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Hristodorov D, Lohoff T, Luneborg N, Mulder GJ, Clark SJ. Investing in vision: Innovation in retinal therapeutics and the influence on venture capital investment. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 99:101243. [PMID: 38218527 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Since the groundbreaking approval of the first anti-VEGF therapy in 2004, the retinal therapeutics field has undergone a remarkable transformation, witnessing a surge in novel, disease-modifying therapeutics for a broad spectrum of retinal diseases, extending beyond exudative VEGF-driven conditions. The surge in scientific advancement and the pressing, unmet, medical need have captured the attention of venture capital investors, who have collectively invested close to $10 billion in research and development of new retinal therapeutics between 2004 and 2023. Notably, the field of exudative diseases has gradually shifted away from trying to outcompete anti-VEGF therapeutics towards lowering the overall treatment burden by reducing injection frequency. Simultaneously, a new era has emerged in the non-exudative field, targeting prevalent conditions like dry AMD and rare indications such as Retinitis pigmentosa. This has led to promising drug candidates in development, culminating in the landmark approval of Luxturna for a rare form of Retinitis pigmentosa. The validation of new mechanisms, such as the complement pathway in dry AMD has paved the way for the approvals of Syvovre (Apellis) and Izervay (Iveric/Astellas), marking the first two therapies for this condition. In this comprehensive review, we share our view on the cumulative lessons from the past two decades in developing retinal therapeutics, covering both positive achievements and challenges. We also contextualize the investments, strategic partnering deals, and acquisitions of biotech companies, pharmaceutical companies venture capital investors in retinal therapeutics, respectively. Finally, we provide an outlook and potentially a forward-looking roadmap on novel retinal therapeutics, highlighting the emergence of potential new intervention strategies, such as cell-based therapies, gene editing, and combination therapies. We conclude that upcoming developments have the potential to further stimulate venture capital investments, which ultimately could facilitate the development and delivery of new therapies to patients in need.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Simon J Clark
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; University Eye Clinic, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Vincent M, Lehoux J, Desmarty C, Moine E, Legrand P, Dorandeu C, Simon L, Durand T, Brabet P, Crauste C, Begu S. A novel lipophenol quercetin derivative to prevent macular degeneration: Intravenous and oral formulations for preclinical pharmacological evaluation. Int J Pharm 2024; 651:123740. [PMID: 38145781 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123740] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Drugs with properties against oxidative and carbonyl stresses are potential candidates to prevent dry age-related macular degeneration (Dry-AMD) and inherited Stargardt disease (STGD1). Previous studies have demonstrated the capacity of a new lipophenol drug: 3-O-DHA-7-O-isopropyl-quercetin (Q-IP-DHA) to protect ARPE19 and primary rat RPE cells respectively from A2E toxicity and under oxidative and carbonyl stress conditions. In this study, first, a new methodology has been developed to access gram scale of Q-IP-DHA. After classification of the lipophenol as BCS Class IV according to physico-chemical and biopharmaceutical properties, an intravenous formulation with micelles (M) and an oral formulation using lipid nanocapsules (LNC) were developed. M were formed with Kolliphor® HS 15 and saline solution 0.9 % (mean size of 16 nm, drug loading of 95 %). The oral formulation was optimized and successfully allowed the formation of LNC (25 nm, 96 %). The evaluation of the therapeutic potency of Q-IP-DHA was performed after IV administration of micelles loaded with Q-IP-DHA (M-Q-IP-DHA) at 30 mg/kg and after oral administration of LNC loaded with Q-IP-DHA (LNC-Q-IP-DHA) at 100 mg/kg in mice. Results demonstrated photoreceptor protection after induction of retinal degeneration by acute light stress making Q-IP-DHA a promising preventive candidate against dry-AMD and STGD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Vincent
- ICGM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Jordan Lehoux
- IBMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Claire Desmarty
- Institut des Neurosciences de Montpellier, INSERM U1051, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Thierry Durand
- IBMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France.
| | - Philippe Brabet
- Institut des Neurosciences de Montpellier, INSERM U1051, Montpellier, France.
| | - Céline Crauste
- IBMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France.
| | - Sylvie Begu
- ICGM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France.
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3
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Shen J, Chen L, Lv X, Liu N, Miao Y, Zhang Q, Xiao Z, Li M, Yang Y, Liu Z, Chen Q. Emerging Co-Assembled and Sustained Released Natural Medicinal Nanoparticles for Multitarget Therapy of Choroidal Neovascularization. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2314095. [PMID: 38344832 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202314095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) disease has become a worldwide senile disease, and frequent intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) is the mainstream treatment in the clinic, which is associated with sight-threatening complications. Herein, nintedanib, an inhibitor of angiogenesis, and lutein, a potent antioxidant, can co-assemble into nanoparticles through multiple noncovalent interactions. Interestingly, the co-assembled lutein/nintedanib nanoparticles (L/N NPs) exhibit significantly improved stability and achieve long-term sustained release of two drugs for at least two months in mice. Interestingly, in rabbit eyeball with a more complete barrier system, the L/N NPs still successfully distribute in the retina and choroid for a month. In the laser-induced mouse choroidal neovascularization model, the L/N NPs after a minimally invasive subconjunctival administration can successfully inhibit angiogenesis and achieve comparable and even better therapeutic results to that of standard intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF. Therefore, the subconjunctival injection of L/N NPs with long-term sustained drug release behavior represents a promising and innovative strategy for AMD treatment. Such minimally invasive administration together with the ability to effectively inhibit angiogenesis reduce inflammation and counteract oxidative stress and holds great potential for improving patient outcomes and quality of life in those suffering from this debilitating eye condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Shen
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Linfu Chen
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Xinying Lv
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Nanhui Liu
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Yu Miao
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Zhisheng Xiao
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Maoyi Li
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Yang Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Zhuang Liu
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
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Bassetto M, Zaluski J, Li B, Zhang J, Badiee M, Kiser PD, Tochtrop GP. Tuning the Metabolic Stability of Visual Cycle Modulators through Modification of an RPE65 Recognition Motif. J Med Chem 2023; 66:8140-8158. [PMID: 37279401 PMCID: PMC10824489 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In the eye, the isomerization of all-trans-retinal to 11-cis-retinal is accomplished by a metabolic pathway termed the visual cycle that is critical for vision. RPE65 is the essential trans-cis isomerase of this pathway. Emixustat, a retinoid-mimetic RPE65 inhibitor, was developed as a therapeutic visual cycle modulator and used for the treatment of retinopathies. However, pharmacokinetic liabilities limit its further development including: (1) metabolic deamination of the γ-amino-α-aryl alcohol, which mediates targeted RPE65 inhibition, and (2) unwanted long-lasting RPE65 inhibition. We sought to address these issues by more broadly defining the structure-activity relationships of the RPE65 recognition motif via the synthesis of a family of novel derivatives, which were tested in vitro and in vivo for RPE65 inhibition. We identified a potent secondary amine derivative with resistance to deamination and preserved RPE65 inhibitory activity. Our data provide insights into activity-preserving modifications of the emixustat molecule that can be employed to tune its pharmacological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bassetto
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California - Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Center for Translational Vision Research, School of Medicine, University of California - Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Research Service, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, California 90822, United States
| | - Jordan Zaluski
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Bowen Li
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Jianye Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Center for Translational Vision Research, School of Medicine, University of California - Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Mohsen Badiee
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Philip D Kiser
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California - Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Center for Translational Vision Research, School of Medicine, University of California - Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California - Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Research Service, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, California 90822, United States
| | - Gregory P Tochtrop
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
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Palczewska G, Wojtkowski M, Palczewski K. From mouse to human: Accessing the biochemistry of vision in vivo by two-photon excitation. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 93:101170. [PMID: 36787681 PMCID: PMC10463242 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
The eye is an ideal organ for imaging by a multi-photon excitation approach, because ocular tissues such as the sclera, cornea, lens and neurosensory retina, are highly transparent to infrared (IR) light. The interface between the retina and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is especially informative, because it reflects the health of the visual (retinoid) cycle and its changes in response to external stress, genetic manipulations, and drug treatments. Vitamin A-derived retinoids, like retinyl esters, are natural fluorophores that respond to multi-photon excitation with near IR light, bypassing the filter-like properties of the cornea, lens, and macular pigments. Also, during natural aging some retinoids form bisretinoids, like diretinoid-pyridiniumethanolamine (A2E), that are highly fluorescent. These bisretinoids appear to be elevated concurrently with aging. Vitamin A-derived retinoids and bisretinoidss are detected by two-photon ophthalmoscopy (2PO), using a new class of light sources with adjustable spatial, temporal, and spectral properties. Furthermore, the two-photon (2P) absorption of IR light by the visual pigments in rod and cone photoreceptors can initiate visual transduction by cis-trans isomerization of retinal, enabling parallel functional studies. Recently we overcame concerns about safety, data interpretation and complexity of the 2P-based instrumentation, the major roadblocks toward advancing this modality to the clinic. These imaging and retina-function assessment advancements have enabled us to conduct the first 2P studies with humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazyna Palczewska
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; International Center for Translational Eye Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland; Polgenix, Inc., Department of Medical Devices, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Physical Chemistry of Biological Systems, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Maciej Wojtkowski
- International Center for Translational Eye Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland; Department of Physical Chemistry of Biological Systems, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland; Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Physiology & Biophysics, School of Medicine, And Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
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Towards a New Biomarker for Diabetic Retinopathy: Exploring RBP3 Structure and Retinoids Binding for Functional Imaging of Eyes In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054408. [PMID: 36901838 PMCID: PMC10002987 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054408] [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] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a severe disease with a growing number of afflicted patients, which places a heavy burden on society, both socially and financially. While there are treatments available, they are not always effective and are usually administered when the disease is already at a developed stage with visible clinical manifestation. However, homeostasis at a molecular level is disrupted before visible signs of the disease are evident. Thus, there has been a constant search for effective biomarkers that could signal the onset of DR. There is evidence that early detection and prompt disease control are effective in preventing or slowing DR progression. Here, we review some of the molecular changes that occur before clinical manifestations are observable. As a possible new biomarker, we focus on retinol binding protein 3 (RBP3). We argue that it displays unique features that make it a very good biomarker for non-invasive, early-stage DR detection. Linking chemistry to biological function and focusing on new developments in eye imaging and two-photon technology, we describe a new potential diagnostic tool that would allow rapid and effective quantification of RBP3 in the retina. Moreover, this tool would also be useful in the future to monitor therapeutic effectiveness if levels of RBP3 are elevated by DR treatments.
