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Mathew DJ, Sivak JM. Lipid mediators in glaucoma: Unraveling their diverse roles and untapped therapeutic potential. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2024; 171:106815. [PMID: 38280539 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2024.106815] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a complex neurodegenerative disease characterized by optic nerve damage and visual field loss, and remains a leading cause of irreversible blindness. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a critical risk factor that requires effective management. Emerging research underscores dual roles of bioactive lipid mediators in both IOP regulation, and the modulation of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in glaucoma. Bioactive lipids, encompassing eicosanoids, specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), sphingolipids, and endocannabinoids, have emerged as crucial players in these processes, orchestrating inflammation and diverse effects on aqueous humor dynamics and tissue remodeling. Perturbations in these lipid mediators contribute to retinal ganglion cell loss, vascular dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Glaucoma management primarily targets IOP reduction via pharmacological agents and surgical interventions, with prostaglandin analogues at the forefront. Intriguingly, additional lipid mediators offer promise in attenuating inflammation and providing neuroprotection. Here we explore these pathways to shed light on their intricate roles, and to unveil novel therapeutic avenues for glaucoma management.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Mathew
- Donald K Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Toronto School of Medicine, Toronto, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto School of Medicine, Toronto, Canada
| | - J M Sivak
- Donald K Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Toronto School of Medicine, Toronto, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto School of Medicine, Toronto, Canada.
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Wang T, Soundararajan A, Rabinowitz J, Jaiswal A, Osborne T, Pattabiraman PP. Identification of the novel role of sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) in mechanotransduction and intraocular pressure regulation. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23248. [PMID: 37823226 PMCID: PMC10826798 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301185r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Trabecular meshwork (TM) cells are contractile and mechanosensitive, and they aid in maintaining intraocular pressure (IOP) homeostasis. Lipids are attributed to modulating TM contractility, with poor mechanistic understanding. In this study using human TM cells, we identify the mechanosensing role of the transcription factors sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) involved in lipogenesis. By constitutively activating SREBPs and pharmacologically inactivating SREBPs, we have mechanistically deciphered the attributes of SREBPs in regulating the contractile properties of TM. The pharmacological inhibition of SREBPs by fatostatin and molecular inactivation of SREBPs ex vivo and in vivo, respectively, results in significant IOP lowering. As a proof of concept, fatostatin significantly decreased the SREBPs responsive genes and enzymes involved in lipogenic pathways as well as the levels of the phospholipid, cholesterol, and triglyceride. Further, we show that fatostatin mitigated actin polymerization machinery and stabilization, and decreased ECM synthesis and secretion. We thus postulate that lowering lipogenesis in the TM outflow pathway can hold the key to lowering IOP by modifying the TM biomechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1160 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States of America
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Medical Neuroscience Graduate Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, 320 W. 15th Street, Indiana, 46202, United States of America
| | - Avinash Soundararajan
- Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1160 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Rabinowitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Anant Jaiswal
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Department of Medicine and Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, St. Petersburg, Florida, 33701, United States of America
| | - Timothy Osborne
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Department of Medicine and Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, St. Petersburg, Florida, 33701, United States of America
| | - Padmanabhan Paranji Pattabiraman
- Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1160 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States of America
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Medical Neuroscience Graduate Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, 320 W. 15th Street, Indiana, 46202, United States of America
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Wang T, Soundararajan A, Rabinowitz J, Jaiswal A, Osborne T, Pattabiraman PP. Identification of the novel role of sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) in mechanotransduction and intraocular pressure regulation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.05.527136. [PMID: 37214961 PMCID: PMC10197526 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.05.527136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Trabecular meshwork (TM) cells are highly contractile and mechanosensitive to aid in maintaining intraocular pressure (IOP) homeostasis. Lipids are attributed to modulating TM contractility with poor mechanistic understanding. In this study using human TM cells, we identify the mechanosensing role of the transcription factors sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) involved in lipogenesis. By constitutively activating SREBPs and pharmacologically inactivating SREBPs, we have mechanistically deciphered the attributes of SREBPs in regulating the contractile properties of TM. The pharmacological inhibition of SREBPs by fatostatin and molecular inactivation of SREBPs ex vivo and in vivo respectively results in significant IOP lowering. As a proof of concept, fatostatin significantly decreased the SREBPs responsive genes and enzymes involved in lipogenic pathways as well as the levels of the phospholipid, cholesterol, and triglyceride. Further, we show that fatostatin mitigated actin polymerization machinery and stabilization, and decreased ECM synthesis and secretion. We thus postulate that lowering lipogenesis in the TM outflow pathway can hold the key to lowering IOP by modifying the TM biomechanics. Synopsis In this study, we show the role of lipogenic transcription factors sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) in the regulation of intraocular pressure (IOP). ( Synopsis Figure - Created using Biorender.com ) SREBPs are involved in the sensing of changes in mechanical stress on the trabecular meshwork (TM). SREBPs aid in transducing the mechanical signals to induce actin polymerization and filopodia/lamellipodia formation.SREBPs inactivation lowered genes and enzymes involved in lipogenesis and modified lipid levels in TM.SREBPs activity is a critical regulator of ECM engagement to the matrix sites.Inactivation of SCAP-SREBP pathway lowered IOP via actin relaxation and decreasing ECM production and deposition in TM outflow pathway signifying a novel relationship between SREBP activation status and achieving IOP homeostasis.
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Kolko M, Mouhammad ZA, Cvenkel B. Is fat the future for saving sight? Bioactive lipids and their impact on glaucoma. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 245:108412. [PMID: 37037408 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is characterized by a continuous loss of retinal ganglion cells. The cause of glaucoma is associated with an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), but the underlying pathophysiology is diverse and, in most cases, unknown. There is an indisputable unmet need to identify new pathways involved in glaucoma pathogenesis. Increasing evidence suggests that bioactive lipids may be critical in the development and progression of glaucoma. Preclinical and clinical bioactive lipid targets exist and are being developed. In this review, we aim to shed light on the potential of bioactive lipids for the prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of glaucoma by asking the question "is fat the future for saving sight".
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Kolko
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Ophthalmology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark.
| | | | - Barbara Cvenkel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Eymery MC, McCarthy AA, Hausmann J. Linking medicinal cannabis to autotaxin-lysophosphatidic acid signaling. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201595. [PMID: 36623871 PMCID: PMC9834664 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Autotaxin is primarily known for the formation of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) from lysophosphatidylcholine. LPA is an important signaling phospholipid that can bind to six G protein-coupled receptors (LPA1-6). The ATX-LPA signaling axis is a critical component in many physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Here, we describe a potent inhibition of Δ9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound of medicinal cannabis and related cannabinoids, on the catalysis of two isoforms of ATX with nanomolar apparent EC50 values. Furthermore, we decipher the binding interface of ATX to THC, and its derivative 9(R)-Δ6a,10a-THC (6a10aTHC), by X-ray crystallography. Cellular experiments confirm this inhibitory effect, revealing a significant reduction of internalized LPA1 in the presence of THC with simultaneous ATX and lysophosphatidylcholine stimulation. Our results establish a functional interaction of THC with autotaxin-LPA signaling and highlight novel aspects of medicinal cannabis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias C Eymery
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Jens Hausmann
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Grenoble, Grenoble, France
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Chemical Biology Core Facility, Heidelberg, Germany
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Sharif N. Neuroaxonal and cellular damage/protection by prostanoid receptor ligands, fatty acid derivatives and associated enzyme inhibitors. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:5-17. [PMID: 35799502 PMCID: PMC9241399 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.343887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular and mitochondrial membrane phospholipids provide the substrate for synthesis and release of prostaglandins in response to certain chemical, mechanical, noxious and other stimuli. Prostaglandin D2, prostaglandin E2, prostaglandin F2α, prostaglandin I2 and thromboxane-A2 interact with five major receptors (and their sub-types) to elicit specific downstream cellular and tissue actions. In general, prostaglandins have been associated with pain, inflammation, and edema when they are present at high local concentrations and involved on a chronic basis. However, in acute settings, certain endogenous and exogenous prostaglandins have beneficial effects ranging from mediating muscle contraction/relaxation, providing cellular protection, regulating sleep, and enhancing blood flow, to lowering intraocular pressure to prevent the development of glaucoma, a blinding disease. Several classes of prostaglandins are implicated (or are considered beneficial) in certain central nervous system dysfunctions (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis; stroke, traumatic brain injuries and pain) and in ocular disorders (e.g., ocular hypertension and glaucoma; allergy and inflammation; edematous retinal disorders). This review endeavors to address the physiological/pathological roles of prostaglandins in the central nervous system and ocular function in health and disease, and provides insights towards the therapeutic utility of some prostaglandin agonists and antagonists, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and cyclooxygenase inhibitors.
