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Herrera E, Chédotal A, Mason C. Development of the Binocular Circuit. Annu Rev Neurosci 2024; 47:303-322. [PMID: 38635868 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-111020-093230] [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] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Seeing in three dimensions is a major property of the visual system in mammals. The circuit underlying this property begins in the retina, from which retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) extend to the same or opposite side of the brain. RGC axons decussate to form the optic chiasm, then grow to targets in the thalamus and midbrain, where they synapse with neurons that project to the visual cortex. Here we review the cellular and molecular mechanisms of RGC axonal growth cone guidance across or away from the midline via receptors to cues in the midline environment. We present new views on the specification of ipsi- and contralateral RGC subpopulations and factors implementing their organization in the optic tract and termination in subregions of their targets. Lastly, we describe the functional and behavioral aspects of binocular vision, focusing on the mouse, and discuss recent discoveries in the evolution of the binocular circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloísa Herrera
- Instituto de Neurociencias (CSIC-UMH), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain;
| | - Alain Chédotal
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, MeLiS, CNRS UMR5284, INSERM U1314, Lyon, France
- Institut de Pathologie, Groupe Hospitalier Est, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Institut de la Vision, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France;
| | - Carol Mason
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Ophthalmology, Zuckerman Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA;
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Chotard V, Trapani F, Glaziou G, Sermet BS, Yger P, Marre O, Rebsam A. Altered Functional Responses of the Retina in B6 Albino Tyrc/c Mice. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:39. [PMID: 39189994 PMCID: PMC11361382 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.10.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Mammals with albinism present low visual discrimination ability and different proportions of certain retinal cell subtypes. As the spatial resolution of the retina depends on the visual field sampling by retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) based on the convergence of upstream cell inputs, it could be affected in albinism and thus modify the RGC function. Methods We used the Tyrc/c line, a mouse model of oculocutaneous albinism type 1 (OCA1), carrying a tyrosinase mutation, and previously characterized by a total absence of pigment and severe visual deficits. To assess their retinal function, we recorded the light responses of hundreds of RGCs ex vivo using multi-electrode array (MEA). We estimated the receptive field (RF)-center diameter of Tyr+/c and Tyrc/c RGCs using a checkerboard stimulation before simultaneously stimulating the center and surround of RGC RFs with full-field flashes. Results Following checkerboard stimulation, the RF-center diameters of RGCs were indistinguishable between Tyrc/c and Tyr+/c retinas. Nevertheless, RGCs from Tyrc/c retinas presented more OFF responses to full-field flashes than RGCs from Tyr+/c retinas. Unlike Tyr+/c retinas, very few OFF-center RGCs switched polarity to ON or ON-OFF responses after full-field flashes in Tyrc/c retinas, suggesting a different surround suppression in these retinas. Conclusions The retinal output signal is affected in Tyrc/c retinas, despite intact RF-center diameters of their RGCs. Adaptive mechanisms during development are probably responsible for this change in RGC responses, related to the absence of ocular pigments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Chotard
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Francesco Trapani
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Guilhem Glaziou
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | | | - Pierre Yger
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Marre
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Alexandra Rebsam
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
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Ye SS, Wang JN, Zhao YF, Dai LS, Zhang JZ, Zuo YQ, Song JT. Purinergic P2X7 receptor involves in anti-retinal photodamage effects of berberine. Purinergic Signal 2024:10.1007/s11302-024-09999-6. [PMID: 38489005 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-024-09999-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Berberine (BBR) is a Chinese herb with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In a previous study, we found that BBR had a protective effect against light-induced retinal degeneration in BALB/c mice. The purinergic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) plays a key role in retinal degeneration via inducing oxidative stress, inflammatory changes, and cell death. The aim of this study was to investigate whether BBR can induce protective effects in light damage experiments and whether P2X7R can get involved in these effects. C57BL/6 J mice and P2X7 knockout (KO) mice on the C57BL/6 J background were used. We found that BBR preserved the outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness and retinal ganglion cells following light stimulation. Furthermore, BBR significantly suppressed photoreceptor apoptosis, pro-apoptotic c-fos expression, pro-inflammatory responses of Mϋller cells, and inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β). In addition, protein levels of P2X7R were downregulated in BBR-treated mice. Double immunofluorescence showed that BBR reduced overexpression of P2X7R in retinal ganglion cells and Mϋller cells. Furthermore, BBR combined with the P2X7R agonist BzATP blocked the effects of BBR on retinal morphology and photoreceptor apoptosis. However, in P2X7 KO mice, BBR had an additive effect resulting in thicker ONL and more photoreceptors. The data suggest that the P2X7 receptor is involved in retinal light damage, and BBR inhibits this process by reducing histological impairment, cell death, and inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Shan Ye
- Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100040, China
| | - Jia-Ning Wang
- Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100040, China
| | - Ya-Fei Zhao
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Le-Shu Dai
- Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100040, China
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Ji-Zhou Zhang
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Yan-Qin Zuo
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Jian-Tao Song
- Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100040, China.
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Sheth V, McLean RJ, Tu Z, Ather S, Gottlob I, Proudlock FA. Visual Field Deficits in Albinism in Comparison to Idiopathic Infantile Nystagmus. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:13. [PMID: 38319668 PMCID: PMC10854418 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.2.13] [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] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose This is the first systematic comparison of visual field (VF) deficits in people with albinism (PwA) and idiopathic infantile nystagmus (PwIIN) using static perimetry. We also compare best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography measures of the fovea, parafovea, and circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer in PwA. Methods VF testing was performed on 62 PwA and 36 PwIIN using a Humphrey Field Analyzer (SITA FAST 24-2). Mean detection thresholds for each eye were calculated, along with quadrants and central measures. Retinal layers were manually segmented in the macular region. Results Mean detection thresholds were significantly lower than normative values for PwA (-3.10 ± 1.67 dB, P << 0.0001) and PwIIN (-1.70 ± 1.54 dB, P < 0.0001). Mean detection thresholds were significantly lower in PwA compared to PwIIN (P < 0.0001) and significantly worse for left compared to right eyes in PwA (P = 0.0002) but not in PwIIN (P = 0.37). In PwA, the superior nasal VF was significantly worse than other quadrants (P < 0.05). PwIIN appeared to show a mild relative arcuate scotoma. In PwA, central detection thresholds were correlated with foveal changes in the inner and outer retina. VF was strongly correlated to BCVA in both groups. Conclusions Clear peripheral and central VF deficits exist in PwA and PwIIN, and static VF results need to be interpreted with caution clinically. Since PwA exhibit considerably lower detection thresholds compared to PwIIN, VF defects are unlikely to be due to nystagmus in PwA. In addition to horizontal VF asymmetry, PwA exhibit both vertical and interocular asymmetries, which needs further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viral Sheth
- Health Sciences School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, Yorkshire, United Kingdom
- The University of Leicester Ulverscroft Eye Unit, Psychology and Vision Sciences, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca J. McLean
- The University of Leicester Ulverscroft Eye Unit, Psychology and Vision Sciences, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Zhanhan Tu
- The University of Leicester Ulverscroft Eye Unit, Psychology and Vision Sciences, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Sarim Ather
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Headley Way, Headington, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Irene Gottlob
- The University of Leicester Ulverscroft Eye Unit, Psychology and Vision Sciences, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurology, Cooper University Health Care, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey, United States
| | - Frank A. Proudlock
- The University of Leicester Ulverscroft Eye Unit, Psychology and Vision Sciences, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom
