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Chen Q, Zhang J, Liu X, Xu K, Guo H, Li Y, Liang J, Li Y, Liang L. Exploring the protective effects of Qiju Granule in a rat model of dry age-related macular degeneration. Exp Gerontol 2024; 196:112556. [PMID: 39197675 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2024.112556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential protective effect of Qiju Granule in a rat model of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and investigate the underlying mechanisms involved. METHODS Rats were injected intravenously with 40 mg/kg of sodium iodate (SI) to induce a dry AMD model. The rats in the treatment group received three different doses of Qiju Granule once a day via gavage, while the rats in the control group were given an equal volume of physiological saline. On day 14 and day 28 following the intervention, various methods were employed to evaluate retinal function and structure, including electroretinography (ERG), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and histological examination. The expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) was assessed via immunofluorescence. Beyond immunofluorescence, the mRNA levels of bFGF, BDNF, and CNTF were quantitatively determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS Rats treated with Qiju Granule exhibited significant improvements in both retinal function and structure compared to the model group. The most noteworthy effects were observed at a high dose of Qiju Granule. Furthermore, the expression levels of bFGF, BDNF, and CNTF were significantly unregulated in the treated groups compared to the model group. CONCLUSIONS Qiju Granule demonstrated a protective effect on the retina in the SI-induced rat model of AMD. The protective mechanism may be attributed to the upregulation of retinal neurotrophic factors expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Chen
- Laboratory of Eye Function, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Eye hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Laboratory of Eye Function, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Eye hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Laboratory of Eye Function, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Eye hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Xu
- Laboratory of Eye Function, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Eye hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huiyi Guo
- Laboratory of Eye Function, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Eye hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yamin Li
- Laboratory of Eye Function, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Eye hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Liang
- Laboratory of Eye Function, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Eye hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanying Li
- Increasepharm (Beijing) Innovative Medicine Institute Limited, Beijing, China
| | - Lina Liang
- Laboratory of Eye Function, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Eye hospital, Beijing, China.
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Yang Z, Yan L, Zhang W, Qi J, An W, Yao K. Dyschromatopsia: a comprehensive analysis of mechanisms and cutting-edge treatments for color vision deficiency. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1265630. [PMID: 38298913 PMCID: PMC10828017 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1265630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Color blindness is a retinal disease that mainly manifests as a color vision disorder, characterized by achromatopsia, red-green color blindness, and blue-yellow color blindness. With the development of technology and progress in theory, extensive research has been conducted on the genetic basis of color blindness, and various approaches have been explored for its treatment. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of recent advances in understanding the pathological mechanism, clinical symptoms, and treatment options for color blindness. Additionally, we discuss the various treatment approaches that have been developed to address color blindness, including gene therapy, pharmacological interventions, and visual aids. Furthermore, we highlight the promising results from clinical trials of these treatments, as well as the ongoing challenges that must be addressed to achieve effective and long-lasting therapeutic outcomes. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the current state of research on color blindness, with the intention of informing further investigation and development of effective treatments for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Yang
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lin Yan
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenliang Zhang
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia Qi
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjing An
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Yao
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Kugler SA, Valmaggia C, Sturm V, Schorderet DF, Todorova MG. Analysis of Suspected Achromatopsia by Multimodal Diagnostic Testing. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2023; 240:1158-1173. [PMID: 37714190 DOI: 10.1055/a-2176-4233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Achromatopsia (ACHM) as a hereditary cone disease might manifest in a stationary and progressive manner. The proper clinical and genetic diagnosis may allow an individual prognosis, accurate genetic counselling, and the optimal choice of low vision aids. The primary aim of the study was to determine the spectrum of clinical and genetic diagnostics required to characterize the ACHM. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed in 8 patients from non-related families (5 ♀,3 ♂); age at diagnosis: 3 - 56 y, mean 18.13 (SD ± 18.22). Clinical phenotyping, supported by colour vision test, fundus photography-, autofluorescence- (FAF), infra-red- (IR), OCT imaging and electroretinography provided information on the current status and the course of the disease over the years. In addition, genetic examinations were performed with ACHM relevant testing (CNGA3, CNGB3, GNAT2, PDE6C, PDE6H and the transcription factor ATF6). RESULTS All patients suffered photophobia and reduced visual acuity (mean: 0.16 [SD ± 0.08]). Nystagmus was identified in 7 from 8 subjects and in one patient a head-turn right helped to reduce the nystagmus amplitude. Colour vision testing confirmed complete achromatopsia in 7 out of 8 patients. Electrophysiology found severely reduced photopic- but also scotopic responses. Thinning and interruption of the inner segment ellipsoid (ISe) line within the macula but also FAF- and IR abnormalities in the fovea and/or parafovea were characteristic in all ACHM patients. Identification of pathogenic mutations in 7 patients helped to confirm the diagnosis of ACHM (3 adults, 4 children; 3 ♀ and 4 ♂). Achromatopsia was linked to CNGA3 (2 ♀, 1 ♂) and CNGB3 variants (2 ♀, 3 ♂). The youngest patient (♀, 10 y) had 3 different CNGB3 variants on different alleles. In a patient (♂, 29 y) carrying 2 pathogenic digenic-triallelic CNGA3- and CNGB3-mutations, a severe progression of ISe discontinuity to coloboma-like macular atrophy was observed during the 12-year follow-up. The oldest female (67 y) showed a compound homozygous CNGA3- and heterozygous CNGB3-, as well as a heterozygous GUCY2D variants. The destruction of her ISe line was significantly enlarged and represented a progressive cone-rod phenotype in comparison to other ACHM patients. In a patient (♂, 45 y) carrying a pathogenic CNGB3 and USH2 mutation, a severe macular oedema and a rod-cone phenotype was observed. In addition, two variants in C2ORF71 considered as VOS were found. One patient showed the rare ATF6 mutation, where a severe coloboma-like macular atrophy was observed on the left eye as early as at the age of three years. CONCLUSION Combining multimodal ophthalmological diagnostics and molecular genetics when evaluating patients with ACHM helps in characterizing the disease and associated modifiers, and is therefore strongly recommended for such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia A Kugler
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Valmaggia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Veit Sturm
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Zürich, Switzerland
- Ophthalmology, Eye Center Rosengarten, Arbon, Switzerland
| | - Daniel F Schorderet
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne and Faculty of Life Sciences, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Margarita G Todorova
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
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Song DJ, Bao XL, Fan B, Li GY. Mechanism of Cone Degeneration in Retinitis Pigmentosa. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:1037-1048. [PMID: 35792991 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01243-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of genetic disorders resulting in inherited blindness due to the degeneration of rod and cone photoreceptors. The various mechanisms underlying rod degeneration primarily rely on genetic mutations, leading to night blindness initially. Cones gradually degenerate after rods are almost eliminated, resulting in varying degrees of visual disability and blindness. The mechanism of cone degeneration remains unclear. An understanding of the mechanisms underlying cone degeneration in RP, a highly heterogeneous disease, is essential to develop novel treatments of RP. Herein, we review recent advancements in the five hypotheses of cone degeneration, including oxidative stress, trophic factors, metabolic stress, light damage, and inflammation activation. We also discuss the connection among these theories to provide a better understanding of secondary cone degeneration in RP. Five current mechanisms of cone degenerations in RP Interactions among different pathways are involved in RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Juan Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Xiao-Li Bao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Bin Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Guang-Yu Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China.
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Phase I NT-501 Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor Implant Trial for Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: Safety, Neuroprotection and Neuroenhancement. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2023; 3:100298. [PMID: 37197702 PMCID: PMC10183667 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2023.100298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Purpose To assess the safety and efficacy of a ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) intraocular implant on neuroprotection and neuroenhancement in glaucoma. Design Open-label, prospective, phase I clinical trial. Participants A total of 11 participants were diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). One eye of each patient was assigned as the study (implant) eye. Methods The study eye was implanted with a high-dose CNTF-secreting NT-501 implant, whereas the other eye served as a control. All patients were followed up for 18 months. Analysis was limited to descriptive statistics. Main Outcome Measures Primary outcome was safety through 18 months after implantation assessed by serial eye examinations, structural and functional testing, and adverse events (AEs) recording. Parameters measured included visual acuity (VA), Humphrey visual field (HVF), pattern electroretinogram, scanning laser polarimetry with variable corneal compensation (GDx VCC), and OCT. These parameters were also used for secondary analysis of efficacy outcome. Results All NT-501 implants were well tolerated with no serious AEs associated with the implant. The majority of AEs were related to the implant placement procedure and were resolved by 12 weeks after surgery. Foreign-body sensation was the most commonly reported AE and was self-limited to the postoperative period. The most common implant-related AE was pupil miosis; no patients underwent explant. Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity decreased more in fellow eyes than in study eyes (VA, -5.82 vs. -0.82 letters; and contrast sensitivity, -1.82 vs. -0.37 letters, for fellow vs. study eyes, respectively). The median HVF visual field index and mean deviation measurements worsened (decreased) in fellow eyes (-13.0%, -3.9 dB) and improved (increased) in study eyes (2.7%, 1.2 dB). Implanted eyes showed an increase in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measured by OCT and by GDx VCC (OCT, 2.66 μm vs. 10.16 μm; and GDx VCC, 1.58 μm vs. 8.36 μm in fellow vs. study eyes, respectively). Conclusions The NT-501 CNTF implant was safe and well tolerated in eyes with POAG. Eyes with the implant demonstrated both structural and functional improvements suggesting biological activity, supporting the premise for a randomized phase II clinical trial of single and dual NT-501 CNTF implants in patients with POAG, which is now underway. Financial Disclosures Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.
