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Rejas-González R, Montero-Calle A, Valverde A, Salvador NP, Carballés MJC, Ausín-González E, Sánchez-Naves J, Campuzano S, Barderas R, Guzman-Aranguez A. Proteomics Analyses of Small Extracellular Vesicles of Aqueous Humor: Identification and Validation of GAS6 and SPP1 as Glaucoma Markers. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6995. [PMID: 39000104 PMCID: PMC11241616 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cataracts and glaucoma account for a high percentage of vision loss and blindness worldwide. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are released into different body fluids, including the eye's aqueous humor. Information about their proteome content and characterization in ocular pathologies is not yet well established. In this study, aqueous humor sEVs from healthy individuals, cataracts, and glaucoma patients were studied, and their specific protein profiles were characterized. Moreover, the potential of identified proteins as diagnostic glaucoma biomarkers was evaluated. The protein content of sEVs from patients' aqueous humor with cataracts and glaucoma compared to healthy individuals was analyzed by quantitative proteomics. Validation was performed by western blot (WB) and ELISA. A total of 828 peptides and 192 proteins were identified and quantified. After data analysis with the R program, 8 significantly dysregulated proteins from aqueous humor sEVs in cataracts and 16 in glaucoma showed an expression ratio ≥ 1.5. By WB and ELISA using directly aqueous humor samples, the dysregulation of 9 proteins was mostly confirmed. Importantly, GAS6 and SPP1 showed high diagnostic ability of glaucoma, which in combination allowed for discriminating glaucoma patients from control individuals with an area under the curve of 76.1% and a sensitivity of 65.6% and a specificity of 87.7%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Rejas-González
- Chronic Disease Programme, UFIEC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (R.R.-G.); (A.M.-C.)
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28037 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Montero-Calle
- Chronic Disease Programme, UFIEC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (R.R.-G.); (A.M.-C.)
| | - Alejandro Valverde
- Analytical Chemistry Department, Facultad de CC. Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Pza. de las Ciencias 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.V.); (S.C.)
| | - Natalia Pastora Salvador
- Opthalmology Service, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, 28031 Madrid, Spain; (N.P.S.); (M.J.C.C.); (E.A.-G.)
| | - María José Crespo Carballés
- Opthalmology Service, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, 28031 Madrid, Spain; (N.P.S.); (M.J.C.C.); (E.A.-G.)
| | - Emma Ausín-González
- Opthalmology Service, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, 28031 Madrid, Spain; (N.P.S.); (M.J.C.C.); (E.A.-G.)
| | | | - Susana Campuzano
- Analytical Chemistry Department, Facultad de CC. Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Pza. de las Ciencias 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.V.); (S.C.)
| | - Rodrigo Barderas
- Chronic Disease Programme, UFIEC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (R.R.-G.); (A.M.-C.)