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Soundararajan A, Wang T, Sundararajan R, Wijeratne A, Mosley A, Harvey FC, Bhattacharya S, Pattabiraman PP. Multiomics analysis reveals the mechanical stress-dependent changes in trabecular meshwork cytoskeletal-extracellular matrix interactions. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:874828. [PMID: 36176278 PMCID: PMC9513235 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.874828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Trabecular meshwork (TM) tissue is subjected to constant mechanical stress due to the ocular pulse created by the cardiac cycle. This brings about alterations in the membrane lipids and associated cell–cell adhesion and cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, triggering intracellular signaling responses to counter mechanical insults. A loss of such response can lead to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), a major risk factor for primary open-angle glaucoma. This study is aimed to understand the changes in signaling responses by TM subjected to mechanical stretch. We utilized multiomics to perform an unbiased mRNA sequencing to identify changes in transcripts, mass spectrometry- (MS-) based quantitative proteomics for protein changes, and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) profiling-based MS and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-) based MS to characterize the lipid changes. We performed pathway analysis to obtain an integrated map of TM response to mechanical stretch. The human TM cells subjected to mechanical stretch demonstrated an upregulation of protein quality control, oxidative damage response, pro-autophagic signal, induction of anti-apoptotic, and survival signaling. We propose that mechanical stretch-induced lipid signaling via increased ceramide and sphingomyelin potentially contributes to increased TM stiffness through actin-cytoskeleton reorganization and profibrotic response. Interestingly, increased phospholipids and diacylglycerol due to mechanical stretch potentially enable cell membrane remodeling and changes in signaling pathways to alter cellular contractility. Overall, we propose the mechanistic interplay of macromolecules to bring about a concerted cellular response in TM cells to achieve mechanotransduction and IOP regulation when TM cells undergo mechanical stretch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Soundararajan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Rekha Sundararajan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Aruna Wijeratne
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Center for Proteome Analysis, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Amber Mosley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Center for Proteome Analysis, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Faith Christine Harvey
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine at University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
- Miami Integrative Metabolomics Research Center, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Sanjoy Bhattacharya
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine at University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
- Miami Integrative Metabolomics Research Center, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Padmanabhan Paranji Pattabiraman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- *Correspondence: Padmanabhan Paranji Pattabiraman,
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Fibrotic Response of Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells to Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 3 and Autotaxin in Aqueous Humor. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091231. [PMID: 36139071 PMCID: PMC9496180 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examines the potential role of transforming growth factor-beta 3 (TGF-β3) on the fibrotic response of cultured human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells. The relationships and trans-signaling interactions between TGF-β3 and autotaxin (ATX) in HTM cells were also examined. The levels of TGF-β and ATX in the aqueous humor (AH) of patients were measured by an immunoenzymetric assay. The TGF-β3-induced expression of the fibrogenic markers, fibronectin, collagen type I alpha 1 chain, and alpha-smooth muscle actin, and ATX were examined by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunocytochemistry, and the trans-signaling regulatory effect of TGF-β3 on ATX expression was also evaluated. In HTM cells, the significant upregulation of ATX was induced by TGF-β3 at a concentration of 0.1 ng/mL, corresponding to the physiological concentration in the AH of patients with exfoliative glaucoma (XFG). However, higher concentrations of TGF-β3 significantly suppressed ATX expression. TGF-β3 regulated ATX transcription and signaling in HTM cells, inducing the upregulation of fibrogenic proteins in a dose-dependent manner. Trans-signaling of TGF-β3 regulated ATX transcription, protein expression, and signaling, and was thereby suggested to induce fibrosis of the trabecular meshwork. Modulation of trans-signaling between TGF-β3 and ATX may be key to elucidate the pathology of XFG, and for the development of novel treatment modalities.
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Hunziker D, Reinehr S, Palmhof M, Wagner N, Biniasch T, Stute G, Mattei P, Schmitz P, DiGiorgio P, Hert J, Rudolph MG, Benz J, Stihle M, Gsell B, Müller S, Gasser R, Schonhoven N, Ullmer C, Joachim SC. Synthesis, Characterization, and in vivo Evaluation of a Novel Potent Autotaxin-Inhibitor. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:699535. [PMID: 35126098 PMCID: PMC8807399 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.699535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The autotaxin-lysophosphatidic acid (ATX-LPA) signaling pathway plays a role in a variety of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or neurodegeneration. A link to the pathogenesis of glaucoma is suggested by an overactive ATX-LPA axis in aqueous humor samples of glaucoma patients. Analysis of such samples suggests that the ATX-LPA axis contributes to the fibrogenic activity and resistance to aqueous humor outflow through the trabecular meshwork. In order to inhibit or modulate this pathway, we developed a new series of ATX-inhibitors containing novel bicyclic and spirocyclic structural motifs. A potent lead compound (IC50 against ATX: 6 nM) with good in vivo PK, favorable in vitro property, and safety profile was generated. This compound leads to lowered LPA levels in vivo after oral administration. Hence, it was suitable for chronic oral treatment in two rodent models of glaucoma, the experimental autoimmune glaucoma (EAG) and the ischemia/reperfusion models. In the EAG model, rats were immunized with an optic nerve antigen homogenate, while controls received sodium chloride. Retinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) was induced by elevating the intraocular pressure (IOP) in one eye to 140 mmHg for 60 min, followed by reperfusion, while the other untreated eye served as control. Retinae and optic nerves were evaluated 28 days after EAG or 7 and 14 days after I/R induction. Oral treatment with the optimized ATX-inhibitor lead to reduced retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss in both glaucoma models. In the optic nerve, the protective effect of ATX inhibition was less effective compared to the retina and only a trend to a weakened neurofilament distortion was detectable. Taken together, these results provide evidence that the dysregulation of the ATX-LPA axis in the aqueous humor of glaucoma patients, in addition to the postulated outflow impairment, might also contribute to RGC loss. The observation that ATX-inhibitor treatment in both glaucoma models did not result in significant IOP increases or decreases after oral treatment indicates that protection from RGC loss due to inhibition of the ATX-LPA axis is independent of an IOP lowering effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hunziker
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Small Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sabrina Reinehr
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Marina Palmhof
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Natalie Wagner
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Biniasch
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Gesa Stute
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Patrizio Mattei
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Small Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Petra Schmitz
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Small Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Patrick DiGiorgio
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Small Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jérôme Hert
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Small Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus G. Rudolph
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Small Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Joerg Benz
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Small Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martine Stihle
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Small Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bernard Gsell
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Small Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Müller
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Small Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rodolfo Gasser
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Small Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nina Schonhoven
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Christoph Ullmer
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Pharma Research and Early Development, Ophthalmology Discovery, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Christoph Ullmer, ; Stephanie C. Joachim,
| | - Stephanie C. Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- *Correspondence: Christoph Ullmer, ; Stephanie C. Joachim,
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Autotaxin May Have Lysophosphatidic Acid-Unrelated Effects on Three-Dimension (3D) Cultured Human Trabecular Meshwork (HTM) Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222112039. [PMID: 34769470 PMCID: PMC8584821 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222112039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of the autotaxin (ATX)-lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signaling axis on the human trabecular meshwork (HTM) in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cultures of HTM cells. METHODS The effects were characterized by transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and FITC-dextran permeability (2D), measurements of size and stiffness (3D), and the expression of several genes, including extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules, their modulators, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related factors. RESULTS A one-day exposure to 200 nM LPA induced significant down-sizing effects of the 3D HTM spheroids, and these effects were enhanced slightly on longer exposure. The TEER and FITC-dextran permeability data indicate that LPA induced an increase in the barrier function of the 2D HTM monolayers. A one-day exposure to a 2 mg/L solution of ATX also resulted in a significant decrease in the sizes of the 3D HTM spheroids, and an increase in stiffness was also observed. The gene expression of several ECMs, their regulators and ER-stress related factors by the 3D HTM spheroids were altered by both ATX and LPA, but in different manners. CONCLUSIONS The findings presented herein suggest that ATX may have additional roles in the human TM, in addition to the ATX-LPA signaling axis.
