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Zech TJ, Wolf A, Hector M, Bischoff-Kont I, Krishnathas GM, Kuntschar S, Schmid T, Bracher F, Langmann T, Fürst R. 2-Desaza-annomontine (C81) impedes angiogenesis through reduced VEGFR2 expression derived from inhibition of CDC2-like kinases. Angiogenesis 2024; 27:245-272. [PMID: 38403816 PMCID: PMC11021337 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-024-09906-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a crucial process in the progression of various pathologies, like solid tumors, wet age-related macular degeneration, and chronic inflammation. Current anti-angiogenic treatments still have major drawbacks like limited efficacy in diseases that also rely on inflammation. Therefore, new anti-angiogenic approaches are sorely needed, and simultaneous inhibition of angiogenesis and inflammation is desirable. Here, we show that 2-desaza-annomontine (C81), a derivative of the plant alkaloid annomontine previously shown to inhibit endothelial inflammation, impedes angiogenesis by inhibiting CDC2-like kinases (CLKs) and WNT/β-catenin signaling. C81 reduced choroidal neovascularization in a laser-induced murine in vivo model, inhibited sprouting from vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A)-activated murine aortic rings ex vivo, and reduced angiogenesis-related activities of endothelial cells in multiple functional assays. This was largely phenocopied by CLK inhibitors and knockdowns, but not by inhibitors of the other known targets of C81. Mechanistically, CLK inhibition reduced VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) mRNA and protein expression as well as downstream signaling. This was partly caused by a reduction of WNT/β-catenin pathway activity, as activating the pathway induced, while β-catenin knockdown impeded VEGFR2 expression. Surprisingly, alternative splicing of VEGFR2 was not detected. In summary, C81 and other CLK inhibitors could be promising compounds in the treatment of diseases that depend on angiogenesis and inflammation due to their impairment of both processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J Zech
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - A Wolf
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - M Hector
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - I Bischoff-Kont
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - G M Krishnathas
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - S Kuntschar
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - T Schmid
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - F Bracher
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - T Langmann
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - R Fürst
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Wu Y, Wang J, Pan T, Lei J, Fan Y, Wang J, Xu C, Gu Q, Wang X, Xiao T, Liu Q, Xie P, Hu Z. Human lens epithelial-secreted exosomes attenuate ocular angiogenesis via inhibiting microglial activation. Exp Eye Res 2024; 241:109837. [PMID: 38382576 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109837] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The lens is an avascular tissue, where epithelial cells (LECs) are the primary living cells. The role of LECs-derived exosomes (LEC-exos) is largely unknown. In our study, we determined the anti-angiogenic role of LEC-exos, manifested as regressed retinal neovascularization (NV) using the oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR), and reduced choroidal NV size and pathological vascular leakage using the laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (laser-induced CNV). Furthermore, the activation and accumulation of microglia were also restricted by LEC-exos. Based on Luminex multiplex assays, the expressions of chemokines such as SCYB16/CXCL16, MCP-1/CCL2, I-TAC/CXCL11, and MIP 3beta/CCL19 were decreased after treatment with LEC-exos. Transwell assays showed that LEC-exos restricted the migration of the mouse microglia cell line (BV2 cells). After incubation with LEC-exos-treated BV2 cells, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (hUVECs) were collected for further evaluation using tube formation, Transwell assays, and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EDU) assays. Using in vitro experiments, the pro-angiogenic effect of microglia was restricted by LEC-exos. Hence, it was investigated that LEC-exos attenuated ocular NV, which might attribute to the inhibition of microglial activation and accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiagui Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Luhe People's Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing, 211599, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ting Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, 213000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Lei
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanyuan Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingfan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Changlin Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qinyuan Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xingxing Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tianhao Xiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qinghuai Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ping Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Zizhong Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
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Künzel SE, Pompös IM, Flesch LTM, Frentzel DP, Knecht VA, Winkler S, Skosyrski S, Rübsam A, Dreher F, Kociok N, Schütte M, Dubrac A, Lange B, Yaspo ML, Lehrach H, Strauß O, Joussen AM, Zeitz O. Exploring the Impact of Saccharin on Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Comprehensive Study in Patients and Mice. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:5. [PMID: 38558091 PMCID: PMC10996979 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.4.5] [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: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose We aimed to determine the impact of artificial sweeteners (AS), especially saccharin, on the progression and treatment efficacy of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) under anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF-A) treatment. Methods In a cross-sectional study involving 46 patients with nAMD undergoing intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy, 6 AS metabolites were detected in peripheral blood using liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Disease features were statistically tested against these metabolite levels. Additionally, a murine choroidal neovascularization (CNV) model, induced by laser, was used to evaluate the effects of orally administered saccharin, assessing both imaging outcomes and gene expression patterns. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods were used to evaluate functional expression of sweet taste receptors in a retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell line. Results Saccharin levels in blood were significantly higher in patients with well-controlled CNV activity (P = 0.004) and those without subretinal hyper-reflective material (P = 0.015). In the murine model, saccharin-treated mice exhibited fewer leaking laser scars, lesser occurrence of bleeding, smaller fibrotic areas (P < 0.05), and a 40% decrease in mononuclear phagocyte accumulation (P = 0.06). Gene analysis indicated downregulation of inflammatory and VEGFR-1 response genes in the treated animals. Human RPE cells expressed taste receptor type 1 member 3 (TAS1R3) mRNA and reacted to saccharin stimulation with changes in mRNA expression. Conclusions Saccharin appears to play a protective role in patients with nAMD undergoing intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment, aiding in better pathological lesion control and scar reduction. The murine study supports this observation, proposing saccharin's potential in mitigating pathological VEGFR-1-induced immune responses potentially via the RPE sensing saccharin in the blood stream.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen E. Künzel
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt–Universität zu Berlin, Department of Ophthalmology, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin, Germany
| | - Inga-Marie Pompös
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Leonie T. M. Flesch
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt–Universität zu Berlin, Department of Ophthalmology, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dominik P. Frentzel
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt–Universität zu Berlin, Department of Ophthalmology, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vitus A. Knecht
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt–Universität zu Berlin, Department of Ophthalmology, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin, Germany
| | - Silvia Winkler
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sergej Skosyrski
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Rübsam
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt–Universität zu Berlin, Department of Ophthalmology, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Dreher
- Alacris Theranostics, Max-Planck-Straße 3, Berlin, Germany
| | - Norbert Kociok
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Moritz Schütte
- Alacris Theranostics, Max-Planck-Straße 3, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexandre Dubrac
- Département de Pathologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bodo Lange
- Alacris Theranostics, Max-Planck-Straße 3, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marie-Laure Yaspo
- Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Genetics, Ihnestrasse 63-73, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans Lehrach
- Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Genetics, Ihnestrasse 63-73, Berlin, Germany
| | - Olaf Strauß
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Antonia M. Joussen
