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Prieto-López L, Pereiro X, Vecino E. The mechanics of the retina: Müller glia role on retinal extracellular matrix and modelling. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1393057. [PMID: 39296899 PMCID: PMC11410058 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1393057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The retina is a highly heterogeneous tissue, both cell-wise but also regarding its extracellular matrix (ECM). The stiffness of the ECM is pivotal in retinal development and maturation and has also been associated with the onset and/or progression of numerous retinal pathologies, such as glaucoma, proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), epiretinal membrane (ERM) formation or uveitis. Nonetheless, much remains unknown about the biomechanical milieu of the retina, and specifically the role that Müller glia play as principal mechanosensors and major producers of ECM constituents. So far, new approaches need to be developed to further the knowledge in the field of retinal mechanobiology for ECM-target applications to arise. In this review, we focus on the involvement of Müller glia in shaping and altering the retinal ECM under both physiological and pathological conditions and look into various biomaterial options to more accurately replicate the impact of matrix stiffness in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Prieto-López
- Experimental Ophthalmo-Biology Group, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Xandra Pereiro
- Experimental Ophthalmo-Biology Group, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
- Begiker-Ophthalmology Research Group, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Cruces Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Elena Vecino
- Experimental Ophthalmo-Biology Group, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
- Begiker-Ophthalmology Research Group, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Cruces Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
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2
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Xu X, Fu Y, Luo D, Zhang L, Huang X, Chen Y, Lei C, Liu J, Li S, Yu Z, Lin Y, Zhang M. Therapeutic effects of tetrahedral framework nucleic acids and tFNAs-miR22 on retinal ischemia/reperfusion injury. Cell Prolif 2024:e13695. [PMID: 39086110 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinal ischemia/reperfusion injury (RI/R) is a common pathological process in ophthalmic diseases, which can cause severe visual impairment. The mechanisms underlying RI/R damage and repair are still unclear. Scholars are actively exploring effective intervention strategies to restore impaired visual function. With the development of nucleic acid nanomaterials, tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs) have shown promising therapeutic potential in various fields such as stem cells, biosensors, and tumour treatment due to their excellent biological properties. Besides, miRNA-22-3p (miR-22), as an important regulatory factor in neural tissue, has been proven to have positive effects in various neurodegenerative diseases. By stably constructing a complex of tetrahedral framework nucleic acids miR22 (tFNAs-miR22), we observed that tFNAs-miR22 had a positive effect on the repair of RI/R injury in retinal neural tissue. Previous studies have shown that tFNAs can effectively deliver miR-22 into damaged retinal neurons, subsequently exerting neuroprotective effects. Interestingly, we found that there was a certain synergistic effect between tFNAs and miR-22. tFNAs-miR22 can selectively activated the ERK1/2 signalling pathway to reduce neuronal apoptosis, accelerate cell proliferation, and restore synaptic functional activity. In this study, we established a simple yet effective small molecule drug for RI/R treatment which may become a promising neuroprotectant for treating this type of vision impairment disease in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, and Research Laboratory of Macular Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanyan Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, and Research Laboratory of Macular Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Delun Luo
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Lina Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xi Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, and Research Laboratory of Macular Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yingying Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, and Research Laboratory of Macular Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunyan Lei
- Department of Ophthalmology, and Research Laboratory of Macular Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinnan Liu
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiqi Li
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhouyuan Yu
