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Yu M, Qin K, Fan J, Zhao G, Zhao P, Zeng W, Chen C, Wang A, Wang Y, Zhong J, Zhu Y, Wagstaff W, Haydon RC, Luu HH, Ho S, Lee MJ, Strelzow J, Reid RR, He TC. The evolving roles of Wnt signaling in stem cell proliferation and differentiation, the development of human diseases, and therapeutic opportunities. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101026. [PMID: 38292186 PMCID: PMC10825312 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.04.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The evolutionarily conserved Wnt signaling pathway plays a central role in development and adult tissue homeostasis across species. Wnt proteins are secreted, lipid-modified signaling molecules that activate the canonical (β-catenin dependent) and non-canonical (β-catenin independent) Wnt signaling pathways. Cellular behaviors such as proliferation, differentiation, maturation, and proper body-axis specification are carried out by the canonical pathway, which is the best characterized of the known Wnt signaling paths. Wnt signaling has emerged as an important factor in stem cell biology and is known to affect the self-renewal of stem cells in various tissues. This includes but is not limited to embryonic, hematopoietic, mesenchymal, gut, neural, and epidermal stem cells. Wnt signaling has also been implicated in tumor cells that exhibit stem cell-like properties. Wnt signaling is crucial for bone formation and presents a potential target for the development of therapeutics for bone disorders. Not surprisingly, aberrant Wnt signaling is also associated with a wide variety of diseases, including cancer. Mutations of Wnt pathway members in cancer can lead to unchecked cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and metastasis. Altogether, advances in the understanding of dysregulated Wnt signaling in disease have paved the way for the development of novel therapeutics that target components of the Wnt pathway. Beginning with a brief overview of the mechanisms of canonical and non-canonical Wnt, this review aims to summarize the current knowledge of Wnt signaling in stem cells, aberrations to the Wnt pathway associated with diseases, and novel therapeutics targeting the Wnt pathway in preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Yu
- School of Medicine, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Kevin Qin
- School of Medicine, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jiaming Fan
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and Department of Clinical Biochemistry, The School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Guozhi Zhao
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Piao Zhao
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Wei Zeng
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Neurology, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523475, China
| | - Connie Chen
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Annie Wang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Yonghui Wang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200000, China
| | - Jiamin Zhong
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and Department of Clinical Biochemistry, The School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - William Wagstaff
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Rex C. Haydon
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Hue H. Luu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Sherwin Ho
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Michael J. Lee
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jason Strelzow
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Russell R. Reid
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Laboratory of Craniofacial Suture Biology and Development, Department of Surgery Section of Plastic Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Tong-Chuan He
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Laboratory of Craniofacial Suture Biology and Development, Department of Surgery Section of Plastic Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Wu X, Yang X, Dai X, Chen X, Shen M, Dai J, Yuan F, Wang L, Yuan Y, Feng Y. 5-Aza-2'-Deoxycytidine Ameliorates Choroidal Neovascularization by Inhibiting the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:23. [PMID: 38345554 PMCID: PMC10866157 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.2.23] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) can constitute the final pathology of many ocular diseases and result in severe vision loss. Studies have demonstrated that DNA methylation is critical in retinal development, aging, and disorders. The current work investigated the effects and underlying mechanism of 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC), a suppressor of DNA methylation, in the pathological progression of CNV. Methods The DNA methylation profiles of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE)/choroidal complexes in normal and laser-induced CNV mice were assessed by Arraystar Mouse RefSeq Promoter Arrays. The CNV area and blood flow density and intensity were observed by optical coherence tomography angiography, and fluorescence leakage was examined by fundus fluorescein angiography in CNV mice with systemic administration of 5-aza-dC. The effects of 5-aza-dC on the biological functions of bEnd.3 cells were estimated by related assays. Notum gene promoter methylation was measured using bisulfite sequencing PCR. Methyltransferases and Wnt signaling-related genes were detected in animal and cell culture experiments by real-time PCR and immunoblot. Results Methyltransferases were upregulated, but Notum (a secretion inhibitor of Wnt signaling) was downregulated in the RPE/choroidal complexes of mice with experimental CNV. Intraperitoneal injection of 5-aza-dC inactivated the Wnt pathway and ameliorated the lesion area and the intensity and density of blood flow, as well as the degree of leakage in CNV. In vitro, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) stimulation promoted methyltransferases expression and suppressed Notum expression, consequently activating Wnt signaling, whereas exogenous 5-aza-dC reversed VEGFA-induced hyperpermeability, proliferation, migration, and tube formation in bEnd.3 cells via demethylation of Notum promoter. Conclusions We observed that 5-aza-dC attenuates the growth of CNV by inhibiting the Wnt signaling pathway via promoter demethylation of the Wnt antagonist Notum. These findings provide a theoretical basis for methylation-based treatment with the Notum gene as a potential target for CNV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaochan Dai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuping Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minqian Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinhui Dai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liyang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Geriatric Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanzhi Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yifan Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Shen G, Li Y, Zeng Y, Hong F, Zhang J, Wang Y, Zhang C, Xiang W, Wang J, Fang Z, Qi W, Yang X, Gao G, Zhou T. Kallistatin Deficiency Induces the Oxidative Stress-Related Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells: A Novel Protagonist in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:15. [PMID: 37682567 PMCID: PMC10500364 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.12.15] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dysfunction induced by oxidative stress-related epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of RPE is the primary underlying mechanism of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Kallistatin (KAL) is a secreted protein with an antioxidative stress effect. However, the relationship between KAL and EMT in RPE has not been determined. Therefore we aimed to explore the impact and mechanism of KAL in oxidative stress-induced EMT of RPE. Methods Sodium iodate (SI) was injected intraperitoneally to construct the AMD rat model and investigate the changes in RPE morphology and KAL expression. KAL knockout rats and KAL transgenic mice were used to explain the effects of KAL on EMT and oxidative stress. In addition, Snail overexpressed adenovirus and si-RNA transfected ARPE19 cells to verify the involvement of Snail in mediating KAL-suppressed EMT of RPE. Results AMD rats induced by SI expressed less KAL in the retina, and KAL knockout rats showed RPE dysfunction spontaneously where EMT and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production increased in RPE. In contrast, KAL overexpression attenuated EMT and ROS levels in RPE, even in TGF-β treatment. Mechanistically, Snail reversed the beneficial effect of KAL on EMT and ROS reduction. Moreover, KAL ameliorated SI-induced AMD-like pathological changes. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated that KAL inhibits oxidative stress-induced EMT by downregulating the transcription factor Snail. Herein, KAL knockout rats may be an appropriate animal model for observing spontaneous RPE dysfunction for AMD-like retinopathy, and KAL may represent a novel therapeutic target for treating dry AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Shen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanmei Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongcheng Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fuyan Hong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengwei Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Xiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinhong Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenzhen Fang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Qi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xia Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoquan Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Gene Manipulation and Biomacromolecular Products, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ti Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- China Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
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Park JE, Lee J, Ok S, Byun S, Chang EJ, Yoon SE, Kim YJ, Kang MJ. Wg/Wnt1 and Erasp link ER stress to proapoptotic signaling in an autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa model. Exp Mol Med 2023:10.1038/s12276-023-01044-7. [PMID: 37464094 PMCID: PMC10394004 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01044-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a subcellular organelle essential for cellular homeostasis. Perturbation of ER functions due to various conditions can induce apoptosis. Chronic ER stress has been implicated in a wide range of diseases, including autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP), which is characterized by age-dependent retinal degeneration caused by mutant rhodopsin alleles. However, the signaling pathways that mediate apoptosis in response to ER stress remain poorly understood. In this study, we performed an unbiased in vivo RNAi screen with a Drosophila ADRP model and found that Wg/Wnt1 mediated apoptosis. Subsequent transcriptome analysis revealed that ER stress-associated serine protease (Erasp), which has been predicted to show serine-type endopeptidase activity, was a downstream target of Wg/Wnt1 during ER stress. Furthermore, knocking down Erasp via RNAi suppressed apoptosis induced by mutant rhodopsin-1 (Rh-1P37H) toxicity, alleviating retinal degeneration in the Drosophila ADRP model. In contrast, overexpression of Erasp resulted in enhanced caspase activity in Drosophila S2 cells treated with apoptotic inducers and the stabilization of the initiator caspase Dronc (Death regulator Nedd2-like caspase) by stimulating DIAP1 (Drosophila inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1) degradation. These findings helped identify a novel cell death signaling pathway involved in retinal degeneration in an autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Eun Park
- Department of Pharmacology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoun Lee
- School of Biopharmaceutical and Medical Sciences, Sungshin University, Seoul, 01133, Republic of Korea
| | - Soonhyuck Ok
- Department of Pharmacology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghee Byun
- Department of Pharmacology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ju Chang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, 88, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Eun Yoon
- Korea Drosophila Resource Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), 123 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Joon Kim
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), 123 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Ji Kang
- Department of Pharmacology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea.
