1
|
Stehle IF, Imventarza JA, Woerz F, Hoffmann F, Boldt K, Beyer T, Quinn PM, Ueffing M. Human CRB1 and CRB2 form homo- and heteromeric protein complexes in the retina. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302440. [PMID: 38570189 PMCID: PMC10992996 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Crumbs homolog 1 (CRB1) is one of the key genes linked to retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis, which are characterized by a high clinical heterogeneity. The Crumbs family member CRB2 has a similar protein structure to CRB1, and in zebrafish, Crb2 has been shown to interact through the extracellular domain. Here, we show that CRB1 and CRB2 co-localize in the human retina and human iPSC-derived retinal organoids. In retina-specific pull-downs, CRB1 was enriched in CRB2 samples, supporting a CRB1-CRB2 interaction. Furthermore, novel interactors of the crumbs complex were identified, representing a retina-derived protein interaction network. Using co-immunoprecipitation, we further demonstrate that human canonical CRB1 interacts with CRB1 and CRB2, but not with CRB3, which lacks an extracellular domain. Next, we explored how missense mutations in the extracellular domain affect CRB1-CRB2 interactions. We observed no or a mild loss of CRB1-CRB2 interaction, when interrogating various CRB1 or CRB2 missense mutants in vitro. Taken together, our results show a stable interaction of human canonical CRB2 and CRB1 in the retina.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel F Stehle
- https://ror.org/03a1kwz48 Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Joel A Imventarza
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University; New York, NY, USA
| | - Franziska Woerz
- https://ror.org/03a1kwz48 Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Felix Hoffmann
- https://ror.org/03a1kwz48 Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Karsten Boldt
- https://ror.org/03a1kwz48 Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tina Beyer
- https://ror.org/03a1kwz48 Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Peter Mj Quinn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University; New York, NY, USA
| | - Marius Ueffing
- https://ror.org/03a1kwz48 Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhou X, Zhao L, Wang C, Sun W, Jia B, Li D, Fu J. Diverse functions and pathogenetic role of Crumbs in retinopathy. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:290. [PMID: 38802833 PMCID: PMC11129452 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01673-z] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The Crumbs protein (CRB) family plays a crucial role in maintaining the apical-basal polarity and integrity of embryonic epithelia. The family comprises different isoforms in different animals and possesses diverse structural, localization, and functional characteristics. Mutations in the human CRB1 or CRB2 gene may lead to a broad spectrum of retinal dystrophies. Various CRB-associated experimental models have recently provided mechanistic insights into human CRB-associated retinopathies. The knowledge obtained from these models corroborates the importance of CRB in retinal development and maintenance. Therefore, complete elucidation of these models can provide excellent therapeutic prospects for human CRB-associated retinopathies. In this review, we summarize the current animal models and human-derived models of different CRB family members and describe the main characteristics of their retinal phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuebin Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Liangliang Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Chenguang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Wei Sun
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Bo Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Jinling Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Peng S, Li JJ, Song W, Li Y, Zeng L, Liang Q, Wen X, Shang H, Liu K, Peng P, Xue W, Zou B, Yang L, Liang J, Zhang Z, Guo S, Chen T, Li W, Jin M, Xing XB, Wan P, Liu C, Lin H, Wei H, Lee RWJ, Zhang F, Wei L. CRB1-associated retinal degeneration is dependent on bacterial translocation from the gut. Cell 2024; 187:1387-1401.e13. [PMID: 38412859 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The Crumbs homolog 1 (CRB1) gene is associated with retinal degeneration, most commonly Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Here, we demonstrate that murine retinas bearing the Rd8 mutation of Crb1 are characterized by the presence of intralesional bacteria. While normal CRB1 expression was enriched in the apical junctional complexes of retinal pigment epithelium and colonic enterocytes, Crb1 mutations dampened its expression at both sites. Consequent impairment of the outer blood retinal barrier and colonic intestinal epithelial barrier in Rd8 mice led to the translocation of intestinal bacteria from the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract to the retina, resulting in secondary retinal degeneration. Either the depletion of bacteria systemically or the reintroduction of normal Crb1 expression colonically rescued Rd8-mutation-associated retinal degeneration without reversing the retinal barrier breach. Our data elucidate the pathogenesis of Crb1-mutation-associated retinal degenerations and suggest that antimicrobial agents have the potential to treat this devastating blinding disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanzhen Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jing Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Wanying Song
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Ye Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Lei Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Qiaoxing Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xiaofeng Wen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Haitao Shang
- Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Keli Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Peiyao Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Wei Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Bin Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Liu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Juanran Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zhihui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Eye Institute & School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Shixin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Tingting Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Wenxuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Ming Jin
- Department of Ophthalmology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 10029, China
| | - Xiang-Bin Xing
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Pengxia Wan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Chunqiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Haotian Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Hong Wei
- Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Richard W J Lee
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China.
| | - Lai Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China; The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Du X, Butler AG, Chen HY. Cell-cell interaction in the pathogenesis of inherited retinal diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1332944. [PMID: 38500685 PMCID: PMC10944940 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1332944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The retina is part of the central nervous system specialized for vision. Inherited retinal diseases (IRD) are a group of clinically and genetically heterogenous disorders that lead to progressive vision impairment or blindness. Although each disorder is rare, IRD accumulatively cause blindness in up to 5.5 million individuals worldwide. Currently, the pathophysiological mechanisms of IRD are not fully understood and there are limited treatment options available. Most IRD are caused by degeneration of light-sensitive photoreceptors. Genetic mutations that abrogate the structure and/or function of photoreceptors lead to visual impairment followed by blindness caused by loss of photoreceptors. In healthy retina, photoreceptors structurally and functionally interact with retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Müller glia (MG) to maintain retinal homeostasis. Multiple IRD with photoreceptor degeneration as a major phenotype are caused by mutations of RPE- and/or MG-associated genes. Recent studies also reveal compromised MG and RPE caused by mutations in ubiquitously expressed ciliary genes. Therefore, photoreceptor degeneration could be a direct consequence of gene mutations and/or could be secondary to the dysfunction of their interaction partners in the retina. This review summarizes the mechanisms of photoreceptor-RPE/MG interaction in supporting retinal functions and discusses how the disruption of these processes could lead to photoreceptor degeneration, with an aim to provide a unique perspective of IRD pathogenesis and treatment paradigm. We will first describe the biology of retina and IRD and then discuss the interaction between photoreceptors and MG/RPE as well as their implications in disease pathogenesis. Finally, we will summarize the recent advances in IRD therapeutics targeting MG and/or RPE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Holly Y. Chen
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Boon N, Lu X, Andriessen CA, Orlovà M, Quinn PM, Boon CJ, Wijnholds J. Characterization and AAV-mediated CRB gene augmentation in human-derived CRB1KO and CRB1KOCRB2+/- retinal organoids. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 31:101128. [PMID: 37886604 PMCID: PMC10597801 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101128] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The majority of patients with mutations in CRB1 develop either early-onset retinitis pigmentosa as young children or Leber congenital amaurosis as newborns. The cause for the phenotypic variability in CRB1-associated retinopathies is unknown, but might be linked to differences in CRB1 and CRB2 protein levels in Müller glial cells and photoreceptor cells. Here, CRB1KO and CRB1KOCRB2+/- differentiation day 210 retinal organoids showed a significant decrease in the number of photoreceptor nuclei in a row and a significant increase in the number of photoreceptor cell nuclei above the outer limiting membrane. This phenotype with outer retinal abnormalities is similar to CRB1 patient-derived retinal organoids and Crb1 or Crb2 mutant mouse retinal disease models. The CRB1KO and CRB1KOCRB2+/- retinal organoids develop an additional inner retinal phenotype due to the complete loss of CRB1 from Müller glial cells, suggesting an essential role for CRB1 in proper localization of neuronal cell types. Adeno-associated viral (AAV) transduction was explored at early and late stages of organoid development. Moreover, AAV-mediated gene augmentation therapy with AAV.hCRB2 improved the outer retinal phenotype in CRB1KO retinal organoids. Altogether, these data provide essential information for future gene therapy approaches for patients with CRB1-associated retinal dystrophies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nanda Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Xuefei Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Charlotte A. Andriessen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Michaela Orlovà
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Peter M.J. Quinn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Camiel J.F. Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, 1000 AE Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Iyengar R, Deardorff M, Schmidt R, Nagiel A. Retinal manifestations in autosomal recessive MPDZ maculopathy: report of two cases and literature review. Ophthalmic Genet 2023; 44:572-576. [PMID: 36594712 PMCID: PMC10315413 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2022.2161580] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To present the retinal and systemic findings in two siblings with compound heterozygous MPDZ variants that were found to have different chorioretinal manifestations. Materials and Methods: Two sibling patients underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including ophthalmoscopy, fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and genetic testing by whole exome sequencing. RESULTS A 4-year-old male presented with intermittent exotropia and decreased vision in both eyes. Ophthalmologic examination was notable for macular colobomas and far temporal chorioretinal atrophy in both eyes. OCT of the macula in both eyes demonstrated a caldera with severe retinal and choroidal thinning. Fluorescein angiography of the central macula showed hypofluorescence with persistence of deep choroidal vessels. An ocular gene panel was nondiagnostic, but subsequent whole-exome sequencing noted compound heterozygous, likely pathogenic MPDZ variants (c.3100C>T p.(Arg1034*) from father and c.747 + 2T>G p.(?) from mother). His older brother, a 9-year-old male, had a history of macrocephaly but had not undergone further workup. On exam, he had a visual acuity of 20/25 in the right eye and 20/40 in the left eye and was found to have subtle changes in the foveal reflex of both eyes. OCT revealed thinning of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) temporal to the fovea bilaterally. Sanger sequencing revealed he was positive for the same two MPDZ variants. CONCLUSIONS MPDZ variants have been described in cases of congenital hydrocephalus with varying ophthalmologic manifestations. We present a case series describing retinal phenotypes associated with MPDZ variants in a single family through multimodal imaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Iyengar
- Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Matthew Deardorff
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Ryan Schmidt
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Aaron Nagiel
- Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Buck TM, Quinn PMJ, Pellissier LP, Mulder AA, Jongejan A, Lu X, Boon N, Koot D, Almushattat H, Arendzen CH, Vos RM, Bradley EJ, Freund C, Mikkers HMM, Boon CJF, Moerland PD, Baas F, Koster AJ, Neefjes J, Berlin I, Jost CR, Wijnholds J. CRB1 is required for recycling by RAB11A+ vesicles in human retinal organoids. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:1793-1810. [PMID: 37541258 PMCID: PMC10545476 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.07.001] [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: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CRB1 gene mutations can cause early- or late-onset retinitis pigmentosa, Leber congenital amaurosis, or maculopathy. Recapitulating human CRB1 phenotypes in animal models has proven challenging, necessitating the development of alternatives. We generated human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived retinal organoids of patients with retinitis pigmentosa caused by biallelic CRB1 mutations and evaluated them against autologous gene-corrected hiPSCs and hiPSCs from healthy individuals. Patient organoids show decreased levels of CRB1 and NOTCH1 expression at the retinal outer limiting membrane. Proximity ligation assays show that human CRB1 and NOTCH1 can interact via their extracellular domains. CRB1 patient organoids feature increased levels of WDFY1+ vesicles, fewer RAB11A+ recycling endosomes, decreased VPS35 retromer complex components, and more degradative endolysosomal compartments relative to isogenic control organoids. Taken together, our data demonstrate that patient-derived retinal organoids enable modeling of retinal degeneration and highlight the importance of CRB1 in early endosome maturation receptor recycling in the retina.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thilo M Buck