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Boyd P, Campbell LJ, Hyde DR. Clcf1/Crlf1a-mediated signaling is neuroprotective and required for Müller glia proliferation in the light-damaged zebrafish retina. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1142586. [PMID: 36846595 PMCID: PMC9950120 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1142586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish possess the innate ability to fully regenerate any neurons lost following a retinal injury. This response is mediated by Müller glia that reprogram and divide asymmetrically to produce neuronal precursor cells that differentiate into the lost neurons. However, little is understood about the early signals that induce this response. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) was previously shown to be both neuroprotective and pro-proliferative within the zebrafish retina, however CNTF is not expressed following injury. Here we demonstrate that alternative ligands of the Ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor (CNTFR), such as Cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1 (Clcf1) and Cytokine receptor-like factor 1a (Crlf1a), are expressed within Müller glia of the light-damaged retina. We found that CNTFR, Clcf1, and Crlf1a are required for Müller glia proliferation in the light-damaged retina. Furthermore, intravitreal injection of CLCF1/CRLF1 protected against rod photoreceptor cell death in the light-damaged retina and induced proliferation of rod precursor cells in the undamaged retina, but not Müller glia. While rod precursor cell proliferation was previously shown to be Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R)-dependent, co-injection of IGF-1 with CLCF1/CRLF1 failed to induce further proliferation of either Müller glia or rod precursor cells. Together, these findings demonstrate that CNTFR ligands have a neuroprotective effect and are required for induction of Müller glia proliferation in the light-damaged zebrafish retina.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David R. Hyde
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, and Center for Zebrafish Research, Galvin Life Sciences Building, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
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Nanegrungsunk O, Au A, Sarraf D, Sadda SR. New frontiers of retinal therapeutic intervention: a critical analysis of novel approaches. Ann Med 2022; 54:1067-1080. [PMID: 35467460 PMCID: PMC9045775 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2066169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A recent wave of pharmacologic and technologic innovations has revolutionized our management of retinal diseases. Many of these advancements have demonstrated efficacy and can increase the quality of life while potentially reducing complications and decreasing the burden of care for patients. Some advances, such as longer-acting anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents, port delivery systems, gene therapy, and retinal prosthetics have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, and are available for clinical use. Countless other therapeutics are in various stages of development, promising a bright future for further improvements in the management of the retinal disease. Herein, we have highlighted several important novel therapies and therapeutic approaches and examine the opportunities and limitations offered by these innovations at the new frontier. KEY MESSAGESNumerous pharmacologic and technologic advancements have been emerging, providing a higher treatment efficacy while decreasing the burden and associated side effects.Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) and its longer-acting agents have dramatically improved visual outcomes and have become a mainstay treatment in various retinal diseases.Gene therapy and retinal prosthesis implantation in the treatment of congenital retinal dystrophy can accomplish the partial restoration of vision and improved daily function in patients with blindness, an unprecedented success in the field of retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onnisa Nanegrungsunk
- Doheny Eye Institute, Pasadena, CA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Retina Division, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Adrian Au
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David Sarraf
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Srinivas R Sadda
- Doheny Eye Institute, Pasadena, CA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Fabre M, Mateo L, Lamaa D, Baillif S, Pagès G, Demange L, Ronco C, Benhida R. Recent Advances in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Therapies. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27165089. [PMID: 36014339 PMCID: PMC9414333 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was described for the first time in the 1840s and is currently the leading cause of blindness for patients over 65 years in Western Countries. This disease impacts the eye’s posterior segment and damages the macula, a retina section with high levels of photoreceptor cells and responsible for the central vision. Advanced AMD stages are divided into the atrophic (dry) form and the exudative (wet) form. Atrophic AMD consists in the progressive atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the outer retinal layers, while the exudative form results in the anarchic invasion by choroidal neo-vessels of RPE and the retina. This invasion is responsible for fluid accumulation in the intra/sub-retinal spaces and for a progressive dysfunction of the photoreceptor cells. To date, the few existing anti-AMD therapies may only delay or suspend its progression, without providing cure to patients. However, in the last decade, an outstanding number of research programs targeting its different aspects have been initiated by academics and industrials. This review aims to bring together the most recent advances and insights into the mechanisms underlying AMD pathogenicity and disease evolution, and to highlight the current hypotheses towards the development of new treatments, i.e., symptomatic vs. curative. The therapeutic options and drugs proposed to tackle these mechanisms are analyzed and critically compared. A particular emphasis has been given to the therapeutic agents currently tested in clinical trials, whose results have been carefully collected and discussed whenever possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Fabre
- Institut de Chimie de Nice UMR 7272, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Lou Mateo
- Institut de Chimie de Nice UMR 7272, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Diana Lamaa
- CiTCoM, UMR 8038 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Paris Cité, 4, Avenue de l’Observatoire, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Baillif
- Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital of Nice, 30 Avenue De La Voie Romaine, 06000 Nice, France
| | - Gilles Pagès
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging (IRCAN), UMR 7284 and INSERM U 1081, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
| | - Luc Demange
- Institut de Chimie de Nice UMR 7272, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, 06108 Nice, France
- CiTCoM, UMR 8038 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Paris Cité, 4, Avenue de l’Observatoire, 75006 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (L.D.); (C.R.); (R.B.)
| | - Cyril Ronco
- Institut de Chimie de Nice UMR 7272, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, 06108 Nice, France
- Correspondence: (L.D.); (C.R.); (R.B.)
| | - Rachid Benhida
- Institut de Chimie de Nice UMR 7272, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, 06108 Nice, France
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences-Green Process Engineering (CBS-GPE), Mohamed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Benguerir 43150, Morocco
- Correspondence: (L.D.); (C.R.); (R.B.)
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Lambuk L, Mohd Lazaldin MA, Ahmad S, Iezhitsa I, Agarwal R, Uskoković V, Mohamud R. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor-Mediated Neuroprotection in Glaucoma: A Review of Current State of the Art. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:875662. [PMID: 35668928 PMCID: PMC9163364 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.875662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are neurons of the visual system that are responsible for transmitting signals from the retina to the brain via the optic nerve. Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy characterized by apoptotic loss of RGCs and degeneration of optic nerve fibers. Risk factors such as elevated intraocular pressure and vascular dysregulation trigger the injury that culminates in RGC apoptosis. In the event of injury, the survival of RGCs is facilitated by neurotrophic factors (NTFs), the most widely studied of which is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Its production is regulated locally in the retina, but transport of BDNF retrogradely from the brain to retina is also crucial. Not only that the interruption of this retrograde transport has been detected in the early stages of glaucoma, but significantly low levels of BDNF have also been detected in the sera and ocular fluids of glaucoma patients, supporting the notion that neurotrophic deprivation is a likely mechanism of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Moreover, exogenous NTF including BDNF administration was shown reduce neuronal loss in animal models of various neurodegenerative diseases, indicating the possibility that exogenous BDNF may be a treatment option in glaucoma. Current literature provides an extensive insight not only into the sources, transport, and target sites of BDNF but also the intracellular signaling pathways, other pathways that influence BDNF signaling and a wide range of its functions. In this review, the authors discuss the neuroprotective role of BDNF in promoting the survival of RGCs and its possible application as a therapeutic tool to meet the challenges in glaucoma management. We also highlight the possibility of using BDNF as a biomarker in neurodegenerative disease such as glaucoma. Further we discuss the challenges and future strategies to explore the utility of BDNF in the management of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidawani Lambuk
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | | | - Suhana Ahmad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Igor Iezhitsa
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacology and Bioinformatics, Volgograd State Medical University, Volgograd, Russia
| | - Renu Agarwal
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Vuk Uskoković
- TardigradeNano LLC, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Rohimah Mohamud
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
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Van Gelder RN. Gene Therapy Approaches to Slow or Reverse Blindness From Inherited Retinal Degeneration: Growth Factors and Optogenetics. Int Ophthalmol Clin 2021; 61:209-228. [PMID: 34584058 PMCID: PMC8486303 DOI: 10.1097/iio.0000000000000386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
To date, clinical gene therapy efforts for inherited retinal degeneration (IRD) have focused largely on gene replacement. The large number of genes and alleles causing IRD, however, makes this approach practical only for the most common causes. Additionally, gene replacement therapy cannot reverse existing retinal degeneration. Viral-mediated gene therapy can be used for two other approaches to slow or reverse IRD. First, by driving intraocular expression of growth factors or neuroprotective proteins, retinal degeneration can be slowed. Second, by expressing light-sensitive proteins (either microbial channelopsins or mammalian G-protein coupled opsins) in preserved inner retinal neurons, light sensitivity can be restored to the blind retina. Both approaches have advanced substantially in the past decade, and both are nearing clinical tests. This review surveys recent progress in these approaches.
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Pathogenic mechanisms contributing to the vulnerability of aging human photoreceptor cells. Eye (Lond) 2021; 35:2917-2929. [PMID: 34079093 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-021-01602-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In human retina, photoreceptor cell death (PCD) is a slow but conspicuous event, which continues with aging. Rods die earlier than cones, the latter continue to alter in a subtle manner until advanced aging. This review summarizes the existing information on age-related changes in photoreceptor cells, especially cones and analyses the possible associated factors. Oxidative and nitrosative stress are involved in photoreceptor alterations, which may stem from light and iron toxicity and other sources. Lipid peroxidation in macular photoreceptor outer segments and mitochondrial aberrations are prominent in aging. It is important to understand how those changes ultimately trigger PCD. The redistribution of calbindin D-28K and long/middle-wavelength-sensitive opsin in the parafoveal and perifoveal cones, anomalies in their somata and axons are strong predictors of their increasing vulnerability with aging. Signs of reduced autophagy, with autophagosomes containing organelle remnants are seen in aging photoreceptor cells. Currently, mechanisms that lead to human PCD are unknown; some observations favour apoptosis as a pathway. Since cones appear to change slowly, there is an opportunity to reverse those changes before they die. Therefore, a full understanding of how cones alter and the molecular pathways they utilize for survival must be the future research goal. Recent approaches to prevent PCD in aging and diseases are highlighted.
