injected eyes but not in scAAV2-MGP-C3-injected and scAAV2-eMGP-C3-injected eyes. At high-injected dose, significant IOP reduction was observed in the scAAV2-eMGP-C3-injected eyes but not in scAAV2-MGP-C3-injected eyes. Similar to scAAV2-CMV-C3, scAAV2-Ch3L1-C3 vector showed efficient transduction both in the TM and corneal endothelium. In anterior segment tissues of scAAV2-eMGP-C3-injected eyes, no obvious morphological changes were found except for the TM. Inflammation was absent. CONCLUSION In scAAV2-transduced TM cells, the promoter-driven efficiency of Ch3L1 is close to that of cytomegalovirus, but obviously higher than that of MGP. In the anterior chamber of rat eye, the transgene expression pattern of scAAV2 vector is presumably affected by MGP promoter, but not by Ch3L1 promoter. These findings would provide a useful reference for improvement of specificity and safety in glaucoma gene therapy using scAAV2 vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Kai Tan
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, Fujian Province, China
| | - Ying Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610032, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Guo Liu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Long-Xiang Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, Fujian Province, China
| | - Wen-Hao Ma
- Beijing FivePlus Molecular Medicine Institute Co., Ltd., Beijing 102600, China
| | - Yan Xia
- Beijing FivePlus Molecular Medicine Institute Co., Ltd., Beijing 102600, China
| | - Xi-Zhen Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Jinan University, Shenzhen 518040, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xian-Jun Zhu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Su-Ping Cai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Jinan University, Shenzhen 518040, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Wu
- Beijing FivePlus Molecular Medicine Institute Co., Ltd., Beijing 102600, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Jinan University, Shenzhen 518040, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xu-Yang Liu
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the 2 Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong Province, China
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Feng P, Wang W, Xu W, Cao Q, Zhu W. Application of a Magnetic Platform in α6 Integrin-Positive iPSC-TM Purification. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10040410. [PMID: 37106597 PMCID: PMC10135729 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10040410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has provided a new approach to regenerating decellularized trabecular meshwork (TM) in glaucoma. We have previously generated iPSC-derived TM (iPSC-TM) using a medium conditioned by TM cells and verified its function in tissue regeneration. Because of the heterogeneity of iPSCs and the isolated TM cells, iPSC-TM cells appear to be heterogeneous, which impedes our understanding of how the decellularized TM may be regenerated. Herein, we developed a protocol based on a magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) system or an immunopanning (IP) method for sorting integrin subunit alpha 6 (ITGA6)-positive iPSC-TM, an example of the iPSC-TM subpopulation. We first analyzed the purification efficiency of these two approaches by flow cytometry. In addition, we also determined cell viability by analyzing the morphologies of the purified cells. To conclude, the MACS-based purification could yield a higher ratio of ITGA6-positive iPSC-TM and maintain a relatively higher cell viability than the IP-based method, allowing for the preparation of any iPSC-TM subpopulation of interest and facilitating a better understanding of the regenerative mechanism of iPSC-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengchao Feng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Wenyan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Wenhua Xu
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Laboratory Technology Innovation, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Qilong Cao
- Qingdao Haier Biotech Co., Ltd., Qingdao 266109, China
- Correspondence: (Q.C.); (W.Z.)
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics-Capital Medical University, Beijing 100083, China
- Correspondence: (Q.C.); (W.Z.)
