1
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Xie J, Goodbourn PT, Bui BV, Jusuf PR. Establishment and comprehensive characterization of a novel dark-reared zebrafish model for myopia studies. Exp Eye Res 2024:110009. [PMID: 39067805 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.110009] [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: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Myopia is predicted to impact approximately 5 billion people by 2050, necessitating mechanistic understanding of its development. Myopia results from dysregulated genetic mechanisms of emmetropization, caused by over-exposure to aberrant visual environments; however, these genetic mechanisms remain unclear. Recent human genome-wide association studies have identified a range of novel myopia-risk genes. To facilitate large-scale in vivo mechanistic examination of gene-environment interactions, this study aims to establish a myopia model platform that allows efficient environmental and genetic manipulations. We established an environmental zebrafish myopia model by dark-rearing. Ocular biometrics including relative ocular refraction were quantified using optical coherence tomography images. Spatial vision was assessed using optomotor response (OMR). Retinal function was analyzed via electroretinography (ERG). Myopia-associated molecular contents or distributions were examined using RT-qPCR or immunohistochemistry. Our model produces robust phenotypic changes, showing myopia after 2 weeks of dark-rearing, which were recoverable within 2 weeks after returning animals to normal lighting. 2-week dark-reared zebrafish have reduced spatial-frequency tuning function. ERG showed reduced photoreceptor and bipolar cell function (a- and b-waves) after only 2 days of dark-rearing, which worsened after 2 weeks of dark-rearing. We also found dark-rearing-induced changes to expression of myopia-risk genes, including egr1, vegfaa, vegfab, rbp3, gjd2a and gjd2b, inner retinal distribution of EFEMP1, TIMP2 and MMP2, as well as transiently reduced PSD95 density in the inner plexiform layer. Coupled with the gene editing tools available for zebrafish, our environmental myopia model provides an excellent platform for large-scale investigation of gene-environment interactions in myopia development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaheng Xie
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patrick T Goodbourn
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bang V Bui
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Patricia Regina Jusuf
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia.
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2
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Posner M, Garver T, Kaye T, Brdicka S, Suttle M, Patterson B, Farnsworth DR. Loss of αBa-crystallin, but not αA-crystallin, increases age-related cataract in the zebrafish lens. Exp Eye Res 2024; 244:109918. [PMID: 38705506 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109918] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The vertebrate eye lens is an unusual organ in that most of its cells lack nuclei and the ability to replace aging protein. The small heat shock protein α-crystallins evolved to become key components of this lens, possibly because of their ability to prevent aggregation of aging protein that would otherwise lead to lens opacity. Most vertebrates express two α-crystallins, αA- and αB-crystallin, and mutations in each are linked to human cataract. In a mouse knockout model only the loss of αA-crystallin led to early-stage lens cataract. We have used the zebrafish as a model system to investigate the role of α-crystallins during lens development. Interestingly, while zebrafish express one lens-specific αA-crystallin gene (cryaa), they express two αB-crystallin genes, with one evolving lens specificity (cryaba) and the other retaining the broad expression of its mammalian ortholog (cryabb). In this study we used individual mutant zebrafish lines for all three α-crystallin genes to determine the impact of their loss on age-related cataract. Surprisingly, unlike mouse knockout models, we found that the loss of the αBa-crystallin gene cryaba led to an increase in lens opacity compared to cryaa null fish at 24 months of age. Loss of αA-crystallin did not increase the prevalence of cataract. We also used single cell RNA-Seq and RT-qPCR data to show a shift in the lens expression of zebrafish α-crystallins between 5 and 10 days post fertilization (dpf), with 5 and 6 dpf lenses expressing cryaa almost exclusively, and expression of cryaba and cryabb becoming more prominent after 10 dpf. These data show that cryaa is the primary α-crystallin during early lens development, while the protective role for cryaba becomes more important during lens aging. This study is the first to quantify cataract prevalence in wild-type aging zebrafish, showing that lens opacities develop in approximately 25% of fish by 18 months of age. None of the three α-crystallin mutants showed a compensatory increase in the expression of the remaining two crystallins, or in the abundant βB1-crystallin. Overall, these findings indicate an ontogenetic shift in the functional importance of individual α-crystallins during zebrafish lens development. Our finding that the lens-specific zebrafish αBa-crystallin plays the leading role in preventing age-related cataract adds a new twist to our understanding of vertebrate lens evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mason Posner
- Department of Biology and Toxicology, Ashland University, Ashland, OH, USA.