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt–Universität zu Berlin, Department of Ophthalmology, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Zeitz
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt–Universität zu Berlin, Department of Ophthalmology, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin, Germany
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Mesquita J, Santos FM, Sousa JP, Vaz-Pereira S, Tavares-Ratado P, Neves A, Mesquita R, Tomaz CT. Serum and Vitreous Levels of Placenta Growth Factor in Diabetic Retinopathy Patients: Correlation With Disease Severity and Optical Coherence Tomographic Parameters. Cureus 2024; 16:e54862. [PMID: 38533176 PMCID: PMC10964121 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The primary objective of this study was to compare placenta growth factor (PlGF) levels in the serum and vitreous of diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients to non-diabetic controls. Additionally, the study aimed to establish associations between serum and vitreous PlGF concentrations and to examine the correlation between vitreous PlGF in DR patients and morphological parameters. Methods This study included serum and vitreous samples from 38 patients, including 21 patients with DR and 17 non-diabetic controls. The control group included non-diabetic patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with retinal tears secondary to posterior vitreous detachment or trauma. PlGF levels were quantified in vitreous and serum samples using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans from DR patients were evaluated to measure the central retinal thickness (CRT) and macular volume (MV). Results DR patients had significantly higher mean vitreous PlGF levels compared to non-DR patients (70.0±39.2 vs. 46.47±9.7 pg/mL, p-value=0.004). However, no significant increase in mean serum PlGF levels was observed in DR patients (p-value=0.232). Within the DR group, proliferative DR (PDR) patients presented significantly higher vitreous PlGF levels than non-PDR (NPDR) patients (76.5±41.0 vs. 42.5±5.0 pg/mL, p-value=0.009). There was no association between serum and vitreous PlGF levels. The correlation between vitreous PlGF levels and morphological parameters was rsp=0.175, p-value=0.488 for CRT, and rsp=0.288, p-value=0.262 for MV. Conclusion This study emphasizes the important role of PlGF in neovascularization, specifically highlighting its overexpression exclusively in vitreous from PDR patients. The observed increase in PlGF levels may be indicative of disease severity. The lack of correlation between vitreous and serum PlGF levels suggests a potential dissociation between intravitreal and systemic PlGF synthesis. Consequently, targeting PlGF in therapeutic approaches may offer an additional strategy for ocular pathologies with a neovascular component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Mesquita
- Pharmacy, Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Covilhã, PRT
| | - Fátima Milhano Santos
- Biochemistry, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, ESP
| | | | | | - Paulo Tavares-Ratado
- Clinical Research, Medical Sciences, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, PRT
| | - Arminda Neves
- Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar de Leiria, Leiria, PRT
| | - Rita Mesquita
- Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, PRT
| | - Cândida Teixeira Tomaz
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Covilhã, PRT
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5
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Tsioti I, Steiner BL, Escher P, Zinkernagel MS, Benz PM, Kokona D. Systemic Lipopolysaccharide Exposure Exacerbates Choroidal Neovascularization in Mice. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2024; 32:19-30. [PMID: 36441988 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2022.2147547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the effect of a systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulus in the course of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in C57BL/6 J mice. A group of CNV-subjected mice received 1 mg/kg LPS via the tail vein immediately after CNV induction. Mouse eyes were monitored in vivo with fluorescein angiography for 2 weeks. In situ hybridization and flow cytometry were performed in the retina at different time points. LPS led to increased fluorescein leakage 3 days after CNV, correlated with a large influx of monocyte-derived macrophages and increase of pro-inflammatory microglia/macrophages in the retina. Additionally, LPS enhanced Vegfα mRNA expression by Glul-expressing cells but not Aif1 positive microglia/macrophages in the laser lesion. These findings suggest that systemic LPS exposure has transient detrimental effects in the course of CNV through activation of microglia/macrophages to a pro-inflammatory phenotype and supports the important role of these cells in the CNV course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Tsioti
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Beatrice L Steiner
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Escher
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin S Zinkernagel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Peter M Benz
- Department of CardioMetabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach, Germany
| | - Despina Kokona
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Wang C, Peng L, Wang Y, Xue Y, Chen T, Ji Y, Li Y, Zhao Y, Yu S. Integrative Analysis of Single-Cell and Bulk Sequencing Data Depicting the Expression and Function of P2ry12 in Microglia Post Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076772. [PMID: 37047745 PMCID: PMC10095011 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
P2ry12 is a microglial marker gene. Recently, increasing evidence has demonstrated that its expression levels can vary in response to different CNS disorders and can affect microglial functions, such as polarization, plasticity, and migration. However, the expression and function of P2ry12 in microglia during ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) remain unclear. Here, we developed a computational method to obtain microglia-specific P2ry12 genes (MSPGs) using sequencing data associated with IRI. We evaluated the change in comprehensive expression levels of MSPGs during IRI and compared it to the expression of P2ry12 to determine similarity. Subsequently, the MSPGs were used to explore the P2ry12 functions in microglia through bioinformatics. Moreover, several animal experiments were also conducted to confirm the reliability of the results. The expression of P2ry12 was observed to decrease gradually within 24 h post injury. In response, microglia with reduced P2ry12 expression showed an increase in the expression of one receptor-encoding gene (Flt1) and three ligand-encoding genes (Nampt, Igf1, and Cxcl2). Furthermore, double-labeling immunofluorescence staining revealed that inhibition of P2ry12 blocked microglial migration towards vessels during IRI. Overall, we employ a combined computational and experimental approach to successfully explore P2ry12 expression and function in microglia during IRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong Wang
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Molecular Medicine Diagnostic and Testing Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Li Peng
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Molecular Medicine Diagnostic and Testing Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Molecular Medicine Diagnostic and Testing Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ying Xue
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Molecular Medicine Diagnostic and Testing Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Tianyi Chen
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Molecular Medicine Diagnostic and Testing Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yanyan Ji
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Molecular Medicine Diagnostic and Testing Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yishan Li
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Molecular Medicine Diagnostic and Testing Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Molecular Medicine Diagnostic and Testing Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Shanshan Yu
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Molecular Medicine Diagnostic and Testing Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
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CircRNA Uxs1/miR-335-5p/PGF axis regulates choroidal neovascularization via the mTOR/p70 S6k pathway. Transl Res 2023; 256:41-55. [PMID: 36690073 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in the elderly population. Neovascular AMD is the late stage, characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Non-coding RNAs have been implicated in CNV; however, the role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) has not yet been elucidated. Herein, we comprehensively investigated circRNA profiles in laser-induced CNV mouse models and patient specimens. A novel circRNA, circRNA Uxs1, was identified, and its function in CNV regulation was investigated in the present study. CircRNA Uxs1 was consistently upregulated in CNV patient specimens and CNV mouse models. Knockdown of circRNA Uxs1 interrupted the tube formation, migration, and proliferation of endothelial cells in vitro. Silencing circRNA Uxs1 in vivo alleviated neovascularization formation, as shown by the decreased size of laser spots. Mechanistically, circRNA Uxs1 functioned by binding to miR-335-5p, which further upregulated the expression of placental growth factor (PGF) gene and activated the mammalian target of rapamycin/p70 S6 Kinase (mTOR/p70 S6k) pathway. By subretinal injections of adeno-associated virus (AAV), we demonstrated the anti-angiogenic function of circRNA Uxs1 knockdown in vivo. In conclusion, circRNA Uxs1 promoted CNV by sponging miR-335-5p, which stimulated PGF expression and subsequently activated the mTOR/p70 S6k pathway. Therefore, circRNA Uxs1 may serve as a promising therapeutic target for CNV.