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Electroretinography as a Biomarker to Monitor the Progression of Stargardt Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416161. [PMID: 36555803 PMCID: PMC9783580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416161] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to determine how electroretinographic (ERG) responses reflect age-related disease progression in the Stargardt disease (STGD1). The prospective comparative cohort study included 8 patients harboring two null ABCA4 variants (Group 1) and 34 patients with other ABCA4 genotypes (Group 2). Age at exam, age at onset, visual acuity (VA) and ERG responses were evaluated. The correlation between ERG responses and age in each patient group was determined using linear regression. A Mann-Whitney U Test was used to compare the median values between the groups. Age of onset was significantly earlier in Group 1 than in Group 2 (8 vs. 18), while disease duration was similar (13 vs. 12 years, i.e., advanced stage). Group 1 had significantly worse VA and lower ERG responses. ERG responses that significantly correlated with age in Group 1 were DA 0.01 and 3.0 ERG, which represented a retinal rod system response. The only ERG response that significantly correlated with age in Group 2 was the S-cone ERG. The observed difference was likely due to early cone loss occurring in double-null patients and slower photoreceptor loss in patients with other genotypes. The results suggest that specific ERG responses may be used to detect double-null patients at an early stage and monitor STGD1 disease progression in patients with specific genotypes.
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Picarazzi F, Zuanon M, Pasqualetto G, Cammarone S, Romeo I, Young MT, Brancale A, Bassetto M, Mori M. Identification of Small Molecular Chaperones Binding P23H Mutant Opsin through an In Silico Structure-Based Approach. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:5794-5805. [PMID: 36367985 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c01040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
N-terminal P23H opsin mutation accounts for most of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) cases. P23H functions and folding can be rescued by small chaperone ligands, which contributes to validate mutant opsin as a suitable target for pharmacological treatment of RP. However, the lack of structural details on P23H mutant opsin strongly impairs drug design, and new chemotypes of effective chaperones of P23H opsin are in high demand. Here, a computational-boosted workflow combining homology modeling with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and virtual screening was used to select putative P23H opsin chaperones among different libraries through a structure-based approach. In vitro studies corroborated the reliability of the structural model generated in this work and identified a number of novel chemotypes of safe and effective chaperones able to promote P23H opsin trafficking to the outer cell membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Picarazzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Marika Zuanon
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Gaia Pasqualetto
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3NB, UK
| | - Silvia Cammarone
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Facoltà di Farmacia e Medicina, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Isabella Romeo
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Facoltà di Farmacia e Medicina, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Mark T Young
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Andrea Brancale
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3NB, UK.,Vysoká Škola Chemicko-Technologiká v Praze, Prague 166 28, Czech Republic
| | - Marcella Bassetto
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Uppal S, Liu T, Galvan E, Gomez F, Tittley T, Poliakov E, Gentleman S, Redmond TM. An inducible amphipathic α-helix mediates subcellular targeting and membrane binding of RPE65. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 6:6/1/e202201546. [PMID: 36265895 PMCID: PMC9585964 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
RPE65 retinol isomerase is an indispensable player in the visual cycle between the vertebrate retina and RPE. Although membrane association is critical for RPE65 function, its mechanism is not clear. Residues 107-125 are believed to interact with membranes but are unresolved in all RPE65 crystal structures, whereas palmitoylation at C112 also plays a role. We report the mechanism of membrane recognition and binding by RPE65. Binding of aa107-125 synthetic peptide with membrane-mimicking micellar surfaces induces transition from unstructured loop to amphipathic α-helical (AH) structure but this transition is automatic in the C112-palmitoylated peptide. We demonstrate that the AH significantly affects palmitoylation level, membrane association, and isomerization activity of RPE65. Furthermore, aa107-125 functions as a membrane sensor and the AH as a membrane-targeting motif. Molecular dynamic simulations clearly show AH-membrane insertion, supporting our experimental findings. Collectively, these studies allow us to propose a working model for RPE65-membrane binding, and to provide a novel role for cysteine palmitoylation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - T Michael Redmond
- Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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The novel visual cycle inhibitor (±)-RPE65-61 protects retinal photoreceptors from light-induced degeneration. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269437. [PMID: 36227868 PMCID: PMC9560169 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The visual cycle refers to a series of biochemical reactions of retinoids in ocular tissues and supports the vision in vertebrates. The visual cycle regenerates visual pigments chromophore, 11-cis-retinal, and eliminates its toxic byproducts from the retina, supporting visual function and retinal neuron survival. Unfortunately, during the visual cycle, when 11-cis-retinal is being regenerated in the retina, toxic byproducts, such as all-trans-retinal and bis-retinoid is N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E), are produced, which are proposed to contribute to the pathogenesis of the dry form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The primary biochemical defect in Stargardt disease (STGD1) is the accelerated synthesis of cytotoxic lipofuscin bisretinoids, such as A2E, in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) due to mutations in the ABCA4 gene. To prevent all-trans-retinal-and bisretinoid-mediated retinal degeneration, slowing down the retinoid flow by modulating the visual cycle with a small molecule has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy. The present study describes RPE65-61, a novel, non-retinoid compound, as an inhibitor of RPE65 (a key enzyme in the visual cycle), intended to modulate the excessive activity of the visual cycle to protect the retina from harm degenerative diseases. Our data demonstrated that (±)-RPE65-61 selectively inhibited retinoid isomerase activity of RPE65, with an IC50 of 80 nM. Furthermore, (±)-RPE65-61 inhibited RPE65 via an uncompetitive mechanism. Systemic administration of (±)-RPE65-61 in mice resulted in slower chromophore regeneration after light bleach, confirming in vivo target engagement and visual cycle modulation. Concomitant protection of the mouse retina from high-intensity light damage was also observed. Furthermore, RPE65-61 down-regulated the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway, decreased the inflammatory factor, and attenuated retinal apoptosis caused by light-induced retinal damage (LIRD), which led to the preservation of the retinal function. Taken together, (±)-RPE65-61 is a potent visual cycle modulator that may provide a neuroprotective therapeutic benefit for patients with STGD and AMD.
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Fabre M, Mateo L, Lamaa D, Baillif S, Pagès G, Demange L, Ronco C, Benhida R. Recent Advances in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Therapies. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27165089. [PMID: 36014339 PMCID: PMC9414333 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was described for the first time in the 1840s and is currently the leading cause of blindness for patients over 65 years in Western Countries. This disease impacts the eye’s posterior segment and damages the macula, a retina section with high levels of photoreceptor cells and responsible for the central vision. Advanced AMD stages are divided into the atrophic (dry) form and the exudative (wet) form. Atrophic AMD consists in the progressive atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the outer retinal layers, while the exudative form results in the anarchic invasion by choroidal neo-vessels of RPE and the retina. This invasion is responsible for fluid accumulation in the intra/sub-retinal spaces and for a progressive dysfunction of the photoreceptor cells. To date, the few existing anti-AMD therapies may only delay or suspend its progression, without providing cure to patients. However, in the last decade, an outstanding number of research programs targeting its different aspects have been initiated by academics and industrials. This review aims to bring together the most recent advances and insights into the mechanisms underlying AMD pathogenicity and disease evolution, and to highlight the current hypotheses towards the development of new treatments, i.e., symptomatic vs. curative. The therapeutic options and drugs proposed to tackle these mechanisms are analyzed and critically compared. A particular emphasis has been given to the therapeutic agents currently tested in clinical trials, whose results have been carefully collected and discussed whenever possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Fabre
- Institut de Chimie de Nice UMR 7272, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Lou Mateo
- Institut de Chimie de Nice UMR 7272, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Diana Lamaa
- CiTCoM, UMR 8038 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Paris Cité, 4, Avenue de l’Observatoire, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Baillif
- Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital of Nice, 30 Avenue De La Voie Romaine, 06000 Nice, France
| | - Gilles Pagès
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging (IRCAN), UMR 7284 and INSERM U 1081, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
| | - Luc Demange
- Institut de Chimie de Nice UMR 7272, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, 06108 Nice, France
- CiTCoM, UMR 8038 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Paris Cité, 4, Avenue de l’Observatoire, 75006 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (L.D.); (C.R.); (R.B.)
| | - Cyril Ronco
- Institut de Chimie de Nice UMR 7272, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, 06108 Nice, France
- Correspondence: (L.D.); (C.R.); (R.B.)
| | - Rachid Benhida
- Institut de Chimie de Nice UMR 7272, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, 06108 Nice, France
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences-Green Process Engineering (CBS-GPE), Mohamed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Benguerir 43150, Morocco
- Correspondence: (L.D.); (C.R.); (R.B.)
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12
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Li B, Tochtrop GP. Rapid Access to γ-Amino-α-aryl Alcohol Scaffolds via an Enamine-Based Heck Coupling. J Org Chem 2022; 87:3851-3855. [PMID: 35175038 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.1c03056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The γ-amino-α-aryl alcohol is a key functional group for the design of inhibitors directed toward a critical family of metabolic enzymes. Here we report the transformation of simple aryl halides to a highly functionalized benzyl (3-oxo-3-arylpropyl)carbamate intermediate that can rapidly be converted to a high value γ-amino-α-aryl alcohol. This chemistry is realized through a two-step process involving an enamine-based Heck coupling (EBHC) followed by a one-pot catalytic Cbz-deprotection and ketone reduction of EBHC products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Li
- Case Western Reserve University, Department of Chemistry, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Gregory P Tochtrop
- Case Western Reserve University, Department of Chemistry, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
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13
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The Role of Vitamin A in Retinal Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031014. [PMID: 35162940 PMCID: PMC8835581 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that occurs in various chemical forms. It is essential for several physiological processes. Either hyper- or hypovitaminosis can be harmful. One of the most important vitamin A functions is its involvement in visual phototransduction, where it serves as the crucial part of photopigment, the first molecule in the process of transforming photons of light into electrical signals. In this process, large quantities of vitamin A in the form of 11-cis-retinal are being isomerized to all-trans-retinal and then quickly recycled back to 11-cis-retinal. Complex machinery of transporters and enzymes is involved in this process (i.e., the visual cycle). Any fault in the machinery may not only reduce the efficiency of visual detection but also cause the accumulation of toxic chemicals in the retina. This review provides a comprehensive overview of diseases that are directly or indirectly connected with vitamin A pathways in the retina. It includes the pathophysiological background and clinical presentation of each disease and summarizes the already existing therapeutic and prospective interventions.