| | - Taylor Garver
- Department of Biology and Toxicology, Ashland University, Ashland, OH, USA
| | - Taylor Kaye
- Department of Biology and Toxicology, Ashland University, Ashland, OH, USA
| | - Stuart Brdicka
- Department of Biology and Toxicology, Ashland University, Ashland, OH, USA
| | - Madison Suttle
- Department of Biology and Toxicology, Ashland University, Ashland, OH, USA
| | - Bryce Patterson
- Department of Biology and Toxicology, Ashland University, Ashland, OH, USA
| | - Dylan R Farnsworth
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
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3
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Saputra F, Kishida M, Hu SY. Oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide disrupts zebrafish visual development by altering apoptosis, antioxidant and estrogen related genes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14454. [PMID: 38914633 PMCID: PMC11196719 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64933-5] [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: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen peroxide is considered deleterious molecule that cause cellular damage integrity and function. Its key redox signaling molecule in oxidative stress and exerts toxicity on a wide range of organisms. Thus, to understand whether oxidative stress alters visual development, zebrafish embryos were exposed to H2O2 at concentration of 0.02 to 62.5 mM for 7 days. Eye to body length ratio (EBR) and apoptosis in retina at 48 hpf, and optomotor response (OMR) at 7 dpf were all measured. To investigate whether hydrogen peroxide-induced effects were mediated by oxidative stress, embryos were co-incubated with the antioxidant, glutathione (GSH) at 50 μM. Results revealed that concentrations of H2O2 at or above 0.1 mM induced developmental toxicity, leading to increased mortality and hatching delay. Furthermore, exposure to 0.1 mM H2O2 decreased EBR at 48 hpf and impaired OMR visual behavior at 7 dpf. Additionally, exposure increased the area of apoptotic cells in the retina at 48 hpf. The addition of GSH reversed the effects of H2O2, suggesting the involvement of oxidative stress. H2O2 decreased the expression of eye development-related genes, pax6α and pax6β. The expression of apoptosis-related genes, tp53, casp3 and bax, significantly increased, while bcl2α expression decreased. Antioxidant-related genes sod1, cat and gpx1a showed decreased expression. Expression levels of estrogen receptors (ERs) (esr1, esr2α, and esr2β) and ovarian and brain aromatase genes (cyp19a1a and cyp19a1b, respectively) were also significantly reduced. Interestingly, co-incubation of GSH effectivity reversed the impact of H2O2 on most parameters. Overall, these results demonstrate that H2O2 induces adverse effects on visual development via oxidative stress, which leads to alter apoptosis, diminished antioxidant defenses and reduced estrogen production.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mitsuyo Kishida
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
| | - Shao-Yang Hu
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan.
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4
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Quint WH, van Buuren R, Kokke NCCJ, Meester-Smoor MA, Willemsen R, Broersma R, Iglesias AI, Lucassen M, Klaver CCW. Exposure to cyan or red light inhibits the axial growth of zebrafish eyes. Exp Eye Res 2023; 230:109437. [PMID: 36924981 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is the most common type of refractive error and is characterized by a mismatch between the optical power and ocular axial length. Light, and more specifically the spectral composition of light, has been known to influence myopic axial growth. In this pilot study, we exposed zebrafish to illuminations that vary in spectral composition and screened for changes in axial length. The illumination spectra included narrow band ultra-violet A (UVA) (peak wavelength 369 nm), violet (425 nm), cyan (483 nm), green/yellow (557 nm), and red (633 nm) light, as well as broad band white light (2700 K and 6500 K), dim white light and broad spectrum (day) light. We found that rearing zebrafish in cyan or red light leads to a reduction of the ocular axial length. The results of this pilot study may contribute to new perspectives on the role of light and lighting as an intervention strategy for myopia control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wim H Quint
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Renee van Buuren
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nina C C J Kokke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Magda A Meester-Smoor
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rob Willemsen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rémy Broersma
- Signify Research, Signify, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Adriana I Iglesias
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Caroline C W Klaver
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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5
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Quint WH, Tadema KCD, Kokke NCCJ, Meester-Smoor MA, Miller AC, Willemsen R, Klaver CCW, Iglesias AI. Post-GWAS screening of candidate genes for refractive error in mutant zebrafish models. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2017. [PMID: 36737489 PMCID: PMC9898536 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28944-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have dissected numerous genetic factors underlying refractive errors (RE) such as myopia. Despite significant insights into understanding the genetic architecture of RE, few studies have validated and explored the functional role of candidate genes within these loci. To functionally follow-up on GWAS and characterize the potential role of candidate genes on the development of RE, we prioritized nine genes (TJP2, PDE11A, SHISA6, LAMA2, LRRC4C, KCNQ5, GNB3, RBFOX1, and GRIA4) based on biological and statistical evidence; and used CRISPR/cas9 to generate knock-out zebrafish mutants. These mutant fish were screened for abnormalities in axial length by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and refractive status by eccentric photorefraction at the juvenile (2 months) and adult (4 months) developmental stage. We found a significantly increased axial length and myopic shift in refractive status in three of our studied mutants, indicating a potential involvement of the human orthologs (LAMA2, LRRC4C, and KCNQ5) in myopia development. Further, in-situ hybridization studies showed that all three genes are expressed throughout the zebrafish retina. Our zebrafish models provide evidence of a functional role of these three genes in refractive error development and offer opportunities to elucidate pathways driving the retina-to-sclera signaling cascade that leads to myopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wim H Quint