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5
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Zhu W, Zhang X, Wu S, Wang N, Kuehn MH. iPSCs-Based Therapy for Trabecular Meshwork. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 281:277-300. [PMID: 37495850 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
The trabecular meshwork (TM) of the eye serves as an essential tissue in controlling aqueous humor (AH) outflow and intraocular pressure (IOP) homeostasis. However, dysfunctional TM cells and/or decreased TM cellularity is become a critical pathogenic cause for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Consequently, it is particularly valuable to investigate TM characteristics, which, in turn, facilitates the development of new treatments for POAG. Since 2006, the advancement in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provides a new tool to (1) model the TM in vitro and (2) regenerate degenerative TM in POAG. In this context, we first summarize the current approaches to induce the differentiation of TM-like cells from iPSCs and compare iPSC-derived TM models to the conventional in vitro TM models. The efficacy of iPSC-derived TM cells for TM regeneration in POAG models is also discussed. Through these approaches, iPSCs are becoming essential tools in glaucoma modeling and for developing personalized treatments for TM regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Beihang University & Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shen Wu
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital Eye Center, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ningli Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Beihang University & Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital Eye Center, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Markus H Kuehn
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, USA
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6
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Arsenijevic Y, Berger A, Udry F, Kostic C. Lentiviral Vectors for Ocular Gene Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081605. [PMID: 36015231 PMCID: PMC9414879 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This review offers the basics of lentiviral vector technologies, their advantages and pitfalls, and an overview of their use in the field of ophthalmology. First, the description of the global challenges encountered to develop safe and efficient lentiviral recombinant vectors for clinical application is provided. The risks and the measures taken to minimize secondary effects as well as new strategies using these vectors are also discussed. This review then focuses on lentiviral vectors specifically designed for ocular therapy and goes over preclinical and clinical studies describing their safety and efficacy. A therapeutic approach using lentiviral vector-mediated gene therapy is currently being developed for many ocular diseases, e.g., aged-related macular degeneration, retinopathy of prematurity, inherited retinal dystrophies (Leber congenital amaurosis type 2, Stargardt disease, Usher syndrome), glaucoma, and corneal fibrosis or engraftment rejection. In summary, this review shows how lentiviral vectors offer an interesting alternative for gene therapy in all ocular compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvan Arsenijevic
- Unit Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland;
- Correspondence: (Y.A.); (C.K.)
| | - Adeline Berger
- Group Epigenetics of ocular diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Florian Udry
- Unit Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Corinne Kostic
- Group for Retinal Disorder Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (Y.A.); (C.K.)
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7
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Patil SV, Kasetti RB, Millar JC, Zode GS. A Novel Mouse Model of TGFβ2-Induced Ocular Hypertension Using Lentiviral Gene Delivery. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:6883. [PMID: 35805889 PMCID: PMC9266301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a multifactorial disease leading to irreversible blindness. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form and is associated with the elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP). Reduced aqueous humor (AH) outflow due to trabecular meshwork (TM) dysfunction is responsible for IOP elevation in POAG. Extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, actin cytoskeletal reorganization, and stiffening of the TM are associated with increased outflow resistance. Transforming growth factor (TGF) β2, a profibrotic cytokine, is known to play an important role in the development of ocular hypertension (OHT) in POAG. An appropriate mouse model is critical in understanding the underlying molecular mechanism of TGFβ2-induced OHT. To achieve this, TM can be targeted with recombinant viral vectors to express a gene of interest. Lentiviruses (LV) are known for their tropism towards TM with stable transgene expression and low immunogenicity. We, therefore, developed a novel mouse model of IOP elevation using LV gene transfer of active human TGFβ2 in the TM. We developed an LV vector-encoding active hTGFβ2C226,228S under the control of a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. Adult C57BL/6J mice were injected intravitreally with LV expressing null or hTGFβ2C226,228S. We observed a significant increase in IOP 3 weeks post-injection compared to control eyes with an average delta change of 3.3 mmHg. IOP stayed elevated up to 7 weeks post-injection, which correlated with a significant drop in the AH outflow facility (40.36%). Increased expression of active TGFβ2 was observed in both AH and anterior segment samples of injected mice. The morphological assessment of the mouse TM region via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and direct ophthalmoscopy examination revealed no visible signs of inflammation or other ocular abnormalities in the injected eyes. Furthermore, transduction of primary human TM cells with LV_hTGFβ2C226,228S exhibited alterations in actin cytoskeleton structures, including the formation of F-actin stress fibers and crossed-linked actin networks (CLANs), which are signature arrangements of actin cytoskeleton observed in the stiffer fibrotic-like TM. Our study demonstrated a mouse model of sustained IOP elevation via lentiviral gene delivery of active hTGFβ2C226,228S that induces TM dysfunction and outflow resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gulab S. Zode
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; (S.V.P.); (R.B.K.); (J.C.M.)