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14
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Kramer J, Neves J, Koniikusic M, Jasper H, Lamba DA. Dpp/TGFβ-superfamily play a dual conserved role in mediating the damage response in the retina. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258872. [PMID: 34699550 PMCID: PMC8547621 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal homeostasis relies on intricate coordination of cell death and survival in response to stress and damage. Signaling mechanisms that coordinate this process in the adult retina remain poorly understood. Here we identify Decapentaplegic (Dpp) signaling in Drosophila and its mammalian homologue Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGFβ) superfamily, that includes TGFβ and Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling arms, as central mediators of retinal neuronal death and tissue survival following acute damage. Using a Drosophila model for UV-induced retinal damage, we show that Dpp released from immune cells promotes tissue loss after UV-induced retinal damage. Interestingly, we find a dynamic response of retinal cells to this signal: in an early phase, Dpp-mediated stimulation of Saxophone/Smox signaling promotes apoptosis, while at a later stage, stimulation of the Thickveins/Mad axis promotes tissue repair and survival. This dual role is conserved in the mammalian retina through the TGFβ/BMP signaling, as supplementation of BMP4 or inhibition of TGFβ using small molecules promotes retinal cell survival, while inhibition of BMP negatively affects cell survival after light-induced photoreceptor damage and NMDA induced inner retinal neuronal damage. Our data identify key evolutionarily conserved mechanisms by which retinal homeostasis is maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Kramer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, United States of America
| | - Joana Neves
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, United States of America
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular (iMM), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mia Koniikusic
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, United States of America
| | - Heinrich Jasper
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, United States of America
- Immunology Discovery, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Deepak A. Lamba
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, United States of America
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15
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Kiser PD. Retinal pigment epithelium 65 kDa protein (RPE65): An update. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 88:101013. [PMID: 34607013 PMCID: PMC8975950 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.101013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Vertebrate vision critically depends on an 11-cis-retinoid renewal system known as the visual cycle. At the heart of this metabolic pathway is an enzyme known as retinal pigment epithelium 65 kDa protein (RPE65), which catalyzes an unusual, possibly biochemically unique, reaction consisting of a coupled all-trans-retinyl ester hydrolysis and alkene geometric isomerization to produce 11-cis-retinol. Early work on this isomerohydrolase demonstrated its membership to the carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase superfamily and its essentiality for 11-cis-retinal production in the vertebrate retina. Three independent studies published in 2005 established RPE65 as the actual isomerohydrolase instead of a retinoid-binding protein as previously believed. Since the last devoted review of RPE65 enzymology appeared in this journal, major advances have been made in a number of areas including our understanding of the mechanistic details of RPE65 isomerohydrolase activity, its phylogenetic origins, the relationship of its membrane binding affinity to its catalytic activity, its role in visual chromophore production for rods and cones, its modulation by macromolecules and small molecules, and the involvement of RPE65 mutations in the development of retinal diseases. In this article, I will review these areas of progress with the goal of integrating results from the varied experimental approaches to provide a comprehensive picture of RPE65 biochemistry. Key outstanding questions that may prove to be fruitful future research pursuits will also be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip D Kiser
- Research Service, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, CA, 90822, USA; Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Center for Translational Vision Research, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
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16
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Piotter E, McClements ME, MacLaren RE. Therapy Approaches for Stargardt Disease. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1179. [PMID: 34439845 PMCID: PMC8393614 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite being the most prevalent cause of inherited blindness in children, Stargardt disease is yet to achieve the same clinical trial success as has been achieved for other inherited retinal diseases. With an early age of onset and continual progression of disease over the life course of an individual, Stargardt disease appears to lend itself to therapeutic intervention. However, the aetiology provides issues not encountered with the likes of choroideremia and X-linked retinitis pigmentosa and this has led to a spectrum of treatment strategies that approach the problem from different aspects. These include therapeutics ranging from small molecules and anti-sense oligonucleotides to viral gene supplementation and cell replacement. The advancing development of CRISPR-based molecular tools is also likely to contribute to future therapies by way of genome editing. In this we review, we consider the most recent pre-clinical and clinical trial data relating to the different strategies being applied to the problem of generating a treatment for the large cohort of Stargardt disease patients worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Piotter
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (E.P.); (M.E.M.)
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Michelle E McClements
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (E.P.); (M.E.M.)
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (E.P.); (M.E.M.)
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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17
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Tonade D, Kern TS. Photoreceptor cells and RPE contribute to the development of diabetic retinopathy. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 83:100919. [PMID: 33188897 PMCID: PMC8113320 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness. It has long been regarded as vascular disease, but work in the past years has shown abnormalities also in the neural retina. Unfortunately, research on the vascular and neural abnormalities have remained largely separate, instead of being integrated into a comprehensive view of DR that includes both the neural and vascular components. Recent evidence suggests that the most predominant neural cell in the retina (photoreceptors) and the adjacent retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) play an important role in the development of vascular lesions characteristic of DR. This review summarizes evidence that the outer retina is altered in diabetes, and that photoreceptors and RPE contribute to retinal vascular alterations in the early stages of the retinopathy. The possible molecular mechanisms by which cells of the outer retina might contribute to retinal vascular damage in diabetes also are discussed. Diabetes-induced alterations in the outer retina represent a novel therapeutic target to inhibit DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deoye Tonade
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Timothy S Kern
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; Veterans Administration Medical Center Research Service, Cleveland, OH, USA; Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Veterans Administration Medical Center Research Service, Long Beach, CA, USA.
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18
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Blum E, Zhang J, Zaluski J, Einstein DE, Korshin EE, Kubas A, Gruzman A, Tochtrop GP, Kiser PD, Palczewski K. Rational Alteration of Pharmacokinetics of Chiral Fluorinated and Deuterated Derivatives of Emixustat for Retinal Therapy. J Med Chem 2021; 64:8287-8302. [PMID: 34081480 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Recycling of all-trans-retinal to 11-cis-retinal through the visual cycle is a fundamental metabolic pathway in the eye. A potent retinoid isomerase (RPE65) inhibitor, (R)-emixustat, has been developed and tested in several clinical trials; however, it has not received regulatory approval for use in any specific retinopathy. Rapid clearance of this drug presents challenges to maintaining concentrations in eyes within a therapeutic window. To address this pharmacokinetic inadequacy, we rationally designed and synthesized a series of emixustat derivatives with strategically placed fluorine and deuterium atoms to slow down the key metabolic transformations known for emixustat. Crystal structures and quantum chemical analysis of RPE65 in complex with the most potent emixustat derivatives revealed the structural and electronic bases for how fluoro substituents can be favorably accommodated within the active site pocket of RPE65. We found a close (∼3.0 Å) F-π interaction that is predicted to contribute ∼2.4 kcal/mol to the overall binding energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliav Blum
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Jianye Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Jordan Zaluski
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - David E Einstein
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States.,Research Service, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, California 90822, United States
| | - Edward E Korshin
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Adam Kubas
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kasprzaka 44/52, Warsaw 01-224, Poland
| | - Arie Gruzman
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Gregory P Tochtrop
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Philip D Kiser
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States.,Research Service, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, California 90822, United States
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States.,Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
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19
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Gazda MA, Toomey MB, Araújo PM, Lopes RJ, Afonso S, Myers CA, Serres K, Kiser PD, Hill GE, Corbo JC, Carneiro M. Genetic Basis of De Novo Appearance of Carotenoid Ornamentation in Bare Parts of Canaries. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 37:1317-1328. [PMID: 31930402 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msaa006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Unlike wild and domestic canaries (Serinus canaria), or any of the three dozen species of finches in genus Serinus, the domestic urucum breed of canaries exhibits bright red bills and legs. This novel trait offers a unique opportunity to understand the mechanisms of bare-part coloration in birds. To identify the mutation producing the colorful phenotype, we resequenced the genome of urucum canaries and performed a range of analyses to search for genotype-to-phenotype associations across the genome. We identified a nonsynonymous mutation in the gene BCO2 (beta-carotene oxygenase 2, also known as BCDO2), an enzyme involved in the cleavage and breakdown of full-length carotenoids into short apocarotenoids. Protein structural models and in vitro functional assays indicate that the urucum mutation abrogates the carotenoid-cleavage activity of BCO2. Consistent with the predicted loss of carotenoid-cleavage activity, urucum canaries tended to have increased levels of full-length carotenoid pigments in bill tissue and reduced levels of carotenoid-cleavage products (apocarotenoids) in retinal tissue compared with other breeds of canaries. We hypothesize that carotenoid-based bare-part coloration might be readily gained, modified, or lost through simple switches in the enzymatic activity or regulation of BCO2 and this gene may be an important mediator in the evolution of bare-part coloration among bird species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Anna Gazda
- CIBIO/InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal.,Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Matthew B Toomey
- Department of Biological Science, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK
| | - Pedro M Araújo
- CIBIO/InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal.,MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ricardo J Lopes
- CIBIO/InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Sandra Afonso
- CIBIO/InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Connie A Myers
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Kyla Serres
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Philip D Kiser
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, School of Medicine, Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Geoffrey E Hill
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
| | - Joseph C Corbo
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Miguel Carneiro
- CIBIO/InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal.,Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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20
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Yu G, Gao SQ, Dong Z, Sheng L, Sun D, Zhang N, Zhang J, Margeivicus S, Fu P, Golczak M, Maeda A, Palczewski K, Lu ZR. Peptide Derivatives of Retinylamine Prevent Retinal Degeneration with Minimal Side Effects on Vision in Mice. Bioconjug Chem 2021; 32:572-583. [PMID: 33677964 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.1c00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Safe and effective molecular therapeutics for prophylactic treatment of retinal degenerative diseases are greatly needed. Disruptions in the clearance of all-trans-retinal (atRAL) by the visual (retinoid) cycle of the retina can lead to the accumulation of atRAL and its condensation products known to initiate progressive retinal dystrophy. Retinylamine (Ret-NH2) and its analogues are known to be effective in lowering the concentration of atRAL within the eye and thus preventing retinal degeneration in mouse models of human retinopathies. Here, we chemically modified Ret-NH2 with amino acids and peptides to improve the stability and ocular bioavailability of the resulting derivatives and to minimize their side effects. Fourteen Ret-NH2 derivatives were synthesized and tested in vitro and in vivo. These derivatives exhibited structure-dependent therapeutic efficacy in preventing light-induced retinal degeneration in Abca4-/-Rdh8-/- double-knockout mice, with the compounds containing glycine and/or L-valine generally exhibiting greater protective effects than Ret-NH2 or other tested amino acid derivatives of Ret-NH2. Ret-NH2-L-valylglycine amide (RVG) exhibited good stability in storage; and effective uptake and prolonged retention in mouse eyes. RVG readily formed a Schiff base with atRAL and did not inhibit RPE65 enzymatic activity. Administered by oral gavage, this retinoid also provided effective protection against light-induced retinal degeneration in Abca4-/-Rdh8-/- mice. Notably, the treatment with RVG had minimal effects on the regeneration of 11-cis-retinal and recovery of retinal function. RVG holds promise as a lead therapy for effective and safe treatment of human retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanping Yu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Song-Qi Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Zhiqian Dong
- Center for Translation Vision Research, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Departments of Ophthalmology, Physiology & Biophysics, and Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Li Sheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Da Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Jianye Zhang
- Center for Translation Vision Research, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Departments of Ophthalmology, Physiology & Biophysics, and Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Seunghee Margeivicus
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Pingfu Fu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Marcin Golczak
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Akiko Maeda
- Center for Translation Vision Research, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Departments of Ophthalmology, Physiology & Biophysics, and Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Center for Translation Vision Research, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Departments of Ophthalmology, Physiology & Biophysics, and Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Zheng-Rong Lu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
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21
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Potilinski MC, Tate PS, Lorenc VE, Gallo JE. New insights into oxidative stress and immune mechanisms involved in age-related macular degeneration tackled by novel therapies. Neuropharmacology 2021; 188:108513. [PMID: 33662390 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has increased in the last years. Although anti-VEGF agents have improved the prognosis of exudative AMD, dry AMD has still devastating effects on elderly people vision. Oxidative stress and inflammation are mechanisms involved in AMD pathogenesis and its progression. Molecular pathways involving epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP4) and the nuclear erythroid related factor 2 (Nrf2) are behind oxidative stress in AMD due to their participation in antioxidant cellular pathways. As a consequence of the disbalance produced in the antioxidant mechanisms, there is an activation of innate and adaptative immune response with cell recruitment, changes in complement factors expression, and modification of cellular milieu. Different therapies are being studied to treat dry AMD based on the possible effects on antioxidant molecular pathways or their action on the immune response. There is a wide range of treatments presented in this review, from natural antioxidant compounds to cell and gene therapy, based on their mechanisms. Finally, we hypothesize that alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory molecule that can also modulate antioxidant cellular defenses, could be a good candidate for testing in AMD. This article is part of the special ssue on 'The Quest for Disease-Modifying Therapies for Neurodegenerative Disorders'.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Constanza Potilinski
- Nanomedicine & Vision Lab, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Translacional, Universidad Austral, CONICET, Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo S Tate
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Translacional, Universidad Austral, CONICET, Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valeria E Lorenc
- Nanomedicine & Vision Lab, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Translacional, Universidad Austral, CONICET, Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan E Gallo
- Nanomedicine & Vision Lab, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Translacional, Universidad Austral, CONICET, Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Oftalmología, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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22
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Kiser PD, Palczewski K. Pathways and disease-causing alterations in visual chromophore production for vertebrate vision. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100072. [PMID: 33187985 PMCID: PMC7948990 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev120.014405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
All that we view of the world begins with an ultrafast cis to trans photoisomerization of the retinylidene chromophore associated with the visual pigments of rod and cone photoreceptors. The continual responsiveness of these photoreceptors is then sustained by regeneration processes that convert the trans-retinoid back to an 11-cis configuration. Recent biochemical and electrophysiological analyses of the retinal G-protein-coupled receptor (RGR) suggest that it could sustain the responsiveness of photoreceptor cells, particularly cones, even under bright light conditions. Thus, two mechanisms have evolved to accomplish the reisomerization: one involving the well-studied retinoid isomerase (RPE65) and a second photoisomerase reaction mediated by the RGR. Impairments to the pathways that transform all-trans-retinal back to 11-cis-retinal are associated with mild to severe forms of retinal dystrophy. Moreover, with age there also is a decline in the rate of chromophore regeneration. Both pharmacological and genetic approaches are being used to bypass visual cycle defects and consequently mitigate blinding diseases. Rapid progress in the use of genome editing also is paving the way for the treatment of disparate retinal diseases. In this review, we provide an update on visual cycle biochemistry and then discuss visual-cycle-related diseases and emerging therapeutics for these disorders. There is hope that these advances will be helpful in treating more complex diseases of the eye, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip D Kiser
- The Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, California, USA; Research Service, The VA Long Beach Health Care System, Long Beach, California, USA; The Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, California, USA.