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Liu Z, Li S, Qian X, Li L, Zhang H, Liu Z. RhoA/ROCK-YAP/TAZ Axis Regulates the Fibrotic Activity in Dexamethasone-Treated Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:728932. [PMID: 34552960 PMCID: PMC8450533 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.728932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
High intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor for glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness. Abnormal fibrotic activity in the human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells is considered to be partly responsible for the increased resistance of aqueous humor outflow and IOP. This study aimed to identify the fibrotic pathways using integrated bioinformatics and further elucidate their mechanism of regulating fibrotic activity in dexamethasone (DEX)-treated HTM cells. Microarray datasets from the GEO database were obtained and analyzed by GEO2R. Bioinformatics analyses, including GO and KEGG analyses, were performed to explore biological functions and signaling pathways of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The fibrotic pathways and targets were determined by western blot, RT-qPCR, or immunofluorescence staining. The cellular elastic modulus was measured using an atomic force microscope. A total of 204 DEGs, partly enriched in fibrotic activity (collagen-containing ECM, fibroblast activation) and Rap1, Ras, TGF-β, and Hippo pathways, were identified. Experimental results showed that DEX induced fibrotic activity and regulated the expression of RhoA/ROCK in HTM cells. Similarly, the constitutively active RhoA (RhoAG14V) also promoted the fibrotic activity of HTM cells. Mechanistically, RhoAG14V induced the expression and nuclear translocation of YAP/TAZ to produce CTGF. Moreover, inhibition of ROCK or YAP decreased the expression of Collagen I and α-SMA proteins induced by DEX or RhoAG14V in HTM cells. In conclusion, these results indicate that RhoA/ROCK-YAP/TAZ axis plays a crucial role in regulating the fibrotic activity of DEX-treated HTM cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhicheng Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuqing Qian
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhicheng Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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O'Regan A, O'Brien CJ, Eivers SB. The lysophosphatidic acid axis in fibrosis: Implications for glaucoma. Wound Repair Regen 2021; 29:613-626. [PMID: 34009724 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a common progressive optic neuropathy that results in visual field defects and can lead to irreversible blindness. The pathophysiology of glaucoma involves dysregulated extracellular matrix remodelling in both the trabecular meshwork in the anterior chamber and in the lamina cribrosa of the optic nerve head. Fibrosis in these regions leads to raised intraocular pressure and retinal ganglion cell degeneration, respectively. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid mediator which acts via six G-protein coupled receptors on the cell surface to activate intracellular pathways that promote cell proliferation, transcription and survival. LPA signalling has been implicated in both normal wound healing and pathological fibrosis. LPA enhances fibroblast proliferation, migration and contraction, and induces expression of pro-fibrotic mediators such as connective tissue growth factor. The LPA axis plays a major role in diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, where it has been identified as an important pharmacological target. In glaucoma, LPA is present in high levels in the aqueous humour, and its signalling has been found to increase resistance to aqueous humour outflow through altered trabecular meshwork cellular contraction and extracellular matrix deposition. LPA signalling may, therefore, also represent an attractive target for treatment of glaucoma. In this review we wish to describe the role of LPA and its related proteins in tissue fibrosis and glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy O'Regan
- UCD Clinical Research Centre, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Colm J O'Brien
- UCD Clinical Research Centre, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Ophthalmology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sarah B Eivers
- UCD Clinical Research Centre, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Yemanyi F, Raghunathan V. Lysophosphatidic Acid and IL-6 Trans-signaling Interact via YAP/TAZ and STAT3 Signaling Pathways in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:29. [PMID: 33216119 PMCID: PMC7683860 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.13.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and soluble interleukin-6 receptor (sIL6R) are elevated in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). LPA and IL6 modulate in response to biomechanical stimuli and converge on similar fibrotic phenotypes. Thus, we determined whether LPA and IL6 trans-signaling (IL6/sIL6R) interact via Yes-associated protein (YAP)/Transcriptional coactivator with a PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) or Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathways in human trabecular meshwork (hTM) cells. Methods Confluent primary hTM cells were serum starved for 24 hours, and treated with vehicle, LPA (20 µM), IL6 (100 ng/mL)/sIL6R (200 ng/mL), or both (LPA + IL6/sIL6R) for 24 hours, with or without a YAP inhibitor (verteporfin; 2 µM) or STAT3 inhibitor (2 µM). Expression of key receptors and ligands, signaling mediators, actomyosin machinery, cell contractility, and extracellular matrix (ECM) targets of both signaling pathways was determined by immunocytochemistry, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting. Results LPA and IL6 trans-signaling coupling overexpressed/activated receptors and ligands, glycoprotein-130, IL6, and autotaxin; signaling mediators, YAP, TAZ, Pan-TEAD, and phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3); actomyosin and contractile machinery components, myosin light chain 2 (MLC2), phosphorylated MLC2, rho-associated protein kinase 1, filamentous actin, and α-smooth muscle actin; and fibrotic ECM proteins, collagen I and IV, fibronectin, laminin, cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61, and connective tissue growth factor in hTM cells; mostly beyond LPA or IL6 trans-signaling alone. Verteporfin inhibited YAP, TAZ, and pSTAT3, with concomitant abrogation of aforementioned fibrotic targets; the STAT3 inhibitor was only partially effective. Conclusions These data suggest synergistic crosstalk between LPA and IL6 trans-signaling, mediated by YAP, TAZ, and pSTAT3. By completely inhibiting these mediators, verteporfin may be more efficacious in ameliorating LPA and/or IL6 trans-signaling–induced ocular hypertensive phenotypes in hTM cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Yemanyi
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States
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Aqueous autotaxin and TGF-βs are promising diagnostic biomarkers for distinguishing open-angle glaucoma subtypes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1408. [PMID: 33446826 PMCID: PMC7809106 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81048-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine if aqueous autotaxin (ATX) and TGF-β levels could be used for differentiating glaucoma subtypes. This prospective observational study was performed using aqueous humor samples obtained from 281 consecutive patients. Open angle glaucoma patients were classified into three groups: primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), secondary open-angle glaucoma (SOAG), and exfoliation glaucoma (XFG). Aqueous levels of ATX and TGF-βs were quantified. The AUC as well as sensitivity and specificity for the classification into normal and glaucoma subtypes using four indicators-ATX, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3, upon the application of three machine learning methods. ATX, TGF-β1, and TGF-β3 were positively correlated with IOP, and ATX was significantly and negatively correlated with the mean deviation. From least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis, the AUC values to distinguish each subgroup [normal, POAG, SOAG, and XFG] ranged between 0.675 (POAG vs. normal) and 0.966 (XFG vs. normal), when four variables were used. High AUC values were obtained with ATX for discriminating XFG from normal eyes and with TGF-β3 for discriminating XFG from normal eyes, POAG, or SOAG. Aqueous TGF-β and ATX exhibited high diagnostic performance in detecting glaucoma subtypes, and could be promising biomarkers for glaucoma.
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Milbeck SM, Bhattacharya SK. Alteration in Lysophospholipids and Converting Enzymes in Glaucomatous Optic Nerves. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:60. [PMID: 32602905 PMCID: PMC7415893 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.6.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine whether lysophospholipid (LPL) profiles and corresponding conversion enzymes in the LPL pathways are altered in the optic nerve (ON) between human control and glaucoma samples. Methods Lipids extracted from control (n = 11) and glaucomatous (n = 12) ON samples using the Bligh and Dyer method were subjected to high-resolution mass spectrometry on a Q-exactive mass spectrometer coupled with a high-performance liquid chromatography (Accela 600) system. Analysis was performed for LPLs (lysophosphatidylcholines, lysophosphatidylserines, lysophosphatidylethanolamines, lysophosphatidylinositols, and lysosphingomyelines) using LipidSearch v.4.1, MZmine v.2.0, and MetaboAnalyst v.4.0. LPL synthesis and degradation pathway maps, utilizing UniProt and BRENDA database entries as needed, were created using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG)-based tools. The mRNA expression level in normal and glaucomatous human ON were analyzed using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) entry GSE45570. Protein amounts were determined using PHAST gel and dot blot and were used for normalization of protein amounts across samples. Western blot, ELISA, and protein quantification were performed using established protocols. Results Principal component analysis of ON LPL profile placed control and glaucomatous ONs in two distinct separate groups. Mass spectrometric analysis of ON revealed decrease in lysophosphatidic acid, lysophosphatidylethanolamine, lysophosphatidylcholine, and significant increase in diacylglycerol in glaucomatous ON. Statistical analysis of LPL conversion enzymes revealed significant overexpression of phosphatidate phosphatase LPIN2, phospholipid phosphatase 3, phosphatidylcholine-sterol acyltransferase, and calcium-dependent phospholipase 2, and significant downregulation of glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 4 at mRNA level in glaucomatous ON. Western blot and ELISA confirmed proteomic differences between normal and diseased ON. Conclusions Our analysis revealed alterations in specific LPL levels and corresponding select enzyme-level changes in glaucomatous ON.
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Amaral RF, Geraldo LHM, Einicker-Lamas M, E Spohr TCLDS, Mendes F, Lima FRS. Microglial lysophosphatidic acid promotes glioblastoma proliferation and migration via LPA 1 receptor. J Neurochem 2020; 156:499-512. [PMID: 32438456 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastomas (GBMs) are highly aggressive primary brain tumors characterized by cellular heterogeneity, insensitivity to chemotherapy and poor patient survival. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a lysophospholipid that acts as a bioactive signaling molecule and plays important roles in diverse biological events during development and disease, including several cancer types. Microglial cells, the resident macrophages of the central nervous system, express high levels of Autotaxin (ATX,Enpp2), an enzyme that synthetizes LPA. Our study aimed to investigate the role of LPA on tumor growth and invasion in the context of microglia-GBM interaction. First, through bioinformatics studies, patient data analysis demonstrated that more aggressive GBM expressed higher levels of ENPP2, which was also associated with worse patient prognosis with proneural GBM. Using GBM-microglia co-culture system we then demonstrated that GBM secreted factors were able to increase LPA1 and ATX in microglia, which could be further enhanced by hypoxia. On the other hand, interaction with microglial cells also increased ATX expression in GBM. Furthermore, microglial-induced GBM proliferation and migration could be inhibited by pharmacological inhibition of LPA1 , suggesting that microglial-derived LPA could support tumor growth and invasion. Finally, increased LPA1 expression was observed in GBM comparing with other gliomas and could be also associated with worse patient survival. These results show for the first time a microglia-GBM interaction through the LPA pathway with relevant implications for tumor progression. A better understanding of this interaction can lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies setting LPA as a potential target for GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rackele F Amaral
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luiz H M Geraldo
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Einicker-Lamas
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tania C L de S E Spohr
- Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer - Secretaria de Estado de Saúde, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fabio Mendes
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Flavia R S Lima
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Molecular taxonomy of human ocular outflow tissues defined by single-cell transcriptomics. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:12856-12867. [PMID: 32439707 PMCID: PMC7293718 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2001896117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular hypertension is the primary and only modifiable risk factor for glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Intraocular pressure is regulated homeostatically by resistance to aqueous humor outflow through an architecturally complex tissue, the conventional/trabecular pathway. In this study, we generated a comprehensive cell atlas of the human trabecular meshwork and neighboring tissues using single-cell RNA sequencing. We identified 12 distinct cell types and mapped region-specific expression of candidate genes. The utility of our atlas was demonstrated by mapping glaucoma-relevant genes to conventional outflow cell types. Our study provides a comprehensive molecular and cellular classification of tissue structures responsible for intraocular pressure homeostasis in health and dysregulation in disease. The conventional outflow pathway is a complex tissue responsible for maintaining intraocular pressure (IOP) homeostasis. The coordinated effort of multiple cells with differing responsibilities ensures healthy outflow function and IOP maintenance. Dysfunction of one or more resident cell types results in ocular hypertension and risk for glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. In this study, single-cell RNA sequencing was performed to generate a comprehensive cell atlas of human conventional outflow tissues. We obtained expression profiles of 17,757 genes from 8,758 cells from eight eyes of human donors representing the outflow cell transcriptome. Upon clustering analysis, 12 distinct cell types were identified, and region-specific expression of candidate genes was mapped in human tissues. Significantly, we identified two distinct expression patterns (myofibroblast- and fibroblast-like) from cells located in the trabecular meshwork (TM), the primary structural component of the conventional outflow pathway. We also located Schwann cell and macrophage signatures in the TM. The second primary component structure, Schlemm’s canal, displayed a unique combination of lymphatic/blood vascular gene expression. Other expression clusters corresponded to cells from neighboring tissues, predominantly in the ciliary muscle/scleral spur, which together correspond to the uveoscleral outflow pathway. Importantly, the utility of our atlas was demonstrated by mapping glaucoma-relevant genes to outflow cell clusters. Our study provides a comprehensive molecular and cellular classification of conventional and unconventional outflow pathway structures responsible for IOP homeostasis.