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Hill D, Compagnoni C, Cordeiro MF. Investigational neuroprotective compounds in clinical trials for retinal disease. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 30:571-577. [PMID: 33641585 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1896701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Retinal neurodegeneration causes irreversible vision loss, impairing quality of life. By targeting neurotoxic conditions, such as oxidative stress and ischemia, neuroprotectants can slow or stop sight loss resulting from eye disease. Despite limimted clinical use of neuroprotectants, there are several promising compounds in early clinical trials (pre-phase III) which may fulfil new therapeutic roles. Search terms relating to neuroprotection and eye disease were used on ClinicalTrials.gov to identify neuroprotective candidates. AREAS COVERED Research supporting neuroprotection in eye diseases is focused on, ranging from preclinical to phase II, according to the ClinicalTrials.gov database. The compounds discussed are explored in terms of future clinical applications. EXPERT OPINION The major challenge in neuroprotection research is translation from basic research to the clinic. A number of potential neuroprotectants have progressed to ophthalmology clinical trials in recent years, with defined mechanisms of action - saffron and CoQ10 - targeting mitochondria, and both CNTF and NGF showing anti-apoptotic effects. Enhancements in trial design and patient cohorts in proof-of-concept trials with enriched patient populations and surrogate endpoints should accelerate drug development. A further important consideration is optimising drug delivery to improve individualised management and patient compliance. Progress in these areas means that neuroprotective strategies have a much improved chance of translational success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hill
- Glaucoma and Retinal Neurodegeneration Group, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Chiara Compagnoni
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - M Francesca Cordeiro
- Glaucoma and Retinal Neurodegeneration Group, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.,The Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (ICHNT), London, UK
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Bucher F, Aguilar E, Marra KV, Rapp J, Arnold J, Diaz-Aguilar S, Lange C, Agostini H, Schlunck G, Stahl A, Friedlander M. CNTF Prevents Development of Outer Retinal Neovascularization Through Upregulation of CxCl10. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:20. [PMID: 32780864 PMCID: PMC7441336 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.10.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is a well-characterized neurotrophic factor currently in clinical trials for the treatment of macular telangiectasia type II. Our previous work showed that CNTF-induced STAT3 signaling is a potent inhibitor of pathologic preretinal neovascular tuft formation in the mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy. In this study, we investigated the effect of CNTF on outer retinal and choroidal angiogenesis and the mechanisms that underpin the observed decrease in outer retinal neovascularization following CNTF treatment. Methods In the Vldlr–/– and laser-CNV mouse models, mice received a one-time injection (on postnatal day [P] 12 in the Vldlr–/– model and 1 day after laser in the Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV) model) of recombinant CNTF or CxCl10, and the extent of neovascular lesions was assessed 6 days posttreatment. STAT3 downstream targets affected by CNTF treatment were identified using quantitative PCR analysis. A proteome array was used to compare media conditioned by CNTF-treated and control-treated primary Müller cells to screen for CNTF-induced changes in secreted angiogenic factors. Results Intravitreal treatment with recombinant CNTF led to significant reduction in neovascularization in the Vldlr–/– and laser-CNV mouse models. Treatment effect in the Vldlr–/– was long-lasting but time sensitive, requiring intravitreal treatment before P19. Mechanistic workup in vitro as well as in vivo confirmed significant activation of the STAT3-signaling pathway in Müller cells in response to CNTF treatment and upregulation of CxCl10. Intravitreal injections of recombinant CxCl10 significantly reduced outer retinal neovascularization in vivo in both the Vldlr–/– and laser-CNV mouse models. Conclusions CNTF treatment indirectly affects outer retinal and choroidal neovascularization by inducing CxCl10 secretion from retinal Müller cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicitas Bucher
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States.,Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Edith Aguilar
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Kyle V Marra
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, United States
| | - Julian Rapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jakob Arnold
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sophia Diaz-Aguilar
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States.,Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Stahl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Martin Friedlander
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States.,The Lowy Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States
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Microfluidic and Microscale Assays to Examine Regenerative Strategies in the Neuro Retina. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11121089. [PMID: 33316971 PMCID: PMC7763644 DOI: 10.3390/mi11121089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bioengineering systems have transformed scientific knowledge of cellular behaviors in the nervous system (NS) and pioneered innovative, regenerative therapies to treat adult neural disorders. Microscale systems with characteristic lengths of single to hundreds of microns have examined the development and specialized behaviors of numerous neuromuscular and neurosensory components of the NS. The visual system is comprised of the eye sensory organ and its connecting pathways to the visual cortex. Significant vision loss arises from dysfunction in the retina, the photosensitive tissue at the eye posterior that achieves phototransduction of light to form images in the brain. Retinal regenerative medicine has embraced microfluidic technologies to manipulate stem-like cells for transplantation therapies, where de/differentiated cells are introduced within adult tissue to replace dysfunctional or damaged neurons. Microfluidic systems coupled with stem cell biology and biomaterials have produced exciting advances to restore vision. The current article reviews contemporary microfluidic technologies and microfluidics-enhanced bioassays, developed to interrogate cellular responses to adult retinal cues. The focus is on applications of microfluidics and microscale assays within mammalian sensory retina, or neuro retina, comprised of five types of retinal neurons (photoreceptors, horizontal, bipolar, amacrine, retinal ganglion) and one neuroglia (Müller), but excludes the non-sensory, retinal pigmented epithelium.
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Toualbi L, Toms M, Moosajee M. USH2A-retinopathy: From genetics to therapeutics. Exp Eye Res 2020; 201:108330. [PMID: 33121974 PMCID: PMC8417766 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Bilallelic variants in the USH2A gene can cause Usher syndrome type 2 and non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa. In both disorders, the retinal phenotype involves progressive rod photoreceptor loss resulting in nyctalopia and a constricted visual field, followed by subsequent cone degeneration, leading to the loss of central vision and severe visual impairment. The USH2A gene raises many challenges for researchers and clinicians due to a broad spectrum of mutations, a large gene size hampering gene therapy development and limited knowledge on its pathogenicity. Patients with Usher type 2 may benefit from hearing aids or cochlear implants to correct their hearing defects, but there are currently no approved treatments available for the USH2A-retinopathy. Several treatment strategies, including antisense oligonucleotides and translational readthrough inducing drugs, have shown therapeutic promise in preclinical studies. Further understanding of the pathogenesis and natural history of USH2A-related disorders is required to develop innovative treatments and design clinical trials based on reliable outcome measures. The present review will discuss the current knowledge about USH2A, the emerging therapeutics and existing challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyes Toualbi
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, EC1V 9EL, UK; Ocular Genomics and Therapeutics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Maria Toms
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, EC1V 9EL, UK; Ocular Genomics and Therapeutics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, EC1V 9EL, UK; Ocular Genomics and Therapeutics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK; Department of Genetics, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK.
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Potential neuroprotective biomolecules in ophthalmology. Int Ophthalmol 2020; 41:1103-1109. [PMID: 33180279 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-020-01634-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSES Retinal neurodegenerative diseases are responsible for a huge number of ocular problems worldwide. It seems that the progression of these diseases can be managed by the application of neuroprotective molecules particularly in the early stages. This article focuses on the most common neuroprotective bioagents under investigation in ophthalmology. METHODS We searched the web of science, PubMed and Scopus databases with these keywords: "glaucoma," "diabetic retinopathy," "age-related macular degeneration," "optic neuropathy and retinal degeneration" and/or "neuroprotection." RESULTS The most commonly utilized neuroprotective drugs for ophthalmology diseases were introduced in this study. It seems that these agents can be divided into three categories according to their mechanism of action: (A) neurotrophins, (B) decreasing effect on intraocular pressure and (C) inhibition of retinal neuron apoptosis. CONCLUSION A broad range of drugs has been illustrated in the literature for treatment of neuro-ophthalmic diseases. A good classification of the most applied drugs in this field can help specialists to prescribe the best matched drug considering the stage and progression of disease. However, controlled clinical trials are needed for better evaluation of the effects of these products.
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Narasimhan I, Murali A, Subramanian K, Ramalingam S, Parameswaran S. Autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa with toxic gain of function: Mechanisms and therapeutics. Eur J Ophthalmol 2020; 31:304-320. [PMID: 32962414 DOI: 10.1177/1120672120957605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa is a form of retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited retinal degenerative disorder characterized by progressive loss of photoreceptors eventually leading to irreversible loss of vision. Mutations in genes involved in the basic functions of the visual system give rise to this condition. These mutations can either lead to loss of function or toxic gain of function phenotypes. While autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa caused by loss of function can be ideally treated by gene supplementation with a single vector to address a different spectrum of mutations in a gene, the same strategy cannot be applied to toxic gain of function phenotypes. In toxic gain of function phenotypes, the mutation in the gene results in the acquisition of a new function that can interrupt the functioning of the wildtype protein by various mechanisms leading to cell toxicity, thus making a single approach impractical. This review focuses on the genes and mechanisms that cause toxic gain of function phenotypes associated with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa and provide a bird's eye view on current therapeutic strategies and ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishwarya Narasimhan
- Radheshyam Kanoi Stem Cell Laboratory, Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Vision Research Foundation, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Aishwarya Murali
- Radheshyam Kanoi Stem Cell Laboratory, Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Vision Research Foundation, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Krishnakumar Subramanian
- Radheshyam Kanoi Stem Cell Laboratory, Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Vision Research Foundation, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sivaprakash Ramalingam
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine Unit, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
| | - Sowmya Parameswaran
- Radheshyam Kanoi Stem Cell Laboratory, Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Vision Research Foundation, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Novel Insights into Beta 2 Adrenergic Receptor Function in the rd10 Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Cells 2020; 9:cells9092060. [PMID: 32917020 PMCID: PMC7563182 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In retinitis pigmentosa (RP), inherited rod death is followed by cone loss and blindness. Why cones die is still a matter of consideration. Here, we investigate the pathogenic role of the sympathetic transmission in the rd10 mouse model of RP. Methods: Retinal levels of beta adrenergic receptor (BAR) 2 and norepinephrine (NE) were measured. After administration of the BAR1/2 blocker propranolol or the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 activator dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG), retinal levels of HIF-1α, BAR2 or proteins involved in BAR2 desensitization were also measured. In DMOG treated mice, expression and localization of BAR2, inflammatory markers and cone arrestin were determined. Finally, rd10 mice were subjected to electroretinogram (ERG) analysis to assess rod and cone function. Results: In the rd10 retina, BAR2 overexpression and NE accumulation were found, with BAR2 immunoreactivity localized to Müller cells. BAR2 overexpression was likely due to desensitization defects. Upregulated levels of BAR2 were drastically reduced by propranolol that also restored desensitization defects. Due to the low level of HIF-1 consequent to the hyperoxic environment in the rd10 retina, we hypothesized a link between HIF-1 and BAR2. HIF-1α stabilization with DMOG resulted in i. increased HIF-1α accumulation, ii. decreased BAR2 levels, iii. restored desensitization processes, iv. reduced expression of inflammatory markers and v. increased cone survival without improved retinal function. Conclusions: Our results support a pathogenic role of the sympathetic system in RP that might help to understand why rd10 mice show a positive response to BAR blockers.
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Di Pierdomenico J, Martínez-Vacas A, Hernández-Muñoz D, Gómez-Ramírez AM, Valiente-Soriano FJ, Agudo-Barriuso M, Vidal-Sanz M, Villegas-Pérez MP, García-Ayuso D. Coordinated Intervention of Microglial and Müller Cells in Light-Induced Retinal Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:47. [PMID: 32232352 PMCID: PMC7401701 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.3.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To analyze the role of microglial and Müller cells in the formation of rings of photoreceptor degeneration caused by phototoxicity. Methods Two-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to light and processed 1, 2, or 3 months later. Retinas were dissected as whole-mounts, immunodetected for microglial cells, Müller cells, and S- and L/M-cones and analyzed using fluorescence, thunder imaging, and confocal microscopy. Cone populations were automatically counted and isodensity maps constructed to document cone topography. Results Phototoxicity causes a significant progressive loss of S- and L/M-cones of up to 68% and 44%, respectively, at 3 months after light exposure (ALE). One month ALE, we observed rings of cone degeneration in the photosensitive area of the superior retina. Two and 3 months ALE, these rings had extended to the central and inferior retina. Within the rings of cone degeneration, there were degenerating cones, often activated microglial cells, and numerous radially oriented processes of Müller cells that showed increased expression of intermediate filaments. Between 1 and 3 months ALE, the rings coalesced, and at the same time the microglial cells resumed a mosaic-like distribution, and there was a decrease of Müller cell gliosis at the areas devoid of cones. Conclusions Light-induced photoreceptor degeneration proceeds with rings of cone degeneration, as observed in inherited retinal degenerations in which cone death is secondary to rod degeneration. The spatiotemporal relationship of cone death microglial cell activation and Müller cell gliosis within the rings of cone degeneration suggests that, although both glial cells are involved in the formation of the rings, they may have coordinated actions and, while microglial cells may be more involved in photoreceptor phagocytosis, Müller cells may be more involved in cone and microglial cell migration, retinal remodeling and glial seal formation.