- Biomedical Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, 88, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea.
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5
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Zhu X, Zhou C, Zhao S, Zheng Z. Role of m6A methylation in retinal diseases. Exp Eye Res 2023; 231:109489. [PMID: 37084873 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Retinal diseases remain among the leading causes of visual impairment in developed countries, despite great efforts in prevention and early intervention. Due to the limited efficacy of current retinal therapies, novel therapeutic methods are urgently required. Over the past two decades, advances in next-generation sequencing technology have facilitated research on RNA modifications, which can elucidate the relevance of epigenetic mechanisms to disease. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), formed by methylation of adenosine at the N6-position, is the most widely studied RNA modification and plays an important role in RNA metabolism. It is dynamically regulated by writers (methyltransferases) and erasers (demethylases), and recognized by readers (m6A binding proteins). Although the discovery of m6A methylation can be traced back to the 1970s, its regulatory roles in retinal diseases are rarely appreciated. Here, we provide an overview of m6A methylation, and discuss its effects and possible mechanisms on retinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinoblastoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Furthermore, we highlight potential agents targeting m6A methylation for retinal disease treatment and discuss the limitations and challenges of research in the field of m6A methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Chuandi Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Shuzhi Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, 200080, China.
| | - Zhi Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, 200080, China.
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Lycopene protects against Bisphenol A induced toxicity on the submandibular salivary glands via the upregulation of PPAR-γ and modulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 112:109293. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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7
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Senabouth A, Daniszewski M, Lidgerwood GE, Liang HH, Hernández D, Mirzaei M, Keenan SN, Zhang R, Han X, Neavin D, Rooney L, Lopez Sanchez MIG, Gulluyan L, Paulo JA, Clarke L, Kearns LS, Gnanasambandapillai V, Chan CL, Nguyen U, Steinmann AM, McCloy RA, Farbehi N, Gupta VK, Mackey DA, Bylsma G, Verma N, MacGregor S, Watt MJ, Guymer RH, Powell JE, Hewitt AW, Pébay A. Transcriptomic and proteomic retinal pigment epithelium signatures of age-related macular degeneration. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4233. [PMID: 35882847 PMCID: PMC9325891 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31707-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
There are currently no treatments for geographic atrophy, the advanced form of age-related macular degeneration. Hence, innovative studies are needed to model this condition and prevent or delay its progression. Induced pluripotent stem cells generated from patients with geographic atrophy and healthy individuals were differentiated to retinal pigment epithelium. Integrating transcriptional profiles of 127,659 retinal pigment epithelium cells generated from 43 individuals with geographic atrophy and 36 controls with genotype data, we identify 445 expression quantitative trait loci in cis that are asssociated with disease status and specific to retinal pigment epithelium subpopulations. Transcriptomics and proteomics approaches identify molecular pathways significantly upregulated in geographic atrophy, including in mitochondrial functions, metabolic pathways and extracellular cellular matrix reorganization. Five significant protein quantitative trait loci that regulate protein expression in the retinal pigment epithelium and in geographic atrophy are identified - two of which share variants with cis- expression quantitative trait loci, including proteins involved in mitochondrial biology and neurodegeneration. Investigation of mitochondrial metabolism confirms mitochondrial dysfunction as a core constitutive difference of the retinal pigment epithelium from patients with geographic atrophy. This study uncovers important differences in retinal pigment epithelium homeostasis associated with geographic atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Senabouth
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Maciej Daniszewski
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Grace E Lidgerwood
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Helena H Liang
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Damián Hernández
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Stacey N Keenan
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Ran Zhang
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Xikun Han
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Drew Neavin
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Louise Rooney
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | | | - Lerna Gulluyan
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Joao A Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Linda Clarke
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Lisa S Kearns
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | | | - Chia-Ling Chan
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Uyen Nguyen
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Angela M Steinmann
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Rachael A McCloy
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Nona Farbehi
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Vivek K Gupta
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - David A Mackey
- Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Vision Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7005, Australia
| | - Guy Bylsma
- Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Vision Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Nitin Verma
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7005, Australia
| | - Stuart MacGregor
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Matthew J Watt
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Robyn H Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Ophthalmology, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, The University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Joseph E Powell
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.
- UNSW Cellular Genomics Futures Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Alex W Hewitt
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia.
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7005, Australia.
- Department of Surgery, Ophthalmology, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, The University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia.
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Alice Pébay
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia.
