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Long Non-Coding RNAs in Retinal Ganglion Cell Apoptosis. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:561-574. [PMID: 35226226 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01210-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic optic neuropathy or other neurodegenerative diseases, including optic nerve transection, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, can lead to progressive and irreversible visual damage. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which belong to the family of non-protein-coding transcripts, have been linked to the pathogenesis, progression, and prognosis of these lesions. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are critical for the transmission of visual information to the brain, damage to which results in visual loss. Apoptosis has been identified as one of the most essential modes of RGC death. Emerging evidence suggests that lncRNAs can regulate RGC degeneration by directly or indirectly modulating apoptosis-associated signaling pathways. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the role of lncRNAs in RGC apoptosis at transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels, emphasizing on the potential mechanisms of action. The current limitations and future perspectives of exploring the connection between lncRNAs and RGC apoptosis have been summarized. Understanding the intricate molecular interaction network of lncRNAs and RGC apoptosis will open new avenues for the identification of novel diagnostic biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and molecules for prognostic evaluation of diseases related to RGC injury.
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Wang DD, Gao FJ, Zhang XJ, Hu FY, Xu P, Wu JH. Nobiletin protects retinal ganglion cells in models of ocular hypertension in vivo and hypoxia in vitro. J Transl Med 2022; 102:1225-1235. [PMID: 35804043 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-022-00813-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma, a common cause of blindness, is characterized by the progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Growing evidence suggests that nobiletin (NOB) is a promising neuroprotective drug; however, its effects on glaucomatous neurodegeneration remain unknown. Using rat models of microbead occlusion in vivo and primary RGCs model of hypoxia in vitro, we first demonstrate that NOB reduces RGC apoptosis by a TUNEL assay, Hoechst 33342 staining and FluoroGold (FG) retrograde labeling. This effect does not depend on intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering. Additionally, NOB partially restored the functional and structural damage of inner retinas, attenuated Müller glial activation and oxidative stress caused by ocular hypertension. At 2 weeks after IOP elevation, NOB further enhanced Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in RGCs to withstand the cumulative damage of ocular hypertension. With the administration of HO-1 inhibitor tin-protoporphyrin IX (SnPP), the protective effect of NOB was attenuated. Overall, these results indicate that NOB exerts an outstanding neuroprotective effect on RGCs of glaucomatous neurodegeneration. Besides, interventions to enhance activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway can slow the loss of RGCs and are viable therapies for glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Dan Wang
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, College of Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Myopia, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng-Juan Gao
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, College of Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Myopia, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Jin Zhang
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, College of Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Myopia, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang-Yuan Hu
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, College of Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Myopia, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Xu
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, College of Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Myopia, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji-Hong Wu
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, College of Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, Shanghai, China. .,Key Laboratory of Myopia, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China.
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Wang D, Gao F, Hu F, Wu J. Nobiletin Alleviates Astrocyte Activation and Oxidative Stress Induced by Hypoxia In Vitro. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27061962. [PMID: 35335325 PMCID: PMC8953234 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27061962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that nobiletin (NOB) is a promising neuroprotective agent. Astrocyte activation plays a key role in neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, this study aims to investigate the effects of NOB on astrocyte activation and the potential mechanisms. In this study, astrocytes were exposed to hypoxia injury for 24 h to induce activation in vitro. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was chosen as a marker of astrocyte activation. To evaluate the effects of NOB on the migration of activated astrocytes, we used a scratch wound healing assay and Transwell migration assay. In addition, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), mitochondrial membrane potential, Nrf2 and HO-1 were measured to investigate the mechanisms of NOB in the activation of astrocytes. We found that NOB alleviated astrocyte activation and decreased GFAP expression during hypoxia. Simultaneously, NOB alleviated the migration of astrocytes induced by hypoxia. With NOB treatment, hypoxia-induced oxidative stress was partially reversed, including reducing the production of ROS and MDA. Furthermore, NOB significantly improved the mitochondrial dysfunction in activated astrocytes. Finally, NOB promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation and HO-1 expression in response to continuous oxidative damage. Our study indicates, for the first time, that NOB alleviates the activation of astrocytes induced by hypoxia in vitro, in part by ameliorating oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. This provides new insights into the neuroprotective effects of NOB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Wang
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, College of Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China; (D.W.); (F.G.); (F.H.)
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, Shanghai 200030, China
- Key Laboratory of Myopia, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Fengjuan Gao
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, College of Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China; (D.W.); (F.G.); (F.H.)
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, Shanghai 200030, China
- Key Laboratory of Myopia, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Fangyuan Hu
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, College of Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China; (D.W.); (F.G.); (F.H.)
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, Shanghai 200030, China
- Key Laboratory of Myopia, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Jihong Wu
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, College of Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China; (D.W.); (F.G.); (F.H.)