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Murenu E, Gerhardt MJ, Biel M, Michalakis S. More than meets the eye: The role of microglia in healthy and diseased retina. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1006897. [PMID: 36524119 PMCID: PMC9745050 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1006897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are the main resident immune cells of the nervous system and as such they are involved in multiple roles ranging from tissue homeostasis to response to insults and circuit refinement. While most knowledge about microglia comes from brain studies, some mechanisms have been confirmed for microglia cells in the retina, the light-sensing compartment of the eye responsible for initial processing of visual information. However, several key pieces of this puzzle are still unaccounted for, as the characterization of retinal microglia has long been hindered by the reduced population size within the retina as well as the previous lack of technologies enabling single-cell analyses. Accumulating evidence indicates that the same cell type may harbor a high degree of transcriptional, morphological and functional differences depending on its location within the central nervous system. Thus, studying the roles and signatures adopted specifically by microglia in the retina has become increasingly important. Here, we review the current understanding of retinal microglia cells in physiology and in disease, with particular emphasis on newly discovered mechanisms and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Murenu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany,*Correspondence: Elisa Murenu, ; ; Stylianos Michalakis,
| | | | - Martin Biel
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Stylianos Michalakis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany,*Correspondence: Elisa Murenu, ; ; Stylianos Michalakis,
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9
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Recent Advancements in Molecular Therapeutics for Corneal Scar Treatment. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203310. [PMID: 36291182 PMCID: PMC9600986 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203310] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of corneal wound healing is complex and induces scar formation. Corneal scarring is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. The fibrotic healing of a major ocular wound disrupts the highly organized fibrillar collagen arrangement of the corneal stroma, rendering it opaque. The process of regaining this organized extracellular matrix (ECM) arrangement of the stromal layer to restore corneal transparency is complicated. The surface retention capacity of ocular drugs is poor, and there is a large gap between suitable corneal donors and clinical requirements. Therefore, a more efficient way of treating corneal scarring is needed. The eight major classes of interventions targeted as therapeutic tools for healing scarred corneas include those based on exosomes, targeted gene therapy, microRNAs, recombinant viral vectors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, bioactive molecules, growth factors, and nanotechnology. This review highlights the recent advancements in molecular therapeutics to restore a cornea without scarring. It also provides a scope to overcome the limitations of present studies and perform robust clinical research using these strategies.
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The Efficacy of Anti-VEGF Therapy for Putative or Visible CNV in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography. J Ophthalmol 2022; 2022:1272524. [PMID: 36211595 PMCID: PMC9534621 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1272524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with putative or visible choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods In a retrospective cohort study, 16 eyes of 15 treatment-naïve CSCR patients were included and divided into two groups: a putative CNV group with nonhomogenous hyperreflectivity in the slab of choriocapillaris and a visible CNV group with obvious tangled vascular network in the slab of choriocapillaris in OCTA. Patients were recorded with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The parameters, evaluated by OCTA, included central macular thickness (CMT), the height of subretinal fluid (SRF), the number of hyperreflective foci (HRF), and the area of putative or visible CNV. Results Compared with the baseline, visual acuity was improved significantly at the last follow-up, and CMT and the height of SRF were decreased significantly (P < 0.0001). The number of HRF was also declined in the outer retina and the choriocapillaris layer (P=0.0343). Although the visible CNV area in the eyes represented virtually unchanged during anti-VEGF treatment (P=0.4015), the area of putative CNV displayed an obvious reduction (P=0.0081). Conclusion Anti-VEGF is effective in treating CSCR coexisting putative or visible CNV. Early initiation of anti-VEGF therapy benefits CSCR patients with putative CNV detected by OCTA. Translational relevance nonhomogenous hyperreflectivity in the choriocapillaris layer in OCTA indicates putative CNV in patients with CSCR, implying early treatment with anti-VEGF.
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11
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Tao Y, Murakami Y, Vavvas DG, Sonoda KH. Necroptosis and Neuroinflammation in Retinal Degeneration. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:911430. [PMID: 35844208 PMCID: PMC9277228 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.911430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Necroptosis mediates the chronic inflammatory phenotype in neurodegeneration. Receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIPK) plays a pivotal role in the induction of necroptosis in various cell types, including microglia, and it is implicated in diverse neurodegenerative diseases in the central nervous system and the retina. Targeting RIPK has been proven beneficial for alleviating both neuroinflammation and degeneration in basic/preclinical studies. In this review, we discuss the role of necroptosis in retinal degeneration, including (1) the molecular pathways involving RIPK, (2) RIPK-dependent microglial activation and necroptosis, and (3) the interactions between necroptosis and retinal neuroinflammation/degeneration. This review will contribute to a renewed focus on neuroinflammation induced by necroptosis and to the development of anti-RIPK drugs against retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yusuke Murakami
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Demetrios G Vavvas
- Ines and Frederick Yeatts Retinal Research Laboratory, Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Koh-Hei Sonoda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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12
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Gpx3 and Egr1 Are Involved in Regulating the Differentiation Fate of Cardiac Fibroblasts under Pressure Overload. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:3235250. [PMID: 35799890 PMCID: PMC9256463 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3235250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Although myocardial fibrosis is a common pathophysiological process associated with many heart diseases, the molecular mechanisms regulating the development of fibrosis have not been fully determined. Recently, single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis has been used to examine cellular fate and function during cellular differentiation and has contributed to elucidating the mechanisms of various diseases. The main purpose of this study was to characterize the fate of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and the dynamic gene expression patterns in a model of cardiac pressure overload using scRNA-seq analysis. Methods The public scRNA-seq dataset of the transverse aortic coarctation (TAC) model in mice was downloaded from the GEO database, GSE155882. First, we performed quality control, dimensionality reduction, clustering, and annotation of the data through the Seurat R package (v4.0.5). Then, we constructed the pseudotime trajectory of cell development and identified key regulatory genes using the Monocle R package (v2.22.0). Different cell fates and groups were fully characterized by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) analysis and Transcription factor (TF) activity analysis. Finally, we used Cytoscape (3.9.1) to extensively examine the gene regulatory network related to cell fate. Results Pseudotime analysis showed that CFs differentiated into two distinct cell fates, one of which produced activated myofibroblasts, and the other which produced protective cells that were associated with reduced fibrosis levels, increased antioxidative stress responses, and the ability to promote angiogenesis. In the TAC model, activated CFs were significantly upregulated, while protective cells were downregulated. Treatment with the bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 reversed this change and improved fibrosis. Analysis of dynamic gene expression revealed that Gpx3 was significantly upregulated during cell differentiation into protective cells. Gpx3 expression was affected by JQ1 treatment. Furthermore, Gpx3 expression levels were negatively correlated with the different levels of fibrosis observed in the various treatment groups. Finally, we found that transcription factors Jun, Fos, Atf3, and Egr1 were upregulated in protective cells, especially Egr1 was predicted to be involved in the regulation of genes related to antioxidant stress and angiogenesis, suggesting a role in promoting differentiation into this cell phenotype. Conclusions The scRNA-seq analysis was used to characterize the dynamic changes associated with fibroblast differentiation and identified Gpx3 as a factor that might be involved in the regulation of myocardial fibrosis under cardiac pressure overload. These findings will help to further understanding of the mechanism of fibrosis and provide potential intervention targets.