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8
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Liu Z, Li S, Qian X, Li L, Zhang H, Liu Z. RhoA/ROCK-YAP/TAZ Axis Regulates the Fibrotic Activity in Dexamethasone-Treated Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:728932. [PMID: 34552960 PMCID: PMC8450533 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.728932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
High intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor for glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness. Abnormal fibrotic activity in the human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells is considered to be partly responsible for the increased resistance of aqueous humor outflow and IOP. This study aimed to identify the fibrotic pathways using integrated bioinformatics and further elucidate their mechanism of regulating fibrotic activity in dexamethasone (DEX)-treated HTM cells. Microarray datasets from the GEO database were obtained and analyzed by GEO2R. Bioinformatics analyses, including GO and KEGG analyses, were performed to explore biological functions and signaling pathways of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The fibrotic pathways and targets were determined by western blot, RT-qPCR, or immunofluorescence staining. The cellular elastic modulus was measured using an atomic force microscope. A total of 204 DEGs, partly enriched in fibrotic activity (collagen-containing ECM, fibroblast activation) and Rap1, Ras, TGF-β, and Hippo pathways, were identified. Experimental results showed that DEX induced fibrotic activity and regulated the expression of RhoA/ROCK in HTM cells. Similarly, the constitutively active RhoA (RhoAG14V) also promoted the fibrotic activity of HTM cells. Mechanistically, RhoAG14V induced the expression and nuclear translocation of YAP/TAZ to produce CTGF. Moreover, inhibition of ROCK or YAP decreased the expression of Collagen I and α-SMA proteins induced by DEX or RhoAG14V in HTM cells. In conclusion, these results indicate that RhoA/ROCK-YAP/TAZ axis plays a crucial role in regulating the fibrotic activity of DEX-treated HTM cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhicheng Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuqing Qian
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhicheng Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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9
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Luna C, Parker M, Challa P, Gonzalez P. Long-Term Decrease of Intraocular Pressure in Rats by Viral Delivery of miR-146a. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:14. [PMID: 34254987 PMCID: PMC8287046 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.8.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the effects of miR-146a in trabecular meshwork (TM) cells and on intraocular pressure (IOP) in vivo via viral delivery of miR-146a to the anterior chamber of rat eyes. Methods Human TM cells were transfected with miR-146 mimic or inhibitor. Some cells from each group were then subjected to cyclic mechanical stress (CMS). Other cells from each group had no force applied. Gene expression was then analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Replication-deficient adenovirus and lentivirus expressing miR-146a were inoculated into the anterior segment of Brown Norway rat eyes. IOP was monitored by rebound tonometry, visual acuity was evaluated by optokinetic tracking (OKT), and inflammation markers in the anterior segment were examined by slit-lamp, qPCR, and semi-thin sections. Results miR-146 affected the expression of genes potentially involved in outflow homeostasis at basal levels and under CMS. Both lentiviral and adenoviral vectors expressing miR-146a resulted in sustained decreases in IOP ranging from 2.6 to 4.4 mmHg. Long term follow-up of rats injected with lentiviral vectors showed a sustained effect on IOP of 4.4 ± 2.9 mmHg that lasted until rats were sacrificed more than 8 months later. Eyes showed no signs of inflammation, loss of visual acuity, or other visible abnormalities. Conclusions Intracameral delivery of miR-146a can provide a long-term decrease of IOP in rats without signs of inflammation or other visible adverse effects. Transitional Relevance The IOP-lowering effects of miR-146 observed in rats provides a necessary step toward the development of an effective gene therapy for glaucoma in humans.