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- The Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, California, USA; The Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, California, USA; The Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California, USA.
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23
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Parmar T, Ortega JT, Jastrzebska B. Retinoid analogs and polyphenols as potential therapeutics for age-related macular degeneration. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2020; 245:1615-1625. [PMID: 32438835 PMCID: PMC7787542 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220926938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a devastating retinal degenerative disease. Epidemiological reports showed an expected increasing prevalence of AMD in the near future. The only one existing FDA-approved pharmacological treatment involves an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy with serious disadvantages. This limitation emphasizes an alarming need to develop new therapeutic approaches to prevent and treat AMD. In this review, we summarize scientific data unraveling the therapeutic potential of the specific retinoid and natural compounds. The experimental results reported by us and other research groups demonstrated that retinoid analogs and compounds with natural product scaffolds could serve as lead compounds for the development of new therapeutic agents with potential to prevent or slow down the pathogenesis of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanu Parmar
- Department of Pharmacology, and Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Joseph T Ortega
- Department of Pharmacology, and Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Beata Jastrzebska
- Department of Pharmacology, and Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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24
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Blum E, Zhang J, Korshin E, Palczewski K, Gruzman A. Development of chiral fluorinated alkyl derivatives of emixustat as drug candidates for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:127421. [PMID: 32717613 PMCID: PMC7494577 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127421] [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: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of how a photon is converted into a chemical signal is one of the most important achievements in the field of vision. A key molecule in this process is the visual chromophore retinal. Several eye diseases are attributed to the abnormal metabolism of retinal in the retina and the retinal pigment epithelium. Also, the accumulation of two toxic retinal derivatives, N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine and the retinal dimer, can damage the retina leading to blindness. RPE65 (Retinal pigment epithelium-specific 65 kDa protein) is one of the central enzymes that regulates the metabolism of retinal and the formation of its toxic metabolites. Its inhibition might decrease the rate of the retina's degeneration by limiting the amount of retinal and its toxic byproducts. Two RPE65 inhibitors, (R)-emixustat and (R)-MB001, were recently developed for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliav Blum
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Jianye Zhang
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Edward Korshin
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Departments of Physiology and Biophysics, and Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Arie Gruzman
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel.
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25
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Abstract
The visual phototransduction cascade begins with a cis-trans photoisomerization of a retinylidene chromophore associated with the visual pigments of rod and cone photoreceptors. Visual opsins release their all-trans-retinal chromophore following photoactivation, which necessitates the existence of pathways that produce 11-cis-retinal for continued formation of visual pigments and sustained vision. Proteins in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a cell layer adjacent to the photoreceptor outer segments, form the well-established "dark" regeneration pathway known as the classical visual cycle. This pathway is sufficient to maintain continuous rod function and support cone photoreceptors as well although its throughput has to be augmented by additional mechanism(s) to maintain pigment levels in the face of high rates of photon capture. Recent studies indicate that the classical visual cycle works together with light-dependent processes in both the RPE and neural retina to ensure adequate 11-cis-retinal production under natural illuminances that can span ten orders of magnitude. Further elucidation of the interplay between these complementary systems is fundamental to understanding how cone-mediated vision is sustained in vivo. Here, we describe recent advances in understanding how 11-cis-retinal is synthesized via light-dependent mechanisms.
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26
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Taveau N, Cubizolle A, Guillou L, Pinquier N, Moine E, Cia D, Kalatzis V, Vercauteren J, Durand T, Crauste C, Brabet P. Preclinical pharmacology of a lipophenol in a mouse model of light-induced retinopathy. Exp Mol Med 2020; 52:1090-1101. [PMID: 32641711 PMCID: PMC8080701 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-020-0460-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental light has deleterious effects on the outer retina in human retinopathies, such as ABCA4-related Stargardt’s disease and dry age-related macular degeneration. These effects involve carbonyl and oxidative stress, which contribute to retinal cell death and vision loss. Here, we used an albino Abca4−/− mouse model, the outer retina of which shows susceptibility to acute photodamage, to test the protective efficacy of a new polyunsaturated fatty acid lipophenol derivative. Anatomical and functional analyses demonstrated that a single intravenous injection of isopropyl-phloroglucinol-DHA, termed IP-DHA, dose-dependently decreased light-induced photoreceptor degeneration and preserved visual sensitivity. This protective effect persisted for 3 months. IP-DHA did not affect the kinetics of the visual cycle in vivo or the activity of the RPE65 isomerase in vitro. Moreover, IP-DHA administered by oral gavage showed significant protection of photoreceptors against acute light damage. In conclusion, short-term tests in Abca4-deficient mice, following single-dose administration and light exposure, identify IP-DHA as a therapeutic agent for the prevention of retinal degeneration. Treating retinal damage in both aging and young patients might now be easier, thanks to treatment with a lipophenol, an omega-3 fatty acid linked to an antioxidant. The retina is the part of the eye that senses light, aided by light-sensitive pigments. However, these light-sensitive pigments can be converted by light to toxic byproducts, and in some individuals, these toxic byproducts can accumulate, damaging the retina and leading to vision loss. Philippe Brabet at the Montpellier Institute of Neuroscience in France and co-workers found that lipophenol treatment protected retinal cells from damage in a mouse model of retinal disease, and that a single dose has been effective in preserving vision. These results may help in finding new treatments for retinal diseases such as Stargardt disease and age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Taveau
- Institut des Neurosciences de Montpellier, INSERM U1051, F-34091, Montpellier, France.,Université de Montpellier, F-34091, Montpellier, France
| | - Aurélie Cubizolle
- Institut des Neurosciences de Montpellier, INSERM U1051, F-34091, Montpellier, France.,Université de Montpellier, F-34091, Montpellier, France
| | - Laurent Guillou
- Institut des Neurosciences de Montpellier, INSERM U1051, F-34091, Montpellier, France.,Université de Montpellier, F-34091, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Pinquier
- Institut des Neurosciences de Montpellier, INSERM U1051, F-34091, Montpellier, France
| | - Espérance Moine
- Institut des Biomolecules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR 5247 - Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, F-34095, Montpellier, France
| | - David Cia
- Laboratoire de Biophysique Neurosensorielle, UMR INSERM 1107, Facultés de Médecine et de Pharmacie, F-63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Vasiliki Kalatzis
- Institut des Neurosciences de Montpellier, INSERM U1051, F-34091, Montpellier, France.,Université de Montpellier, F-34091, Montpellier, France
| | - Joseph Vercauteren
- Institut des Biomolecules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR 5247 - Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, F-34095, Montpellier, France
| | - Thierry Durand
- Institut des Biomolecules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR 5247 - Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, F-34095, Montpellier, France
| | - Céline Crauste
- Institut des Biomolecules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR 5247 - Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, F-34095, Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Brabet
- Institut des Neurosciences de Montpellier, INSERM U1051, F-34091, Montpellier, France. .,Université de Montpellier, F-34091, Montpellier, France.