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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8
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Vallée A. Curcumin and Wnt/β‑catenin signaling in exudative age‑related macular degeneration (Review). Int J Mol Med 2022; 49:79. [PMID: 35445729 PMCID: PMC9083851 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2022.5135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Curcumin is a natural product widely used due to its pharmacological effects. Nevertheless, only a limited number of studies concerning the effects of curcumin on exudative age‑related macular degeneration (AMD) is currently available. Since ophthalmic diseases, including exudative AMD, have a marked impact on public health, the prevention and therapy of ophthalmic disorders remain of increasing concern. Exudative AMD is characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV) invading the subretinal space, ultimately enhancing exudation and hemorrhaging. The exudative AMD subtype corresponds to 10 to 15% of cases of macular degeneration; however, the occurrence of this subtype has been reported as the major cause of vision loss and blindness, with the occurrence of CNV being responsible for 80% of the cases with vision loss. In CNV increased expression of VEGF has been observed, stimulated by the overactivation of Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway. The stimulation of the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway is responsible for the activation of several cellular mechanisms, simultaneously enhancing inflammation, oxidative stress and angiogenesis in numerous diseases, including ophthalmic disorders. Some studies have previously demonstrated the possible advantage of the use of curcumin for the inhibition of Wnt/β‑catenin signaling. In the present review article, the different mechanisms of curcumin are described concerning its effects on oxidative stress, inflammation and angiogenesis in exudative AMD, by interacting with Wnt/β‑catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Vallée
- Department of Epidemiology-Data-Biostatistics, Delegation of Clinical Research and Innovation (DRCI), Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
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9
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Bats ML, Peghaire C, Delobel V, Dufourcq P, Couffinhal T, Duplàa C. Wnt/frizzled Signaling in Endothelium: A Major Player in Blood-Retinal- and Blood-Brain-Barrier Integrity. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2022; 12:a041219. [PMID: 35074794 PMCID: PMC9121893 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The Wnt/frizzled signaling pathway is one of the major regulators of endothelial biology, controlling key cellular activities. Many secreted Wnt ligands have been identified and can initiate diverse signaling via binding to a complex set of Frizzled (Fzd) transmembrane receptors and coreceptors. Roughly, Wnt signaling is subdivided into two pathways: the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway whose main downstream effector is the transcriptional coactivator β-catenin, and the noncanonical Wnt signaling pathway, which is subdivided into the Wnt/Ca2+ pathway and the planar cell polarity pathway. Here, we will focus on its cross talk with other angiogenic pathways and on its role in blood-retinal- and blood-brain-barrier formation and its maintenance in a differentiated state. We will unravel how retinal vascular pathologies and neurovascular degenerative diseases result from disruption of the Wnt pathway related to vascular instability, and highlight current research into therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Lise Bats
- Univ. Bordeaux, Inserm, UMR1034, Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, F-33600 Pessac, France
- Department of Biochemistry, Pellegrin Hospital, University Hospital of Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - Claire Peghaire
- Univ. Bordeaux, Inserm, UMR1034, Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Valentin Delobel
- Univ. Bordeaux, Inserm, UMR1034, Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Pascale Dufourcq
- Univ. Bordeaux, Inserm, UMR1034, Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Thierry Couffinhal
- Univ. Bordeaux, Inserm, UMR1034, Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, F-33600 Pessac, France
- Centre d'exploration, de prévention et de traitement de l'athérosclérose (CEPTA), CHU Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Cécile Duplàa
- Univ. Bordeaux, Inserm, UMR1034, Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, F-33600 Pessac, France
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10
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Canonical Wnt Signaling in the Pathology of Iron Overload-Induced Oxidative Stress and Age-Related Diseases. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:7163326. [PMID: 35116092 PMCID: PMC8807048 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7163326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Iron accumulates in the vital organs with aging. This is associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction leading to age-related disorders. Abnormal iron levels are linked to neurodegenerative diseases, liver injury, cancer, and ocular diseases. Canonical Wnt signaling is an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway that regulates many cellular functions including cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration, and stem cell renewal. Recent evidences indicate that iron regulates Wnt signaling, and iron chelators like deferoxamine and deferasirox can inhibit Wnt signaling and cell growth. Canonical Wnt signaling is implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases, and there are significant efforts ongoing to develop innovative therapies targeting the aberrant Wnt signaling. This review examines how intracellular iron accumulation regulates Wnt signaling in various tissues and their potential contribution in the progression of age-related diseases.
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11
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Ma X, Takahashi Y, Wu W, Chen J, Dehdarani M, Liang W, Shin YH, Benyajati S, Ma JX. Soluble very low-density lipoprotein receptor (sVLDLR) inhibits fibrosis in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. FASEB J 2021; 35:e22058. [PMID: 34820908 PMCID: PMC9131420 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101334r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Subretinal fibrosis is a key pathological feature in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD). Previously, we identified soluble very low‐density lipoprotein receptor (sVLDLR) as an endogenous Wnt signaling inhibitor. This study investigates whether sVLDLR plays an anti‐fibrogenic role in nAMD models, including Vldlr−/− mice and laser‐induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV). We found that fibrosis factors including P‐Smad2/3, α‐SMA, and CTGF were upregulated in the subretinal area of Vldlr−/− mice and the laser‐induced CNV model. The antibody blocking Wnt co‐receptor LRP6 significantly attenuated the overexpression of fibrotic factors in these two models. Moreover, there was a significant reduction of sVLDLR in the interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM) in the laser‐induced CNV model. A transgenic strain (sVLDLR‐Tg) with sVLDLR overexpression in the IPM was generated. Overexpression of sVLDLR ameliorated the profibrotic changes in the subretinal area of the laser‐induced CNV model. In addition, Wnt and TGF‐β signaling synergistically promoted fibrogenesis in human primary retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated LRP6 gene knockout (KO) attenuated this synergistic effect. The disruption of VLDLR expression promoted, while the overexpression of sVLDLR inhibited TGF‐β‐induced fibrosis. These findings suggest that overactivated Wnt signaling enhances the TGF‐β pathway in subretinal fibrosis. sVLDLR confers an antifibrotic effect, at least partially, through the inhibition of Wnt signaling and thus, has therapeutic potential for fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Ma
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Yusuke Takahashi
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Wenjing Wu
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Jianglei Chen
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Marcus Dehdarani
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Wentao Liang
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Young-Hwa Shin
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Siribhinya Benyajati
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
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12
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Maleki Dana P, Sadoughi F, Mansournia MA, Mirzaei H, Asemi Z, Yousefi B. Targeting Wnt signaling pathway by polyphenols: implication for aging and age-related diseases. Biogerontology 2021; 22:479-494. [PMID: 34480268 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-021-09934-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Age is an important risk factor for different diseases. The same mechanisms that promote aging are involved in the development and progression of age-associated diseases. Polyphenols are organic compounds found in fruits and vegetables. Due to their beneficial properties (e.g. antioxidant and anti-inflammatory), polyphenols have been extensively used for treating chronic diseases. To exert their functions, polyphenols target various molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways, such as mTOR, NF-κB, and Wnt/β-catenin. Wnt signaling is a critical pathway for developmental processes. Besides, dysregulation of this signaling pathway has been observed in various diseases. Several investigations have been conducted on Wnt inhibitors at pre-clinical stages, showing promising results. Herein, we review the studies dealing with the role of polyphenols in targeting the Wnt signaling pathways in aging processes and age-associated diseases, including cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, and Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Maleki Dana
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadoughi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Mansournia
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran.
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran.