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Montijn JS, Riguccini V, Levelt CN, Heimel JA. Impaired Direction Selectivity in the Nucleus of the Optic Tract of Albino Mice. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:9. [PMID: 37548962 PMCID: PMC10411648 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.11.9] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Human albinos have a low visual acuity. This is partially due to the presence of spontaneous erroneous eye movements called pendular nystagmus. This nystagmus is present in other albino vertebrates and has been hypothesized to be caused by aberrant wiring of retinal ganglion axons to the nucleus of the optic tract (NOT), a part of the accessory optic system involved in the optokinetic response to visual motion. The NOT in pigmented rodents is preferentially responsive to ipsiversive motion (i.e., motion in the contralateral visual field in the temporonasal direction). We compared the response to visual motion in the NOT of albino and pigmented mice to understand if motion coding and preference are impaired in the NOT of albino mice. Methods We recorded neuronal spiking activity with Neuropixels probes in the visual cortex and NOT in C57BL/6JRj mice (pigmented) and DBA/1JRj mice with oculocutaneous albinism (albino). Results We found that in pigmented mice, NOT is retinotopically organized, and neurons are direction tuned, whereas in albino mice, neuronal tuning is severely impaired. Neurons in the NOT of albino mice do not have a preference for ipsiversive movement. In contrast, neuronal tuning in visual cortex was preserved in albino mice and did not differ significantly from the tuning in pigmented mice. Conclusions We propose that excessive interhemispheric crossing of retinal projections in albinos may cause the disrupted left/right direction encoding we found in NOT. This, in turn, impairs the normal horizontal optokinetic reflex and leads to pendular albino nystagmus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorrit S. Montijn
- Department of Circuits, Structure & Function, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Valentina Riguccini
- Department of Molecular Visual Plasticity, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Christiaan N. Levelt
- Department of Molecular Visual Plasticity, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J. Alexander Heimel
- Department of Circuits, Structure & Function, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Gray MT, Lefebvre JL. Sticking to your side: A niche for the development of ipsilateral retinal projections. Neuron 2023; 111:5-8. [PMID: 36603550 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Visual impairments in albinism result from decreased ipsilateral retinal projections. In this issue of Neuron, Slavi, Balasubramanian, and colleagues1 demonstrate how low CyclinD2 in the ciliary marginal zone perturbs generation of ipsilaterally projecting RGCs and that restoring CyclinD2 improves vision in albino mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison T Gray
- Program for Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Julie L Lefebvre
- Program for Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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Slavi N, Balasubramanian R, Lee MA, Liapin M, Oaks-Leaf R, Peregrin J, Potenski A, Troy CM, Ross ME, Herrera E, Kosmidis S, John SWM, Mason CA. CyclinD2-mediated regulation of neurogenic output from the retinal ciliary margin is perturbed in albinism. Neuron 2023; 111:49-64.e5. [PMID: 36351424 PMCID: PMC9822872 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In albinism, aberrations in the ipsi-/contralateral retinal ganglion cell (RGC) ratio compromise the functional integrity of the binocular circuit. Here, we focus on the mouse ciliary margin zone (CMZ), a neurogenic niche at the embryonic peripheral retina, to investigate developmental processes regulating RGC neurogenesis and identity acquisition. We found that the mouse ventral CMZ generates predominantly ipsilaterally projecting RGCs, but this output is altered in the albino visual system because of CyclinD2 downregulation and disturbed timing of the cell cycle. Consequently, albino as well as CyclinD2-deficient pigmented mice exhibit diminished ipsilateral retinogeniculate projection and poor depth perception. In albino mice, pharmacological stimulation of calcium channels, known to upregulate CyclinD2 in other cell types, augmented CyclinD2-dependent neurogenesis of ipsilateral RGCs and improved stereopsis. Together, these results implicate CMZ neurogenesis and its regulators as critical for the formation and function of the mammalian binocular circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nefeli Slavi
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Revathi Balasubramanian
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Melissa Ann Lee
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael Liapin
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachel Oaks-Leaf
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - John Peregrin
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anna Potenski
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carol Marie Troy
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Margaret Elizabeth Ross
- Center for Neurogenetics, Feil Family Brain & Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eloisa Herrera
- Instituto de Neurociencias (CSIC-UMH), Av. Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Stylianos Kosmidis
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Simon William Maxwell John
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carol Ann Mason
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Neuroscience, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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Tan LX, Li J, Germer CJ, Lakkaraju A. Analysis of mitochondrial dynamics and function in the retinal pigment epithelium by high-speed high-resolution live imaging. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1044672. [PMID: 36393836 PMCID: PMC9651161 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1044672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is strongly implicated in neurodegenerative diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which causes irreversible blindness in over 50 million older adults worldwide. A key site of insult in AMD is the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a monolayer of postmitotic polarized cells that performs essential functions for photoreceptor health and vision. Recent studies from our group and others have identified several features of mitochondrial dysfunction in AMD including mitochondrial fragmentation and bioenergetic defects. While these studies provide valuable insight at fixed points in time, high-resolution, high-speed live imaging is essential for following mitochondrial injury in real time and identifying disease mechanisms. Here, we demonstrate the advantages of live imaging to investigate RPE mitochondrial dynamics in cell-based and mouse models. We show that mitochondria in the RPE form extensive networks that are destroyed by fixation and discuss important live imaging considerations that can interfere with accurate evaluation of mitochondrial integrity such as RPE differentiation status and acquisition parameters. Our data demonstrate that RPE mitochondria show localized heterogeneities in membrane potential and ATP production that could reflect focal changes in metabolism and oxidative stress. Contacts between the mitochondria and organelles such as the ER and lysosomes mediate calcium flux and mitochondrial fission. Live imaging of mouse RPE flatmounts revealed a striking loss of mitochondrial integrity in albino mouse RPE compared to pigmented mice that could have significant functional consequences for cellular metabolism. Our studies lay a framework to guide experimental design and selection of model systems for evaluating mitochondrial health and function in the RPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xuan Tan
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jianlong Li
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, School of Dentistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Colin J. Germer
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Aparna Lakkaraju
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Tingaud-Sequeira A, Mercier E, Michaud V, Pinson B, Gazova I, Gontier E, Decoeur F, McKie L, Jackson IJ, Arveiler B, Javerzat S. The Dct−/− Mouse Model to Unravel Retinogenesis Misregulation in Patients with Albinism. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13071164. [PMID: 35885947 PMCID: PMC9324463 DOI: 10.3390/genes13071164] [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: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We have recently identified DCT encoding dopachrome tautomerase (DCT) as the eighth gene for oculocutaneous albinism (OCA). Patients with loss of function of DCT suffer from eye hypopigmentation and retinal dystrophy. Here we investigate the eye phenotype in Dct−/− mice. We show that their retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) is severely hypopigmented from early stages, contrasting with the darker melanocytic tissues. Multimodal imaging reveals specific RPE cellular defects. Melanosomes are fewer with correct subcellular localization but disrupted melanization. RPE cell size is globally increased and heterogeneous. P-cadherin labeling of Dct−/− newborn RPE reveals a defect in adherens junctions similar to what has been described in tyrosinase-deficient Tyrc/c embryos. The first intermediate of melanin biosynthesis, dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-Dopa), which is thought to control retinogenesis, is detected in substantial yet significantly reduced amounts in Dct−/− postnatal mouse eyecups. L-Dopa synthesis in the RPE alone remains to be evaluated during the critical period of retinogenesis. The Dct−/− mouse should prove useful in understanding the molecular regulation of retinal development and aging of the hypopigmented eye. This may guide therapeutic strategies to prevent vision deficits in patients with albinism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angèle Tingaud-Sequeira
- Rare Diseases Genetics and Metabolism, INSERM U1211, SBM Department, University of Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; (A.T.-S.); (E.M.); (V.M.); (B.A.)
| | - Elina Mercier
- Rare Diseases Genetics and Metabolism, INSERM U1211, SBM Department, University of Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; (A.T.-S.); (E.M.); (V.M.); (B.A.)
| | - Vincent Michaud
- Rare Diseases Genetics and Metabolism, INSERM U1211, SBM Department, University of Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; (A.T.-S.); (E.M.); (V.M.); (B.A.)