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Itkonen J, Annala A, Tavakoli S, Arango-Gonzalez B, Ueffing M, Toropainen E, Ruponen M, Casteleijn MG, Urtti A. Characterization, Stability, and in Vivo Efficacy Studies of Recombinant Human CNTF and Its Permeation into the Neural Retina in ex Vivo Organotypic Retinal Explant Culture Models. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12070611. [PMID: 32629980 PMCID: PMC7408322 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12070611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is one of the most studied neuroprotective agents with acknowledged potential in treating diseases of the posterior eye segment. Although its efficacy and mechanisms of action in the retina have been studied extensively, it is still not comprehensively understood which retinal cells mediate the therapeutic effects of CNTF. As with therapeutic proteins in general, it is poorly elucidated whether exogenous CNTF administered into the vitreous can enter and distribute into the retina and hence reach potentially responsive target cells. Here, we have characterized our purified recombinant human CNTF (rhCNTF), studied the protein’s in vitro bioactivity in a cell-based assay, and evaluated the thermodynamic and oligomeric status of the protein during storage. Biological activity of rhCNTF was further evaluated in vivo in an animal model of retinal degeneration. The retinal penetration and distribution of rhCNTF after 24 h was studied utilizing two ex vivo retina models. Based on our characterization findings, our rhCNTF is correctly folded and biologically active. Moreover, based on initial screening and subsequent follow-up, we identified two buffers in which rhCNTF retains its stability during storage. Whereas rhCNTF did not show photoreceptor preservative effect or improve the function of photoreceptors in vivo, this could possibly be due to the used disease model or the short duration of action with a single intravitreal injection of rhCNTF. On the other hand, the lack of in vivo efficacy was shown to not be due to distribution limitations; permeation into the retina was observed in both retinal explant models as in 24 h rhCNTF penetrated the inner limiting membrane, and being mostly observed in the ganglion cell layer, distributed to different layers of the neural retina. As rhCNTF can reach deeper retinal layers, in general, having direct effects on resident CNTF-responsive target cells is plausible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaakko Itkonen
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; (S.T.); (M.G.C.)
- Correspondence: (J.I.); (A.U.)
| | - Ada Annala
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.A.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Science, Utrecht University, David de Wiedgebouw, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Shirin Tavakoli
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; (S.T.); (M.G.C.)
| | - Blanca Arango-Gonzalez
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Strasse 7, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (B.A.-G.); (M.U.)
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Strasse 7, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (B.A.-G.); (M.U.)
| | - Elisa Toropainen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.A.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
| | - Marika Ruponen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.A.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
| | - Marco G. Casteleijn
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; (S.T.); (M.G.C.)
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Solutions for Natural Resources and Environment, Tietotie 2, Espoo, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 VTT, Finland
| | - Arto Urtti
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; (S.T.); (M.G.C.)
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.A.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
- Laboratory of Biohybrid Technologies, Institute of Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskii pr. 26, Peterhoff, 198504 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Correspondence: (J.I.); (A.U.)
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MacDonald IM, Moen C, Duncan JL, Tsang SH, Cehajic-Kapetanovic J, Aleman TS. Perspectives on Gene Therapy: Choroideremia Represents a Challenging Model for the Treatment of Other Inherited Retinal Degenerations. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:17. [PMID: 32714643 PMCID: PMC7351877 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.3.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To report combined viewpoints on ocular gene therapy from a select group of clinician scientists and a patient advocacy group. Methods With the support of Randy Wheelock and Dr. Chris Moen from the Choroideremia Research Foundation (CRF), a special interest group at the 2019 Annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology in Vancouver, Canada, shared their knowledge, experience, concepts, and ideas and provided a forum to discuss therapeutic strategies for the treatment of inherited retinal disorders, using experience in choroideremia (CHM) as a model. Results A member of the CRF presented the patient perspective and role in clinical trials. Five clinician scientists presented reasons for limited long-term visual improvement in many gene therapy trials, including challenges with dose, incomplete understanding of photoreceptor metabolism, vector delivery, inflammation, and identification of patients likely to benefit from treatment. Conclusions The shared experience of the five clinician scientists indicates that the results of ocular gene therapy for choroideremia have been less successful than for RPE65-related Leber congenital amaurosis. Improvement in vector delivery and developing a better understanding of gene expression in target tissues, treatment dose and side effects, and inflammation, as well as identifying patients who are most likely to benefit without suffering excessive risk, are necessary to advance the development of effective therapies for inherited retinal degenerations. Translational Relevance Additional long-term data are required to determine if ocular gene therapy will be sufficient to alter natural progression in choroideremia. Combination therapies may have to be considered, as well as alternative vectors that minimize risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian M. MacDonald
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Jacque L. Duncan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stephen H. Tsang
- Jonas Children's Vision Care, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology, and Cell Biology, Institute of Human Nutrition, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University,New York, NY, USA
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York–Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Tomas S. Aleman
- Center for Advanced Research and Ocular Therapeutics, Scheie Eye Institute at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Roche SL, Kutsyr O, Cuenca N, Cotter TG. Norgestrel, a Progesterone Analogue, Promotes Significant Long-Term Neuroprotection of Cone Photoreceptors in a Mouse Model of Retinal Disease. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:3221-3235. [PMID: 31335948 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.19-27246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) refers to a group of inherited blinding retinal diseases, whereby the death of mutated rod photoreceptors is followed closely by the death of cone photoreceptors. Cone cell death can be hugely debilitating as color/daytime vision becomes impaired. Thus, treatments that are effective against cone cell death are urgently needed. Our research has been working toward development of a neuroprotective treatment for RP. We have previously demonstrated significant neuroprotective properties of norgestrel, a progesterone analogue, in the mouse retina. The current study further investigates the potential of norgestrel as a treatment for RP, with a focus on long-term preservation of cone photoreceptors. Methods Using the well-established rd10 mouse model of RP, we administered a norgestrel-supplemented diet at postnatal day (P)30, following widespread loss of rod photoreceptors and at the outset of cone degeneration. We subsequently assessed cone cell morphology and retinal function at P50, P60, and P80, using immunohistochemistry, electroretinograph recordings, and optomotor testing. Results While cone cell degeneration was widespread in the untreated rd10 retina, we observed profound preservation of cone photoreceptor morphology in the norgestrel-treated mice for at least 50 days, out to P80. This was demonstrated by up to 28-fold more cone arrestin-positive photoreceptors. This protection transpired to functional preservation at all ages. Conclusions This work presents norgestrel as an incredibly promising long-term neuroprotective compound for the treatment of RP. Crucially, norgestrel could be used in the mid-late stages of the disease to protect remaining cone cells and help preserve color/daytime vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Roche
- Cell Development and Disease Laboratory, Biochemistry Department, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Oksana Kutsyr
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
| | - Nicolás Cuenca
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
| | - Thomas G Cotter
- Cell Development and Disease Laboratory, Biochemistry Department, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Wu XS, Wang YC, Liu TT, Wang L, Sun XH, Wang LQ, Weng SJ, Zhong YM. Morphological alterations of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells after ablation of mouse photoreceptors with selective photocoagulation. Exp Eye Res 2019; 188:107812. [PMID: 31550445 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we investigated changes in the morphology of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), M1 subtype, and pupillary light reflex following local and selective ablation of photoreceptors in mice. Laser photocoagulation was used to selectively destroy four patches of photoreceptors per eye at around 4 papillary diameters from the optic disc and at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock positions between the retinal vessels in the adult mouse retina, leaving cells in the inner retina intact. Morphological parameters of individual M1 cells specifically labeled by the antibody against melanopsin (PA1-780), including dendritic field size, total dendritic length, and dendritic branch number, were examined 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after photocoagulation with Neurolucida software. A considerable reduction in these parameters in M1 cells in the "lesioned areas" was found at all the four time points after photocoagulation, as compared with those in the "unlesioned areas". Although M1 cells in the lesioned areas showed significant changes as early as 1 week after laser treatment and the changes gradually increased, reaching a peak value at 2 weeks, morphological restoration was clearly seen in these cells over time. However, no difference in the morphological parameters of M1 cells was observed between the unlesioned areas of laser-treated mice and the corresponding areas of age-matched normal mice without laser lesions. Fluorescence intensity of the somata of melanopsin-positive M1 cells located inside the lesioned areas was significantly decreased at all the four time points after photocoagulation, whereas no changes in pupillary light reflex were detected at different light irradiations, indicating that photocoagulation-induced local photoreceptor loss and alterations of ipRGCs may be insufficient to cause abnormalities in non-image-forming (NIF) visual functions. The results suggest that intact photoreceptors could be crucial for maintaining the expression levels of melanopsin and normal morphology of M1 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Sha Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Yong-Chen Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Ting-Ting Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology at Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, PR China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Xing-Huai Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology at Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, PR China
| | - Li-Qin Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Shi-Jun Weng
- Department of Ophthalmology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China.
| | - Yong-Mei Zhong
- Department of Ophthalmology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China.
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24
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Khodabande A, Roohipoor R, Zamani J, Mirghorbani M, Zolfaghari H, Karami S, Modjtahedi BS. Management of Idiopathic Macular Telangiectasia Type 2. Ophthalmol Ther 2019; 8:155-175. [PMID: 30788805 PMCID: PMC6514016 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-019-0170-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel) is a relatively rare disease without established treatments. Although MacTel was previously considered a primarily vascular condition, the thinking on its pathogenesis has shifted to it now being considered principally a neurodegenerative disease. This has resulted in a subsequent change in the approach to treatment toward neuro-protection for the non-proliferative phase of this disease. Carotenoid supplementation has had mixed results. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) has demonstrated some promising early results, but further study is necessary to determine its actual effect. Some structural improvements have been seen in the non-proliferative phase with oral acetazolamide but without accompanying functional improvement. Anti-vascular endothelial drugs have been studied and not found to have benefit in the non-proliferative phase of disease but have demonstrated significant structural and functional value in the treatment of secondary neovascularization. There is no level I evidence for the various proposed MacTel treatments, and efforts need to be directed toward conducting multicenter randomized trials to better understand possible treatments for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Khodabande
- Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramak Roohipoor
- Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Zamani
- Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Mirghorbani
- Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hamidreza Zolfaghari
- Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahab Karami
- Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bobeck S Modjtahedi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Baldwin Park, CA, USA.,Eye Monitoring Center, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Baldwin Park, CA, USA.,Department of Research and Evaluation, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, CA, USA
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25
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Delplace V, Ortin-Martinez A, Tsai ELS, Amin AN, Wallace V, Shoichet MS. Controlled release strategy designed for intravitreal protein delivery to the retina. J Control Release 2019; 293:10-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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26
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Li S, Sato K, Gordon WC, Sendtner M, Bazan NG, Jin M. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) protects retinal cone and rod photoreceptors by suppressing excessive formation of the visual pigments. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:15256-15268. [PMID: 30115683 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.004008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-dependent visual cycle provides 11-cis-retinal to opsins in the photoreceptor outer segments to generate functional visual pigments that initiate phototransduction in response to light stimuli. Both RPE65 isomerase of the visual cycle and the rhodopsin visual pigment have recently been identified as critical players in mediating light-induced retinal degeneration. These findings suggest that the expression and function of RPE65 and rhodopsin need to be coordinately controlled to sustain normal vision and to protect the retina from photodamage. However, the mechanism controlling the development of the retinal visual system remains poorly understood. Here, we show that deficiency in ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) up-regulates the levels of rod and cone opsins accompanied by an increase in the thickness of the outer nuclear layers and the lengths of cone and rod outer segments in the mouse retina. Moreover, retinoid isomerase activity, expression levels of RPE65 and lecithin:retinol acyltransferase (LRAT), which synthesizes the RPE65 substrate, were also significantly increased in the Cntf -/- RPE. Rod a-wave and cone b-wave amplitudes of electroretinograms were increased in Cntf -/- mice, but rod b-wave amplitudes were unchanged compared with those in WT mice. Up-regulated RPE65 and LRAT levels accelerated both the visual cycle rate and recovery rate of rod light sensitivity in Cntf -/- mice. Of note, rods and cones in Cntf -/- mice exhibited hypersusceptibility to light-induced degeneration. These results indicate that CNTF is a common extracellular factor that prevents excessive production of opsins, the photoreceptor outer segments, and 11-cis-retinal to protect rods and cones from photodamage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songhua Li
- From the Neuroscience Center of Excellence and
| | - Kota Sato
- From the Neuroscience Center of Excellence and
| | - William C Gordon
- From the Neuroscience Center of Excellence and.,Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112 and
| | - Michael Sendtner
- the Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, D-97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nicolas G Bazan
- From the Neuroscience Center of Excellence and.,Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112 and
| | - Minghao Jin
- From the Neuroscience Center of Excellence and .,Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112 and
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27
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Photoreceptor Protection by Mesencephalic Astrocyte-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (MANF). eNeuro 2018; 5:eN-CFN-0109-18. [PMID: 29687079 PMCID: PMC5909182 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0109-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerations are a major cause of vision impairment and blindness. Neuroprotective therapy is a promising therapeutic strategy for retinal degenerative diseases. We investigated a novel neurotrophic factor mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) in the retina. MANF is expressed at a high level during postnatal development and the expression declines to a lower level as the retina matures. Müller cells are the major cells expressing MANF. It is also found in the retinal ganglion cells, in the inner nuclear layer (INL) neurons, and in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Intravitreal injection of recombinant human (rh)MANF significantly protected rod and cone photoreceptors in rats carrying the rhodopsin S334ter mutation, and preserved electroretinograms (ERGs) in the rd10 (Pde6brd10/rd10 ) mice. These results indicate that MANF is a native protein in the retina and is a potent neurotrophic factor for photoreceptor protection.