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Ma X, Takahashi Y, Wu W, Liang W, Chen J, Chakraborty D, Li Y, Du Y, Benyajati S, Ma JX. ADAM17 mediates ectodomain shedding of the soluble VLDL receptor fragment in the retinal epithelium. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101185. [PMID: 34509473 PMCID: PMC8487060 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) is a multifunctional transmembrane protein. Beyond the function of the full-length VLDLR in lipid transport, the soluble ectodomain of VLDLR (sVLDLR) confers anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic roles in ocular tissues through inhibition of canonical Wnt signaling. However, it remains unknown how sVLDLR is shed into the extracellular space. In this study, we present the first evidence that a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17) is responsible for sVLDLR shedding in human retinal pigment epithelium cells using pharmacological and genetic approaches. Among selected proteinase inhibitors, an ADAM17 inhibitor demonstrated the most potent inhibitory effect on sVLDLR shedding. siRNA-mediated knockdown or CRISPR/Cas9-mediated KO of ADAM17 diminished, whereas plasmid-mediated overexpression of ADAM17 promoted sVLDLR shedding. The amount of shed sVLDLR correlated with an inhibitory effect on the Wnt signaling pathway. Consistent with these in vitro findings, intravitreal injection of an ADAM17 inhibitor reduced sVLDLR levels in the extracellular matrix in the mouse retina. In addition, our results demonstrated that ADAM17 cleaved VLDLR only in cells coexpressing these proteins, suggesting that shedding occurs in a cis manner. Moreover, our study demonstrated that aberrant activation of Wnt signaling was associated with decreased sVLDLR levels, along with downregulation of ADAM17 in ocular tissues of an age-related macular degeneration model. Taken together, our observations reveal the mechanism underlying VLDLR cleavage and identify a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of disorders associated with dysregulation of Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Ma
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Yusuke Takahashi
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Wenjing Wu
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Wentao Liang
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Jianglei Chen
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Dibyendu Chakraborty
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Yangxiong Li
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Yanhong Du
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Siribhinya Benyajati
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
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14
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Rinsky B, Beykin G, Grunin M, Amer R, Khateb S, Tiosano L, Almeida D, Hagbi-Levi S, Elbaz-Hayoun S, Chowers I. Analysis of the Aqueous Humor Proteome in Patients With Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:18. [PMID: 34406330 PMCID: PMC8374990 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.10.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is associated with altered gene and protein expression in the retina. We characterize the aqueous humor (AH) proteome in AMD to gain insight into the pathogenesis of the disease and identify potential biomarkers. Methods AH was collected from age and gender matched neovascular AMD (nvAMD; n = 10) patients and controls (n = 10). AH was pooled to create two samples (nvAMD and control), followed by intensity-based label-free quantification (MS1). Functional and bioinformatic analysis were then performed. A validation set (20 controls, 15 atrophic AMD and 15 nvAMD) was tested via multiplex ELISA for nine differentially expressed proteins according to the MS1 findings. Results MS1 identified 674 proteins in the AH. 239 proteins were upregulated in nvAMD (nvAMD/control > 2, peptide tags (PT) > 2), and 86 proteins were downregulated (nvAMD/control < 0.5, PT > 2). Functional analysis of proteins upregulated in AMD demonstrated enrichment for platelet degranulation (enrichment score (ES):28.1), negative regulation of endopeptidase activity (ES:18.8), cellular protein metabolic process (ES:11.8), epidermal growth factor-like domain (ES:10.3), sushi/SCR/CCP (ES:10.1), and complement/coagulation cascades (ES:9.2). AMD protein clusters were upregulated for 3/6 (χ2 < 0.05 compared to randomization). Validation via ELISA confirmed MS1 in 2/9 proteins (Clusterin and Serpin A4, P < 0.05), while 3/9 showed differential expression between aAMD and nvAMD (Clusterin, Serpin A4, and TF P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve calculation identified the area under the curve of 0.82 for clusterin as a biomarker for distinction of AMD. Conclusions AH proteomics in AMD patients identified several proteins and functional clusters with altered expression. Further research should confirm if these proteins may serve as biomarkers or therapeutic target for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batya Rinsky
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gala Beykin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michelle Grunin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Radgonde Amer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Samer Khateb
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Liran Tiosano
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Diego Almeida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shira Hagbi-Levi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sarah Elbaz-Hayoun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Itay Chowers
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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15
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Singh HD, Ma JX, Takahashi Y. Distinct roles of LRP5 and LRP6 in Wnt signaling regulation in the retina. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 545:8-13. [PMID: 33545636 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.01.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of Wnt signaling is implicated in multiple ocular disorders. The roles of Wnt co-receptors LRP5 and LRP6 in Wnt signaling regulation remain elusive, as most retinal cells express both of the co-receptors. To address this question, LRP5 and LRP6 were individually knocked-out in a human retinal pigment epithelium cell line using the CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Wnt signaling activity induced by various Wnt ligands was measured using wild-type and the KO cell lines. The results identified three groups of Wnt ligands based on their co-receptor specificity: 1) activation of Wnt signaling only through LRP6, 2) through both LRP5 and LRP6 and 3) predominantly through LRP5. These results indicate that LRP5 and LRP6 have differential roles in Wnt signaling regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harminder D Singh
- Department of Physiology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Physiology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Yusuke Takahashi
- Department of Physiology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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16
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Kassumeh S, Weber GR, Nobl M, Priglinger SG, Ohlmann A. The neuroprotective role of Wnt signaling in the retina. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1524-1528. [PMID: 33433466 PMCID: PMC8323680 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.303010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been shown to play a major role during embryonic development and maturation of the central nervous system including the retina. It has a significant impact on retinal vessel formation and maturation, as well as on the establishment of synaptic structures and neuronal function in the central nervous system. Mutations in components of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade may lead to severe retinal diseases, while dysregulation of Wnt signaling can contribute to disease progression. Apart from the angiogenic role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, research in the last decades leads to the theory of a protective effect of Wnt/β-catenin signaling on damaged neurons. In this review, we focus on the neuroprotective properties of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway as well as its downstream signaling in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kassumeh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Mathildenstrasse 8, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Gregor R Weber
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Mathildenstrasse 8, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Nobl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Mathildenstrasse 8, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Siegfried G Priglinger
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Mathildenstrasse 8, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Ohlmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Mathildenstrasse 8, 80336 Munich, Germany
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17
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Fenofibrate prevents iron induced activation of canonical Wnt/β-catenin and oxidative stress signaling in the retina. NPJ Aging Mech Dis 2020; 6:12. [PMID: 33145027 PMCID: PMC7599211 DOI: 10.1038/s41514-020-00050-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence strongly implicates iron in the pathogenesis of aging and disease. Iron levels have been found to increase with age in both the human and mouse retinas. We and others have shown that retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are associated with disrupted iron homeostasis, resulting in retinal iron accumulation. In addition, hereditary disorders due to mutation in one of the iron regulatory genes lead to age dependent retinal iron overload and degeneration. However, our knowledge on whether iron toxicity contributes to the retinopathy is limited. Recently, we reported that iron accumulation is associated with the upregulation of retinal and renal renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Evidences indicate that multiple genes/components of the RAS are targets of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Interestingly, aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling is observed in several degenerative diseases. In the present study, we explored whether iron accumulation regulates canonical Wnt signaling in the retina. We found that in vitro and in vivo iron treatment resulted in the upregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and its downstream target genes including renin-angiotensin system in the retina. We confirmed further that iron activates canonical Wnt signaling in the retina using TOPFlash T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor promoter assay and Axin2-LacZ reporter mouse. The presence of an iron chelator or an antioxidant reversed the iron-mediated upregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. In addition, treatment of RPE cells with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α-agonist fenofibrate prevented iron-induced activation of oxidative stress and Wnt/β-catenin signaling by chelating the iron. The role of fenofibrate, an FDA-approved drug for hyperlipidemia, as an iron chelator has potentially significant therapeutic impact on iron associated degenerative diseases.
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18
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Joseph C, Mangani AS, Gupta V, Chitranshi N, Shen T, Dheer Y, Kb D, Mirzaei M, You Y, Graham SL, Gupta V. Cell Cycle Deficits in Neurodegenerative Disorders: Uncovering Molecular Mechanisms to Drive Innovative Therapeutic Development. Aging Dis 2020; 11:946-966. [PMID: 32765956 PMCID: PMC7390532 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2019.0923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell cycle dysregulation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. Specialised function obligates neuronal cells to subsist in a quiescent state of cell cycle once differentiated and therefore the circumstances and mechanisms underlying aberrant cell cycle activation in post-mitotic neurons in physiological and disease conditions remains an intriguing area of research. There is a strict requirement of concurrence to cell cycle regulation for neurons to ensure intracellular biochemical conformity as well as interrelationship with other cells within neural tissues. This review deliberates on various mechanisms underlying cell cycle regulation in neuronal cells and underscores potential implications of their non-compliance in neural pathology. Recent research suggests that successful duplication of genetic material without subsequent induction of mitosis induces inherent molecular flaws that eventually assert as apoptotic changes. The consequences of anomalous cell cycle activation and subsequent apoptosis are demonstrated by the increased presence of molecular stress response and apoptotic markers. This review delineates cell cycle events under normal physiological conditions and deficits amalgamated by alterations in protein levels and signalling pathways associated with cell-division are analysed. Cell cycle regulators essentially, cyclins, CDKs, cip/kip family of inhibitors, caspases, bax and p53 have been identified to be involved in impaired cell cycle regulation and associated with neural pathology. The pharmacological modulators of cell cycle that are shown to impart protection in various animal models of neurological deficits are summarised. Greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms that are indispensable to cell cycle regulation in neurons in health and disease conditions will facilitate targeted drug development for neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitra Joseph
- 1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | | | - Veer Gupta
- 2School of Medicine, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nitin Chitranshi
- 1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Ting Shen
- 1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Yogita Dheer
- 1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Devaraj Kb
- 1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- 3Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Yuyi You
- 1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.,4Save Sight Institute, Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Stuart L Graham
- 1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.,4Save Sight Institute, Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Vivek Gupta
- 1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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19
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Song J, Han D, Lee H, Kim DJ, Cho JY, Park JH, Seok SH. A Comprehensive Proteomic and Phosphoproteomic Analysis of Retinal Pigment Epithelium Reveals Multiple Pathway Alterations in Response to the Inflammatory Stimuli. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093037. [PMID: 32344885 PMCID: PMC7246457 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Overwhelming and persistent inflammation of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) induces destructive changes in the retinal environment. However, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate RPE-specific biological and metabolic responses against intense inflammation and identify the molecular characteristics determining pathological progression. We performed quantitative analyses of the proteome and phosphoproteome of the human-derived RPE cell line ARPE-19 after treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 45 min or 24 h using the latest isobaric tandem-mass tags (TMTs) labeling approach. This approach led to the identification of 8984 proteins, of which 261 showed a 1.5-fold change in abundance after 24 h of treatment with LPS. A parallel phosphoproteome analysis identified 20,632 unique phosphopeptides from 3207 phosphoproteins with 3103 phosphorylation sites. Integrated proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses showed significant downregulation of proteins related to mitochondrial respiration and cell cycle checkpoint, while proteins related to lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, cell-matrix adhesion, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were upregulated after LPS stimulation. Further, phosphorylation events in multiple pathways, including MAPKK and Wnt/β-catenin signalings, were identified as involved in LPS-triggered pathobiology. In essence, our findings reveal multiple integrated signals exerted by RPE under inflammation and are expected to give insight into the development of therapeutic interventions for RPE disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juha Song
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and Institute of Endemic Disease, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Chongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea;
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Dohyun Han
- Proteomics Core Facility, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea; (D.H.); (H.L.)