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Bordeaux University Hospital, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Benoît Pinson
- SAM, TBMcore, CNRS UAR 3427, INSERM US005, Université Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France;
| | - Ivet Gazova
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK; (I.G.); (L.M.); (I.J.J.)
| | - Etienne Gontier
- Bordeaux Imaging Center, CNRS, INSERM, BIC, UMS 3420, US 4, University Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; (E.G.); (F.D.)
| | - Fanny Decoeur
- Bordeaux Imaging Center, CNRS, INSERM, BIC, UMS 3420, US 4, University Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; (E.G.); (F.D.)
| | - Lisa McKie
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK; (I.G.); (L.M.); (I.J.J.)
| | - Ian J. Jackson
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK; (I.G.); (L.M.); (I.J.J.)
| | - Benoît Arveiler
- Rare Diseases Genetics and Metabolism, INSERM U1211, SBM Department, University of Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; (A.T.-S.); (E.M.); (V.M.); (B.A.)
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Bordeaux University Hospital, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Sophie Javerzat
- Rare Diseases Genetics and Metabolism, INSERM U1211, SBM Department, University of Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; (A.T.-S.); (E.M.); (V.M.); (B.A.)
- Correspondence:
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Toufeeq S, Gottlob I, Tu Z, Proudlock FA, Pilat A. Abnormal Retinal Vessel Architecture in Albinism and Idiopathic Infantile Nystagmus. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:33. [PMID: 35616929 PMCID: PMC9150830 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.5.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Infantile nystagmus syndrome (INS) causes altered visual development and can be associated with abnormal retinal structure, to which vascular development of the retina is closely related. Abnormal retinal vasculature has previously been noted in albinism but not idiopathic infantile nystagmus. We compared the number and diameter of retinal vessels in participants with albinism (PWA) and idiopathic infantile nystagmus (PWIIN) with controls. Methods Fundus photography data from 24 PWA, 10 PWIIN, and 34 controls was analyzed using Automated Retinal Image Analyzer (ARIA) software on a field of analysis centered on the optic disc, the annulus of which extended between 4.2 mm and 8.4 mm in diameter. Results Compared with controls, the mean number of arterial branches was reduced by 24% in PWA (15.5 vs. 20.3, P < 0.001), and venous branches were reduced in both PWA (29%; 12.9 vs. 18.2, P < 0.001) and PWIIN (17%; 15.1 vs. 18.2, P = 0.024). PWA demonstrated 7% thinner "primary" (before branching) arteries (mean diameter: 75.39 µm vs. 80.88 µm, P = 0.043), and 13% thicker (after branching) "secondary" veins (66.72 µm vs. 59.01 µm in controls, P = 0.009). Conclusions PWA and PWIIN demonstrated reduced retinal vessel counts and arterial diameters compared with controls. These changes in the superficial retinal vascular network may be secondary to underdevelopment of the neuronal network, which guides vascular development and is also known to be disrupted in INS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shafak Toufeeq
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Level LG1 John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Irene Gottlob
- Ulverscroft Eye Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University Of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, United Kingdom
| | - Zhanhan Tu
- Ulverscroft Eye Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University Of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, United Kingdom
| | - Frank A. Proudlock
- Ulverscroft Eye Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University Of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, United Kingdom
| | - Anastasia Pilat
- Ulverscroft Eye Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University Of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, United Kingdom
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11
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Kingston R, Amin D, Misra S, Gross JM, Kuwajima T. Serotonin transporter-mediated molecular axis regulates regional retinal ganglion cell vulnerability and axon regeneration after nerve injury. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009885. [PMID: 34735454 PMCID: PMC8594818 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular insights into the selective vulnerability of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in optic neuropathies and after ocular trauma can lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving RGCs. However, little is known about what molecular contexts determine RGC susceptibility. In this study, we show the molecular mechanisms underlying the regional differential vulnerability of RGCs after optic nerve injury. We identified RGCs in the mouse peripheral ventrotemporal (VT) retina as the earliest population of RGCs susceptible to optic nerve injury. Mechanistically, the serotonin transporter (SERT) is upregulated on VT axons after injury. Utilizing SERT-deficient mice, loss of SERT attenuated VT RGC death and led to robust retinal axon regeneration. Integrin β3, a factor mediating SERT-induced functions in other systems, is also upregulated in RGCs and axons after injury, and loss of integrin β3 led to VT RGC protection and axon regeneration. Finally, RNA sequencing analyses revealed that loss of SERT significantly altered molecular signatures in the VT retina after optic nerve injury, including expression of the transmembrane protein, Gpnmb. GPNMB is rapidly downregulated in wild-type, but not SERT- or integrin β3-deficient VT RGCs after injury, and maintaining expression of GPNMB in RGCs via AAV2 viruses even after injury promoted VT RGC survival and axon regeneration. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the SERT-integrin β3-GPNMB molecular axis mediates selective RGC vulnerability and axon regeneration after optic nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rody Kingston
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Dwarkesh Amin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Sneha Misra
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey M. Gross
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Developmental Biology, The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Takaaki Kuwajima
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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12
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Features of Retinal Neurogenesis as a Key Factor of Age-Related Neurodegeneration: Myth or Reality? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147373. [PMID: 34298993 PMCID: PMC8303671 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex multifactorial neurodegenerative disease that constitutes the most common cause of irreversible blindness in the elderly in the developed countries. Incomplete knowledge about its pathogenesis prevents the search for effective methods of prevention and treatment of AMD, primarily of its "dry" type which is by far the most common (90% of all AMD cases). In the recent years, AMD has become "younger": late stages of the disease are now detected in relatively young people. It is known that AMD pathogenesis-according to the age-related structural and functional changes in the retina-is linked with inflammation, hypoxia, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and an impairment of neurotrophic support, but the mechanisms that trigger the conversion of normal age-related changes to the pathological process as well as the reason for early AMD development remain unclear. In the adult mammalian retina, de novo neurogenesis is very limited. Therefore, the structural and functional features that arise during its maturation and formation can exert long-term effects on further ontogenesis of this tissue. The aim of this review was to discuss possible contributions of the changes/disturbances in retinal neurogenesis to the early development of AMD.
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13
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Brodie-Kommit J, Clark BS, Shi Q, Shiau F, Kim DW, Langel J, Sheely C, Ruzycki PA, Fries M, Javed A, Cayouette M, Schmidt T, Badea T, Glaser T, Zhao H, Singer J, Blackshaw S, Hattar S. Atoh7-independent specification of retinal ganglion cell identity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/11/eabe4983. [PMID: 33712461 PMCID: PMC7954457 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe4983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) relay visual information from the eye to the brain. RGCs are the first cell type generated during retinal neurogenesis. Loss of function of the transcription factor Atoh7, expressed in multipotent early neurogenic retinal progenitors leads to a selective and essentially complete loss of RGCs. Therefore, Atoh7 is considered essential for conferring competence on progenitors to generate RGCs. Despite the importance of Atoh7 in RGC specification, we find that inhibiting apoptosis in Atoh7-deficient mice by loss of function of Bax only modestly reduces RGC numbers. Single-cell RNA sequencing of Atoh7;Bax-deficient retinas shows that RGC differentiation is delayed but that the gene expression profile of RGC precursors is grossly normal. Atoh7;Bax-deficient RGCs eventually mature, fire action potentials, and incorporate into retinal circuitry but exhibit severe axonal guidance defects. This study reveals an essential role for Atoh7 in RGC survival and demonstrates Atoh7-dependent and Atoh7-independent mechanisms for RGC specification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian S Clark
- John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Qing Shi
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Fion Shiau
- John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Dong Won Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer Langel
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Catherine Sheely
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Philip A Ruzycki
- John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michel Fries
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
- Molecular Biology Programs, Université de Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Awais Javed
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
- Molecular Biology Programs, Université de Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Michel Cayouette
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
- Molecular Biology Programs, Université de Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Tiffany Schmidt
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Tudor Badea
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Research and Development Institute, Transylvania University of Brasov, School of Medicine, Brasov, Romania
| | - Tom Glaser
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Haiqing Zhao
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joshua Singer
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Samer Hattar
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA.
