1
|
Moekotte L, Kuiper JJW, Hiddingh S, Nguyen XTA, Boon CJF, van den Born LI, de Boer JH, van Genderen MM. CRB1-Associated Retinal Dystrophy Patients Have Expanded Lewis Glycoantigen-Positive T Cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:6. [PMID: 37792335 PMCID: PMC10565706 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.13.6] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Eye inflammation may occur in patients with inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) and is seen frequently in IRDs associated with mutations in the CRB1 gene. The purpose of this study was to determine the types of inflammatory cells involved in IRDs, by deep profiling the composition of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with a CRB1-associated IRD. Methods This study included 33 patients with an IRD with confirmed CRB1 mutations and 32 healthy controls. A 43-parameter flow cytometry analysis was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from venous blood. FlowSOM and manual Boolean combination gating were used to identify and quantify immune cell subsets. Results Comparing patients with controls revealed a significant increase in patients in the abundance of circulating CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells that express sialyl Lewis X antigen. Furthermore, we detected a decrease in plasmacytoid dendritic cells and an IgA+CD24+CD38+ transitional B-cell subset in patients with an IRD. Conclusions Patients with a CRB1-associated IRD show marked changes in blood leukocyte composition, affecting lymphocyte and dendritic cell populations. These results implicate inflammatory pathways in the disease manifestations of IRDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lude Moekotte
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jonas J. W. Kuiper
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne Hiddingh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Xuan-Thanh-An Nguyen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Camiel J. F. Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Joke H. de Boer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maria M. van Genderen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Bartiméus, Diagnostic Center for complex visual disorders, Zeist, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gao Y, Ren X, Lin H, Li K, Xiao L, Wang X, Zeng Z, Ran R, Tao Y, Lin Y, Fu X, Yan N, Zhang M. Phenotypic characterization of autosomal dominant progressive cone dystrophies associated with a heterozygous variant c.2512C>T of GUCY2D gene in a large kindred. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:2461-2469. [PMID: 36509996 PMCID: PMC10397296 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-022-02355-1] [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: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In this study, we described a large family presenting different manifestations of cone dystrophy at different ages associated with GUCY2D gene mutation. METHOD Sixty-three individuals of a single kindred, including 23 affected with cone dystrophies, were recruited and received ocular examinations, including best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, color fundus photograph (CFP), fundus autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography, fluorescence fundus angiography, color vision testing, full-field electroretinography, and electro-oculogram. Whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing were performed for underlying mutations associated with cone dystrophy. RESULT There were 23 affected family members. Clinical analysis showed that the proband and other patients had impaired visual acuity ranging from 20/800 to 20/50 with impaired color vision. Fundus photograph showed retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) granular abnormalities with depressed macular reflex in young patients and macular or retinochoriodal atrophy in older patients. OCT examination confirmed the reduced outer retinal thickness or inner retinal thickness, absence of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) and retinal atrophy to varying degrees. Electroretinography revealed a reduced cone response combined with a relatively maintained rod response. WES and Sanger sequencing revealed a heterozygous variant c.2512C>T in the GUCY2D gene of the affected family members. CONCLUSIONS We reported cone dystrophy in 23 affected individuals in a five-generation family and demonstrated different macular abnormalities in OCT scans and CFP at different ages. The multimodal ocular records in our study provide physicians and ophthalmologists with a better understanding of cone dystrophy associated with GUCY2D mutation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunxia Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiang Ren
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy; West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Hong Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Kang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciencies, 100730, Beijing, PR China
| | - Lirong Xiao
- Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy; West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiaoyue Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Zhibing Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Ruijin Ran
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Minda Hospital of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, PR China
| | - Yunhan Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yu Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy; West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiangyu Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy; West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Naihong Yan
- Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy; West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yahya F, Escher P, Rivolta C, Scholl HP, Roulez F. SPATA7-Associated Juvenile Retinitis Pigmentosa in Two Brothers from a Consanguineous Iraqi Family in Switzerland. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2023; 240:544-548. [PMID: 37164434 DOI: 10.1055/a-2009-0498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Faady Yahya
