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Boch M, Huber L, Lamm C. Domestic dogs as a comparative model for social neuroscience: Advances and challenges. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 162:105700. [PMID: 38710423 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105700] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Dogs and humans have lived together for thousands of years and share many analogous socio-cognitive skills. Dog neuroimaging now provides insight into the neural bases of these shared social abilities. Here, we summarize key findings from dog fMRI identifying neocortical brain areas implicated in visual social cognition, such as face, body, and emotion perception, as well as action observation in dogs. These findings provide converging evidence that the temporal cortex plays a significant role in visual social cognition in dogs. We further briefly review investigations into the neural base of the dog-human relationship, mainly involving limbic brain regions. We then discuss current challenges in the field, such as statistical power and lack of common template spaces, and how to overcome them. Finally, we argue that the foundation has now been built to investigate and compare the neural bases of more complex socio-cognitive phenomena shared by dogs and humans. This will strengthen and expand the role of the domestic dog as a powerful comparative model species and provide novel insights into the evolutionary roots of social cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Boch
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna 1010, Austria; Department of Cognitive Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria.
| | - Ludwig Huber
- Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna and University of Vienna, Vienna 1210, Austria
| | - Claus Lamm
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna 1010, Austria; Vienna Cognitive Science Hub, University of Vienna, Vienna 1010, Austria
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2
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Taskin HO, Wivel J, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA, Aguirre GK. Cone-Driven, Geniculocortical Responses in Canine Models of Outer Retinal Disease. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2024; 13:18. [PMID: 38241039 PMCID: PMC10807495 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.1.18] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Canine models of inherited retinal degeneration are used for proof of concept of emerging gene and cell-based therapies that aim to produce functional restoration of cone-mediated vision. We examined functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of the postretinal response to cone-directed stimulation in wild-type (WT) dogs, and in three different retinal disease models. Methods Temporal spectral modulation of a uniform field of light around a photopic background was used to target the canine L/M (hereafter "L") and S cones and rods. Stimuli were designed to separately target the postreceptoral luminance (L+S) and chrominance (L-S) pathways, the rods, and all photoreceptors jointly (light flux). These stimuli were presented to WT, and mutant PDE6B-RCD1, RPGR-XLPRA2, and NPHP5-CRD2 dogs during pupillometry and functional MRI (fMRI). Results Pupil responses in WT dogs to light flux, L+S, and rod-directed stimuli were consistent with responses being driven by cone signals alone. For WT animals, both luminance and chromatic (L-S) stimuli evoked fMRI responses in the lateral geniculate nucleus or visual cortex; RCD1 animals with predominant rod loss had similar responses. Responses to cone-directed stimulation were reduced in XLPRA2 and absent in CRD2. NPHP5 gene augmentation restored the cortical response to luminance stimulation in a CRD2 animal. Conclusions Cone-directed stimulation during fMRI can be used to measure the integrity of luminance and chrominance responses in the dog visual system. The NPHP5-CRD2 model is appealing for studies of recovered cone function. Translational Relevance fMRI assessment of cone-driven cortical response provides a tool to translate cell/gene therapies for vision restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huseyin O. Taskin
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jacqueline Wivel
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gustavo D. Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - William A. Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Geoffrey K. Aguirre
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Taskin HO, Wivel J, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA, Aguirre GK. Cone-driven, geniculo-cortical responses in canine models of outer retinal disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.13.571523. [PMID: 38168165 PMCID: PMC10760074 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.13.571523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Purpose Canine models of inherited retinal degeneration are used for proof-of-concept of emerging gene and cell-based therapies that aim to produce functional restoration of cone-mediated vision. We examined functional MRI measures of the post-retinal response to cone-directed stimulation in wild type (WT) dogs, and in three different retinal disease models. Methods Temporal spectral modulation of a uniform field of light around a photopic background was used to target the canine L/M (hereafter "L") and S cones and rods. Stimuli were designed to separately target the post-receptoral luminance (L+S) and chrominance (L-S) pathways, the rods, and all photoreceptors jointly (light flux). These stimuli were presented to WT, and mutant PDE6B-RCD1, RPGR-XLPRA2, and NPHP5-CRD2 dogs during pupillometry and fMRI. Results Pupil responses in WT dogs to light flux, L+S, and rod-directed stimuli were consistent with responses being driven by cone signals alone. For WT animals, both luminance and chromatic (L-S) stimuli evoked fMRI responses in the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) or visual cortex; RCD1 animals with predominant rod loss had similar responses. Responses to cone-directed stimulation were reduced in XLPRA2 and absent in CRD2. NPHP5 gene augmentation restored the cortical response to luminance stimulation in a CRD2 animal. Conclusions Cone-directed stimulation during fMRI can be used to measure the integrity of luminance and chrominance responses in the dog visual system. The NPHP5-CRD2 model is appealing for studies of recovered cone function. Translational Relevance fMRI assessment of cone driven cortical response provides a tool to translate cell/gene therapies for vision restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huseyin O. Taskin
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Jacqueline Wivel
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Gustavo D. Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - William A. Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Geoffrey K. Aguirre
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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Gene Therapy with Voretigene Neparvovec Improves Vision and Partially Restores Electrophysiological Function in Pre-School Children with Leber Congenital Amaurosis. Biomedicines 2022; 11:biomedicines11010103. [PMID: 36672611 PMCID: PMC9855623 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Leber congenital amaurosis caused by mutations in the RPE65 gene belongs to the most severe early-onset hereditary childhood retinopathies naturally progressing to legal blindness. The novel gene therapy voretigene neparvovec is the first approved causative treatment option for this devastating eye disease and is specifically designed to treat RPE65-mediated retinal dystrophies. Herein, we present a follow-up of the youngest treated patients in Germany so far, including four pre-school children who received treatment with voretigene neparvovec at a single treatment center between January 2020 and May 2022. All patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy with circumferential peeling of the internal limiting membrane at the injection site and subretinal injection of voretigene neparvovec. Pre- and postoperative diagnostics included imaging (spectral domain optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, fundus wide-angle imaging), electrophysiologic examination (ERG), retinal light sensitivity measurements (FST) and visual acuity testing. Behavioral changes were assessed using a questionnaire and by observing the children's vision-guided behavior in different levels of illumination. All children showed marked increase in vision-guided behavior shortly after therapy, as well as marked increase in visual acuity in the postoperative course up to full visual acuity in one child. Two eyes showed partial electrophysiological recovery of an ERG that was undetectable before treatment-a finding that has not been described in humans before.
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Karamali F, Behtaj S, Babaei-Abraki S, Hadady H, Atefi A, Savoj S, Soroushzadeh S, Najafian S, Nasr Esfahani MH, Klassen H. Potential therapeutic strategies for photoreceptor degeneration: the path to restore vision. J Transl Med 2022; 20:572. [PMID: 36476500 PMCID: PMC9727916 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03738-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptors (PRs), as the most abundant and light-sensing cells of the neuroretina, are responsible for converting light into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. PR degeneration, including morphological and functional impairment of these cells, causes significant diminution of the retina's ability to detect light, with consequent loss of vision. Recent findings in ocular regenerative medicine have opened promising avenues to apply neuroprotective therapy, gene therapy, cell replacement therapy, and visual prostheses to the challenge of restoring vision. However, successful visual restoration in the clinical setting requires application of these therapeutic approaches at the appropriate stage of the retinal degeneration. In this review, firstly, we discuss the mechanisms of PR degeneration by focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying cell death. Subsequently, innovations, recent developments, and promising treatments based on the stage of disorder progression are further explored. Then, the challenges to be addressed before implementation of these therapies in clinical practice are considered. Finally, potential solutions to overcome the current limitations of this growing research area are suggested. Overall, the majority of current treatment modalities are still at an early stage of development and require extensive additional studies, both pre-clinical and clinical, before full restoration of visual function in PR degeneration diseases can be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Karamali
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sanaz Behtaj
- grid.1022.10000 0004 0437 5432Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia ,grid.1022.10000 0004 0437 5432Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4222 Australia
| | - Shahnaz Babaei-Abraki
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hanieh Hadady
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Atefeh Atefi
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Soraya Savoj
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sareh Soroushzadeh
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Samaneh Najafian
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr Esfahani
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Henry Klassen
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Irvine, CA USA
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Huh CYL, Leinonen H, Nakayama T, Tomasello JR, Zhang J, Zeitoun J, Peach JP, Halabi M, Kiser JZ, Palczewski K, Kiser PD, Gandhi SP. Retinoid therapy restores eye-specific cortical responses in adult mice with retinal degeneration. Curr Biol 2022; 32:4538-4546.e5. [PMID: 36152631 PMCID: PMC10083103 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite the recent emergence of multiple cellular and molecular strategies to restore vision in retinal disorders, it remains unclear to what extent central visual circuits can recover when retinal defects are corrected in adulthood. We addressed this question in an Lrat-/- mouse model of Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) in which retinal light sensitivity and optomotor responses are partially restored by 9-cis-retinyl acetate administration in adulthood. Following treatment, two-photon calcium imaging revealed increases in the number and response amplitude of visually responsive neurons in the primary visual cortex (V1). In particular, retinoid treatment enhanced responses from the ipsilateral eye, restoring the normal balance of eye-specific responses in V1. Additionally, the treatment rescued the modulation of cortical responses by arousal. These findings illustrate the significant plasticity of the adult central visual system and underscore the therapeutic potential of retinoid administration for adults with retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carey Y L Huh
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Henri Leinonen
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Translational Vision Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
| | - Taylor Nakayama
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Julia R Tomasello
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Jianye Zhang
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Translational Vision Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Jack Zeitoun
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - John P Peach
- Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Maximilian Halabi
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Translational Vision Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Jianying Z Kiser
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Translational Vision Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Translational Vision Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Philip D Kiser
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Translational Vision Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Research Service, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, CA 90822, USA; Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Sunil P Gandhi
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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Volumetric assessment and longitudinal changes of subcortical structures in formalinized Beagle brains. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0261484. [PMID: 36206292 PMCID: PMC9543981 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
High field MRI is an advanced technique for diagnostic and research purposes on animal models, such as the Beagle dog. In this context, studies on neuroscience applications, e.g. aging and neuro-pathologies, are currently increasing. This led to a need for reference values, in terms of volumetric assessment, for the structures typically involved. Nowadays, several canine brain MRI atlases have been provided. However, no reports are available regarding the measurements’ reproducibility and little is known about the effect of formalin on MRI segmentation. Here, we assessed the segmentation variability of selected structures among operators (two operators segmented the same data) in a sample of 11 Beagle dogs. Then, we analyzed, for one Beagle dog, the longitudinal volumetric changes of these structures. We considered four conditions: in vivo, post mortem (after euthanasia), ex vivo (brain extracted and studied after 1 month in formalin, and after 12 months). The MRI data were collected with a 3 T scanner. Our findings suggest that the segmentation procedure was overall reproducible since only slight statistical differences were detected. In the post mortem/ ex vivo comparison, most structures showed a higher contrast, thereby leading to greater reproducibility between operators. We observed a net increase in the volume of the studied structures. This could be justified by the intrinsic relaxation time changes observed because of the formalin fixation. This led to an improvement in brain structure visualization and segmentation. To conclude, MRI-based segmentation seems to be a useful and accurate tool that allows longitudinal studies on formalin-fixed brains.