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14
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Sitko AA, Goodrich LV. Making sense of neural development by comparing wiring strategies for seeing and hearing. Science 2021; 371:eaaz6317. [PMID: 33414193 PMCID: PMC8034811 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaz6317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The ability to perceive and interact with the world depends on a diverse array of neural circuits specialized for carrying out specific computations. Each circuit is assembled using a relatively limited number of molecules and common developmental steps, from cell fate specification to activity-dependent synaptic refinement. Given this shared toolkit, how do individual circuits acquire their characteristic properties? We explore this question by comparing development of the circuitry for seeing and hearing, highlighting a few examples where differences in each system's sensory demands necessitate different developmental strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Sitko
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - L V Goodrich
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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15
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Abstract
Binocular vision depends on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axon projection either to the same side or to the opposite side of the brain. In this article, we review the molecular mechanisms for decussation of RGC axons, with a focus on axon guidance signaling at the optic chiasm and ipsi- and contralateral axon organization in the optic tract prior to and during targeting. The spatial and temporal features of RGC neurogenesis that give rise to ipsilateral and contralateral identity are described. The albino visual system is highlighted as an apt comparative model for understanding RGC decussation, as albinos have a reduced ipsilateral projection and altered RGC neurogenesis associated with perturbed melanogenesis in the retinal pigment epithelium. Understanding the steps for RGC specification into ipsi- and contralateral subtypes will facilitate differentiation of stem cells into RGCs with proper navigational abilities for effective axon regeneration and correct targeting of higher-order visual centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Mason
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; .,Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.,Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA;
| | - Nefeli Slavi
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA;
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16
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Nguyen-Ba-Charvet KT, Rebsam A. Neurogenesis and Specification of Retinal Ganglion Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020451. [PMID: 31936811 PMCID: PMC7014133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Across all species, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the first retinal neurons generated during development, followed by the other retinal cell types. How are retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) able to produce these cell types in a specific and timely order? Here, we will review the different models of retinal neurogenesis proposed over the last decades as well as the extrinsic and intrinsic factors controlling it. We will then focus on the molecular mechanisms, especially the cascade of transcription factors that regulate, more specifically, RGC fate. We will also comment on the recent discovery that the ciliary marginal zone is a new stem cell niche in mice contributing to retinal neurogenesis, especially to the generation of ipsilateral RGCs. Furthermore, RGCs are composed of many different subtypes that are anatomically, physiologically, functionally, and molecularly defined. We will summarize the different classifications of RGC subtypes and will recapitulate the specification of some of them and describe how a genetic disease such as albinism affects neurogenesis, resulting in profound visual deficits.
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17
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Meng JL, Wang Y, Carrillo RA, Heckscher ES. Temporal transcription factors determine circuit membership by permanently altering motor neuron-to-muscle synaptic partnerships. eLife 2020; 9:56898. [PMID: 32391795 PMCID: PMC7242025 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
How circuit wiring is specified is a key question in developmental neurobiology. Previously, using the Drosophila motor system as a model, we found the classic temporal transcription factor Hunchback acts in NB7-1 neuronal stem cells to control the number of NB7-1 neuronal progeny form functional synapses on dorsal muscles (Meng et al., 2019). However, it is unknown to what extent control of motor neuron-to-muscle synaptic partnerships is a general feature of temporal transcription factors. Here, we perform additional temporal transcription factor manipulations-prolonging expression of Hunchback in NB3-1, as well as precociously expressing Pdm and Castor in NB7-1. We use confocal microscopy, calcium imaging, and electrophysiology to show that in every manipulation there are permanent alterations in neuromuscular synaptic partnerships. Our data show temporal transcription factors, as a group of molecules, are potent determinants of synaptic partner choice and therefore ultimately control circuit membership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia L Meng
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States,Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Yupu Wang
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States,Committee on Development, Regeneration, and Stem Cell Biology, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Robert A Carrillo
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States,Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States,Committee on Development, Regeneration, and Stem Cell Biology, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States,Grossman Institute for Neuroscience, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Ellie S Heckscher
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States,Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States,Committee on Development, Regeneration, and Stem Cell Biology, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States,Grossman Institute for Neuroscience, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
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18
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Roig-Puiggros S, Vigouroux RJ, Beckman D, Bocai NI, Chiou B, Davimes J, Gomez G, Grassi S, Hoque A, Karikari TK, Kiffer F, Lopez M, Lunghi G, Mazengenya P, Meier S, Olguín-Albuerne M, Oliveira MM, Paraíso-Luna J, Pradhan J, Radiske A, Ramos-Hryb AB, Ribeiro MC, Schellino R, Selles MC, Singh S, Theotokis P, Chédotal A. Construction and reconstruction of brain circuits: normal and pathological axon guidance. J Neurochem 2019; 153:10-32. [PMID: 31630412 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Perception of our environment entirely depends on the close interaction between the central and peripheral nervous system. In order to communicate each other, both systems must develop in parallel and in coordination. During development, axonal projections from the CNS as well as the PNS must extend over large distances to reach their appropriate target cells. To do so, they read and follow a series of axon guidance molecules. Interestingly, while these molecules play critical roles in guiding developing axons, they have also been shown to be critical in other major neurodevelopmental processes, such as the migration of cortical progenitors. Currently, a major hurdle for brain repair after injury or neurodegeneration is the absence of axonal regeneration in the mammalian CNS. By contrasts, PNS axons can regenerate. Many hypotheses have been put forward to explain this paradox but recent studies suggest that hacking neurodevelopmental mechanisms may be the key to promote CNS regeneration. Here we provide a seminar report written by trainees attending the second Flagship school held in Alpbach, Austria in September 2018 organized by the International Society for Neurochemistry (ISN) together with the Journal of Neurochemistry (JCN). This advanced school has brought together leaders in the fields of neurodevelopment and regeneration in order to discuss major keystones and future challenges in these respective fields.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robin J Vigouroux
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Danielle Beckman
- California National Primate Research Center, UC Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Nadia I Bocai
- Laboratory of Amyloidosis and Neurodegeneration, Fundación Instituto Leloir, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Brian Chiou
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Joshua Davimes
- Faculty of Health Sciences School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Gimena Gomez
- Laboratorio de Parkinson Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (ININFA-CONICET-UBA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sara Grassi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ashfaqul Hoque
- Metabolic Signalling Laboratory, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas K Karikari
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.,Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Frederico Kiffer
- Division of Radiation Health, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mary Lopez
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Giulia Lunghi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicin, University of Milano, Segrate, Italy
| | - Pedzisai Mazengenya
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sonja Meier
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mauricio Olguín-Albuerne
- División de Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Mauricio M Oliveira
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Juan Paraíso-Luna
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Health Research (IRYCIS), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and University Research Institute in Neurochemistry (IUIN), Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jonu Pradhan
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andressa Radiske
- Memory Research Laboratory, Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Ana Belén Ramos-Hryb
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME)-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Grupo de Neurociencia de Sistemas, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica (IFIBIO) Bernardo Houssay, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mayara C Ribeiro
- Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Roberta Schellino
- Neuroscience Department "Rita Levi-Montalcini" and Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Maria Clara Selles
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Shripriya Singh
- System Toxicology and Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, India
| | - Paschalis Theotokis
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Alain Chédotal
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
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19
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Meng JL, Marshall ZD, Lobb-Rabe M, Heckscher ES. How prolonged expression of Hunchback, a temporal transcription factor, re-wires locomotor circuits. eLife 2019; 8:46089. [PMID: 31502540 PMCID: PMC6754208 DOI: 10.7554/elife.46089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