- CIBER of Frailty and Healthy Aging (CIBERFES), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Guzman-Aranguez
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28037 Madrid, Spain
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2
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Cordano C, Werneburg S, Abdelhak A, Bennett DJ, Beaudry-Richard A, Duncan GJ, Oertel FC, Boscardin WJ, Yiu HH, Jabassini N, Merritt L, Nocera S, Sin JH, Samana IP, Condor Montes SY, Ananth K, Bischof A, Nourbakhsh B, Hauser SL, Cree BAC, Emery B, Schafer DP, Chan JR, Green AJ. Synaptic injury in the inner plexiform layer of the retina is associated with progression in multiple sclerosis. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101490. [PMID: 38574736 PMCID: PMC11031420 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101490] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
While neurodegeneration underlies the pathological basis for permanent disability in multiple sclerosis (MS), predictive biomarkers for progression are lacking. Using an animal model of chronic MS, we find that synaptic injury precedes neuronal loss and identify thinning of the inner plexiform layer (IPL) as an early feature of inflammatory demyelination-prior to symptom onset. As neuronal domains are anatomically segregated in the retina and can be monitored longitudinally, we hypothesize that thinning of the IPL could represent a biomarker for progression in MS. Leveraging our dataset with over 800 participants enrolled for more than 12 years, we find that IPL atrophy directly precedes progression and propose that synaptic loss is predictive of functional decline. Using a blood proteome-wide analysis, we demonstrate a strong correlation between demyelination, glial activation, and synapse loss independent of neuroaxonal injury. In summary, monitoring synaptic injury is a biologically relevant approach that reflects a potential driver of progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Cordano
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sebastian Werneburg
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnik Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan - Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ahmed Abdelhak
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daniel J Bennett
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alexandra Beaudry-Richard
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Greg J Duncan
- Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Frederike C Oertel
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - W John Boscardin
- Department of Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hao H Yiu
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Nora Jabassini
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lauren Merritt
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnik Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Sonia Nocera
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jung H Sin
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Isaac P Samana
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shivany Y Condor Montes
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kirtana Ananth
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Antje Bischof
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bardia Nourbakhsh
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephen L Hauser
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bruce A C Cree
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ben Emery
- Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Dorothy P Schafer
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnik Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jonah R Chan
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Ari J Green
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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3
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Conedera FM, Kokona D, Zinkernagel MS, Stein JV, Lin CP, Alt C, Enzmann V. Macrophages coordinate immune response to laser-induced injury via extracellular traps. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:68. [PMID: 38500151 PMCID: PMC10949579 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03064-0] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal degeneration results from disruptions in retinal homeostasis due to injury, disease, or aging and triggers peripheral leukocyte infiltration. Effective immune responses rely on coordinated actions of resident microglia and recruited macrophages, critical for tissue remodeling and repair. However, these phagocytes also contribute to chronic inflammation in degenerated retinas, yet the precise coordination of immune response to retinal damage remains elusive. Recent investigations have demonstrated that phagocytic cells can produce extracellular traps (ETs), which are a source of self-antigens that alter the immune response, which can potentially lead to tissue injury. METHODS Innovations in experimental systems facilitate real-time exploration of immune cell interactions and dynamic responses. We integrated in vivo imaging with ultrastructural analysis, transcriptomics, pharmacological treatments, and knockout mice to elucidate the role of phagocytes and their modulation of the local inflammatory response through extracellular traps (ETs). Deciphering these mechanisms is essential for developing novel and enhanced immunotherapeutic approaches that can redirect a specific maladaptive immune response towards favorable wound healing in the retina. RESULTS Our findings underscore the pivotal role of innate immune cells, especially macrophages/monocytes, in regulating retinal repair and inflammation. The absence of neutrophil and macrophage infiltration aids parenchymal integrity restoration, while their depletion, particularly macrophages/monocytes, impedes vascular recovery. We demonstrate that macrophages/monocytes, when recruited in the retina, release chromatin and granular proteins, forming ETs. Furthermore, the pharmacological inhibition of ETosis support retinal and vascular repair, surpassing the effects of blocking innate immune cell recruitment. Simultaneously, the absence of ETosis reshapes the inflammatory response, causing neutrophils, helper, and cytotoxic T-cells to be restricted primarily in the superficial capillary plexus instead of reaching the damaged photoreceptor layer. CONCLUSIONS Our data offer novel insights into innate immunity's role in responding to retinal damage and potentially help developing innovative immunotherapeutic approaches that can shift the immune response from maladaptive to beneficial for retinal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica M Conedera
- Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital and Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Despina Kokona
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital and Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin S Zinkernagel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital and Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jens V Stein
- Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Charles P Lin
- Center for Systems Biology and Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Clemens Alt
- Center for Systems Biology and Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Volker Enzmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital and Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Etebar F, Harkin DG, White AR, Dando SJ. Non-invasive in vivo imaging of brain and retinal microglia in neurodegenerative diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1355557. [PMID: 38348116 PMCID: PMC10859418 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1355557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia play crucial roles in immune responses and contribute to fundamental biological processes within the central nervous system (CNS). In neurodegenerative diseases, microglia undergo functional changes and can have both protective and pathogenic roles. Microglia in the retina, as an extension of the CNS, have also been shown to be affected in many neurological diseases. While our understanding of how microglia contribute to pathological conditions is incomplete, non-invasive in vivo imaging of brain and retinal microglia in living subjects could provide valuable insights into their role in the neurodegenerative diseases and open new avenues for diagnostic biomarkers. This mini-review provides an overview of the current brain and retinal imaging tools for studying microglia in vivo. We focus on microglia targets, the advantages and limitations of in vivo microglia imaging approaches, and applications for evaluating the pathogenesis of neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazeleh Etebar
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Damien G. Harkin
- Centre for Vision and Eye Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Anthony R. White
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Samantha J. Dando
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Vision and Eye Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Oertel FC, Hastermann M, Paul F. Delimiting MOGAD as a disease entity using translational imaging. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1216477. [PMID: 38333186 PMCID: PMC10851159 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1216477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The first formal consensus diagnostic criteria for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) were recently proposed. Yet, the distinction of MOGAD-defining characteristics from characteristics of its important differential diagnoses such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and aquaporin-4 antibody seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is still obstructed. In preclinical research, MOG antibody-based animal models were used for decades to derive knowledge about MS. In clinical research, people with MOGAD have been combined into cohorts with other diagnoses. Thus, it remains unclear to which extent the generated knowledge is specifically applicable to MOGAD. Translational research can contribute to identifying MOGAD characteristic features by establishing imaging methods and outcome parameters on proven pathophysiological grounds. This article reviews suitable animal models for translational MOGAD research and the current state and prospect of translational imaging in MOGAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederike Cosima Oertel
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Neuroscience Clinical Research Center, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Hastermann
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Neuroscience Clinical Research Center, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Neuroscience Clinical Research Center, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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6
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Hammer DX, Kovalick K, Liu Z, Chen C, Saeedi OJ, Harrison DM. Cellular-Level Visualization of Retinal Pathology in Multiple Sclerosis With Adaptive Optics. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:21. [PMID: 37971733 PMCID: PMC10664728 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.14.21] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To apply adaptive optics-optical coherence tomography (AO-OCT) to quantify multiple sclerosis (MS)-induced changes in axonal bundles in the macular nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell somas, and macrophage-like cells at the vitreomacular interface. Methods We used AO-OCT imaging in a pilot study of MS participants (n = 10), including those without and with a history of optic neuritis (ON, n = 4), and healthy volunteers (HV, n = 9) to reveal pathologic changes to inner retinal cells and structures affected by MS. Results We found that nerve fiber layer axonal bundles had 38% lower volume in MS participants (1.5 × 10-3 mm3) compared to HVs (2.4 × 10-3 mm3; P < 0.001). Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) density was 51% lower in MS participants (12.3 cells/mm2 × 1000) compared to HVs (25.0 cells/mm2 × 1000; P < 0.001). Spatial differences across the macula were observed in RGC density. RGC diameter was 15% higher in MS participants (11.7 µm) compared to HVs (10.1 µm; P < 0.001). A nonsignificant trend of higher density of macrophage-like cells in MS eyes was also observed. For all AO-OCT measures, outcomes were worse for MS participants with a history of ON compared to MS participants without a history of ON. AO-OCT measures were associated with key visual and physical disabilities in the MS cohort. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate the utility of AO-OCT for highly sensitive and specific detection of neurodegenerative changes in MS. Moreover, the results shed light on the mechanisms that underpin specific neuronal pathology that occurs when MS attacks the retina. The new findings support the further development of AO-based biomarkers for MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel X. Hammer
- Division of Biomedical Physics, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
| | - Katherine Kovalick
- Division of Biomedical Physics, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Zhuolin Liu