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunfeng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Stomatological Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Meixia Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, and Research Laboratory of Macular Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Prokosch V, Zwingelberg SB, Efremova DV, Buonfiglio F, Pfeiffer N, Gericke A. The Effect of Trabecular Aspiration on Intraocular Pressure, Medication and the Need for Further Glaucoma Surgery in Eyes with Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma. Diseases 2024; 12:92. [PMID: 38785747 PMCID: PMC11119255 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12050092] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether trabecular aspiration (TA) has an effective medium-term intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering and medication-saving effect in patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEG). In addition, a subgroup analysis of patients with or without a previous trabeculectomy was performed. METHODS Records of 290 consecutive eyes with PEG that underwent TA between 2006 and 2012 at the Department of Ophthalmology, Mainz, Germany, were retrospectively analyzed with a follow-up period of 3 years. The main outcomes were IOP and the need for further medical treatment. RESULTS Of the 290 eyes with PEG that received TA, 167 eyes from 127 patients met the inclusion criteria. Among these eyes, 128 received TA and cataract surgery (Phaco-TA) without having had a trabeculectomy (group I) before, 29 had Phaco-TA after a previous trabeculectomy (group II) and 10 underwent stand-alone TA after a previous trabeculectomy (group III). In the whole cohort, the median IOP decreased immediately after TA and remained significantly lower compared to the baseline throughout the period of 36 months. Likewise, the median number of antiglaucoma drugs was reduced over the whole period. At the same time, in group I, the median IOP and the number of antiglaucoma drugs were reduced over 36 months. In contrast, in the post-trabeculectomy groups (group II and III), the median IOP and the number of antiglaucoma drugs could not be reduced. While most of the patients that received Phaco-TA with or without a previous trabeculectomy (group I and II) did not require further surgical intervention during the follow-up period, almost all patients receiving stand-alone TA after a previous trabeculectomy (group III) needed surgical therapy, most of them between the second and the third year following TA. CONCLUSIONS Phaco-TA has an effective medium-term pressure-lowering and medication-saving effect, especially in patients without a previous trabeculectomy. In trabeculectomized eyes, the effect of TA is limited but still large enough to delay more invasive surgical interventions in some patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Prokosch
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Köln, Germany; (V.P.); (S.B.Z.)
| | - Sarah B. Zwingelberg
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Köln, Germany; (V.P.); (S.B.Z.)
| | - Desislava V. Efremova
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (D.V.E.); (F.B.); (N.P.)
| | - Francesco Buonfiglio
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (D.V.E.); (F.B.); (N.P.)
| | - Norbert Pfeiffer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (D.V.E.); (F.B.); (N.P.)
| | - Adrian Gericke
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (D.V.E.); (F.B.); (N.P.)
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Ma M, Jiang W, Zhou R. DAMPs and DAMP-sensing receptors in inflammation and diseases. Immunity 2024; 57:752-771. [PMID: 38599169 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.03.002] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are endogenous danger molecules produced in cellular damage or stress, and they can activate the innate immune system. DAMPs contain multiple types of molecules, including nucleic acids, proteins, ions, glycans, and metabolites. Although these endogenous molecules do not trigger immune response under steady-state condition, they may undergo changes in distribution, physical or chemical property, or concentration upon cellular damage or stress, and then they become DAMPs that can be sensed by innate immune receptors to induce inflammatory response. Thus, DAMPs play an important role in inflammation and inflammatory diseases. In this review, we summarize the conversion of homeostatic molecules into DAMPs; the diverse nature and classification, cellular origin, and sensing of DAMPs; and their role in inflammation and related diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the clinical strategies to treat DAMP-associated diseases via targeting DAMP-sensing receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Ma
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Rongbin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China; Department of Geriatrics, Gerontology Institute of Anhui Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China.