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University Hospital Basel Eye Clinic, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Escher
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Carlo Rivolta
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Hendrik Pn Scholl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University Hospital Basel Eye Clinic, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Francoise Roulez
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
McClinton B, Crinnion LA, McKibbin M, Mukherjee R, Poulter JA, Smith CEL, Ali M, Watson CM, Inglehearn CF, Toomes C. Targeted nanopore sequencing enables complete characterisation of structural deletions initially identified using exon-based short-read sequencing strategies. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2023:e2164. [PMID: 36934458 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The widespread adoption of exome sequencing has greatly increased the rate of genetic diagnosis for inherited conditions. However, the detection and validation of large deletions remains challenging. While numerous bioinformatics approaches have been developed to detect deletions from whole - exome sequencing and targeted panels, further work is typically required to define the physical breakpoints or integration sites. Accurate characterisation requires either expensive follow - up whole - genome sequencing or the time - consuming, laborious process of PCR walking, both of which are challenging when dealing with the repeat sequences which frequently intersect deletion breakpoints. The aim of this study was to develop a cost-effective, long-range sequencing method to characterise deletions. METHODS Genomic DNA was amplified with primers spanning the deletion using long-range PCR and the products purified. Sequencing was performed on MinION flongle flowcells. The resulting fast5 files were basecalled using Guppy, trimmed using Porechop and aligned using Minimap2. Filtering was performed using NanoFilt. Nanopore sequencing results were verified by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS Four cases with deletions detected following comparative read-depth analysis of targeted short-read sequencing were analysed. Nanopore sequencing defined breakpoints at the molecular level in all cases including homozygous breakpoints in EYS, CNGA1 and CNGB1 and a heterozygous deletion in PRPF31. All breakpoints were verified by Sanger sequencing. CONCLUSIONS In this study, a quick, accurate and cost - effective method is described to characterise deletions identified from exome, and similar data, using nanopore sequencing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin McClinton
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Laura A Crinnion
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,North East and Yorkshire Genomic Laboratory Hub, Central Lab, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Martin McKibbin
- Department of Ophthalmology, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | | | - James A Poulter
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Claire E L Smith
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Manir Ali
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Christopher M Watson
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,North East and Yorkshire Genomic Laboratory Hub, Central Lab, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Chris F Inglehearn
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Carmel Toomes
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mc Clinton B, Corradi Z, McKibbin M, Panneman DM, Roosing S, Boonen EGM, Ali M, Watson CM, Steel DH, Cremers FPM, Inglehearn CF, Hitti-Malin RJ, Toomes C. Effective smMIPs-Based Sequencing of Maculopathy-Associated Genes in Stargardt Disease Cases and Allied Maculopathies from the UK. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:191. [PMID: 36672932 PMCID: PMC9859292 DOI: 10.3390/genes14010191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Macular dystrophies are a group of individually rare but collectively common inherited retinal dystrophies characterised by central vision loss and loss of visual acuity. Single molecule Molecular Inversion Probes (smMIPs) have proved effective in identifying genetic variants causing macular dystrophy. Here, a previously established smMIPs panel tailored for genes associated with macular diseases has been used to examine 57 UK macular dystrophy cases, achieving a high solve rate of 63.2% (36/57). Among 27 bi-allelic STGD1 cases, only three novel ABCA4 variants were identified, illustrating that the majority of ABCA4 variants in Caucasian STGD1 cases are currently known. We examined cases with ABCA4-associated disease in detail, comparing our results with a previously reported variant grading system, and found this model to be accurate and clinically useful. In this study, we showed that ABCA4-associated disease could be distinguished from other forms of macular dystrophy based on clinical evaluation in the majority of cases (34/36).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Mc Clinton
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Zelia Corradi
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin McKibbin
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Daan M. Panneman
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne Roosing
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Erica G. M. Boonen
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Manir Ali
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Christopher M. Watson
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
- North East and Yorkshire Genomic Laboratory Hub, Central Lab, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - David H. Steel
- Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Sunderland SR2 9HP, UK