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28
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LaVail MM, Nishikawa S, Steinberg RH, Naash MI, Duncan JL, Trautmann N, Matthes MT, Yasumura D, Lau-Villacorta C, Chen J, Peterson WM, Yang H, Flannery JG. Phenotypic characterization of P23H and S334ter rhodopsin transgenic rat models of inherited retinal degeneration. Exp Eye Res 2018; 167:56-90. [PMID: 29122605 PMCID: PMC5811379 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2017.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We produced 8 lines of transgenic (Tg) rats expressing one of two different rhodopsin mutations in albino Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Three lines were generated with a proline to histidine substitution at codon 23 (P23H), the most common autosomal dominant form of retinitis pigmentosa in the United States. Five lines were generated with a termination codon at position 334 (S334ter), resulting in a C-terminal truncated opsin protein lacking the last 15 amino acid residues and containing all of the phosphorylation sites involved in rhodopsin deactivation, as well as the terminal QVAPA residues important for rhodopsin deactivation and trafficking. The rates of photoreceptor (PR) degeneration in these models vary in proportion to the ratio of mutant to wild-type rhodopsin. The models have been widely studied, but many aspects of their phenotypes have not been described. Here we present a comprehensive study of the 8 Tg lines, including the time course of PR degeneration from the onset to one year of age, retinal structure by light and electron microscopy (EM), hemispheric asymmetry and gradients of rod and cone degeneration, rhodopsin content, gene dosage effect, rapid activation and invasion of the outer retina by presumptive microglia, rod outer segment disc shedding and phagocytosis by the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), and retinal function by the electroretinogram (ERG). The biphasic nature of PR cell death was noted, as was the lack of an injury-induced protective response in the rat models. EM analysis revealed the accumulation of submicron vesicular structures in the interphotoreceptor space during the peak period of PR outer segment degeneration in the S334ter lines. This is likely due to the elimination of the trafficking consensus domain as seen before as with other rhodopsin mutants lacking the C-terminal QVAPA. The 8 rhodopsin Tg lines have been, and will continue to be, extremely useful models for the experimental study of inherited retinal degenerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M LaVail
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA.
| | - Shimpei Nishikawa
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA.
| | - Roy H Steinberg
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA
| | - Muna I Naash
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, 3517 Cullen Blvd., Room 2011, Houston, TX 77204-5060, USA.
| | - Jacque L Duncan
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA.
| | - Nikolaus Trautmann
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA.
| | - Michael T Matthes
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA.
| | - Douglas Yasumura
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA
| | - Cathy Lau-Villacorta
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA.
| | - Jeannie Chen
- Zilka Neurogenetic Institute, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2821, USA.
| | - Ward M Peterson
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA.
| | - Haidong Yang
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA.
| | - John G Flannery
- School of Optometry, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-2020, USA.
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29
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Athanasiou D, Aguila M, Bellingham J, Li W, McCulley C, Reeves PJ, Cheetham ME. The molecular and cellular basis of rhodopsin retinitis pigmentosa reveals potential strategies for therapy. Prog Retin Eye Res 2018; 62:1-23. [PMID: 29042326 PMCID: PMC5779616 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Inherited mutations in the rod visual pigment, rhodopsin, cause the degenerative blinding condition, retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Over 150 different mutations in rhodopsin have been identified and, collectively, they are the most common cause of autosomal dominant RP (adRP). Mutations in rhodopsin are also associated with dominant congenital stationary night blindness (adCSNB) and, less frequently, recessive RP (arRP). Recessive RP is usually associated with loss of rhodopsin function, whereas the dominant conditions are a consequence of gain of function and/or dominant negative activity. The in-depth characterisation of many rhodopsin mutations has revealed that there are distinct consequences on the protein structure and function associated with different mutations. Here we categorise rhodopsin mutations into seven discrete classes; with defects ranging from misfolding and disruption of proteostasis, through mislocalisation and disrupted intracellular traffic to instability and altered function. Rhodopsin adRP offers a unique paradigm to understand how disturbances in photoreceptor homeostasis can lead to neuronal cell death. Furthermore, a wide range of therapies have been tested in rhodopsin RP, from gene therapy and gene editing to pharmacological interventions. The understanding of the disease mechanisms associated with rhodopsin RP and the development of targeted therapies offer the potential of treatment for this currently untreatable neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monica Aguila
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - James Bellingham
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Wenwen Li
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Caroline McCulley
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Philip J Reeves
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Essex CO4 3SQ, UK.
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30
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Heo JH, Yoon JA, Ahn EK, Kim H, Urm SH, Oak CO, Yu BC, Lee SJ. Intraperitoneal administration of adipose tissue-derived stem cells for the rescue of retinal degeneration in a mouse model via indigenous CNTF up-regulation by IL-6. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 12:e1370-e1382. [PMID: 28715614 DOI: 10.1002/term.2522] [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: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
As the world's population begins to age, retinal degeneration is an increasing problem, and various treatment modalities are being developed. However, there have been no therapies for degenerative retinal conditions that are not characterized by neovascularization. We investigated whether transplantation of mouse adipose tissue-derived stem cells (mADSC) into the intraperitoneal space has a rescue effect on NaIO3 -induced retinal degeneration in mice. In this study, mADSC transplantation recovered visual function and preserved the retinal outer layer structure compared to the control group without any integration of mADSC into the retina. Moreover, endogenous ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) was elevated in the retinas of mADSC-treated mice. We found that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or LPS-stimulated monocyte supernatant induced the secretion of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF), CD54, CXCL10, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and CCL5 from the mADSC by cytokine array. Network inference was conducted to investigate signaling networks related to CNTF regulation. Based on bioinformatics data, the expression of IL-6 was related to the expression of CNTF. Additionally, intravitreal injection of IL-6 in rats produced up-regulation of endogenous CNTF in the retina. mADSC had a rescue effect on retinal degeneration through the up-regulation of endogenous CNTF by IL-6. Thus, transplantation of mADSC could be a potential treatment option for retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Hoon Heo
- Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Kosin University, Pusan, Korea.,Institute for Medicine, College of Medicine, Kosin University, Pusan, Korea
| | - Jung Ae Yoon
- Department of Dental Hygiene, Dong Ju College, Pusan, Korea
| | - Eun Kyung Ahn
- Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Science, Dong-A University, Pusan, Korea
| | - Hyun Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Kosin University, Pusan, Korea
| | - Sang Hwa Urm
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Inje University College of Medicine, Pusan, Korea
| | - Chul Oh Oak
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kosin University, Pusan, Korea
| | - Byeng Chul Yu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Kosin University, Pusan, Korea
| | - Sang Joon Lee
- Institute for Medicine, College of Medicine, Kosin University, Pusan, Korea.,Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Kosin University, Pusan, Korea
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31
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Candidate proteins from predegenerated nerve exert time-specific protection of retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14540. [PMID: 29109409 PMCID: PMC5673995 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14860-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is thought to be the main cause of severe visual impairment or permanent loss of vision. Current therapeutic strategies are not sufficient to protect against glaucoma. Thus, new therapies and potential novel therapeutic targets must be developed to achieve progress in the treatment of this insidious disease. This study was undertaken to verify whether the time of administration of an extract from predegenerated rat sciatic nerves as well as exposure time of this extract onto retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) influences the survival of RGCs in a rat glaucoma model. We have demonstrated that extract obtained from the predegenerated sciatic nerves protects RGCs in a rat glaucoma model. The neuroprotective effect depends mostly on the time of administration of the extract and less clearly on the time of exposure to the extract and is associated with stimulation of endogenous BDNF expression both in RGCs and glial cells. The 14th day following glaucoma induction represents a therapeutic window for effective treatment in a glaucoma model. Mass Spectrometry analysis demonstrated that metallothionein 2 (MT2) may be a key molecule responsible for neuroprotective effects on RGC survival.