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5
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Tan J, Cai S, Luo X, Li Q, Chen Y, Chen Z, Mao Y, Liu G, Yang M, Liu X. Stop codon variant in EFEMP1 is associated with primary open-angle glaucoma due to impaired regulation of aqueous humor outflow. Exp Eye Res 2024; 241:109859. [PMID: 38467175 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109859] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
It is known that the actin cytoskeleton and its associated cellular interactions in the trabecular meshwork (TM) and juxtacanalicular tissues mainly contribute to the formation of resistance to aqueous outflow of the eye. Fibulin-3, encoded by EFEMP1 gene, has a role in extracellular matrix (ECM) modulation, and interacts with enzymatic ECM regulators, but the effects of fibulin-3 on TM cells has not been explored. Here, we report a stop codon variant (c.T1480C, p.X494Q) of EFEMP1 that co-segregates with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in a Chinese pedigree. In the human TM cells, overexpression of wild-type fibulin-3 reduced intracellular actin stress fibers formation and the extracellular fibronectin levels by inhibiting Rho/ROCK signaling. TGFβ1 up-regulated fibulin-3 protein levels in human TM cells by activating Rho/ROCK signaling. In rat eyes, overexpression of wild-type fibulin-3 decreased the intraocular pressure and the fibronectin expression of TM, however, overexpression of mutant fibulin-3 (c.T1480C, p.X494Q) showed opposite effects in cells and rat eyes. Taken together, the EFEMP1 variant may impair the regulatory capacity of fibulin-3 which has a role for modulating the cell contractile activity and ECM synthesis in TM cells, and in turn may maintain normal resistance of aqueous humor outflow. This study contributes to the understanding of the important role of fibulin-3 in TM pathophysiology and provides a new possible POAG therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junkai Tan
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen Research Center for Eye Diseases and Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, 361000, Fujian, China
| | - Suping Cai
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen Research Center for Eye Diseases and Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, 361000, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaolin Luo
- 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, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiang Li
- 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, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanbing Chen
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen Research Center for Eye Diseases and Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, 361000, Fujian, China
| | - Zijie Chen
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen Research Center for Eye Diseases and Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, 361000, Fujian, China
| | - Yukai Mao
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen Research Center for Eye Diseases and Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, 361000, Fujian, China
| | - Guo Liu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Mingming Yang
- 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, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xuyang Liu
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen Research Center for Eye Diseases and Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, 361000, Fujian, China; 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, Guangdong, China.
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6
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Shimizu S, Honjo M, Liu M, Aihara M. An Autotaxin-Induced Ocular Hypertension Mouse Model Reflecting Physiological Aqueous Biomarker. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:32. [PMID: 38386333 PMCID: PMC10896239 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.2.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Animal models of ocular hypertension (OH) have been developed to understand the pathogenesis of glaucoma and facilitate drug discovery. However, many of these models are fraught with issues, including severe intraocular inflammation and technical challenges. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is implicated in trabecular meshwork fibrosis and increased resistance of aqueous outflow, factors that contribute to high intraocular pressure (IOP) in human open-angle glaucoma. We aimed to elevate IOP by increasing expression of the LPA-producing enzyme autotaxin (ATX) in mouse eyes. Methods Tamoxifen-inducible ATX transgenic mice were developed. Tamoxifen was administered to six- to eight-week-old mice via eye drops to achieve ATX overexpression in the eye. IOP and retinal thickness were measured over time, and retinal flat-mount were evaluated to count retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) loss after three months. Results Persistent elevation of ATX expression in mouse eyes was confirmed through immunohistochemistry and LysoPLD activity measurement. ATX Tg mice exhibited significantly increased IOP for nearly two months following tamoxifen treatment, with no anterior segment changes or inflammation. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed enhanced expression of extracellular matrix near the angle after two weeks and three months of ATX induction. This correlated with reduced outflow facility, indicating that sustained ATX overexpression induces angle fibrosis, elevating IOP. Although inner retinal layer thickness remained stable, peripheral retina showed a notable reduction in RGC cell count. Conclusions These findings confirm the successful creation of an open-angle OH mouse model, in which ATX expression in the eye prompts fibrosis near the angle and maintains elevated IOP over extended periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Shimizu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Senju Laboratory of Ocular Science, Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Megumi Honjo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mengxuan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Aihara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Munuera I, Aragon-Navas A, Villacampa P, Gonzalez-Cela MA, Subías M, Pablo LE, Garcia-Feijoo J, Herrero-Vanrell R, Garcia-Martin E, Bravo-Osuna I, Rodrigo MJ. Chronic Glaucoma Induced in Rats by a Single Injection of Fibronectin-Loaded PLGA Microspheres: IOP-Dependent and IOP-Independent Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:9. [PMID: 38203183 PMCID: PMC10779403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010009] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
To evaluate a new animal model of chronic glaucoma induced using a single injection of fibronectin-loaded biodegradable PLGA microspheres (Ms) to test prolonged therapies. 30 rats received a single injection of fibronectin-PLGA-Ms suspension (MsF) in the right eye, 10 received non-loaded PLGA-Ms suspension (Control), and 17 were non-injected (Healthy). Follow-up was performed (24 weeks), evaluating intraocular pressure (IOP), optical coherence tomography (OCT), histology and electroretinography. The right eyes underwent a progressive increase in IOP, but only induced cohorts reached hypertensive values. The three cohorts presented a progressive decrease in ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness, corroborating physiological age-related loss of ganglion cells. Injected cohorts (MsF > Control) presented greater final GCL thickness. Histological exams explain this paradox: the MsF cohort showed lower ganglion cell counts but higher astrogliosis and immune response. A sequential trend of functional damage was recorded using scotopic electroretinography (MsF > Control > Healthy). It seems to be a function-structure correlation: in significant astrogliosis, early functional damage can be detected by electroretinography, and structural damage can be detected by histological exams but not by OCT. Males presented higher IOP and retinal and GCL thicknesses and lower electroretinography. A minimally invasive chronic glaucoma model was induced by a single injection of biodegradable Ms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Munuera
- Department of Ophthalmology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Miguel Servet Ophthalmology Research Group (GIMSO), Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (I.M.); (M.S.); (L.E.P.); (M.J.R.)
| | - Alba Aragon-Navas
- Innovation, Therapy and Pharmaceutical Development in Ophthalmology (InnOftal) Research Group, UCM 920415, Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Research Institute of the San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC), Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.A.-N.); (M.A.G.-C.); (R.H.-V.); (I.B.-O.)
| | - Pilar Villacampa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona and Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Feixa Llarga s/n, 08907 l’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain;
| | - Miriam A. Gonzalez-Cela
- Innovation, Therapy and Pharmaceutical Development in Ophthalmology (InnOftal) Research Group, UCM 920415, Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Research Institute of the San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC), Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.A.-N.); (M.A.G.-C.); (R.H.-V.); (I.B.-O.)
| | - Manuel Subías
- Department of Ophthalmology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Miguel Servet Ophthalmology Research Group (GIMSO), Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (I.M.); (M.S.); (L.E.P.); (M.J.R.)
- Biotech Vision SLP (Spin-Off Company), Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Luis E. Pablo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Miguel Servet Ophthalmology Research Group (GIMSO), Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (I.M.); (M.S.); (L.E.P.); (M.J.R.)
- Biotech Vision SLP (Spin-Off Company), Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Thematic Research Network in Ophthalmology (Oftared), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Julian Garcia-Feijoo
- Thematic Research Network in Ophthalmology (Oftared), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Ophthalmology, San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Health Research Institute of the San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocio Herrero-Vanrell
- Innovation, Therapy and Pharmaceutical Development in Ophthalmology (InnOftal) Research Group, UCM 920415, Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Research Institute of the San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC), Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.A.-N.); (M.A.G.-C.); (R.H.-V.); (I.B.-O.)
- Thematic Research Network in Ophthalmology (Oftared), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Elena Garcia-Martin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Miguel Servet Ophthalmology Research Group (GIMSO), Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (I.M.); (M.S.); (L.E.P.); (M.J.R.)
- Thematic Research Network in Ophthalmology (Oftared), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Irene Bravo-Osuna
- Innovation, Therapy and Pharmaceutical Development in Ophthalmology (InnOftal) Research Group, UCM 920415, Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Research Institute of the San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC), Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.A.-N.); (M.A.G.-C.); (R.H.-V.); (I.B.-O.)