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Wang J, Tao Z, Deng H, Cui Y, Xu Z, Lyu Q, Zhao J. Therapeutic implications of nanodrug and tissue engineering for retinal pigment epithelium-related diseases. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:5657-5677. [PMID: 35352082 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr08337f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), as a single layer of cells that performs multiple functions posteriorly in the eye, is a promising target site for the prevention and treatment of several clinical diseases, including proliferative diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, chorionic neovascularization, and retinitis pigmentosa. In recent decades, several nanodrug delivery platforms and tissue-engineered RPE have been widely developed to treat RPE-related diseases. This work summarizes the recent advances in nanoplatforms and tissue engineering scaffolds developed in these fields. The diseases associated with pathological RPE and their common therapy strategies are first introduced. Then, the recent progress made with a variety of drug delivery systems is presented, with an emphasis on the modification strategies of nanomaterials for targeted delivery. Tissue engineering-mediated RPE transplantation for treating these diseases is subsequently described. Finally, the clinical translation challenges in these fields are discussed in depth. This article will offer readers a better understanding of emerging nanotechnology and tissue engineering related to the treatment of RPE-related diseases and could facilitate their widespread use in experiments in vivo and in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Wang
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen Eye Hospital affiliated to Jinan University, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Zhengyang Tao
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen Eye Hospital affiliated to Jinan University, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Hongwei Deng
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen Eye Hospital affiliated to Jinan University, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Yubo Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, China.
| | - Zhirong Xu
- Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121000, P.R. China
| | - Qinghua Lyu
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen Eye Hospital affiliated to Jinan University, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China.
- Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, China.
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VEGF-Trap Modulates Retinal Inflammation in the Murine Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy (OIR) Model. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020201. [PMID: 35203414 PMCID: PMC8869660 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) agents are the first-line treatment for retinal neovascular diseases, which represent the most prevalent causes of acquired vision loss world-wide. VEGF-Trap (Aflibercept, AFL), a recombinant decoy receptor recognizing ligands of both VEGFR-1 and -2, was recently reported to be highly efficient in improving visual acuity and preserving retinal anatomy in individuals affected by diabetic macular edema. However, the precise molecular and cell biological mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of this novel tool have yet to be elucidated. Using the mouse oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model as a surrogate of retinopathies with sterile post-ischemic inflammation, such as late proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and diabetic macular edema (DME), we provide evidence that AFL modulates inflammation in response to hypoxia by regulating the morphology of microglial cells, a parameter commonly used as a proxy for changes in their activation state. We show that AFL administration during the hypoxic period of OIR leads to an increased number of ramified Iba1+ microglial cells/macrophages while subsequently limiting the accumulation of these cells in particular retinal layers. Our results suggest that, beyond its well-documented beneficial effects on microvascular regeneration, AFL might exert important modulatory effects on post-ischemic retinal inflammation.
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15
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Wang Y, Xie L, Zhu M, Guo Y, Tu Y, Zhou Y, Zeng J, Zhu L, Du S, Wang Z, Zhang Y, Liu X, Song E. Shikonin alleviates choroidal neovascularization by inhibiting proangiogenic factor production from infiltrating macrophages. Exp Eye Res 2021; 213:108823. [PMID: 34752817 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108823] [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: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV), a feature of neovasular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), acts as a leading cause of vision loss in the elderly. Shikonin (SHI), a natural bioactive compound extracted from Chinese herb radix arnebiae, exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic roles and also acts as a potential pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) inhibitor in macrophages. The major immune cells macrophages infiltrate the CNV lesions, where the production of pro-angiognic cytokines from macrophage facilitates the development of CNV. PKM2 contributes to the neovascular diseases. In this study, we found that SHI oral gavage alleviated the leakage, area and volume of mouse laser-induced CNV lesion and inhibited macrophage infiltration without ocular cytotoxicity. Moreover, SHI inhibited the secretion of pro-angiogenic cytokine, including basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), placental growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), from primary human macrophages by down-regulating PKM2/STAT3/CD163 pathway, indicating a novel potential therapy strategy for CNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lixiang Eye Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Laiqing Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Manhui Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lixiang Eye Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanyuan Tu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lixiang Eye Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yamei Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jia Zeng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Linling Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lixiang Eye Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shu Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lixiang Eye Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhenzhen Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lixiang Eye Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lixiang Eye Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaojuan Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China.
| | - E Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lixiang Eye Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Crosstalk Between RPE Cells and Choroidal Endothelial Cells via the ANXA1/FPR2/SHP2/NLRP3 Inflammasome/Pyroptosis Axis Promotes Choroidal Neovascularization. Inflammation 2021; 45:414-427. [PMID: 34595678 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-021-01555-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
One type of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), neovascular (nAMD), characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV), accounts for the majority of the severe central vision impairment associated with AMD. Endothelial cells (ECs) in direct contact with retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are more prone to the pathological angiogenesis involved in CNV. Herein, we investigated the effect of crosstalk between RPE cells and choroidal endothelial cells (CECs) via the ANXA1/FPR2/NLRP3 inflammasome/pyroptosis axis on the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in vitro and in vivo. ANXA1 expression and secretion from ARPE-19 cells were upregulated by hypoxia. FPR2 expression, especially on the plasma membrane, in HCECs was upregulated under hypoxic conditions. ANXA1 secreted from ARPE-19 cells inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis in HCECs by activating the FPR2/SHP2 axis. Moreover, ANXA1 secreted by ARPE-19 cells promoted behaviors of HCECs, including proliferation, migration, and tube formation, by activating the FPR2/SHP2 axis and inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis. Inhibiting the upregulated ANXA1/FPR2/SHP2/NLRP3 inflammasome/pyroptosis axis decreased the volume of CNV. Our data suggest that the crosstalk between RPE cells and CECs via the ANXA1/FPR2/NLRP3 inflammasome/pyroptosis axis promotes CNV. This finding could identify a potential target for the prevention and treatment of CNV.