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Leroy BP, Fischer MD, Flannery JG, MacLaren RE, Dalkara D, Scholl HPN, Chung DC, Spera C, Viriato D, Banhazi J. Gene Therapy for Inherited Retinal Disease: Long-Term Durability of Effect. Ophthalmic Res 2022; 66:179-196. [PMID: 36103843 DOI: 10.1159/000526317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The recent approval of voretigene neparvovec (Luxturna®) for patients with biallelic RPE65 mutation-associated inherited retinal dystrophy with viable retinal cells represents an important step in the development of ocular gene therapies. Herein, we review studies investigating the episomal persistence of different recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector genomes and the preclinical and clinical evidence of long-term effects of different RPE65 gene replacement therapies. A targeted review of articles published between 1974 and January 2021 in Medline®, Embase®, and other databases was conducted, followed by a descriptive longitudinal analysis of the clinical trial outcomes of voretigene neparvovec. Following an initial screening, 14 publications examining the episomal persistence of different rAAV genomes and 71 publications evaluating gene therapies in animal models were included. Viral genomes were found to persist for at least 22 months (longest study follow-up) as transcriptionally active episomes. Treatment effects lasting almost a decade were reported in canine disease models, with more pronounced effects the earlier the intervention. The clinical trial outcomes of voretigene neparvovec are consistent with preclinical findings and reveal sustained results for up to 7.5 years for the full-field light sensitivity threshold test and 5 years for the multi-luminance mobility test in the Phase I and Phase III trials, respectively. In conclusion, the therapeutic effect of voretigene neparvovec lasts for at least a decade in animal models and 7.5 years in human subjects. Since retinal cells can retain functionality over their lifetime after transduction, these effects may be expected to last even longer in patients with a sufficient number of outer retinal cells at the time of intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart P Leroy
- Department of Ophthalmology & Centre for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital & Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Division of Ophthalmology & Center for Cellular & Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - M Dominik Fischer
- University Eye Hospital, Centre for Ophthalmology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Oxford Eye Hospital, University of Oxford NHS Foundation Trust and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - John G Flannery
- School of Optometry and the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Oxford Eye Hospital, University of Oxford NHS Foundation Trust and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Deniz Dalkara
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Hendrik P N Scholl
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Cideciyan AV, Jacobson SG, Ho AC, Krishnan AK, Roman AJ, Garafalo AV, Wu V, Swider M, Sumaroka A, Van Cauwenbergh C, Russell SR, Drack AV, Leroy BP, Schwartz MR, Girach A. Restoration of Cone Sensitivity to Individuals with Congenital Photoreceptor Blindness within the Phase 1/2 Sepofarsen Trial. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2022; 2:100133. [PMID: 36249682 PMCID: PMC9562351 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2022.100133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To understand consequences of reconstituting cone photoreceptor function in congenital binocular blindness resulting from mutations in the centrosomal protein 290 (CEP290) gene. Design Phase 1b/2 open-label, multicenter, multiple-dose, dose-escalation trial. Participants A homogeneous subgroup of 5 participants with light perception (LP) vision at the time of enrollment (age range, 15–41 years) selected for detailed analyses. Medical histories of 4 participants were consistent with congenital binocular blindness, whereas 1 participant showed evidence of spatial vision in early life that was later lost. Intervention Participants received a single intravitreal injection of sepofarsen (160 or 320 μg) into the study eye. Main Outcome Measures Full-field stimulus testing (FST), visual acuity (VA), and transient pupillary light reflex (TPLR) were measured at baseline and for 3 months after the injection. Results All 5 participants with LP vision demonstrated severely abnormal FST and TPLR findings. At baseline, FST threshold estimates were 0.81 and 1.0 log cd/m2 for control and study eyes, respectively. At 3 months, study eyes showed a large mean improvement of –1.75 log versus baseline (P < 0.001), whereas untreated control eyes were comparable with baseline. Blue minus red FST values were not different than 0 (P = 0.59), compatible with cone mediation of remnant vision. At baseline, TPLR response amplitude and latency estimates were 0.39 mm and 0.72 seconds, respectively, for control eyes, and 0.28 mm and 0.78 seconds, respectively, for study eyes. At 3 months, study eyes showed a mean improvement of 0.44 mm in amplitude and a mean acceleration of 0.29 seconds in latency versus baseline (P < 0.001), whereas control eyes showed no significant change versus baseline. Specialized tests performed in 1 participant confirmed and extended the standardized results from all 5 participants. Conclusions By subjective and objective evidence, intravitreal sepofarsen provides improvement of light sensitivity for individuals with LP vision. However, translation of increased light sensitivity to improved spatial vision may occur preferentially in those with a history of visual experience during early neurodevelopment. Interventions for congenital lack of spatial vision in CEP290-associated Leber congenital amaurosis may lead to better results if performed before visual cortex maturity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur V. Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Correspondence: Artur V. Cideciyan, PhD, Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 51 North 39th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
| | - Samuel G. Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Allen C. Ho
- Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Arun K. Krishnan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alejandro J. Roman
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alexandra V. Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Vivian Wu
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Stephen R. Russell
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Arlene V. Drack
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Bart P. Leroy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Division of Ophthalmology and Center for Cellular & Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Beckmann KM, Wang-Leandro A, Richter H, Bektas RN, Steffen F, Dennler M, Carrera I, Haller S. Increased resting state connectivity in the anterior default mode network of idiopathic epileptic dogs. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23854. [PMID: 34903807 PMCID: PMC8668945 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03349-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic, neurological diseases in humans and dogs and considered to be a network disease. In human epilepsy altered functional connectivity in different large-scale networks have been identified with functional resting state magnetic resonance imaging. Since large-scale resting state networks have been consistently identified in anesthetised dogs’ application of this technique became promising in canine epilepsy research. The aim of the present study was to investigate differences in large-scale resting state networks in epileptic dogs compared to healthy controls. Our hypothesis was, that large-scale networks differ between epileptic dogs and healthy control dogs. A group of 17 dogs (Border Collies and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs) with idiopathic epilepsy was compared to 20 healthy control dogs under a standardized sevoflurane anaesthesia protocol. Group level independent component analysis with dimensionality of 20 components, dual regression and two-sample t test were performed and revealed significantly increased functional connectivity in the anterior default mode network of idiopathic epileptic dogs compared to healthy control dogs (p = 0.00060). This group level differences between epileptic dogs and healthy control dogs identified using a rather simple data driven approach could serve as a starting point for more advanced resting state network analysis in epileptic dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin M Beckmann
- Section of Neurology, Department of Small Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Adriano Wang-Leandro
- Clinic for Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Diagnostics and Clinical Services, Vetsuisse-Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Henning Richter
- Clinic for Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Diagnostics and Clinical Services, Vetsuisse-Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Clinic for Neuroradiology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rima N Bektas
- Section of Anaesthesiology, Department of Diagnostics and Clinical Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Frank Steffen
- Section of Neurology, Department of Small Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Dennler
- Clinic for Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Diagnostics and Clinical Services, Vetsuisse-Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ines Carrera
- Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, Highlands Road, Shirley, UK
| | - Sven Haller
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Radiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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11
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Pietra G, Bonifacino T, Talamonti D, Bonanno G, Sale A, Galli L, Baroncelli L. Visual Cortex Engagement in Retinitis Pigmentosa. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179412. [PMID: 34502320 PMCID: PMC8431500 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a family of inherited disorders caused by the progressive degeneration of retinal photoreceptors. There is no cure for RP, but recent research advances have provided promising results from many clinical trials. All these therapeutic strategies are focused on preserving existing photoreceptors or substituting light-responsive elements. Vision recovery, however, strongly relies on the anatomical and functional integrity of the visual system beyond photoreceptors. Although the retinal structure and optic pathway are substantially preserved at least in early stages of RP, studies describing the visual cortex status are missing. Using a well-established mouse model of RP, we analyzed the response of visual cortical circuits to the progressive degeneration of photoreceptors. We demonstrated that the visual cortex goes through a transient and previously undescribed alteration in the local excitation/inhibition balance, with a net shift towards increased intracortical inhibition leading to improved filtering and decoding of corrupted visual inputs. These results suggest a compensatory action of the visual cortex that increases the range of residual visual sensitivity in RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Pietra
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), I-56124 Pisa, Italy; (G.P.); (D.T.); (A.S.); (L.G.)
| | - Tiziana Bonifacino
- Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, I-16148 Genova, Italy; (T.B.); (G.B.)
| | - Davide Talamonti
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), I-56124 Pisa, Italy; (G.P.); (D.T.); (A.S.); (L.G.)