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Peter M J Quinn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Lucie P Pellissier
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam 1105 BA, the Netherlands
| | - Aat A Mulder
- Department of Cell & Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden 2300 RC, the Netherlands
| | - Aldo Jongejan
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Xuefei Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Nanda Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Daniëlle Koot
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Hind Almushattat
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
| | | | - Rogier M Vos
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam 1105 BA, the Netherlands
| | - Edward J Bradley
- Department of Genome Analysis, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Christian Freund
- Leiden University Medical Center hiPSC Hotel, Leiden 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Harald M M Mikkers
- Department of Cell & Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden 2300 RC, the Netherlands; Leiden University Medical Center hiPSC Hotel, Leiden 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Camiel J F Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden 2333 ZA, the Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1000 AE, the Netherlands
| | - Perry D Moerland
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Frank Baas
- Department of Genome Analysis, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Genetics/LDGA, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Abraham J Koster
- Department of Cell & Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden 2300 RC, the Netherlands
| | - Jacques Neefjes
- Department of Cell & Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden 2300 RC, the Netherlands
| | - Ilana Berlin
- Department of Cell & Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden 2300 RC, the Netherlands
| | - Carolina R Jost
- Department of Cell & Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden 2300 RC, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden 2333 ZA, the Netherlands; Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam 1105 BA, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Boon N, Lu X, Andriessen CA, Moustakas I, Buck TM, Freund C, Arendzen CH, Böhringer S, Mei H, Wijnholds J. AAV-mediated gene augmentation therapy of CRB1 patient-derived retinal organoids restores the histological and transcriptional retinal phenotype. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:1123-1137. [PMID: 37084726 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis are inherited retinal dystrophies that can be caused by mutations in the Crumbs homolog 1 (CRB1) gene. CRB1 is required for organizing apical-basal polarity and adhesion between photoreceptors and Müller glial cells. CRB1 patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells were differentiated into CRB1 retinal organoids that showed diminished expression of variant CRB1 protein observed by immunohistochemical analysis. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed impact on, among others, the endosomal pathway and cell adhesion and migration in CRB1 patient-derived retinal organoids compared with isogenic controls. Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated hCRB2 or hCRB1 gene augmentation in Müller glial and photoreceptor cells partially restored the histological phenotype and transcriptomic profile of CRB1 patient-derived retinal organoids. Altogether, we show proof-of-concept that AAV.hCRB1 or AAV.hCRB2 treatment improved the phenotype of CRB1 patient-derived retinal organoids, providing essential information for future gene therapy approaches for patients with mutations in the CRB1 gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nanda Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Xuefei Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Charlotte A Andriessen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ioannis Moustakas
- Sequencing Analysis Support Core, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Thilo M Buck
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Christian Freund
- hiPSC Hotel, Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Christiaan H Arendzen
- hiPSC Hotel, Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan Böhringer
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Hailiang Mei
- Sequencing Analysis Support Core, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands; Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Owen N, Toms M, Tian Y, Toualbi L, Richardson R, Young R, Tracey‐White D, Dhami P, Beck S, Moosajee M. Loss of the crumbs cell polarity complex disrupts epigenetic transcriptional control and cell cycle progression in the developing retina. J Pathol 2023; 259:441-454. [PMID: 36656098 PMCID: PMC10601974 DOI: 10.1002/path.6056] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The crumbs cell polarity complex plays a crucial role in apical-basal epithelial polarity, cellular adhesion, and morphogenesis. Homozygous variants in human CRB1 result in autosomal recessive Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP), with no established genotype-phenotype correlation. The associated protein complexes have key functions in developmental pathways; however, the underlying disease mechanism remains unclear. Using the oko meduzym289/m289 (crb2a-/- ) zebrafish, we performed integrative transcriptomic (RNA-seq data) and methylomic [reduced representation bisulphite sequencing (RRBS)] analysis of whole retina to identify dysregulated genes and pathways. Delayed retinal cell specification was identified in both the crb2a-/- zebrafish and CRB1 patient-derived retinal organoids, highlighting the dysfunction of cell cycle modulation and epigenetic transcriptional control. Differential DNA methylation analysis revealed novel hypermethylated pathways involving biological adhesion, Hippo, and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signalling. By integrating gene expression with DNA methylation using functional epigenetic modules (FEM), we identified six key modules involving cell cycle control and disturbance of TGFβ, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), Hippo, and SMAD protein signal transduction pathways, revealing significant interactome hotspots relevant to crb2a function and confirming the epigenetic control of gene regulation in early retinal development, which points to a novel mechanism underlying CRB1-retinopathies. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Owen
- UCL Institute of OphthalmologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
| | - Maria Toms
- UCL Institute of OphthalmologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
| | - Yuan Tian
- Medical Genomics, UCL Cancer InstituteUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Lyes Toualbi
- UCL Institute of OphthalmologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
| | - Rose Richardson
- UCL Institute of OphthalmologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Rodrigo Young
- UCL Institute of OphthalmologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Pawan Dhami
- Medical Genomics, UCL Cancer InstituteUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Stephan Beck
- Medical Genomics, UCL Cancer InstituteUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- UCL Institute of OphthalmologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
- Department of OphthalmologyGreat Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- Department of GeneticsMoorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Roh H, Otgondemberel Y, Eom J, Kim D, Im M. Electrically-evoked responses for retinal prostheses are differentially altered depending on ganglion cell types in outer retinal neurodegeneration caused by Crb1 gene mutation. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1115703. [PMID: 36814867 PMCID: PMC9939843 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1115703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Microelectronic prostheses for artificial vision stimulate neurons surviving outer retinal neurodegeneration such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Yet, the quality of prosthetic vision substantially varies across subjects, maybe due to different levels of retinal degeneration and/or distinct genotypes. Although the RP genotypes are remarkably diverse, prosthetic studies have primarily used retinal degeneration (rd) 1 and 10 mice, which both have Pde6b gene mutation. Here, we report the electric responses arising in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) of the rd8 mouse model which has Crb1 mutation. Methods We first investigated age-dependent histological changes of wild-type (wt), rd8, and rd10 mice retinas by H&E staining. Then, we used cell-attached patch clamping to record spiking responses of ON, OFF and direction selective (DS) types of RGCs to a 4-ms-long electric pulse. The electric responses of rd8 RGCs were analyzed in comparison with those of wt RGCs in terms of individual RGC spiking patterns, populational characteristics, and spiking consistency across trials. Results In the histological examination, the rd8 mice showed partial retinal foldings, but the outer nuclear layer thicknesses remained comparable to those of the wt mice, indicating the early-stage of RP. Although spiking patterns of each RGC type seemed similar to those of the wt retinas, correlation levels between electric vs. light response features were different across the two mouse models. For example, in comparisons between light vs. electric response magnitudes, ON/OFF RGCs of the rd8 mice showed the same/opposite correlation polarity with those of wt mice, respectively. Also, the electric response spike counts of DS RGCs in the rd8 retinas showed a positive correlation with their direction selectivity indices (r = 0.40), while those of the wt retinas were negatively correlated (r = -0.90). Lastly, the spiking timing consistencies of late responses were largely decreased in both ON and OFF RGCs in the rd8 than the wt retinas, whereas no significant difference was found across DS RGCs of the two models. Conclusion Our results indicate the electric response features are altered depending on RGC types even from the early-stage RP caused by Crb1 mutation. Given the various degeneration patterns depending on mutation genes, our study suggests the importance of both genotype- and RGC type-dependent analyses for retinal prosthetic research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonhee Roh
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- School of Electrical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Jeonghyeon Eom
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- School of Electrical Engineering, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Daniel Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Maesoon Im
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Daich Varela M, Georgiou M, Alswaiti Y, Kabbani J, Fujinami K, Fujinami-Yokokawa Y, Khoda S, Mahroo OA, Robson AG, Webster AR, AlTalbishi A, Michaelides M. CRB1-Associated Retinal Dystrophies: Genetics, Clinical Characteristics, and Natural History. Am J Ophthalmol 2023; 246:107-121. [PMID: 36099972 PMCID: PMC10555856 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the clinical characteristics, natural history, and genetics of CRB1-associated retinal dystrophies. DESIGN Multicenter international retrospective cohort study. METHODS Review of clinical notes, ophthalmic images, and genetic testing results of 104 patients (91 probands) with disease-causing CRB1 variants. Macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters, visual function, fundus characteristics, and associations between variables were the main outcome measures. RESULTS The mean age of the cohort at the first visit was 19.8 ± 16.1 (median 15) years, with a mean follow-up of 9.6 ± 10 years. Based on history, imaging, and clinical examination, 26 individuals were diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP; 25%), 54 with early-onset severe retinal dystrophy / Leber congenital amaurosis (EOSRD/LCA; 52%), and 24 with macular dystrophy (MD; 23%). Severe visual impairment was most frequent after 40 years of age for patients with RP and after 20 years of age for EOSRD/LCA. Longitudinal analysis revealed a significant difference between baseline and follow-up best-corrected visual acuity in the 3 subcohorts. Macular thickness decreased in most patients with EOSRD/LCA and MD, whereas the majority of patients with RP had increased perifoveal thickness. CONCLUSIONS A subset of individuals with CRB1 variants present with mild, adult-onset RP. EOSRD/LCA phenotype was significantly associated with null variants, and 167_169 deletion was exclusively present in the MD cohort. The poor OCT lamination may have a degenerative component, as well as being congenital. Disease symmetry and reasonable window for intervention highlight CRB1 retinal dystrophies as a promising target for trials of novel therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malena Daich Varela
- Moorfields Eye Hospital (M.D.V., M.G., K.F., S.K., O.A.M., A.G.R., A.R.W., M.M.), London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (M.D.V., M.G., K.F., Y.F.-Y., O.A.M., A.G.R., A.R.W., M.M.), London, United Kingdom
| | - Michalis Georgiou
- Moorfields Eye Hospital (M.D.V., M.G., K.F., S.K., O.A.M., A.G.R., A.R.W., M.M.), London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (M.D.V., M.G., K.F., Y.F.-Y., O.A.M., A.G.R., A.R.W., M.M.), London, United Kingdom; Jones Eye Institute (M.G.), University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Yahya Alswaiti
- St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital group, Jerusalem, Palestine (Y.A., A.A.)
| | - Jamil Kabbani
- Imperial College London (J.K.), London, United Kingdom
| | - Kaoru Fujinami
- Moorfields Eye Hospital (M.D.V., M.G., K.F., S.K., O.A.M., A.G.R., A.R.W., M.M.), London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (M.D.V., M.G., K.F., Y.F.-Y., O.A.M., A.G.R., A.R.W., M.M.), London, United Kingdom; Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center (Y.F.-Y.), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yu Fujinami-Yokokawa
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (M.D.V., M.G., K.F., Y.F.-Y., O.A.M., A.G.R., A.R.W., M.M.), London, United Kingdom; Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center (Y.F.-Y.), Tokyo, Japan; Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Keio University(Y.F.-Y.), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shaheeni Khoda
- Moorfields Eye Hospital (M.D.V., M.G., K.F., S.K., O.A.M., A.G.R., A.R.W., M.M.), London, United Kingdom
| | - Omar A Mahroo
- Moorfields Eye Hospital (M.D.V., M.G., K.F., S.K., O.A.M., A.G.R., A.R.W., M.M.), London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (M.D.V., M.G., K.F., Y.F.-Y., O.A.M., A.G.R., A.R.W., M.M.), London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony G Robson
- Moorfields Eye Hospital (M.D.V., M.G., K.F., S.K., O.A.M., A.G.R., A.R.W., M.M.), London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (M.D.V., M.G., K.F., Y.F.-Y., O.A.M., A.G.R., A.R.W., M.M.), London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew R Webster
- Moorfields Eye Hospital (M.D.V., M.G., K.F., S.K., O.A.M., A.G.R., A.R.W., M.M.), London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (M.D.V., M.G., K.F., Y.F.-Y., O.A.M., A.G.R., A.R.W., M.M.), London, United Kingdom
| | - Alaa AlTalbishi
- St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital group, Jerusalem, Palestine (Y.A., A.A.)