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17
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Uemura A, Fruttiger M, D'Amore PA, De Falco S, Joussen AM, Sennlaub F, Brunck LR, Johnson KT, Lambrou GN, Rittenhouse KD, Langmann T. VEGFR1 signaling in retinal angiogenesis and microinflammation. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 84:100954. [PMID: 33640465 PMCID: PMC8385046 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Five vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) ligands (VEGF-A, -B, -C, -D, and placental growth factor [PlGF]) constitute the VEGF family. VEGF-A binds VEGF receptors 1 and 2 (VEGFR1/2), whereas VEGF-B and PlGF only bind VEGFR1. Although much research has been conducted on VEGFR2 to elucidate its key role in retinal diseases, recent efforts have shown the importance and involvement of VEGFR1 and its family of ligands in angiogenesis, vascular permeability, and microinflammatory cascades within the retina. Expression of VEGFR1 depends on the microenvironment, is differentially regulated under hypoxic and inflammatory conditions, and it has been detected in retinal and choroidal endothelial cells, pericytes, retinal and choroidal mononuclear phagocytes (including microglia), Müller cells, photoreceptor cells, and the retinal pigment epithelium. Whilst the VEGF-A decoy function of VEGFR1 is well established, consequences of its direct signaling are less clear. VEGFR1 activation can affect vascular permeability and induce macrophage and microglia production of proinflammatory and proangiogenic mediators. However the ability of the VEGFR1 ligands (VEGF-A, PlGF, and VEGF-B) to compete against each other for receptor binding and to heterodimerize complicates our understanding of the relative contribution of VEGFR1 signaling alone toward the pathologic processes seen in diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular occlusions, retinopathy of prematurity, and age-related macular degeneration. Clinically, anti-VEGF drugs have proven transformational in these pathologies and their impact on modulation of VEGFR1 signaling is still an opportunity-rich field for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiyoshi Uemura
- Department of Retinal Vascular Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan.
| | - Marcus Fruttiger
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.
| | - Patricia A D'Amore
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Sandro De Falco
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; ANBITION S.r.l., Via Manzoni 1, 80123, Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonia M Joussen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, and Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Florian Sennlaub
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012, Paris, France.
| | - Lynne R Brunck
- Bayer Consumer Care AG, Pharmaceuticals, Peter-Merian-Strasse 84, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Kristian T Johnson
- Bayer Consumer Care AG, Pharmaceuticals, Peter-Merian-Strasse 84, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - George N Lambrou
- Bayer Consumer Care AG, Pharmaceuticals, Peter-Merian-Strasse 84, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Kay D Rittenhouse
- Bayer Consumer Care AG, Pharmaceuticals, Peter-Merian-Strasse 84, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Thomas Langmann
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 9, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
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Li Y, Schön C, Chen CC, Yang Z, Liegl R, Murenu E, Schworm B, Klugbauer N, Grimm C, Wahl-Schott C, Michalakis S, Biel M. TPC2 promotes choroidal angiogenesis and inflammation in a mouse model of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Life Sci Alliance 2021; 4:4/8/e202101047. [PMID: 34183443 PMCID: PMC8321671 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202101047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study identifies the endolysosomal two-pore channel TPC2 as a potential novel drug target for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Inhibition of TPC2 reduces two key clinical hallmarks of the AMD, retinal inflammation and formation of leaky choroi. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness among the elderly and can be classified either as dry or as neovascular (or wet). Neovascular AMD is characterized by a strong immune response and the inadequate release of cytokines triggering angiogenesis and induction of photoreceptor death. The pathomechanisms of AMD are only partly understood. Here, we identify the endolysosomal two-pore cation channel TPC2 as a key factor of neovascularization and immune activation in the laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) mouse model of AMD. Block of TPC2 reduced retinal VEGFA and IL-1β levels and diminished neovascularization and immune activation. Mechanistically, TPC2 mediates cationic currents in endolysosomal organelles of immune cells and lack of TPC2 leads to reduced IL-1β levels in areas of choroidal neovascularization due to endolysosomal trapping. Taken together, our study identifies TPC2 as a promising novel therapeutic target for the treatment of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfen Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Christian Schön
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Cheng-Chang Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany.,Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Zhuo Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Raffael Liegl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, München, Germany
| | - Elisa Murenu
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Benedikt Schworm
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, München, Germany
| | - Norbert Klugbauer
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christian Grimm
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
| | | | - Stylianos Michalakis
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany .,Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, München, Germany
| | - Martin Biel
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
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Van Hove I, Van Bergen T, Etienne I, Holgado A, Afonina IS, Beyaert R, Feyen JH, Hu TT. IL-33trap-mediated IL-33 neutralization does not exacerbate choroidal neovascularization, but fails to protect against retinal degeneration in a dry age-related macular degeneration model. Exp Eye Res 2021; 207:108608. [PMID: 33930400 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108608] [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: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 09/30/2022]
Abstract
The progressive and sight-threatening disease, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a growing public health concern due to ageing demographics, with the highest unmet medical need for the advanced stage of dry AMD, geographic atrophy. The pathogenesis underlying AMD is driven by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. There is ample evidence that inflammation is strongly involved in AMD development. Interleukin-33 (IL-33) has been proposed to be critically involved in retinal degeneration, but a protective role in eye pathophysiology was also demonstrated. The current study investigated the therapeutic potential of IL-33trap, a novel IL-33-neutralizing biologic, in dry AMD/geographic atrophy and, based on controversial data regarding the protective versus detrimental functions of IL-33 in neovascularization, evaluated the risk of progression to wet AMD by IL-33 neutralization. Repeated intravitreal (IVT) injections of IL-33trap in the mouse laser-induced choroidal neovascularization model did not exacerbate neovascularization or leakage, while it significantly inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration in the retinal pigment epithelium and choroid. On the contrary, IVT treatment with IL-33trap significantly induced retinal inflammation and could not prevent retinopathy induction in the mouse sodium iodate (NaIO3) model. Overall, these data suggest a complex and dichotomous role of IL-33 in eye pathology and indicate that IL-33 neutralization is not able to prevent onset and progression of dry AMD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge Van Hove
- Oxurion NV, Gaston Geenslaan 1, 3001, Heverlee, Belgium.