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27
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Dreffs A, Lin CM, Liu X, Shanmugam S, Abcouwer SF, Kern TS, Antonetti DA. All-trans-Retinaldehyde Contributes to Retinal Vascular Permeability in Ischemia Reperfusion. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:8. [PMID: 32492112 PMCID: PMC7415894 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.6.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Extracellular accumulation of all-trans-retinaldehyde (atRAL), a highly reactive visual cycle intermediate, is toxic to cells of the outer retina and contributes to retinal and macular degenerations. However, the contribution of atRAL to retinal capillary function has not been studied. We hypothesized that atRAL released from the outer retina can contribute to retinal vascular permeability. We, therefore, tested the contribution of atRAL to retinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced vascular permeability. Methods IR was induced in mice by transient increase in intraocular pressure followed by natural reperfusion. The visual cycle was ablated in the Lrat-/- mice, reduced by dark adaptation or the use of the RPE65 inhibitor and atRAL scavenger emixustat. Accumulation of FITC-BSA was used to assess vascular permeability and DNA fragmentation quantified cell death after IR. Primary bovine retinal endothelial cell (BREC) culture was used to measure the direct effects of atRAL on endothelial permeability and cell death. Results Inhibition of the visual cycle by Lrat-/-, dark adaptation, or with emixustat, all reduced approximately half of IR induced vascular permeability at 48 hours. An increase in BREC permeability with atRAL coincided with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, a measure of cell death. Both permeability and toxicity were blocked by emixustat. Conclusions Outer retinal pathology may contribute to vascular permeability by release of atRAL, which can act directly on vascular endothelial cells to alter barrier properties and induce cell death. These studies may have implications for a variety of blinding eye diseases that include outer retinal damage and retinal vascular permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Dreffs
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Cheng-Mao Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Xuwen Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Sumathi Shanmugam
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Steven F. Abcouwer
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Timothy S. Kern
- Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of California-Irvine, Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, Irvine, California, United States
| | - David A. Antonetti
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
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28
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Sun D, Schur RM, Sears AE, Gao SQ, Sun W, Naderi A, Kern T, Palczewski K, Lu ZR. Stable Retinoid Analogue Targeted Dual pH-Sensitive Smart Lipid ECO/pDNA Nanoparticles for Specific Gene Delivery in the Retinal Pigment Epithelium. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:3078-3086. [PMID: 34327311 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Da Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Rebecca M Schur
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Avery E Sears
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Song-Qi Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Wenyu Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Amirreza Naderi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Timothy Kern
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-7600
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-7600
| | - Zheng-Rong Lu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106
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29
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Pfau M, Holz FG, Müller PL. Retinal light sensitivity as outcome measure in recessive Stargardt disease. Br J Ophthalmol 2020; 105:258-264. [PMID: 32345606 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2020-316201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS To evaluate the applicability of mesopic light sensitivity measurements obtained by fundus-controlled perimetry (FCP, also termed 'microperimetry') as clinical trial endpoint in Stargardt disease (STGD1). METHODS In this retrospective, monocentre cohort study, 271 eyes of 136 patients (age, 37.1 years) with STGD1 and 87 eyes of 54 healthy controls (age, 41.0 years) underwent mesopic FCP, using a pattern of 50 stimuli (achromatic, 400-800 nm) centred on the fovea. The concurrent validity of mesopic FCP testing using the MAIA device (CenterVue, Italy), the retest variability and its determinants, and the progression of sensitivity loss over time were investigated using mixed-model analyses. The main outcomes were the average pointwise sensitivity loss in dependence of patients' demographic, functional and imaging characteristics, the intrasession 95% coefficient of repeatability, and the pointwise sensitivity loss over time. RESULTS Pointwise sensitivity loss was on average (estimate (95% CI)) 13.88 dB (12.55 to 15.21) along the horizontal meridian and was significantly associated with the electrophysiological subgroup, presence/absence of foveal sparing, best-corrected visual acuity and disease duration. The 95% coefficient of repeatability was 12.15 dB (10.78 to 13.38) and varied in dependence of the underlying mean sensitivity and local sensitivity slope. The global progression rate for the sensitivity loss was 0.45 dB/year (0.13 to 0.78) and was higher for the central and inner ETDRS subfields compared with more peripheral regions. CONCLUSIONS Mesopic light sensitivity measured by FCP is reliable and susceptible for functional changes. It constitutes a potential clinical outcome for both natural history studies as well as future interventional studies in patients with STGD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Pfau
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Frank G Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Center for Rare Diseases, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Philipp L Müller
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany .,Center for Rare Diseases, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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30
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Fontaine V, Monteiro E, Fournié M, Brazhnikova E, Boumedine T, Vidal C, Balducci C, Guibout L, Latil M, Dilda PJ, Veillet S, Sahel JA, Lafont R, Camelo S. Systemic administration of the di-apocarotenoid norbixin (BIO201) is neuroprotective, preserves photoreceptor function and inhibits A2E and lipofuscin accumulation in animal models of age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt disease. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:6151-6171. [PMID: 32255762 PMCID: PMC7185133 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Atrophic A\age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Stargardt disease (STGD) are major blinding diseases affecting millions of patients worldwide, but no treatment is available. In dry AMD and STGD oxidative stress and subretinal accumulation of N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E), a toxic by-product of the visual cycle, causes retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor degeneration leading to visual impairment. Acute and chronic retinal degeneration following blue light damage (BLD) in BALB/c mice and aging of Abca4-/- Rdh8-/- mice, respectively, reproduce features of AMD and STGD. Efficacy of systemic administrations of 9'-cis-norbixin (norbixin), a natural di-apocarotenoid, prepared from Bixa orellana seeds with anti-oxidative properties, was evaluated during BLD in BALB/c mice, and in Abca4-/- Rdh8-/- mice of different ages, following three experimental designs: “preventive”, “early curative” and “late curative” supplementations. Norbixin injected intraperitoneally in BALB/c mice, maintained scotopic and photopic electroretinogram amplitude and was neuroprotective. Norbixin chronic oral administration for 6 months in Abca4-/- Rdh8-/- mice following the “early curative” supplementation showed optimal neuroprotection and maintenance of photoreceptor function and reduced ocular A2E accumulation. Thus, norbixin appears promising as a systemic drug candidate for both AMD and STGD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Fontaine
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France
| | - Elodie Monteiro
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France
| | - Mylène Fournié
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France
| | - Elena Brazhnikova
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France
| | | | - Cécile Vidal
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France
| | - Christine Balducci
- Biophytis, Sorbonne Université, Campus Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris 75005, France
| | - Louis Guibout
- Biophytis, Sorbonne Université, Campus Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris 75005, France
| | - Mathilde Latil
- Biophytis, Sorbonne Université, Campus Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris 75005, France
| | - Pierre J Dilda
- Biophytis, Sorbonne Université, Campus Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris 75005, France
| | - Stanislas Veillet
- Biophytis, Sorbonne Université, Campus Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris 75005, France
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France
| | - René Lafont
- Biophytis, Sorbonne Université, Campus Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris 75005, France
| | - Serge Camelo
- Biophytis, Sorbonne Université, Campus Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris 75005, France
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31
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Ward R, Kaylor JJ, Cobice DF, Pepe DA, McGarrigle EM, Brockerhoff SE, Hurley JB, Travis GH, Kennedy BN. Non-photopic and photopic visual cycles differentially regulate immediate, early, and late phases of cone photoreceptor-mediated vision. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:6482-6497. [PMID: 32238432 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cone photoreceptors in the retina enable vision over a wide range of light intensities. However, the processes enabling cone vision in bright light (i.e. photopic vision) are not adequately understood. Chromophore regeneration of cone photopigments may require the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and/or retinal Müller glia. In the RPE, isomerization of all-trans-retinyl esters to 11-cis-retinol is mediated by the retinoid isomerohydrolase Rpe65. A putative alternative retinoid isomerase, dihydroceramide desaturase-1 (DES1), is expressed in RPE and Müller cells. The retinol-isomerase activities of Rpe65 and Des1 are inhibited by emixustat and fenretinide, respectively. Here, we tested the effects of these visual cycle inhibitors on immediate, early, and late phases of cone photopic vision. In zebrafish larvae raised under cyclic light conditions, fenretinide impaired late cone photopic vision, while the emixustat-treated zebrafish unexpectedly had normal vision. In contrast, emixustat-treated larvae raised under extensive dark-adaptation displayed significantly attenuated immediate photopic vision concomitant with significantly reduced 11-cis-retinaldehyde (11cRAL). Following 30 min of light, early photopic vision was recovered, despite 11cRAL levels remaining significantly reduced. Defects in immediate cone photopic vision were rescued in emixustat- or fenretinide-treated larvae following exogenous 9-cis-retinaldehyde supplementation. Genetic knockout of Des1 (degs1) or retinaldehyde-binding protein 1b (rlbp1b) did not eliminate photopic vision in zebrafish. Our findings define molecular and temporal requirements of the nonphotopic or photopic visual cycles for mediating vision in bright light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ward
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - Joanna J Kaylor
- Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Diego F Cobice
- Mass Spectrometry Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland
| | - Dionissia A Pepe
- Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology, UCD School of Chemistry, University College Dublin, Dublin D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - Eoghan M McGarrigle
- Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology, UCD School of Chemistry, University College Dublin, Dublin D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - Susan E Brockerhoff
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109
| | - James B Hurley
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109
| | - Gabriel H Travis
- Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90095.,Department of Biological Chemistry, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Breandán N Kennedy
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin D04 V1W8, Ireland
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32
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Pharmacotherapy for metabolic and cellular stress in degenerative retinal diseases. Drug Discov Today 2019; 25:292-304. [PMID: 31809750 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Retinal photoreceptors continually endure stresses associated with prolonged light exposure and the metabolic demands of dark adaptation. Although healthy photoreceptors are able to withstand these stresses for several decades, the disease-affected retina functions at a reduced capacity and is at an increased risk for dysfunction. To alleviate cellular and metabolic stressors in degenerative retinal diseases, a new class of drugs that modulate the metabolic activity of the retina have been developed. A clinical candidate in this class (emixustat) has been shown to reduce retinal pathology in various animal models of human retinal disease and is currently under clinical study. Here, we describe the pharmacological properties of emixustat, its mechanisms of action, and potential for use in the treatment of specific retinal diseases.