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32
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Ghasemi M, Alizadeh E, Saei Arezoumand K, Fallahi Motlagh B, Zarghami N. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) delivery to retina: an overview of current research advancements. ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2017; 46:1694-1707. [PMID: 29065723 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2017.1391820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The intraocular administration of the ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) has been found to attenuate the photoreceptor degeneration and preserve retinal functions in the animal research models of the inherited or induced retinal disease. Studies with the aim of CNTF transfer to the posterior segment inside the eye have been directed to determine the best method for its administration. An ideal delivery method would overcome the eye drug elimination mechanisms or barriers and provide the sustained release of the CNTF into retina in the safest fashion with the minimum harm to the quality of life. This review focuses on the present state of CNTF delivery to retina, also provides an overview of available technologies and their challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Ghasemi
- a The Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Research Center (UCSRC) , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran.,b Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
| | - Effat Alizadeh
- a The Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Research Center (UCSRC) , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran.,b Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
| | - Khatereh Saei Arezoumand
- b Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
| | | | - Nosratollah Zarghami
- a The Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Research Center (UCSRC) , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran.,b Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran.,d Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
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33
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Kole C, Klipfel L, Yang Y, Ferracane V, Blond F, Reichman S, Millet-Puel G, Clérin E, Aït-Ali N, Pagan D, Camara H, Delyfer MN, Nandrot EF, Sahel JA, Goureau O, Léveillard T. Otx2-Genetically Modified Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Rescue Photoreceptors after Transplantation. Mol Ther 2017; 26:219-237. [PMID: 28988713 PMCID: PMC5762984 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal degenerations are blinding diseases characterized by the loss of photoreceptors. Their extreme genetic heterogeneity complicates treatment by gene therapy. This has motivated broader strategies for transplantation of healthy retinal pigmented epithelium to protect photoreceptors independently of the gene causing the disease. The limited clinical benefit for visual function reported up to now is mainly due to dedifferentiation of the transplanted cells that undergo an epithelial-mesenchymal transition. We have studied this mechanism in vitro and revealed the role of the homeogene OTX2 in preventing dedifferentiation through the regulation of target genes. We have overexpressed OTX2 in retinal pigmented epithelial cells before their transplantation in the eye of a model of retinitis pigmentosa carrying a mutation in Mertk, a gene specifically expressed by retinal pigmented epithelial cells. OTX2 increases significantly the protection of photoreceptors as seen by histological and functional analyses. We observed that the beneficial effect of OTX2 is non-cell autonomous, and it is at least partly mediated by unidentified trophic factors. Transplantation of OTX2-genetically modified cells may be medically effective for other retinal diseases involving the retinal pigmented epithelium as age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christo Kole
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Laurence Klipfel
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Ying Yang
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Vanessa Ferracane
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Frederic Blond
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Sacha Reichman
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Géraldine Millet-Puel
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Emmanuelle Clérin
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Najate Aït-Ali
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Delphine Pagan
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Hawa Camara
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Marie-Noëlle Delyfer
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France; Unité Rétine, Uvéite et Neuro-Ophtalmologie, Département d'Ophtalmologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Emeline F Nandrot
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Jose-Alain Sahel
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Olivier Goureau
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Thierry Léveillard
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France.
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34
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Landfried B, Grimm C. Neuroprotektion geschädigter Photorezeptoren. MED GENET-BERLIN 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11825-017-0130-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung
Der Schutz der Sehzellen durch Neuroprotektion ist ein vielversprechender Ansatz, der bei vielen degenerativen Netzhauterkrankungen entweder als Mono- oder Kombinationstherapie zum Einsatz kommen könnte. Viele neuroprotektive Substanzen wurden im Tiermodell identifiziert und erfolgreich getestet. Einige dieser Substanzen wurden auch bereits in klinischen Versuchen am Patienten untersucht, allerdings mit unterschiedlichem Erfolg. Diverse Versuchsansätze werden derzeit überprüft.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Landfried
- Aff1 0000 0004 0478 9977 grid.412004.3 Augenklinik Universitätsspital Zürich Zürich Schweiz
- Aff4 0000 0004 1937 0650 grid.7400.3 Labor für Zellbiologie der Netzhaut, Augenklinik Universität Zürich Wagistrasse 14 8952 Schlieren Schweiz
| | - Christian Grimm
- Aff1 0000 0004 0478 9977 grid.412004.3 Augenklinik Universitätsspital Zürich Zürich Schweiz
- Aff2 0000 0004 1937 0650 grid.7400.3 Zentrum für integrative Humanphysiologie (ZIHP) Universität Zürich Zürich Schweiz
- Aff3 0000 0004 1937 0650 grid.7400.3 Zentrum für Neurowissenschaften Zürich (ZNZ) Universität Zürich Zürich Schweiz
- Aff4 0000 0004 1937 0650 grid.7400.3 Labor für Zellbiologie der Netzhaut, Augenklinik Universität Zürich Wagistrasse 14 8952 Schlieren Schweiz
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Borrás T. The Pathway From Genes to Gene Therapy in Glaucoma: A Review of Possibilities for Using Genes as Glaucoma Drugs. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2017; 6:80-93. [PMID: 28161916 PMCID: PMC6005701 DOI: 10.22608/apo.2016126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of diseases with gene therapy is advancing rapidly. The use of gene therapy has expanded from the original concept of re-placing the mutated gene causing the disease to the use of genes to con-trol nonphysiological levels of expression or to modify pathways known to affect the disease. Genes offer numerous advantages over conventional drugs. They have longer duration of action and are more specific. Genes can be delivered to the target site by naked DNA, cells, nonviral, and viral vectors. The enormous progress of the past decade in molecular bi-ology and delivery systems has provided ways for targeting genes to the intended cell/tissue and safe, long-term vectors. The eye is an ideal organ for gene therapy. It is easily accessible and it is an immune-privileged site. Currently, there are clinical trials for diseases affecting practically every tissue of the eye, including those to restore vision in patients with Leber congenital amaurosis. However, the number of eye trials compared with those for systemic diseases is quite low (1.8%). Nevertheless, judg-ing by the vast amount of ongoing preclinical studies, it is expected that such number will increase considerably in the near future. One area of great need for eye gene therapy is glaucoma, where a long-term gene drug would eliminate daily applications and compliance issues. Here, we review the current state of gene therapy for glaucoma and the possibilities for treating the trabecular meshwork to lower intraocular pressure and the retinal ganglion cells to protect them from neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Borrás
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Yu WQ, Eom YS, Shin JA, Nair D, Grzywacz SXZ, Grzywacz NM, Craft CM, Lee EJ. Reshaping the Cone-Mosaic in a Rat Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa: Modulatory Role of ZO-1 Expression in DL-Alpha-Aminoadipic Acid Reshaping. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151668. [PMID: 26977812 PMCID: PMC4792433 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In S334ter-line-3 rat model of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), rod cell death induces the rearrangement of cones into mosaics of rings while the fibrotic processes of Müller cells remodel to fill the center of the rings. In contrast, previous work established that DL-alpha-aminoadipic-acid (AAA), a compound that transiently blocks Müller cell metabolism, abolishes these highly structured cone rings. Simultaneously, adherens-junction associated protein, Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) expression forms in a network between the photoreceptor segments and Müller cells processes. Thus, we hypothesized that AAA treatment alters the cone mosaic rings by disrupting the distal sealing formed by these fibrotic processes, either directly or indirectly, by down regulating the expression of ZO-1. Therefore, we examined these processes and ZO-1 expression at the outer retina after intravitreal injection of AAA and observed that AAA treatment transiently disrupts the distal glial sealing in RP retina, plus induces cones in rings to become more homogeneous. Moreover, ZO-1 expression is actively suppressed after 3 days of AAA treatment, which coincided with cone ring disruption. Similar modifications of glial sealing and cone distribution were observed after injection of siRNA to inhibit ZO-1 expression. These findings support our hypothesis and provide additional information about the critical role played by ZO-1 in glial sealing and shaping the ring mosaic in RP retina. These studies represent important advancements in the understanding of retinal degeneration's etiology and pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Qing Yu
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, United States of America
| | - Yun Sung Eom
- Mary D. Allen Laboratory for Vision Research, USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Jung-A Shin
- Mary D. Allen Laboratory for Vision Research, USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Divya Nair
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Sara X. Z. Grzywacz
- Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Norberto M. Grzywacz
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington D.C., United States of America
- Department of Physics, Georgetown University, Washington D.C., United States of America
| | - Cheryl Mae Craft
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Mary D. Allen Laboratory for Vision Research, USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Cell & Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Eun-Jin Lee
- Mary D. Allen Laboratory for Vision Research, USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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Marangoni D, Vijayasarathy C, Bush RA, Wei LL, Wen R, Sieving PA. Intravitreal Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor Transiently Improves Cone-Mediated Function in a CNGB3-/- Mouse Model of Achromatopsia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2016; 56:6810-22. [PMID: 26567794 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.15-16866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) was recently shown to augment cone function in CNGB3 mutant achromat dogs. However, testing CNTF-releasing implant in human CNGB3 achromats failed to show benefit. We evaluated the effects of CNTF protein on the retinal function in an additional achromatopsia model, the CNGB3-/- mouse. METHODS Fifty-nine CNGB3-/- mice (postnatal day [PD] ± SD = 30 ± 7) received a unilateral intravitreal injection of 1 or 2 μg CNTF protein, and 15 wild-type (WT) mice (PD = 34 ± 3) received 1 μg CNTF. Retinal function was evaluated by flash ERG and photopic flicker ERG (fERG) at 7 and 14 days after treatment. RESULTS Seven days post CNTF, the photopic b-wave Vmax was significantly increased in CNGB3-/- mice (P < 0.01), whereas it was reduced in WT mice (P < 0.05). Ciliary neurotrophic factor significantly increased the amplitude of photopic fERG and the photopic oscillatory potentials (OPs) in CNGB3-/- mice. Ciliary neurotrophic factor did not alter the scotopic a-wave in either CNGB3-/- or WT mice, but it increased the scotopic b-wave k (P < 0.01) in CNGB3-/- mice, indicating diminished scotopic sensitivity, and reduced the scotopic b-wave Vmax in WT mice (P < 0.05). No difference was found in ERG parameters between 1 or 2 μg CNTF. Fourteen days after CNTF injection the ERG changes in CNGB3-/- mice were lost. CONCLUSIONS Intravitreal bolus CNTF protein caused a small and transient improvement of cone-mediated function in CNGB3-/- mice, whereas it reduced rod-mediated function. The increase in photopic OPs and the lack of changes in scotopic a-wave suggest a CNTF effect on the inner retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Marangoni
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States 3Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Camasamudram Vijayasarathy
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Ronald A Bush
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Lisa L Wei
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Rong Wen
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Paul A Sieving
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States 2National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
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Tee JJL, Smith AJ, Hardcastle AJ, Michaelides M. RPGR-associated retinopathy: clinical features, molecular genetics, animal models and therapeutic options. Br J Ophthalmol 2016; 100:1022-7. [PMID: 26843488 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2015-307698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene sequence variants account for the vast majority of X linked retinitis pigmentosa (RP), which is one of the most severe forms of RP. Symptoms of nyctalopia typically begin in childhood, with increasing loss of peripheral visual field during teenage years, and progressive central visual loss during the second to fourth decade of life. There is however marked intrafamilial and interfamilial phenotypic heterogeneity in affected males and carrier females. There is now a far greater understanding of the range of phenotypes associated with variants in this gene; including rod-cone dystrophy, cone-rod dystrophy, cone dystrophy, macular dystrophy and non-ocular phenotypes. There are also increasingly established genotype-phenotype associations and structure-function correlations. RPGR is involved in ciliary function, with ciliary dysfunction now recognised as the mechanism underlying a large proportion of inherited retinal disease. There has been significant progress in identifying naturally occurring animal models and developing novel models to define the underlying disease mechanisms and to test gene replacement therapy, in addition to advances in human retinal imaging, culminating in completed and planned clinical trials. These significant developments will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J L Tee