| | - Heonyi Lee
- Proteomics Core Facility, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea; (D.H.); (H.L.)
| | - Da Jung Kim
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea; (D.J.K.); (J.-Y.C.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Chongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Joo-Youn Cho
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea; (D.J.K.); (J.-Y.C.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Chongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Jae-Hak Park
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.-H.P.); (S.H.S.); Tel.: +82-2-880-1256 (J.-H.P.); +82-2-740-8302 (S.H.S.); Fax: +82-2-763-5206 (S.H.S.)
| | - Seung Hyeok Seok
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and Institute of Endemic Disease, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Chongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Chongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.-H.P.); (S.H.S.); Tel.: +82-2-880-1256 (J.-H.P.); +82-2-740-8302 (S.H.S.); Fax: +82-2-763-5206 (S.H.S.)
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20
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Vallée A, Lecarpentier Y, Vallée R, Guillevin R, Vallée JN. Circadian Rhythms in Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The Key Role of the Canonical WNT/β-Catenin Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030820. [PMID: 32012797 PMCID: PMC7037737 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is considered as the main worldwide cause of blindness in elderly adults. Exudative AMD type represents 10 to 15% of macular degeneration cases, but is the main cause of vision loss and blindness. Circadian rhythm changes are associated with aging and could further accelerate it. However, the link between circadian rhythms and exudative AMD is not fully understood. Some evidence suggests that dysregulation of circadian functions could be manifestations of diseases or could be risk factors for the development of disease in elderly adults. Biological rhythms are complex systems interacting with the environment and control several physiological pathways. Recent findings have shown that the dysregulation of circadian rhythms is correlated with exudative AMD. One of the main pathways involved in exudative AMD is the canonical WNT/β-catenin pathway. Circadian clocks have a main role in some tissues by driving the circadian expression of genes involved in physiological and metabolic functions. In exudative AMD, the increase of the canonical WNT/β-catenin pathway is enhanced by the dysregulation of circadian rhythms. Exudative AMD progression is associated with major metabolic reprogramming, initiated by aberrant WNT/β-catenin pathway, of aerobic glycolysis. This review focuses on the interest of circadian rhythm dysregulation in exudative AMD through the aberrant upregulation of the canonical WNT/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Vallée
- DACTIM-MIS, Laboratory of Mathematics and Applications (LMA), UMR CNRS 7348, University of Poitiers, CHU de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France
| | - Yves Lecarpentier
- Centre de Recherche Clinique, Grand Hôpital de l'Est Francilien (GHEF), 77100 Meaux, France
| | - Rodolphe Vallée
- University Hospital Group of Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, APHP, University of Paris-13 Sorbonne Paris-Cité, 93000 Paris, France
| | - Rémy Guillevin
- DACTIM-MIS, Laboratory of Mathematics and Applications (LMA), UMR CNRS 7348, University of Poitiers, CHU de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France
| | - Jean-Noël Vallée
- CHU Amiens Picardie, University of Picardie Jules Verne (UPJV), 80000 Amiens, France
- Laboratory of Mathematics and Applications (LMA), UMR CNRS 7348, University of Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France
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21
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Azad T, Ghahremani M, Yang X. The Role of YAP and TAZ in Angiogenesis and Vascular Mimicry. Cells 2019; 8:cells8050407. [PMID: 31052445 PMCID: PMC6562567 DOI: 10.3390/cells8050407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature, is a physiological process that begins in utero and continues throughout life in both good health and disease. Understanding the underlying mechanism in angiogenesis could uncover a new therapeutic approach in pathological angiogenesis. Since its discovery, the Hippo signaling pathway has emerged as a key player in controlling organ size and tissue homeostasis. Recently, new studies have discovered that Hippo and two of its main effectors, Yes-associated protein (YAP) and its paralog transcription activator with PDZ binding motif (TAZ), play critical roles during angiogenesis. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms by which YAP/TAZ regulate endothelial cell shape, behavior, and function in angiogenesis. We further discuss how YAP/TAZ function as part of developmental and pathological angiogenesis. Finally, we review the role of YAP/TAZ in tumor vascular mimicry and propose directions for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taha Azad
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Mina Ghahremani
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Xiaolong Yang
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
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22
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Wang Z, Liu CH, Huang S, Chen J. Wnt Signaling in vascular eye diseases. Prog Retin Eye Res 2018; 70:110-133. [PMID: 30513356 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The Wnt signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in vascular morphogenesis in various organs including the eye. Wnt ligands and receptors are key regulators of ocular angiogenesis both during the eye development and in vascular eye diseases. Wnt signaling participates in regulating multiple vascular beds in the eye including regression of the hyaloid vessels, and development of structured layers of vasculature in the retina. Loss-of-function mutations in Wnt signaling components cause rare genetic eye diseases in humans such as Norrie disease, and familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) with defective ocular vasculature. On the other hand, experimental studies in more prevalent vascular eye diseases, such as wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and corneal neovascularization, suggest that aberrantly increased Wnt signaling is one of the causations for pathological ocular neovascularization, indicating the potential of modulating Wnt signaling to ameliorate pathological angiogenesis in eye diseases. This review recapitulates the key roles of the Wnt signaling pathway during ocular vascular development and in vascular eye diseases, and pharmaceutical approaches targeting the Wnt signaling as potential treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongxiao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
| | - Chi-Hsiu Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
| | - Shuo Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, United States.