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kirke C D Tadema
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nina C C J Kokke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Magda A Meester-Smoor
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adam C Miller
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, USA
| | - Rob Willemsen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline C W Klaver
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Adriana I Iglesias
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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6
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Posner M, Murray KL, Andrew B, Brdicka S, Roberts A, Franklin K, Hussen A, Kaye T, Kepp E, McDonald MS, Snodgrass T, Zientek K, David LL. Impact of α-crystallin protein loss on zebrafish lens development. Exp Eye Res 2023; 227:109358. [PMID: 36572168 PMCID: PMC9918708 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The α-crystallin small heat shock proteins contribute to the transparency and refractive properties of the vertebrate eye lens and prevent the protein aggregation that would otherwise produce lens cataracts, the leading cause of human blindness. There are conflicting data in the literature as to what role the α-crystallins may play in early lens development. In this study, we used CRISPR gene editing to produce zebrafish lines with mutations in each of the three α-crystallin genes (cryaa, cryaba and cryabb) to prevent protein production. The absence of each α-crystallin protein was analyzed by mass spectrometry, and lens phenotypes were assessed with differential interference contrast microscopy and histology. Loss of αA-crystallin produced a variety of lens defects with varying severity in larvae at 3 and 4 dpf but little substantial change in normal fiber cell denucleation. Loss of αBa-crystallin produced no substantial lens defects. Our cryabb mutant produced a truncated αBb-crystallin protein and showed no substantial change in lens development. Mutation of each α-crystallin gene did not alter the mRNA levels of the remaining two, suggesting a lack of genetic compensation. These data suggest that αA-crystallin plays some role in lens development, but the range of phenotype severity in null mutants indicates its loss simply increases the chance for defects and that the protein is not essential. Our finding that cryaba and cryabb mutants lack noticeable lens defects is congruent with insubstantial transcript levels for these genes in lens epithelial and fiber cells through five days of development. Future experiments can explore the molecular mechanisms leading to lens defects in cryaa null mutants and the impact of αA-crystallin loss during zebrafish lens aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mason Posner
- Department of Biology and Toxicology, Ashland University, Ashland, OH, USA.
| | - Kelly L Murray
- Department of Biology and Toxicology, Ashland University, Ashland, OH, USA
| | - Brandon Andrew
- Department of Biology and Toxicology, Ashland University, Ashland, OH, USA
| | - Stuart Brdicka
- Department of Biology and Toxicology, Ashland University, Ashland, OH, USA
| | - Alexis Roberts
- Department of Biology and Toxicology, Ashland University, Ashland, OH, USA
| | - Kirstan Franklin
- Department of Biology and Toxicology, Ashland University, Ashland, OH, USA
| | - Adil Hussen
- Department of Biology and Toxicology, Ashland University, Ashland, OH, USA
| | - Taylor Kaye
- Department of Biology and Toxicology, Ashland University, Ashland, OH, USA
| | - Emmaline Kepp
- Department of Biology and Toxicology, Ashland University, Ashland, OH, USA
| | - Mathew S McDonald
- Department of Biology and Toxicology, Ashland University, Ashland, OH, USA
| | - Tyler Snodgrass
- Department of Biology and Toxicology, Ashland University, Ashland, OH, USA
| | - Keith Zientek
- Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, USA
| | - Larry L David
- Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, USA
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7
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Mitchell DM, Stenkamp DL. Generating Widespread and Scalable Retinal Lesions in Adult Zebrafish by Intraocular Injection of Ouabain. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2636:221-235. [PMID: 36881303 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3012-9_12] [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] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish regenerate functional retinal neurons after injury. Regeneration takes place following photic, chemical, mechanical, surgical, or cryogenic lesions, as well as after lesions that selectively target specific neuronal cell populations. An advantage of chemical retinal lesion for studying the process of regeneration is that the lesion is topographically widespread. This results in the loss of visual function as well as a regenerative response that engages nearly all stem cells (Müller glia). Such lesions can therefore be used to further our understanding of the process and mechanisms underlying re-establishment of neuronal wiring patterns, retinal function, and visually mediated behaviors. Widespread chemical lesions also permit the quantitative analysis of gene expression throughout the retina during the period of initial damage and over the duration of regeneration, as well as the study of growth and targeting of axons of regenerated retinal ganglion cells. The neurotoxic Na+/K+ ATPase inhibitor ouabain specifically offers a further advantage over other types of chemical lesions in that it is scalable; the extent of damage can be targeted to include only inner retinal neurons, or all retinal neurons, simply by adjusting the intraocular concentration of ouabain that is used. Here we describe the procedure through which these "selective" vs. "extensive" retinal lesions can be generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M Mitchell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA.
| | - Deborah L Stenkamp
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA.