| | | | | | - Aurora Holgado
- Unit of Molecular Signal Transduction in Inflammation, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Inna S Afonina
- Unit of Molecular Signal Transduction in Inflammation, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rudi Beyaert
- Unit of Molecular Signal Transduction in Inflammation, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jean Hm Feyen
- Oxurion NV, Gaston Geenslaan 1, 3001, Heverlee, Belgium
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Nie T, Meng F, Zhou L, Lu F, Bie X, Lu Z, Lu Y. In Silico Development of Novel Chimeric Lysins with Highly Specific Inhibition against Salmonella by Computer-Aided Design. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:3751-3760. [PMID: 33565867 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c07450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Four novel chimeric lysins (P361, P362, P371, and P372), which were the fusion of Salmonella phage lysins and novel antimicrobial peptide LeuA-P, were obtained using bioinformatics analysis and in silico design. The recombinant chimeric lysins were expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3) strain and showed highly specific inhibition against Salmonella. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of P362 and P372 to S. typhi CMCC 50071 were 8 and 16 μg/mL, respectively. Both 1 × MIC P362 and P372 could increase the outer membrane permeability and cleave the cell wall peptidoglycan, causing the leakage of intracellular nucleic acids and proteins and ultimately killing Salmonella efficiently without drug resistance. The combination of P362, P372, and potassium sorbate reduced more than 3 log CFU/g counts of microorganisms in contaminated chilled chicken and extended the shelf life by 7 days. The strategy of antimicrobial peptide (AMP)-lysin chimera inspired the inability of phage lysin to specifically inhibit Gram-negative bacteria with dense outer membranes in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Nie
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, China
| | - Fanqiang Meng
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, China
| | - Libang Zhou
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, China
| | - Fengxia Lu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, China
| | - Xiaomei Bie
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, China
| | - Zhaoxin Lu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, China
| | - Yingjian Lu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210023, China
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Díaz-Lezama N, Wolf A, Koch S, Pfaller AM, Biber J, Guillonneau X, Langmann T, Grosche A. PDGF Receptor Alpha Signaling Is Key for Müller Cell Homeostasis Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031174. [PMID: 33503976 PMCID: PMC7865899 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Müller cells, the major retinal macroglia, are key to maintaining vascular integrity as well as retinal fluid and ion homeostasis. Although platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor expression in Müller glia has been reported earlier, their actual role for Müller cell function and intimate interaction with cells of the retinal neurovascular unit remains unclear. To close this gap of knowledge, Müller cell-specific PDGF receptor alpha (PDGFRα) knockout (KO) mice were generated, characterized, and subjected to a model of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). PDGFRα-deficient Müller cells could not counterbalance hypoosmotic stress as efficiently as their wildtype counterparts. In wildtypes, the PDGFRα ligand PDGF-BB prevented Müller cell swelling induced by the administration of barium ions. This effect could be blocked by the PDGFR family inhibitor AC710. PDGF-BB could not restore the capability of an efficient volume regulation in PDGFRα KO Müller cells. Additionally, PDGFRα KO mice displayed reduced rod and cone-driven light responses. Altogether, these findings suggest that Müller glial PDGFRα is central for retinal functions under physiological conditions. In contrast, Müller cell-specific PDGFRα KO resulted in less vascular leakage and smaller lesion areas in the CNV model. Of note, the effect size was comparable to pharmacological blockade of PDGF signaling alone or in combination with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy—a treatment regimen currently being tested in clinical trials. These data imply that targeting PDGF to treat retinal neovascular diseases may have short-term beneficial effects, but may elicit unwarranted side effects given the putative negative effects on Müller cell homeostatic functions potentially interfering with a long-term positive outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nundehui Díaz-Lezama
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; (N.D.-L.); (S.K.); (A.M.P.); (J.B.)
| | - Anne Wolf
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, D-50931 Cologne, Germany; (A.W.); (T.L.)
| | - Susanne Koch
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; (N.D.-L.); (S.K.); (A.M.P.); (J.B.)
| | - Anna M. Pfaller
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; (N.D.-L.); (S.K.); (A.M.P.); (J.B.)
| | - Josef Biber
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; (N.D.-L.); (S.K.); (A.M.P.); (J.B.)
| | - Xavier Guillonneau
- Institut de la Vision, INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, F-75012 Paris, France;
| | - Thomas Langmann
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, D-50931 Cologne, Germany; (A.W.); (T.L.)
| | - Antje Grosche
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; (N.D.-L.); (S.K.); (A.M.P.); (J.B.)
- Correspondence:
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Effects of Resvega on Inflammasome Activation in Conjunction with Dysfunctional Intracellular Clearance in Retinal Pigment Epithelial (RPE) Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10010067. [PMID: 33430331 PMCID: PMC7825790 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10010067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease in which retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells play a crucial role in maintaining retinal homeostasis and photoreceptors’ functionality. During disease progression, there is increased inflammation with nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat, and Pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation, oxidative stress, and impaired autophagy in RPE cells. Previously, we have shown that the dietary supplement Resvega reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and induces autophagy in RPE cells. Here, we investigated the ability of Resvega to prevent NLRP3 inflammasome activation with impaired protein clearance in human RPE cells. Cell viability was measured using the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were utilized to determine the secretion of cytokines, NLRP3, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Caspase-1 activity was measured with a fluorescent labeled inhibitor of caspase-1 (FLICA; FAM-YVAD-FMK) and detected microscopically. Resvega improved the cell membrane integrity, which was evident as reduced LDH leakage from cells. In addition, the caspase-1 activity and NLRP3 release were reduced, as was the secretion of two inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-8, in IL-1α-primed ARPE-19 cells. According to our results, Resvega can potentially reduce NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated inflammation in RPE cells with impaired protein clearance.
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Innate Immunity in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1256:121-141. [PMID: 33848000 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-66014-7_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Multiple lines of investigation have demonstrated that inflammation plays significant roles in etiology of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although interventional trials in AMD therapy targeting inflammatory pathways have been conducted, they have not yet been successful and a detailed understanding as to why some have failed is still elusive. One limitation is the relative dearth of information on how immune cells interact with retinal cells to generate AMD phenotypes at each disease stage. Here, we summarize current research evidence and hypotheses regarding potential pathogenic roles of innate immune cells in the eye, which include resident retinal microglia, macrophages derived from infiltrating systemic monocytes, and macrophages resident in the choroid. We relate recent findings regarding the physiology, function, and cellular interactions involving innate immune cells in the retina and choroid to AMD-related processes, including: (1) drusen formation and regression, (2) the onset and spread of degeneration in late atrophic AMD, and (3) the initiation, growth, and exudation of neovascular vessels in late "wet" AMD. Understanding how innate immune cells contribute to specific AMD phenotypes can assist in generating a comprehensive view on the inflammatory etiology of AMD and aid in identifying anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies and selecting appropriate clinical outcomes for the planned interventions.