- The Bioscience Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Frans P. M. Cremers
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Chris F. Inglehearn
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Rebekkah J. Hitti-Malin
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Carmel Toomes
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Beryozkin A, Aweidah H, Carrero Valenzuela RD, Berman M, Iguzquiza O, Cremers FPM, Khan MI, Swaroop A, Amer R, Khateb S, Ben-Yosef T, Sharon D, Banin E. Retinal Degeneration Associated With RPGRIP1: A Review of Natural History, Mutation Spectrum, and Genotype-Phenotype Correlation in 228 Patients. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:746781. [PMID: 34722527 PMCID: PMC8551679 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.746781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose:RPGRIP1 encodes a ciliary protein expressed in the photoreceptor connecting cilium. Mutations in this gene cause ∼5% of Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) worldwide, but are also associated with cone–rod dystrophy (CRD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP) phenotypes. Our purpose was to clinically characterize RPGRIP1 patients from our cohort, collect clinical data of additional RPGRIP1 patients reported previously in the literature, identify common clinical features, and seek genotype–phenotype correlations. Methods: Clinical data were collected from 16 patients of our cohort and 212 previously reported RPGRIP1 patients and included (when available) family history, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refraction, comprehensive ocular examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging, visual fields (VF), and full-field electroretinography (ffERG). Results: Out of 228 patients, the majority (197, 86%) were diagnosed with LCA, 18 (7%) with RP, and 13 (5%) with CRD. Age of onset was during early childhood (n = 133, average of 1.7 years). All patients but 6 had moderate hyperopia (n = 59, mean of 4.8D), and average BCVA was 0.06 Snellen (n = 124; only 10 patients had visual acuity [VA] > 0.10 Snellen). On funduscopy, narrowing of blood vessels was noted early in life. Most patients had mild bone spicule-like pigmentation starting in the midperiphery and later encroaching upon the posterior pole. OCT showed thinning of the outer nuclear layer (ONL), while cystoid changes and edema were relatively rare. VF were usually very constricted from early on. ffERG responses were non-detectable in the vast majority of cases. Most of the mutations are predicted to be null (363 alleles), and 93 alleles harbored missense mutations. Missense mutations were identified only in two regions: the RPGR-interacting domain and the C2 domains. Biallelic null mutations are mostly associated with a severe form of the disease, whereas biallelic missense mutations usually cause a milder disease (mostly CRD). Conclusion: Our results indicate that RPGRIP1 biallelic mutations usually cause severe retinal degeneration at an early age with a cone–rod pattern. However, most of the patients exhibit preservation of some (usually low) BCVA for a long period and can potentially benefit from gene therapy. Missense changes appear only in the conserved domains and are associated with a milder phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Avigail Beryozkin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hamzah Aweidah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Myriam Berman
- Ophthalmology, Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Oscar Iguzquiza
- Neurology, Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Frans P M Cremers
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Muhammad Imran Khan
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Radgonde Amer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Samer Khateb
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tamar Ben-Yosef
- The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Dror Sharon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Eyal Banin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang Y, Wang P, Li S, Ouyang J, Jia X, Xiao X, Yang J, Li X, Sun W, Zhang Q. Characterization of PROM1 p.Arg373Cys Variant in a Cohort of Chinese Patients: Macular Dystrophy Plus Peripheral Bone-Spicule Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:19. [PMID: 34008001 PMCID: PMC8142721 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.6.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The PROM1 p.Arg373Cys variant has been reported to cause dominant Stargardt disease, cone-rod dystrophy, and occasionally retinitis pigmentosa. This study aimed to evaluate the common phenotype associated with this variant in Chinese patients. Methods Variants in PROM1 were collected from in-house exome data. Potential pathogenic variants were selected, verified, and then confirmed by Sanger sequencing and co-segregation analysis. Ocular phenotypes were reviewed and further clarified by ophthalmologic examinations. Results The heterozygous c.1117C>T (p.Arg373Cys) variant was identified in four unrelated families, and biallelic variants were detected in three families. Of the 10 patients from four families with the p.Arg373Cys variant, six patients from three families who underwent full fundus examination demonstrated various degrees of macular dystrophy, as well as typical bone-spicule pigment deposits in the peripheral retina. The remaining four patients did not undergo a full dilated fundus examination. A relatively preserved zone was observed between the macular and peripheral lesions. Electroretinography results showed cone and rod involvement in three patients. Conclusions Unlike Stargardt disease alone, which was considered to be the main phenotype of the p.Arg373Cys variant, all patients with full-field fundus examination in our study presented with macular dystrophy plus peripheral retinopathy resembling retinitis pigmentosa. Different phenotypes associated with the p.Arg373Cys variant may actually reflect different stages of the same disease: a predominant