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23
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Yoo TK, Kim SH, Kwak J, Kim HK, Rim TH. Association Between Osteoporosis and Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2018; 59:AMD132-AMD142. [PMID: 30372730 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Previous studies have reported a possible link between low bone mineral density and AMD. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between osteoporosis and AMD in a South Korean cohort. Methods This cross-sectional, nationwide study included 3496 women and 2789 men who had participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2008 to 2011. All retinal photographs were graded using an international classification and grading system. Osteoporosis was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between osteoporosis and AMD after adjustment for potential confounders, including age, the body mass index, dietary calcium intake, and the serum vitamin D level. The odds ratios (OR) for other aging-related eye diseases, including cataract, open-angle glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, were analyzed in accordance with the presence of osteoporosis. Results Multivariate regression analysis revealed that osteoporosis was significantly associated with all types of AMD (early and late: OR, 1.31; P = 0.017) and early AMD (OR, 1.36; P = 0.007) in women. Late AMD was not associated with osteoporosis (OR, 0.84; P = 0.670). In men, osteoporosis was not associated with any type of AMD. In women, the status of osteoporosis in the femoral neck showed a linear relationship with AMD (P = 0.004). Although osteoporosis was associated with AMD in women, it showed no association with other age-related eye diseases; this suggested a disease-specific association. Conclusions Our findings suggest that osteoporosis plays a role in AMD development in postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Keun Yoo
- Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Soo Han Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, South Korea
| | - Jiyong Kwak
- Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hong Kyu Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dankook University Hospital, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, South Korea
| | - Tyler Hyungtaek Rim
- Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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24
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Wang Y, Mahesh P, Wang Y, Novo SG, Shihan MH, Hayward-Piatkovskyi B, Duncan MK. Spatiotemporal dynamics of canonical Wnt signaling during embryonic eye development and posterior capsular opacification (PCO). Exp Eye Res 2018; 175:148-158. [PMID: 29932883 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The appropriate spatial and temporal regulation of canonical Wnt signaling is vital for eye development. However, the literature often conflicts on the distribution of canonical Wnt signaling in the eye. Here, using a sensitive mouse transgenic reporter line, we report a detailed re-evaluation of the spatiotemporal dynamics of canonical Wnt signaling in the developing eye. Canonical Wnt activity was dynamic in the optic vesicle and later in the retina, while it was absent from the ectodermal precursors of the lens and corneal epithelium. However, later in corneal development, canonical Wnt reporter activity was detected in corneal stroma and endothelium precursors as they form from the neural crest, although this was lost around birth. Interestingly, while no canonical Wnt signaling was detected in the corneal limbus or basal cells at any developmental stage, it was robust in adult corneal wing and squamous epithelial cells. While canonical Wnt reporter activity was also absent from the postnatal lens, upon lens injury intended to model cataract surgery, it upregulated within 12 h in remnant lens epithelial cells, and co-localized with alpha smooth muscle actin in fibrotic lens epithelial cells from 48 h post-surgery onward. This pattern correlated with downregulation of the inhibitor of canonical Wnt signaling, Dkk3. These data demonstrate that canonical Wnt signaling is dynamic within the developing eye and upregulates in lens epithelial cells in response to lens injury. As canonical Wnt signaling can collaborate with TGFβ to drive fibrosis in other systems, these data offer the first evidence in a lens-injury model that canonical Wnt may synergize with TGFβ signaling to drive fibrotic posterior capsular opacification (PCO).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - Priyha Mahesh
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - Samuel G Novo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - Mahbubul H Shihan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | | | - Melinda K Duncan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States.
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25
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WNT7A/B promote choroidal neovascularization. Exp Eye Res 2018; 174:107-112. [PMID: 29864439 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Perturbations in WNT signaling are associated with congenital eye disorders, including familial exudative vitreoretinopathy and Norrie disease. More recently, activation of the WNT pathway has also been shown to be associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In this study, we identified that in choroidal neovascular membranes from AMD patients, β-catenin is activated specifically in the vascular endothelium, suggesting that WNT promotes pathologic angiogenesis by directly affecting vascular endothelial cells. WNT7B has been shown to be important during eye development for regression of the fetal hyaloid vasculature. However, it has not yet been established whether WNT7A and/or WNT7B are involved in neovascular AMD pathogenesis. Here, we show that WNT7A and WNT7B increase the proliferation of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. Both WNT7A and WNT7B also stimulated vascular sprouting from mouse choroidal explants in vitro. To evaluate in vivo relevance, we generated mice systemically deficient in Wnt7a and/or Wnt7b. Genetic deletion of both Wnt7a and Wnt7b decreased the severity of laser injury-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV), while individual deletion of either Wnt7a or Wnt7b did not have a significant effect on CNV, suggesting that WNT7A and WNT7B have redundant pro-angiogenic roles in vivo. Cumulatively, these findings identify specific WNT isoforms that may play a pathologic role in CNV as observed in patients with neovascular AMD. Although the source of increased WNT7A and/or WNT7B in CNV requires further investigation, WNT signaling may be a potential target for therapeutic intervention if these results are demonstrated to be relevant in human disease.
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26
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Jahanfar F, Hamishehkar H. Exploring the association of rs10490924 polymorphism with age-related macular degeneration: An in silico approach. J Mol Graph Model 2018; 80:52-58. [PMID: 29316486 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2017.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The polymorphism rs10490924 (A69S) in the age-related maculopathy susceptibility 2 (ARMS2) gene is highly associated with age-related macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness among the elderly population. ARMS2 gene encodes a putative small (11 kDa) protein, which the function and localization of the ARMS2 protein remain under debate. For a better understanding of functional impacts of A69S mutation, we performed a detailed analysis of an ARMS2 sequence with a broad set of bioinformatics tools. In silico analysis was followed to predict the tertiary structure, putative binding site regions, and binding site residues. Also, the effects of this mutation on protein stability, aggregation propensity, and homodimerization were analyzed. Next, a molecular dynamic simulation was carried out to understand the dynamic behavior of wild-type, A69S, and phosphorylated A69S structures. The results showed alterations in the putative post-translational modification sites on the ARMS2 protein, due to the mutation. Furthermore, the stability of protein and putative homodimer conformations were affected by the mutation. Molecular dynamic simulation results revealed that A69S mutation enhances the rigidity of the ARMS2 structure and residue serine at position 69 is buried and may not be phosphorylated; however, phosphorylated serine enhances the flexibility of the ARMS2 structure. In conclusion, our study provides new insights into the deleterious effects of A69S mutation on the ARMS2 structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Jahanfar
- Biotechnology Research Center and Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamed Hamishehkar
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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27
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Exploring the association of rs10490924 polymorphism with age-related macular degeneration: An in silico approach. J Mol Graph Model 2017; 77:280-285. [PMID: 28915445 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The polymorphism rs10490924 (A69S) in the age-related maculopathy susceptibility 2 (ARMS2) gene is highly associated with age-related macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness among the elderly population. The ARMS2 gene encodes a putative small (11kDa) protein, which the function and localization of the ARMS2 protein remain under debate. For a better understanding of functional impacts of the A69S mutation, we performed a detailed analysis of the ARMS2 sequence with a broad set of bioinformatics tools. In silico analysis was followed to predict the tertiary structure, putative binding site regions, and binding site residues. Also, the effects of this mutation on protein stability, aggregation propensity, and homodimerization were analyzed. Next, a molecular dynamic simulation was carried out to understand the dynamic behavior of wild-type, A69S, and phosphorylated A69S structures. The results showed alterations in the putative post-translational modification sites on the ARMS2 protein, due to the mutation. Furthermore, the stability of protein and putative homodimer conformations were affected by the mutation. Molecular dynamic simulation results revealed that the A69S mutation enhances the rigidity of the ARMS2 structure and residue serine at position 69 is buried and may not be phosphorylated; however, phosphorylated serine enhances the flexibility of the ARMS2 structure. In conclusion, our study provides new insights into the deleterious effects of the A69S mutation on the ARMS2 structure.