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33
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Zhang J, Choi EH, Tworak A, Salom D, Leinonen H, Sander CL, Hoang TV, Handa JT, Blackshaw S, Palczewska G, Kiser PD, Palczewski K. Photic generation of 11- cis-retinal in bovine retinal pigment epithelium. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:19137-19154. [PMID: 31694912 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoisomerization of the 11-cis-retinal chromophore of rod and cone visual pigments to an all-trans-configuration is the initiating event for vision in vertebrates. The regeneration of 11-cis-retinal, necessary for sustained visual function, is an endergonic process normally conducted by specialized enzyme systems. However, 11-cis-retinal also can be formed through reverse photoisomerization from all-trans-retinal. A nonvisual opsin known as retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-retinal G-protein-coupled receptor (RGR) was previously shown to mediate visual chromophore regeneration in photic conditions, but conflicting results have cast doubt on its role as a photoisomerase. Here, we describe high-level production of 11-cis-retinal from RPE membranes stimulated by illumination at a narrow band of wavelengths. This activity was associated with RGR and enhanced by cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein (CRALBP), which binds the 11-cis-retinal produced by RGR and prevents its re-isomerization to all-trans-retinal. The activity was recapitulated with cells heterologously expressing RGR and with purified recombinant RGR. Using an RGR variant, K255A, we confirmed that a Schiff base linkage at Lys-255 is critical for substrate binding and isomerization. Single-cell RNA-Seq analysis of the retina and RPE tissue confirmed that RGR is expressed in human and bovine RPE and Müller glia, whereas mouse RGR is expressed in RPE but not in Müller glia. These results provide key insights into the mechanisms of physiological retinoid photoisomerization and suggest a novel mechanism by which RGR, in concert with CRALBP, regenerates the visual chromophore in the RPE under sustained light conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianye Zhang
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Elliot H Choi
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697.,Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Aleksander Tworak
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697
| | - David Salom
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Henri Leinonen
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Christopher L Sander
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697.,Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Thanh V Hoang
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - James T Handa
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205.,Department of Ophthalmology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| | | | - Philip D Kiser
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, California 92697.,Research Service, Veterans Affairs Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, California 90822
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697
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34
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Prenatal Zidovudine Treatment Modifies Early Development of Rat Osteoid - Confocal Microspectroscopy Analysis. J Fluoresc 2019; 29:1257-1263. [PMID: 31620936 PMCID: PMC6853851 DOI: 10.1007/s10895-019-02429-6] [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: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Autofluorescence of the bone extracellular matrix (ECM) has not been widely explored although the ECM plays a very important role in bone development. In our research we focused on examining the bone matrix of very young animals due to the intense growth process during the first month of life. Structure images and fluorescence spectra of the bone surface were carried out using confocal fluorescence microscope Eclipse Ti-S inverted CLSM (NIKON, Japan) for compact tibia of healthy 7-, 14- and 28-day-old rat newborns after prenatal zidovudine administration in comparison with control. Spectral features of ECM autofluorescence were analyzed statistically by taking into consideration p < 0.05. The CLSM technique allows for simultaneous examination of the structure and autofluorescence from selected areas of the bone surface. Excessive autofluorescence of ECM after prenatal zidovudine administration influences bone growth incommensurably to the newborns’ age. Therefore the possibility of an additional non-enzymatic mechanism of collagen cross-linking in the first two weeks of life of newborn rats prenatally treated with zidovudine has been considered. Our results suggest that ECM autofluorescence can be an indicator of bone development in the normal and pathological state.
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35
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Getter T, Suh S, Hoang T, Handa JT, Dong Z, Ma X, Chen Y, Blackshaw S, Palczewski K. The selective estrogen receptor modulator raloxifene mitigates the effect of all- trans-retinal toxicity in photoreceptor degeneration. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:9461-9475. [PMID: 31073029 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.008697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinoid cycle is a metabolic process in the vertebrate retina that continuously regenerates 11-cis-retinal (11-cisRAL) from the all-trans-retinal (atRAL) isomer. atRAL accumulation can cause photoreceptor degeneration and irreversible visual dysfunction associated with incurable blinding retinal diseases, such as Stargardt disease, retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and atrophic age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The underlying cellular mechanisms leading to retinal degeneration remain uncertain, although previous studies have shown that atRAL promotes calcium influx associated with cell apoptosis. To identify compounds that mitigate the effects of atRAL toxicity, here we developed an unbiased and robust image-based assay that can detect changes in intracellular calcium levels in U2OS cells. Using our assay in a high-throughput screen of 2,400 compounds, we noted that selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) potently stabilize intracellular calcium and thereby counteract atRAL-induced toxicity. In a light-induced retinal degeneration mouse model (Abca4 -/- Rdh8 -/-), raloxifene (a benzothiophene-type scaffold SERM) prevented the onset of photoreceptor apoptosis and thus protected the retina from degeneration. The minor structural differences between raloxifene and one of its derivatives (Y 134) had a major impact on calcium homeostasis after atRAL exposure in vitro, and we verified this differential impact in vivo In summary, the SERM raloxifene has structural and functional neuroprotective effects in the retina. We propose that the highly sensitive image-based assay developed here could be applied for the discovery of additional drug candidates preventing photoreceptor degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Getter
- From the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, .,the Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Susie Suh
- From the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697.,the Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Thanh Hoang
- the Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - James T Handa
- the Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| | | | - Xiuli Ma
- Polgenix Inc., Irvine, California 92617
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- the Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, and.,the McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- the Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- From the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, .,the Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
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36
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Silvaroli JA, Widjaja-Adhi MAK, Trischman T, Chelstowska S, Horwitz S, Banerjee S, Kiser PD, Blaner WS, Golczak M. Abnormal Cannabidiol Modulates Vitamin A Metabolism by Acting as a Competitive Inhibitor of CRBP1. ACS Chem Biol 2019; 14:434-448. [PMID: 30721022 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.8b01070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Cellular retinol-binding proteins (CRBPs) facilitate the uptake and intracellular transport of vitamin A. They integrate retinoid metabolism, playing an important role in regulating the synthesis of bioactive vitamin A metabolites. Thus, CRBPs constitute potential pharmacological targets to modulate cellular retinoid status that in turn may have applications in the treatment of certain immunological, metabolic, and ocular disorders. Here we identify abnormal cannabidiol (abn-CBD) as a nonretinoid inhibitor of cellular retinol-binding protein 1 (CRBP1). X-ray crystal structures of CRBP1 in complex with abn-CBD and its derivatives revealed a distinctive mode of protein-ligand interaction and provided a molecular basis for the high affinity and selectivity of this compound. We demonstrated that abn-CBD modulates the flux of retinoids via the retinoid cycle in vivo. Furthermore, the biological activity of abn-CBD was evidenced by its ability to protect against light-induced retinal damage in Balb/cJ mice. Altogether, our findings indicate that targeting selected CRBPs with a small-molecule inhibitor can potentially lead to the development of new therapeutic agents to counteract diseases with etiologies involving imbalance in retinoid metabolism or signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Surajit Banerjee
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Northeastern Collaborative Access Team, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL, United States
| | - Philip D. Kiser
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - William S. Blaner
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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Shah M, Cabrera-Ghayouri S, Christie LA, Held KS, Viswanath V. Translational Preclinical Pharmacologic Disease Models for Ophthalmic Drug Development. Pharm Res 2019; 36:58. [PMID: 30805711 PMCID: PMC6394514 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-019-2588-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical models of human diseases are critical to our understanding of disease etiology, pathology, and progression and enable the development of effective treatments. An ideal model of human disease should capture anatomical features and pathophysiological mechanisms, mimic the progression pattern, and should be amenable to evaluating translational endpoints and treatment approaches. Preclinical animal models have been developed for a variety of human ophthalmological diseases to mirror disease mechanisms, location of the affected region in the eye and severity. These models offer clues to aid in our fundamental understanding of disease pathogenesis and enable progression of new therapies to clinical development by providing an opportunity to gain proof of concept (POC). Here, we review preclinical animal models associated with development of new therapies for diseases of the ocular surface, glaucoma, presbyopia, and retinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We have focused on summarizing the models critical to new drug development and described the translational features of the models that contributed to our understanding of disease pathogenesis and establishment of preclinical POC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihir Shah
- Biological Research, Allergan plc, 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, California, 92612, USA
| | - Sara Cabrera-Ghayouri
- Biological Research, Allergan plc, 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, California, 92612, USA
| | - Lori-Ann Christie
- Biological Research, Allergan plc, 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, California, 92612, USA
| | - Katherine S Held
- Biological Research, Allergan plc, 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, California, 92612, USA
| | - Veena Viswanath
- Biological Research, Allergan plc, 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, California, 92612, USA.
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38
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Sundaramurthi H, Moran A, Perpetuini AC, Reynolds A, Kennedy B. Emerging Drug Therapies for Inherited Retinal Dystrophies. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1185:263-267. [PMID: 31884622 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-27378-1_43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, 1 in 2000 people suffer from inherited retinal dystrophies (IRD). Individuals with IRD typically present with progressive vision loss that ultimately results in blindness. Unfortunately, effective treatment options are not widely available due to the genetic and clinical heterogeneity of these diseases. There are multiple gene, cell, and drug-based therapies in various phases of clinical trials for IRD. This mini-review documents current progress made in drug-based clinical trials for treating IRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Husvinee Sundaramurthi
- UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin,, Dublin, Ireland.