- Department of Life Science, University of Trieste, I-34128 Trieste, Italy
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, I-16148 Genova, Italy; (T.B.); (G.B.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, I-16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sale
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), I-56124 Pisa, Italy; (G.P.); (D.T.); (A.S.); (L.G.)
| | - Lucia Galli
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), I-56124 Pisa, Italy; (G.P.); (D.T.); (A.S.); (L.G.)
| | - Laura Baroncelli
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), I-56124 Pisa, Italy; (G.P.); (D.T.); (A.S.); (L.G.)
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, I-56128 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-503-153199; Fax: +39-503-153220
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12
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Cideciyan AV, Krishnan AK, Roman AJ, Sumaroka A, Swider M, Jacobson SG. Measures of Function and Structure to Determine Phenotypic Features, Natural History, and Treatment Outcomes in Inherited Retinal Diseases. Annu Rev Vis Sci 2021; 7:747-772. [PMID: 34255540 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-vision-032321-091738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are at the forefront of innovative gene-specific treatments because of the causation by single genes, the availability of microsurgical access for treatment delivery, and the relative ease of quantitative imaging and vision measurement. However, it is not always easy to choose a priori, from scores of potential measures, an appropriate subset to evaluate efficacy outcomes considering the wide range of disease stages with different phenotypic features. This article reviews measurements of visual function and retinal structure that our group has used over the past three decades to understand the natural history of IRDs. We include measures of light sensitivity, retinal structure, mapping of natural fluorophores, evaluation of pupillary light reflex, and oculomotor control. We provide historical context and examples of applicability. We also review treatment trial outcomes using these measures of function and structure. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Vision Science, Volume 7 is September 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur V Cideciyan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA;
| | - Arun K Krishnan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA;
| | - Alejandro J Roman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA;
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA;
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA;
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA;
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13
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Maguire AM, Bennett J, Aleman EM, Leroy BP, Aleman TS. Clinical Perspective: Treating RPE65-Associated Retinal Dystrophy. Mol Ther 2021; 29:442-463. [PMID: 33278565 PMCID: PMC7854308 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Until recently, there was no approved treatment for a retinal degenerative disease. Subretinal injection of a recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivering the normal copy of the human RPE65 cDNA led to reversal of blindness first in animal models and then in humans. This led to the first US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved gene therapy product for a genetic disease, voretigene neparvovec-rzyl (Luxturna). Luxturna was then approved by the European Medicines Association and is now available in the US through Spark Therapeutics and worldwide through Novartis. Not only has treatment with Luxturna changed the lives of people previously destined to live a life of blindness, but it has fueled interest in developing additional gene therapy reagents targeting numerous other genetic forms of inherited retinal disease. This review describes many of the considerations for administration of Luxturna and describes how lessons from experience with Luxturna could lead to additional gene-based treatments of blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert M Maguire
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics (CAROT), Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jean Bennett
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics (CAROT), Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elena M Aleman
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics (CAROT), Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bart P Leroy
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics (CAROT), Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tomas S Aleman
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics (CAROT), Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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14
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Boch M, Karl S, Sladky R, Huber L, Lamm C, Wagner IC. Tailored haemodynamic response function increases detection power of fMRI in awake dogs (Canis familiaris). Neuroimage 2021; 224:117414. [PMID: 33011420 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of awake and unrestrained dogs (Canis familiaris) has been established as a novel opportunity for comparative neuroimaging, promising important insights into the evolutionary roots of human brain function and cognition. However, data processing and analysis pipelines are often derivatives of methodological standards developed for human neuroimaging, which may be problematic due to profound neurophysiological and anatomical differences between humans and dogs. Here, we explore whether dog fMRI studies would benefit from a tailored dog haemodynamic response function (HRF). In two independent experiments, dogs were presented with different visual stimuli. BOLD signal changes in the visual cortex during these experiments were used for (a) the identification and estimation of a tailored dog HRF, and (b) the independent validation of the resulting dog HRF estimate. Time course analyses revealed that the BOLD signal in the primary visual cortex peaked significantly earlier in dogs compared to humans, while being comparable in shape. Deriving a tailored dog HRF significantly improved the model fit in both experiments, compared to the canonical HRF used in human fMRI. Using the dog HRF yielded significantly increased activation during visual stimulation, extending from the occipital lobe to the caudal parietal cortex, the bilateral temporal cortex, into bilateral hippocampal and thalamic regions. In sum, our findings provide robust evidence for an earlier onset of the dog HRF in two visual stimulation paradigms, and suggest that using such an HRF will be important to increase fMRI detection power in canine neuroimaging. By providing the parameters of the tailored dog HRF and related code, we encourage and enable other researchers to validate whether our findings generalize to other sensory modalities and experimental paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Boch
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; Department of Cognitive Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabrina Karl
- Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna and University of Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ronald Sladky
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ludwig Huber
- Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna and University of Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Claus Lamm
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Isabella C Wagner
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria.
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15
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Begenisic T, Mazziotti R, Sagona G, Lupori L, Sale A, Galli L, Baroncelli L. Preservation of Visual Cortex Plasticity in Retinitis Pigmentosa. Neuroscience 2020; 424:205-210. [PMID: 31901258 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.10.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a class of inherited disorders caused by the progressive death of photoreceptors in the retina. RP is still orphan of an effective treatment, with increasing optimism deriving from research aimed at arresting neurodegeneration or replacing light-responsive elements. All these therapeutic strategies rely on the functional integrity of the visual system downstream of photoreceptors. Whereas the inner retinal structure and optic radiation are known to be considerably preserved at least in early stages of RP, very little is known about the visual cortex. Remarkably, it remains completely unclear whether visual cortex plasticity is still present in RP. Using a well-established murine model of RP, the rd10 mouse, we report that visual cortical circuits retain high levels of plasticity, preserving their capability of input-dependent remodelling even at a late stage of retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Begenisic
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), I-56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Raffaele Mazziotti
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), I-56124 Pisa, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, I-50135 Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Sagona
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, I-50135 Florence, Italy; Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, I-56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Leonardo Lupori
- BIO@SNS lab, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, I-56125 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sale
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), I-56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Galli
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), I-56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Baroncelli
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), I-56124 Pisa, Italy; Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, I-56128 Pisa, Italy.
