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De Bruyn H, Johnson M, Moretti M, Ahmed S, Mujat M, Akula JD, Glavan T, Mihalek I, Aslaksen S, Molday LL, Molday RS, Berkowitz BA, Fulton AB. The Surviving, Not Thriving, Photoreceptors in Patients with ABCA4 Stargardt Disease. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1545. [PMID: 39061682 PMCID: PMC11275370 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14141545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Stargardt disease (STGD1), associated with biallelic variants in the ABCA4 gene, is the most common heritable macular dystrophy and is currently untreatable. To identify potential treatment targets, we characterized surviving STGD1 photoreceptors. We used clinical data to identify macular regions with surviving STGD1 photoreceptors. We compared the hyperreflective bands in the optical coherence tomographic (OCT) images that correspond to structures in the STGD1 photoreceptor inner segments to those in controls. We used adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AO-SLO) to study the distribution of cones and AO-OCT to evaluate the interface of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). We found that the profile of the hyperreflective bands differed dramatically between patients with STGD1 and controls. AO-SLOs showed patches in which cone densities were similar to those in healthy retinas and others in which the cone population was sparse. In regions replete with cones, there was no debris at the photoreceptor-RPE interface. In regions with sparse cones, there was abundant debris. Our results raise the possibility that pharmaceutical means may protect surviving photoreceptors and so mitigate vision loss in patients with STGD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna De Bruyn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (H.D.B.)
| | - Megan Johnson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Madelyn Moretti
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Saleh Ahmed
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Mircea Mujat
- Physical Sciences, Inc., 20 New England Business Center, Andover, MA 01810, USA;
| | - James D. Akula
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (H.D.B.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tomislav Glavan
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Ivana Mihalek
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Sigrid Aslaksen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5007 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Laurie L. Molday
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Robert S. Molday
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Bruce A. Berkowitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Anne B. Fulton
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (H.D.B.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Berkowitz BA, Paruchuri A, Stanek J, Abdul-Nabi M, Podolsky RH, Bustos AH, Childers KL, Murphy GG, Stangis K, Roberts R. Biomarker evidence of early vision and rod energy-linked pathophysiology benefits from very low dose DMSO in 5xFAD mice. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:85. [PMID: 38822433 PMCID: PMC11140992 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01799-8] [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: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Here, we test whether early visual and OCT rod energy-linked biomarkers indicating pathophysiology in nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (Nnt)-null 5xFAD mice also occur in Nnt-intact 5xFAD mice and whether these biomarkers can be pharmacologically treated. Four-month-old wild-type or 5xFAD C57BL/6 substrains with either a null (B6J) Nnt or intact Nnt gene (B6NTac) and 5xFAD B6J mice treated for one month with either R-carvedilol + vehicle or only vehicle (0.01% DMSO) were studied. The contrast sensitivity (CS), external limiting membrane-retinal pigment epithelium (ELM-RPE) thickness (a proxy for low pH-triggered water removal), profile shape of the hyperreflective band just posterior to the ELM (i.e., the mitochondrial configuration within photoreceptors per aspect ratio [MCP/AR]), and retinal laminar thickness were measured. Both wild-type substrains showed similar visual performance indices and dark-evoked ELM-RPE contraction. The lack of a light-dark change in B6NTac MCP/AR, unlike in B6J mice, is consistent with relatively greater mitochondrial efficiency. 5xFAD B6J mice, but not 5xFAD B6NTac mice, showed lower-than-WT CS. Light-adapted 5xFAD substrains both showed abnormal ELM-RPE contraction and greater-than-WT MCP/AR contraction. The inner retina and superior outer retina were thinner. Treating 5xFAD B6J mice with R-carvedilol + DMSO or DMSO alone corrected CS and ELM-RPE contraction but not supernormal MCP/AR contraction or laminar thinning. These results provide biomarker evidence for prodromal photoreceptor mitochondrial dysfunction/oxidative stress/oxidative damage, which is unrelated to visual performance, as well as the presence of the Nnt gene. This pathophysiology is druggable in 5xFAD mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce A Berkowitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
| | - Anuhya Paruchuri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Josh Stanek
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Mura Abdul-Nabi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Robert H Podolsky
- Biostatistics and Study Methodology, Children's National Hospital, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Geoffrey G Murphy
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Molecular Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Katherine Stangis
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Robin Roberts
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
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Berkowitz BA, Paruchuri A, Stanek J, Podolsky RH, Childers KL, Roberts R. Acetazolamide Challenge Changes Outer Retina Bioenergy-Linked and Anatomical OCT Biomarkers Depending on Mouse Strain. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:21. [PMID: 38488413 PMCID: PMC10946704 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.3.21] [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: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that optical coherence tomography (OCT) bioenergy-linked and anatomical biomarkers are responsive to an acetazolamide (ACZ) provocation. Methods C57BL/6J mice (B6J, a strain with relatively inefficient mitochondria) and 129S6/ev mice (S6, a strain with relatively efficient mitochondria) were given a single IP injection of ACZ (carbonic anhydrase inhibitor) or vehicle. In each mouse, the Mitochondrial Configuration within Photoreceptors based on the profile shape Aspect Ratio (MCP/AR) index was determined from the hyper-reflective band immediately posterior to the external limiting membrane (ELM). In addition, we tested for ACZ-induced acidification by measuring contraction of the external limiting membrane-retinal pigment epithelium (ELM-RPE) thickness; the hyporeflective band (HB) signal intensity at the photoreceptor tips was also examined. Finally, the nuclear layer thickness was measured. Results In response to ACZ, MCP/AR was greater-than-vehicle in B6J mice and lower-than-vehicle in S6 mice. ACZ-treated B6J and S6 mice both showed ELM-RPE contraction compared to vehicle-treated mice, consistent with dehydration in response to subretinal space acidification. The HB intensity at the photoreceptor tips and the outer nuclear layer thickness (B6J and S6), as well as the inner nuclear layer thickness of B6J mice, were all lower than vehicle following ACZ. Conclusions Photoreceptor respiratory efficacy can be evaluated in vivo based on distinct rod mitochondria responses to subretinal space acidification measured with OCT biomarkers and an ACZ challenge, supporting and extending our previous findings measured with light-dark conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce A. Berkowitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States