How circuits assemble starting from stem cells is a fundamental question in developmental neurobiology. We test the hypothesis that, in neuronal stem cells, temporal transcription factors predictably control neuronal terminal features and circuit assembly. Using the Drosophila motor system, we manipulate expression of the classic temporal transcription factor Hunchback (Hb) specifically in the NB7-1 stem cell, which produces U motor neurons (MNs), and then we monitor dendrite morphology and neuromuscular synaptic partnerships. We find that prolonged expression of Hb leads to transient specification of U MN identity, and that embryonic molecular markers do not accurately predict U MN terminal features. Nonetheless, our data show Hb acts as a potent regulator of neuromuscular wiring decisions. These data introduce important refinements to current models, show that molecular information acts early in neurogenesis as a switch to control motor circuit wiring, and provide novel insight into the relationship between stem cell and circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia L Meng
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, Grossman Institute for Neuroscience, Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States.,Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | - Zarion D Marshall
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, Grossman Institute for Neuroscience, Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | - Meike Lobb-Rabe
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, Grossman Institute for Neuroscience, Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States.,Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | - Ellie S Heckscher
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, Grossman Institute for Neuroscience, Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States
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20
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Murcia-Belmonte V, Erskine L. Wiring the Binocular Visual Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133282. [PMID: 31277365 PMCID: PMC6651880 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) extend axons out of the retina to transmit visual information to the brain. These connections are established during development through the navigation of RGC axons along a relatively long, stereotypical pathway. RGC axons exit the eye at the optic disc and extend along the optic nerves to the ventral midline of the brain, where the two nerves meet to form the optic chiasm. In animals with binocular vision, the axons face a choice at the optic chiasm—to cross the midline and project to targets on the contralateral side of the brain, or avoid crossing the midline and project to ipsilateral brain targets. Ipsilaterally and contralaterally projecting RGCs originate in disparate regions of the retina that relate to the extent of binocular overlap in the visual field. In humans virtually all RGC axons originating in temporal retina project ipsilaterally, whereas in mice, ipsilaterally projecting RGCs are confined to the peripheral ventrotemporal retina. This review will discuss recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms regulating specification of ipsilateral versus contralateral RGCs, and the differential guidance of their axons at the optic chiasm. Recent insights into the establishment of congruent topographic maps in both brain hemispheres also will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lynda Erskine
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, Scotland AB25 2ZD, UK
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21
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Mason C, Guillery R. Conversations with Ray Guillery on albinism: linking Siamese cat visual pathway connectivity to mouse retinal development. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 49:913-927. [PMID: 30801828 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In albinism of all species, perturbed melanin biosynthesis in the eye leads to foveal hypoplasia, retinal ganglion cell misrouting, and, consequently, altered binocular vision. Here, written before he died, Ray Guillery chronicles his discovery of the aberrant circuitry from eye to brain in the Siamese cat. Ray's characterization of visual pathway anomalies in this temperature sensitive mutation of tyrosinase and thus melanin synthesis in domestic cats opened the exploration of albinism and simultaneously, a genetic approach to the organization of neural circuitry. I follow this account with a remembrance of Ray's influence on my work. Beginning with my postdoc research with Ray on the cat visual pathway, through my own work on the mechanisms of retinal axon guidance in the developing mouse, Ray and I had a continuous and rich dialogue about the albino visual pathway. I will present the questions Ray posed and clues we have to date on the still-elusive link between eye pigment and the proper balance of ipsilateral and contralateral retinal ganglion cell projections to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Mason
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Ophthalmology, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, Jerome L. Greene Science Center, 3227 Broadway, Room L3-043, Quad 3C, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Ray Guillery
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Ophthalmology, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, Jerome L. Greene Science Center, 3227 Broadway, Room L3-043, Quad 3C, New York, NY, 10027, USA
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22
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Ather S, Proudlock FA, Welton T, Morgan PS, Sheth V, Gottlob I, Dineen RA. Aberrant visual pathway development in albinism: From retina to cortex. Hum Brain Mapp 2019; 40:777-788. [PMID: 30511784 PMCID: PMC6865554 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Albinism refers to a group of genetic abnormalities in melanogenesis that are associated neuronal misrouting through the optic chiasm. We perform quantitative assessment of visual pathway structure and function in 23 persons with albinism (PWA) and 20 matched controls using optical coherence tomography (OCT), volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion tensor imaging and visual evoked potentials (VEP). PWA had a higher streamline decussation index (percentage of total tractography streamlines decussating at the chiasm) compared with controls (Z = -2.24, p = .025), and streamline decussation index correlated weakly with inter-hemispheric asymmetry measured using VEP (r = .484, p = .042). For PWA, a significant correlation was found between foveal development index and total number of streamlines (r = .662, p < .001). Significant positive correlations were found between peri-papillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and optic nerve (r = .642, p < .001) and tract (r = .663, p < .001) width. Occipital pole cortical thickness was 6.88% higher (Z = -4.10, p < .001) in PWA and was related to anterior visual pathway structures including foveal retinal pigment epithelium complex thickness (r = -.579, p = .005), optic disc (r = .478, p = .021) and rim areas (r = .597, p = .003). We were unable to demonstrate a significant relationship between OCT-derived foveal or optic nerve measures and MRI-derived chiasm size or streamline decussation index. Our novel tractographic demonstration of altered chiasmatic decussation in PWA corresponds to VEP measured cortical asymmetry and is consistent with chiasmatic misrouting in albinism. We also demonstrate a significant relationship between retinal pigment epithelium and visual cortex thickness indicating that retinal pigmentation defects in albinism lead to downstream structural reorganisation of the visual cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarim Ather
- Nuffield Department of Surgical SciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Frank Anthony Proudlock
- University of Leicester Ulverscroft Eye UnitRobert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences BuildingLeicesterUnited Kingdom
| | - Thomas Welton
- Radiological Sciences, Division of Clinical NeuroscienceUniversity of Nottingham, Queen's Medical CentreNottinghamUnited Kingdom
- Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, University of NottinghamQueen's Medical CentreNottinghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Paul S. Morgan
- Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, University of NottinghamQueen's Medical CentreNottinghamUnited Kingdom
- Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS TrustQueen's Medical CentreNottinghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Viral Sheth
- University of Leicester Ulverscroft Eye UnitRobert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences BuildingLeicesterUnited Kingdom
| | - Irene Gottlob
- University of Leicester Ulverscroft Eye UnitRobert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences BuildingLeicesterUnited Kingdom
| | - Rob A. Dineen
- Radiological Sciences, Division of Clinical NeuroscienceUniversity of Nottingham, Queen's Medical CentreNottinghamUnited Kingdom
- Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, University of NottinghamQueen's Medical CentreNottinghamUnited Kingdom
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23
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Adams DR, Menezes S, Jauregui R, Valivullah ZM, Power B, Abraham M, Jeffrey BG, Garced A, Alur RP, Cunningham D, Wiggs E, Merideth MA, Chiang PW, Bernstein S, Ito S, Wakamatsu K, Jack RM, Introne WJ, Gahl WA, Brooks BP. One-year pilot study on the effects of nitisinone on melanin in patients with OCA-1B. JCI Insight 2019; 4:124387. [PMID: 30674731 PMCID: PMC6413781 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.124387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND. Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) results in reduced melanin synthesis, skin hypopigmentation, increased risk of UV-induced malignancy, and developmental eye abnormalities affecting vision. No treatments exist. We have shown that oral nitisinone increases ocular and fur pigmentation in a mouse model of one form of albinism, OCA-1B, due to hypomorphic mutations in the Tyrosinase gene. METHODS. In this open-label pilot study, 5 adult patients with OCA-1B established baseline measurements of iris, skin, and hair pigmentation and were treated over 12 months with 2 mg/d oral nitisinone. Changes in pigmentation and visual function were evaluated at 3-month intervals. RESULTS. The mean change in iris transillumination, a marker of melanin, from baseline was 1.0 ± 1.54 points, representing no change. The method of iris transillumination grading showed a high intergrader reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 0.88 at each visit). The number of letters read (visual acuity) improved significantly at month 12 for both eyes (right eye, OD, mean 4.2 [95% CI, 0.3, 8.1], P = 0.04) and left eye (OS, 5 [1.0, 9.1], P = 0.003). Skin pigmentation on the inner bicep increased (M index increase = 1.72 [0.03, 3.41], P = 0.047). Finally, hair pigmentation increased by both reflectometry (M index [17.3 {4.4, 30.2}, P = 0.01]) and biochemically. CONCLUSION. Nitisinone did not result in an increase in iris melanin content but may increase hair and skin pigmentation in patients with OCA-1B. The iris transillumination grading scale used in this study proved robust, with potential for use in future clinical trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01838655. FUNDING. Intramural program of the National Eye Institute. Oral nitisinone may improve melanin pigmentation in patients with the OCA-1B form of albinism due to hypomorphic mutations in the tyrosinase gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Adams