central cone phenotype at an early stage and peripheral rod involvement as degeneration progresses. Evaluation of the full fundus, especially the peripheral region in additional patients, is expected to confirm our findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Panfeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiqiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiamin Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyun Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueshan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junxing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueqing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenmin Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingjiong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Whole exome sequencing and homozygosity mapping reveals genetic defects in consanguineous Iranian families with inherited retinal dystrophies. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19413. [PMID: 33173045 PMCID: PMC7655865 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75841-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs), displaying pronounced genetic and clinical heterogeneity, comprise of a broad range of diseases characterized by progressive retinal cell death and gradual loss of vision. By the combined use of whole exome sequencing (WES), SNP-array and WES-based homozygosity mapping, as well as directed DNA sequencing (Sanger), we have identified nine pathogenic variants in six genes (ABCA4, RPE65, MERTK, USH2A, SPATA7, TULP1) in 10 consanguineous Iranian families. Six of the nine identified variants were novel, including a putative founder mutation in ABCA4 (c.3260A>G, p.Glu1087Gly), detected in two families from Northeastern Iran. Our findings provide additional information to the molecular pathology of IRDs in Iran, hopefully contributing to better genetic counselling and patient management in the respective families from this country.
Collapse
|
9
|
Sun Z, Wu S, Zhu T, Li H, Wei X, Du H, Sui R. Variants at codon 838 in the GUCY2D gene result in different phenotypes of cone rod dystrophy. Ophthalmic Genet 2020; 41:548-555. [PMID: 32811265 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2020.1807026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The GUCY2D gene encodes the photoreceptor guanylate cyclase (GC-E) and different pathogenic variants can lead to Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) or cone-rod dystrophy (CRD). In this study, we describe three unrelated families who carried different mutations at codon 838 of the GUCY2D gene, and presented different phenotypes of retinal degeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS Family and personal histories were collected, and the patients underwent best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus photography (FP), electroretinography (ERG), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus autofluorescence (FAF). Venous blood was drawn from patients and family members, and genomic DNA was extracted. Next-generation sequencing of known ocular genes was applied to the proband to find pathogenic variants. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing were conducted for validation and segregation. RESULTS Six patients from three unrelated families were enrolled. All the patients manifested decreased vision, photophobia and myopia from childhood. ERG recordings demonstrated a significant reduction in cone responses for all patients, while rod responses ranged widely from normal to moderately reduced. All patients were diagnosed with CRD, but the disease severity and progression rates in the three families were significantly different. Three pathogenic variants in the GUCY2D gene (c.2512 C > T (p.R838C), c.2512 C > A (p.R838S) and c.2513 G > A (p.R838H)) were identified. CONCLUSIONS We presented the phenotypes of three Chinese adCRD families carrying different variants at codon 838 of the GUCY2D gene. The R838S variant is a novel genotype associated with GUCY2D-CRD. The R838H variant can cause severe retinal features. Our findings enhance the understanding of GUCY2D phenotypic diversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zixi Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences , Beijing, China
| | - Shijing Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences , Beijing, China
| | - Tian Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences , Beijing, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences , Beijing, China
| | - Xing Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences , Beijing, China
| | - Hong Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences , Beijing, China
| | - Ruifang Sui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences , Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND The spermatogenesis-associated protein-7 (SPATA7) gene encodes a ciliary protein that is expressed in the photoreceptors and in spermatocytes. Mutations in the SPATA7 gene are associated with congenital and early-onset forms of retinal dystrophy. METHODS Papers and review articles on SPATA7 were retrieved from the PubMed database using the search terms "SPATA7" and "spermatogenesis-associated protein 7". Those that were relevant to retinal disease or to the function of the SPATA7 gene were selected for review. RESULTS The SPATA7 locus was mapped as LCA3 to chromosome 14, and the gene identified by screening of all genes in the refined genomic interval. Mutations in SPATA7 are associated with Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and early-onset retinitis pigmentosa. There are no clear-cut correlations between the genotypes and phenotypes in SPATA7-associated disease, and phenotypic heterogeneity occurs among patients with the same mutation. The SPATA7 protein is expressed in the photoreceptor connecting cilia. Murine models of Spata7 knockout have been useful in understanding the role of this gene in the retina at the cellular and molecular levels. CONCLUSION Most of the mutations in the SPATA7 are nonsense or frameshifts and are predicted to lead to loss of function. Clinical heterogeneity is often seen in patients with SPATA7 mutations. Animal models of SPATA7 knockout indicate that the protein has a key role in organizing the ciliary protein complexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chitra Kannabiran