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, Shanghai 200030, China
- Key Laboratory of Myopia, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200030, China
- Correspondence:
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4
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Amato R, Rossino MG, Cammalleri M, Timperio AM, Fanelli G, Dal Monte M, Pucci L, Casini G. The Potential of Lisosan G as a Possible Treatment for Glaucoma. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:719951. [PMID: 34393798 PMCID: PMC8355587 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.719951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lisosan G (LG), a fermented powder obtained from whole grains, is a nutritional supplement containing a variety of metabolites with documented antioxidant properties. We have recently demonstrated that orally administered LG protects diabetic rodent retinas from oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, blood-retinal barrier disruption, and functional damage. Here, we investigated whether LG may exert protective effects in a model of glaucoma and measured the amounts of selected LG components that reach the retina after oral LG administration. Six-month-old DBA/2J mice were given an aqueous LG solution in place of drinking water for 2 mo. During the 2 mo of treatment with LG, the intraocular pressure (IOP) was monitored and the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) functional activity was recorded with pattern-electroretinography (PERG). At the end of the 2-mo period, the expression of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers was measured with qPCR, and RGC survival or macroglial activation were assessed with immunofluorescence. Alternatively, LG was administered by gavage and the concentrations of four of the main LG components (nicotinamide, gallic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and quercetin) were measured in the retinas in the following 24 h using mass spectrometry. LG treatment in DBA/2J mice did not influence IOP, but it affected RGC function since PERG amplitude was increased and PERG latency was decreased with respect to untreated DBA/2J mice. This improvement of RGC function was concomitant with a significant decrease of both oxidative stress and inflammation marker expression, of RGC loss, and of macroglial activation. All four LG metabolites were found in the retina, although with different proportions with respect to the amount in the dose of administered LG, and with different temporal profiles in the 24 h following administration. These findings are consistent with neuroenhancing and neuroprotective effects of LG in glaucoma that are likely to derive from its powerful antioxidant properties. The co-occurrence of different metabolites in LG may provide an added value to their beneficial effects and indicate LG as a basis for the potential treatment of a variety of retinal pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Timperio
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Fanelli
- Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Pucci
- National Research Council, Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology (IBBA), Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Casini
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Naguib S, Backstrom JR, Gil M, Calkins DJ, Rex TS. Retinal oxidative stress activates the NRF2/ARE pathway: An early endogenous protective response to ocular hypertension. Redox Biol 2021; 42:101883. [PMID: 33579667 PMCID: PMC8113046 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.101883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress contributes to degeneration of retinal ganglion cells and their axons in glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, through sensitivity to intraocular pressure (IOP). Here, we investigated early elevations in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a role for the NRF2-KEAP1-ARE endogenous antioxidant response pathway using microbead occlusion to elevate IOP in mice. ROS levels peaked in the retina at 1- and 2-wks following IOP elevation and remained elevated out to 5-wks. Phosphorylation of NRF2 and antioxidant gene transcription and protein levels increased concomitantly at 2-wks after IOP elevation, along with phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT. Inhibiting PI3K or AKT signaling prevented NRF2 phosphorylation and reduced transcription of antioxidant-regulated genes. Ocular hypertensive mice lacking Nrf2 had elevated ROS and a diminished increase in antioxidant gene expression. They also exhibited earlier axon degeneration and loss of visual function. In conclusion, the NRF2-KEAP1-ARE pathway is endogenously activated early in ocular hypertension due to phosphorylation of NRF2 by the PI3K/AKT pathway and serves to slow the onset of axon degeneration and vision loss in glaucoma. These data suggest that exogenous activation of this pathway might further slow glaucomatous neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Naguib
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Jon R Backstrom
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Melanie Gil
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - David J Calkins
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Tonia S Rex
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Tabak S, Schreiber-Avissar S, Beit-Yannai E. Crosstalk between MicroRNA and Oxidative Stress in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2421. [PMID: 33670885 PMCID: PMC7957693 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), a chronic neurodegenerative disease that damages the trabecular meshwork (TM) cells, inducing apoptosis of the retinal ganglion cells (RGC), deteriorating the optic nerve head, and leading to blindness. Aqueous humor (AH) outflow resistance and intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation contribute to disease progression. Nevertheless, despite the existence of pharmacological and surgical treatments, there is room for the development of additional treatment approaches. The following review is aimed at investigating the role of different microRNAs (miRNAs) in the expression of genes and proteins involved in the regulation of inflammatory and degenerative processes, focusing on the delicate balance of synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) regulated by chronic oxidative stress in POAG related tissues. The neutralizing activity of a couple of miRNAs was described, suggesting effective downregulation of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic signaling pathways, including nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB), transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-β2), Wnt/β-Catenin, and PI3K/AKT. In addition, with regards to the elevated IOP in many POAG patients due to increased outflow resistance, Collagen type I degradation was stimulated by some miRNAs and prevented ECM deposition in TM cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction as a consequence of oxidative stress was suppressed following exposure to different miRNAs. In contrast, increased oxidative damage by inhibiting the mTOR signaling pathway was described as part of the action of selected miRNAs. Summarizing, specific miRNAs may be promising therapeutic targets for lowering or preventing oxidative stress injury in POAG patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elie Beit-Yannai
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; (S.T.); (S.S.-A.)
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