| | - Anuhya Paruchuri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States
| | - Josh Stanek
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States
| | - Robert H. Podolsky
- Biostatistics and Study Methodology, Children's National Hospital, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
| | - Karen Lins Childers
- Beaumont Research Institute, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, Michigan, United States
| | - Robin Roberts
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States
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Goodman C, Podolsky RH, Childers KL, Roberts R, Katz R, Waseem R, Paruchuri A, Stanek J, Berkowitz BA. Do multiple physiological OCT biomarkers indicate age-related decline in rod mitochondrial function in C57BL/6J mice? Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1280453. [PMID: 38046657 PMCID: PMC10693340 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1280453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To test the hypothesis that rod photoreceptor mitochondria function in vivo progressively declines over time. Methods 2, 12, and 24 month-old dark- and light-adapted C57BL/6J (B6J) mice were examined by OCT. We measured (i) an index of mitochondrial configuration within photoreceptors measured from the profile shape aspect ratio (MCP/AR) of the hyperreflective band posterior to the external limiting membrane (ELM), (ii) a proxy for energy-dependent pH-triggered water removal, the thickness of the ELM-retinal pigment epithelium (ELM-RPE), and its correlate (iii) the hyporeflective band (HB) signal intensity at the photoreceptor tips. Visual performance was assessed by optokinetic tracking. Results In 2 and 24 month-old mice, MCP/AR in both inferior and superior retina was smaller in light than in dark; no dark-light differences were noted in 12 month-old mice. Dark-adapted inferior and superior, and light-adapted superior, ELM-RPE thickness increased with age. The dark-light difference in ELM-RPE thickness remained constant across all ages. All ages showed a decreased HB signal intensity magnitude in dark relative to light. In 12 month-old mice, the dark-light difference in HB magnitude was greater than in younger and older mice. Anatomically, outer nuclear layer thickness decreased with age. Visual performance indices were reduced at 24 month-old compared to 2 month-old mice. Conclusion While the working hypothesis was not supported herein, the results raise the possibility of a mid-life adaptation in rod mitochondrial function during healthy aging in B6J mice based on OCT biomarkers, a plasticity that occurred prior to declines in visual performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cole Goodman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Robert H. Podolsky
- Biostatistics and Study Methodology, Children’s National Hospital, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | | | - Robin Roberts
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Ryan Katz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Rida Waseem
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Anuhya Paruchuri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Josh Stanek
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Bruce A. Berkowitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
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Berkowitz BA, Podolsky RH, Childers KL, Roberts R, Waseem R. Multiple Bioenergy-Linked OCT Biomarkers Suggest Greater-Than-Normal Rod Mitochondria Activity Early in Experimental Alzheimer's Disease. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:12. [PMID: 36867132 PMCID: PMC9988708 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.3.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose In Alzheimer's disease, central brain neurons show evidence for early hyperactivity. It is unclear if this occurs in the retina, another disease target. Here, we tested for imaging biomarker manifestation of prodromal hyperactivity in rod mitochondria in vivo in experimental Alzheimer's disease. Methods Light- and dark-adapted 4-month-old 5xFAD and wild-type (WT) mice, both on a C57BL/6J background, were studied with optical coherence tomography (OCT). We measured the reflectivity profile shape of the inner segment ellipsoid zone (EZ) as a proxy for mitochondria distribution. Two additional indices responsive to mitochondria activity were also measured: the thickness of the external limiting membrane-retinal pigment epithelium (ELM-RPE) region and the signal magnitude of a hyporeflective band (HB) between photoreceptor tips and apical RPE. Retinal laminar thickness and visual performance were evaluated. Results In response to low energy demand (light), WT mice showed the expected elongation in EZ reflectivity profile shape, relatively thicker ELM-RPE, and greater HB signal. Under high energy demand (dark), the EZ reflectivity profile shape was rounder, the ELM-RPE was thinner, and the HB was reduced. These OCT biomarker patterns for light-adapted 5xFAD mice did not match those of light-adapted WT mice but rather that of dark-adapted WT mice. Dark-adapted 5xFAD and WT mice showed the same biomarker pattern. The 5xFAD mice exhibited modest nuclear layer thinning and lower-than-normal contrast sensitivity. Conclusions Results from three OCT bioenergy biomarkers raise the novel possibility of early rod hyperactivity in vivo in a common Alzheimer's disease model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce A Berkowitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States
| | - Robert H Podolsky
- Biostatistics and Study Methodology, Children's National Hospital, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
| | - Karen L Childers
- Beaumont Research Institute, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, Michigan, United States
| | - Robin Roberts
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States
| | - Rida Waseem
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States
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