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Peyruchaud O, Saier L, Leblanc R. Autotaxin Implication in Cancer Metastasis and Autoimunne Disorders: Functional Implication of Binding Autotaxin to the Cell Surface. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 12:cancers12010105. [PMID: 31906151 PMCID: PMC7016970 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autotaxin (ATX) is an exoenzyme which, due to its unique lysophospholipase D activity, is responsible for the synthesis of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). ATX activity is responsible for the concentration of LPA in the blood. ATX expression is increased in various types of cancers, including breast cancer, where it promotes metastasis. The expression of ATX is also remarkably increased under inflammatory conditions, particularly in the osteoarticular compartment, where it controls bone erosion. Biological actions of ATX are mediated by LPA. However, the phosphate head group of LPA is highly sensitive to degradation by the action of lipid phosphate phosphatases, resulting in LPA inactivation. This suggests that for efficient action, LPA requires protection, which is potentially achieved through docking to a carrier protein. Interestingly, recent reports suggest that ATX might act as a docking molecule for LPA and also support the concept that binding of ATX to the cell surface through its interaction with adhesive molecules (integrins, heparan sulfate proteoglycans) could facilitate a rapid route of delivering active LPA to its cell surface receptors. This new mechanism offers a new vision of how ATX/LPA works in cancer metastasis and inflammatory bone diseases, paving the way for new therapeutic developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Peyruchaud
- INSERM, Unit 1033, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69372 Lyon, France;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +3-34-78-77-86-72
| | - Lou Saier
- INSERM, Unit 1033, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69372 Lyon, France;
| | - Raphaël Leblanc
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Institut Poli-Calmettes, INSERM, Unit 1068, University Aix/Marseille, 13009 Marseille, France;
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Nagano N, Honjo M, Kawaguchi M, Nishimasu H, Nureki O, Kano K, Aoki J, Komatsu T, Okabe T, Kojima H, Nagano T, Aihara M. Development of a Novel Intraocular-Pressure-Lowering Therapy Targeting ATX. Biol Pharm Bull 2019; 42:1926-1935. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b19-00567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Norimichi Nagano
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
| | - Megumi Honjo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
| | | | | | - Osamu Nureki
- Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo
| | - Kuniyuki Kano
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST)
| | - Junken Aoki
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST)
| | - Toru Komatsu
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo
| | | | | | | | - Makoto Aihara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
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20
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Ho LTY, Osterwald A, Ruf I, Hunziker D, Mattei P, Challa P, Vann R, Ullmer C, Rao PV. Role of the autotaxin-lysophosphatidic acid axis in glaucoma, aqueous humor drainage and fibrogenic activity. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165560. [PMID: 31648019 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Ocular hypertension due to impaired aqueous humor (AH) drainage through the trabecular meshwork (TM) is a major risk factor for glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness. However, the etiology of ocular hypertension remains unclear. Although autotaxin, a secreted lysophospholipase D and its catalytic product lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) have been shown to modulate AH drainage through TM, we do not have a complete understanding of their role and regulation in glaucoma patients, TM and AH outflow. This study reports a significant increase in the levels of autotaxin, lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), LPA and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in the AH of Caucasian and African American open angle glaucoma patients relative to age-matched non-glaucoma patients. Treatment of human TM cells with dexamethasone, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) increased the levels of autotaxin protein, a response that was mitigated by inhibitors of glucocorticoid receptor, NF-kB and SMAD3. Dexamethasone, TNF-α, IL-1β and LPC treatment of TM cells also led to an increase in the levels of CTGF, fibronectin and collagen type 1 in an autotaxin dependent manner. Additionally, in perfused enucleated mouse eyes, autotaxin and LPC were noted to decrease, while inhibition of autotaxin was increased aqueous outflow through the TM. Taken together, these results provide additional evidence for dysregulation of the autotaxin-LPA axis in the AH of glaucoma patients, reveal molecular insights into the regulation of autotaxin expression in TM cells and the consequences of autotaxin inhibitors in suppressing the fibrogenic response and resistance to AH outflow through the TM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leona T Y Ho
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Anja Osterwald
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Iris Ruf
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Hunziker
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Patrizio Mattei
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pratap Challa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Robin Vann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Christoph Ullmer
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Ponugoti Vasanth Rao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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Rossi C, Cicalini I, Cufaro MC, Agnifili L, Mastropasqua L, Lanuti P, Marchisio M, De Laurenzi V, Del Boccio P, Pieragostino D. Multi-Omics Approach for Studying Tears in Treatment-Naïve Glaucoma Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20164029. [PMID: 31426571 PMCID: PMC6721157 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20164029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) represents the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and is a multifactorial, chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by retinal ganglion cell and visual field loss. There are many factors that are associated with the risk of developing POAG, with increased intraocular pressure being one of the most prevalent. Due to the asymptomatic nature of the disease, the diagnosis of POAG often occurs too late, which necessitates development of new effective screening strategies for early diagnosis of the disease. However, this task still remains unfulfilled. In order to provide further insights into the pathophysiology of POAG, we applied a targeted metabolomics strategy based on a high-throughput screening method for the determination of tear amino acids, free carnitine, acylcarnitines, succinylacetone, nucleosides, and lysophospholipids in naïve to therapy glaucomatous patients and normal controls. Also, we conducted proteomic analyses of the whole lacrimal fluid and purified extracellular vesicles obtained from POAG patients and healthy subjects. This multi-omics approach allowed us to conclude that POAG patients had lower levels of certain tear amino acids and lysophospholipids compared with controls. These targeted analyses also highlighted the low amount of acetylcarnitine (C2) in POAG patient which correlated well with proteomics data. Moreover, POAG tear proteins seemed to derive from extracellular vesicles, which carried a specific pro-inflammatory protein cargo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Rossi
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University ''G. d'Annunzio'' of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University ''G. d'Annunzio'' of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cicalini
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University ''G. d'Annunzio'' of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Cufaro
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University ''G. d'Annunzio'' of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, University ''G. d'Annunzio'' of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Luca Agnifili
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Opthalmic Clinic, Ss Annunziata Hospital, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Leonardo Mastropasqua
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Opthalmic Clinic, Ss Annunziata Hospital, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Paola Lanuti
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco Marchisio
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Laurenzi
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University ''G. d'Annunzio'' of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University ''G. d'Annunzio'' of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Piero Del Boccio
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University ''G. d'Annunzio'' of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, University ''G. d'Annunzio'' of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Damiana Pieragostino
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University ''G. d'Annunzio'' of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University ''G. d'Annunzio'' of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
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Pleotropic Roles of Autotaxin in the Nervous System Present Opportunities for the Development of Novel Therapeutics for Neurological Diseases. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 57:372-392. [PMID: 31364025 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01719-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Autotaxin (ATX) is a soluble extracellular enzyme that is abundant in mammalian plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It has two known enzymatic activities, acting as both a phosphodiesterase and a phospholipase. The majority of its biological effects have been associated with its ability to liberate lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) from its substrate, lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). LPA has diverse pleiotropic effects in the central nervous system (CNS) and other tissues via the activation of a family of six cognate G protein-coupled receptors. These LPA receptors (LPARs) are expressed in some combination in all known cell types in the CNS where they mediate such fundamental cellular processes as proliferation, differentiation, migration, chronic inflammation, and cytoskeletal organization. As a result, dysregulation of LPA content may contribute to many CNS and PNS disorders such as chronic inflammatory or neuropathic pain, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), hemorrhagic hydrocephalus, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, metabolic syndrome-induced brain damage, traumatic brain injury, hepatic encephalopathy-induced cerebral edema, macular edema, major depressive disorder, stress-induced psychiatric disorder, alcohol-induced brain damage, HIV-induced brain injury, pruritus, and peripheral nerve injury. ATX activity is now known to be the primary biological source of this bioactive signaling lipid, and as such, represents a potentially high-value drug target. There is currently one ATX inhibitor entering phase III clinical trials, with several additional preclinical compounds under investigation. This review discusses the physiological and pathological significance of the ATX-LPA-LPA receptor signaling axis and summarizes the evidence for targeting this pathway for the treatment of CNS diseases.