- National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Zaheer M Valivullah
- National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Bradley Power
- National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Edythe Wiggs
- National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Melissa A Merideth
- National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Shanna Bernstein
- Nutrition Department, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Shosuke Ito
- Department of Chemistry, Fujita Health University School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Wakamatsu
- Department of Chemistry, Fujita Health University School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Rhona M Jack
- Seattle Children's Hospital, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Wendy J Introne
- National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - William A Gahl
- National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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24
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Marcucci F, Soares CA, Mason C. Distinct timing of neurogenesis of ipsilateral and contralateral retinal ganglion cells. J Comp Neurol 2019; 527:212-224. [PMID: 29761490 PMCID: PMC6237670 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In higher vertebrates, the circuit formed by retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) projecting ipsilaterally (iRGCs) or contralaterally (cRGCs) to the brain permits binocular vision and depth perception. iRGCs and cRGCs differ in their position within the retina and in expression of transcription, guidance and activity-related factors. To parse whether these two populations also differ in the timing of their genesis, a feature of distinct neural subtypes and associated projections, we used newer birthdating methods and cell subtype specific markers to determine birthdate and cell cycle exit more precisely than previously. In the ventrotemporal (VT) retina, i- and cRGCs intermingle and neurogenesis in this zone lags behind RGC production in the rest of the retina where only cRGCs are positioned. In addition, within the VT retina, i- and cRGC populations are born at distinct times: neurogenesis of iRGCs surges at E13, and cRGCs arise as early as E14, not later in embryogenesis as reported. Moreover, in the ventral ciliary margin zone (CMZ), which contains progenitors that give rise to some iRGCs in ventral neural retina (Marcucci et al., 2016), cell cycle exit is slower than in other retinal regions in which progenitors give rise only to cRGCs. Further, when the cell cycle regulator Cyclin D2 is missing, cell cycle length in the CMZ is further reduced, mirroring the reduction of both i- and cRGCs in the Cyclin D2 mutant. These results strengthen the view that differential regulation of cell cycle dynamics at the progenitor level is associated with specific RGC fates and laterality of axonal projection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Marcucci
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University
| | - Célia A. Soares
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University
| | - Carol Mason
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University
- Department of Neuroscience, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University
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25
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Iwai-Takekoshi L, Balasubramanian R, Sitko A, Khan R, Weinreb S, Robinson K, Mason C. Activation of Wnt signaling reduces ipsilaterally projecting retinal ganglion cells in pigmented retina. Development 2018; 145:dev163212. [PMID: 30254141 PMCID: PMC6240318 DOI: 10.1242/dev.163212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian albinism, disrupted melanogenesis in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is associated with fewer retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) projecting ipsilaterally to the brain, resulting in numerous abnormalities in the retina and visual pathway, especially binocular vision. To further understand the molecular link between disrupted RPE and a reduced ipsilateral RGC projection in albinism, we compared gene expression in the embryonic albino and pigmented mouse RPE. We found that the Wnt pathway, which directs peripheral retinal differentiation and, generally, cell proliferation, is dysregulated in the albino RPE. Wnt2b expression is expanded in the albino RPE compared with the pigmented RPE, and the expanded region adjoins the site of ipsilateral RGC neurogenesis and settling. Pharmacological activation of Wnt signaling in pigmented mice by lithium (Li+) treatment in vivo reduces the number of Zic2-positive RGCs, which are normally fated to project ipsilaterally, to numbers observed in the albino retina. These results implicate Wnt signaling from the RPE to neural retina as a potential factor in the regulation of ipsilateral RGC production, and thus the albino phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Iwai-Takekoshi
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Revathi Balasubramanian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Austen Sitko
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Rehnuma Khan
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Samuel Weinreb
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Kiera Robinson
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Carol Mason
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
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26
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Varadarajan SG, Huberman AD. Assembly and repair of eye-to-brain connections. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2018; 53:198-209. [PMID: 30339988 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Vision is the sense humans rely on most to navigate the world and survive. A tremendous amount of research has focused on understanding the neural circuits for vision and the developmental mechanisms that establish them. The eye-to-brain, or 'retinofugal' pathway remains a particularly important model in these contexts because it is essential for sight, its overt anatomical features relate to distinct functional attributes and those features develop in a tractable sequence. Much progress has been made in understanding the growth of retinal axons out of the eye, their selection of targets in the brain, the development of laminar and cell type-specific connectivity within those targets, and also dendritic connectivity within the retina itself. Moreover, because the retinofugal pathway is prone to degeneration in many common blinding diseases, understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that establish connectivity early in life stands to provide valuable insights into approaches that re-wire this pathway after damage or loss. Here we review recent progress in understanding the development of retinofugal pathways and how this information is important for improving visual circuit regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supraja G Varadarajan
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Andrew D Huberman
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States; BioX, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States; Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States.
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27
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Seabrook TA, Burbridge TJ, Crair MC, Huberman AD. Architecture, Function, and Assembly of the Mouse Visual System. Annu Rev Neurosci 2018; 40:499-538. [PMID: 28772103 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-071714-033842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Vision is the sense humans rely on most to navigate the world, make decisions, and perform complex tasks. Understanding how humans see thus represents one of the most fundamental and important goals of neuroscience. The use of the mouse as a model for parsing how vision works at a fundamental level started approximately a decade ago, ushered in by the mouse's convenient size, relatively low cost, and, above all, amenability to genetic perturbations. In the course of that effort, a large cadre of new and powerful tools for in vivo labeling, monitoring, and manipulation of neurons were applied to this species. As a consequence, a significant body of work now exists on the architecture, function, and development of mouse central visual pathways. Excitingly, much of that work includes causal testing of the role of specific cell types and circuits in visual perception and behavior-something rare to find in studies of the visual system of other species. Indeed, one could argue that more information is now available about the mouse visual system than any other sensory system, in any species, including humans. As such, the mouse visual system has become a platform for multilevel analysis of the mammalian central nervous system generally. Here we review the mouse visual system structure, function, and development literature and comment on the similarities and differences between the visual system of this and other model species. We also make it a point to highlight the aspects of mouse visual circuitry that remain opaque and that are in need of additional experimentation to enrich our understanding of how vision works on a broad scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania A Seabrook
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305
| | - Timothy J Burbridge
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520;
| | - Michael C Crair
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520;
| | - Andrew D Huberman
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305.,Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94303; .,Bio-X, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
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28
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Guidance of retinal axons in mammals. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 85:48-59. [PMID: 29174916 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In order to navigate through the surrounding environment many mammals, including humans, primarily rely on vision. The eye, composed of the choroid, sclera, retinal pigmented epithelium, cornea, lens, iris and retina, is the structure that receives the light and converts it into electrical impulses. The retina contains six major types of neurons involving in receiving and modifying visual information and passing it onto higher visual processing centres in the brain. Visual information is relayed to the brain via the axons of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), a projection known as the optic pathway. The proper formation of this pathway during development is essential for normal vision in the adult individual. Along this pathway there are several points where visual axons face 'choices' in their direction of growth. Understanding how these choices are made has advanced significantly our knowledge of axon guidance mechanisms. Thus, the development of the visual pathway has served as an extremely useful model to reveal general principles of axon pathfinding throughout the nervous system. However, due to its particularities, some cellular and molecular mechanisms are specific for the visual circuit. Here we review both general and specific mechanisms involved in the guidance of mammalian RGC axons when they are traveling from the retina to the brain to establish precise and stereotyped connections that will sustain vision.