| | - Michel Michaelides
- Moorfields Eye Hospital (M.D.V., M.G., K.F., S.K., O.A.M., A.G.R., A.R.W., M.M.), London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (M.D.V., M.G., K.F., Y.F.-Y., O.A.M., A.G.R., A.R.W., M.M.), London, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Clinical and Therapeutic Evaluation of the Ten Most Prevalent CRB1 Mutations. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020385. [PMID: 36830922 PMCID: PMC9953187 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020385] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the Crumbs homolog 1 (CRB1) gene lead to severe inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs), accounting for nearly 80,000 cases worldwide. To date, there is no therapeutic option for patients suffering from CRB1-IRDs. Therefore, it is of great interest to evaluate gene editing strategies capable of correcting CRB1 mutations. A retrospective chart review was conducted on ten patients demonstrating one or two of the top ten most prevalent CRB1 mutations and receiving care at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. Patient phenotypes were consistent with previously published data for individual CRB1 mutations. To identify the optimal gene editing strategy for these ten mutations, base and prime editing designs were evaluated. For base editing, we adopted the use of a near-PAMless Cas9 (SpRY Cas9), whereas for prime editing, we evaluated the canonical NGG and NGA prime editors. We demonstrate that for the correction of c.2843G>A, p.(Cys948Tyr), the most prevalent CRB1 mutation, base editing has the potential to generate harmful bystanders. Prime editing, however, avoids these bystanders, highlighting its future potential to halt CRB1-mediated disease progression. Additional studies investigating prime editing for CRB1-IRDs are needed, as well as a thorough analysis of prime editing's application, efficiency, and safety in the retina.
Collapse
|
13
|
Preclinical Models of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2560:181-215. [PMID: 36481897 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2651-1_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the name for a group of phenotypically-related heritable retinal degenerative disorders. Many genes have been implicated as causing variants of RP, and while the clinical phenotypes are remarkably similar, they may differ in age of onset, progression, and severity. Common inheritance patterns for specific genes connected with the development of the disorder include autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and X-linked. Modeling the disease in animals and other preclinical systems offers a cost-conscious, ethical, and time-efficient method for studying the disease subtypes. The history of RP models is briefly examined, and both naturally occurring and transgenic preclinical models of RP in many different organisms are discussed. Syndromic forms of RP and models thereof are reviewed as well.
Collapse
|
14
|
Novel Compound Heterozygous Variations in MPDZ Gene Caused Isolated Bilateral Macular Coloboma in a Chinese Family. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223602. [PMID: 36429029 PMCID: PMC9688216 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Macular coloboma (MC) is a rare congenital retinochoroidal defect characterized by lesions of different sizes in the macular region. The pathological mechanism underlying congenital MC is unknown. Novel compound heterozygous variations, c.4301delA (p.Asp1434fs*3) and c.5255C>G (p.Ser1752Ter), in the multiple PDZ domain (MPDZ) proteins were identified via whole-exome analysis on the proband with isolated bilateral macular coloboma in a Chinese family. Segregation analysis revealed that each of the unaffected parents was heterozygous for one of the two variants. The results of the in silico and bioinformatics analysis were aligned with the experimental data. The knockdown of MPDZ in zebrafish caused a decrease in the ellipsoid zone, a destruction of the outer limiting membrane, and the subsequent RPE degeneration. Overall, the loss of MPDZ in zebrafish contributed to retinal development failure. These results indicate that MPDZ plays an essential role in the occurrence and maintenance of the macula, and the novel compound heterozygous variations were responsible for an autosomal recessive macular deficiency in this Chinese family.
Collapse
|
15
|
Segurado A, Rodríguez-Carrillo A, Castellanos B, Hernández-Galilea E, Velasco A, Lillo C. Scribble basal polarity acquisition in RPE cells and its mislocalization in a pathological AMD-like model. Front Neuroanat 2022; 16:983151. [PMID: 36213611 PMCID: PMC9539273 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2022.983151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Apicobasal polarity is a hallmark of retinal pigment epithelium cells and is required to perform their functions; however, the precise roles of the different proteins that execute polarity are still poorly understood. Here, we have studied the expression and location of Scribble, the core member of the polarity basal protein complex in epithelial-derived cells, in human and mouse RPE cells in both control and pathological conditions. We found that Scribble specifically localizes at the basolateral membrane of mouse and human RPE cells. In addition, we observed an increase in the expression of Scribble during human RPE development in culture, while it acquires a well-defined basolateral pattern as this process is completed. Finally, the expression and location of Scribble were analyzed in human RPE cells in experimental conditions that mimic the toxic environment suffered by these cells during AMD development and found an increase in Scribble expression in cells that develop a pathological phenotype, suggesting that the protein could be altered in cells under stress conditions, as occurs in AMD. Together, our results demonstrate, for the first time, that Scribble is expressed in both human and mouse RPE and is localized at the basolateral membrane in mature cells. Furthermore, Scribble shows impaired expression and location in RPE cells in pathological conditions, suggesting a possible role for this protein in the development of pathologies, such as AMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Segurado
- Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León (INCyL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Plasticity, Degeneration, and Regeneration of the Visual System Group, Institute for Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Alba Rodríguez-Carrillo
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León (INCyL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Bárbara Castellanos
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León (INCyL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Emiliano Hernández-Galilea
- Plasticity, Degeneration, and Regeneration of the Visual System Group, Institute for Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Surgery, Ophthalmology Service, University Hospital of Salamanca, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Almudena Velasco
- Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León (INCyL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Plasticity, Degeneration, and Regeneration of the Visual System Group, Institute for Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Concepción Lillo
- Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León (INCyL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Plasticity, Degeneration, and Regeneration of the Visual System Group, Institute for Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- *Correspondence: Concepción Lillo
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Nahar A, Cho SH. Current perspectives in Leber congenital amaurosis type 8 mouse modeling. Dev Dyn 2022; 251:1094-1106. [PMID: 35150033 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.462] [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: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the CRB1 (Crumbs homolog 1) cause rare retinal diseases like retinitis pigmentosa type 12 (RP12) and Leber congenital amaurosis type 8 (LCA8). RP12 results in progressively worsening peripheral vision, whereas LCA8 causes severe visual impairment at birth or in early life. While several mouse models have been proposed for RP12, few replicate the full spectrum of human LCA8 pathology, such as disorganized retinal layering, abnormal retinal thickening, pigmentary defects, hyperreflective lesions, and severely attenuated electroretinogram responses at birth. Six models have been proposed utilizing the Cre-loxP system to delete candidate genes in specific retinal cell types and developmental stages. The model ablating Crb1 and its homolog Crb2 (using mRx-Cre) from the beginning of the eye development is the most complete as it shows blindness during the eye-opening stage, pigmentary defects in the RPE, ganglion cell layer heterotopia, disruption of retinal lamination, and acellular patches. LCA8 represents a unique type of retinal dystrophy among LCA subtypes, driven by dysfunctional retinal progenitor cells during eye development. In contrast, other LCA types and RP12 are caused by photoreceptor defects. Therefore, the most accurate LCA8-like mouse model must target both alleles of the Crb1 and Crb2 genes in the optic vesicle or earlier.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ankur Nahar
- Thomas Jefferson University Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Seo-Hee Cho
- Department of Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Weatherly SM, Collin GB, Charette JR, Stone L, Damkham N, Hyde LF, Peterson JG, Hicks W, Carter GW, Naggert JK, Krebs MP, Nishina PM. Identification of Arhgef12 and Prkci as genetic modifiers of retinal dysplasia in the Crb1rd8 mouse model. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1009798. [PMID: 35675330 PMCID: PMC9212170 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the apicobasal polarity gene CRB1 lead to diverse retinal diseases, such as Leber congenital amaurosis, cone-rod dystrophy, retinitis pigmentosa (with and without Coats-like vasculopathy), foveal retinoschisis, macular dystrophy, and pigmented paravenous chorioretinal atrophy. Limited correlation between disease phenotypes and CRB1 alleles, and evidence that patients sharing the same alleles often present with different disease features, suggest that genetic modifiers contribute to clinical variation. Similarly, the retinal phenotype of mice bearing the Crb1 retinal degeneration 8 (rd8) allele varies with genetic background. Here, we initiated a sensitized chemical mutagenesis screen in B6.Cg-Crb1rd8/Pjn, a strain with a mild clinical presentation, to identify genetic modifiers that cause a more severe disease phenotype. Two models from this screen, Tvrm266 and Tvrm323, exhibited increased retinal dysplasia. Genetic mapping with high-throughput exome and candidate-gene sequencing identified causative mutations in Arhgef12 and Prkci, respectively. Epistasis analysis of both strains indicated that the increased dysplastic phenotype required homozygosity of the Crb1rd8 allele. Retinal dysplastic lesions in Tvrm266 mice were smaller and caused less photoreceptor degeneration than those in Tvrm323 mice, which developed an early, large diffuse lesion phenotype. At one month of age, Müller glia and microglia mislocalization at dysplastic lesions in both modifier strains was similar to that in B6.Cg-Crb1rd8/Pjn mice but photoreceptor cell mislocalization was more extensive. External limiting membrane disruption was comparable in Tvrm266 and B6.Cg-Crb1rd8/Pjn mice but milder in Tvrm323 mice. Immunohistological analysis of mice at postnatal day 0 indicated a normal distribution of mitotic cells in Tvrm266 and Tvrm323 mice, suggesting normal early development. Aberrant electroretinography responses were observed in both models but functional decline was significant only in Tvrm323 mice. These results identify Arhgef12 and Prkci as modifier genes that differentially shape Crb1-associated retinal disease, which may be relevant to understanding clinical variability and underlying disease mechanisms in humans. Inherited eye diseases affect roughly 1:1,000 individuals worldwide. Although these diseases are often linked to variants of a single gene, it is increasingly recognized that a second variant in other genes may modify disease characteristics, including age of onset, severity, and lesion appearance. Identifying such modifier genes in humans is difficult. In this study, two modifiers of a gene associated with retinal damage leading to childhood blindness in humans (CRB1) were identified in mice. Retinal damage caused by Crb1 mutation alone was less severe than in the presence of Arhgef12 or Prkci mutations. Furthermore, the modifier gene mutations caused retinal damage only in the presence of the Crb1 mutation. Our results point to a role of mouse Crb1 and the modifying effects of Arhgef12 and Prkci in a biological network that controls adhesive interactions between cells. The variation in disease severity, lesion appearance, and visual responses in these mice provide a dramatic example of modifier gene influence. This work may lead to an improved understanding of the molecular basis of CRB1-associated retinal disease, with possible relevance to diagnostic and therapeutic intervention in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gayle B. Collin
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, United States of America
| | | | - Lisa Stone
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, United States of America
| | - Nattaya Damkham
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, United States of America
- Graduate Program in Immunology, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Siriraj Center of Excellence for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Lillian F. Hyde
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, United States of America
| | | | - Wanda Hicks
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, United States of America
| | | | | | - Mark P. Krebs
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MPK); (PMN)
| | - Patsy M. Nishina
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MPK); (PMN)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bellingrath JS, McClements ME, Shanks M, Clouston P, Fischer MD, MacLaren RE. Envisioning the development of a CRISPR-Cas mediated base editing strategy for a patient with a novel pathogenic CRB1 single nucleotide variant. Ophthalmic Genet 2022; 43:661-670. [PMID: 35538629 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2022.2073599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inherited retinal degeneration (IRD) associated with mutations in the Crumbs homolog 1 (CRB1) gene is associated with a severe, early-onset retinal degeneration for which no therapy currently exists. Base editing, with its capability to precisely catalyse permanent nucleobase conversion in a programmable manner, represents a novel therapeutic approach to targeting this autosomal recessive IRD, for which a gene supplementation is challenging due to the need to target three different retinal CRB1 isoforms. PURPOSE To report and classify a novel CRB1 variant and envision a possible therapeutic approach in form of base editing. METHODS Case report. RESULTS A 16-year-old male patient with a clinical diagnosis of early-onset retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and characteristic clinical findings of retinal thickening and coarse lamination was seen at the Oxford Eye Hospital. He was found to be compound heterozygous for two CRB1 variants: a novel pathogenic nonsense variant in exon 9, c.2885T>A (p.Leu962Ter), and a likely pathogenic missense change in exon 6, c.2056C>T (p.Arg686Cys). While a base editing strategy for c.2885T>A would encompass a CRISPR-pass mediated "read-through" of the premature stop codon, the resulting missense changes were predicted to be "possibly damaging" in in-silico analysis. On the other hand, the transversion missense change, c.2056C>T, is amenable to transition editing with an adenine base editor (ABE) fused to a SaCas9-KKH with a negligible chance of bystander edits due to an absence of additional Adenines (As) in the editing window. CONCLUSIONS This case report records a novel pathogenic nonsense variant in CRB1 and gives an example of thinking about a base editing strategy for a patient compound heterozygous for CRB1 variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J-S Bellingrath
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - M E McClements
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - M Shanks
- Genetics Laboratories, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - P Clouston
- Genetics Laboratories, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - M D Fischer
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - R E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Identification and characterization of Crumbs polarity complex proteins in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101786. [PMID: 35247383 PMCID: PMC9006659 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Crumbs proteins are evolutionarily conserved transmembrane proteins with essential roles in promoting the formation of the apical domain in epithelial cells. The short intracellular tail of Crumbs proteins are known to interact with several proteins, including the scaffolding protein PALS1 (protein associated with LIN7, Stardust in Drosophila). PALS1 in turn binds to a second scaffolding protein PATJ (PALS1-associated tight junction protein) to form the core Crumbs/PALS1/PATJ complex. While essential roles in epithelial organization have been shown for Crumbs proteins in Drosophila and mammalian systems, the three Caenorhabditis elegans crumbs genes are dispensable for epithelial polarization and development. Here, we investigated the presence and function of PALS1 and PATJ orthologs in C. elegans. We identified MAGU-2 as the C. elegans ortholog of PALS1 and show that MAGU-2 interacts with all three Crumbs proteins and localizes to the apical membrane domain of intestinal epithelial cells in a Crumbs-dependent fashion. Similar to crumbs mutants, magu-2 deletion showed no epithelial polarity defects. We also identified MPZ-1 as a candidate ortholog of PATJ based on the physical interaction with MAGU-2 and sequence similarity with PATJ proteins. However, MPZ-1 is not broadly expressed in epithelial tissues and, therefore, not likely a core component of the C. elegans Crumbs complex. Finally, we show overexpression of the Crumbs proteins EAT-20 or CRB-3 can lead to apical membrane expansion in the intestine. Our results shed light on the composition of the C. elegans Crumbs complex and indicate that the role of Crumbs proteins in promoting apical domain formation is conserved.