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8
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Brown-Panton CA, Sabour S, Zoidl GSO, Zoidl C, Tabatabaei N, Zoidl GR. Gap junction Delta-2b ( gjd2b/Cx35.1) depletion causes hyperopia and visual-motor deficiencies in the zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1150273. [PMID: 36936688 PMCID: PMC10017553 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1150273] [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: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish is a powerful model to investigate the developmental roles of electrical synapses because many signaling pathways that regulate the development of the nervous system are highly conserved from fish to humans. Here, we provide evidence linking the mammalian connexin-36 (Cx36) ortholog gjd2b/Cx35.1, a major component of electrical synapses in the zebrafish, with a refractive error in the context of morphological, molecular, and behavioral changes of zebrafish larvae. Two abnormalities were identified. The optical coherence tomography analysis of the adult retina confirmed changes to the refractive properties caused by eye axial length reduction, leading to hyperopic shifts. The gjd2b/Cx35.1 depletion was also correlated with morphological changes to the head and body ratios in larvae. The differential expression of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling genes, connexins, and dopamine receptors suggested a contribution to the observed phenotypic differences. The alteration of visual-motor behavioral responses to abrupt light transitions was aggravated in larvae, providing evidence that cone photoreceptor cell activity was enhanced when gjd2b/Cx35.1 was depleted. The visual disturbances were reversed under low light conditions in gjd2b -/- /Cx35.1-/- larvae. Since qRT-PCR data demonstrated that two rhodopsin genes were downregulated, we speculated that rod photoreceptor cells in gjd2b/Cx35.1-/- larvae were less sensitive to bright light transitions, thus providing additional evidence that a cone-mediated process caused the VMR light-ON hyperactivity after losing Cx35.1 expression. Together, this study provides evidence for the role of gjd2b/Cx35.1 in the development of the visual system and visually guided behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherie A. Brown-Panton
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Center for Vision Research, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Cherie A. Brown-Panton, ; Georg R. Zoidl,
| | - Shiva Sabour
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Georg S. O. Zoidl
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Center for Vision Research, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christiane Zoidl
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Center for Vision Research, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nima Tabatabaei
- Center for Vision Research, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Georg R. Zoidl
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Center for Vision Research, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Cherie A. Brown-Panton, ; Georg R. Zoidl,
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9
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Lichtenegger A, Baumann B, Yasuno Y. Optical Coherence Tomography Is a Promising Tool for Zebrafish-Based Research-A Review. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 10:5. [PMID: 36671577 PMCID: PMC9854701 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish is an established vertebrae model in the field of biomedical research. With its small size, rapid maturation time and semi-transparency at early development stages, it has proven to be an important animal model, especially for high-throughput studies. Three-dimensional, high-resolution, non-destructive and label-free imaging techniques are perfectly suited to investigate these animals over various development stages. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an interferometric-based optical imaging technique that has revolutionized the diagnostic possibilities in the field of ophthalmology and has proven to be a powerful tool for many microscopic applications. Recently, OCT found its way into state-of-the-art zebrafish-based research. This review article gives an overview and a discussion of the relevant literature and an outlook for this emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Lichtenegger
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Computational Optics Group, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8573, Japan
| | - Bernhard Baumann
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Yoshiaki Yasuno
- Computational Optics Group, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8573, Japan
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10
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Okeke ES, Qian X, Che J, Mao G, Chen Y, Xu H, Ding Y, Zeng Z, Wu X, Feng W. Transcriptomic sequencing reveals the potential molecular mechanism by which Tetrabromobisphenol A bis (2-hydroxyethyl ether) exposure exerts developmental neurotoxicity in developing zebrafish (Danio rerio). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2022; 262:109467. [PMID: 36113845 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2022.109467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tetrabromobisphenol A bis (2-hydroxyethyl ether) (TBBPA-DHEE) is a derivative of Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) used as an intermediate flame retardant in engineering polymers. The mechanism of neurodevelopmental toxicity of TBBPA-DHEE remains unclear due to limited toxicological data. We performed behavioral and transcriptomic analyses to assess the neurodevelopmental effects of TBBPA-DHEE on developing zebrafish and potential toxicity mechanisms. Our result shows that exposure to TBBPA-DHEE significantly increased mortality, deformity rate, and reduction in hatch rate, hatchability, and body length relative to the DMSO control. The behavior analysis indicates that TBBPA-DHEE significantly reduced the spontaneous movement of larva compared to the control. The TSH and GH levels were significantly reduced in all the exposure groups in a concentration-dependent manner relative to the DMSO control. TBBPA-DHEE exhibited a significant reduction in locomotor activity across all the exposure groups in the light/dark locomotion test. The transcriptomic analysis result shows that 579 genes were differentially expressed. KEGG analysis shows the enrichment of complement cascade, JAK-STAT signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine interaction, and phototransduction pathway resulting in a change in mRNA expression of their genes. These observed changes in developmental endpoints, hormonal level, and alteration in mRNA expression of component genes involved in neurodevelopmental pathways could be part of the possible mechanism of the observed toxic effects of TBBPA-DHEE exposure on zebrafish. This study could reveal the possible neurodevelopmental toxicity of TBBPA-DHEE to aquatic species, which could help uncover the health implications of emerging environmental contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Sunday Okeke
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China; Department of Biochemistry, FBS & Natural Science Unit, SGS, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State 410001, Nigeria. https://twitter.com/@ES_Okeke
| | - Xian Qian
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junhao Che
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guanghua Mao
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hai Xu
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yangyang Ding
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhengjia Zeng
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiangyang Wu
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Weiwei Feng
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China.