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Ailís Moran
- UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin,, Dublin, Ireland
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Andrea Cerquone Perpetuini
- UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin,, Dublin, Ireland
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alison Reynolds
- UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin,, Dublin, Ireland
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Breandán Kennedy
- UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin,, Dublin, Ireland
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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39
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Gao S, Parmar T, Palczewska G, Dong Z, Golczak M, Palczewski K, Jastrzebska B. Protective Effect of a Locked Retinal Chromophore Analog against Light-Induced Retinal Degeneration. Mol Pharmacol 2018; 94:1132-1144. [PMID: 30018116 DOI: 10.1124/mol.118.112581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Continuous regeneration of the 11-cis-retinal visual chromophore from all-trans-retinal is critical for vision. Insufficiency of 11-cis-retinal arising from the dysfunction of key proteins involved in its regeneration can impair retinal health, ultimately leading to loss of human sight. Delayed recovery of visual sensitivity and night blindness caused by inadequate regeneration of the visual pigment rhodopsin are typical early signs of this condition. Excessive concentrations of unliganded, constitutively active opsin and increased levels of all-trans-retinal and its byproducts in photoreceptors also accelerate retinal degeneration after light exposure. Exogenous 9-cis-retinal iso-chromophore can reduce the toxicity of ligand-free opsin but fails to prevent the buildup of retinoid photoproducts when their clearance is defective in human retinopathies, such as Stargardt disease or age-related macular degeneration. Here we evaluated the effect of a locked chromophore analog, 11-cis-6-membered ring-retinal against bright light-induced retinal degeneration in Abca4-/-Rdh8-/- mice. Using in vivo imaging techniques, optical coherence tomography, scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, and two-photon microscopy, along with in vitro histologic analysis of retinal morphology, we found that treatment with 11-cis-6-membered ring-retinal before light stimulation prevented rod and cone photoreceptor degradation and preserved functional acuity in these mice. Moreover, additive accumulation of 11-cis-6-membered ring-retinal measured in the eyes of these mice by quantitative liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry indicated stable binding of this retinoid to opsin. Together, these results suggest that eliminating excess of unliganded opsin can prevent light-induced retinal degeneration in Abca4-/-Rdh8-/- mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songqi Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine (S.G., T.P., M.G., K.P., B.J.) and Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology (M.G., K.P., B.J.), Case Western Reserve University, and Polgenix Inc., Department of Medical Devices (G.P., Z.D.), Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Tanu Parmar
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine (S.G., T.P., M.G., K.P., B.J.) and Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology (M.G., K.P., B.J.), Case Western Reserve University, and Polgenix Inc., Department of Medical Devices (G.P., Z.D.), Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Grazyna Palczewska
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine (S.G., T.P., M.G., K.P., B.J.) and Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology (M.G., K.P., B.J.), Case Western Reserve University, and Polgenix Inc., Department of Medical Devices (G.P., Z.D.), Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Zhiqian Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine (S.G., T.P., M.G., K.P., B.J.) and Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology (M.G., K.P., B.J.), Case Western Reserve University, and Polgenix Inc., Department of Medical Devices (G.P., Z.D.), Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Marcin Golczak
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine (S.G., T.P., M.G., K.P., B.J.) and Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology (M.G., K.P., B.J.), Case Western Reserve University, and Polgenix Inc., Department of Medical Devices (G.P., Z.D.), Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine (S.G., T.P., M.G., K.P., B.J.) and Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology (M.G., K.P., B.J.), Case Western Reserve University, and Polgenix Inc., Department of Medical Devices (G.P., Z.D.), Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Beata Jastrzebska
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine (S.G., T.P., M.G., K.P., B.J.) and Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology (M.G., K.P., B.J.), Case Western Reserve University, and Polgenix Inc., Department of Medical Devices (G.P., Z.D.), Cleveland, Ohio
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40
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Chen Y, Chen Y, Jastrzebska B, Golczak M, Gulati S, Tang H, Seibel W, Li X, Jin H, Han Y, Gao S, Zhang J, Liu X, Heidari-Torkabadi H, Stewart PL, Harte WE, Tochtrop GP, Palczewski K. A novel small molecule chaperone of rod opsin and its potential therapy for retinal degeneration. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1976. [PMID: 29773803 PMCID: PMC5958115 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04261-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhodopsin homeostasis is tightly coupled to rod photoreceptor cell survival and vision. Mutations resulting in the misfolding of rhodopsin can lead to autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP), a progressive retinal degeneration that currently is untreatable. Using a cell-based high-throughput screen (HTS) to identify small molecules that can stabilize the P23H-opsin mutant, which causes most cases of adRP, we identified a novel pharmacological chaperone of rod photoreceptor opsin, YC-001. As a non-retinoid molecule, YC-001 demonstrates micromolar potency and efficacy greater than 9-cis-retinal with lower cytotoxicity. YC-001 binds to bovine rod opsin with an EC50 similar to 9-cis-retinal. The chaperone activity of YC-001 is evidenced by its ability to rescue the transport of multiple rod opsin mutants in mammalian cells. YC-001 is also an inverse agonist that non-competitively antagonizes rod opsin signaling. Significantly, a single dose of YC-001 protects Abca4 -/- Rdh8 -/- mice from bright light-induced retinal degeneration, suggesting its broad therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
- The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 450 Technology Drive Suite 300, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
- Yueyang Hospital and Clinical Research Institute of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200437, Shanghai, China
| | - Beata Jastrzebska
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
- Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, Case Western Reserve University, 1819 E. 101st Street, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Marcin Golczak
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
- Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, Case Western Reserve University, 1819 E. 101st Street, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Sahil Gulati
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
- Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, Case Western Reserve University, 1819 E. 101st Street, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Hong Tang
- Drug Discovery Center, University of Cincinnati, 2180 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45237, USA
| | - William Seibel
- Drug Discovery Center, University of Cincinnati, 2180 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45237, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Hui Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Yong Han
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Songqi Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Jianye Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Xujie Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Hossein Heidari-Torkabadi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Phoebe L Stewart
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
- Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, Case Western Reserve University, 1819 E. 101st Street, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - William E Harte
- Office of Translation and Innovation, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Gregory P Tochtrop
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
- Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, Case Western Reserve University, 1819 E. 101st Street, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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41
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Shin Y, Moiseyev G, Petrukhin K, Cioffi CL, Muthuraman P, Takahashi Y, Ma JX. A novel RPE65 inhibitor CU239 suppresses visual cycle and prevents retinal degeneration. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:2420-2429. [PMID: 29684583 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The retinoid visual cycle is an ocular retinoid metabolism specifically dedicated to support vertebrate vision. The visual cycle serves not only to generate light-sensitive visual chromophore 11-cis-retinal, but also to clear toxic byproducts of normal visual cycle (i.e. all-trans-retinal and its condensation products) from the retina, ensuring both the visual function and the retinal health. Unfortunately, various conditions including genetic predisposition, environment and aging may attribute to a functional decline of the all-trans-retinal clearance. To combat all-trans-retinal mediated retinal degeneration, we sought to slow down the retinoid influx from the RPE by inhibiting the visual cycle with a small molecule. The present study describes identification of CU239, a novel non-retinoid inhibitor of RPE65, a key enzyme in the visual cycle. Our data demonstrated that CU239 selectively inhibited isomerase activity of RPE65, with IC50 of 6 μM. Further, our results indicated that CU239 inhibited RPE65 via competition with its substrate all-trans-retinyl ester. Mice with systemic injection of CU239 exhibited delayed chromophore regeneration after light bleach, and conferred a partial protection of the retina against injury from high intensity light. Taken together, CU239 is a potent visual cycle modulator and may have a therapeutic potential for retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younghwa Shin
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, United States
| | - Gennadiy Moiseyev
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, United States.
| | - Konstantin Petrukhin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Christopher L Cioffi
- Departments of Basic & Clinical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany, NY 12208, United States
| | - Parthasarathy Muthuraman
- Departments of Basic & Clinical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany, NY 12208, United States
| | - Yusuke Takahashi
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, United states
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, United States
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42
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Kiser PD, Zhang J, Sharma A, Angueyra JM, Kolesnikov AV, Badiee M, Tochtrop GP, Kinoshita J, Peachey NS, Li W, Kefalov VJ, Palczewski K. Retinoid isomerase inhibitors impair but do not block mammalian cone photoreceptor function. J Gen Physiol 2018; 150:571-590. [PMID: 29500274 PMCID: PMC5881442 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201711815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
RPE65 is a retinoid isomerase essential for rod function, but its contribution to cone vision is enigmatic. Using selective RPE65 inhibitors, Kiser et al. demonstrate that cone function depends only partially on continuous RPE65 activity, providing support for cone-specific regeneration mechanisms. Visual function in vertebrates critically depends on the continuous regeneration of visual pigments in rod and cone photoreceptors. RPE65 is a well-established retinoid isomerase in the pigment epithelium that regenerates rhodopsin during the rod visual cycle; however, its contribution to the regeneration of cone pigments remains obscure. In this study, we use potent and selective RPE65 inhibitors in rod- and cone-dominant animal models to discern the role of this enzyme in cone-mediated vision. We confirm that retinylamine and emixustat-family compounds selectively inhibit RPE65 over DES1, the putative retinoid isomerase of the intraretinal visual cycle. In vivo and ex vivo electroretinography experiments in Gnat1−/− mice demonstrate that acute administration of RPE65 inhibitors after a bleach suppresses the late, slow phase of cone dark adaptation without affecting the initial rapid portion, which reflects intraretinal visual cycle function. Acute administration of these compounds does not affect the light sensitivity of cone photoreceptors in mice during extended exposure to background light, but does slow all phases of subsequent dark recovery. We also show that cone function is only partially suppressed in cone-dominant ground squirrels and wild-type mice by multiday administration of an RPE65 inhibitor despite profound blockade of RPE65 activity. Complementary experiments in these animal models using the DES1 inhibitor fenretinide show more modest effects on cone recovery. Collectively, these studies demonstrate a role for continuous RPE65 activity in mammalian cone pigment regeneration and provide further evidence for RPE65-independent regeneration mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip D Kiser
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH .,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Jianye Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Aditya Sharma
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Juan M Angueyra
- Retinal Neurophysiology Section, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Alexander V Kolesnikov
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Mohsen Badiee
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Gregory P Tochtrop
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | | | - Neal S Peachey
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH.,Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH.,Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Wei Li
- Retinal Neurophysiology Section, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Vladimir J Kefalov
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
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43
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Malechka VV, Moiseyev G, Takahashi Y, Shin Y, Ma JX. Impaired Rhodopsin Generation in the Rat Model of Diabetic Retinopathy. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2017; 187:2222-2231. [PMID: 28734946 PMCID: PMC5809515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2017.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. Diabetic patients experience functional deficits in dark adaptation, contrast sensitivity, and color perception before microvascular pathologies become apparent. Herein, we evaluated early changes in neural retinal function and in retinoid metabolism in the eye in diabetes. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats showed decreased a- and b-wave amplitudes of scotopic and photopic electroretinography responses 4 months after diabetes induction compared to nondiabetic controls. Although Western blot analysis revealed no difference in opsin expression, rhodopsin content was decreased in diabetic retinas, as shown by a difference in absorbance. Consistently, levels of 11-cis-retinal, the chromophore for visual pigments, were significantly lower in diabetic retinas compared to those in controls, suggesting a retinoid deficiency. Among visual cycle proteins, interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein and stimulated by retinoic acid 6 protein showed significantly lower levels in diabetic rats than those in nondiabetic controls. Similarly, serum levels of retinol-binding protein 4 and retinoids were significantly lower in diabetic rats. Overall, these results suggest that retinoid metabolism in the eye is impaired in type 1 diabetes, which leads to deficient generation of visual pigments and neural retinal dysfunction in early diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volha V Malechka
- Department of Physiology, Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Gennadiy Moiseyev
- Department of Physiology, Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
| | - Yusuke Takahashi
- Department of Medicine, Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Younghwa Shin
- Department of Physiology, Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Physiology, Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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44
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Sears AE, Bernstein PS, Cideciyan AV, Hoyng C, Charbel Issa P, Palczewski K, Rosenfeld PJ, Sadda S, Schraermeyer U, Sparrow JR, Washington I, Scholl HPN. Towards Treatment of Stargardt Disease: Workshop Organized and Sponsored by the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2017; 6:6. [PMID: 28920007 PMCID: PMC5599228 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.6.5.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of fluorescent metabolic byproducts of the visual (retinoid) cycle is associated with photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelial cell death in both Stargardt disease and atrophic (nonneovascular) age-related macular degeneration (AMD). As a consequence of this observation, small molecular inhibitors of enzymes in the visual cycle were recently tested in clinical trials as a strategy to protect the retina and retinal pigment epithelium in patients with atrophic AMD. To address the clinical translational needs for therapies aimed at both diseases, a workshop organized by the Foundation Fighting Blindness was hosted by the Department of Pharmacology at Case Western Reserve University on February 17, 2017, at the Tinkham Veale University Center, Cleveland, OH, USA. Invited speakers highlighted recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of Stargardt disease, in terms of its clinical characterization and the development of endpoints for clinical trials, and discussed the comparability of therapeutic strategies between atrophic age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Stargardt disease. Investigators speculated that reducing the concentrations of visual cycle precursor substances and/or their byproducts may provide valid therapeutic options for the treatment of Stargardt disease. Here we review the workshop's presentations in the context of published literature to help shape the aims of ongoing research endeavors and aid the development of therapies for Stargardt disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery E Sears
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Carel Hoyng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Peter Charbel Issa
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and the Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Philip J Rosenfeld
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - SriniVas Sadda
- Doheny Image Reading Center, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ulrich Schraermeyer
- Institute of Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Janet R Sparrow
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ilyas Washington
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hendrik P N Scholl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Kiser PD, Zhang J, Badiee M, Kinoshita J, Peachey NS, Tochtrop GP, Palczewski K. Rational Tuning of Visual Cycle Modulator Pharmacodynamics. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2017; 362:131-145. [PMID: 28476927 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.117.240721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Modulators of the visual cycle have been developed for treatment of various retinal disorders. These agents were designed to inhibit retinoid isomerase [retinal pigment epithelium-specific 65 kDa protein (RPE65)], the rate-limiting enzyme of the visual cycle, based on the idea that attenuation of visual pigment regeneration could reduce formation of toxic retinal conjugates. Of these agents, certain ones that contain primary amine groups can also reversibly form retinaldehyde Schiff base adducts, which contributes to their retinal protective activity. Direct inhibition of RPE65 as a therapeutic strategy is complicated by adverse effects resulting from slowed chromophore regeneration, whereas effective retinal sequestration can require high drug doses with potential off-target effects. We hypothesized that the RPE65-emixustat crystal structure could help guide the design of retinaldehyde-sequestering agents with varying degrees of RPE65 inhibitory activity. We found that addition of an isopropyl group to the central phenyl ring of emixustat and related compounds resulted in agents effectively lacking in vitro retinoid isomerase inhibitory activity, whereas substitution of the terminal 6-membered ring with branched moieties capable of stronger RPE65 interaction potentiated inhibition. The isopropyl derivative series produced discernible visual cycle suppression in vivo, albeit much less potently than compounds with a high affinity for the RPE65 active site. These agents were distributed into the retina and formed Schiff base adducts with retinaldehyde. Except for one compound [3-amino-1-(3-isopropyl-5-((2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-en-1-yl)methoxy)phenyl)propan-1-ol (MB-007)], these agents conferred protection against retinal phototoxicity, suggesting that both direct RPE65 inhibition and retinal sequestration are mechanisms of potential therapeutic relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip D Kiser
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine (P.D.K., J.Z., K.P.), Department of Chemistry (M.B., G.P.T.), Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio (P.D.K., N.S.P.); Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio (J.K., N.S.P.); and Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio (N.S.P.)
