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Zhang JJ, Cao ZF, Zhou BT, Yang JH, Li Z, Lin S, Chen XL, Zhang NW, Ye Q, Ma X, Zhu YH. Abnormal function of EPHA2/p.R957P mutant in congenital cataract. Int J Ophthalmol 2024; 17:1007-1017. [PMID: 38895685 PMCID: PMC11144770 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2024.06.04] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM To identify genetic defects in a Chinese family with congenital posterior polar cataracts and assess the pathogenicity. METHODS A four-generation Chinese family affected with autosomal dominant congenital cataract was recruited. Nineteen individuals took part in this study including 5 affected and 14 unaffected individuals. Sanger sequencing targeted hot-spot regions of 27 congenital cataract-causing genes for variant discovery. The pathogenicity of the variant was evaluated by the guidelines of American College of Medical Genetics and InterVar software. Confocal microscopy was applied to detect the subcellular localization of fluorescence-labeled ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EPHA2). Co-immunoprecipitation assay was implemented to estimate the interaction between EphA2 and other lens membrane proteins. The mRNA and protein expression were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting assay, respectively. The cell migration was analyzed by wound healing assay. Zebrafish model was generated by ectopic expression of human EPHA2/p.R957P mutant to demonstrate whether the mutant could cause lens opacity in vivo. RESULTS A novel missense and pathogenic variant c.2870G>C was identified in the sterile alpha motif (SAM) domain of EPHA2. Functional studies demonstrated the variant's impact: reduced EPHA2 protein expression, altered subcellular localization, and disrupted interactions with other lens membrane proteins. This mutant notably enhanced human lens epithelial cell migration, and induced a central cloudy region and roughness in zebrafish lenses with ectopic expression of human EPHA2/p.R957P mutant under differential interference contrast (DIC) optics. CONCLUSION Novel pathogenic c.2870G>C variant of EPHA2 in a Chinese congenital cataract family contributes to disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Jin Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University; Fujian Institute of Ophthalmology; Fujian Provincial Clinical Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases and Optometry, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian Province, China
| | - Zong-Fu Cao
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100000, China
- National Human Genetic Resources Center, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Bi-Ting Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University; Fujian Institute of Ophthalmology; Fujian Provincial Clinical Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases and Optometry, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian Province, China
| | - Ju-Hua Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University; Fujian Institute of Ophthalmology; Fujian Provincial Clinical Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases and Optometry, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Bioengineering and Biopharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, Fujian Province, China
| | - Zhong Li
- Department of Bioengineering and Biopharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, Fujian Province, China
| | - Shuang Lin
- Department of Bioengineering and Biopharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xiao-Le Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Biopharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, Fujian Province, China
| | - Nan-Wen Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering and Biopharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, Fujian Province, China
| | - Qin Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University; Fujian Institute of Ophthalmology; Fujian Provincial Clinical Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases and Optometry, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xu Ma
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100000, China
- National Human Genetic Resources Center, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yi-Hua Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University; Fujian Institute of Ophthalmology; Fujian Provincial Clinical Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases and Optometry, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian Province, China
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Cui F, Sun Z, Zhang X, Liu C. CircMAP3K4 Suppresses H2O2-Induced Human Lens Epithelial Cell Injury by miR-630/ERCC6 Axis in Age-Related Cataract. Curr Eye Res 2024; 49:487-495. [PMID: 38152055 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2023.2298908] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulated circular RNAs (circRNAs) is involved in the pathogenesis of age-related cataract (ARC). Here, this study aimed to explore the function and mechanism of circMAP3K4 in ARC. METHODS Human lens epithelial cells were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for functional experiments. qRT-PCR and western blotting analyses were used for the expression detection of genes and proteins. Cell proliferation was tested using cell counting kit-8 and EdU. Flow cytometry was applied to analyze cell apoptosis and cell cycle. The oxidative stress was evaluated by