- Division of Biomedical Physics, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
| | - Chixiang Chen
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Osamah J. Saeedi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Daniel M. Harrison
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Department of Neurology, Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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7
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Hong S, Weerasinghe-Mudiyanselage PDE, Kang S, Moon C, Shin T. Retinal transcriptome profiling identifies novel candidate genes associated with visual impairment in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2023; 27:219-233. [PMID: 37808551 PMCID: PMC10552570 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2023.2264354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Visual impairment is occasionally observed in multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Although uveitis and optic neuritis have been reported in MS and EAE, the precise mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of these visual impairments remain poorly understood. This study aims to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the retinas of mice with EAE to identify genes that may be implicated in EAE-induced visual impairment. Fourteen adult mice were injected with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein35-55 to induce the EAE model. Transcriptomes of retinas with EAE were analyzed by RNA-sequencing. Gene expression analysis revealed 347 DEGs in the retinas of mice with EAE: 345 were upregulated, and 2 were downregulated (adjusted p-value < 0.05 and absolute log2 fold change > 1). Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that the upregulated genes in the retinas of mice with EAE were primarily related to immune responses, responses to external biotic stimuli, defense responses, and leukocyte-mediated immunity in the GO biological process. The expression of six upregulated hub genes (c1qb, ctss, itgam, itgb2, syk, and tyrobp) from the STRING analysis and the two significantly downregulated DEGs (hapln1 and ndst4) were validated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In addition, gene set enrichment analysis showed that the negatively enriched gene sets in EAE-affected retinas were associated with the neuronal system and phototransduction cascade. This study provides novel molecular evidence for visual impairments in EAE and indicates directions for further research to elucidate the mechanisms of these visual impairments in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungmoo Hong
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Poornima D. E. Weerasinghe-Mudiyanselage
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Animal Behavior, College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 FOUR Program, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohi Kang
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Animal Behavior, College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 FOUR Program, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Changjong Moon
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Animal Behavior, College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 FOUR Program, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Taekyun Shin
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
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8
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Conedera FM, Runnels JM, Stein JV, Alt C, Enzmann V, Lin CP. Assessing the role of T cells in response to retinal injury to uncover new therapeutic targets for the treatment of retinal degeneration. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:206. [PMID: 37689689 PMCID: PMC10492418 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02867-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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal degeneration is a disease affecting the eye, which is an immune-privileged site because of its anatomical and physiological properties. Alterations in retinal homeostasis-because of injury, disease, or aging-initiate inflammatory cascades, where peripheral leukocytes (PL) infiltrate the parenchyma, leading to retinal degeneration. So far, research on PL's role in retinal degeneration was limited to observing a few cell types at specific times or sectioning the tissue. This restricted our understanding of immune cell interactions and response duration. METHODS In vivo microscopy in preclinical mouse models can overcome these limitations enabling the spatio-temporal characterization of PL dynamics. Through in vivo imaging, we assessed structural and fluorescence changes in response to a focal injury at a defined location over time. We also utilized minimally invasive techniques, pharmacological interventions, and knockout (KO) mice to determine the role of PL in local inflammation. Furthermore, we investigated PL abundance and localization during retinal degeneration in human eyes by histological analysis to assess to which extent our preclinical study translates to human retinal degeneration. RESULTS We demonstrate that PL, especially T cells, play a detrimental role during retinal injury response. In mice, we observed the recruitment of helper and cytotoxic T cells in the parenchyma post-injury, and T cells also resided in the macula and peripheral retina in pathological conditions in humans. Additionally, we found that the pharmacological PL reduction and genetic depletion of T-cells reduced injured areas in murine retinas and rescued the blood-retina barrier (BRB) integrity. Both conditions promoted morphological changes of Cx3cr1+ cells, including microglial cells, toward an amoeboid phenotype during injury response. Interestingly, selective depletion of CD8+ T cells accelerated recovery of the BRB compared to broader depletions. After anti-CD8 treatment, the retinal function improved, concomitant to a beneficial immune response. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide novel insights into the adaptive immune response to retinal injury in mice and human retinal degeneration. Such information is fundamental to understanding retinal disorders and developing therapeutics to modulate immune responses to retinal degeneration safely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica M Conedera
- Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Judith M Runnels
- Center for Systems Biology and Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jens V Stein
- Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Clemens Alt
- Center for Systems Biology and Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Volker Enzmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Charles P Lin