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29
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Marcucci F, Murcia-Belmonte V, Wang Q, Coca Y, Ferreiro-Galve S, Kuwajima T, Khalid S, Ross ME, Mason C, Herrera E. The Ciliary Margin Zone of the Mammalian Retina Generates Retinal Ganglion Cells. Cell Rep 2017; 17:3153-3164. [PMID: 28009286 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The retina of lower vertebrates grows continuously by integrating new neurons generated from progenitors in the ciliary margin zone (CMZ). Whether the mammalian CMZ provides the neural retina with retinal cells is controversial. Live imaging of embryonic retina expressing eGFP in the CMZ shows that cells migrate laterally from the CMZ to the neural retina where differentiated retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) reside. Because Cyclin D2, a cell-cycle regulator, is enriched in ventral CMZ, we analyzed Cyclin D2-/- mice to test whether the CMZ is a source of retinal cells. Neurogenesis is diminished in Cyclin D2 mutants, leading to a reduction of RGCs in the ventral retina. In line with these findings, in the albino retina, the decreased production of ipsilateral RGCs is correlated with fewer Cyclin D2+ cells. Together, these results implicate the mammalian CMZ as a neurogenic site that produces RGCs and whose proper generation depends on Cyclin D2 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Marcucci
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Veronica Murcia-Belmonte
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Miguel Hernández), 03550 Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yaiza Coca
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Miguel Hernández), 03550 Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Susana Ferreiro-Galve
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Miguel Hernández), 03550 Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Takaaki Kuwajima
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sania Khalid
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - M Elizabeth Ross
- Center for Neurogenetics, Feil Family Brain & Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Carol Mason
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Eloisa Herrera
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Miguel Hernández), 03550 Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain.
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30
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Nadal-Nicolás FM, Vidal-Sanz M, Agudo-Barriuso M. The aging rat retina: from function to anatomy. Neurobiol Aging 2017; 61:146-168. [PMID: 29080498 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2017.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In healthy beings, age is the ultimate reason of cellular malfunction and death. In the rat retina, age causes a functional decline and loss of specific neuronal populations. In this regard, controversial conclusions have been reported for the innermost retina. Here, we have studied the albino and pigmented retina for the duration of the rat life-span. Independent of age (21 days-22 months), the electroretinographic recordings and the volume of the retina and its layers are smaller in albinos. Functionally, aging causes in both strains a loss of cone- and rod-mediated responses. Anatomically, cell density decreases with age because the retina grows linearly with time; no cell loss is observed in the ganglion cell layer; and only in the pigmented rat, there is a decrease in cone photoreceptors. In old animals of both strains, there is gliosis in the superior colliculi and a diminution of the area innervated by retinal ganglion cells. In conclusion, this work provides the basis for further studies linking senescence to neurodegenerative retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco M Nadal-Nicolás
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca) and Departamento de Oftalmología Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca) and Departamento de Oftalmología Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Marta Agudo-Barriuso
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca) and Departamento de Oftalmología Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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31
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Aquaron R. Passé, présent et futur de l’albinisme humain. Presse Med 2017; 46:645-647. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2017.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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32
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Kuwajima T, Soares CA, Sitko AA, Lefebvre V, Mason C. SoxC Transcription Factors Promote Contralateral Retinal Ganglion Cell Differentiation and Axon Guidance in the Mouse Visual System. Neuron 2017; 93:1110-1125.e5. [PMID: 28215559 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2017.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors control cell identity by regulating diverse developmental steps such as differentiation and axon guidance. The mammalian binocular visual circuit is comprised of projections of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) to ipsilateral and contralateral targets in the brain. A transcriptional code for ipsilateral RGC identity has been identified, but less is known about the transcriptional regulation of contralateral RGC development. Here we demonstrate that SoxC genes (Sox4, 11, and 12) act on the progenitor-to-postmitotic transition to implement contralateral, but not ipsilateral, RGC differentiation, by binding to Hes5 and thus repressing Notch signaling. When SoxC genes are deleted in postmitotic RGCs, contralateral RGC axons grow poorly on chiasm cells in vitro and project ipsilaterally at the chiasm midline in vivo, and Plexin-A1 and Nr-CAM expression in RGCs is downregulated. These data implicate SoxC transcription factors in the regulation of contralateral RGC differentiation and axon guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takaaki Kuwajima
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Célia A Soares
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Austen A Sitko
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Véronique Lefebvre
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Orthopaedic and Rheumatologic Research Center, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Carol Mason
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Neuroscience, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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33
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Prieur DS, Rebsam A. Retinal axon guidance at the midline: Chiasmatic misrouting and consequences. Dev Neurobiol 2017; 77:844-860. [PMID: 27907266 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The visual representation of the outside world relies on the appropriate connectivity between the eyes and the brain. Retinal ganglion cells are the sole neurons that send an axon from the retina to the brain, and thus the guidance decisions of retinal axons en route to their targets in the brain shape the neural circuitry that forms the basis of vision. Here, we focus on the choice made by retinal axons to cross or avoid the midline at the optic chiasm. This decision allows each brain hemisphere to receive inputs from both eyes corresponding to the same visual hemifield, and is thus crucial for binocular vision. In achiasmatic conditions, all retinal axons from one eye project to the ipsilateral brain hemisphere. In albinism, abnormal guidance of retinal axons at the optic chiasm leads to a change in the ratio of contralateral and ipsilateral projections with the consequence that each brain hemisphere receives inputs primarily from the contralateral eye instead of an almost equal distribution from both eyes in humans. In both cases, this misrouting of retinal axons leads to reduced visual acuity and poor depth perception. While this defect has been known for decades, mouse genetics have led to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms at play in retinal axon guidance and at the origin of the guidance defect in albinism. In addition, fMRI studies on humans have now confirmed the anatomical and functional consequences of axonal misrouting at the chiasm that were previously only assumed from animal models. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 844-860, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine S Prieur
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR-S 839, Paris, 75005, France.,Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, 75005, France.,Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Alexandra Rebsam
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR-S 839, Paris, 75005, France.,Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, 75005, France.,Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, 75005, France
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Ipsilateral and Contralateral Retinal Ganglion Cells Express Distinct Genes during Decussation at the Optic Chiasm. eNeuro 2016; 3:eN-NWR-0169-16. [PMID: 27957530 PMCID: PMC5136615 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0169-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing availability of transcriptomic technologies within the last decade has facilitated high-throughput identification of gene expression differences that define distinct cell types as well as the molecular pathways that drive their specification. The retinal projection neurons, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), can be categorized into distinct morphological and functional subtypes and by the laterality of their projections. Here, we present a method for purifying the sparse population of ipsilaterally projecting RGCs in mouse retina from their contralaterally projecting counterparts during embryonic development through rapid retrograde labeling followed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Through microarray analysis, we uncovered the distinct molecular signatures that define and distinguish ipsilateral and contralateral RGCs during the critical period of axonal outgrowth and decussation, with more than 300 genes differentially expressed within these two cell populations. Among the differentially expressed genes confirmed through in vivo expression validation, several genes that mark “immaturity” are expressed within postmitotic ipsilateral RGCs. Moreover, at least one complementary pair, Igf1 and Igfbp5, is upregulated in contralateral or ipsilateral RGCs, respectively, and may represent signaling pathways that determine ipsilateral versus contralateral RGC identity. Importantly, the cell cycle regulator cyclin D2 is highly expressed in peripheral ventral retina with a dynamic expression pattern that peaks during the period of ipsilateral RGC production. Thus, the molecular signatures of ipsilateral and contralateral RGCs and the mechanisms that regulate their differentiation are more diverse than previously expected.