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Vroemen PAMM, Gorgels TGMF, Webers CAB, de Boer J. Modeling the Mechanical Parameters of Glaucoma. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2019; 25:412-428. [PMID: 31088331 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2019.0044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a major eye disease characterized by a progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Biomechanical forces as a result of hydrostatic pressure and strain play a role in this disease. Decreasing intraocular pressure is the only available therapy so far, but is not always effective and does not prevent blindness in many cases. There is a need for drugs that protect RGCs from dying in glaucoma; to develop these, we need valid glaucoma and drug screening models. Since in vivo models are unsuitable for screening purposes, we focus on in vitro and ex vivo models in this review. Many groups have studied pressure and strain model systems to mimic glaucoma, to investigate the molecular and cellular events leading to mechanically induced RGC death. Therefore, the focus of this review is on the different mechanical model systems used to mimic the biomechanical forces in glaucoma. Most models use either cell or tissue strain, or fluid- or gas-controlled hydrostatic pressure application and apply it to the relevant cell types such as trabecular meshwork cells, optic nerve head astrocytes, and RGCs, but also to entire eyes. New model systems are warranted to study concepts and test experimental compounds for the development of new drugs to protect vision in glaucoma patients. Impact Statement The outcome of currently developed models to investigate mechanically induced retinal ganglion cell death by applying different mechanical strains varies widely. This suggests that a robust glaucoma model has not been developed yet. However, a comprehensive overview of current developments is not available. In this review, we have therefore assessed what has been done before and summarized the available knowledge in the field, which can be used to develop improved models for glaucoma research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal A M M Vroemen
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration (CTR), MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Theo G M F Gorgels
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carroll A B Webers
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan de Boer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Structures, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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Review of Biomarkers in Ocular Matrices: Challenges and Opportunities. Pharm Res 2019; 36:40. [PMID: 30673862 PMCID: PMC6344398 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-019-2569-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Biomarkers provide a powerful and dynamic approach to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying ocular diseases with applications in diagnosis, disease modulation or for predicting and monitoring of clinical response to treatment. Defined as measurable indicator of normal or pathological processes, biomarker evaluation has been used extensively in drug development within clinical settings to better comprehend effectiveness of treatment in ocular diseases. Biomarkers in the eye have the advantage of access to multiple ocular matrices via minimally invasive methods. Repeat sampling for biomarker assessment has enabled reproducible objective measures of disease process or biological responses to a drug treatment. This review describes the usage of biomarkers with respect to four commonly sampled ocular matrices in clinic: tears, conjunctiva, aqueous humor and vitreous. Issues that affect the evaluation of biomarkers are discussed along with opportunities to leverage biomarkers such that ultimately, they can be used for customized targeted therapy.
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Ho LTY, Skiba N, Ullmer C, Rao PV. Lysophosphatidic Acid Induces ECM Production via Activation of the Mechanosensitive YAP/TAZ Transcriptional Pathway in Trabecular Meshwork Cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:1969-1984. [PMID: 29677358 PMCID: PMC5896423 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-23702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a bioactive lipid, has been shown to increase resistance to aqueous humor outflow (AH) through the trabecular meshwork (TM). The molecular basis for this response of the TM to LPA, however, is not completely understood. In this study, we explored the possible involvement of mechanosensitive Yes-associated protein (YAP) and its paralog, transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding domain (TAZ), transcriptional activation in extracellular matrix (ECM) production by LPA-induced contractile activity in human TM cells (HTM). Methods The responsiveness of genes encoding LPA receptors (LPARs), LPA hydrolyzing lipid phosphate phosphatases (LPPs), and the LPA-generating autotaxin (ATX) to cyclic mechanical stretch in HTM cells, was evaluated by RT-quantitative (q)PCR. The effects of LPA and LPA receptor antagonists on actomyosin contractile activity, activation of YAP/TAZ, and levels of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and Cyr61 and ECM proteins in HTM cells were determined by immunoblotting, mass spectrometry, and immunofluorescence analyses. Results Cyclic mechanical stretch significantly increased the expression of several types of LPARs, LPP1, and ATX in HTM cells. LPA and LPA receptor–dependent contractile activity led to increases in both, the protein levels and activation of YAP/TAZ, and increased the levels of CTGF, Cyr61, α-smooth muscle actin (α–SMA), and ECM proteins in HTM cells. Conclusions The results of this study reveal that LPA and its receptors stimulate YAP/TAZ transcriptional activity in HTM cells by modulating cellular contractile tension, and augment expression of CTGF that in turn leads to increased production of ECM. Therefore, YAP/TAZ-induced increases in CTGF and ECM production could be an important molecular mechanism underlying LPA-induced resistance to AH outflow and ocular hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leona T Y Ho
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Nikolai Skiba
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Christoph Ullmer
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ponugoti Vasantha Rao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States
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26
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Leblanc R, Houssin A, Peyruchaud O. Platelets, autotaxin and lysophosphatidic acid signalling: win-win factors for cancer metastasis. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:3100-3110. [PMID: 29777586 PMCID: PMC6031885 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Platelets play a crucial role in the survival of metastatic cells in the blood circulation. The interaction of tumour cells with platelets leads to the production of plethoric factors among which our review will focus on lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), because platelets are the highest producers of this bioactive lysophospholipid in the organism. LPA promotes platelet aggregation, and blocking platelet function decreases LPA signalling and leads to inhibition of breast cancer cell metastasis. Autotaxin (ATX), a lysophospholipase D responsible for the basal concentration of LPA in blood, was detected in platelet α-granules. Functionally, active ATX is eventually released following tumour cell-induced platelet aggregation, thereby promoting metastasis. Megakaryocytes do not express ATX but respond to LPA stimulation. Whether LPA-primed megakaryocytes contribute to the recently reported negative action of megakaryocytes on cancer metastasis is not yet known. However, an understanding of the ATX/LPA signalling pathways in platelets, cancer cells and megakaryocytes opens up new approaches for fighting cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Leblanc
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Audrey Houssin
- INSERM, UMR_S1033, Université Claude Bernard Lyon-1, Lyon, France
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Igarashi N, Honjo M, Kurano M, Yatomi Y, Igarashi K, Kano K, Aoki J, Aihara M. Increased aqueous autotaxin and lysophosphatidic acid levels are potential prognostic factors after trabeculectomy in different types of glaucoma. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11304. [PMID: 30054520 PMCID: PMC6063955 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29649-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We explored the potential relevance of aqueous lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and autotaxin (ATX) levels on postoperative outcomes of trabeculectomy, and the effects of ATX on fibrotic response in cultured human conjunctiva fibroblast (HCF) cells. We enrolled 70 glaucomatous eyes which underwent trabeculectomy, and quantified aqueous LPA and ATX. Those eyes were followed up for 12 months, and postoperative filtering blebs were evaluated using anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Also, the ATX-induced fibrotic changes in HCFs and the effects of an ATX inhibitor were assessed. Measured aqueous ATX and LPA levels were significantly different between glaucoma subtypes. In multivariate analyses, aqueous ATX levels were significantly correlated with the presence of needlings at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Exfoliative glaucoma, whose ATX level was significantly high, showed significantly increased numbers of needlings and a lower cumulative success rate without needlings. An in vitro study showed that fibrotic changes were upregulated by ATX treatment in HCFs, which was significantly suppressed by an ATX inhibitor. We presently demonstrate that aqueous ATX may be a prognostic factor affecting the fibrotic response in HCFs and bleb formation, and inhibition of ATX could be a therapeutic target after trabeculectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomi Igarashi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Megumi Honjo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Kurano
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,CREST, Japan Science and Technology Corporation (JST), Saitama, Japan
| | - Yutaka Yatomi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,CREST, Japan Science and Technology Corporation (JST), Saitama, Japan.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Igarashi
- Bioscience Division, Reagent Development Department, AIA Research Group, TOSOH Corporation, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kuniyuki Kano
- CREST, Japan Science and Technology Corporation (JST), Saitama, Japan.,Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Junken Aoki
- CREST, Japan Science and Technology Corporation (JST), Saitama, Japan.,Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Makoto Aihara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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Lidgerwood GE, Morris AJ, Conquest A, Daniszewski M, Rooney LA, Lim SY, Hernández D, Liang HH, Allen P, Connell PP, Guymer RH, Hewitt AW, Pébay A. Role of lysophosphatidic acid in the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2018; 1863:750-761. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2018.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Dang Y, Waxman S, Wang C, Loewen RT, Sun M, Loewen NA. A porcine ex vivo model of pigmentary glaucoma. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5468. [PMID: 29615741 PMCID: PMC5882895 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23861-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigment dispersion can lead to pigmentary glaucoma, a poorly understood condition of younger myopic eyes with fluctuating high intraocular pressure. It has been difficult to investigate its pathogenesis without a model similar to human eyes in size and behavior. Here we present a porcine ex vivo model that recreates several features of pigmentary glaucoma, including intraocular hypertension, accumulation of pigment in the trabecular meshwork, and declining phagocytosis. We found that trabecular meshwork cells regulate outflow, form actin stress fibers, and have a decreased phagocytic activity. Gene expression microarrays and a pathway analysis of TM monolayers as well as ex vivo anterior segment perfusion cultures indicated that RhoA plays a central role in regulating the cytoskeleton, motility, and phagocytosis in the trabecular meshwork, providing new insights and targets to investigate in pigmentary glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalong Dang
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States of America
| | - Susannah Waxman
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States of America
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ralitsa T Loewen
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States of America
| | - Ming Sun
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States of America
| | - Nils A Loewen
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States of America.