| | - Jianye Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine (P.D.K., J.Z., K.P.), Department of Chemistry (M.B., G.P.T.), Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio (P.D.K., N.S.P.); Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio (J.K., N.S.P.); and Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio (N.S.P.)
| | - Mohsen Badiee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine (P.D.K., J.Z., K.P.), Department of Chemistry (M.B., G.P.T.), Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio (P.D.K., N.S.P.); Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio (J.K., N.S.P.); and Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio (N.S.P.)
| | - Junzo Kinoshita
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine (P.D.K., J.Z., K.P.), Department of Chemistry (M.B., G.P.T.), Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio (P.D.K., N.S.P.); Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio (J.K., N.S.P.); and Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio (N.S.P.)
| | - Neal S Peachey
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine (P.D.K., J.Z., K.P.), Department of Chemistry (M.B., G.P.T.), Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio (P.D.K., N.S.P.); Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio (J.K., N.S.P.); and Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio (N.S.P.)
| | - Gregory P Tochtrop
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine (P.D.K., J.Z., K.P.), Department of Chemistry (M.B., G.P.T.), Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio (P.D.K., N.S.P.); Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio (J.K., N.S.P.); and Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio (N.S.P.)
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine (P.D.K., J.Z., K.P.), Department of Chemistry (M.B., G.P.T.), Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio (P.D.K., N.S.P.); Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio (J.K., N.S.P.); and Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio (N.S.P.)
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Fontaine V, Monteiro E, Brazhnikova E, Lesage L, Balducci C, Guibout L, Feraille L, Elena PP, Sahel JA, Veillet S, Lafont R. Norbixin Protects Retinal Pigmented Epithelium Cells and Photoreceptors against A2E-Mediated Phototoxicity In Vitro and In Vivo. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167793. [PMID: 27992460 PMCID: PMC5161507 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E, a toxic by-product of the visual pigment cycle) in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a major cause of visual impairment in the elderly. Photooxidation of A2E results in retinal pigment epithelium degeneration followed by that of associated photoreceptors. Present treatments rely on nutrient supplementation with antioxidants. 9’-cis-Norbixin (a natural diapocarotenoid, 97% purity) was prepared from Bixa orellana seeds. It was first evaluated in primary cultures of porcine retinal pigment epithelium cells challenged with A2E and illuminated with blue light, and it provided an improved photo-protection as compared with lutein or zeaxanthin. In Abca4-/-Rdh8-/- mice (a model of dry AMD), intravitreally-injected norbixin maintained the electroretinogram and protected photoreceptors against light damage. In a standard rat blue-light model of photodamage, norbixin was at least equally as active as phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone, a free radical spin-trap. Chronic experiments performed with Abca4-/-Rdh8-/- mice treated orally for 3 months with norbixin showed a reduced A2E accumulation in the retina. Norbixin appears promising for developing an oral treatment of macular degeneration. A drug candidate (BIO201) with 9’-cis-norbixin as the active principle ingredient is under development, and its potential will be assessed in a forthcoming clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Fontaine
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 Rue Moreau, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Elodie Monteiro
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 Rue Moreau, Paris, France
| | - Elena Brazhnikova
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 Rue Moreau, Paris, France
| | - Laëtitia Lesage
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 Rue Moreau, Paris, France
| | - Christine Balducci
- Biophytis, Parc BIOCITECH, 102 Avenue Gaston Roussel, Romainville, France
| | - Louis Guibout
- Biophytis, Parc BIOCITECH, 102 Avenue Gaston Roussel, Romainville, France
| | | | | | - José-Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 Rue Moreau, Paris, France
| | - Stanislas Veillet
- Biophytis, Parc BIOCITECH, 102 Avenue Gaston Roussel, Romainville, France
| | - René Lafont
- Biophytis, Parc BIOCITECH, 102 Avenue Gaston Roussel, Romainville, France
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47
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Sahu B, Maeda A. Retinol Dehydrogenases Regulate Vitamin A Metabolism for Visual Function. Nutrients 2016; 8:E746. [PMID: 27879662 PMCID: PMC5133129 DOI: 10.3390/nu8110746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The visual system produces visual chromophore, 11-cis-retinal from dietary vitamin A, all-trans-retinol making this vitamin essential for retinal health and function. These metabolic events are mediated by a sequential biochemical process called the visual cycle. Retinol dehydrogenases (RDHs) are responsible for two reactions in the visual cycle performed in retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells, photoreceptor cells and Müller cells in the retina. RDHs in the RPE function as 11-cis-RDHs, which oxidize 11-cis-retinol to 11-cis-retinal in vivo. RDHs in rod photoreceptor cells in the retina work as all-trans-RDHs, which reduce all-trans-retinal to all-trans-retinol. Dysfunction of RDHs can cause inherited retinal diseases in humans. To facilitate further understanding of human diseases, mouse models of RDHs-related diseases have been carefully examined and have revealed the physiological contribution of specific RDHs to visual cycle function and overall retinal health. Herein we describe the function of RDHs in the RPE and the retina, particularly in rod photoreceptor cells, their regulatory properties for retinoid homeostasis and future therapeutic strategy for treatment of retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhubanananda Sahu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-4965, USA.
| | - Akiko Maeda
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-4965, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-4965, USA.
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Abstract
Recent progress in molecular understanding of the retinoid cycle in mammalian retina stems from painstaking biochemical reconstitution studies supported by natural or engineered animal models with known genetic lesions and studies of humans with specific genetic blinding diseases. Structural and membrane biology have been used to detect critical retinal enzymes and proteins and their substrates and ligands, placing them in a cellular context. These studies have been supplemented by analytical chemistry methods that have identified small molecules by their spectral characteristics, often in conjunction with the evaluation of models of animal retinal disease. It is from this background that rational therapeutic interventions to correct genetic defects or environmental insults are identified. Thus, most presently accepted modulators of the retinoid cycle already have demonstrated promising results in animal models of retinal degeneration. These encouraging signs indicate that some human blinding diseases can be alleviated by pharmacological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip D Kiser
- Department of Pharmacology, Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106 ; Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Department of Pharmacology, Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
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49
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Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common form of irreversible blindness in the industrially developed world, can present years before a patient begins to lose vision. For most of these patients, AMD never progresses past its early stages to the advanced forms that are principally responsible for the vast majority of vision loss. Advanced AMD can manifest as either an advanced avascular form known as geographic atrophy (GA) marked by regional retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell death or as an advanced form known as neovascular AMD marked by the intrusion of fragile new blood vessels into the normally avascular retina. Physicians have several therapeutic interventions available to combat neovascular AMD, but GA has no approved effective therapies as of yet. In this chapter, we will discuss the current strategies for limiting dry AMD in patients. We will also discuss previous attempts at pharmacological intervention that were tested in a clinical setting and consider reasons why these putative therapeutics did not perform successfully in large-scale trials. Despite the number of unsuccessful past trials, new pharmacological interventions may succeed. These future therapies may aid millions of AMD patients worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles B Wright
- Physiology and Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Jayakrishna Ambati
- Physiology and Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA.
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50
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Eroglu A, Gentleman S, Poliakov E, Redmond TM. Inhibition of RPE65 Retinol Isomerase Activity by Inhibitors of Lipid Metabolism. J Biol Chem 2015; 291:4966-73. [PMID: 26719343 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.685651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
RPE65 is the isomerase catalyzing conversion of all-trans-retinyl ester (atRE) into 11-cis-retinol in the retinal visual cycle. Crystal structures of RPE65 and site-directed mutagenesis reveal aspects of its catalytic mechanism, especially retinyl moiety isomerization, but other aspects remain to be determined. To investigate potential interactions between RPE65 and lipid metabolism enzymes, HEK293-F cells were transfected with expression vectors for visual cycle proteins and co-transfected with either fatty acyl:CoA ligases (ACSLs) 1, 3, or 6 or the SLC27A family fatty acyl-CoA synthase FATP2/SLCA27A2 to test their effect on isomerase activity. These experiments showed that RPE65 activity was reduced by co-expression of ACSLs or FATP2. Surprisingly, however, in attempting to relieve the ACSL-mediated inhibition, we discovered that triacsin C, an inhibitor of ACSLs, also potently inhibited RPE65 isomerase activity in cellulo. We found triacsin C to be a competitive inhibitor of RPE65 (IC50 = 500 nm). We confirmed that triacsin C competes directly with atRE by incubating membranes prepared from chicken RPE65-transfected cells with liposomes containing 0-1 μM atRE. Other inhibitors of ACSLs had modest inhibitory effects compared with triascin C. In conclusion, we have identified an inhibitor of ACSLs as a potent inhibitor of RPE65 that competes with the atRE substrate of RPE65 for binding. Triacsin C, with an alkenyl chain resembling but not identical to either acyl or retinyl chains, may compete with binding of the acyl moiety of atRE via the alkenyl moiety. Its inhibitory effect, however, may reside in its nitrosohydrazone/triazene moiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulkerim Eroglu
- From the Laboratory of Retinal Cell & Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Susan Gentleman
- From the Laboratory of Retinal Cell & Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Eugenia Poliakov
- From the Laboratory of Retinal Cell & Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - T Michael Redmond
- From the Laboratory of Retinal Cell & Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
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