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Iwai-Takekoshi L, Ramos A, Schaler A, Weinreb S, Blazeski R, Mason C. Retinal pigment epithelial integrity is compromised in the developing albino mouse retina. J Comp Neurol 2016; 524:3696-3716. [PMID: 27097562 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In the developing murine eye, melanin synthesis in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) coincides with neurogenesis of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Disruption of pigmentation in the albino RPE is associated with delayed neurogenesis in the ventrotemporal retina, the source of ipsilateral RGCs, and a reduced ipsilateral RGC projection. To begin to unravel how melanogenesis and the RPE regulate RGC neurogenesis and cell subpopulation specification, we compared the features of albino and pigmented mouse RPE cells during the period of RGC neurogenesis (embryonic day, E, 12.5 to 18.5) when the RPE is closely apposed to developing RGC precursors. At E12.5 and E15.5, although albino and pigmented RPE cells express RPE markers Otx2 and Mitf similarly, albino RPE cells are irregularly shaped and have fewer melanosomes compared with pigmented RPE cells. The adherens junction protein P-cadherin appears loosely distributed within the albino RPE cells rather than tightly localized on the cell membrane, as in pigmented RPE. Connexin 43 (gap junction protein) is expressed in pigmented and albino RPE cells at E13.5 but at E15.5 albino RPE cells have fewer small connexin 43 puncta, and a larger fraction of phosphorylated connexin 43 at serine 368. These results suggest that the lack of pigment in the RPE results in impaired RPE cell integrity and communication via gap junctions between RPE and neural retina during RGC neurogenesis. Our findings should pave the way for further investigation of the role of RPE in regulating RGC development toward achieving proper RGC axon decussation. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:3696-3716, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Iwai-Takekoshi
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Anna Ramos
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ari Schaler
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Samuel Weinreb
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Richard Blazeski
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Carol Mason
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.
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A model of progressive photo-oxidative degeneration and inflammation in the pigmented C57BL/6J mouse retina. Exp Eye Res 2016; 147:114-127. [PMID: 27155143 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Light-induced degeneration in rodent retinas is an established model for of retinal degeneration, including the roles of oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory activity. In these models, photoreceptor death is elicited via photo-oxidative stress, and is exacerbated by recruitment of subretinal macrophages and activation of immune pathways including complement propagation. Existing light damage models have relied heavily on albino rodents, and mostly using acute light stimuli. These albino models have proven valuable in uncovering the pathogenic mechanisms of such pathways in the context of retinal disease. However, their inherent albinism hinders comparability to normal retinal physiology, and also makes gene technology analysis time-consuming due to the predominance of the pigmented mouse strains in these applications. In this study, we characterise a new light damage model utilising C57BL/6J mice over a 7 day period of chronic light exposure. We use high-efficiency LED technology to deliver a sustained intensity of 100 k lux with negligible modulation of ambient temperature. We show that in the C57BL/6J mouse, chronic light exposure elicits the cardinal features of light damage including photoreceptor degeneration, atrophy of the choriocapillaris, decreased retinal function and increases in oxidative stress markers 4-HNE and 8-OHG, which emerge progressively over the 7 day period of exposure. These changes are accompanied by robust recruitment of IBA1+ and F4/80 + microglia/macrophages to the ONL and subretinal space, followed the strong up-regulation of monocyte-chemoattractants Ccl2, Ccl3, and Ccl12, as well as increases in expression of complement component C3. These findings are in agreement with prior damage models conducted in albino rodents such as Balb/c mice, and support the use of this new model in further investigating the causative features of oxidative stress and inflammation in retinal disease.
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De Groef L, Dekeyster E, Geeraerts E, Lefevere E, Stalmans I, Salinas-Navarro M, Moons L. Differential visual system organization and susceptibility to experimental models of optic neuropathies in three commonly used mouse strains. Exp Eye Res 2016; 145:235-247. [PMID: 26791081 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Mouse disease models have proven indispensable in glaucoma research, yet the complexity of the vast number of models and mouse strains has also led to confusing findings. In this study, we evaluated baseline intraocular pressure, retinal histology, and retinofugal projections in three mouse strains commonly used in glaucoma research, i.e. C57Bl/6, C57Bl/6-Tyr(c), and CD-1 mice. We found that the mouse strains under study do not only display moderate variations in their intraocular pressure, retinal architecture, and retinal ganglion cell density, also the retinofugal projections to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus and the superior colliculus revealed striking differences, potentially underlying diverging optokinetic tracking responses and visual acuity. Next, we reviewed the success rate of three models of (glaucomatous) optic neuropathies (intravitreal N-methyl-d-aspartic acid injection, optic nerve crush, and laser photocoagulation-induced ocular hypertension), looking for differences in disease susceptibility between these mouse strains. Different genetic backgrounds and albinism led to differential susceptibility to experimentally induced retinal ganglion cell death among these three mouse strains. Overall, CD-1 mice appeared to have the highest sensitivity to retinal ganglion cell damage, while the C57Bl/6 background was more resistant in the three models used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lies De Groef
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eline Dekeyster
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Emiel Geeraerts
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Evy Lefevere
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ingeborg Stalmans
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Manuel Salinas-Navarro
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieve Moons
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Fares-Taie L, Gerber S, Tawara A, Ramirez-Miranda A, Douet JY, Verdin H, Guilloux A, Zenteno J, Kondo H, Moisset H, Passet B, Yamamoto K, Iwai M, Tanaka T, Nakamura Y, Kimura W, Bole-Feysot C, Vilotte M, Odent S, Vilotte JL, Munnich A, Regnier A, Chassaing N, De Baere E, Raymond-Letron I, Kaplan J, Calvas P, Roche O, Rozet JM. Submicroscopic deletions at 13q32.1 cause congenital microcoria. Am J Hum Genet 2015; 96:631-9. [PMID: 25772937 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2015.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital microcoria (MCOR) is a rare autosomal-dominant disorder characterized by inability of the iris to dilate owing to absence of dilator pupillae muscle. So far, a dozen MCOR-affected families have been reported worldwide. By using whole-genome oligonucleotide array CGH, we have identified deletions at 13q32.1 segregating with MCOR in six families originating from France, Japan, and Mexico. Breakpoint sequence analyses showed nonrecurrent deletions in 5/6 families. The deletions varied from 35 kbp to 80 kbp in size, but invariably encompassed or interrupted only two genes: TGDS encoding the TDP-glucose 4,6-dehydratase and GPR180 encoding the G protein-coupled receptor 180, also known as intimal thickness-related receptor (ITR). Unlike TGDS which has no known function in muscle cells, GPR180 is involved in the regulation of smooth muscle cell growth. The identification of a null GPR180 mutation segregating over two generations with iridocorneal angle dysgenesis, which can be regarded as a MCOR endophenotype, is consistent with the view that deletions of this gene, with or without the loss of elements regulating the expression of neighboring genes, are the cause of MCOR.
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Abstract
The visual system is beautifully crafted to transmit information of the external world to visual processing and cognitive centers in the brain. For visual information to be relayed to the brain, a series of axon pathfinding events must take place to ensure that the axons of retinal ganglion cells, the only neuronal cell type in the retina that sends axons out of the retina, find their way out of the eye to connect with targets in the brain. In the past few decades, the power of molecular and genetic tools, including the generation of genetically manipulated mouse lines, have multiplied our knowledge about the molecular mechanisms involved in the sculpting of the visual system. Here, we review major advances in our understanding of the mechanisms controlling the differentiation of RGCs, guidance of their axons from the retina to the primary visual centers, and the refinement processes essential for the establishment of topographic maps and eye-specific axon segregation. Human disorders, such as albinism and achiasmia, that impair RGC axon growth and guidance and, thus, the establishment of a fully functioning visual system will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynda Erskine
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Eloisa Herrera
- Instituto de Neurosciencias de Alicante, CSIC-UMH, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
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Hoffmann MB, Dumoulin SO. Congenital visual pathway abnormalities: a window onto cortical stability and plasticity. Trends Neurosci 2014; 38:55-65. [PMID: 25448619 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2014.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sensory systems project information in a highly organized manner to the brain, where it is preserved in maps of the sensory structures. These sensory projections are altered in congenital abnormalities, such as anophthalmia, albinism, achiasma, and hemihydranencephaly. Consequently, these abnormalities, profoundly affect the organization of the visual system. Surprisingly, visual perception remains largely intact, except for anophthalmia. Recent brain imaging advances shed light on the mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon. In contrast to animal models, in humans the plasticity of thalamocortical connections appears limited, thus demonstrating the importance of cortical adaptations. We suggest that congenital visual pathway abnormalities provide a valuable model to investigate the principles of plasticity that make visual representations available for perception and behavior in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Hoffmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual Processing Laboratory, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Serge O Dumoulin
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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