- Center for Systems Biology and Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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9
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Mey GM, DeSilva TM. Utility of the visual system to monitor neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1125115. [PMID: 37063369 PMCID: PMC10090562 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1125115] [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: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegeneration occurs early in the multiple sclerosis (MS) disease course and is an important driver of permanent disability. Current immunomodulatory therapies do not directly target neuronal health; thus, there is a critical need to develop neuroprotective strategies in MS. Outcome measures in clinical trials primarily evaluate disease activity and clinical disability scores rather than measures of neurodegeneration. The visual system provides a noninvasive correlate of brain atrophy and neuronal function through structural and functional exams. Furthermore, optic nerve axons and their respective neuronal cell bodies in the retina, in addition to their synaptic input to the thalamus, provide a distinct anatomy to investigate neurodegenerative processes. This review discusses the utility of the visual system as an early output measure of neurodegeneration in MS as well as an important platform to evaluate neuroprotective strategies in preclinical models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tara M. DeSilva
- Department of Neurosciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
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10
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Furman MJ, Meuth SG, Albrecht P, Dietrich M, Blum H, Mares J, Milo R, Hartung HP. B cell targeted therapies in inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1129906. [PMID: 36969208 PMCID: PMC10034856 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1129906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cumulative evidence along several lines indicates that B cells play an important role in the pathological course of multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitisoptica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and related CNS diseases. This has prompted extensive research in exploring the utility of targeting B cells to contain disease activity in these disorders. In this review, we first recapitulate the development of B cells from their origin in the bone marrow to their migration to the periphery, including the expression of therapy-relevant surface immunoglobulin isotypes. Not only the ability of B cells to produce cytokines and immunoglobulins seems to be essential in driving neuroinflammation, but also their regulatory functions strongly impact pathobiology. We then critically assess studies of B cell depleting therapies, including CD20 and CD19 targeting monoclonal antibodies, as well as the new class of B cell modulating substances, Bruton´s tyrosinekinase (BTK) inhibitors, in MS, NMOSD and MOGAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz J. Furman
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sven G. Meuth
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Philipp Albrecht
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Maria Hilf Clinic, Moenchengladbach, Germany
| | - Michael Dietrich
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Heike Blum
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jan Mares
- Department of Neurology, Palacky University in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Ron Milo
- Department of Neurology, Barzilai Medical Center, Ashkelon, Israel
| | - Hans-Peter Hartung
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Palacky University in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
- Brain and Mind Center, Medical Faculty, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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11
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Pengo M, Miante S, Franciotta S, Ponzano M, Torresin T, Bovis F, Rinaldi F, Perini P, Saiani M, Margoni M, Bertoldo A, Sormani MP, Pilotto E, Midena E, Gallo P, Puthenparampil M. Retinal Hyperreflecting Foci Associate With Cortical Pathology in Multiple Sclerosis. NEUROLOGY - NEUROIMMUNOLOGY NEUROINFLAMMATION 2022; 9:9/4/e1180. [PMID: 35606113 PMCID: PMC9128002 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000001180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background and ObjectivesMicroglia, the resident immune cell of the brain and retina, is widespread activated in the white and gray matter (GM) in multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of this study is to evaluate the presence and number of hyperreflecting foci (HRF), considered clusters of activated and proliferating retinal microglia, and their association with clinical and radiologic disease parameters in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS).MethodsAt baseline, 80 patients with RRMS underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) and 3T-MRI (including 3-dimensional T1, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, and double inversion recovery sequences), closed to their disease onset (6.3 ± 5.1 months). These patients were then clinically and radiologically followed up for a mean of 43 months, evaluating the no evidence of disease activity (NEDA) condition, further divided into clinical (cNEDA) and radiologic (rNEDA). Patients with a clinical history or MRI/OCT findings suggestive of optic neuritis (ON) were excluded from the study.ResultsCompared with healthy controls, the HRF number was significantly higher in the inner nuclear layer (INL) of patients with RRMS (19.55 ± 5.65 vs 13.84 ± 2.57, p < 0.001) and associated with INL volume (β: 1.21, p < 0.001). GM lesion volume significantly correlated with the INL HRF count (p = 0.008). Survival analysis revealed a significant association between INL HRF and both cNEDA (p = 0.017) and rNEDA (p = 0.002).DiscussionWe found a strong association between retinal microglial proliferation and cortical pathology in RRMS, a finding suggesting a possible underlying common immunopathologic mechanism. Furthermore, microglial activation at baseline was observed to predict subsequent inflammatory events, indicating that HRF might be a candidate prognostic biomarker worthy of further investigation.Classification of EvidenceThis study provides Class II evidence that in patients with early RRMS but without ON, the number of HRF on OCT of the retinal inner nuclear layer is associated with cNEDA and rNEDA.