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10
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Harre J, Heinkele L, Steffens M, Warnecke A, Lenarz T, Just I, Rohrbeck A. Potentiation of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor-Induced Protection of Spiral Ganglion Neurons by C3 Exoenzyme/Rho Inhibitor. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:602897. [PMID: 33776650 PMCID: PMC7991574 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.602897] [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: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Preservation of the excitability of spiral ganglion neurons (SGN) may contribute to an improved speech perception after cochlear implantation. Thus, the application of exogenous neurotrophic factors such as the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to increase SGN survival in vitro and in vivo is a promising pharmacological approach in cochlear implant (CI) research. Due to the difficult pharmacokinetic profile of proteins such as BDNF, there is a quest for small molecules to mediate the survival of SGN or to increase the efficacy of BDNF. The C3 exoenzyme from Clostridium botulinum could be a potential new candidate for the protection and regeneration of SGN. Inhibition of the RhoA GTPase pathway which can be mediated by C3 is described as a promising strategy to enhance axonal regeneration and to exert pro-survival signals in neurons. Nanomolar concentrations of C3, its enzymatically inactive form C3E174Q, and a 26mer C-terminal peptide fragment covering amino acid 156–181 (C3156-181) potentiated the neuroprotective effect on SGN mediated by BDNF in vitro. The neuroprotective effect of C3/BDNF was reduced to the neuroprotective effect of BDNF alone after the treatment with wortmannin, an inhibitor of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K).The exoenzyme C3 (wild-type and enzyme-deficient) and the C3 peptide fragment C3154–181 present novel biologically active compounds for the protection of the SGN. The exact underlying intracellular mechanisms that mediate the neuroprotective effect are not clarified yet, but the combination of BDNF (TrkB stimulation) and C3 exoenzyme (RhoA inhibition) can be used to protect SGN in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Harre
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Hearing4all" of the German Research Foundation (EXC 2177/1), Hannover, Germany
| | - Laura Heinkele
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Melanie Steffens
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Athanasia Warnecke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Hearing4all" of the German Research Foundation (EXC 2177/1), Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Lenarz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Hearing4all" of the German Research Foundation (EXC 2177/1), Hannover, Germany
| | - Ingo Just
- Institute of Toxicology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Astrid Rohrbeck
- Institute of Toxicology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Tan J, Liu G, Lan C, Pang IH, Luo X, Wu S, Fan N, Zhang J, Wang N, Liu X. Lentiviral vector-mediated expression of C3 transferase attenuates retinal ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats. Life Sci 2021; 272:119269. [PMID: 33631175 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119269] [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: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Our previous study showed that intravitreal delivery of self-complementary AAV2 (scAAV2)-mediated exoenzyme C3 transferase (C3) can attenuate retinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The current study investigated the neuroprotective effects of lentivirus (LV)-mediated C3 transgene expression on rat retinal I/R injury. MAIN METHODS The LV encoding C3 and green fluorescent protein (GFP) together (LV-C3-GFP) or GFP only (LV-GFP) was intravitreally injected to SPRAGUE-DAWLEY rats. On day 5 post-intravitreal injection, eyes were evaluated by slit-lamp examination. The GFP expression on retina was confirmed by in vivo and ex vivo assessments. RhoA GTPase expression in retina was examined by western blot. Retinal I/R injury was generated by transiently increasing intraocular pressure (110 mmHg, 90 min). Eyes were then enucleated, and retinas processed for morphological analysis and TdT-dUTP terminal nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. KEY FINDINGS No obvious inflammatory reactions or surgical complications were observed after intravitreal injection of LV vectors. There was a significant decrease of total RhoA GTPase level in the retina treated with LV-C3-GFP. Compared to the blank control group, LV-C3-GFP and LV-GFP did not affect the retinal thickness, cell density in ganglion cell layer (GCL), or numbers of apoptotic cells in retinal flat-mounts. In the LV-GFP-treated retinas, I/R decreased the retinal thickness and GCL cell density and increased apoptotic retinal cell numbers. LV-C3-GFP significantly protected against all these degenerative effects of I/R. SIGNIFICANCE This study indicated that LV-mediated C3 transgene expression exhibits neuroprotective effects on the retinal I/R injury and holds potential as a novel neuroprotective approach targeting certain retinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junkai Tan
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361006, China
| | - Guo Liu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Chunlin Lan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Iok-Hou Pang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States
| | - Xiaolin Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, the 2nd Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Shen Wu
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Ning Fan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Jingxue Zhang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Ningli Wang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Xuyang Liu
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361006, China; Department of Ophthalmology, the 2nd Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen 518020, China.