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30
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Impact of the clinical use of ROCK inhibitor on the pathogenesis and treatment of glaucoma. Jpn J Ophthalmol 2018; 62:109-126. [DOI: 10.1007/s10384-018-0566-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Wang X, Huai G, Wang H, Liu Y, Qi P, Shi W, Peng J, Yang H, Deng S, Wang Y. Mutual regulation of the Hippo/Wnt/LPA/TGF‑β signaling pathways and their roles in glaucoma (Review). Int J Mol Med 2017; 41:1201-1212. [PMID: 29286147 PMCID: PMC5819904 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.3352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and there is no effective treatment thus far. The trabecular meshwork has been identified as the major pathological area involved. Certain signaling pathways in the trabecular meshwork, including the Wnt, lysophosphatidic acid and transforming growth factor-β pathways, have been identified as novel therapeutic targets in glaucoma treatment. Meanwhile, it has been reported that key proteins in these pathways, particularly the primary transcription regulator Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), exhibit interactions with the Hippo pathway. The Hippo pathway, which was first identified in Drosophila, has drawn great focus with regard to various aspects of studies in recent years. One role of the Hippo pathway in the regulation of organ size was indicated by more recent evidence. Defining the relevant physiological function of the Hippo pathway has proven to be extremely complicated. Studies have ascribed a role for the Hippo pathway in an overwhelming number of processes, including cell proliferation, cell death and cell differentiation. Therefore, the present review aimed to unravel the roles of YAP and TAZ in the Hippo pathway and the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Furthermore, a new and creative study for the treatment of glaucoma is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610054, P.R. China
| | - Guoli Huai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610054, P.R. China
| | - Hailian Wang
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
| | - Yuande Liu
- 91388 Military Hospital, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524022, P.R. China
| | - Ping Qi
- Department of Pediatrics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Pediatrics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
| | - Jie Peng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610054, P.R. China
| | - Hongji Yang
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
| | - Shaoping Deng
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610054, P.R. China
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32
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The exit strategy: Pharmacological modulation of extracellular matrix production and deposition for better aqueous humor drainage. Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 787:32-42. [PMID: 27112663 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.04.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is an optic neuropathy and an irreversible blinding disease. The etiology of glaucoma is not known but numerous risk factors are associated with this disease including aging, elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), race, myopia, family history and use of steroids. In POAG, the resistance to the aqueous humor drainage is increased leading to elevated IOP. Lowering the resistance and ultimately the IOP has been the only way to slow disease progression and prevent vision loss. The primary drainage pathway comprising of the trabecular meshwork (TM) is made up of relatively large porous beams surrounded by extracellular matrix (ECM). Its juxtacanalicular tissue (JCT) or the cribriform meshwork is made up of cells embedded in dense ECM. The JCT is considered to offer the major resistance to the aqueous humor outflow. This layer is adjacent to the endothelial cells forming Schlemm's canal, which provides approximately 10% of the outflow resistance. The ECM in the TM and the JCT undergoes continual remodeling to maintain normal resistance to aqueous humor outflow. It is believed that the TM is a major contributor of ECM proteins and evidence points towards increased ECM deposition in the outflow pathway in POAG. It is not clear how and from where the ECM components emerge to hinder the normal aqueous humor drainage. This review focuses on the involvement of the ECM in ocular hypertension and glaucoma and the mechanisms by which various ocular hypotensive drugs, both current and emerging, target ECM production, remodeling, and deposition.
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33
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The Autotaxin-Lysophosphatidic Acid Axis Modulates Histone Acetylation and Gene Expression during Oligodendrocyte Differentiation. J Neurosci 2015; 35:11399-414. [PMID: 26269646 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0345-15.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED During development, oligodendrocytes (OLGs), the myelinating cells of the CNS, undergo a stepwise progression during which OLG progenitors, specified from neural stem/progenitor cells, differentiate into fully mature myelinating OLGs. This progression along the OLG lineage is characterized by well synchronized changes in morphology and gene expression patterns. The latter have been found to be particularly critical during the early stages of the lineage, and they have been well described to be regulated by epigenetic mechanisms, especially by the activity of the histone deacetylases HDAC1 and HDAC2. The data presented here identify the extracellular factor autotaxin (ATX) as a novel upstream signal modulating HDAC1/2 activity and gene expression in cells of the OLG lineage. Using the zebrafish as an in vivo model system as well as rodent primary OLG cultures, this functional property of ATX was found to be mediated by its lysophospholipase D (lysoPLD) activity, which has been well characterized to generate the lipid signaling molecule lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). More specifically, the lysoPLD activity of ATX was found to modulate HDAC1/2 regulated gene expression during a time window coinciding with the transition from OLG progenitor to early differentiating OLG. In contrast, HDAC1/2 regulated gene expression during the transition from neural stem/progenitor to OLG progenitor appeared unaffected by ATX and its lysoPLD activity. Thus, together, our data suggest that an ATX-LPA-HDAC1/2 axis regulates OLG differentiation specifically during the transition from OLG progenitor to early differentiating OLG and via a molecular mechanism that is evolutionarily conserved from at least zebrafish to rodent. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The formation of the axon insulating and supporting myelin sheath by differentiating oligodendrocytes (OLGs) in the CNS is considered an essential step during vertebrate development. In addition, loss and/or dysfunction of the myelin sheath has been associated with a variety of neurologic diseases in which repair is limited, despite the presence of progenitor cells with the potential to differentiate into myelinating OLGs. This study characterizes the autotaxin-lysophosphatidic acid signaling axis as a modulator of OLG differentiation in vivo in the developing zebrafish and in vitro in rodent OLGs in culture. These findings provide novel insight into the regulation of developmental myelination, and they are likely to lead to advancing studies related to the stimulation of myelin repair under pathologic conditions.
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Wang H, Edwards G, Garzon C, Piqueras C, Bhattacharya SK. Aqueous humor phospholipids of DBA/2J and DBA/2J-Gpnmb(+)/SjJ mice. Biochimie 2015; 113:59-68. [PMID: 25843665 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2015.03.019] [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] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare phospholipid profiles [phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and phosphatidylinositol (PI)] of normotensive and hypertensive aqueous humor (AH) from DBA/2J and compare them with phospholipid profiles of DBA/2J-Gpnmb(+)/SjJ mice. METHODS AH was obtained from young-normotensive DBA/2J, old -hypertensive DBA/2J mice, young and old DBA/2J-Gpnmb(+)/SjJ mice (aging control). Lipids were extracted using modified Bligh and Dyer method and subjected to mass spectrometric identification using appropriate class-specific lipid standards and ratiometric quantification. Corresponding aqueous phase (of extraction) protein concentrations were measured using Bradford method. RESULTS The total amount of phospholipids showed a decrease in the hypertensive state compared to normotensive state. The total PE and total PS contributed over 50% of the total amount. Total PS showed a remarkable decrease in hypertensive compared to normotensive state. In contrast, total PE in the hypertensive stage presented an increase in amount. Unique lipid species were found encompassing all four phospholipid classes in normotensive as well as in the hypertensive state. Several phospholipid species were found common to both states but with remarkable differences in amount in individual states. The ratio of lysophospholipids to total phospholipids is significantly reduced in the hypertensive state. Commensurate with reduced level of lysophospholipids, we found an increased level of lysophospholipase D (Autotaxin) in the hypertensive state. The difference of total phospholipids between young and old was 35.4% in DBA/2J group but 10% in DBA/2J-Gpnmb(+)/SjJ mice. CONCLUSION The significant change of phospholipids including lysophospholipids was found commensurate with the elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Wang
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Shanghai First People's Hospital Affiliated to Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Genea Edwards
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Catalina Garzon
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Carmen Piqueras
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Sanjoy K Bhattacharya
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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35
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Morgan JT, Kwon HS, Wood JA, Borjesson DL, Tomarev SI, Murphy CJ, Russell P. Thermally labile components of aqueous humor potently induce osteogenic potential in adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Exp Eye Res 2015; 135:127-33. [PMID: 25720657 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2014] [Revised: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) hold promise for use in cell-based therapies. Their intrinsic anti-inflammatory properties are potentially useful for treatments of inflammatory conditions such as uveitis, while their ability to differentiate along multiple cell lineages suggests use in regenerating damaged or degenerated tissue. However, how ASCs will respond to the intraocular environment is poorly studied. We have recently reported that aqueous humor (AH), the fluid that nourishes the anterior segment of the eye, potently increases alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of ASCs, indicating osteogenic differentiation. Here, we expand on our previous findings to better define the nature of this response. To this end, we cultured ASCs in the presence of 0, 5, 10, and 20% AH and assayed them for ALP activity. We found ALP activity correlates with increasing AH concentrations from 5 to 20%, and that longer treatments result in increased ALP activity. By using serum free media and pretreating AH with dextran-coated charcoal, we found that serum and charcoal-adsorbable AH components augment but are not required for this response. Further, by heat-treating the AH, we established that thermally labile components are required for the osteogenic response. Finally, we showed myocilin, a protein present in AH, could induce ALP activity in ASCs. However, this was to a lesser extent than untreated 5% AH, and myocilin could only partially rescue the effect after heat treatment, documenting there were additional thermally labile constituents of AH involved in the osteogenic response. Our work adds to the understanding of the induction of ALP in ASCs following exposure to AH, providing important insight in how ASCs will be influenced by the ocular environment. In conclusion, increased osteogenic potential upon exposure to AH represents a potential challenge to developing ASC cell-based therapies directed at the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua T Morgan
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Heung Sun Kwon
- Section of Retinal Ganglion Cell Biology, Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Joshua A Wood
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Dori L Borjesson
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Stanislav I Tomarev
- Section of Retinal Ganglion Cell Biology, Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christopher J Murphy
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA; Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Paul Russell
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA.
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Stoddard NC, Chun J. Promising pharmacological directions in the world of lysophosphatidic Acid signaling. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2015; 23:1-11. [PMID: 25593637 PMCID: PMC4286743 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2014.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a signaling lipid that binds to six known lysophosphatidic acid receptors (LPARs), named LPA1-LPA6. These receptors initiate signaling cascades relevant to development, maintenance, and healing processes throughout the body. The diversity and specificity of LPA signaling, especially in relation to cancer and autoimmune disorders, makes LPA receptor modulation an attractive target for drug development. Several LPAR-specific analogues and small molecules have been synthesized and are efficacious in attenuating pathology in disease models. To date, at least three compounds have passed phase I and phase II clinical trials for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and systemic sclerosis. This review focuses on the promising therapeutic directions emerging in LPA signaling toward ameliorating several diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, arthritis, hydrocephalus, and traumatic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole C Stoddard
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 ; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jerold Chun
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
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RhoA GTPase-induced ocular hypertension in a rodent model is associated with increased fibrogenic activity in the trabecular meshwork. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2014; 185:496-512. [PMID: 25499974 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2014.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Ocular hypertension arising from increased resistance to aqueous humor (AH) outflow through the trabecular meshwork is a primary risk factor for open-angle glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. Ongoing efforts have found little about the molecular and cellular bases of increased resistance to AH outflow through the trabecular meshwork in ocular hypertension patients. To test the hypothesis that dysregulated Rho GTPase signaling and a resulting fibrotic activity within the trabecular meshwork may result in ocular hypertension, we investigated the effects of expressing a constitutively active RhoA GTPase (RhoAV14) in the AH outflow pathway in Sprague-Dawley rats by using lentiviral vector-based gene delivery. Rats expressing RhoAV14 in the iridocorneal angle exhibited a significantly elevated intraocular pressure. Elevated intraocular pressure in the RhoAV14-expressing rats was associated with fibrotic trabecular meshwork and increased levels of F-actin, phosphorylated myosin light chain, α-smooth muscle actin, collagen-1A, and total collagen in the trabecular AH outflow pathway. Most of these changes were ameliorated by topical application of Rho kinase inhibitor. Human autopsy eyes from patients with glaucoma exhibited significant increases in levels of collagen-1A and total collagen in the trabecular AH outflow pathway. Collectively, these observations indicate that increased fibrogenic activity because of dysregulated RhoA GTPase activity in the trabecular AH outflow pathway increases intraocular pressure in a Rho kinase-dependent manner.