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28
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Vallée A, Lecarpentier Y, Guillevin R, Vallée JN. PPARγ agonists: Potential treatments for exudative age-related macular degeneration. Life Sci 2017; 188:123-130. [PMID: 28887057 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) characterizes the progression of exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with the deterioration in the central vision. Vascular inflammation, and overproduction of inflammatory cytokines, growth factors and aberrant endothelial cell migration, initiate defective blood vessel proliferation in exudative AMD. CNV formation is initiated by the interplay between inflammation, the hallmark of exudative AMD, and the activation of WNT/β-catenin pathway. Upregulation of WNT/β-catenin pathway involves activation of PI3K/Akt pathway and then the Warburg effect to produce lactate. Lactate production generates VEGF expression and then participates to the initiation of CNV in exudative AMD. WNT/β-catenin pathway and PPARγ act in an opposite manner in several diseases. We focus this review on the interplay between PPARγ and canonical WNT/β-catenin pathway and the anti-inflammatory role of PPARγ in exudative AMD. In exudative AMD, PPARγ agonists downregulate inflammation and the WNT/β-catenin pathway. PPARγ agonists can appear as promising treatment against the initiation and the progression of CNV in exudative AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Vallée
- Experimental and Clinical Neurosciences Laboratory, INSERM U1084, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France; Laboratoire de Mathématiques et Applications (LMA), UMR CNRS 7348, Université de Poitiers, France.
| | - Yves Lecarpentier
- Centre de Recherche Clinique, Grand Hôpital de l'Est Francilien (GHEF), Meaux, France
| | - Rémy Guillevin
- Université de Poitiers et CHU de Poitiers, DACTIM, Laboratoire de Mathématiques et Applications, UMR CNRS 7348, SP2MI, Futuroscope, France
| | - Jean-Noël Vallée
- Laboratoire de Mathématiques et Applications (LMA), UMR CNRS 7348, Université de Poitiers, France; CHU Amiens Picardie, Université Picardie Jules Verne (UPJV), Amiens, France
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29
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Vallée A, Lecarpentier Y, Guillevin R, Vallée JN. Aerobic Glycolysis Hypothesis Through WNT/Beta-Catenin Pathway in Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration. J Mol Neurosci 2017; 62:368-379. [PMID: 28689265 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-017-0947-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is characterized by molecular mechanisms responsible for the initiation of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Inflammatory processes are associated with upregulation of the canonical WNT/beta-catenin pathway in exudative AMD. We focus this review on the link between WNT/beta-catenin pathway activation and neovascular progression in exudative AMD through activation of aerobic glycolysis for production of angiogenic factors. Increased WNT/beta-catenin pathway involves hexokinase 2 (HK2) and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2). WNT/beta-catenin pathway stimulates PI3K/Akt pathway and then HIF-1alpha which activates glycolytic enzymes: glucose transporter (Glut), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDH-A), and monocarboxylate lactate transporter (MCT-1). This phenomenon is called aerobic glycolysis or the Warburg effect. Consequently, phosphorylation of PDK-1 inhibits the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDH). Thus, a large part of pyruvate cannot be converted into acetyl-CoA in mitochondria and only a part of acetyl-CoA can enter the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Cytosolic pyruvate is converted into lactate through the action of LDH-A. In exudative AMD, high level of cytosolic lactate is correlated with increase of VEGF expression, the angiogenic factor of CNV. Photoreceptors in retina cells can metabolize glucose through aerobic glycolysis to protect them against oxidative damage, as cancer cells do.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Vallée
- Experimental and Clinical Neurosciences Laboratory, INSERM U1084, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France.
- Laboratoire de Mathématiques et Applications (LMA), UMR CNRS 7348, Université de Poitiers, 11 Boulevard Marie et Pierre Curie, Poitiers, France.
| | | | - Rémy Guillevin
- DACTIM, Laboratoire de Mathématiques et Applications, Université de Poitiers et CHU de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7348, SP2MI Futuroscope, Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, France
| | - Jean-Noël Vallée
- Laboratoire de Mathématiques et Applications (LMA), UMR CNRS 7348, Université de Poitiers, 11 Boulevard Marie et Pierre Curie, Poitiers, France
- CHU Amiens Picardie, Université Picardie Jules Verne (UPJV), Amiens, France
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30
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Chen Q, Ma JX. Canonical Wnt signaling in diabetic retinopathy. Vision Res 2017; 139:47-58. [PMID: 28545982 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2017.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common eye complication of diabetes, and the pathogenic mechanism of DR is still under investigation. The canonical Wnt signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that plays fundamental roles in embryogenesis and adult tissue homeostasis. Wnt signaling regulates expression of multiple genes that control retinal development and eye organogenesis, and dysregulated Wnt signaling plays pathophysiological roles in many ocular diseases, including DR. This review highlights recent progress in studies of Wnt signaling in DR. We discuss Wnt signaling regulation in the retina and dysregulation of Wnt signaling associated with ocular diseases with an emphasis on DR. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of modulating Wnt signaling in DR. Continued studies in this field will advance our current understanding on DR and contribute to the development of new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Chen
- Department of Physiology, Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, United States
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Physiology, Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, United States.
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31
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Qiu F, Liu Z, Zhou Y, He J, Gong S, Bai X, Zeng Y, Liu Z, Ma JX. Decreased Circulating Levels of Dickkopf-1 in Patients with Exudative Age-related Macular Degeneration. Sci Rep 2017; 7:1263. [PMID: 28455497 PMCID: PMC5430640 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01119-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a pathogenic role in retinal inflammation and neovascularization. Here, we investigated whether circulating levels of Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), a specific inhibitor of this pathway, are altered in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Plasma was obtained from 128 patients with exudative AMD, 46 patients with atrophic AMD and 111 healthy controls. DKK-1 levels in plasma were measured using ELISA, and data analyzed with one-way ANOVA, logistic regression analysis and receiver-operating characteristic analysis (ROC). We found that DKK-1 levels were decreased in exudative AMD patients, compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001) and atrophic AMD patients (P < 0.001). The decrease was more prominent in patients with classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) than those with occult CNV (P < 0.001). The odds ratio (OR) of exudative AMD was 11.71 (95% CI; 5.24–6.13) for lowest versus upper quartile of DKK-1 levels. For discriminating exudative AMD patients, the optimum diagnostic cutoff of DKK-1 was 583.1 pg/mL with the area under curve (AUC) 0.76 (95% CI, 0.70–0.82; P < 0.001), sensitivity 78.1% and specificity 63.1%. These findings suggested that decreased circulating DKK-1 levels are associated with the development and severity of exudative AMD, and have potential to become a biomarker for exudative AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Qiu
- Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Fujian Province Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 4th Floor, Chengyi Building, Xiang'an Campus of Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.,Department of Physiology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73104, United States of America
| | - Zhen Liu
- Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Fujian Province Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 4th Floor, Chengyi Building, Xiang'an Campus of Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Yueping Zhou
- Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Fujian Province Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 4th Floor, Chengyi Building, Xiang'an Campus of Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Jia He
- Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Fujian Province Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 4th Floor, Chengyi Building, Xiang'an Campus of Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Songjian Gong
- Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yingxia Zeng
- Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Zuguo Liu
- Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Fujian Province Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 4th Floor, Chengyi Building, Xiang'an Campus of Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China. .,Department of Physiology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73104, United States of America.
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Physiology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73104, United States of America.