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12
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Maisam Afzali A, Stüve L, Pfaller M, Aly L, Steiger K, Knier B, Korn T. Aquaporin-4 prevents exaggerated astrocytosis and structural damage in retinal inflammation. J Mol Med (Berl) 2022; 100:933-946. [PMID: 35536323 PMCID: PMC9166880 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-022-02202-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is the molecular target of the immune response in neuromyelitis optica (NMO) that leads to severe structural damage in the central nervous system (CNS) and in the retina. Conversely, AQP4 might be upregulated in astrocytes as a compensatory event in multiple sclerosis. Thus, the functional relevance of AQP4 in neuroinflammation needs to be defined. Here, we tested the role of AQP4 in the retina in MOG(35–55)-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) using optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography, immunohistology, flow cytometry, and gene expression analysis in wild-type and Aqp4–/– mice. No direct infiltrates of inflammatory cells were detected in the retina. Yet, early retinal expression of TNF and Iba1 suggested that the retina participated in the inflammatory response during EAE in a similar way in wild-type and Aqp4–/– mice. While wild-type mice rapidly cleared retinal swelling, Aqp4–/– animals exhibited a sustainedly increased retinal thickness associated with retinal hyperperfusion, albumin extravasation, and upregulation of GFAP as a hallmark of retinal scarring at later stages of EAE. Eventually, the loss of retinal ganglion cells was higher in Aqp4–/– mice than in wild-type mice. Therefore, AQP4 expression might be critical for retinal Müller cells to clear the interstitial space from excess vasogenic edema and prevent maladaptive scarring in the retina during remote inflammatory processes of the CNS. Key messages Genetic ablation of AQP4 leads to a functional derangement of the retinal gliovascular unit with retinal hyperperfusion during autoimmune CNS inflammation. Genetic ablation of AQP4 results in a structural impairment of the blood retina barrier with extravasation of albumin during autoimmune CNS inflammation. Eventually, the lack of AQP4 in the retina during an inflammatory event prompts the exaggerated upregulation of GFAP as a hallmark of scarring as well as loss of retinal ganglion cells.
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00109-022-02202-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Maisam Afzali
- Institute for Experimental Neuroimmunology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine, Munich, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine, Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Lasse Stüve
- Institute for Experimental Neuroimmunology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Monika Pfaller
- Institute for Experimental Neuroimmunology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Lilian Aly
- Institute for Experimental Neuroimmunology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine, Munich, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Benjamin Knier
- Institute for Experimental Neuroimmunology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine, Munich, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Korn
- Institute for Experimental Neuroimmunology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine, Munich, Germany. .,Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine, Munich, Germany. .,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.