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Meyer JH, Marx J, Strack C, Holz FG, Schmitz-Valckenberg S. Imaging of Therapeutic Effects of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitors by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in a Rat Model. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:29. [PMID: 32832234 PMCID: PMC7414645 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.7.29] [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: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of the study was to investigate optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) as a high-resolution in vivo imaging modality for monitoring therapeutic response to different vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors in the rat model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Further, OCTA findings were compared with fluorescein angiography (FA) and fluorescence microscopy. Methods Laser treatment at day (D)0 was followed by intravitreal injection of aflibercept, AF564, and NaCl in dark agouti rats. Imaging with OCTA and FA was performed at D2, D7, D14, and D21. OCTA was compared to FA as well as confocal imaged flat mounts and analysis included quantification of CNV area, pixel intensity, vessel density, and number of vessel junctions. Results Within laser lesions, neovascularization were visible especially in deeper retinal layers on OCTA, but not on FA images. Using OCTA, mean CNV area (D21) at the level of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) was 0.017 mm² following aflibercept administration, 0.016 mm² following AF564 and 0.026 mm² following NaCl injection (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03). Similar differences between treatment groups were determined by FA and histology, although the overall CNV area was always larger on FA due to dye leakage (P ≤ 0.0001, all layers). Conclusions Compared to FA, OCTA imaging allows for a more precise and quantitative analysis of new blood vessel formation and therapeutic response to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-inhibitors, whereas it does not permit assessment of leakage. Translational Relevance These findings suggest that OCTA may be particularly useful for the investigation of new treatment targets in the animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna H Meyer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Janine Marx
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Claudine Strack
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank G Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Steffen Schmitz-Valckenberg
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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APOE2 promotes the development and progression of subretinal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration via MAPKs signaling pathway. Saudi J Biol Sci 2020; 27:2770-2777. [PMID: 32994736 PMCID: PMC7499293 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) is one of the main pathological features of wet AMD. Apolipoprotein E2 is involved in the formation of nvAMD but the molecular mechanism has not been reported. Methods The APOE alleles in AMD patients were detected by genotyping. Mouse models were divided into 4 groups according to transfection different gene segments and laser-induced treatment. APOE2, VEGF, PDGF-BB, b-FGF and inflammatory cytokines (including p-NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) were tested by ELISA in mice retinal lysate. The formation of nvAMD in the indicated treatment groups at 3rd, 7th and 14th day after laser-induced damage were detected by FFA. Besides, qRT-PCR was used to determine the mRNA levels of p38, JNK and ERK in ARPE-19 cells. Finally, the inflammatory cytokines and MAPK proteins (including P38, p-P38, JNK, p-JNK, ERK and p-ERK) were detected by western blot. Results The statistics of APOE alleles showed that APOE2 allele carriers were more likely to nvAMD. VEGF, PDGF-BB, b-FGF and related inflammatory cytokines were up-regulated significantly after treatment with APOE2, which were reduced after silencing the MAPK family genes, however. Further, the expression levels of neovascular growth factors and inflammatory cytokines were highly consistent between mouse models and ARPE-19 cells. Besides, the phosphorylation levels of p38, JNK and ERK were affected by APOE2. Conclusion nvAMD was affected directly by the overexpression of VEGF, PDGF-BB and b-FGF, which were regulated by APOE2 through activating MAPKs pathway.
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Zhou J, Yang J, Dai M, Lin D, Zhang R, Liu H, Yu A, Vakal S, Wang Y, Li X. A combination of inhibiting microglia activity and remodeling gut microenvironment suppresses the development and progression of experimental autoimmune uveitis. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 180:114108. [PMID: 32569628 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Noninfectious (autoimmune and immune-mediated) uveitis is an ocular inflammatory disease which can lead to blindness in severe cases. Due to the potential side effects of first-line drugs for clinical uveitis, novel drugs and targets against uveitis are still urgently needed. In the present study, using rat experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) model, we first found that minocycline treatment can substantially inhibit the development of EAU and improve the retinal function by suppressing the retinal microglial activation, and block the infiltration of inflammatory cells, including Th17, into the retina by decreasing the major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) expression in resident and infiltrating cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that minocycline treatment can remodel the gut microenvironment of EAU rats by restoring the relative abundance of Ruminococcus bromii, Streptococcus hyointestinalis, and Desulfovibrio sp. ABHU2SB and promoting a functional shift in the gut via reversing the levels of L-proline, allicin, aceturic acid, xanthine, and leukotriene B4, and especially increasing the production of propionic acid, histamine, and pantothenic acid. At last, we revealed that minocycline treatment can significantly attenuate the progression of EAU after inflammation onset, which may be explained by the role of minocycline in the remodeling of the gut microenvironment since selective elimination of retinal microglia on the later stages of EAU was shown to have little effect. These data clearly demonstrated that inhibition of microglial activation and remodeling of the gut microenvironment can suppress the development and progression of experimental autoimmune uveitis. Considering the excellent safety profile of minocycline in multiple clinical experiments, we suggest that minocycline may have therapeutic implications for clinical uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhong Zhou
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; State Key Laboratory of Optometry & Vision Science, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingjing Yang
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; State Key Laboratory of Optometry & Vision Science, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mali Dai
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; State Key Laboratory of Optometry & Vision Science, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dan Lin
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; State Key Laboratory of Optometry & Vision Science, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Renshu Zhang
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; State Key Laboratory of Optometry & Vision Science, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hui Liu
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; State Key Laboratory of Optometry & Vision Science, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ailing Yu
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; State Key Laboratory of Optometry & Vision Science, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Serhii Vakal
- Structural Bioinformatics Laboratory, Biochemistry, Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20541, Finland
| | - Yuqin Wang
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; State Key Laboratory of Optometry & Vision Science, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xingyi Li
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; State Key Laboratory of Optometry & Vision Science, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China.
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Wolf A, Herb M, Schramm M, Langmann T. The TSPO-NOX1 axis controls phagocyte-triggered pathological angiogenesis in the eye. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2709. [PMID: 32483169 PMCID: PMC7264151 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16400-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant immune responses including reactive phagocytes are implicated in the etiology of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a major cause of blindness in the elderly. The translocator protein (18 kDa) (TSPO) is described as a biomarker for reactive gliosis, but its biological functions in retinal diseases remain elusive. Here, we report that tamoxifen-induced conditional deletion of TSPO in resident microglia using Cx3cr1CreERT2:TSPOfl/fl mice or targeting the protein with the synthetic ligand XBD173 prevents reactivity of phagocytes in the laser-induced mouse model of neovascular AMD. Concomitantly, the subsequent neoangiogenesis and vascular leakage are prevented by TSPO knockout or XBD173 treatment. Using different NADPH oxidase-deficient mice, we show that TSPO is a key regulator of NOX1-dependent neurotoxic ROS production in the retina. These data define a distinct role for TSPO in retinal phagocyte reactivity and highlight the protein as a drug target for immunomodulatory and antioxidant therapies for AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Wolf
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, D-50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marc Herb
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, D-50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Schramm
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, D-50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Langmann
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, D-50931, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, D-50931, Cologne, Germany.