Collapse
|
20
|
Losenkova K, Takeda A, Ragauskas S, Cerrada-Gimenez M, Vähätupa M, Kaja S, Paul ML, Schmies CC, Rolshoven G, Müller CE, Sandholm J, Jalkanen S, Kalesnykas G, Yegutkin GG. CD73 controls ocular adenosine levels and protects retina from light-induced phototoxicity. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:152. [PMID: 35212809 PMCID: PMC8881442 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04187-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
ATP and adenosine have emerged as important signaling molecules involved in vascular remodeling, retinal functioning and neurovascular coupling in the mammalian eye. However, little is known about the regulatory mechanisms of purinergic signaling in the eye. Here, we used three-dimensional multiplexed imaging, in situ enzyme histochemistry, flow cytometric analysis, and single cell transcriptomics to characterize the whole pattern of purine metabolism in mouse and human eyes. This study identified ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1 (NTPDase1/CD39), NTPDase2, and ecto-5′-nucleotidase/CD73 as major ocular ecto-nucleotidases, which are selectively expressed in the photoreceptor layer (CD73), optic nerve head, retinal vasculature and microglia (CD39), as well as in neuronal processes and cornea (CD39, NTPDase2). Specifically, microglial cells can create a spatially arranged network in the retinal parenchyma by extending and retracting their branched CD39high/CD73low processes and forming local “purinergic junctions” with CD39low/CD73− neuronal cell bodies and CD39high/CD73− retinal blood vessels. The relevance of the CD73–adenosine pathway was confirmed by flash electroretinography showing that pharmacological inhibition of adenosine production by injection of highly selective CD73 inhibitor PSB-12489 in the vitreous cavity of dark-adapted mouse eyes rendered the animals hypersensitive to prolonged bright light, manifested as decreased a-wave and b-wave amplitudes. The impaired electrical responses of retinal cells in PSB-12489-treated mice were not accompanied by decrease in total thickness of the retina or death of photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells. Our study thus defines ocular adenosine metabolism as a complex and spatially integrated network and further characterizes the critical role of CD73 in maintaining the functional activity of retinal cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Losenkova
- MediCity Research Laboratory and InFLAMES Flagship, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6A, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Akira Takeda
- MediCity Research Laboratory and InFLAMES Flagship, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6A, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | | | | | | | - Simon Kaja
- Experimentica Ltd., Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Ophthalmology, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Marius L Paul
- MediCity Research Laboratory and InFLAMES Flagship, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6A, 20520, Turku, Finland.,Pharma Center Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Constanze C Schmies
- Pharma Center Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Georg Rolshoven
- Pharma Center Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christa E Müller
- Pharma Center Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jouko Sandholm
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Sirpa Jalkanen
- MediCity Research Laboratory and InFLAMES Flagship, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6A, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Gennady G Yegutkin
- MediCity Research Laboratory and InFLAMES Flagship, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6A, 20520, Turku, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
CRB1-Related Retinal Dystrophies in a Cohort of 50 Patients: A Reappraisal in the Light of Specific Müller Cell and Photoreceptor CRB1 Isoforms. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312642. [PMID: 34884448 PMCID: PMC8657784 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in CRB1 lead to diverse recessive retinal disorders from severe Leber congenital amaurosis to isolated macular dystrophy. Until recently, no clear phenotype-genotype correlation and no appropriate mouse models existed. Herein, we reappraise the phenotype-genotype correlation of 50 patients with regards to the recently identified CRB1 isoforms: a canonical long isoform A localized in Müller cells (12 exons) and a short isoform B predominant in photoreceptors (7 exons). Twenty-eight patients with early onset retinal dystrophy (EORD) consistently had a severe Müller impairment, with variable impact on the photoreceptors, regardless of isoform B expression. Among them, two patients expressing wild type isoform B carried one variant in exon 12, which specifically damaged intracellular protein interactions in Müller cells. Thirteen retinitis pigmentosa patients had mainly missense variants in laminin G-like domains and expressed at least 50% of isoform A. Eight patients with the c.498_506del variant had macular dystrophy. In one family homozygous for the c.1562C>T variant, the brother had EORD and the sister macular dystrophy. In contrast with the mouse model, these data highlight the key role of Müller cells in the severity of CRB1-related dystrophies in humans, which should be taken into consideration for future clinical trials.
Collapse
|
22
|
Andreazzoli M, Barravecchia I, De Cesari C, Angeloni D, Demontis GC. Inducible Pluripotent Stem Cells to Model and Treat Inherited Degenerative Diseases of the Outer Retina: 3D-Organoids Limitations and Bioengineering Solutions. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092489. [PMID: 34572137 PMCID: PMC8471616 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal degenerations (IRD) affecting either photoreceptors or pigment epithelial cells cause progressive visual loss and severe disability, up to complete blindness. Retinal organoids (ROs) technologies opened up the development of human inducible pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) for disease modeling and replacement therapies. However, hiPSC-derived ROs applications to IRD presently display limited maturation and functionality, with most photoreceptors lacking well-developed outer segments (OS) and light responsiveness comparable to their adult retinal counterparts. In this review, we address for the first time the microenvironment where OS mature, i.e., the subretinal space (SRS), and discuss SRS role in photoreceptors metabolic reprogramming required for OS generation. We also address bioengineering issues to improve culture systems proficiency to promote OS maturation in hiPSC-derived ROs. This issue is crucial, as satisfying the demanding metabolic needs of photoreceptors may unleash hiPSC-derived ROs full potential for disease modeling, drug development, and replacement therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ivana Barravecchia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | | | - Debora Angeloni
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Gian Carlo Demontis
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Correspondence: (M.A.); (G.C.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Mutated CCDC51 Coding for a Mitochondrial Protein, MITOK Is a Candidate Gene Defect for Autosomal Recessive Rod-Cone Dystrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157875. [PMID: 34360642 PMCID: PMC8346125 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this work was to identify the gene defect underlying a relatively mild rod-cone dystrophy (RCD), lacking disease-causing variants in known genes implicated in inherited retinal disorders (IRD), and provide transcriptomic and immunolocalization data to highlight the best candidate. The DNA of the female patient originating from a consanguineous family revealed no large duplication or deletion, but several large homozygous regions. In one of these, a homozygous frameshift variant, c.244_246delins17 p.(Trp82Valfs*4); predicted to lead to a nonfunctional protein, was identified in CCDC51. CCDC51 encodes the mitochondrial coiled-coil domain containing 51 protein, also called MITOK. MITOK ablation causes mitochondrial dysfunction. Here we show for the first time that CCDC51/MITOK localizes in the retina and more specifically in the inner segments of the photoreceptors, well known to contain mitochondria. Mitochondrial proteins have previously been implicated in IRD, although usually in association with syndromic disease, unlike our present case. Together, our findings add another ultra-rare mutation implicated in non-syndromic IRD, whose pathogenic mechanism in the retina needs to be further elucidated.