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The role and therapeutic potential of the autotaxin-lysophosphatidate signalling axis in breast cancer. Biochem J 2014; 463:157-65. [PMID: 25195735 DOI: 10.1042/bj20140680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
ATX (autotaxin) is a secreted lysophospholipase capable of catalysing the formation of the bioactive lipid mediator LPA (lysophosphatidate) from LPC (lysophosphatidylcholine). The ATX-LPA signalling axis plays an important role in both normal physiology and disease pathogenesis, including cancer. In a number of different human cancers, expression of ATX and the G-protein-coupled LPARs (lysophosphatidic acid receptors) have been shown to be elevated and their activation regulates many processes central to tumorigenesis, including proliferation, invasion, migration and angiogenesis. The present review provides an overview of the ATX-LPA signalling axis and collates current knowledge regarding its specific role in breast cancer. The potential manipulation of this pathway to facilitate diagnosis and treatment is also discussed.
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Pattabiraman PP, Maddala R, Rao PV. Regulation of plasticity and fibrogenic activity of trabecular meshwork cells by Rho GTPase signaling. J Cell Physiol 2014; 229:927-42. [PMID: 24318513 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma, a prevalent blinding disease is commonly associated with increased intraocular pressure due to impaired aqueous humor (AH) drainage through the trabecular meshwork (TM). Although increased TM tissue contraction and stiffness in association with accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) are believed to be partly responsible for increased resistance to AH outflow, the extracellular cues and intracellular mechanisms regulating TM cell contraction and ECM production are not well defined. This study tested the hypothesis that sustained activation of Rho GTPase signaling induced by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), TGF-β, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) influences TM cell plasticity and fibrogenic activity which may eventually impact resistance to AH outflow. Various experiments performed using human TM cells revealed that constitutively active RhoA (RhoAV14), TGF-β2, LPA, and CTGF significantly increase the levels and expression of Fibroblast Specific Protein-1 (FSP-1), α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), collagen-1A1 and secretory total collagen, as determined by q-RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, immunoblot, flow cytometry and the Sircol assay. Significantly, these changes appear to be mediated by Serum Response Factor (SRF), myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF-A), Slug, and Twist-1, which are transcriptional regulators known to control cell plasticity, myofibroblast generation/activation and fibrogenic activity. Additionally, the Rho kinase inhibitor-Y27632 and anti-fibrotic agent-pirfenidone were both found to suppress the TGF-β2-induced expression of αSMA, FSP-1, and collagen-1A1. Taken together, these observations demonstrate the significance of RhoA/Rho kinase signaling in regulation of TM cell plasticity, fibrogenic activity, and myofibroblast activation, events with potential implications for the pathobiology of elevated intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients.
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Rao PV. Bioactive lysophospholipids: role in regulation of aqueous humor outflow and intraocular pressure in the context of pathobiology and therapy of glaucoma. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2014; 30:181-90. [PMID: 24283588 PMCID: PMC3991961 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2013.0194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Homeostasis of aqueous humor (AH) outflow and intraocular pressure (IOP) is essential for normal vision. Impaired AH outflow through the trabecular meshwork (TM) and a resultant elevation in IOP are common changes in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), which is the most prevalent form of glaucoma. Although elevated IOP has been recognized as a definitive risk factor for POAG and lowering elevated IOP remains a mainstay for glaucoma treatment, little is known about the molecular mechanisms, especially external cues and intracellular pathways, involved in the regulation of AH outflow in both normal and glaucomatous eyes. In addition, despite the recognition that increased resistance to AH outflow via the conventional pathway consisting of TM and Schlemm's canal is the main cause for elevated IOP, there are no clinically approved drugs that target the conventional pathway to lower IOP in glaucoma patients. The aim of this article is to briefly review published work on the importance of bioactive lysophospholipids (eg, lysophosphatidic acid and sphingosine-1-phosphate), their receptors, metabolism, signaling, and role in the regulation of AH outflow via the TM and IOP, and to discuss pharmacological targeting of key proteins in the lysophospholipid signaling pathways to lower IOP in glaucoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ponugoti Vasantha Rao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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Madan D, Ferguson CG, Lee WY, Prestwich GD, Testa CA. Non-invasive imaging of tumors by monitoring autotaxin activity using an enzyme-activated near-infrared fluorogenic substrate. PLoS One 2013; 8:e79065. [PMID: 24278115 PMCID: PMC3835791 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Autotaxin (ATX), an autocrine motility factor that is highly upregulated in metastatic cancer, is a lysophospholipase D enzyme that produces the lipid second messenger lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) from lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). Dysregulation of the lysolipid signaling pathway is central to the pathophysiology of numerous cancers, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory diseases. Consequently, the ATX/LPA pathway has emerged as an important source of biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Herein we describe development and validation of a fluorogenic analog of LPC (AR-2) that enables visualization of ATX activity in vivo. AR-2 exhibits minimal fluorescence until it is activated by ATX, which substantially increases fluorescence in the near-infrared (NIR) region, the optimal spectral window for in vivo imaging. In mice with orthotopic ATX-expressing breast cancer tumors, ATX activated AR-2 fluorescence. Administration of AR-2 to tumor-bearing mice showed high fluorescence in the tumor and low fluorescence in most healthy tissues with tumor fluorescence correlated with ATX levels. Pretreatment of mice with an ATX inhibitor selectively decreased fluorescence in the tumor. Together these data suggest that fluorescence directly correlates with ATX activity and its tissue expression. The data show that AR-2 is a non-invasive and selective tool that enables visualization and quantitation of ATX-expressing tumors and monitoring ATX activity in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Madan
- Echelon Biosciences Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DM); (CT)
| | - Colin G. Ferguson
- Echelon Biosciences Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Won Yong Lee
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Glenn D. Prestwich
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Charles A. Testa
- Echelon Biosciences Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DM); (CT)
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Tran VT, Ho PT, Cabrera L, Torres JE, Bhattacharya SK. Mechanotransduction channels of the trabecular meshwork. Curr Eye Res 2013; 39:291-303. [PMID: 24215462 DOI: 10.3109/02713683.2013.842593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine whether the trabecular meshwork (TM), like the other organs engaged in filter like activities (such as kidneys), show the expression of known mechanotransduction channels at protein level. METHODS Human donor eye globes (n = 20), Donor eye derived TM tissue and primary TM cells were utilized for these studies. Commercially available antibodies to channels, immunohisto- and immunocytochemistry, Western blot and mass spectrometric analyses were performed to determine the presence of mechanosensitive channels at protein level. The study was performed adhering to tenets of declaration of Helsinki. RESULTS We demonstrate here the presence of 11 mechanotransduction channels (Piezo1, Piezo2, TASK1, TREK1, TRPA1, TRPC1, TRPC2, TRPC3, TRPC6, TRPM2, TRPP2) as expressed protein in the TM tissue and at the isolated TM cell level. Presence of at least one known isoform of these channels was demonstrated using Western blot analyses. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated the presence of 11 mechanotransduction channels in the TM and in isolated TM cells at protein level. Demonstration of these channels as proteins at tissue and cellular level will pave the way for further experimentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vu T Tran
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami , Miami, FL , USA
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Inoue T, Tanihara H. Rho-associated kinase inhibitors: A novel glaucoma therapy. Prog Retin Eye Res 2013; 37:1-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2013.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Revised: 05/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Sphingolipids and ceramides in human aqueous humor. Mol Vis 2013; 19:1966-84. [PMID: 24068864 PMCID: PMC3782370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the differential profiles of sphingomyelin, sphingoid base, sphingoid base-1-phosphate and ceramide lipid species and their quantitative differences between control and glaucomatous aqueous humor (AQH) derived from human donors. METHODS AQH from control and primary open-angle glaucoma donors was collected and subjected to lipid extraction using suitable modifications of the Bligh and Dyer method. Proteins were estimated using Bradford's method. Lipids were identified and ratiometrically quantified in a two-step process using precursor ion scan or neutral loss scan (NLS) with appropriate class-specific lipid standards on a TSQ Quantum Access Max mass spectrometer following established procedures. Primary human trabecular meshwork cells and video microscopic imaging were used to assess changes in cell shape and motility upon exposure to 20 pmol of Cer(d18:0/18:1(9Z)) in 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (vehicle). RESULTS We identified several species of sphingomyelin, sphingoid base, sphingoid base-1-phosphate, and ceramides that were common between control and glaucomatous AQH. Some unique lipid species in these classes were also identified in controls but not in glaucoma and vice versa. We found exposure to 20 pmol of Cer(d18:0/18:1(9Z)) resulted in changes in the trabecular meshwork cell shape and observed motility changes compared to vehicle-only control. CONCLUSIONS Most lipids belonging to the sphingomyelin, sphingoid base, sphingoid base-1-phosphate, and ceramide species were common between control and primary open-angle glaucoma donors. However, some sphingolipids and ceramides were found to be uniquely present in control but absent in the glaucomatous AQH and vice versa. Identification of unique lipid species present or absent in the pathophysiological context may contribute further insight into glaucoma pathology.