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Alves CH, Fernandes R, Santiago AR, Ambrósio AF. Microglia Contribution to the Regulation of the Retinal and Choroidal Vasculature in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051217. [PMID: 32423062 PMCID: PMC7290930 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The retina is a highly metabolically active tissue with high-level consumption of nutrients and oxygen. This high metabolic demand requires a properly developed and maintained vascular system. The retina is nourished by two systems: the central retinal artery that supplies the inner retina and the choriocapillaris that supplies the outer retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Pathological neovascularization, characterized by endothelial cell proliferation and new vessel formation, is a common hallmark in several retinal degenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A limited number of studies have suggested that microglia, the resident immune cells of the retina, have an important role not only in the pathology but also in the formation and physiology of the retinal vascular system. Here, we review the current knowledge on microglial interaction with the retinal vascular system under physiological and pathological conditions. To do so, we first highlight the role of microglial cells in the formation and maintenance of the retinal vasculature system. Thereafter, we discuss the molecular signaling mechanisms through which microglial cells contribute to the alterations in retinal and choroidal vasculatures and to the neovascularization in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Henrique Alves
- Retinal Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation Lab, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.H.A.); (R.F.); (A.R.S.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rosa Fernandes
- Retinal Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation Lab, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.H.A.); (R.F.); (A.R.S.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Raquel Santiago
- Retinal Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation Lab, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.H.A.); (R.F.); (A.R.S.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Francisco Ambrósio
- Retinal Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation Lab, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.H.A.); (R.F.); (A.R.S.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-239-480093
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Differential expression of long noncoding RNAs from dental pulp stem cells in the microenvironment of the angiogenesis. Arch Oral Biol 2020; 113:104691. [PMID: 32247880 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2020.104691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Angiogenesis is important in pulp-dentin formation. Among the regulatory factors, long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) is a class of functional RNA molecules that are not translated into protein and involved in regulating multiple physiological processes. The different expression of LncRNA and its target gene in dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) were explored and may provide a theoretical basis for future regulation of dental pulp angiogenesis. METHODS In this study, we cultured DPSCs from healthy dental pulp tissues and divided them into two groups: the normal DPSCs and the DPSCs cultured in vascular induction medium. In total, 40,173 LncRNA probes and 20,730 protein coding mRNAs were detected through microarray, which were then verified by the quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) method. RESULTS The result of differential expressions measured in LncRNA through microarray showed that 376 LncRNAs increased significantly and 426 were downregulated among the two groups of cells. Moreover, the mRNA microarray in normal cultured DPSCs showed that 629 LncRNAs were significantly upregulated, while 529 of them were downregulated compared with the DPSCs that were cultured in vascular induction medium. Gene ontology (GO) analysis inferred the molecular function of mRNAs. Pathway analysis showed that 52 signaling pathways were involved in the differentiation process of DPSCs. qRT-PCR analysis, conducted for validation, showed results consistent with the microarray analysis. CONCLUSIONS We found that a number of different regulators are involved in inducing vascular differentiation of DPSCs, which provides a foundation for subsequent experiments.
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Behnke V, Wolf A, Langmann T. The role of lymphocytes and phagocytes in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:781-788. [PMID: 31897541 PMCID: PMC11104950 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03419-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of visual impairment of the elderly population. Since AMD is a multifactorial age-related disease with various genetic risk factors, the understanding of its complex pathophysiology is still limited. However, animal experiments, genome-wide association data and the molecular profiling of AMD patient samples have highlighted a key role of systemic and local immune processes that contribute to this chronic eye disease. In this overview article, we concentrate on the role of lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes and their interplay in triggering a persistent immune response in the AMD retina. We preferentially review findings from human immune cell analyses and complement these with related findings in experimental models. We conclude that both immune cell types as their signaling network may be a rich source to identify novel molecular targets for immunomodulation in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Behnke
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anne Wolf
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Langmann
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), 50931, Cologne, Germany.
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Hachana S, Fontaine O, Sapieha P, Lesk M, Couture R, Vaucher E. The effects of anti-VEGF and kinin B 1 receptor blockade on retinal inflammation in laser-induced choroidal neovascularization. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:1949-1966. [PMID: 31883121 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease treated by anti-VEGF intravitreal injections. As inflammation is potentially involved in retinal degeneration, the pro-inflammatory kallikrein-kinin system is a possible alternative pharmacological target. Here, we investigated the effects of anti-VEGF and anti-B1 receptor treatments on the inflammatory mechanisms in a rat model of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Immediately after laser-induced CNV, Long-Evans rats were treated by eye-drop application of a B1 receptor antagonist (R-954) or by intravitreal injection of B1 receptor siRNA or anti-VEGF antibodies. Effects of treatments on gene expression of inflammatory mediators, CNV lesion regression and integrity of the blood-retinal barrier was measured 10 days later in the retina. B1 receptor and VEGF-R2 cellular localization was assessed. KEY RESULTS The three treatments significantly inhibited the CNV-induced retinal changes. Anti-VEGF and R-954 decreased CNV-induced up-regulation of B1 and B2 receptors, TNF-α, and ICAM-1. Anti-VEGF additionally reversed up-regulation of VEGF-A, VEGF-R2, HIF-1α, CCL2 and VCAM-1, whereas R-954 inhibited gene expression of IL-1β and COX-2. Enhanced retinal vascular permeability was abolished by anti-VEGF and reduced by R-954 and B1 receptor siRNA treatments. Leukocyte adhesion was impaired by anti-VEGF and B1 receptor inhibition. B1 receptors were found on astrocytes and endothelial cells. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS B1 receptor and VEGF pathways were both involved in retinal inflammation and damage in laser-induced CNV. The non-invasive, self-administration of B1 receptor antagonists on the surface of the cornea by eye drops might be an important asset for the treatment of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumaya Hachana
- School of Optometry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Olivier Fontaine
- School of Optometry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Przemyslaw Sapieha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mark Lesk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Réjean Couture
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Elvire Vaucher
- School of Optometry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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Cunningham F, Van Bergen T, Canning P, Lengyel I, Feyen JHM, Stitt AW. The Placental Growth Factor Pathway and Its Potential Role in Macular Degenerative Disease. Curr Eye Res 2019; 44:813-822. [PMID: 31055948 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2019.1614197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
There is growing evidence that placental growth factor (PlGF) is an important player in multiple pathologies, including tumorigenesis, inflammatory disorders and degenerative retinopathies. PlGF is a member of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family and in the retina, binding of this growth factor to specific receptors is associated with pathological angiogenesis, vascular leakage, neurodegeneration and inflammation. Although they share some receptor signalling pathways, many of the actions of PlGF are distinct from VEGF and this has revealed the enticing prospect that it could be a useful therapeutic target for treating early and late stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Recent research suggests that modulation of PlGF could also be important in the geographic atrophy (GA) form of late AMD by protecting the outer retina and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). This review discusses PlGF and its signalling pathways and highlights the potential of blocking the bioactivity of this growth factor to treat irreversible visual loss due to the two main forms of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Cunningham
- a Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast , Belfast , Northern Ireland
| | | | - Paul Canning
- a Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast , Belfast , Northern Ireland
| | - Imre Lengyel
- a Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast , Belfast , Northern Ireland
| | | | - Alan W Stitt
- a Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast , Belfast , Northern Ireland
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