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12
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Tan J, Wang X, Cai S, He F, Zhang D, Li D, Zhu X, Zhou L, Fan N, Liu X. C3 Transferase-Expressing scAAV2 Transduces Ocular Anterior Segment Tissues and Lowers Intraocular Pressure in Mouse and Monkey. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 17:143-155. [PMID: 31909087 PMCID: PMC6938898 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a lifelong disease with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) as the main risk factor, and reduction of IOP remains the major treatment for this disease. However, current IOP-lowering therapies are far from being satisfactory. We have demonstrated that the lentivirus-mediated exoenzyme C3 transferase (C3) expression in rat and monkey eyes induced relatively long-term IOP reduction. We now show that intracameral injection of self-complementary AAV2 containing a C3 gene into mouse and monkey eyes resulted in morphological changes in trabecular meshwork and IOP reduction. The vector-transduced corneal endothelium and the C3 transgene expression, not vector itself, induced corneal edema as a result of actin-associated endothelial barrier disruption. There was a positive (quadratic) correlation between measured IOP and grade of corneal edema. This is the first report of using an AAV to transduce the trabecular meshwork of monkeys with a gene capable of altering cellular structure and physiology, indicating a potential gene therapy for glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junkai Tan
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xizhen Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Suping Cai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fen He
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Daren Zhang
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Dongkan Li
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xianjun Zhu
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ning Fan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuyang Liu
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
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13
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Tan J, Liu G, Zhu X, Wu Z, Wang N, Zhou L, Zhang X, Fan N, Liu X. Lentiviral Vector-Mediated Expression of Exoenzyme C3 Transferase Lowers Intraocular Pressure in Monkeys. Mol Ther 2019; 27:1327-1338. [PMID: 31129118 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is considered a lifelong disease characterized by optic nerve deterioration and visual field damage. Although the disease progression can usually be controlled by lowering the intraocular pressure (IOP), therapeutic effects of current approaches do not last long. Gene therapy could be a promising method for persistent treatment of the disease. Our previous study demonstrated that gene transfer of exoenzyme C3 transferase (C3) to the trabecular meshwork (TM) to inhibit Rho GTPase (Rho), the upstream signal molecule of Rho-associated kinase (ROCK), resulted in lowered IOP in normal rodent eyes. In the present study, we show that the lentiviral vector (LV)-mediated C3 expression inactivates RhoA in human TM cells by ADP ribosylation, resulting in disruption of the actin cytoskeleton and altered cell morphology. In addition, intracameral delivery of the C3 vector to monkey eyes leads to persistently lowered IOP without obvious signs of inflammation. This is the first report of using a vector to transduce the TM of an alive non-human primate with a gene that alters cellular machinery and physiology. Our results in non-human primates support that LV-mediated C3 expression in the TM may have therapeutic potential for glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junkai Tan
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guo Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xianjun Zhu
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Chengdu Institute of Biology, Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhijian Wu
- Ocular Gene Therapy Core, National Eye Institute, NIH, 6 Center Drive, Room 307, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ningli Wang
- Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoguang Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ning Fan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuyang Liu
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
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