- Thematic Research Network in Ophthalmology (Oftared), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Maria J. Rodrigo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Miguel Servet Ophthalmology Research Group (GIMSO), Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (I.M.); (M.S.); (L.E.P.); (M.J.R.)
- Thematic Research Network in Ophthalmology (Oftared), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
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Kim HJ, Cha S, Choi JS, Lee JY, Kim KE, Kim JK, Kim J, Moon SY, Lee SHS, Park K, Won SY. scAAV2-Mediated Expression of Thioredoxin 2 and C3 Transferase Prevents Retinal Ganglion Cell Death and Lowers Intraocular Pressure in a Mouse Model of Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16253. [PMID: 38003443 PMCID: PMC10671512 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216253] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma causes retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss and damage to the optic nerve. Although IOP is controlled pharmacologically, no treatment is available to restore retinal and optic nerve function. In this paper, we aimed to develop a novel gene therapy for glaucoma using an AAV2-based thioredoxin 2 (Trx2)-exoenzyme C3 transferase (C3) fusion protein expression vector (scAAV2-Trx2-C3). We evaluated the therapeutic effects of this vector in vitro and in vivo using dexamethasone (DEX)-induced glaucoma models. We found that scAAV2-Trx2-C3-treated HeLa cells had significantly reduced GTP-bound active RhoA and increased phosphor-cofilin Ser3 protein expression levels. scAAV2-Trx2-C3 was also shown to inhibit oxidative stress, fibronectin expression, and alpha-SMA expression in DEX-treated HeLa cells. NeuN immunostaining and TUNEL assay in mouse retinal tissues was performed to evaluate its neuroprotective effect upon RGCs, whereas changes in mouse IOP were monitored via rebound tonometer. The present study showed that scAAV2-Trx2-C3 can protect RGCs from degeneration and reduce IOP in a DEX-induced mouse model of glaucoma, while immunohistochemistry revealed that the expression of fibronectin and alpha-SMA was decreased after the transduction of scAAV2-Trx2-C3 in murine eye tissues. Our results suggest that AAV2-Trx2-C3 modulates the outflow resistance of the trabecular meshwork, protects retinal and other ocular tissues from oxidative damage, and may lead to the development of a gene therapeutic for glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Jong Kim
- Institute of New Drug Development Research, Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Seoul 05855, Republic of Korea; (H.J.K.); (S.C.); (J.-S.C.); (J.K.K.); (J.K.); (S.Y.M.); (S.H.S.L.); (K.P.)
- Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Cheongju 28577, Republic of Korea
| | - Seho Cha
- Institute of New Drug Development Research, Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Seoul 05855, Republic of Korea; (H.J.K.); (S.C.); (J.-S.C.); (J.K.K.); (J.K.); (S.Y.M.); (S.H.S.L.); (K.P.)
- Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Cheongju 28577, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Sub Choi
- Institute of New Drug Development Research, Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Seoul 05855, Republic of Korea; (H.J.K.); (S.C.); (J.-S.C.); (J.K.K.); (J.K.); (S.Y.M.); (S.H.S.L.); (K.P.)
- Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Cheongju 28577, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Yong Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; (J.Y.L.); (K.E.K.)
- Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Ko Eun Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; (J.Y.L.); (K.E.K.)
- Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Kwon Kim
- Institute of New Drug Development Research, Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Seoul 05855, Republic of Korea; (H.J.K.); (S.C.); (J.-S.C.); (J.K.K.); (J.K.); (S.Y.M.); (S.H.S.L.); (K.P.)
- Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Cheongju 28577, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Kim
- Institute of New Drug Development Research, Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Seoul 05855, Republic of Korea; (H.J.K.); (S.C.); (J.-S.C.); (J.K.K.); (J.K.); (S.Y.M.); (S.H.S.L.); (K.P.)
- Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Cheongju 28577, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo Yun Moon
- Institute of New Drug Development Research, Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Seoul 05855, Republic of Korea; (H.J.K.); (S.C.); (J.-S.C.); (J.K.K.); (J.K.); (S.Y.M.); (S.H.S.L.); (K.P.)
- Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Cheongju 28577, Republic of Korea
| | - Steven Hyun Seung Lee
- Institute of New Drug Development Research, Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Seoul 05855, Republic of Korea; (H.J.K.); (S.C.); (J.-S.C.); (J.K.K.); (J.K.); (S.Y.M.); (S.H.S.L.); (K.P.)
- Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Cheongju 28577, Republic of Korea
| | - Keerang Park
- Institute of New Drug Development Research, Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Seoul 05855, Republic of Korea; (H.J.K.); (S.C.); (J.-S.C.); (J.K.K.); (J.K.); (S.Y.M.); (S.H.S.L.); (K.P.)
- Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Cheongju 28577, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Yoon Won
- Institute of New Drug Development Research, Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Seoul 05855, Republic of Korea; (H.J.K.); (S.C.); (J.-S.C.); (J.K.K.); (J.K.); (S.Y.M.); (S.H.S.L.); (K.P.)
- Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Cheongju 28577, Republic of Korea
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9
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Faralli JA, Filla MS, Peters DM. Role of integrins in the development of fibrosis in the trabecular meshwork. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2023; 3:1274797. [PMID: 38983065 PMCID: PMC11182094 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2023.1274797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a progressive and chronic disease exhibiting many of the features of fibrosis. The extracellular matrix (ECM) in the trabecular meshwork (TM) undergoes extensive remodeling and enhanced rigidity, resembling fibrotic changes. In addition, there are changes associated with myofibroblast activation and cell contractility that further drives tissue fibrosis and stiffening. This review discusses what is known about the integrins in the TM and their involvement in fibrotic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Faralli
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Mark S Filla
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Donna M Peters
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
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10
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Geiduschek EK, McDowell CM. The Fibro-Inflammatory Response in the Glaucomatous Optic Nerve Head. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13240. [PMID: 37686046 PMCID: PMC10487997 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a progressive disease and the leading cause of irreversible blindness. The limited therapeutics available are only able to manage the common risk factor of glaucoma, elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), indicating a great need for understanding the cellular mechanisms behind optic nerve head (ONH) damage during disease progression. Here we review the known inflammatory and fibrotic changes occurring in the ONH. In addition, we describe a novel mechanism of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and transforming growth factor beta-2 (TGFβ2) signaling crosstalk in the cells of the ONH that contribute to glaucomatous damage. Understanding molecular signaling within and between the cells of the ONH can help identify new drug targets and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Colleen M. McDowell
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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11
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Mavlyutov TA, Kuhn MS, Bilal SE, De Ieso ML, Chauhan AK, Stamer WD, McDowell CM. Decreased outflow facility and Schlemm's canal defects in a mouse model of glaucoma. Exp Eye Res 2022; 225:109249. [PMID: 36152913 PMCID: PMC9722577 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Previously we identified B6.EDA+/+ mice as a novel mouse model that presents with elevated IOP and trabecular meshwork damage. Here, we expand on our previous findings by measuring aqueous humor outflow facility and analyzing the integrity of the inner wall of Schlemm's canal. As expected, intraocular pressure (IOP) was increased, and outflow facility was decreased compared to C57BL/6J controls. B6.EDA+/+ mice had significantly increased expression of the adherens junction protein, VE-cadherin by the inner wall endothelium of Schlemm's canal. These data suggest that in addition to trabecular meshwork damage, there are changes in Schlemm's canal in B6.EDA+/+ mice that lead to aqueous outflow dysfunction and ocular hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timur A Mavlyutov
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53575, USA
| | - Megan S Kuhn
- Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Samer E Bilal
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53575, USA
| | | | - Anil K Chauhan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Colleen M McDowell
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53575, USA.
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