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16
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Baroncelli L, Lunghi C. Neuroplasticity of the visual cortex: in sickness and in health. Exp Neurol 2020; 335:113515. [PMID: 33132181 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Brain plasticity refers to the ability of synaptic connections to adapt their function and structure in response to experience, including environmental changes, sensory deprivation and injuries. Plasticity is a distinctive, but not exclusive, property of the developing nervous system. This review introduces the concept of neuroplasticity and describes classic paradigms to illustrate cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying synapse modifiability. Then, we summarize a growing number of studies showing that the adult cerebral cortex retains a significant degree of plasticity highlighting how the identification of strategies to enhance the plastic potential of the adult brain could pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic approaches aimed at treating amblyopia and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Finally, we analyze how the visual system adjusts to neurodegenerative conditions leading to blindness and we discuss the crucial role of spared plasticity in the visual system for sight recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Baroncelli
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), I-56124 Pisa, Italy; Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, I-56128 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Claudia Lunghi
- Laboratoire des systèmes perceptifs, Département d'études cognitives, École normale supérieure, PSL University, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
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17
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Tay LS, Palmer N, Panwala R, Chew WL, Mali P. Translating CRISPR-Cas Therapeutics: Approaches and Challenges. CRISPR J 2020; 3:253-275. [PMID: 32833535 PMCID: PMC7469700 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2020.0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas clinical trials have begun, offering a first glimpse at how DNA and RNA targeting could enable therapies for many genetic and epigenetic human diseases. The speedy progress of CRISPR-Cas from discovery and adoption to clinical use is built on decades of traditional gene therapy research and belies the multiple challenges that could derail the successful translation of these new modalities. Here, we review how CRISPR-Cas therapeutics are translated from technological systems to therapeutic modalities, paying particular attention to the therapeutic cascade from cargo to delivery vector, manufacturing, administration, pipelines, safety, and therapeutic target profiles. We also explore potential solutions to some of the obstacles facing successful CRISPR-Cas translation. We hope to illuminate how CRISPR-Cas is brought from the academic bench toward use in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavina Sierra Tay
- Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Genome Editing Therapeutics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nathan Palmer
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Rebecca Panwala
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Wei Leong Chew
- Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Genome Editing Therapeutics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Prashant Mali
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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18
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Liu X, Tian R, Zuo Z, Zhao H, Wu L, Zhuo Y, Zhang YQ, Chen L. A high-resolution MRI brain template for adult Beagle. Magn Reson Imaging 2020; 68:148-157. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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19
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Beckmann KM, Wang-Leandro A, Dennler M, Carrera I, Richter H, Bektas RN, Steiner A, Haller S. Resting state networks of the canine brain under sevoflurane anaesthesia. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231955. [PMID: 32302373 PMCID: PMC7164650 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rs-fMRI) has become an established technique in humans and reliably determines several resting state networks (RSNs) simultaneously. Limited data exist about RSN in dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate the RSNs in 10 healthy beagle dogs using a 3 tesla MRI scanner and subsequently perform group-level independent component analysis (ICA) to identify functionally connected brain networks. Rs-fMRI sequences were performed under steady state sevoflurane inhalation anaesthesia. Anaesthetic depth was titrated to the minimum level needed for immobilisation and mechanical ventilation of the patient. This required a sevoflurane MAC between 0.8 to 1.2. Group-level ICA dimensionality of 20 components revealed distributed sensory, motor and higher-order networks in the dogs’ brain. We identified in total 7 RSNs (default mode, primary and higher order visual, auditory, two putative motor-somatosensory and one putative somatosensory), which are common to other mammals including humans. Identified RSN are remarkably similar to those identified in awake dogs. This study proves the feasibility of rs-fMRI in anesthetized dogs and describes several RSNs, which may set the basis for investigating pathophysiological characteristics of various canine brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin M. Beckmann
- Neurology Department, Clinic of Small Animal Surgery, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Adriano Wang-Leandro
- Department of Diagnostics and Clinical Services, Clinic for Diagnostic Imaging, Vetsuisse-Faculty Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Dennler
- Department of Diagnostics and Clinical Services, Clinic for Diagnostic Imaging, Vetsuisse-Faculty Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ines Carrera
- Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, Shirley, United Kingdom
| | - Henning Richter
- Department of Diagnostics and Clinical Services, Clinic for Diagnostic Imaging, Vetsuisse-Faculty Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rima N. Bektas
- Department of Diagnostics and Clinical Services, Section of Anaesthesiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aline Steiner
- Department of Diagnostics and Clinical Services, Section of Anaesthesiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sven Haller
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Radiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Faculty of Medicine of the University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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20
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Krishnan AK, Jacobson SG, Roman AJ, Iyer BS, Garafalo AV, Héon E, Cideciyan AV. Transient pupillary light reflex in CEP290- or NPHP5-associated Leber congenital amaurosis: Latency as a potential outcome measure of cone function. Vision Res 2020; 168:53-63. [PMID: 32088401 PMCID: PMC7068155 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2020.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in photoreceptor cilium genes CEP290 and NPHP5 cause a form of Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) which typically lacks rods but retains central cones. The current study evaluated the transient pupillary light reflex (TPLR) as an objective outcome measure to assess efficacy of ongoing and future therapies. Eleven eyes of six patients selected for retained cone function were tested with TPLR using full-field stimuli in the dark-adapted state. Stimuli were red or blue with 1 s duration and spanned a 6-log unit dynamic range. TPLR response amplitude was quantified at fixed times of 0.9 and 2 s after stimulus onset and TPLR latency was defined as the time to reach 0.3 mm constriction. Full-field stimulus testing (FST) and static perimetry were used to correlate subjective perception with objective TPLR parameters. TPLR and FST thresholds with both red and blue stimuli were abnormally elevated in patients to near -1.25 log phot-cd·m-2 consistent with the lack of rods. TPLR latencies were delayed on average but showed some differences among patients. Remnant extrafoveal vision was correlated with faster TPLR latencies. Our results support the use of a short TPLR protocol with full-field red stimuli of 0.7 log phot-cd·m-2 or brighter as an objective and convenient outcome measure of cone function in CEP290- and NPHP5-LCA. The latency parameter of the TPLR would be expected to show a detectable change when an intervention modifies cone sensitivity in the extrafoveal region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun K Krishnan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Alejandro J Roman
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Bhavya S Iyer
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Alexandra V Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Elise Héon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
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21
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Motta FL, Martin RP, Porto FBO, Wohler ES, Resende RG, Gomes CP, Pesquero JB, Sallum JMF. Pathogenicity Reclasssification of RPE65 Missense Variants Related to Leber Congenital Amaurosis and Early-Onset Retinal Dystrophy. Genes (Basel) 2019; 11:E24. [PMID: 31878136 PMCID: PMC7016655 DOI: 10.3390/genes11010024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A challenge in molecular diagnosis and genetic counseling is the interpretation of variants of uncertain significance. Proper pathogenicity classification of new variants is important for the conclusion of molecular diagnosis and the medical management of patient treatments. The purpose of this study was to reclassify two RPE65 missense variants, c.247T>C (p.Phe83Leu) and c.560G>A (p.Gly187Glu), found in Brazilian families. To achieve this aim, we reviewed the sequencing data of a 224-gene retinopathy panel from 556 patients (513 families) with inherited retinal dystrophies. Five patients with p.Phe83Leu and seven with p.Gly187Glu were selected and their families investigated. To comprehend the pathogenicity of these variants, we evaluated them based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology (ACMG/AMP) classification guidelines. Initially, these RPE65 variants met only three pathogenic criteria: (i) absence or low frequency in the population, (ii) several missense pathogenic RPE65 variants, and (iii) 15 out of 16 lines of computational evidence supporting them as damaging, which together allowed the variants to be classified as uncertain significance. Two other pieces of evidence were accepted after further analysis of these Brazilian families: (i) p.Phe83Leu and p.Gly187Glu segregate with childhood retinal dystrophy within families, and (ii) their prevalence in Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA)/early-onset retinal dystrophy (EORD) patients can be considered higher than in other inherited retinal dystrophy patients. Therefore, these variants can now be classified as likely pathogenic according to ACMG/AMP classification guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana L. Motta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Sao Paulo SP 04039-032, Brazil;
- Instituto de Genética Ocular, Sao Paulo SP 04552-050, Brazil
| | - Renan P. Martin
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (R.P.M.); (E.S.W.)
| | - Fernanda B. O. Porto
- INRET Clínica e Centro de Pesquisa, Belo Horizonte MG 30150-270, Brazil;
- Centro Oftalmológico de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte MG 30180-070, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth S. Wohler
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (R.P.M.); (E.S.W.)
| | | | - Caio P. Gomes
- Department of Biophysics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo SP 04039-032, Brazil; (C.P.G.); (J.B.P.)
| | - João B. Pesquero
- Department of Biophysics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo SP 04039-032, Brazil; (C.P.G.); (J.B.P.)
| | - Juliana M. F. Sallum
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Sao Paulo SP 04039-032, Brazil;
- Instituto de Genética Ocular, Sao Paulo SP 04552-050, Brazil
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22
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Castaldi E, Cicchini GM, Falsini B, Binda P, Morrone MC. Residual Visual Responses in Patients With Retinitis Pigmentosa Revealed by Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2019; 8:44. [PMID: 31867144 PMCID: PMC6922275 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.8.6.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We evaluated the potential of magnetic resonance imaging in identifying signs of cortical visual processing with greater sensitivity than standard ophthalmological measures in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) at advanced stages. METHODS Eight patients affected with RP with only bare light perception and weak or absent visual evoked potential (VEP) or electroretinogram (ERG) responses to flashes of light were tested. Visual impairment was evaluated by means of psychophysical testing, where patients were asked to discriminate the drifting direction of a contrast modulated grating. Patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging scanning, and the behavioral performance was correlated with both blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal elicited by flashes of lights and cortical thickness measured in primary visual area. RESULTS Contrast sensitivity to drifting gratings of very low spatial and temporal frequency was greatly impaired, yet measurable in all patients. Weak luminance flashes elicited significant BOLD responses in the striate and extrastriate cortex, despite that the stimuli were not perceived during scanning. Importantly, patients with less severe impairment of contrast sensitivity showed stronger V1 BOLD responses. Striate cortical thickness did not correlate with visual sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS BOLD responses provide a sensitive and reliable index of visual sparing more than VEPs or ERGs, which are often absent in RP patients. The minimal residual vision can be assessed by optimal visual stimulation in two alternative forced choice discrimination tasks and by BOLD responses. Imaging techniques provide useful information to monitor progressive vision loss. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE Functional magnetic resonance imaging might be a practical tool for assessing visual sparing, as it is more feasible and sensitive than psychophysical or ophthalmological testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Castaldi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Pharmacology and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Benedetto Falsini
- Department of Ophthalmology, Policlinico Gemelli, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Binda
- Institute of Neuroscience CNR, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Translational Research and New technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Morrone
- Department of Translational Research and New technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
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23
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Gardiner KL, Cideciyan AV, Swider M, Dufour VL, Sumaroka A, Komáromy AM, Hauswirth WW, Iwabe S, Jacobson SG, Beltran WA, Aguirre GD. Long-Term Structural Outcomes of Late-Stage RPE65 Gene Therapy. Mol Ther 2019; 28:266-278. [PMID: 31604676 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The form of hereditary childhood blindness Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) caused by biallelic RPE65 mutations is considered treatable with a gene therapy product approved in the US and Europe. The resulting vision improvement is well accepted, but long-term outcomes on the natural history of retinal degeneration are controversial. We treated four RPE65-mutant dogs in mid-life (age = 5-6 years) and followed them long-term (4-5 years). At the time of the intervention at mid-life, there were intra-ocular and inter-animal differences in local photoreceptor layer health ranging from near normal to complete degeneration. Treated locations having more than 63% of normal photoreceptors showed robust treatment-related retention of photoreceptors in the long term. Treated regions with less retained photoreceptors at the time of the intervention showed progressive degeneration similar to untreated regions with matched initial stage of disease. Unexpectedly, both treated and untreated regions in study eyes tended to show less degeneration compared to matched locations in untreated control eyes. These results support the hypothesis that successful long-term arrest of progression with RPE65 gene therapy may only occur in retinal regions with relatively retained photoreceptors at the time of the intervention, and there may be heretofore unknown mechanisms causing long-distance partial treatment effects beyond the region of subretinal injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin L Gardiner
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Valérie L Dufour
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - András M Komáromy
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - William W Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Simone Iwabe
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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24
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Natural models for retinitis pigmentosa: progressive retinal atrophy in dog breeds. Hum Genet 2019; 138:441-453. [PMID: 30904946 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-019-01999-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a heterogeneous group of inherited retinal disorders eventually leading to blindness with different ages of onset, progression and severity. Human RP, first characterized by the progressive degeneration of rod photoreceptor cells, shows high genetic heterogeneity with more than 90 genes identified. However, about one-third of patients have no known genetic causes. Interestingly, dogs are also severely affected by similar diseases, called progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Indeed, RP and PRA have comparable clinical signs, physiopathology and outcomes, similar diagnosis methods and most often, orthologous genes are involved. The many different dog PRAs often segregate in specific breeds. Indeed, undesired alleles have been selected and amplified through drastic selection and excessive use of inbreeding. Out of the 400 breeds, nearly 100 have an inherited form of PRA, which are natural animal models that can be used to investigate the genetics, disease progression and therapies in dogs for the benefit of both dogs and humans. Recent knowledge on the canine genome and access to new genotyping and sequencing technologies now efficiently allows the identification of mutations involved in canine genetic diseases. To date, PRA genes identified in dog breeds correspond to the same genes in humans and represent relevant RP models, and new genes found in dogs represent good candidate for still unknown human RP. We present here a review of the main advantages of the dog models for human RP with the genes already identified and an X-linked PRA in the Border collie as a model for orphan X-linked RPs in human.