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11
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Liu S, Chen T, Chen B, Liu Y, Lu X, Li J. Lrpap1 deficiency leads to myopia through TGF-β-induced apoptosis in zebrafish. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:162. [PMID: 36261846 PMCID: PMC9580148 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00970-9] [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: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frameshift mutations in LRPAP1 are responsible for autosomal recessive high myopia in human beings but its underlying mechanism remains elusive. This study aims to investigate the effect of LRPAP1 defect on ocular refractive development and its involved mechanism. METHODS A lrpap1 mutant zebrafish line with homozygous frameshift mutation was generated by CRISPR/Cas9 technology and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The ocular refractive phenotype was analyzed by calculating the relative refractive error (RRE) with vivo photography and histological analysis at different development stages, together with examining ocular structure change via transmission electron microscopy. Further, RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed. The potentially involved signaling pathway as well as the interacted protein were investigated in vivo. RESULTS The lrpap1 homozygous mutant zebrafish line showed myopic phenotype. Specifically, the mutant lines showed larger eye axial length-to-body length in one-month old individuals and a myopic shift with an RRE that changed after two months. Collagen fibers became thinning and disordered in the sclera. Further, RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis indicated that apoptosis signaling was activated in mutant line; this was further confirmed by acridine orange and TUNEL staining. Moreover, the expression of TGF-β protein was elevated in the mutant lines. Finally, the treatment of wild-type embryos with a TGF-β agonist aggravated the degree of eyeball apoptosis; conversely, the use of a TGF-β inhibitor mitigated apoptosis in mutant embryos. CONCLUSION The study provides functional evidence of a link between lrpap1 and myopia, suggesting that lrpap1 deficiency could lead to myopia through TGF-β-induced apoptosis signaling. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Liu
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Department of Ophthalmology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Chen
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Department of Ophthalmology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Binghao Chen
- grid.459579.30000 0004 0625 057XDepartment of Orthopedics, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yijun Liu
- grid.413107.0Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohe Lu
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Department of Ophthalmology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiali Li
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Department of Ophthalmology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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12
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Quint WH, Tadema KCD, Crins JHC, Kokke NCCJ, Meester-Smoor MA, Willemsen R, Klaver CCW, Iglesias AI. Zebrafish: An In Vivo Screening Model to Study Ocular Phenotypes. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:17. [PMID: 35285860 PMCID: PMC8934544 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.3.17] [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] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To establish a set of assays that allow the in vivo screening of candidate genes for ocular diseases in zebrafish, with an emphasis on refractive error. Methods Our pipeline includes the most relevant ocular screening measurements to assess (1) ocular biometry using spectral domain optical coherence tomography, (2) refractive status using an eccentric photorefractor, (3) intraocular pressure by tonometry, and (4) optokinetic response to study visual capability in zebrafish. To validate our pipeline and to demonstrate the potential of zebrafish as a valid animal model, we chose two well-characterized genes with an ocular phenotype (PRSS56 and FBN1) and generated two mutant zebrafish lines (prss56 and fbn1). Mutant fish were assessed at 2, 4, and 6 months after fertilization. Results With the proposed phenotyping pipeline, we showed that ocular biometry, refractive status, intraocular pressure, and visual function can be studied in zebrafish. In the prss56 mutant, the pipeline revealed a dramatic decrease in axial length, mainly owing to a decreased vitreous chamber depth, whereas in the fbn1 mutant, ectopia lentis was the most distinctive ocular phenotype observed. Tonometry in both mutant lines showed an increase in intraocular pressure. Conclusions The proposed pipeline was applied successfully in zebrafish and can be used for future genetic screenings of candidate genes. While validating our pipeline, we found a close resemblance between the ocular manifestations in the zebrafish mutants and patients harboring mutations in PRSS56 and FBN1. Our results support the validity of our pipeline and highlight the potential of zebrafish as an animal model for in vivo screening of candidate genes for ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wim H Quint
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kirke C D Tadema
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Johan H C Crins
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nina C C J Kokke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Magda A Meester-Smoor
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rob Willemsen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Caroline C W Klaver
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Adriana I Iglesias
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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13
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Vellwock AE, Su P, Zhang Z, Feng D, Yao H. Reconciling the Conflict between Optical Transparency and Fouling Resistance with a Nanowrinkled Surface Inspired by Zebrafish's Cornea. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:7617-7625. [PMID: 35103465 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c22205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Surface topography has been demonstrated as an effective nonchemical strategy for controlling the fouling resistance of a surface, but its impact on optical transparency remains a barrier to the application of this strategy in optical materials. To reconcile the conflicting effects of surface topography on optical transparency and fouling resistance, here we study the optical properties and antifouling performance of nanowrinkled surfaces inspired by the corneal surface of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Experimental and numerical analyses demonstrate that a good compromise between optical transparency and antifouling efficacy can be achieved by wavy nanowrinkles with a characteristic wavelength of 800 nm and an amplitude of 100 nm. In particular, the optimal wrinkled surface under study can reduce biofouling by up to 96% in a single-species (Pseudoalteromonas sp.) bacterial settlement assay in the laboratory and 89% in a field test while keeping the total transmittance above 0.98 and haze below 0.04 underwater. Moreover, our nanowrinkled surface also exhibits excellent resistance against contamination by inorganic particles. This work provides a nonchemical strategy for achieving the coexistence of optical transparency and fouling resistance on one single material, which implies significant application potential in various optical devices and systems, such as antibacterial contact lenses and self-cleaning solar panels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre E Vellwock