- Kallam Anji Reddy Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Prof Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute , Hyderabad, India
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yu D, Zou J, Chen Q, Zhu T, Sui R, Yang J. Structural modeling, mutation analysis, and in vitro expression of usherin, a major protein in inherited retinal degeneration and hearing loss. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:1363-1382. [PMID: 32637036 PMCID: PMC7317166 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Usherin is the most common causative protein associated with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and Usher syndrome (USH), which are characterized by retinal degeneration alone and in combination with hearing loss, respectively. Usherin is essential for photoreceptor survival and hair cell bundle integrity. However, the molecular mechanism underlying usherin function in normal and disease conditions is unclear. In this study, we investigated structural models of usherin domains and localization of usherin pathogenic small in-frame mutations, mainly homozygous missense mutations. We found that usherin fibronectin III (FN3) domains and most laminin-related domains have a β-sandwich structure. Some FN3 domains are predicted to interact with each other and with laminin-related domains. The usherin protein may bend at some FN3 linker regions. RP- and USH-associated small in-frame mutations are differentially located in usherin domains. Most of them are located at the periphery of β-sandwiches, with some at the interface between interacting domains. The usherin laminin epidermal growth factor repeats adopt a rod-shaped structure, which is maintained by disulfide bonds. Most missense mutations and deletion of exon 13 in this region disrupt the disulfide bonds and may affect local protein folding. Despite low expression of the recombinant entire protein and protein fragments in mammalian cell culture, usherin FN3 fragments are more robustly expressed and secreted than its laminin-related fragments. Our findings provide new insights into the usherin structure and the disease mechanisms caused by pathogenic small in-frame mutations, which will help inform future experimental research on diagnosis, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Key Words
- Cell adhesion
- DCC, deleted in colorectal cancer
- FN3, fibronectin III
- GMQE, global quality estimation score
- HGMD, Human Gene Mutation Database
- Hair cell
- I-TASSER, Iterative Threading ASSEmbly Refinement
- LE, laminin EGF
- LG, laminin globular
- LGL, laminin globular-like
- LN, laminin N-terminal
- Membrane protein
- NCBI, National Center for Biotechnology Information
- Photoreceptor
- Protein folding
- QMEAN, qualitative model energy analysis score
- QSQE, Quaternary Structure Quality Estimation
- RMSD, root mean square deviation
- RP, retinitis pigmentosa
- Recombinant protein expression
- Retinitis pigmentosa
- SMTL, SWISS-MODEL template library
- Structural model
- TM-score, template modeling score
- USH, Usher syndrome
- Usher syndrome
- hFc, human Fc fragment
- mFc, mouse Fc fragment
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Junhuang Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Tian Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruifang Sui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Xiao X, Sun W, Li S, Jia X, Zhang Q. Spectrum, frequency, and genotype-phenotype of mutations in SPATA7. Mol Vis 2019; 25:821-833. [PMID: 31908400 PMCID: PMC6925664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the mutation spectrum of SPATA7 and associated ocular phenotypes. METHODS As part of a continuing examination of the genetic basis of inherited ophthalmic diseases, sequencing variations in SPATA7 were identified in sequencing data from 5,090 probands. Mutations in SPATA7 were identified in 12 Chinese patients from ten families. Family history and clinical data were examined in detail in these patients. To evaluate possible gene-specific fundus changes, the results were combined with data from 66 patients from 50 families previously reported in the literature. RESULTS Seven homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations, including two novel mutations (c.367C>T, p.Q123* and c.1083-2A>G) and five known mutations in SPATA7, were identified in ten families, including six families with Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), three families with juvenile retinitis pigmentosa, and one family with early-onset high myopia. These families accounted for approximately 2.2% (6/269) of LCA and 0.4% (10/2,252) of inherited retinal dystrophies in this case series. A combined analysis of data from the present study and data from 60 families reported in the literature showed that 93.3% (112/120) of mutant alleles were truncation mutations, whereas only about 5.0% were missense mutations, and 1.7% were non-frameshift indels. Common SPATA7-associated fundus changes, including narrow arterioles, a relatively well-preserved macular region, and widespread RPE atrophy resulting in diffuse mottled hypopigmentation in the midperipheral retina, were identified in this cohort and in patients in the literature. Missense mutations were not associated with specific phenotypic features or severity. CONCLUSIONS Narrow arterioles, a relatively well-preserved macular region, and widespread RPE atrophy resulting in diffuse mottling hypopigmentation in the midperipheral retina may be considered early and common fundus changes specific to SPATA7-associated retinopathy. The fact that similar mutations result in varied phenotypes points to the existence of other potential modifiers of the disease. Uncovering the identity of these modifiers might aid the development of novel treatments.