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25
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Nishiguchi KM, Fujita K, Tokashiki N, Komamura H, Takemoto-Kimura S, Okuno H, Bito H, Nakazawa T. Retained Plasticity and Substantial Recovery of Rod-Mediated Visual Acuity at the Visual Cortex in Blind Adult Mice with Retinal Dystrophy. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2397-2406. [PMID: 30064895 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 07/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In patients born blind with retinal dystrophies, understanding the critical periods of cortical plasticity is important for successful visual restoration. In this study, we sought to model childhood blindness and investigate the plasticity of visual pathways. To this end, we generated double-mutant (Pde6ccpfl1/cpfl1Gnat1IRD2/IRD2) mice with absent rod and cone photoreceptor function, and we evaluated their response for restoring rod (GNAT1) function through gene therapy. Despite the limited effectiveness of gene therapy in restoring visual acuity in patients with retinal dystrophy, visual acuity was, unexpectedly, successfully restored in the mice at the level of the primary visual cortex in this study. This success in visual restoration, defined by changes in the quantified optokinetic response and pattern visually evoked potential, was achieved regardless of the age at treatment (up to 16 months). In the contralateral visual cortex, cortical plasticity, tagged with light-triggered transcription of Arc, was also restored after the treatment in blind mice carrying an Arc promoter-driven reporter gene, dVenus. Our results demonstrate the remarkable plasticity of visual circuits for one of the two photoreceptor mechanisms in older as well as younger mice with congenital blindness due to retinal dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji M Nishiguchi
- Department of Advanced Ophthalmic Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan.
| | - Kosuke Fujita
- Department of Retinal Disease Control, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Tokashiki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Komamura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Sayaka Takemoto-Kimura
- Department of Neuroscience I, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan; PRESTO-Japan Science and Technology Agency, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Okuno
- Medical Innovation Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Bito
- Department of Neurochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Toru Nakazawa
- Department of Advanced Ophthalmic Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; Department of Retinal Disease Control, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
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26
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The effect of experience and of dots' density and duration on the detection of coherent motion in dogs. Anim Cogn 2018; 21:651-660. [PMID: 29943082 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-018-1200-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge about the mechanisms underlying canine vision is far from being exhaustive, especially that concerning post-retinal elaboration. One aspect that has received little attention is motion perception, and in spite of the common belief that dogs are extremely apt at detecting moving stimuli, there is no scientific support for such an assumption. In fact, we recently showed that dogs have higher thresholds than humans for coherent motion detection (Kanizsar et al. in Sci Rep UK 7:11259, 2017). This term refers to the ability of the visual system to perceive several units moving in the same direction, as one coherently moving global unit. Coherent motion perception is commonly investigated using random dot displays, containing variable proportions of coherently moving dots. Here, we investigated the relative contribution of local and global integration mechanisms for coherent motion perception, and changes in detection thresholds as a result of repeated exposure to the experimental stimuli. Dogs who had been involved in the previous study were given a conditioned discrimination task, in which we systematically manipulated dot density and duration and, eventually, re-assessed our subjects' threshold after extensive exposure to the stimuli. Decreasing dot duration impacted on dogs' accuracy in detecting coherent motion only at very low duration values, revealing the efficacy of local integration mechanisms. Density impacted on dogs' accuracy in a linear fashion, indicating less efficient global integration. There was limited evidence of improvement in the re-assessment but, with an average threshold at re-assessment of 29%, dogs' ability to detect coherent motion remains much poorer than that of humans.
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27
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Fu X, Huu VAN, Duan Y, Kermany DS, Valentim CCS, Zhang R, Zhu J, Zhang CL, Sun X, Zhang K. Clinical applications of retinal gene therapies. PRECISION CLINICAL MEDICINE 2018; 1:5-20. [PMID: 35694125 PMCID: PMC8982485 DOI: 10.1093/pcmedi/pby004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases are a major cause of blindness. Retinal gene therapy is a
trail-blazer in the human gene therapy field, leading to the first FDA approved gene
therapy product for a human genetic disease. The application of Clustered Regularly
Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat/Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9)-mediated gene editing technology
is transforming the delivery of gene therapy. We review the history, present, and future
prospects of retinal gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Fu
- Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Shiley Eye Institute, Institute for Engineering in Medicine, Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Viet Anh Nguyen Huu
- Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Shiley Eye Institute, Institute for Engineering in Medicine, Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Yaou Duan
- Shiley Eye Institute, Institute for Engineering in Medicine, Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Daniel S Kermany
- Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Shiley Eye Institute, Institute for Engineering in Medicine, Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Carolina C S Valentim
- Shiley Eye Institute, Institute for Engineering in Medicine, Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Runze Zhang
- Shiley Eye Institute, Institute for Engineering in Medicine, Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jie Zhu
- Shiley Eye Institute, Institute for Engineering in Medicine, Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Charlotte L Zhang
- Shiley Eye Institute, Institute for Engineering in Medicine, Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaodong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kang Zhang
- Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Shiley Eye Institute, Institute for Engineering in Medicine, Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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28
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo D Aguirre
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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29
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Öner A. Recent Advancements in Gene Therapy for Hereditary Retinal Dystrophies. Turk J Ophthalmol 2017; 47:338-343. [PMID: 29326851 PMCID: PMC5758769 DOI: 10.4274/tjo.41017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary retinal dystrophies (HRDs) are degenerative diseases of the retina which have marked clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Common presentations among these disorders include night or colour blindness, tunnel vision, and subsequent progression to complete blindness. The known causative disease genes have a variety of developmental and functional roles, with mutations in more than 120 genes shown to be responsible for the phenotypes. In addition, mutations within the same gene have been shown to cause different disease phenotypes, even amongst affected individuals within the same family, highlighting further levels of complexity. The known disease genes encode proteins involved in retinal cellular structures, phototransduction, the visual cycle, and photoreceptor structure or gene regulation. Significant advancements have been made in understanding the genetic pathogenesis of ocular diseases, and gene replacement and gene silencing have been proposed as potentially efficacious therapies. Because of its favorable anatomical and immunological characteristics, the eye has been at the forefront of translational gene therapy. Recent improvements have been made in the safety and specificity of vector-based ocular gene transfer methods. Dozens of promising proofs of concept have been obtained in animal models of HRDs and some of them have been relayed to the clinic. The results from the first clinical trials for a congenital form of blindness have generated great interest and have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of intraocular administrations of viral vectors in humans. This review summarizes the clinical development of retinal gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayşe Öner
- Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Kayseri, Turkey
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30
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Stochastic resonance improves vision in the severely impaired. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12840. [PMID: 28993662 PMCID: PMC5634416 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12906-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We verified whether a stochastic resonance paradigm (SR), with random interference (“noise”) added in optimal amounts, improves the detection of sub-threshold visual information by subjects with retinal disorder and impaired vision as it does in the normally sighted. Six levels of dynamic, zero-mean Gaussian noise were added to each pixel of images (13 contrast levels) in which alphabet characters were displayed against a uniform gray background. Images were presented with contrast below the subjective threshold to 14 visually impaired subjects (age: 22–53 yrs.). The fraction of recognized letters varied between 0 and 0.3 at baseline and increased in all subjects when noise was added in optimal amounts; peak recognition ranged between 0.2 and 0.8 at noise sigmas between 6 and 30 grey scale values (GSV) and decreased in all subjects at noise levels with sigma above 30 GSV. The results replicate in the visually impaired the facilitation of visual information processing with images presented in SR paradigms that has been documented in sighted subjects. The effect was obtained with low-level image manipulation and application appears readily possible: it would enhance the efficiency of today vision-improving aids and help in the development of the visual prostheses hopefully available in the future.