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Pei Su
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Zijing Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Danqing Feng
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Haimin Yao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
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14
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Barter KR, Paradis H, Gendron RL, Vidal JAL, Meruvia-Pastor O. Novel segmentation algorithm for high-throughput analysis of spectral domain-optical coherence tomography imaging of teleost retinas. Mol Vis 2022; 28:492-499. [PMID: 37089699 PMCID: PMC10115363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) has become an essential tool for assessing ocular tissues in live subjects and conducting research on ocular development, health, and disease. The processing of SD-OCT images, particularly those from non-mammalian species, is a labor-intensive manual process due to a lack of automated analytical programs. This paper describes the development and implementation of a novel computer algorithm for the quantitative analysis of SD-OCT images of live teleost eyes. Automated segmentation processing of SD-OCT images of retinal layers was developed using a novel algorithm based on thresholding. The algorithm measures retinal thickness characteristics in a large volume of imaging data of teleost ocular structures in a short time, providing increased accuracy and repeatability of SD-OCT image analysis over manual measurements. The algorithm also generates hundreds of retinal thickness measurements per image for a large number of images for a given dataset. Meanwhile, heat mapping software that plots SD-OCT image measurements as a color gradient was also created. This software directly converts the measurements of each processed image to represent changes in thickness across the whole retinal scan. It also enables 2D and 3D visualization of retinal thickness across the scan, facilitating specimen comparison and localization of areas of interest. The study findings showed that the novel algorithm is more accurate, reliable, and repeatable than manual SD-OCT analysis. The adaptability of the algorithm makes it potentially suitable for analyzing SD-OCT scans of other non-mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kent R Barter
- Department of Computer Science, Memorial University, St. John's, A1B 3X5, NL, Canada
| | - Hélène Paradis
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, A1B 3V6, NL, Canada
| | - Robert L Gendron
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, A1B 3V6, NL, Canada
| | - Josué A Lily Vidal
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 0M7, Canada
| | - Oscar Meruvia-Pastor
- Department of Computer Science, Memorial University, St. John's, A1B 3X5, NL, Canada
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15
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Wang Y, Chen X, Jiang T, Gu Y, Zhang X, Yuan W, Zhao A, Li R, Wang Z, Hu Z, Liu H. Expanding the phenotypic spectrum of mutations in LRP2: a novel candidate gene of non-syndromic familial comitant strabismus. J Transl Med 2021; 19:495. [PMID: 34872573 PMCID: PMC8647414 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-03155-z] [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: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Comitant strabismus (CS) is a heterogeneous disorder that is a major contributing factor to unilateral childhood-onset visual impairment. Studies have confirmed that genetic factors play an important role in the development of CS. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic cause of non-syndromic familial CS. Methods Fourteen unrelated CS families were recruited for the study. Twelve affected and 2 unaffected individuals from a large four-generation family (CS08) were selected to perform whole genome-wide linkage analysis. Parallel whole-exome sequencing (WES) was conducted in the same family (9 patients and 1 unaffected member) and 31 additional CS cases from 13 other unrelated families. Sanger sequencing was used to determine whether any of the remaining variants co-segregated with the disease phenotype in the corresponding family. Results Based on linkage analysis, CS in family CS08 mapped to a novel region of 34.17 centimorgan (cM) on chromosome 2q22.3-2q32.1 between markers D2S151 and D2S364, with a maximum log odds (LOD) score of 3.54 (theta = 0) at D2S142. Parallel WES identified a heterozygous variant, LRP2 c.335 A > G (p.Q112R), located in such a linkage interval that completely co-segregated with the disease in the family. Furthermore, another novel heterozygous variant (c.7274A > G, p.D2425G) in LRP2 that co-segregated was detected in 2 additional affected individuals from another unrelated family by WES. Both variants are predicted to be damaging by PolyPhen-2, SIFT and MutationTaster, and were absent in 100 ethnically matched normal controls. Conclusion LRP2 is a novel candidate genetic cause of non-syndromic familial CS. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-021-03155-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Rd, Nanjing, 210029, China.,Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Rd, NanjingNanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xuejuan Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Rd, Nanjing, 210029, China.,Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Rd, NanjingNanjing, 211166, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Rd, NanjingNanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yayun Gu
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Rd, NanjingNanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xiaohan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wuxi Children's Hospital, Wuxi, China
| | - Wenwen Yuan
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Andi Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Rd, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Rd, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Zijin Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Rd, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Zhibin Hu
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Rd, NanjingNanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Hu Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Rd, Nanjing, 210029, China.