Collapse
|
24
|
Paniagua AE, Segurado A, Dolón JF, Esteve-Rudd J, Velasco A, Williams DS, Lillo C. Key Role for CRB2 in the Maintenance of Apicobasal Polarity in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:701853. [PMID: 34262913 PMCID: PMC8273544 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.701853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Apicobasal polarity is essential for epithelial cell function, yet the roles of different proteins in its completion is not fully understood. Here, we have studied the role of the polarity protein, CRB2, in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells during polarization in vitro, and in mature murine RPE cells in vivo. After establishing a simplified protocol for the culture of human fetal RPE cells, we studied the temporal sequence of the expression and localization of polarity and cell junction proteins during polarization in these epithelial cells. We found that CRB2 plays a key role in tight junction maintenance as well as in cell cycle arrest. In addition, our studies in vivo show that the knockdown of CRB2 in the RPE affects to the distribution of different apical polarity proteins and results in perturbed retinal homeostasis, manifested by the invasion of activated microglial cells into the subretinal space. Together our results demonstrate that CRB2 is a key protein for the development and maintenance of a polarized epithelium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio E. Paniagua
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, IBSAL, Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Alicia Segurado
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, IBSAL, Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jorge F. Dolón
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, IBSAL, Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Julián Esteve-Rudd
- Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Almudena Velasco
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, IBSAL, Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - David S. Williams
- Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Concepción Lillo
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, IBSAL, Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Talib M, Schooneveld MJ, Wijnholds J, Genderen MM, Schalij‐Delfos NE, Talsma HE, Florijn RJ, Brink JB, Cremers FP, Thiadens AA, Born LI, Hoyng CB, Meester‐Smoor MA, Bergen AA, Boon CJ. Defining inclusion criteria and endpoints for clinical trials: a prospective cross-sectional study in CRB1-associated retinal dystrophies. Acta Ophthalmol 2021; 99:e402-e414. [PMID: 33528094 PMCID: PMC8248330 DOI: 10.1111/aos.14597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the retinal structure and function in patients with CRB1‐associated retinal dystrophies (RD) and to explore potential clinical endpoints. Methods In this prospective cross‐sectional study, 22 patients with genetically confirmed CRB1‐RD (aged 6–74 years), and who had a decimal best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≥ 0.05 at the last visit, were studied clinically with ETDRS BCVA, corneal topography, spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT), fundus autofluorescence, Goldmann visual field (VF), microperimetry, full‐field electroretinography (ERG) and full‐field stimulus testing (FST). Ten patients were from a genetic isolate (GI). Results Patients had retinitis pigmentosa (n = 19; GI and non‐GI), cone‐rod dystrophy (n = 2; GI) or macular dystrophy (n = 1; non‐GI). Median age at first symptom onset was 3 years (range 0.8–49). Median decimal BCVA in the better and worse‐seeing eye was 0.18 (range 0.05–0.83) and 0.08 (range light perception‐0.72), respectively. Spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) showed cystoid maculopathy in 8 subjects; inner retinal thickening (n = 20), a well‐preserved (para)foveal outer retina (n = 7) or severe (para)foveal outer retinal atrophy (n = 14). All retinal layers were discernible in 13/21 patients (62%), with mild to moderate laminar disorganization in the others. Nanophthalmos was observed in 8 patients (36%). Full‐field stimulus testing (FST) provided a subjective outcome measure for retinal sensitivity in eyes with (nearly) extinguished ERG amplitudes. Conclusions Despite the generally severe course of CRB1‐RDs, symptom onset and central visual function are variable, even at advanced ages. Phenotypes may vary within the same family. Imaging and functional studies in a prospective longitudinal setting should clarify which endpoints may be most appropriate in a clinical trial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mays Talib
- Department of Ophthalmology Leiden University Medical Center Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Mary J. Schooneveld
- Department of Ophthalmology Amsterdam UMC University of Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Bartiméus Diagnostic Centre for complex visual disorders Zeist The Netherlands
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology Leiden University Medical Center Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Maria M. Genderen
- Bartiméus Diagnostic Centre for complex visual disorders Zeist The Netherlands
| | | | - Herman E. Talsma
- Department of Ophthalmology Leiden University Medical Center Leiden The Netherlands
- Bartiméus Diagnostic Centre for complex visual disorders Zeist The Netherlands
| | - Ralph J. Florijn
- Department of Clinical Genetics Amsterdam UMC University of Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Jacoline B. Brink
- Department of Clinical Genetics Amsterdam UMC University of Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Frans P.M. Cremers
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Carel B. Hoyng
- Department of Ophthalmology Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | | | - Arthur A. Bergen
- Department of Clinical Genetics Amsterdam UMC University of Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
- The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN‐KNAW) Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Camiel J.F. Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology Leiden University Medical Center Leiden The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology Amsterdam UMC University of Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Functional compartmentalization of photoreceptor neurons. Pflugers Arch 2021; 473:1493-1516. [PMID: 33880652 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02558-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Retinal photoreceptors are neurons that convert dynamically changing patterns of light into electrical signals that are processed by retinal interneurons and ultimately transmitted to vision centers in the brain. They represent the essential first step in seeing without which the remainder of the visual system is rendered moot. To support this role, the major functions of photoreceptors are segregated into three main specialized compartments-the outer segment, the inner segment, and the pre-synaptic terminal. This compartmentalization is crucial for photoreceptor function-disruption leads to devastating blinding diseases for which therapies remain elusive. In this review, we examine the current understanding of the molecular and physical mechanisms underlying photoreceptor functional compartmentalization and highlight areas where significant knowledge gaps remain.
Collapse
|
27
|
Defining Phenotype, Tropism, and Retinal Gene Therapy Using Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors (AAVs) in New-Born Brown Norway Rats with a Spontaneous Mutation in Crb1. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073563. [PMID: 33808129 PMCID: PMC8036486 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the Crumbs homologue 1 (CRB1) gene cause inherited retinal dystrophies, such as early-onset retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis. A Brown Norway rat strain was reported with a spontaneous insertion-deletion (indel) mutation in exon 6 of Crb1. It has been reported that these Crb1 mutant rats show vascular abnormalities associated with retinal telangiectasia and possess an early-onset retinal degenerative phenotype with outer limiting membrane breaks and focal loss of retinal lamination at 2 months of age. Here, we further characterized the morphological phenotype of new-born and adult Crb1 mutant rats in comparison with age-matched Brown Norway rats without a mutation in Crb1. A significantly decreased retinal function and visual acuity was observed in Crb1 mutant rats at 1 and 3 months of age, respectively. Moreover, in control rats, the subcellular localization of canonical CRB1 was observed at the subapical region in Müller glial cells while CRB2 was observed at the subapical region in both photoreceptors and Müller glial cells by immuno-electron microscopy. CRB1 localization was lost in the Crb1 mutant rats, whereas CRB2 was still observed. In addition, we determined the tropism of subretinal or intravitreally administered AAV5-, AAV9- or AAV6-variant ShH10Y445F vectors in new-born control and Crb1 mutant rat retinas. We showed that subretinal injection of AAV5 and AAV9 at postnatal days 5 (P5) or 8 (P8) predominantly infected the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor cells; while intravitreal injection of ShH10Y445F at P5 or P8 resulted in efficient infection of mainly Müller glial cells. Using knowledge of the subcellular localization of CRB1 and the ability of ShH10Y445F to infect Müller glial cells, canonical hCRB1 and hCRB2 AAV-mediated gene therapy were explored in new-born Crb1 mutant rats. Enhanced retinal function after gene therapy delivery in the Crb1 rat was not observed. No timely rescue of the retinal phenotype was observed using retinal function and visual acuity, suggesting the need for earlier onset of expression of recombinant hCRB proteins in Müller glial cells to rescue the severe retinal phenotype in Crb1 mutant rats.
Collapse
|
28
|
The Alter Retina: Alternative Splicing of Retinal Genes in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041855. [PMID: 33673358 PMCID: PMC7917623 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing of mRNA is an essential mechanism to regulate and increase the diversity of the transcriptome and proteome. Alternative splicing frequently occurs in a tissue- or time-specific manner, contributing to differential gene expression between cell types during development. Neural tissues present extremely complex splicing programs and display the highest number of alternative splicing events. As an extension of the central nervous system, the retina constitutes an excellent system to illustrate the high diversity of neural transcripts. The retina expresses retinal specific splicing factors and produces a large number of alternative transcripts, including exclusive tissue-specific exons, which require an exquisite regulation. In fact, a current challenge in the genetic diagnosis of inherited retinal diseases stems from the lack of information regarding alternative splicing of retinal genes, as a considerable percentage of mutations alter splicing or the relative production of alternative transcripts. Modulation of alternative splicing in the retina is also instrumental in the design of novel therapeutic approaches for retinal dystrophies, since it enables precision medicine for specific mutations.
Collapse
|
29
|
Hao Q, Zheng M, Weng K, Hao Y, Zhou Y, Lin Y, Gao F, Kou Z, Kawamura S, Yao K, Xu P, Chen J, Zou J. Crumbs proteins stabilize the cone mosaics of photoreceptors and improve vision in zebrafish. J Genet Genomics 2021; 48:52-62. [PMID: 33771456 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Although the unique organization of vertebrate cone mosaics was first described long ago, both their underlying molecular basis and physiological significance are largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that Crumbs proteins, the key regulators of epithelial apical polarity, establish the planar cellular polarity of photoreceptors in zebrafish. Via heterophilic Crb2a-Crb2b interactions, the apicobasal polarity protein Crb2b restricts the asymmetric planar distribution of Crb2a in photoreceptors. The planar polarized Crumbs proteins thus balance intercellular adhesions and tension between photoreceptors, thereby stabilizing the geometric organization of cone mosaics. Notably, loss of Crb2b in zebrafish induces a nearsightedness-like phenotype in zebrafish accompanied by an elongated eye axis and impairs zebrafish visual perception for predation. These data reveal a detailed mechanism for cone mosaic homeostasis via previously undiscovered apical-planar polarity coordination and propose a pathogenic mechanism for nearsightedness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinlong Hao
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China; The Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Mingjie Zheng
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China; The Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Kechao Weng
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China; The Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yumei Hao
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China; The Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yao Zhou
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China; The Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yuchen Lin
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China; Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Ziqi Kou
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China; The Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shoji Kawamura
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8562, Japan
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Pinglong Xu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jinghai Chen
- The Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Jian Zou
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China; The Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Greferath U, Huynh M, Jobling AI, Vessey KA, Venables G, Surrao D, O'Neill HC, Limnios IJ, Fletcher EL. Dorsal-Ventral Differences in Retinal Structure in the Pigmented Royal College of Surgeons Model of Retinal Degeneration. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 14:553708. [PMID: 33536874 PMCID: PMC7848141 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.553708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa is a family of inherited retinal degenerations associated with gradual loss of photoreceptors, that ultimately leads to irreversible vision loss. The Royal College of Surgeon's (RCS) rat carries a recessive mutation affecting mer proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase (merTK), that models autosomal recessive disease. The aim of this study was to understand the glial, microglial, and photoreceptor changes that occur in different retinal locations with advancing disease. Pigmented RCS rats (RCS-p+/LAV) and age-matched isogenic control rdy (RCS-rdy +p+/LAV) rats aged postnatal day 18 to 6 months were evaluated for in vivo retinal structure and function using optical coherence tomography and electroretinography. Retinal tissues were assessed using high resolution immunohistochemistry to evaluate changes in photoreceptors, glia and microglia in the dorsal, and ventral retina. Photoreceptor dysfunction and death occurred from 1 month of age. There was a striking difference in loss of photoreceptors between the dorsal and ventral retina, with a greater number of photoreceptors surviving in the dorsal retina, despite being adjacent a layer of photoreceptor debris within the subretinal space. Loss of photoreceptors in the ventral retina was associated with fragmentation of the outer limiting membrane, extension of glial processes into the subretinal space that was accompanied by possible adhesion and migration of mononuclear phagocytes in the subretinal space. Overall, these findings highlight that breakdown of the outer limiting membrane could play an important role in exacerbating photoreceptor loss in the ventral retina. Our results also highlight the value of using the RCS rat to model sectorial retinitis pigmentosa, a disease known to predominantly effect the inferior retina.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Una Greferath