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Le Meur G, Lebranchu P, Billaud F, Adjali O, Schmitt S, Bézieau S, Péréon Y, Valabregue R, Ivan C, Darmon C, Moullier P, Rolling F, Weber M. Safety and Long-Term Efficacy of AAV4 Gene Therapy in Patients with RPE65 Leber Congenital Amaurosis. Mol Ther 2017; 26:256-268. [PMID: 29033008 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was the evaluation of the safety and efficacy of unilateral subretinal injection of the adeno-associated vector (AAV) serotypes 2 and 4 (AAV2/4) RPE65-RPE65 vector in patients with Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) associated with RPE65 gene deficiency. We evaluated ocular and general tolerance and visual function up to 1 year after vector administration in the most severely affected eye in nine patients with retinal degeneration associated with mutations in the RPE65 gene. Patients received either low (1.22 × 1010 to 2 × 1010 vector genomes [vg]) or high (between 3.27 × 1010 and 4.8 × 1010 vg) vector doses. An ancillary study, in which six of the original nine patients participated, extended the follow-up period to 2-3.5 years. All patients showed good ophthalmological and general tolerance to the rAAV2/4-RPE65-RPE65 vector. We observed a trend toward improved visual acuity in patients with nystagmus, stabilization and improvement of the visual field, and cortical activation along visual pathways during fMRI analysis. OCT analysis after vector administration revealed no retinal thinning, except in cases of macular detachment. Our findings show that the rAAV2/4.RPE65.RPE65 vector was well tolerated in nine patients with RPE65-associated LCA. Efficacy parameters varied between patients during follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guylène Le Meur
- Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital Centre (CHU) de Nantes, Nantes, France; INSERM UMR 1089, University of Nantes, CHU de Nantes, Nantes France.
| | - Pierre Lebranchu
- Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital Centre (CHU) de Nantes, Nantes, France; UMR 6597 CNRS, Image and Video Communication Team, Institute for Research into Communications and Cybernetics of Nantes, Polytech Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Fanny Billaud
- Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital Centre (CHU) de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Oumeya Adjali
- INSERM UMR 1089, University of Nantes, CHU de Nantes, Nantes France
| | | | | | - Yann Péréon
- Reference Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, FILNEMUS, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Romain Valabregue
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière ICM, Centre for NeuroImaging Research (CENIR), Paris, France
| | - Catherine Ivan
- Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital Centre (CHU) de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | | | | | - Fabienne Rolling
- INSERM UMR 1089, University of Nantes, CHU de Nantes, Nantes France
| | - Michel Weber
- Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital Centre (CHU) de Nantes, Nantes, France; INSERM UMR 1089, University of Nantes, CHU de Nantes, Nantes France
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Dogs are not better than humans at detecting coherent motion. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11259. [PMID: 28900293 PMCID: PMC5595918 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11864-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to perceive motion is one of the main properties of the visual system. Sensitivity in detecting coherent motion has been thoroughly investigated in humans, where thresholds for motion detection are well below 10% of coherence, i.e. of the proportion of dots coherently moving in the same direction, among a background of randomly moving dots. Equally low thresholds have been found in other species, including monkeys, cats and seals. Given the lack of data from the domestic dog, we tested 5 adult dogs on a conditioned discrimination task with random dot displays. In addition, five adult humans were tested in the same condition for comparative purposes. The mean threshold for motion detection in our dogs was 42% of coherence, while that of humans was as low as 5%. Therefore, dogs have a much higher threshold of coherent motion detection than humans, and possibly also than phylogenetically closer species that have been tested in similar experimental conditions. Various factors, including the relative role of global and local motion processing and experience with the experimental stimuli may have contributed to this result. Overall, this finding questions the general claim on dogs' high performance in detecting motion.
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Charng J, Jacobson SG, Heon E, Roman AJ, McGuigan DB, Sheplock R, Kosyk MS, Swider M, Cideciyan AV. Pupillary Light Reflexes in Severe Photoreceptor Blindness Isolate the Melanopic Component of Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:3215-3224. [PMID: 28660274 PMCID: PMC5490362 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-21909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Pupillary light reflex (PLR) is driven by outer retinal photoreceptors and by melanopsin-expressing intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells of the inner retina. To isolate the melanopic component, we studied patients with severe vision loss due to Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) caused by gene mutations acting on the outer retina. Methods Direct PLR was recorded in LCA patients (n = 21) with known molecular causation and severe vision loss. Standard stimuli (2.5 log scot-cd.m−2; ∼13 log quanta.cm−2.s−1; achromatic full-field) with 0.1- or 5-second duration were used in all patients. Additional recordings were performed with higher luminance (3.9 log scot-cd.m−2) in a subset of patients. Results The LCA patients showed no detectable PLR to the standard stimulus with short duration. With longer-duration stimuli, a PLR was detectable in the majority (18/21) of patients. The latency of the PLR was 2.8 ± 1.3 seconds, whereas normal latency was 0.19 ± 0.02 seconds. Peak contraction amplitude in patients was 1.1 ± 0.9 mm at 6.2 ± 2.3 seconds, considerably different from normal amplitude of 4.2 ± 0.4 mm at 3.0 ± 0.4 seconds. Recordings with higher luminance demonstrated that PLRs in severe LCA could also be evoked with short-duration stimuli. Conclusions The PLR in severe LCA patients likely represents the activation of the melanopic circuit in isolation from rod and cone input. Knowledge of the properties of the human melanopic PLR allows not only comparison to those in animal models but also serves to define the fidelity of postretinal transmission in clinical trials targeting patients with no outer retinal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Charng
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Elise Heon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alejandro J Roman
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - David B McGuigan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Rebecca Sheplock
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Mychajlo S Kosyk
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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Yeh CY, Koehl KL, Harman CD, Iwabe S, Guzman JM, Petersen-Jones SM, Kardon RH, Komáromy AM. Assessment of Rod, Cone, and Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cell Contributions to the Canine Chromatic Pupillary Response. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:65-78. [PMID: 28061512 PMCID: PMC5231906 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-19865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate a chromatic pupillometry protocol for specific functional assessment of rods, cones, and intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) in dogs. Methods Chromatic pupillometry was tested and compared in 37 dogs in different stages of primary loss of rod, cone, and combined rod/cone and optic nerve function, and in 5 wild-type (WT) dogs. Eyes were stimulated with 1-s flashes of dim (1 cd/m2) and bright (400 cd/m2) blue light (for scotopic conditions) or bright red (400 cd/m2) light with 25-cd/m2 blue background (for photopic conditions). Canine retinal melanopsin/Opn4 was cloned, and its expression was evaluated using real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Results Mean ± SD percentage of pupil constriction amplitudes induced by scotopic dim blue (scDB), scotopic bright blue (scBB), and photopic bright red (phBR) lights in WT dogs were 21.3% ± 10.6%, 50.0% ± 17.5%, and 19.4% ± 7.4%, respectively. Melanopsin-mediated responses to scBB persisted for several minutes (7.7 ± 4.6 min) after stimulus offset. In dogs with inherited retinal degeneration, loss of rod function resulted in absent scDB responses, followed by decreased phBR responses with disease progression and loss of cone function. Primary loss of cone function abolished phBR responses but preserved those responses to blue light (scDB and scBB). Although melanopsin/Opn4 expression was diminished with retinal degeneration, melanopsin-expressing ipRGCs were identified for the first time in both WT and degenerated canine retinas. Conclusions Pupil responses elicited by light stimuli of different colors and intensities allowed differential functional assessment of canine rods, cones, and ipRGCs. Chromatic pupillometry offers an effective tool for diagnosing retinal and optic nerve diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie Y Yeh
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States 2School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Kristin L Koehl
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Christine D Harman
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Simone Iwabe
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - José M Guzman
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Simon M Petersen-Jones
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Randy H Kardon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States 4Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - András M Komáromy
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States 2School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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Jacobson SG, Cideciyan AV, Sumaroka A, Roman AJ, Charng J, Lu M, Choudhury S, Schwartz SB, Heon E, Fishman GA, Boye SE. Defining Outcomes for Clinical Trials of Leber Congenital Amaurosis Caused by GUCY2D Mutations. Am J Ophthalmol 2017; 177:44-57. [PMID: 28212877 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine outcome measures for a clinical trial of Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) associated with mutations in the GUCY2D gene. DESIGN Retrospective observational case series. METHODS Twenty-eight patients with GUCY2D-LCA (aged 2-59 years) were studied clinically and with chromatic full-field sensitivity testing (FST), optical coherence tomography (OCT), pupillometry, and the NEI Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ). RESULTS FST permitted quantitation of cone and rod sensitivity in these patients with severe visual impairment. For most patients, the degree of rod and cone sensitivity losses showed a relationship, thereby providing an opportunity to divide patients into cohorts by severity of rod and cone dysfunction. OCT analyses indicated that retinal structure could be used not only as an objective safety measure but also as an exploratory efficacy outcome. A foveal bulge was not present in 67% of patients. The intensity of inner segment/outer segment (ellipsoid zone line) reflectivity was reduced significantly at the fovea and in the rod-dense superior retina. Based on OCT and FST parameters, most patients had dissociation of structure and function. Abnormal pupillometry sensitivity in the majority of GUCY2D-LCA patients provided another objective efficacy outcome. NEI VFQ scores showed a similar range of findings to those of other severe retinal diseases. CONCLUSION Conventional outcome measures, such as visual acuity and the NEI VFQ, will need to be complemented by methods more specific to this GUCY2D-LCA population. Any therapeutic strategy should determine if there is an effect on rod as well as cone function and structure. FST provides a photoreceptor-based subjective outcome; and OCT in 2 retinal regions, fovea and superior retina, can assess photoreceptor structure. A change in the relationship of structure and function away from baseline becomes evidence of efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alejandro J Roman
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jason Charng
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Monica Lu
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Shreyasi Choudhury
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Sharon B Schwartz
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Elise Heon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Program of Genetics and Genomic Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gerald A Fishman