detecting the production of malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The target relationship between miR-630 and circMAP3K4 or Excision repair cross-complementing group 6 (ERCC6) was analyzed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay. RESULTS CircMAP3K4 was lowly expressed in ARC patients and H2O2-induced HLECs. Functionally, forced expression of circMAP3K4 protected HLECs against H2O2-evoked proliferation inhibition, cell cycle arrest and the promotion of cell apoptosis and oxidative stress. Mechanistically, circMAP3K4 acted as a sponge for miR-630 to regulate the expression of its target ERCC6. MiR-630 was highly expressed while ERCC6 was lowly expressed in ARC patients and H2O2-induced HLECs. Up-regulation of miR-630 could reverse the protective effects of circMAP3K4 on HLECs under H2O2 treatment. In addition, inhibition of miR-630 suppressed H2O2-induced HLEC injury, which was abolished by ERCC6 silencing. CONCLUSION Forced expression of circMAP3K4 protected HLECs against H2O2-evoked apoptotic and oxidative injury via miR-630/ERCC6 axis, suggesting that circMAP3K4 may function as a potential therapeutic target for ARC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenghua Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Jinan Second People's Hospital, Jinan City, Shandong, China
| | - Zhonghua Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Jinan Second People's Hospital, Jinan City, Shandong, China
| | - Xueyan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Jinan Second People's Hospital, Jinan City, Shandong, China
| | - Cuijuan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Jinan Second People's Hospital, Jinan City, Shandong, China
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Kurt GA, Ertekin T, Atay E, Bilir A, Koca HB, Aslan E, Sarıtaş A. Investigation of the antioxidant effect of Chrysin in an experimental cataract model created in chick embryos. Mol Vis 2023; 29:245-255. [PMID: 38222446 PMCID: PMC10784222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cataract, which occurs as a result of lens opacification, is one of the most common causes of vision loss. In the literature, deterioration of the antioxidant system due to the increase in reactive oxygen species and oxidant levels is shown among the causes of cataract formation. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant effect of chrysin on steroid-induced cataract development in an experimental chick embryo model using morphological, histological and biochemical parameters. METHODS Within the scope of the study, 150 specific pathogen free (SPF) fertilized eggs were used. Eggs were divided into 6 groups as control (group 1), corn oil (group 2), hydrocortisone hemisuccinate sodium (HC) (group 3), low dose chrysin (group 4), medium dose chrysin (group 5) and high dose chrysin (group 6). On the 15th day of incubation, Chrysin and HC were applicated to the air sac of the eggs with Hamilton and/or insulin injector. On day 17, the chick embryos were removed from the eggs and the bulbus oculi of the embryos were dissected. Lenses of 9 embryos were used for morpholigical cataract grading in each group, lens of 8 embryos for biochemical analysis and intact eyes of 7 embryos for histological evaluation (TUNEL method). RESULTS No opacity was observed in any of the lenses in Group 1 and 2. Cataract was observed in all lenses in Group 3. The mean opacity grades in group 3 were statistically significantly higher when compared to group 1 and 2 (p<0.05). The difference between group 6 and group 3 was statistically significant (p<0.05). GSH and TAS levels in the lenses were statistically significantly decreased compared to the control group due to HC application (p<0.05). It was determined that the decreased GSH and TAS levels in the lenses increased in relation to the Chrysin application doses. The increased levels of MDA, TOS, caspase 3 and caspase 9 in the HC group decreased significantly depending to the chrysin doses (p<0.05). In addition, while the rate of apoptotic cells determined by the TUNEL method was statistically significantly higher in the HC administered group than in the control group (p<0.05), it was statistically significantly decreased in the chrysin-administered groups, in relation to the dose of chrysin (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS We think that anti-cataract effect of crhysin may be due to the antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties of chrysin. However, more research is needed to clarify the anti-cataract effects of chrysin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülan Albaş Kurt
- Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Tolga Ertekin
- Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Emre Atay
- Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Abdülkadir Bilir
- Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Halit Buğra Koca
- Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Esra Aslan
- Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Alperen Sarıtaş
- Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