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Pharmacologic Activation of Wnt Signaling by Lithium Normalizes Retinal Vasculature in a Murine Model of Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2016; 186:2588-600. [PMID: 27524797 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2016.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is characterized by delayed retinal vascular development, which promotes hypoxia-induced pathologic vessels. In severe cases FEVR may lead to retinal detachment and visual impairment. Genetic studies linked FEVR with mutations in Wnt signaling ligand or receptors, including low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) gene. Here, we investigated ocular pathologies in a Lrp5 knockout (Lrp5(-/-)) mouse model of FEVR and explored whether treatment with a pharmacologic Wnt activator lithium could bypass the genetic defects, thereby protecting against eye pathologies. Lrp5(-/-) mice displayed significantly delayed retinal vascular development, absence of deep layer retinal vessels, leading to increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and subsequent pathologic glomeruloid vessels, as well as decreased inner retinal visual function. Lithium treatment in Lrp5(-/-) mice significantly restored the delayed development of retinal vasculature and the intralaminar capillary networks, suppressed formation of pathologic glomeruloid structures, and promoted hyaloid vessel regression. Moreover, lithium treatment partially rescued inner-retinal visual function and increased retinal thickness. These protective effects of lithium were largely mediated through restoration of canonical Wnt signaling in Lrp5(-/-) retina. Lithium treatment also substantially increased vascular tubular formation in LRP5-deficient endothelial cells. These findings suggest that pharmacologic activation of Wnt signaling may help treat ocular pathologies in FEVR and potentially other defective Wnt signaling-related diseases.
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Hossain A, Tauhid L, Davenport I, Huckaba T, Graves R, Mandal T, Muniruzzaman S, Ahmed SA, Bhattacharjee PS. LRP-1 Pathway Targeted Inhibition of Vascular Abnormalities in the Retina of Diabetic Mice. Curr Eye Res 2016; 42:640-647. [PMID: 27442082 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2016.1203441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The cell surface LDL (low-density lipoprotein) receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1) is important for lipid transport and several cell signaling processes. Human apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a ligand of LRP-1. We previously reported that a short peptide (apoEdp) mimicking the LRP-1 binding region of apoE prevents hyperglycemia-induced retinal endothelial cell dysfunction in vitro. The in-vivo outcome of apoE-based peptidomimetic inhibition of LRP-1 in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy is unknown. METHODS Six months after streptozotocin induction of diabetes, male C57Bl/6 mice were intravitreally inoculated with apoEdp in a controlled release formulation. On the 15th day post-apoEdp treatment, mouse retinas were harvested to examine (1) blood-retinal-barrier (BRB) permeability by Evans blue dye, inflammatory leukostasis by concanavalin staining of leukocytes and LRP-1 pathway-related protein expression by Western blot analysis and gelatin zymography. RESULTS Intravitreal apoEdp treatment of diabetic mice significantly reduced Evans blue extravasation and the number of adherent leukocytes in the diabetic mouse retinas. ApoEdp treatment inhibited the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) degrading proteases heparanase and MMP-2, and restores the BRB tight junction proteins occludin and ZO-1. ApoEdp treatment also inhibited Wnt/β-catenin-related expression of pro-inflammatory molecules ICAM-1, HIF-1α, and VEGF through negative regulation by LRP-1. CONCLUSION Intravitreal apoEdp treatment of diabetic mice resulted a significant decrease in retinal vascular abnormalities through downregulation of LRP-1-related ECM protein degradation and Wnt/β-catenin-related pro-angiogenic molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahamed Hossain
- a Department of Biology , Xavier University of Louisiana , New Orleans , LA , USA
| | - Lamiya Tauhid
- b School of Science and Engineering , Tulane University , New Orleans , LA , USA
| | - Ian Davenport
- a Department of Biology , Xavier University of Louisiana , New Orleans , LA , USA
| | - Thomas Huckaba
- a Department of Biology , Xavier University of Louisiana , New Orleans , LA , USA
| | - Richard Graves
- c Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy , Xavier University of Louisiana , New Orleans , LA , USA
| | - Tarun Mandal
- c Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy , Xavier University of Louisiana , New Orleans , LA , USA
| | - Syed Muniruzzaman
- a Department of Biology , Xavier University of Louisiana , New Orleans , LA , USA
| | - Syed A Ahmed
- d Division of Business , Xavier University of Louisiana , New Orleans , LA , USA
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Graham K, Murphy JI, Dhoot GK. SULF1/SULF2 reactivation during liver damage and tumour growth. Histochem Cell Biol 2016; 146:85-97. [PMID: 27013228 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-016-1425-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Both SULF1 and SULF2 enzymes are undetectable in normal adult liver tissue despite their high level expression during foetal development. Most hepatocellular carcinomas unlike the normal adult liver, however, express variable levels of these enzymes with a small proportion not expressing either SULF1 or SULF2. SULF1 expression, however, is not restricted to only foetal and tumour tissues but is also abundant in liver tissues undergoing injury-induced tissue regeneration as we observed during fatty liver degeneration, chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Unlike SULF1, the level of SULF2 activation during injury-induced regeneration, however, is much lower when compared to foetal or tumour growth. Although a small fraction of liver tumours and some liver tumour cell lines can grow in the absence of Sulf1 and/or Sulf2, the in vitro overexpression of these genes further confirms their growth-promoting effect while transient reduction in their levels by neutralisation antibodies reduces growth. Hedgehog signalling appeared to regulate the growth of both Hep3B and PRF5 cell lines since cyclopamine demonstrated a marked inhibitory effect while sonic hedgehog (SHH) overexpression promoted growth. All Sulf isoforms promoted SHH-induced growth although the level of increase in PRF5 cell line was higher with both Sulf2 variants than Sulf1. In addition to promoting growth, the Sulf variants, particularly the shorter Sulf2 variant, markedly promoted PRF5 cell migration in a scratch assay. The SULF1/SULF2 activation thus does not only promote regulated foetal growth and injury-induced liver regeneration but also dysregulated tumour growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurtis Graham
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK
| | - Joshua I Murphy
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK
| | - Gurtej K Dhoot
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK.
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Wang H, Hartnett ME. Regulation of signaling events involved in the pathophysiology of neovascular AMD. Mol Vis 2016; 22:189-202. [PMID: 27013848 PMCID: PMC4789180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex disease in which an individual's genetic predisposition is affected by aging and environmental stresses, which trigger signaling pathways involving inflammation, oxidation, and/or angiogenesis in the RPE cells and choroidal endothelial cells (CECs), to lead to vision loss from choroidal neovascularization. Antiangiogenic therapies have greatly improved clinical outcomes in the last decade; however, vision improves in less than half of patients treated for neovascular AMD, and treatments remain inadequate for atrophic AMD. Many studies focus on genetic predisposition or the association of outcomes in trials of human neovascular AMD but are unable to evaluate the effects between different cell types involved in AMD and the signaling events that take place to cause pathologic biologic events. This manuscript complements other reviews in that it describes what is known generally in human AMD studies and clinical trials testing methods to inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF inhibitors) and presents pathologic signaling events that develop in two important cell types, the RPE cells and the CECs, when stimulated by stresses or placed into conditions similar to what is currently understood to occur in neovascular AMD. This manuscript complements other reviews by discussing signaling events that are activated by cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions. These considerations are particularly important when considering growth factors, such as VEGF, which are important in physiologic and pathologic processes, or GTPases that are present but active only if GTP bound. In either case, it is essential to understand the role of signaling activation to distinguish what is pathologic from what is physiologic. Particularly important is the essential role of activated Rac1 in CEC transmigration of the RPE monolayer, an important step in blindness associated with neovascular AMD. Other concepts discussed include the importance of feed-forward loops that overwhelm mechanisms that seek to restore homeostasis in cells and the importance of regulating, instead of abolishing, signaling events in a chronic, complex disease, such as neovascular AMD. These concepts are important as we move to the next stages in developing treatments for neovascular AMD. A novel therapeutic strategy that will be discussed is activating an isoform of the GTPase, Rap1, which can regulate downstream signaling and a pathologic feed-forward loop leading to Rac1 activation and migration of CECs.
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