- Pangere Center for Hereditary Retinal Diseases, The Chicago Lighthouse, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Shannon E Boye
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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Aguirre GK, Butt OH, Datta R, Roman AJ, Sumaroka A, Schwartz SB, Cideciyan AV, Jacobson SG. Postretinal Structure and Function in Severe Congenital Photoreceptor Blindness Caused by Mutations in the GUCY2D Gene. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:959-973. [PMID: 28403437 PMCID: PMC5308769 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-20413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To examine how severe congenital blindness resulting from mutations of the GUCY2D gene alters brain structure and function, and to relate these findings to the notable preservation of retinal architecture in this form of Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). Methods Six GUCY2D-LCA patients (ages 20–46) were studied with optical coherence tomography of the retina and multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. Measurements from this group were compared to those obtained from populations of normally sighted controls and people with congenital blindness of a variety of causes. Results Patients with GUCY2D-LCA had preservation of the photoreceptors, ganglion cells, and nerve fiber layer. Despite this, visual function in these patients ranged from 20/160 acuity to no light perception, and functional MRI responses to light stimulation were attenuated and restricted. This severe visual impairment was reflected in substantial thickening of the gray matter layer of area V1, accompanied by an alteration of resting-state correlations within the occipital lobe, similar to a comparison group of congenitally blind people with structural damage to the retina. In contrast to the comparison blind population, however, the GUCY2D-LCA group had preservation of the size of the optic chiasm, and the fractional anisotropy of the optic radiations as measured with diffusion tensor imaging was also normal. Conclusions These results identify dissociable effects of blindness upon the visual pathway. Further, the relatively intact postgeniculate white matter pathway in GUCY2D-LCA is encouraging for the prospect of recovery of visual function with gene augmentation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey K Aguirre
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Omar H Butt
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Ritobrato Datta
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alejandro J Roman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Sharon B Schwartz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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Stonex TM, Bartoe JT, Aguirre GD. Lack of consensus on consensual response. Vet Ophthalmol 2017; 21:104-107. [DOI: 10.1111/vop.12469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tara M. Stonex
- Section of Ophthalmology; School of Veterinary Medicine; University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia PA 19104 USA
| | | | - Gustavo D. Aguirre
- Section of Ophthalmology; School of Veterinary Medicine; University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia PA 19104 USA
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Sharif W, Sharif Z. Leber's congenital amaurosis and the role of gene therapy in congenital retinal disorders. Int J Ophthalmol 2017; 10:480-484. [PMID: 28393043 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2017.03.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Leber's congenital amaurosis (LCA) and recent gene therapy advancement for treating inherited retinopathies were extensive literature reviewed using MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE. Adeno-associated viral vectors were the most utilised vectors for ocular gene therapy. Cone photoreceptor cells might use an alternate pathway which was not reliant of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) derived retinoid isomerohydrolase (RPE65) to access the 11-cis retinal dehydechromophore. Research efforts dedicated on the progression of a gene-based therapy for the treatment of LCA2. Such gene therapy approaches were extremely successful in canine, porcine and rodent LCA2 models. The recombinant AAV2.hRPE65v2 adeno-associated vector contained the RPE65 cDNA and was replication deficient. Its in vitro injection in target cells induced RPE65 protein production. The gene therapy trials that were so far conducted for inherited retinopathies have generated promising results. Phase I clinical trials to cure LCA and choroideremia demonstrated that adeno-associated viral vectors containing RPE genes and photoreceptors respectively, could be successfully administered to inherited retinopathy patients. A phase III trial is presently ongoing and if successful, it will lead the way to additional gene therapy attempts to cure monogenic, inherited retinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walid Sharif
- Department of Ophthalmology Birmingham & Midland Eye Centre, City Hospital NHS Trust, Birmingham B18 7QH, UK
| | - Zuhair Sharif
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London 11-43 Bath St, London EC1V 9EL, UK
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Aguirre GK, Datta R, Benson NC, Prasad S, Jacobson SG, Cideciyan AV, Bridge H, Watkins KE, Butt OH, Dain AS, Brandes L, Gennatas ED. Patterns of Individual Variation in Visual Pathway Structure and Function in the Sighted and Blind. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164677. [PMID: 27812129 PMCID: PMC5094697 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Many structural and functional brain alterations accompany blindness, with substantial individual variation in these effects. In normally sighted people, there is correlated individual variation in some visual pathway structures. Here we examined if the changes in brain anatomy produced by blindness alter the patterns of anatomical variation found in the sighted. We derived eight measures of central visual pathway anatomy from a structural image of the brain from 59 sighted and 53 blind people. These measures showed highly significant differences in mean size between the sighted and blind cohorts. When we examined the measurements across individuals within each group we found three clusters of correlated variation, with V1 surface area and pericalcarine volume linked, and independent of the thickness of V1 cortex. These two clusters were in turn relatively independent of the volumes of the optic chiasm and lateral geniculate nucleus. This same pattern of variation in visual pathway anatomy was found in the sighted and the blind. Anatomical changes within these clusters were graded by the timing of onset of blindness, with those subjects with a post-natal onset of blindness having alterations in brain anatomy that were intermediate to those seen in the sighted and congenitally blind. Many of the blind and sighted subjects also contributed functional MRI measures of cross-modal responses within visual cortex, and a diffusion tensor imaging measure of fractional anisotropy within the optic radiations and the splenium of the corpus callosum. We again found group differences between the blind and sighted in these measures. The previously identified clusters of anatomical variation were also found to be differentially related to these additional measures: across subjects, V1 cortical thickness was related to cross-modal activation, and the volume of the optic chiasm and lateral geniculate was related to fractional anisotropy in the visual pathway. Our findings show that several of the structural and functional effects of blindness may be reduced to a smaller set of dimensions. It also seems that the changes in the brain that accompany blindness are on a continuum with normal variation found in the sighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey K. Aguirre
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Ritobrato Datta
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America
| | - Noah C. Benson
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America
| | - Sashank Prasad
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America
| | - Samuel G. Jacobson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America
| | - Artur V. Cideciyan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America
| | - Holly Bridge
- FMRIB Centre, Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Kate E. Watkins
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3UD, United Kingdom
| | - Omar H. Butt
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America
| | - Aleksandra S. Dain
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America
| | - Lauren Brandes
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America
| | - Efstathios D. Gennatas
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America
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Lemos J, Pereira D, Castelo-Branco M. Visual Cortex Plasticity Following Peripheral Damage To The Visual System: fMRI Evidence. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2016; 16:89. [DOI: 10.1007/s11910-016-0691-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Greenwald SH, Charette JR, Staniszewska M, Shi LY, Brown SDM, Stone L, Liu Q, Hicks WL, Collin GB, Bowl MR, Krebs MP, Nishina PM, Pierce EA. Mouse Models of NMNAT1-Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA9) Recapitulate Key Features of the Human Disease. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2016; 186:1925-1938. [PMID: 27207593 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2016.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The nicotinamide nucleotide adenylyltransferase 1 (NMNAT1) enzyme is essential for regenerating the nuclear pool of NAD(+) in all nucleated cells in the body, and mounting evidence also suggests that it has a separate role in neuroprotection. Recently, mutations in the NMNAT1 gene were associated with Leber congenital amaurosis, a severe retinal degenerative disease that causes blindness during infancy. Availability of a reliable mammalian model of NMNAT1-Leber congenital amaurosis would assist in determining the mechanisms through which disruptions in NMNAT1 lead to retinal cell degeneration and would provide a resource for testing treatment options. To this end, we identified two separate N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea-generated mouse lines that harbor either a p.V9M or a p.D243G mutation. Both mouse models recapitulate key aspects of the human disease and confirm the pathogenicity of mutant NMNAT1. Homozygous Nmnat1 mutant mice develop a rapidly progressing chorioretinal disease that begins with photoreceptor degeneration and includes attenuation of the retinal vasculature, optic atrophy, and retinal pigment epithelium loss. Retinal function deteriorates in both mouse lines, and, in the more rapidly progressing homozygous Nmnat1(V9M) mutant mice, the electroretinogram becomes undetectable and the pupillary light response weakens. These mouse models offer an opportunity for investigating the cellular mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis, evaluating potential therapies for NMNAT1-Leber congenital amaurosis, and conducting in situ studies on NMNAT1 function and NAD(+) metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott H Greenwald
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Magdalena Staniszewska
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Steve D M Brown
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council (MRC), Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Stone
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine
| | - Qin Liu
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Michael R Bowl
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council (MRC), Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Eric A Pierce
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Palanova A. The genetics of inherited retinal disorders in dogs: implications for diagnosis and management. VETERINARY MEDICINE-RESEARCH AND REPORTS 2016; 7:41-51. [PMID: 30050836 PMCID: PMC6042528 DOI: 10.2147/vmrr.s63537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Dogs are affected by many hereditary diseases just as humans are. One group of these diseases comprises of retinal disorders, which are a growing problem in canine breeding. These disorders are heterogeneous, with diverse causative mutations and modes of inheritance. Some affect only one breed, while others may affect many breeds; some breeds are affected by only one disease, while others can be affected by two or more. Dog breeders should take into account the presence of any deleterious alleles when choosing parents for the next generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Palanova
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, v. v. i., Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Libechov, Czech Republic,