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16
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Brandt ZJ, Collery RF, Besharse JC, Link BA. Ablation of mpeg+ Macrophages Exacerbates mfrp-Related Hyperopia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:13. [PMID: 34913948 PMCID: PMC8684298 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.15.13] [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] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Proper refractive development of the eye, termed emmetropization, is critical for focused vision and is impacted by both genetic determinants and several visual environment factors. Improper emmetropization caused by genetic variants can lead to congenital hyperopia, which is characterized by small eyes and relatively short ocular axial length. To date, variants in only four genes have been firmly associated with human hyperopia, one of which is MFRP. Zebrafish mfrp mutants also have hyperopia and, similar to reports in mice, exhibit increased macrophage recruitment to the retina. The goal of this research was to examine the effects of macrophage ablation on emmetropization and mfrp-related hyperopia. Methods We utilized a chemically inducible, cell-specific ablation system to deplete macrophages in both wild-type and mfrp mutant zebrafish. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography was then used to measure components of the eye and determine relative refractive state. Histology, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy were used to further study the eyes. Results Although macrophage ablation does not cause significant changes to the relative refractive state of wild-type zebrafish, macrophage ablation in mfrp mutants significantly exacerbates their hyperopic phenotype, resulting in a relative refractive error 1.3 times higher than that of non-ablated mfrp siblings. Conclusions Genetic inactivation of mfrp leads to hyperopia, as well as abnormal accumulation of macrophages in the retina. Ablation of the mpeg1-positive macrophage population exacerbates the hyperopia, suggesting that macrophages may be recruited in an effort help preserve emmetropization and ameliorate hyperopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J Brandt
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Ross F Collery
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Joseph C Besharse
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Brian A Link
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
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17
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Zhang M, Sun S, Wang L, Wang X, Chen T, Chen Z, Jiang Y. Zonular defects in loxl1-deficient zebrafish. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2021; 50:62-73. [PMID: 34585825 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the roles of the lysyl oxidase-like 1 (loxl1) gene in zebrafish eye development and the potency of loxl1 deficiency in mimicking the ocular manifestations of exfoliation syndrome (XFS). METHODS CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to generate a frameshift coding deletion in zebrafish loxl1. Expression profiles and ocular manifestations of the wildtype, heterozygous mutant (loxl1+/- ) and homozygous mutant (loxl1-/- ) zebrafish were analysed in a range of developmental stages from zebrafish larvae to dissected adult zebrafish eyes. RESULTS The loxl1 deficiency caused zonular bundling disorders in juvenile zebrafish and accumulation of pearl-like particles adhering to the adult zebrafish zonule. The bundles appeared to lack form and were thinner in both loxl1+/- and loxl1-/- zebrafish compared with the wildtype (p < 0.01 for all Bonferroni post-hoc analyses). The zonule of loxl1-/- zebrafish appeared stretched, ragged and torn, with isolated fibres also detected. The particles in loxl1-/- zebrafish were more numerous (counts: 92.33 ± 10.02/100 μm2 vs. 58.33 ± 5.03/100 μm2 , p = 0.006), but smaller in size (diameter: 0.21 ± 0.03 μm vs. 0.43 ± 0.04 μm, p = 0.002) compared with those in loxl1+/- . Transmission electron microscopy revealed thinning or even loss of elastic lamina in loxl1+/- Bruch's membrane (BM) (thickness of elastic lamina: 92.94 ± 18.19 nm in the wildtype vs 35.65 ± 14.76 nm in loxl1+/- , p = 0.003). The breakage of BM was observed in loxl1-/- . CONCLUSIONS The loxl1-/- zebrafish is a promising animal model of XFS zonular pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaoyang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianhui Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai, China
| | - Zexu Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongxiang Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai, China
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18
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Ferre-Fernández JJ, Sorokina EA, Thompson S, Collery RF, Nordquist E, Lincoln J, Semina EV. Disruption of foxc1 genes in zebrafish results in dosage-dependent phenotypes overlapping Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:2723-2735. [PMID: 32720677 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Forkhead Box C1 (FOXC1) gene encodes a forkhead/winged helix transcription factor involved in embryonic development. Mutations in this gene cause dysgenesis of the anterior segment of the eye, most commonly Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome (ARS), often with other systemic features. The developmental mechanisms and pathways regulated by FOXC1 remain largely unknown. There are two conserved orthologs of FOXC1 in zebrafish, foxc1a and foxc1b. To further examine the role of FOXC1 in vertebrates, we generated foxc1a and foxc1b single knockout zebrafish lines and bred them to obtain various allelic combinations. Three genotypes demonstrated visible phenotypes: foxc1a-/- single homozygous and foxc1-/- double knockout homozygous embryos presented with similar characteristics comprised of severe global vascular defects and early lethality, as well as microphthalmia, periocular edema and absence of the anterior chamber of the eye; additionally, fish with heterozygous loss of foxc1a combined with homozygosity for foxc1b (foxc1a+/-;foxc1b-/-) demonstrated craniofacial defects, heart anomalies and scoliosis. All other single and combined genotypes appeared normal. Analysis of foxc1 expression detected a significant increase in foxc1a levels in homozygous and heterozygous mutant eyes, suggesting a mechanism for foxc1a upregulation when its function is compromised; interestingly, the expression of another ARS-associated gene, pitx2, was responsive to the estimated level of wild-type Foxc1a, indicating a possible role for this protein in the regulation of pitx2 expression. Altogether, our results support a conserved role for foxc1 in the formation of many organs, consistent with the features observed in human patients, and highlight the importance of correct FOXC1/foxc1 dosage for vertebrate development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús-José Ferre-Fernández