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Alexander J Smith
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Alison J Hardcastle
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
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Patel AK, Akinsoji E, Hackam AS. Defining the Relationships Among Retinal Function, Layer Thickness and Visual Behavior During Oxidative Stress-Induced Retinal Degeneration. Curr Eye Res 2015; 41:977-86. [PMID: 26554945 DOI: 10.3109/02713683.2015.1083588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to identify how changes in retinal structure and function correlate with visual deficits during increasing amounts of retinal degeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retinal degeneration was induced in adult mice by subretinal injections of paraquat (PQ) (0.2-1 mM). Retinal anatomy and photoreceptor layer thickness were quantified by histology and optical coherence tomography (OCT), retinal function was measured using electroretinography (ERG), and visual behavior were measured by optokinetic tracking, at 1 to 3 week post-injury. RESULTS Photoreceptor layer structure, function and visual behavior declined at a linear rate over time following PQ-induced degeneration, with the correlations between outcome measures being lowest at mild injury levels and increasing with injury severity. Overall reductions in visual acuity were highly correlated with declines in retinal thickness (r(2) = 0.78) and function (r(2) = 0.67) and retinal thickness correlated with photoreceptor function (r(2) = 0.72). ERG a-wave scotopic amplitudes showed a stronger correspondence to retinal structure and visual behavior than b-waves. CONCLUSIONS Measurements of photoreceptor loss at the structural and functional levels showed good correspondence with degeneration-associated changes in visual behavior after oxidative stress injury. The results provide new insight about the relative kinetics of measurements of retinal degeneration induced by oxidative stress, which could guide the choice of optimal outcome measurements for other retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit K Patel
- a Bascom Palmer Eye Institute , University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , Miami , FL , USA
| | - Elizabeth Akinsoji
- a Bascom Palmer Eye Institute , University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , Miami , FL , USA
| | - Abigail S Hackam
- a Bascom Palmer Eye Institute , University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , Miami , FL , USA
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UTILIZATION OF FUNDUS AUTOFLUORESCENCE, SPECTRAL DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY, AND ENHANCED DEPTH IMAGING IN THE CHARACTERIZATION OF BIETTI CRYSTALLINE DYSTROPHY IN DIFFERENT STAGES. Retina 2015; 35:2074-84. [DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000000592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Horton JC, Parker AB, Botelho JV, Duncan JL. Spontaneous Regeneration of Human Photoreceptor Outer Segments. Sci Rep 2015; 5:12364. [PMID: 26213154 PMCID: PMC4515765 DOI: 10.1038/srep12364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptors are damaged in many common eye diseases, such as macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and retinitis pigmentosa. The development of methods to promote the repair or replacement of affected photoreceptors is a major goal of vision research. In this context, it would be useful to know whether photoreceptors are capable of undergoing some degree of spontaneous regeneration after injury. We report a subject who lost retinal function in a wide zone around the optic disc, giving rise to massive enlargement of the physiological blind spot. Imaging with an adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AOSLO) showed depletion of cone outer segments in the affected retina. A year later visual function had improved, with shrinkage of the enlarged blind spot. AOSLO imaging showed repopulation of cone outer segments, although their density remained below normal. There was a one-to-one match between sites of formerly missing outer segments and new outer segments that had appeared over the course of the year's recovery. This correspondence provided direct morphological evidence that damaged cones are capable, under some circumstances, of generating new outer segments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan C. Horton
- Beckman Vision Center University of California San Francisco San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
| | - Alicia B. Parker
- Beckman Vision Center University of California San Francisco San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
| | - James V. Botelho
- Beckman Vision Center University of California San Francisco San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
| | - Jacque L. Duncan
- Beckman Vision Center University of California San Francisco San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
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Pasquin S, Sharma M, Gauchat JF. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF): New facets of an old molecule for treating neurodegenerative and metabolic syndrome pathologies. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2015; 26:507-15. [PMID: 26187860 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2015.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is the most extensively studied member of the cytokine family that signal through intracellular chains of the gp130/LIFRβ receptor. The severe phenotype in patients suffering from mutations inactivating LIFRβ indicates that members of this cytokine family play key, non-redundant roles during development. Accordingly, three decades of research has revealed potent and promising trophic and regulatory activities of CNTF in neurons, oligodendrocytes, muscle cells, bone cells, adipocytes and retinal cells. These findings led to clinical trials to test the therapeutic potential of CNTF and CNTF derivatives for treating neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases. Promising results have encouraged continuation of studies for treating retinal degenerative diseases. Results of some clinical trials showed that side-effects may limit the systemically administrated doses of CNTF. Therefore, therapies being currently tested rely on local delivery of CNTF using encapsulated cytokine-secreting implants. Since the side effects of CNTF might be linked to its ability to activate the alternative IL6Rα-LIFRβ-gp130 receptor, CNTFR-specific mutants of CNTF have been developed that bind to the CNTFRα-LIFRβ-gp130 receptor. These developments may prove to be a breakthrough for therapeutic applications of systemically administered CNTF in pathologies such as multiple sclerosis or Alzheimer's disease. The "designer cytokine approach" offers future opportunities to further enhance specificity by conjugating mutant CNTF with modified soluble CNTFRα to target therapeutically relevant cells that express gp130-LIFRβ and a specific cell surface marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Pasquin
- Département de Pharmacologie, Université de Montréal, 2900 Édouard Montpetit, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Mukut Sharma
- Renal Division, KCVA Medical Center, 4801 Linwood Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA
| | - Jean-François Gauchat
- Département de Pharmacologie, Université de Montréal, 2900 Édouard Montpetit, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.
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Jankowiak W, Kruszewski K, Flachsbarth K, Skevas C, Richard G, Rüther K, Braulke T, Bartsch U. Sustained Neural Stem Cell-Based Intraocular Delivery of CNTF Attenuates Photoreceptor Loss in the nclf Mouse Model of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127204. [PMID: 25992714 PMCID: PMC4439090 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A sustained intraocular administration of neurotrophic factors is among the strategies aimed at establishing treatments for currently untreatable degenerative retinal disorders. In the present study we have analyzed the neuroprotective effects of a continuous neural stem (NS) cell-based intraocular delivery of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) on photoreceptor cells in the nclf mouse, an animal model of the neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder variant late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (vLINCL). To this aim, we genetically modified adherently cultivated NS cells with a polycistronic lentiviral vector encoding a secretable variant of CNTF together with a Venus reporter gene (CNTF-NS cells). NS cells for control experiments (control-NS cells) were modified with a vector encoding the reporter gene tdTomato. Clonal CNTF-NS and control-NS cell lines were established using fluorescent activated cell sorting and intravitreally grafted into 14 days old nclf mice at the onset of retinal degeneration. The grafted cells preferentially differentiated into astrocytes that were attached to the posterior side of the lenses and the vitreal side of the retinas and stably expressed the transgenes for at least six weeks, the latest post-transplantation time point analyzed. Integration of donor cells into host retinas, ongoing proliferation of grafted cells or adverse effects of the donor cells on the morphology of the host eyes were not observed. Quantitative analyses of host retinas two, four and six weeks after cell transplantation revealed the presence of significantly more photoreceptor cells in eyes with grafted CNTF-NS cells than in eyes with grafted control-NS cells. This is the first demonstration that a continuous intraocular administration of a neurotrophic factor attenuates retinal degeneration in an animal model of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanda Jankowiak
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Kruszewski
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kai Flachsbarth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christos Skevas
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gisbert Richard
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Rüther
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sankt Gertrauden-Krankenhaus, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Braulke
- Department of Biochemistry, Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Udo Bartsch
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Lipinski DM, Barnard AR, Singh MS, Martin C, Lee EJ, Davies WIL, MacLaren RE. CNTF Gene Therapy Confers Lifelong Neuroprotection in a Mouse Model of Human Retinitis Pigmentosa. Mol Ther 2015; 23:1308-1319. [PMID: 25896245 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2015.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The long-term outcome of neuroprotection as a therapeutic strategy for preventing cell death in neurodegenerative disorders remains unknown, primarily due to slow disease progression and the inherent difficulty of assessing neuronal survival in vivo. Employing a murine model of retinal disease, we demonstrate that ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) confers life-long protection against photoreceptor degeneration. Repetitive retinal imaging allowed the survival of intrinsically fluorescent cone photoreceptors to be quantified in vivo. Imaging of the visual cortex and assessment of visually-evoked behavioral responses demonstrated that surviving cones retain function and signal correctly to the brain. The mechanisms underlying CNTF-mediated neuroprotection were explored through transcriptome analysis, revealing widespread upregulation of proteolysis inhibitors, which may prevent cellular/extracellular matrix degradation and complement activation in neurodegenerative diseases. These findings provide insights into potential novel therapeutic avenues for diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, for which CNTF has been evaluated unsuccessfully in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Lipinski
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Alun R Barnard
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mandeep S Singh
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Chris Martin
- Department of Psychology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Edward J Lee
- Moorfields Eye Hospital & UCL NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Wayne I L Davies
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; School of Animal Biology and University of Western Australia Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital & UCL NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, London, UK.
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Ma S, Venkatesh A, Langellotto F, Le YZ, Hall MN, Rüegg MA, Punzo C. Loss of mTOR signaling affects cone function, cone structure and expression of cone specific proteins without affecting cone survival. Exp Eye Res 2015; 135:1-13. [PMID: 25887293 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Cones are the primary photoreceptor (PR) cells responsible for vision in humans. They are metabolically highly active requiring phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activity for long-term survival. One of the downstream targets of PI3K is the kinase mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which is a key regulator of cell metabolism and growth, integrating nutrient availability and growth factor signals. Both PI3K and mTOR are part of the insulin/mTOR signaling pathway, however if mTOR is required for long-term PR survival remains unknown. This is of particular interest since deregulation of this pathway in diabetes results in reduced PR function before the onset of any clinical signs of diabetic retinopathy. mTOR is found in two distinct complexes (mTORC1 & mTORC2) that are characterized by their unique accessory proteins RAPTOR and RICTOR respectively. mTORC1 regulates mainly cell metabolism in response to nutrient availability and growth factor signals, while mTORC2 regulates pro-survival mechanisms in response to growth factors. Here we analyze the effect on cones of loss of mTORC1, mTORC2 and simultaneous loss of mTORC1 & mTORC2. Interestingly, neither loss of mTORC1 nor mTORC2 affects cone function or survival at one year of age. However, outer and inner segment morphology is affected upon loss of either complex. In contrast, concurrent loss of mTORC1 and mTORC2 leads to a reduction in cone function without affecting cone viability. The data indicates that PI3K mediated pro-survival signals diverge upstream of both mTOR complexes in cones, suggesting that they are independent of mTOR activity. Furthermore, the data may help explain why PR function is reduced in diabetes, which can lead to deregulation of both mTOR complexes simultaneously. Finally, although mTOR is a key regulator of cell metabolism, and PRs are metabolically highly active, the data suggests that the role of mTOR in regulating the metabolic transcriptome in healthy cones is minimal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Ma
- Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, No. 251 Fu Kang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300384, PR China; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Aditya Venkatesh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Fernanda Langellotto
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Yun Z Le
- Department of Medicine Endocrinology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, BSEB 302G, 941 S L Young Blvd., Oklahoma City 73104, USA.