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Bach JP, Lüpke M, Dziallas P, Wefstaedt P, Uppenkamp S, Seifert H, Nolte I. Auditory functional magnetic resonance imaging in dogs--normalization and group analysis and the processing of pitch in the canine auditory pathways. BMC Vet Res 2016; 12:32. [PMID: 26897016 PMCID: PMC4761139 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-016-0660-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is an advanced and frequently used technique for studying brain functions in humans and increasingly so in animals. A key element of analyzing fMRI data is group analysis, for which valid spatial normalization is a prerequisite. In the current study we applied normalization and group analysis to a dataset from an auditory functional MRI experiment in anesthetized beagles. The stimulation paradigm used in the experiment was composed of simple Gaussian noise and regular interval sounds (RIS), which included a periodicity pitch as an additional sound feature. The results from the performed group analysis were compared with those from single animal analysis. In addition to this, the data were examined for brain regions showing an increased activation associated with the perception of pitch. Results With the group analysis, significant activations matching the position of the right superior olivary nucleus, lateral lemniscus and internal capsule were identified, which could not be detected in the single animal analysis. In addition, a large cluster of activated voxels in the auditory cortex was found. The contrast of the RIS condition (including pitch) with Gaussian noise (no pitch) showed a significant effect in a region matching the location of the left medial geniculate nucleus. Conclusion By using group analysis additional activated areas along the canine auditory pathways could be identified in comparison to single animal analysis. It was possible to demonstrate a pitch-specific effect, indicating that group analysis is a suitable method for improving the results of auditory fMRI studies in dogs and extending our knowledge of canine neuroanatomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Peter Bach
- Klinik für Kleintiere, Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Matthias Lüpke
- Fachgebiet für Allgemeine Radiologie und Medizinische Physik, Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Peter Dziallas
- Klinik für Kleintiere, Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Patrick Wefstaedt
- Klinik für Kleintiere, Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Stefan Uppenkamp
- Medizinische Physik, Universität Oldenburg, 26111, Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - Hermann Seifert
- Fachgebiet für Allgemeine Radiologie und Medizinische Physik, Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Ingo Nolte
- Klinik für Kleintiere, Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
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Kirpichnikov MP, Ostrovskiy MA. [Optogenetics and prosthetic treatment of retinal degeneration]. Vestn Oftalmol 2015; 131:99-111. [PMID: 26310015 DOI: 10.17116/oftalma2015131399-111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This is a review of the current state of optogenetics-based research in the field of ophthalmology and physiology of vision. Optogenetics employs an interdisciplinary approach that amalgamates gene engineering, optics, and physiology. It involves exogenous expression of a light-activated protein in a very particular retinal cell enabling regulation (stimulation vs. inhibition) of its physiological activity. The experience with gene therapy came in very useful for optogenetics. However, unlike gene therapy, which is aimed at repairing damaged genes or replacing them with healthy ones, optogenetics is focused on protein genes delivery for further molecular control of the cell. In retina, the loss of photoreceptors is not necessarily followed by neuronal loss (at least ganglion cells remain intact), which determines the practicability of prosthetic treatment. Clinical trials can now be considered, owing to the first successful conversion of ganglion cells of mouse degenerative retinas into artificial photoreceptive cells with ON and OFF receptive fields, which is crucial for spatial vision. The following issues are reviewed here in detail: 1. Choice of cell targets within the degenerative retina. 2. Strategy of utilizing the existing light-sensitive agents and development of new optogenetic tools. 3. Gene delivery and expression in retinal cells. 4. Methods of evaluating the treatment success. 5. Selection criteria for optogenetic prosthetics. The conclusion discusses currently unsolved problems and prospects for optogenetic approaches to retinal prosthetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Kirpichnikov
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Biology, 1 str. 12 Leninskie Gory, Moscow, Russian Federation, 119234; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya St., Moscow, Russian Federation, 117997
| | - M A Ostrovskiy
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Biology, 1 str. 12 Leninskie Gory, Moscow, Russian Federation, 119234; Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 4 Kosygina St., Moscow, Russian Federation, 119334
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Hauswirth WW. Retinal gene therapy using adeno-associated viral vectors: multiple applications for a small virus. Hum Gene Ther 2015; 25:671-8. [PMID: 25136913 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2014.2530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- William W Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida , Gainesville, FL 32610-0284
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Abstract
Clinical trials treating inherited retinal dystrophy caused by RPE65 mutations had put retinal gene therapy at the forefront of gene therapy. Both successes and limitations in these clinical trials have fueled developments in gene vectors, which continue to further advance the field. These novel gene vectors aim to more safely and efficiently transduce retinal cells, expand the gene packaging capacity of AAV, and utilize new strategies to correct the varying mechanisms of dysfunction found with inherited retinal dystrophies. With recent clinical trials and numerous pre-clinical studies utilizing these novel vectors, the future of ocular gene therapy continues to hold vast potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristy A Ku
- Center for Neuroscience, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26505, USA
| | - Mark E Pennesi
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
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Jacobson SG, Cideciyan AV, Aguirre GD, Roman AJ, Sumaroka A, Hauswirth WW, Palczewski K. Improvement in vision: a new goal for treatment of hereditary retinal degenerations. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2015; 3:563-575. [PMID: 26246977 PMCID: PMC4487613 DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2015.1030393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) have long been considered untreatable and incurable. Recently, one form of early-onset autosomal recessive IRD, Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) caused by mutations in RPE65 (retinal pigment epithelium-specific protein 65 kDa) gene, has responded with some improvement of vision to gene augmentation therapy and oral retinoid administration. This early success now requires refinement of such therapeutics to fully realize the impact of these major scientific and clinical advances. Areas covered: Progress toward human therapy for RPE65-LCA is detailed from the understanding of molecular mechanisms to preclinical proof-of-concept research to clinical trials. Unexpected positive and complicating results in the patients receiving treatment are explained. Logical next steps to advance the clinical value of the therapeutics are suggested. Expert opinion: The first molecularly based early-phase therapies for an IRD are remarkably successful in that vision has improved and adverse events are mainly associated with surgical delivery to the subretinal space. Yet, there are features of the gene augmentation therapeutic response, such as slowed kinetics of night vision, lack of foveal cone function improvement and relentlessly progressive retinal degeneration despite therapy, that still require research attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel G Jacobson
- University of Pennsylvania, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology , Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- University of Pennsylvania, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology , Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Section of Ophthalmology , Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alejandro J Roman
- University of Pennsylvania, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology , Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- University of Pennsylvania, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology , Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Case Western University, School of Medicine, Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, Department of Pharmacology , Cleveland, OH, USA
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Petersen-Jones SM, Komáromy AM. Dog models for blinding inherited retinal dystrophies. HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2015; 26:15-26. [PMID: 25671556 DOI: 10.1089/humc.2014.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous canine models exist for several inherited retinal dystrophies. This review will summarize the models and indicate where they have been used in translational gene therapy trials. The RPE65 gene therapy trials to treat childhood blindness are a good example of how studies in dogs have contributed to therapy development. Outcomes in human clinical trials are compared and contrasted with the result of the preclinical dog trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon M Petersen-Jones
- 1 Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University , East Lansing, MI 48824
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Petersen-Jones S, Komaromy AM. Dog Models for Blinding Inherited Retinal Degenerations. HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2014. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2014.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Cideciyan AV, Aguirre GK, Jacobson SG, Butt OH, Schwartz SB, Swider M, Roman AJ, Sadigh S, Hauswirth WW. Pseudo-fovea formation after gene therapy for RPE65-LCA. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2014; 56:526-37. [PMID: 25537204 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.14-15895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate fixation location and oculomotor characteristics of 15 patients with Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) caused by RPE65 mutations (RPE65-LCA) who underwent retinal gene therapy. METHODS Eye movements were quantified under infrared imaging of the retina while the subject fixated on a stationary target. In a subset of patients, letter recognition under retinal imaging was performed. Cortical responses to visual stimulation were measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in two patients before and after therapy. RESULTS All patients were able to fixate on a 1° diameter visible target in the dark. The preferred retinal locus of fixation was either at the anatomical fovea or at an extrafoveal locus. There were a wide range of oculomotor abnormalities. Natural history showed little change in oculomotor abnormalities if target illuminance was increased to maintain target visibility as the disease progressed. Eleven of 15 study eyes treated with gene therapy showed no differences from baseline fixation locations or instability over an average of follow-up of 3.5 years. Four of 15 eyes developed new pseudo-foveas in the treated retinal regions 9 to 12 months after therapy that persisted for up to 6 years; patients used their pseudo-foveas for letter identification. fMRI studies demonstrated that preservation of light sensitivity was restricted to the cortical projection zone of the pseudo-foveas. CONCLUSIONS The slow emergence of pseudo-foveas many months after the initial increases in light sensitivity points to a substantial plasticity of the adult visual system and a complex interaction between it and the progression of underlying retinal disease. The visual significance of pseudo-foveas suggests careful consideration of treatment zones for future gene therapy trials. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00481546.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Geoffrey K Aguirre
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Omar H Butt
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Sharon B Schwartz
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alejandro J Roman
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Sam Sadigh
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - William W Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
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