Collapse
|
13
|
Watanabe S, Ino J, Fujimaru T, Taneda S, Akihisa T, Makabe S, Kataoka H, Mori T, Sohara E, Uchida S, Nitta K, Mochizuki T. PKD1 mutation may epistatically ameliorate nephronophthisis progression in patients with NPHP1 deletion. Clin Case Rep 2019; 7:336-339. [PMID: 30847201 PMCID: PMC6389502 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.1947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a patient with adult-onset nephronophthisis (NPHP) that was identified a homozygous full gene deletion of NPHP1 and a heterozygous PKD1 mutation. We suggest that the PKD1 mutation may have epistatically ameliorated NPHP disease progression and that the screening of larger cohorts for similar possible epistatic effects is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saki Watanabe
- Department of Medicine, Kidney CenterTokyo Women’s Medical UniversityShinjuku‐kuJapan
- Department of Medicine, Division of NephrologyTodachuo General HospitalTodaJapan
| | - Jun Ino
- Department of Medicine, Division of NephrologyTodachuo General HospitalTodaJapan
| | - Takuya Fujimaru
- Department of Nephrology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesTokyo Medical and Dental UniversityBunkyo‐kuJapan
| | - Sekiko Taneda
- Department of PathologyTokyo Women’s Medical UniversityShinjuku‐kuJapan
| | - Taro Akihisa
- Department of Medicine, Kidney CenterTokyo Women’s Medical UniversityShinjuku‐kuJapan
| | - Shiho Makabe
- Department of Medicine, Kidney CenterTokyo Women’s Medical UniversityShinjuku‐kuJapan
| | - Hiroshi Kataoka
- Department of Medicine, Kidney CenterTokyo Women’s Medical UniversityShinjuku‐kuJapan
- Clinical Research Division for Polycystic Kidney Disease, Department of Medicine, Kidney CenterTokyo Women’s Medical UniversityShinjuku‐kuJapan
| | - Takayasu Mori
- Department of Nephrology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesTokyo Medical and Dental UniversityBunkyo‐kuJapan
| | - Eisei Sohara
- Department of Nephrology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesTokyo Medical and Dental UniversityBunkyo‐kuJapan
| | - Shinichi Uchida
- Department of Nephrology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesTokyo Medical and Dental UniversityBunkyo‐kuJapan
| | - Kosaku Nitta
- Department of Medicine, Kidney CenterTokyo Women’s Medical UniversityShinjuku‐kuJapan
| | - Toshio Mochizuki
- Department of Medicine, Kidney CenterTokyo Women’s Medical UniversityShinjuku‐kuJapan
- Clinical Research Division for Polycystic Kidney Disease, Department of Medicine, Kidney CenterTokyo Women’s Medical UniversityShinjuku‐kuJapan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sharon D, Wimberg H, Kinarty Y, Koch KW. Genotype-functional-phenotype correlations in photoreceptor guanylate cyclase (GC-E) encoded by GUCY2D. Prog Retin Eye Res 2018; 63:69-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
15
|
Eblimit A, Agrawal SA, Thomas K, Anastassov IA, Abulikemu T, Moayedi Y, Mardon G, Chen R. Conditional loss of Spata7 in photoreceptors causes progressive retinal degeneration in mice. Exp Eye Res 2018; 166:120-130. [PMID: 29100828 PMCID: PMC5756513 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2017.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian retina consists of multiple cell layers including photoreceptor cells, which are light sensing neurons that play essential functions in the visual process. Previously, we identified mutations in SPATA7, encoding spermatogenesis associated protein 7, in families with Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) and juvenile Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), and showed that Spata7 null mice recapitulate the human disease phenotype of retinal degeneration. SPATA7 is expressed in the connecting cilium of photoreceptor (PR) cells in the mouse retina, as well as in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, but the functional role of Spata7 in the RPE remains unknown. To investigate whether Spata7 is required in PRs, the RPE, or both, we conditionally knocked out Spata7 in photoreceptors and RPE cells using Crx-Cre and Best1-Cre transgenic mouse lines, respectively. In Spata7 photoreceptor-specific conditional (cKO) mice, both rod and cone photoreceptor dysfunction and degeneration is observed, characterized by progressive thinning of the outer nuclear layer and reduced response to light; however, RPE-specific deletion of Spata7 does not impair retinal function or cell survival. Furthermore, our findings show that both Rhodopsin and RPGRIP1 are mislocalized in the Spata7Flox/-; Crx-Cre cKO mice, suggesting that loss of Spata7 in photoreceptors alone can result in altered trafficking of these proteins in the connecting cilium. Together, our findings suggest that loss of Spata7 in photoreceptors alone is sufficient to cause photoreceptor degeneration, but its function in the RPE is not required for photoreceptor survival; therefore, loss of Spata7 in photoreceptors alters both rod and cone function and survival, consistent with the clinical phenotypes observed in LCA and RP patients with mutations in SPATA7.