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Mario Huynh
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Ian Jobling
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kirstan Anne Vessey
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Gene Venables
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Denver Surrao
- Clem Jones Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Helen Christine O'Neill
- Clem Jones Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Ioannis J Limnios
- Clem Jones Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Erica Lucy Fletcher
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Buck TM, Vos RM, Alves CH, Wijnholds J. AAV- CRB2 protects against vision loss in an inducible CRB1 retinitis pigmentosa mouse model. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 20:423-441. [PMID: 33575434 PMCID: PMC7848734 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Loss of Crumbs homolog 1 (CRB1) or CRB2 proteins in Müller cells or photoreceptors in the mouse retina results in a CRB dose-dependent retinal phenotype. In this study, we present a novel Müller cell-specific Crb1KOCrb2LowMGC retinitis pigmentosa mouse model (complete loss of CRB1 and reduced levels of CRB2 specifically in Müller cells). The Crb double mutant mice showed deficits in electroretinography, optokinetic head tracking, and retinal morphology. Exposure of retinas to low levels of dl-α-aminoadipate acid induced gliosis and retinal disorganization in Crb1KOCrb2LowMGC retinas but not in wild-type or Crb1-deficient retinas. Crb1KOCrb2LowMGC mice showed a substantial decrease in inner/outer photoreceptor segment length and optokinetic head-tracking response. Intravitreal application of rAAV vectors expressing human CRB2 (hCRB2) in Müller cells of Crb1KOCrb2LowMGC mice subsequently exposed to low levels of dl-α-aminoadipate acid prevented loss of vision, whereas recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors expressing human CRB1 (hCRB1) did not. Both rAAV vectors partially protected the morphology of the retina. The results suggest that hCRB expression in Müller cells is vital for control of retinal cell adhesion at the outer limiting membrane, and that the rAAV-cytomegalovirus (CMV)-hCRB2 vector is more potent than rAAV-minimal CMV (CMVmin)-hCRB1 in protection against loss of vision.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thilo M Buck
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Rogier M Vos
- Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - C Henrique Alves
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands.,Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Padhy SK, Takkar B, Narayanan R, Venkatesh P, Jalali S. Voretigene Neparvovec and Gene Therapy for Leber's Congenital Amaurosis: Review of Evidence to Date. APPLICATION OF CLINICAL GENETICS 2020; 13:179-208. [PMID: 33268999 PMCID: PMC7701157 DOI: 10.2147/tacg.s230720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy has now evolved as the upcoming modality for management of many disorders, both inheritable and non-inheritable. Knowledge of genetics pertaining to a disease has therefore become paramount for physicians across most specialities. Inheritable retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are notorious for progressive and relentless vision loss, frequently culminating in complete blindness in both eyes. Leber’s congenital amaurosis (LCA) is a typical example of an IRD that manifests very early in childhood. Research in gene therapy has led to the development and approval of voretigene neparvovec (VN) for use in patients of LCA with a deficient biallelic RPE65 gene. The procedure involves delivery of a recombinant virus vector that carries the RPE65 gene in the subretinal space. This comprehensive review reports the evidence thus far in support of gene therapy for LCA. We explore and compare the various gene targets including but not limited to RPE65, and discuss the choice of vector and method for ocular delivery. The review details the evolution of gene therapy with VN in a phased manner, concluding with the challenges that lie ahead for its translation for use in communities that differ much both genetically and economically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Srikanta Kumar Padhy
- Vitreoretina and Uveitis Services, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Mithu Tulsi Chanrai Campus, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Brijesh Takkar
- Srimati Kanuri Santhamma Center for Vitreoretinal Diseases, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,Center of Excellence for Rare Eye Diseases, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Raja Narayanan
- Srimati Kanuri Santhamma Center for Vitreoretinal Diseases, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Pradeep Venkatesh
- Dr RP Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Subhadra Jalali
- Srimati Kanuri Santhamma Center for Vitreoretinal Diseases, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,Jasti V. Ramanamma Childrens' Eye Care Centre, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Manafi N, Shokri F, Achberger K, Hirayama M, Mohammadi MH, Noorizadeh F, Hong J, Liebau S, Tsuji T, Quinn PMJ, Mashaghi A. Organoids and organ chips in ophthalmology. Ocul Surf 2020; 19:1-15. [PMID: 33220469 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2020.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances have driven the development of stem cell-derived, self-organizing, three-dimensional miniature organs, termed organoids, which mimic different eye tissues including the retina, cornea, and lens. Organoids and engineered microfluidic organ-on-chips (organ chips) are transformative technologies that show promise in simulating the architectural and functional complexity of native organs. Accordingly, they enable exploration of facets of human disease and development not accurately recapitulated by animal models. Together, these technologies will increase our understanding of the basic physiology of different eye structures, enable us to interrogate unknown aspects of ophthalmic disease pathogenesis, and serve as clinically-relevant surrogates for the evaluation of ocular therapeutics. Both the burden and prevalence of monogenic and multifactorial ophthalmic diseases, which can cause visual impairment or blindness, in the human population warrants a paradigm shift towards organoids and organ chips that can provide sensitive, quantitative, and scalable phenotypic assays. In this article, we review the current situation of organoids and organ chips in ophthalmology and discuss how they can be leveraged for translational applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Navid Manafi
- Medical Systems Biophysics and Bioengineering, The Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, 2333CC, Leiden, the Netherlands; Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2, Canada
| | - Fereshteh Shokri
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kevin Achberger
- Institute of Neuroanatomy & Developmental Biology (INDB), Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Österbergstrasse 3, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Masatoshi Hirayama
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Dental College Ichikawa General Hospital, Chiba, 272-8513, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Melika Haji Mohammadi
- Medical Systems Biophysics and Bioengineering, The Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, 2333CC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jiaxu Hong
- Medical Systems Biophysics and Bioengineering, The Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, 2333CC, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye, and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, China; Key NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Myopia, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai, China
| | - Stefan Liebau
- Institute of Neuroanatomy & Developmental Biology (INDB), Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Österbergstrasse 3, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Takashi Tsuji
- Laboratory for Organ Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan; Organ Technologies Inc., Minato, Tokyo, 105-0001, Japan
| | - Peter M J Quinn
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology & Cell Biology, Institute of Human Nutrition, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University. New York, NY, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center - New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Alireza Mashaghi
- Medical Systems Biophysics and Bioengineering, The Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, 2333CC, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Chytła A, Gajdzik-Nowak W, Olszewska P, Biernatowska A, Sikorski AF, Czogalla A. Not Just Another Scaffolding Protein Family: The Multifaceted MPPs. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25214954. [PMID: 33114686 PMCID: PMC7662862 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25214954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane palmitoylated proteins (MPPs) are a subfamily of a larger group of multidomain proteins, namely, membrane-associated guanylate kinases (MAGUKs). The ubiquitous expression and multidomain structure of MPPs provide the ability to form diverse protein complexes at the cell membranes, which are involved in a wide range of cellular processes, including establishing the proper cell structure, polarity and cell adhesion. The formation of MPP-dependent complexes in various cell types seems to be based on similar principles, but involves members of different protein groups, such as 4.1-ezrin-radixin-moesin (FERM) domain-containing proteins, polarity proteins or other MAGUKs, showing their multifaceted nature. In this review, we discuss the function of the MPP family in the formation of multiple protein complexes. Notably, we depict their significant role for cell physiology, as the loss of interactions between proteins involved in the complex has a variety of negative consequences. Moreover, based on recent studies concerning the mechanism of membrane raft formation, we shed new light on a possible role played by MPPs in lateral membrane organization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Chytła
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.C.); (W.G.-N.); (P.O.); (A.B.)
| | - Weronika Gajdzik-Nowak
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.C.); (W.G.-N.); (P.O.); (A.B.)
| | - Paulina Olszewska
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.C.); (W.G.-N.); (P.O.); (A.B.)
| | - Agnieszka Biernatowska
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.C.); (W.G.-N.); (P.O.); (A.B.)
| | - Aleksander F. Sikorski
- Research and Development Center, Regional Specialist Hospital, Kamieńskiego 73a, 51-154 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Aleksander Czogalla
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.C.); (W.G.-N.); (P.O.); (A.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-71375-6356
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Oh DJ, Sheth V, Fishman GA, Grassi MA. Simplex Crumbs Homologue 1 Maculopathy Masquerading as Juvenile X-Linked Retinoschisis in Male Patients. JOURNAL OF VITREORETINAL DISEASES 2020; 4:437-440. [PMID: 33029571 PMCID: PMC7537420 DOI: 10.1177/2474126420916079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: We demonstrate that Crumbs homologue 1 ( CRB1) maculopathy should be considered in the differential of petaloid pigmentary changes in the macula of young children with good vision who may be asymptomatic. Methods: We report on 2 unrelated male patients presenting at a young age with decreased vision from a macular dystrophy due to biallelic CRB1 mutations. Results: In addition to a previously described pathogenic variant, Ile167Gly169del, 2 new pathogenic missense variants in CRB1, Thr745Met and Cys948Tyr, are reported here. Conclusions: Although CRB1 mutations have been more commonly described in retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis, we demonstrate that mutations in CRB1 can cause a maculopathy in which initial features can resemble juvenile X-linked retinoschisis. We show that the accompanying macular edema is responsive to carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. With long-term follow-up for each case, we illustrate the natural history of CRB1 maculopathy based on clinical examination and diagnostic imaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Oh
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Gerald A. Fishman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- The Chicago Lighthouse, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michael A. Grassi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Grassi Retina, Naperville, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zebrafish Crb1, Localizing Uniquely to the Cell Membranes around Cone Photoreceptor Axonemes, Alleviates Light Damage to Photoreceptors and Modulates Cones' Light Responsiveness. J Neurosci 2020; 40:7065-7079. [PMID: 32817065 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0497-20.2020] [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: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The crumbs (crb) apical polarity genes are essential for the development and functions of epithelia. Adult zebrafish retinal neuroepithelium expresses three crb genes (crb1, crb2a, and crb2b); however, it is unknown whether and how Crb1 differs from other Crb proteins in expression, localization, and functions. Here, we show that, unlike zebrafish Crb2a and Crb2b as well as mammalian Crb1 and Crb2, zebrafish Crb1 does not localize to the subapical regions of photoreceptors and Müller glial cells; rather, it localizes to a small region of cone outer segments: the cell membranes surrounding the axonemes. Moreover, zebrafish Crb1 is not required for retinal morphogenesis and photoreceptor patterning. Interestingly, Crb1 promotes rod survival under strong white light irradiation in a previously unreported non--cell-autonomous fashion; in addition, Crb1 delays UV and blue cones' chromatin condensation caused by UV light irradiation. Finally, Crb1 plays a role in cones' responsiveness to light through an arrestin-translocation-independent mechanism. The localization of Crb1 and its functions do not differ between male and female fish. We conclude that zebrafish Crb1 has diverged from other vertebrate Crb proteins, representing a neofunctionalization in Crb biology during evolution.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Apicobasal polarity of epithelia is an important property that underlies the morphogenesis and functions of epithelial tissues. Epithelial apicobasal polarity is controlled by many polarity genes, including the crb genes. In vertebrates, multiple crb genes have been identified, but the differences in their expression patterns and functions are not fully understood. Here, we report a novel subcellular localization of zebrafish Crb1 in retinal cone photoreceptors and evidence for its new functions in photoreceptor maintenance and light responsiveness. This study expands our understanding of the biology of the crb genes in epithelia, including retinal neuroepithelium.