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Jezler PCOC, Magalhães HIR, Silva MD, Ribeiro LA, Miglino MA, Pereira AA. Evaluation of the ratio of different major and trace elements in the lens of dogs with cataract. Vet Ophthalmol 2023; 26:489-499. [PMID: 36691384 DOI: 10.1111/vop.13048] [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: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the elements that support cataract development and searching for available therapeutic methods is essential for scientific and social interest. For that purpose, the role of trace elements has been investigated in this study to better understand the development of cataracts in dogs. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the ratio of the major and trace elements by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry in dog cataract lenses to contribute to diagnostic, non-surgical, and ophthalmological preventive data. METHODS A single lens with a cataract from each of a total of 88 dogs (cataract group) and a healthy lens from each of 6 dogs (control group) were evaluated. The elements calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), and potassium (K) were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence and X-ray microfluorescence. RESULTS The results indicated an increase of Ca, Fe, Cu, and Zn, in association with the reabsorption mechanism of hypermature cataracts. CONCLUSIONS The ratio of elements Ca, Fe, Cu, and Zn was different in cataract lenses than in healthy lenses, and our results may support the development of therapeutic strategies for cataracts in dogs. The Ca concentrations were distinct in the cataract development stages, and the Fe concentration was relatively higher in males when compared to females. Finally, this research stands out with a particular contribution to the understanding of both cataract formation and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Christiane O C Jezler
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Henrique I R Magalhães
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mônica D Silva
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas A Ribeiro
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maria Angelica Miglino
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andrea A Pereira
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute of Physics, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Chen X, Shi C, He M, Xiong S, Xia X. Endoplasmic reticulum stress: molecular mechanism and therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:352. [PMID: 37709773 PMCID: PMC10502142 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01570-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) functions as a quality-control organelle for protein homeostasis, or "proteostasis". The protein quality control systems involve ER-associated degradation, protein chaperons, and autophagy. ER stress is activated when proteostasis is broken with an accumulation of misfolded and unfolded proteins in the ER. ER stress activates an adaptive unfolded protein response to restore proteostasis by initiating protein kinase R-like ER kinase, activating transcription factor 6, and inositol requiring enzyme 1. ER stress is multifaceted, and acts on aspects at the epigenetic level, including transcription and protein processing. Accumulated data indicates its key role in protein homeostasis and other diverse functions involved in various ocular diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, achromatopsia, cataracts, ocular tumors, ocular surface diseases, and myopia. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms underlying the aforementioned ocular diseases from an ER stress perspective. Drugs (chemicals, neurotrophic factors, and nanoparticles), gene therapy, and stem cell therapy are used to treat ocular diseases by alleviating ER stress. We delineate the advancement of therapy targeting ER stress to provide new treatment strategies for ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyi Chen
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaoran Shi
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Meihui He
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Siqi Xiong
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Xiaobo Xia
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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Murugan S, Cheng C. Roles of Eph-Ephrin Signaling in the Eye Lens Cataractogenesis, Biomechanics, and Homeostasis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:852236. [PMID: 35295853 PMCID: PMC8918484 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.852236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The eye lens is responsible for fine focusing of light onto the retina, and its function relies on tissue transparency and biomechanical properties. Recent studies have demonstrated the importance of Eph-ephrin signaling for the maintenance of life-long lens homeostasis. The binding of Eph receptor tyrosine kinases to ephrin ligands leads to a bidirectional signaling pathway that controls many cellular processes. In particular, dysfunction of the receptor EphA2 or the ligand ephrin-A5 lead to a variety of congenital and age-related cataracts, defined as any opacity in the lens, in human patients. In addition, a wealth of animal studies reveal the unique and overlapping functions of EphA2 and ephrin-A5 in lens cell shape, cell organization and patterning, and overall tissue optical and biomechanical properties. Significant differences in lens phenotypes of mouse models with disrupted EphA2 or ephrin-A5 signaling indicate that genetic modifiers likely affect cataract phenotypes and progression, suggesting a possible reason for the variability of human cataracts due to Eph-ephrin dysfunction. This review summarizes the roles of EphA2 and ephrin-A5 in the lens and suggests future avenues of study.
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