| | - Michael N Hall
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 70, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Markus A Rüegg
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 70, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Claudio Punzo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
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Chew EY, Clemons TE, Peto T, Sallo FB, Ingerman A, Tao W, Singerman L, Schwartz SD, Peachey NS, Bird AC. Ciliary neurotrophic factor for macular telangiectasia type 2: results from a phase 1 safety trial. Am J Ophthalmol 2015; 159:659-666.e1. [PMID: 25528956 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2014.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the safety and tolerability of intraocular delivery of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) using an encapsulated cell implant for the treatment of macular telangiectasia type 2. DESIGN An open-label safety trial conducted in 2 centers enrolling 7 participants with macular telangiectasia type 2. METHODS The participant's more severely affected eye (worse baseline visual acuity) received the high-dose implant of CNTF. Patients were followed for a period of 36 months. The primary safety outcome was a change in the parameters of the electroretinogram (ERG). Secondary efficacy outcomes were changes in visual acuity, en face measurements of the optical coherence tomography of the disruption in the ellipsoid zone, and microperimetry when compared with baseline. RESULTS The ERG findings demonstrated a reduction in the amplitude of the scotopic b-wave in 4 participants 3 months after implantation (month 3). All parameters returned to baseline values by month 12 and remained so at month 36 with no clinical impact on dark adaptation. There was no change in visual acuity compared with baseline. The area of the defect as measured functionally by microperimetry and structurally by the en face OCT imaging of the ellipsoid zone loss appeared unchanged from baseline. CONCLUSIONS The intraocular delivery of CNTF in the encapsulated cell implant appeared to be safe and well tolerated in eyes with macular telangiectasia type 2. Further evaluation in a randomized controlled clinical trial is warranted to test for efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Y Chew
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
| | | | - Tunde Peto
- National Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ferenc B Sallo
- Department of Research and Development, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; University College London, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Weng Tao
- Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, Cumberland, Rhode Island
| | | | | | - Neal S Peachey
- Cleveland Clinic, Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Ohio; Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Alan C Bird
- Department of Inherited Eye Disease, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Valverde-Megías A, Donate-López J, García-Gil-de-Bernabé J, Megías-Fresno A, García-Feijoo J. [Oct parameters as predictive factors for the visual outcome after ranibizumab therapy in neovascular age related macular degeneration]. ARCHIVOS DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE OFTALMOLOGIA 2015; 90:156-163. [PMID: 25620678 DOI: 10.1016/j.oftal.2014.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2013] [Revised: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate macular morphological parameters measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) as predictive factors of visual outcome in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treated with ranibizumab. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on 47 patients diagnosed with exudative AMD and treated with intravitreal ranibizumab for twelve months. Central retinal thickness (CRT), extension and thickness of modifications secondary to neovascular process, and status of the bands corresponding to the external limiting membrane (ELM) and to the ellipsoid region of the photoreceptors (ISe) were evaluated by means of SD-OCT. The relationship between these variables and visual acuity was analyzed by statistical methods. RESULTS At the time of the diagnosis, preservation of ELM and ISe bands, and CRT were correlated with initial visual acuity. Twelve months later, CRT and visual acuity were independent parameters. Bivariate relationship analysis showed a correlation between final visual acuity and the following parameters: initial CRT, initial ISe and ELM status, and ISe and ELM integrity after loading dose. Multiple regression analysis indicated that initial visual acuity and ISe band status after loading dose have a predictive value for final visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS The status of ISe and ELM bands after twelve months of treatment with ranibizumab was associated with visual outcome. Initial visual acuity and status of the ISe band after loading dose are prognostic factors of final visual acuity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Valverde-Megías
- Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, España.
| | - J Donate-López
- Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, España
| | | | - A Megías-Fresno
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular I, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, España
| | - J García-Feijoo
- Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, España; Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, España; Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Oftalmología (RETICS), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, España
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Syeda S, Patel AK, Lee T, Hackam AS. Reduced photoreceptor death and improved retinal function during retinal degeneration in mice lacking innate immunity adaptor protein MyD88. Exp Neurol 2015; 267:1-12. [PMID: 25725353 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2015.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Revised: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The injury inflammatory response mediated by the innate immune system is an important contributor to neurodegeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) and retina. A major branch of the innate immune system is regulated by the Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which are receptors for endogenous damage associated molecules released from injured cells as well as pathogen-derived molecules, and interleukin-1 receptors (IL-1R), which are activated by IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-18 cytokines. TLRs and IL-1R are expressed on immune and non-immune cell types and act as first responders to cell damage, which results in tissue repair, or inflammation and apoptosis. Both TLR and IL-1R require the adaptor protein myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) for signaling. Although inflammation is implicated in neuronal death in the retina, the role of MyD88-dependent TLR and IL-1R signaling in retinal degeneration is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of MyD88-mediated signaling in neuronal degeneration in the retinal degeneration 1 (rd1) mouse model, which exhibits a phenotype of rapid photoreceptor death and inflammation. To generate rd1 mice lacking the MyD88 gene, rd1 were bred with MyD88 knockout mice (MyD88(-/-)) for several generations to produce rd1/MyD88(+/+) and rd1/MyD88(-/-) genotypes. Chemokine mRNA expression levels were analyzed by qRT-PCR, and recruitment of activated microglia was quantified by immunodetection of the IBA-1 protein. Retinal outer nuclear layer cell counts were performed to quantify photoreceptor degeneration, and retinal function was assessed using electroretinograms (ERG). Our results revealed that retinal expression of Ccl2, Ccl4, Ccl7 and Cxcl10 was reduced by 2 to 8-fold in rd1/MyD88(-/-) mice compared with rd1/MyD88(+/+) mice (p<0.05), which coincided with attenuated microglial activation, higher numbers of photoreceptors and higher retina responses to photopic and scotopic stimuli. At later ages, rd1/MyD88(-/-) had reduced chemokine expression and higher photopic responses but no change in microglial recruitment compared with rd1 mice with functional MyD88. In conclusion, lack of MyD88-mediated signaling increased photoreceptor survival and retina function in rd1 mice, which implicates MyD88-mediated innate immunity pathways as an important pathogenic factor during retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Syeda
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, McKnight Bldg., Rm. 407, 1638 NW 10th Ave., Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Amit K Patel
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, McKnight Bldg., Rm. 407, 1638 NW 10th Ave., Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Tinthu Lee
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, McKnight Bldg., Rm. 407, 1638 NW 10th Ave., Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Abigail S Hackam
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, McKnight Bldg., Rm. 407, 1638 NW 10th Ave., Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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Patel AK, Surapaneni K, Yi H, Nakamura REI, Karli SZ, Syeda S, Lee T, Hackam AS. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in Muller glia protects photoreceptors in a mouse model of inherited retinal degeneration. Neuropharmacology 2014; 91:1-12. [PMID: 25486619 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The canonical Wnt/β-catenin ("Wnt") pathway is an essential signaling cascade in the embryonic central nervous system (CNS) that regulates neuronal differentiation and survival. Loss of Wnt signaling in developing and adult tissue has been implicated in numerous CNS diseases, but the precise role of Wnt in regulating neuronal survival, and how its absence could lead to disease, is not understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of Wnt activation on neuronal survival in the adult retina, and identified cellular and molecular mediators. Pan-retinal Wnt signaling activation using Wnt3a induced functional and morphological rescue of photoreceptor neurons in the rd10 mouse model of retinal degeneration. Furthermore, Wnt activation using constitutively active β-catenin specifically targeted to Muller glia increased photoreceptor survival and reduced markers of glial and neuronal remodeling. Wnt-induced photoreceptor protection was associated with elevated levels of the prosurvival protein Stat3, and was reduced by shRNA-mediated knock-down of Stat3, indicating cross-talk between survival pathways. Therefore, these data increase our understanding of the role of Wnt signaling in the retina, and identify radial Muller glia as important cellular mediators of Wnt activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit K Patel
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, USA
| | - Krishna Surapaneni
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, USA
| | - Hyun Yi
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, USA
| | - Rei E I Nakamura
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, USA
| | - Sapir Z Karli
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, USA
| | - Sarah Syeda
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, USA
| | - Tinthu Lee
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, USA
| | - Abigail S Hackam
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, USA.
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Ortín-Martínez A, Valiente-Soriano FJ, García-Ayuso D, Alarcón-Martínez L, Jiménez-López M, Bernal-Garro JM, Nieto-López L, Nadal-Nicolás FM, Villegas-Pérez MP, Wheeler LA, Vidal-Sanz M. A novel in vivo model of focal light emitting diode-induced cone-photoreceptor phototoxicity: neuroprotection afforded by brimonidine, BDNF, PEDF or bFGF. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113798. [PMID: 25464513 PMCID: PMC4252057 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We have investigated the effects of light-emitting diode (LED)-induced phototoxicity (LIP) on cone-photoreceptors and their protection with brimonidine (BMD), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) or basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). In anesthetized, dark adapted, adult albino rats a blue (400 nm) LED was placed perpendicular to the cornea (10 sec, 200 lux) and the effects were investigated using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) and/or analysing the retina in oriented cross-sections or wholemounts immune-labelled for L- and S-opsin and counterstained with the nuclear stain DAPI. The effects of topical BMD (1%) or, intravitreally injected BDNF (5 µg), PEDF (2 µg), CNTF (0.4 µg) or bFGF (1 µg) after LIP were examined on wholemounts at 7 days. SD-OCT showed damage in a circular region of the superotemporal retina, whose diameter varied from 1,842.4±84.5 µm (at 24 hours) to 1,407.7±52.8 µm (at 7 days). This region had a progressive thickness diminution from 183.4±5 µm (at 12 h) to 114.6±6 µm (at 7 d). Oriented cross-sections showed within the light-damaged region of the retina massive loss of rods and cone-photoreceptors. Wholemounts documented a circular region containing lower numbers of L- and S-cones. Within a circular area (1 mm or 1.3 mm radius, respectively) in the left and in its corresponding region of the contralateral-fellow-retina, total L- or S-cones were 7,118±842 or 661±125 for the LED exposed retinas (n = 7) and 14,040±1,860 or 2,255±193 for the fellow retinas (n = 7), respectively. BMD, BDNF, PEDF and bFGF but not CNTF showed significant neuroprotective effects on L- or S-cones. We conclude that LIP results in rod and cone-photoreceptor loss, and is a reliable, quantifiable model to study cone-photoreceptor degeneration. Intravitreal BDNF, PEDF or bFGF, or topical BMD afford significant cone neuroprotection in this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Ortín-Martínez
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Valiente-Soriano
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Diego García-Ayuso
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Luis Alarcón-Martínez
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Jiménez-López
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - José Manuel Bernal-Garro
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Leticia Nieto-López
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Manuel Nadal-Nicolás
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - María Paz Villegas-Pérez
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Larry A. Wheeler
- Zeteo Drug Discovery LLC, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
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