Collapse
|
37
|
Boon N, Wijnholds J, Pellissier LP. Research Models and Gene Augmentation Therapy for CRB1 Retinal Dystrophies. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:860. [PMID: 32922261 PMCID: PMC7456964 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) are inherited degenerative retinal dystrophies with vision loss that ultimately lead to blindness. Several genes have been shown to be involved in early onset retinal dystrophies, including CRB1 and RPE65. Gene therapy recently became available for young RP patients with variations in the RPE65 gene. Current research programs test adeno-associated viral gene augmentation or editing therapy vectors on various disease models mimicking the disease in patients. These include several animal and emerging human-derived models, such as human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived retinal organoids or hiPSC-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and human donor retinal explants. Variations in the CRB1 gene are a major cause for early onset autosomal recessive RP with patients suffering from visual impairment before their adolescence and for LCA with newborns experiencing severe visual impairment within the first months of life. These patients cannot benefit yet from an available gene therapy treatment. In this review, we will discuss the recent advances, advantages and disadvantages of different CRB1 human and animal retinal degeneration models. In addition, we will describe novel therapeutic tools that have been developed, which could potentially be used for retinal gene augmentation therapy for RP patients with variations in the CRB1 gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nanda Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lucie P Pellissier
- Biology and Bioinformatics of Signalling Systems, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements INRAE UMR 0085, CNRS UMR 7247, Université de Tours, IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Ray TA, Cochran K, Kozlowski C, Wang J, Alexander G, Cady MA, Spencer WJ, Ruzycki PA, Clark BS, Laeremans A, He MX, Wang X, Park E, Hao Y, Iannaccone A, Hu G, Fedrigo O, Skiba NP, Arshavsky VY, Kay JN. Comprehensive identification of mRNA isoforms reveals the diversity of neural cell-surface molecules with roles in retinal development and disease. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3328. [PMID: 32620864 PMCID: PMC7335077 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17009-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Genes encoding cell-surface proteins control nervous system development and are implicated in neurological disorders. These genes produce alternative mRNA isoforms which remain poorly characterized, impeding understanding of how disease-associated mutations cause pathology. Here we introduce a strategy to define complete portfolios of full-length isoforms encoded by individual genes. Applying this approach to neural cell-surface molecules, we identify thousands of unannotated isoforms expressed in retina and brain. By mass spectrometry we confirm expression of newly-discovered proteins on the cell surface in vivo. Remarkably, we discover that the major isoform of a retinal degeneration gene, CRB1, was previously overlooked. This CRB1 isoform is the only one expressed by photoreceptors, the affected cells in CRB1 disease. Using mouse mutants, we identify a function for this isoform at photoreceptor-glial junctions and demonstrate that loss of this isoform accelerates photoreceptor death. Therefore, our isoform identification strategy enables discovery of new gene functions relevant to disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Ray
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Kelly Cochran
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Chris Kozlowski
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Graham Alexander
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | | | | | - Philip A Ruzycki
- John F. Hardesty, M.D. Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Brian S Clark
- John F. Hardesty, M.D. Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | | | - Ming-Xiao He
- Advanced Cell Diagnostics, Newark, CA, 94560, USA
| | | | - Emily Park
- Advanced Cell Diagnostics, Newark, CA, 94560, USA
| | - Ying Hao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Alessandro Iannaccone
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Gary Hu
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Olivier Fedrigo
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Nikolai P Skiba
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Vadim Y Arshavsky
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Jeremy N Kay
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Buck TM, Wijnholds J. Recombinant Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors (rAAV)-Vector Elements in Ocular Gene Therapy Clinical Trials and Transgene Expression and Bioactivity Assays. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4197. [PMID: 32545533 PMCID: PMC7352801 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124197] [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: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies and optic neuropathies cause chronic disabling loss of visual function. The development of recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAV) gene therapies in all disease fields have been promising, but the translation to the clinic has been slow. The safety and efficacy profiles of rAAV are linked to the dose of applied vectors. DNA changes in the rAAV gene cassette affect potency, the expression pattern (cell-specificity), and the production yield. Here, we present a library of rAAV vectors and elements that provide a workflow to design novel vectors. We first performed a meta-analysis on recombinant rAAV elements in clinical trials (2007-2020) for ocular gene therapies. We analyzed 33 unique rAAV gene cassettes used in 57 ocular clinical trials. The rAAV gene therapy vectors used six unique capsid variants, 16 different promoters, and six unique polyadenylation sequences. Further, we compiled a list of promoters, enhancers, and other sequences used in current rAAV gene cassettes in preclinical studies. Then, we give an update on pro-viral plasmid backbones used to produce the gene therapy vectors, inverted terminal repeats, production yield, and rAAV safety considerations. Finally, we assess rAAV transgene and bioactivity assays applied to cells or organoids in vitro, explants ex vivo, and clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thilo M. Buck
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands;
- Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Collin GB, Gogna N, Chang B, Damkham N, Pinkney J, Hyde LF, Stone L, Naggert JK, Nishina PM, Krebs MP. Mouse Models of Inherited Retinal Degeneration with Photoreceptor Cell Loss. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040931. [PMID: 32290105 PMCID: PMC7227028 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal degeneration (RD) leads to the impairment or loss of vision in millions of individuals worldwide, most frequently due to the loss of photoreceptor (PR) cells. Animal models, particularly the laboratory mouse, have been used to understand the pathogenic mechanisms that underlie PR cell loss and to explore therapies that may prevent, delay, or reverse RD. Here, we reviewed entries in the Mouse Genome Informatics and PubMed databases to compile a comprehensive list of monogenic mouse models in which PR cell loss is demonstrated. The progression of PR cell loss with postnatal age was documented in mutant alleles of genes grouped by biological function. As anticipated, a wide range in the onset and rate of cell loss was observed among the reported models. The analysis underscored relationships between RD genes and ciliary function, transcription-coupled DNA damage repair, and cellular chloride homeostasis. Comparing the mouse gene list to human RD genes identified in the RetNet database revealed that mouse models are available for 40% of the known human diseases, suggesting opportunities for future research. This work may provide insight into the molecular players and pathways through which PR degenerative disease occurs and may be useful for planning translational studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gayle B. Collin
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, ME 04609, USA; (G.B.C.); (N.G.); (B.C.); (N.D.); (J.P.); (L.F.H.); (L.S.); (J.K.N.)
| | - Navdeep Gogna
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, ME 04609, USA; (G.B.C.); (N.G.); (B.C.); (N.D.); (J.P.); (L.F.H.); (L.S.); (J.K.N.)
| | - Bo Chang
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, ME 04609, USA; (G.B.C.); (N.G.); (B.C.); (N.D.); (J.P.); (L.F.H.); (L.S.); (J.K.N.)
| | - Nattaya Damkham
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, ME 04609, USA; (G.B.C.); (N.G.); (B.C.); (N.D.); (J.P.); (L.F.H.); (L.S.); (J.K.N.)
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
- Siriraj Center of Excellence for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Jai Pinkney
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, ME 04609, USA; (G.B.C.); (N.G.); (B.C.); (N.D.); (J.P.); (L.F.H.); (L.S.); (J.K.N.)
| | - Lillian F. Hyde
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, ME 04609, USA; (G.B.C.); (N.G.); (B.C.); (N.D.); (J.P.); (L.F.H.); (L.S.); (J.K.N.)
| | - Lisa Stone
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, ME 04609, USA; (G.B.C.); (N.G.); (B.C.); (N.D.); (J.P.); (L.F.H.); (L.S.); (J.K.N.)
| | - Jürgen K. Naggert
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, ME 04609, USA; (G.B.C.); (N.G.); (B.C.); (N.D.); (J.P.); (L.F.H.); (L.S.); (J.K.N.)
| | - Patsy M. Nishina
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, ME 04609, USA; (G.B.C.); (N.G.); (B.C.); (N.D.); (J.P.); (L.F.H.); (L.S.); (J.K.N.)
- Correspondence: (P.M.N.); (M.P.K.); Tel.: +1-207-2886-383 (P.M.N.); +1-207-2886-000 (M.P.K.)
| | - Mark P. Krebs
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, ME 04609, USA; (G.B.C.); (N.G.); (B.C.); (N.D.); (J.P.); (L.F.H.); (L.S.); (J.K.N.)
- Correspondence: (P.M.N.); (M.P.K.); Tel.: +1-207-2886-383 (P.M.N.); +1-207-2886-000 (M.P.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Cross SH, Mckie L, Hurd TW, Riley S, Wills J, Barnard AR, Young F, MacLaren RE, Jackson IJ. The nanophthalmos protein TMEM98 inhibits MYRF self-cleavage and is required for eye size specification. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008583. [PMID: 32236127 PMCID: PMC7153906 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The precise control of eye size is essential for normal vision. TMEM98 is a highly conserved and widely expressed gene which appears to be involved in eye size regulation. Mutations in human TMEM98 are found in patients with nanophthalmos (very small eyes) and variants near the gene are associated in population studies with myopia and increased eye size. As complete loss of function mutations in mouse Tmem98 result in perinatal lethality, we produced mice deficient for Tmem98 in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), where Tmem98 is highly expressed. These mice have greatly enlarged eyes that are very fragile with very thin retinas, compressed choroid and thin sclera. To gain insight into the mechanism of action we used a proximity labelling approach to discover interacting proteins and identified MYRF as an interacting partner. Mutations of MYRF are also associated with nanophthalmos. The protein is an endoplasmic reticulum-tethered transcription factor which undergoes autoproteolytic cleavage to liberate the N-terminal part which then translocates to the nucleus where it acts as a transcription factor. We find that TMEM98 inhibits the self-cleavage of MYRF, in a novel regulatory mechanism. In RPE lacking TMEM98, MYRF is ectopically activated and abnormally localised to the nuclei. Our findings highlight the importance of the interplay between TMEM98 and MYRF in determining the size of the eye.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sally H. Cross
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Lisa Mckie
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Toby W. Hurd
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sam Riley
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jimi Wills
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Alun R. Barnard
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, The John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Young
- Electron Microscopy, Pathology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Robert E. MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, The John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ian J. Jackson
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Li L, Li H, Wang L, Wu S, Lv L, Tahir A, Xiao X, Wong CKC, Sun F, Ge R, Cheng CY. Role of cell polarity and planar cell polarity (PCP) proteins in spermatogenesis. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 55:71-87. [PMID: 32207344 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2020.1742091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Studies on cell polarity proteins and planar cell polarity (PCP) proteins date back to almost 40 years ago in Drosophila and C. elegans when these proteins were shown to be crucial to support apico-basal polarity and also directional alignment of polarity cells across the plane of an epithelium during morphogenesis. In adult mammals, cell polarity and PCP are most notable in cochlear hair cells. However, the role of these two groups of proteins to support spermatogenesis was not explored until a decade earlier when several proteins that confer cell polarity and PCP proteins were identified in the rat testis. Since then, there are several reports appearing in the literature to examine the role of both cell polarity and PCP in supporting spermatogenesis. Herein, we provide an overview regarding the role of cell polarity and PCP proteins in the testis, evaluating these findings in light of studies in other mammalian epithelial cells/tissues. Our goal is to provide a timely evaluation of these findings, and provide some thought provoking remarks to guide future studies based on an evolving concept in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Center for Biomedical Research, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Population Council, New York, USA
| | - Huitao Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Center for Biomedical Research, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Population Council, New York, USA
| | - Lingling Wang
- Center for Biomedical Research, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Population Council, New York, USA
| | - Siwen Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Center for Biomedical Research, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Population Council, New York, USA
| | - Lixiu Lv
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Anam Tahir
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiang Xiao
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Department of Biology, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Center for Biomedical Research, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Population Council, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Tait CM, Chinnaiya K, Manning E, Murtaza M, Ashton JP, Furley N, Hill CJ, Alves CH, Wijnholds J, Erdmann KS, Furley A, Rashbass P, Das RM, Storey KG, Placzek M. Crumbs2 mediates ventricular layer remodelling to form the spinal cord central canal. PLoS Biol 2020; 18:e3000470. [PMID: 32150534 PMCID: PMC7108746 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In the spinal cord, the central canal forms through a poorly understood process termed dorsal collapse that involves attrition and remodelling of pseudostratified ventricular layer (VL) cells. Here, we use mouse and chick models to show that dorsal ventricular layer (dVL) cells adjacent to dorsal midline Nestin(+) radial glia (dmNes+RG) down-regulate apical polarity proteins, including Crumbs2 (CRB2) and delaminate in a stepwise manner; live imaging shows that as one cell delaminates, the next cell ratchets up, the dmNes+RG endfoot ratchets down, and the process repeats. We show that dmNes+RG secrete a factor that promotes loss of cell polarity and delamination. This activity is mimicked by a secreted variant of Crumbs2 (CRB2S) which is specifically expressed by dmNes+RG. In cultured MDCK cells, CRB2S associates with apical membranes and decreases cell cohesion. Analysis of Crb2F/F/Nestin-Cre+/- mice, and targeted reduction of Crb2/CRB2S in slice cultures reveal essential roles for transmembrane CRB2 (CRB2TM) and CRB2S on VL cells and dmNes+RG, respectively. We propose a model in which a CRB2S-CRB2TM interaction promotes the progressive attrition of the dVL without loss of overall VL integrity. This novel mechanism may operate more widely to promote orderly progenitor delamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Tait