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13
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Petrikowski L, Reinehr S, Haupeltshofer S, Deppe L, Graz F, Kleiter I, Dick HB, Gold R, Faissner S, Joachim SC. Progressive Retinal and Optic Nerve Damage in a Mouse Model of Spontaneous Opticospinal Encephalomyelitis. Front Immunol 2022; 12:759389. [PMID: 35140707 PMCID: PMC8818777 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.759389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) are antibody mediated CNS disorders mostly affecting the optic nerve and spinal cord with potential severe impact on the visual pathway. Here, we investigated inflammation and degeneration of the visual system in a spontaneous encephalomyelitis animal model. We used double-transgenic (2D2/Th) mice which develop a spontaneous opticospinal encephalomyelitis (OSE). Retinal morphology and its function were evaluated via spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and electroretinography (ERG) in 6- and 8-week-old mice. Immunohistochemistry of retina and optic nerve and examination of the retina via RT-qPCR were performed using markers for inflammation, immune cells and the complement pathway. OSE mice showed clinical signs of encephalomyelitis with an incidence of 75% at day 38. A progressive retinal thinning was detected in OSE mice via SD-OCT. An impairment in photoreceptor signal transmission occurred. This was accompanied by cellular infiltration and demyelination of optic nerves. The number of microglia/macrophages was increased in OSE optic nerves and retinas. Analysis of the retina revealed a reduced retinal ganglion cell number and downregulated Pou4f1 mRNA expression in OSE retinas. RT-qPCR revealed an elevation of microglia markers and the cytokines Tnfa and Tgfb. We also documented an upregulation of the complement system via the classical pathway. In summary, we describe characteristics of inflammation and degeneration of the visual system in a spontaneous encephalomyelitis model, characterized by coinciding inflammatory and degenerative mechanisms in both retina and optic nerve with involvement of the complement system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Petrikowski
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr-University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sabrina Reinehr
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Steffen Haupeltshofer
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr-University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Leonie Deppe
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Florian Graz
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr-University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ingo Kleiter
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr-University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - H. Burkhard Dick
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ralf Gold
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr-University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Simon Faissner
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr-University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, Germany
- *Correspondence: Simon Faissner, ; Stephanie C. Joachim,
| | - Stephanie C. Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- *Correspondence: Simon Faissner, ; Stephanie C. Joachim,
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14
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Frenger MJ, Hecker C, Sindi M, Issberner A, Hartung HP, Meuth SG, Dietrich M, Albrecht P. Semi-Automated Live Tracking of Microglial Activation in CX3CR1 GFP Mice During Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:761776. [PMID: 34745138 PMCID: PMC8567040 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.761776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO) is a non-invasive technique for real-time imaging of the retina. We developed a step-by-step protocol for the semi-automatic evaluation of myeloid cells in cSLO images from CX3CR1GFP mice, expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under control of the endogenous CX3C chemokine receptor 1 locus. We identified cSLO parameters allowing us to distinguish animals with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) from sham-treated/naïve animals. Especially cell count (CC) and the total microglial area (SuA) turned out to be reliable parameters. Comparing the cSLO results with clinical parameters, we found significant correlations between the clinical EAE score and the SuA and of the inner retinal layer thickness, measured by optical coherence tomography, with the CC as well as the SuA. As a final step, we performed immunohistochemistry to confirm that the GFP-expressing cells visualized by the cSLO are Iba1 positive and validated the step-by-step protocol against manual counting. We present a semi-automatic step-by-step protocol with a balance between fast data evaluation and adequate accuracy, which is optimized by the option to manually adapt the contrast threshold. This protocol may be useful for numerous research questions on the role of microglial polarization in models of inflammatory and degenerating CNS diseases involving the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz J. Frenger
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christina Hecker
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mustafa Sindi
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andrea Issberner
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Hartung
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Brain and Mind Center, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sven G. Meuth
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Michael Dietrich
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Philipp Albrecht
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
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15
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Collins KL. Resource and Technical Advance papers: expanding our resources. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e151152. [PMID: 34100387 PMCID: PMC8262284 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.151152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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