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aiden Eblimit
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030-3411, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030-3411, USA
| | - Smriti Akshay Agrawal
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030-3411, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030-3411, USA
| | - Kandace Thomas
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030-3411, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030-3411, USA
| | - Ivan Assenov Anastassov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030-3411, USA
| | - Tajiguli Abulikemu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030-3411, USA; The Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Chemistry of Arid Zone, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830011, China
| | | | - Graeme Mardon
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030-3411, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030-3411, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030-3411, USA.
| | - Rui Chen
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030-3411, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030-3411, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Guadagni V, Novelli E, Piano I, Gargini C, Strettoi E. Pharmacological approaches to retinitis pigmentosa: A laboratory perspective. Prog Retin Eye Res 2015; 48:62-81. [PMID: 26113212 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Revised: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Retinal photoreceptors are highly specialized and performing neurons. Their cellular architecture is exquisitely designed to host a high concentration of molecules involved in light capture, phototransduction, electric and chemical signaling, membrane and molecular turnover, light and dark adaption, network activities etc. Such high efficiency and molecular complexity require a great metabolic demand, altogether conferring to photoreceptors particular susceptibility to external and internal insults, whose occurrence usually precipitate into degeneration of these cells and blindness. In Retinitis Pigmentosa, an impressive number of mutations in genes expressed in the retina and coding for a large varieties of proteins leads to the progressive death of photoreceptors and blindness. Recent advances in molecular tools have greatly facilitated the identification of the underlying genetics and molecular bases of RP leading to the successful implementation of gene therapy for some types of mutations, with visual restoration in human patients. Yet, genetic heterogeneity of RP makes mutation-independent approaches highly desirable, although many obstacles pave the way to general strategies for treating this complex disease, which remains orphan. The review will focus on treatments for RP based on pharmacological tools, choosing, among the many ongoing studies, approaches which rely on strong experimental evidence or rationale. For perspective treatments, new concepts are foreseen to emerge from basic studies elucidating the pathways connecting the primary mutations to photoreceptor death, possibly revealing common molecular targets for drug intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Guadagni
- Neuroscience Institute, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Area della Ricerca, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Novelli
- Neuroscience Institute, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Area della Ricerca, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ilaria Piano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Enrica Strettoi
- Neuroscience Institute, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Area della Ricerca, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|