- Department of Biomedical Science and Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Kavitha Chinnaiya
- Department of Biomedical Science and Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Manning
- Department of Biomedical Science and Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Mariyam Murtaza
- Department of Biomedical Science and Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - John-Paul Ashton
- Department of Biomedical Science and Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Furley
- Department of Biomedical Science and Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Chris J Hill
- Department of Biomedical Science and Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - C Henrique Alves
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Kai S Erdmann
- Department of Biomedical Science and Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Furley
- Department of Biomedical Science and Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Penny Rashbass
- Department of Biomedical Science and Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Raman M Das
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Kate G Storey
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Marysia Placzek
- Department of Biomedical Science and Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Vigouroux RJ, Cesar Q, Chédotal A, Nguyen-Ba-Charvet KT. Revisiting the role of Dcc in visual system development with a novel eye clearing method. eLife 2020; 9:51275. [PMID: 32096760 PMCID: PMC7062470 DOI: 10.7554/elife.51275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Deleted in Colorectal Carcinoma (Dcc) receptor plays a critical role in optic nerve development. Whilst Dcc is expressed postnatally in the eye, its function remains unknown as Dcc knockouts die at birth. To circumvent this drawback, we generated an eye-specific Dcc mutant. To study the organization of the retina and visual projections in these mice, we also established EyeDISCO, a novel tissue clearing protocol that removes melanin allowing 3D imaging of whole eyes and visual pathways. We show that in the absence of Dcc, some ganglion cell axons stalled at the optic disc, whereas others perforated the retina, separating photoreceptors from the retinal pigment epithelium. A subset of visual axons entered the CNS, but these projections are perturbed. Moreover, Dcc-deficient retinas displayed a massive postnatal loss of retinal ganglion cells and a large fraction of photoreceptors. Thus, Dcc is essential for the development and maintenance of the retina.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robin J Vigouroux
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Quénol Cesar
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Alain Chédotal
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Kujawski S, Crespo C, Luz M, Yuan M, Winkler S, Knust E. Loss of Crb2b-lf leads to anterior segment defects in old zebrafish. Biol Open 2020; 9:bio047555. [PMID: 31988089 PMCID: PMC7044448 DOI: 10.1242/bio.047555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Defects in the retina or the anterior segment of the eye lead to compromised vision and affect millions of people. Understanding how these ocular structures develop and are maintained is therefore of paramount importance. The maintenance of proper vision depends, among other factors, on the function of genes controlling apico-basal polarity. In fact, mutations in polarity genes are linked to retinal degeneration in several species, including human. Here we describe a novel zebrafish crb2b allele (crb2be40 ), which specifically affects the crb2b long isoform. crb2be40 mutants are viable and display normal ocular development. However, old crb2be40 mutant fish develop multiple defects in structures of the anterior segment, which includes the cornea, the iris and the lens. Phenotypes are characterised by smaller pupils due to expansion of the iris and tissues of the iridocorneal angle, an increased number of corneal stromal keratocytes, an abnormal corneal endothelium and an expanded lens capsule. These findings illustrate a novel role for crb2b in the maintenance of the anterior segment and hence add an important function to this polarity regulator, which may be conserved in other vertebrates including humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satu Kujawski
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Cátia Crespo
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Marta Luz
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Michaela Yuan
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Sylke Winkler
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Knust
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Ray TA, Cochran KJ, Kay JN. The Enigma of CRB1 and CRB1 Retinopathies. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1185:251-255. [PMID: 31884620 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-27378-1_41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the gene Crumbs homolog 1 (CRB1) are responsible for several retinopathies that are diverse in severity and phenotype. Thus, there is considerable incentive to determine how disruption of this gene causes disease. Progress on this front will aid in developing molecular diagnostics that can predict disease severity with the ultimate goal of developing therapies for CRB1 retinopathies via gene replacement. The purpose of this review is to summarize what is known regarding CRB1 and highlights information outstanding. Doing so will provide a framework toward a thorough understanding of CRB1 at the molecular and protein level with the ultimate goal of deciphering how it contributes to the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Ray
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kelly J Cochran
- Department of Computer Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jeremy N Kay
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Xu L, Bolch SN, Santiago CP, Dyka FM, Akil O, Lobanova ES, Wang Y, Martemyanov KA, Hauswirth WW, Smith WC, Handa JT, Blackshaw S, Ash JD, Dinculescu A. Clarin-1 expression in adult mouse and human retina highlights a role of Müller glia in Usher syndrome. J Pathol 2019; 250:195-204. [PMID: 31625146 PMCID: PMC7003947 DOI: 10.1002/path.5360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Usher syndrome type 3 (USH3) is an autosomal recessively inherited disorder caused by mutations in the gene clarin‐1 (CLRN1), leading to combined progressive hearing loss and retinal degeneration. The cellular distribution of CLRN1 in the retina remains uncertain, either because its expression levels are low or because its epitopes are masked. Indeed, in the adult mouse retina, Clrn1 mRNA is developmentally downregulated, detectable only by RT‐PCR. In this study we used the highly sensitive RNAscope in situ hybridization assay and single‐cell RNA‐sequencing techniques to investigate the distribution of Clrn1 and CLRN1 in mouse and human retina, respectively. We found that Clrn1 transcripts in mouse tissue are localized to the inner retina during postnatal development and in adult stages. The pattern of Clrn1 mRNA cellular expression is similar in both mouse and human adult retina, with CLRN1 transcripts being localized in Müller glia, and not photoreceptors. We generated a novel knock‐in mouse with a hemagglutinin (HA) epitope‐tagged CLRN1 and showed that CLRN1 is expressed continuously at the protein level in the retina. Following enzymatic deglycosylation and immunoblotting analysis, we detected a single CLRN1‐specific protein band in homogenates of mouse and human retina, consistent in size with the main CLRN1 isoform. Taken together, our results implicate Müller glia in USH3 pathology, placing this cell type to the center of future mechanistic and therapeutic studies to prevent vision loss in this disease. © 2019 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Susan N Bolch
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Clayton P Santiago
- Solomon H Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Frank M Dyka
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Omar Akil
- Department of Otolaryngology-HNS, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Yuchen Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | | | | | - W Clay Smith
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - James T Handa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Solomon H Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Center for Human Systems Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John D Ash
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Astra Dinculescu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Quinn PM, Wijnholds J. Retinogenesis of the Human Fetal Retina: An Apical Polarity Perspective. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:E987. [PMID: 31795518 PMCID: PMC6947654 DOI: 10.3390/genes10120987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Crumbs complex has prominent roles in the control of apical cell polarity, in the coupling of cell density sensing to downstream cell signaling pathways, and in regulating junctional structures and cell adhesion. The Crumbs complex acts as a conductor orchestrating multiple downstream signaling pathways in epithelial and neuronal tissue development. These pathways lead to the regulation of cell size, cell fate, cell self-renewal, proliferation, differentiation, migration, mitosis, and apoptosis. In retinogenesis, these are all pivotal processes with important roles for the Crumbs complex to maintain proper spatiotemporal cell processes. Loss of Crumbs function in the retina results in loss of the stratified appearance resulting in retinal degeneration and loss of visual function. In this review, we begin by discussing the physiology of vision. We continue by outlining the processes of retinogenesis and how well this is recapitulated between the human fetal retina and human embryonic stem cell (ESC) or induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived retinal organoids. Additionally, we discuss the functionality of in utero and preterm human fetal retina and the current level of functionality as detected in human stem cell-derived organoids. We discuss the roles of apical-basal cell polarity in retinogenesis with a focus on Leber congenital amaurosis which leads to blindness shortly after birth. Finally, we discuss Crumbs homolog (CRB)-based gene augmentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter M.J. Quinn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands;
- The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Cytoglobin deficiency potentiates Crb1-mediated retinal degeneration in rd8 mice. Dev Biol 2019; 458:141-152. [PMID: 31634437 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2019.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of Cytoglobin (Cygb) deficiency on Crb1-related retinopathy. The Crb1 cell polarity complex is required for photoreceptor function and survival. Crb1-related retinopathies encompass a broad range of phenotypes which are not completely explained by the variability of Crb1 mutations. Genes thought to modify Crb1 function are therefore important targets of research. The biological function of Cygb involves oxygen delivery, scavenging of reactive oxygen species, and nitric oxide metabolism. However, the relationship of Cygb to diseases involving the Crb1 cell polarity complex is unknown. METHODS Cygb knockout mice homozygous for the rd8 mutation (Cygb-/-rd8/rd8) were screened for ocular abnormalities and imaged using optical coherence tomography and fundus photography. Electroretinography was performed, as was histology and immunohistochemistry. Quantitative PCR was used to determine the effect of Cygb deficiency on transcription of Crb1 related cell polarity genes. RESULTS Cygb-/-rd8/rd8 mice develop an abnormal retina with severe lamination abnormalities. The retina undergoes progressive degeneration with the ventral retina more severely affected than the dorsal retina. Cygb expression is in neurons of the retinal ganglion cell layer and inner nuclear layer. Immunohistochemical studies suggest that cell death predominates in the photoreceptors. Electroretinography amplitudes show reduced a- and b-waves, consistent with photoreceptor disease. Cygb deficient retinas had only modest transcriptional perturbations of Crb1-related cell polarity genes. Cygb-/- mice without the rd8 mutation did not exhibit obvious retinal abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS Cygb is necessary for retinal lamination, maintenance of cell polarity, and photoreceptor survival in rd8 mice. These results are consistent with Cygb as a disease modifying gene in Crb1-related retinopathy. Further studies are necessary to investigate the role of Cygb in the human retina.
Collapse
|
50
|
Cho SH, Nahar A, Kim JH, Lee M, Kozmik Z, Kim S. Targeted deletion of Crb1/Crb2 in the optic vesicle models key features of leber congenital amaurosis 8. Dev Biol 2019; 453:141-154. [PMID: 31145883 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The Crb1 and 2 (Crumbs homolog 1 & 2) genes encode large, single-pass transmembrane proteins essential for the apicobasal polarity and adhesion of epithelial cells. Crb1 mutations cause degenerative retinal diseases in humans, including Leber congenital amaurosis type 8 (LCA8) and retinitis pigmentosa type 12 (RP12). In LCA8, impaired photoreceptor development and/or survival is thought to cause blindness during early infancy, whereas, in RP12, progressive photoreceptor degeneration damages peripheral vision later in life. There are multiple animal models of RP12 pathology, but no experimental model of LCA8 recapitulates the full spectrum of its pathological features. To generate a mouse model of LCA8 and identify the functions of Crb1/2 in developing ocular tissues, we used an mRx-Cre driver to generate allelic combinations that enabled conditional gene ablation from the optic vesicle stage. In this series only Crb1/2 double knockout (dKO) mice exhibited characteristics of human LCA8 disease: locally thickened retina with spots devoid of cells, aberrant positioning of retinal cells, severely disrupted lamination, and depigmented retinal-pigmented epithelium. Retinal defects antedated E12.5, which is far earlier than the stage at which photoreceptor cells mainly differentiate. Most remarkably, Crb1/Crb2 dKO showed a severely attenuated electroretinogram at the eye opening stage. These results suggest that human LCA8 can be modeled in the mouse by simultaneously ablating Crb1/2 from the beginning of eye development. Importantly, they also indicate that LCA8 is caused by malfunction of retinal progenitor cells during early ocular development rather than by defective photoreceptor-Muller glial interaction, a mechanism proposed for RP12.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seo-Hee Cho
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
| | - Ankur Nahar
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Ji Hyang Kim
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Matthew Lee
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Zbynek Kozmik
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Seonhee Kim
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| |
Collapse
|