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Morgan JT, Murphy CJ, Russell P. What do mechanotransduction, Hippo, Wnt, and TGFβ have in common? YAP and TAZ as key orchestrating molecules in ocular health and disease. Exp Eye Res 2013; 115:1-12. [PMID: 23792172 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2013.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Revised: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cells in vivo are exposed to a complex signaling environment. Biochemical signaling modalities, such as secreted proteins, specific extracellular matrix domains and ion fluxes certainly compose an important set of regulatory signals to cells. However, these signals are not exerted in isolation, but rather in concert with biophysical cues of the surrounding tissue, such as stiffness and topography. In this review, we attempt to highlight the biophysical attributes of ocular tissues and their influence on cellular behavior. Additionally, we introduce the proteins YAP and TAZ as targets of biophysical and biochemical signaling and important agonists and antagonists of numerous signaling pathways, including TGFβ and Wnt. We frame the discussion around this extensive signaling crosstalk, which allows YAP and TAZ to act as orchestrating molecules, capable of integrating biophysical and biochemical cues into a broad cellular response. Finally, while we draw on research from various fields to provide a full picture of YAP and TAZ, we attempt to highlight the intersections with vision science and the exciting work that has already been performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua T Morgan
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1 Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Barbayianni E, Magrioti V, Moutevelis-Minakakis P, Kokotos G. Autotaxin inhibitors: a patent review. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2013; 23:1123-32. [PMID: 23641951 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2013.796364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autotaxin (ATX) is a lysophospholipase D enzyme that hydrolyzes lysophosphatidylcholine to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and choline. LPA is a bioactive lipid mediator that activates several transduction pathways, and is involved in migration, proliferation and survival of various cells. Thus, ATX is an attractive medicinal target. AREAS COVERED The aim of this review is to summarize ATX inhibitors, reported in patents from 2006 up to now, describing their discovery and biological evaluation. EXPERT OPINION ATX has been implicated in various pathological conditions, such as cancer, chronic inflammation, neuropathic pain, fibrotic diseases, etc. Although there is an intensive effort on the discovery of potent and selective ATX inhibitors in order to identify novel medicinal agents, up to now, no ATX inhibitor has reached clinical trials. However, the use of ATX inhibitors seems an attractive strategy for the development of novel medicinal agents, for example anticancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efrosini Barbayianni
- University of Athens, Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece
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Pattabiraman PP, Pecen PE, Rao PV. MRP4-mediated regulation of intracellular cAMP and cGMP levels in trabecular meshwork cells and homeostasis of intraocular pressure. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2013; 54:1636-49. [PMID: 23385799 PMCID: PMC3626514 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.12-11107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2012] [Revised: 01/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Multidrug, resistance-associated protein-4 (MRP4) is a membrane transporter that regulates the cellular efflux of cyclic nucleotides (cAMP and cGMP) involved in various physiologic responses. This study examined the expression and distribution of MRP4 in the trabecular meshwork (TM) cells and its role in homeostasis of IOP. METHODS Expression and distribution of MRP4 in human TM (HTM) cells and aqueous humor (AH) outflow pathway was determined by RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence. Effects of inhibiting MRP4 activity and suppression of MRP4 expression on cAMP and cGMP levels, myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, actin filament organization and activity of protein kinase G (PKG), protein kinase A (PKA), Rho guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase), and MLC phosphatase was monitored in HTM cells using ELISA, siRNA, biochemical, and immunofluorescence analyses. Topical application of the MRP4 inhibitor MK571 was tested to assess changes in IOP in rabbits. RESULTS RT-PCR, immunoblot, and immunofluorescence analyses confirmed the expression of MRP4 in HTM cells and distribution in human AH outflow pathway. Inhibition of MRP4 in HTM cells by MK571 or probenecid resulted in cell shape changes and decreases in actin stress fibers and MLC phosphorylation. Levels of intracellular cAMP and cGMP in HTM cells were increased significantly under these conditions. MK571-induced HTM cell relaxation appeared to be mediated predominantly via activation of the cGMP-dependent PKG signaling pathway. Topical application of MK571 significantly decreased IOP in Dutch-Belted rabbits. CONCLUSIONS These observations reveal that cyclic nucleotide efflux controlling transporter-MRP4 plays a significant role in IOP homeostasis potentially by regulating the relaxation characteristics of AH outflow pathway cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ponugoti Vasantha Rao
- From the Departments of
Ophthalmology and
- Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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Tezel G. A proteomics view of the molecular mechanisms and biomarkers of glaucomatous neurodegeneration. Prog Retin Eye Res 2013; 35:18-43. [PMID: 23396249 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2013.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Revised: 01/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite improving understanding of glaucoma, key molecular players of neurodegeneration that can be targeted for treatment of glaucoma, or molecular biomarkers that can be useful for clinical testing, remain unclear. Proteomics technology offers a powerful toolbox to accomplish these important goals of the glaucoma research and is increasingly being applied to identify molecular mechanisms and biomarkers of glaucoma. Recent studies of glaucoma using proteomics analysis techniques have resulted in the lists of differentially expressed proteins in human glaucoma and animal models. The global analysis of protein expression in glaucoma has been followed by cell-specific proteome analysis of retinal ganglion cells and astrocytes. The proteomics data have also guided targeted studies to identify post-translational modifications and protein-protein interactions during glaucomatous neurodegeneration. In addition, recent applications of proteomics have provided a number of potential biomarker candidates. Proteomics technology holds great promise to move glaucoma research forward toward new treatment strategies and biomarker discovery. By reviewing the major proteomics approaches and their applications in the field of glaucoma, this article highlights the power of proteomics in translational and clinical research related to glaucoma and also provides a framework for future research to functionally test the importance of specific molecular pathways and validate candidate biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülgün Tezel
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA.
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Raghunathan VK, Morgan JT, Dreier B, Reilly CM, Thomasy SM, Wood JA, Ly I, Tuyen BC, Hughbanks M, Murphy CJ, Russell P. Role of substratum stiffness in modulating genes associated with extracellular matrix and mechanotransducers YAP and TAZ. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2013; 54:378-86. [PMID: 23258147 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.12-11007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Primary open-angle glaucoma is characterized by increased resistance to aqueous humor outflow and a stiffer human trabecular meshwork (HTM). Two Yorkie homologues, Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif, encoded by WWTR1 (TAZ), are mechanotransducers of the extracellular-microenvironment and coactivators of transcription. Here, we explore how substratum stiffness modulates the YAP/TAZ pathway and extracellular matrix genes in HTM cells and how this may be play a role in the onset and progression of glaucoma. METHODS HTM cells from normal donors were cultured on hydrogels mimicking the stiffness of normal (5 kPa) and glaucomatous (75 kPa) HTM. Changes in expression of YAP/TAZ related genes and steroid responsiveness were determined. Additionally, transglutaminase-2 expression was determined after YAP silencing. RESULTS YAP and TAZ are both expressed in human trabecular meshwork cells. In vitro, YAP and TAZ were inversely regulated by substratum stiffness. YAP and 14-3-3σ were downregulated to different extents on stiffer substrates; TAZ, tissue transglutaminase (TGM2), and soluble frizzled-related protein-1 (sFRP-1) were significantly upregulated. CTGF expression appeared to be altered differentially by both YAP and TAZ. Myocilin and angiopoietin-like 7 expression in response to dexamethasone was more pronounced on stiffer substrates. We demonstrated a direct effect by YAP on TGM2 when YAP was silenced by small interfering RNA. CONCLUSIONS The expression of YAP/TAZ and ECM-related-genes is impacted on physiologically relevant substrates. YAP was upregulated in cells on softer substrates. Stiffer substrates resulted in upregulation of canonical Wnt modulators, TAZ and sFRP-1, and thus may influence the progression of glaucoma. These results demonstrate the importance of YAP/TAZ in the HTM and suggest their role in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Krishna Raghunathan
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Pattabiraman PP, Epstein DL, Rao PV. Regulation of Adherens Junctions in Trabecular Meshwork Cells by Rac GTPase and their influence on Intraocular Pressure. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 1. [PMID: 24932460 DOI: 10.13188/2334-2838.1000002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Intercellular adherens junctions and cell-extracellular matrix interactions are presumed to influence aqueous humor (AH) drainage via the conventional route, however, their direct role in modulation of intraocular pressure (IOP) is not well understood. Here, we investigated the role of Rac GTPase signaling in basal and growth factor-induced formation of adherens junctions in human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells as compared to human umbilical vascular endothelial cells, and evaluated the effects of inhibition of Rac GTPase activity on IOP in rabbits. Expression of a constitutively active Rac1 GTPase or treatment with platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), a known activator of Rac GTPase, induced formation of β-catenin-based adherens junctions, actin cytoskeletal reorganization and membrane ruffle in HTM cells. In contrast, treatment of HTM cells with inhibitors of Rac GTPase caused cell-cell separation, a decrease in adherens junctions, and reorganization of actin stress fibers to the cell cortical regions and focal adhesion to the cell leading edges. Both, constitutively active Rac1 and PDGF stimulated generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in HTM cells, and ROS were found to increase adherens junction formation and transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) in HTM cells. Topical application of Rac GTPase inhibitors (EHT1864 and NSC23766), however, only marginally influenced IOP in rabbit eyes. Taken together, these data reveal that while Rac GTPase signaling plays a significant role in regulation of adherens junctions, ROS production and TEER in cells of the AH outflow pathway, Rac inhibitors showed only a marginal influence on IOP in live rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David L Epstein
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA 27710
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