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Elena A Sorokina
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Samuel Thompson
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Ross F Collery
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Emily Nordquist
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Joy Lincoln
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.,Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Herma Heart Institute, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Elena V Semina
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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19
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Differences in a Single Extracellular Residue Underlie Adhesive Functions of Two Zebrafish Aqp0s. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082005. [PMID: 34440774 PMCID: PMC8392583 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082005] [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: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporin 0 (AQP0) is the most abundant lens membrane protein, and loss of function in human and animal models leads to cataract formation. AQP0 has several functions in the lens including water transport and adhesion. Since lens optics rely on strict tissue architecture achieved by compact cell-to-cell adhesion between lens fiber cells, understanding how AQP0 contributes to adhesion would shed light on normal lens physiology and pathophysiology. We show in an in vitro adhesion assay that one of two closely related zebrafish Aqp0s, Aqp0b, has strong auto-adhesive properties while Aqp0a does not. The difference appears to be largely due to a single amino acid difference at residue 110 in the extracellular C-loop, which is T in Aqp0a and N in Aqp0b. Similarly, P110 is the key residue required for adhesion in mammalian AQP0, highlighting the importance of residue 110 in AQP0 cell-to-cell adhesion in vertebrate lenses as well as the divergence of adhesive and water permeability functions in zebrafish duplicates.
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20
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Zeng B, Zhang H, Peng Y, Yu H, Li W, Li Z, Xie Y, Qiu S, Wu P, Zhang W, Liu Y, Chen Y, Liu X, Huang B. Spontaneous fundus lesions in elderly monkeys: An ideal model for age-related macular degeneration and high myopia clinical research. Life Sci 2021; 282:119811. [PMID: 34256039 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and high myopia are frequent causes of progressive visual impairment, so it is critical to identify animal models with resembling human retinal physiology, AMD and high myopia pathological features for therapeutic studies. MAIN METHODS We screened elderly cynomolgus monkeys for fundus lesions by slit-lamp biomicroscope combined with fundus pre-set lens and further examined positive cases by color fundus photography (CFP), optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), streak retinoscopy, and A-scan ultrasonography. KEY FINDINGS Among the 156 animals examined, 10 males and 5 females (30 eyes) exhibited fundus abnormalities (9.6% prevalence). Multi-modal imaging revealed drusen in 20 eyes of 11 animals (prevalence rate of 7.1%), tessellated fundus in 22 eyes of 11 animals, and myopia choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in 4 eyes of 3 animals. SIGNIFICANCE Aged cynomolgus monkeys exhibit spontaneous fundus lesions resembling human AMD and high myopia, which could be an ideal model for clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baozhu Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hening Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuting Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weihua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiquan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaojue Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sujuan Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peixin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanwei Liu
- Chuangyao Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Zhaoqing, China
| | - Yanming Chen
- Xiangguan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Xing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Bing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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21
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Hsiao TH, Lee GH, Chang YS, Chen BH, Fu TF. The Incoherent Fluctuation of Folate Pools and Differential Regulation of Folate Enzymes Prioritize Nucleotide Supply in the Zebrafish Model Displaying Folate Deficiency-Induced Microphthalmia and Visual Defects. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:702969. [PMID: 34268314 PMCID: PMC8277299 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.702969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Congenital eye diseases are multi-factorial and usually cannot be cured. Therefore, proper preventive strategy and understanding the pathomechanism underlying these diseases become important. Deficiency in folate, a water-soluble vitamin B, has been associated with microphthalmia, a congenital eye disease characterized by abnormally small and malformed eyes. However, the causal-link and the underlying mechanism between folate and microphthalmia remain incompletely understood. Methods We examined the eye size, optomotor response, intracellular folate distribution, and the expression of folate-requiring enzymes in zebrafish larvae displaying folate deficiency (FD) and ocular defects. Results FD caused microphthalmia and impeded visual ability in zebrafish larvae, which were rescued by folate and dNTP supplementation. Cell cycle analysis revealed cell accumulation at S-phase and sub-G1 phase. Decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis were found in FD larvae during embryogenesis in a developmental timing-specific manner. Lowered methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (mthfr) expression and up-regulated methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (NADP+-dependent)-1-like (mthfd1L) expression were found in FD larvae. Knocking-down mthfd1L expression worsened FD-induced ocular anomalies; whereas increasing mthfd1L expression provided a protective effect. 5-CH3-THF is the most sensitive folate pool, whose levels were the most significantly reduced in response to FD; whereas 10-CHO-THF levels were less affected. 5-CHO-THF is the most effective folate adduct for rescuing FD-induced microphthalmia and defective visual ability. Conclusion FD impeded nucleotides formation, impaired cell proliferation and differentiation, caused apoptosis and interfered active vitamin A production, contributing to ocular defects. The developmental timing-specific and incoherent fluctuation among folate adducts and increased expression of mthfd1L in response to FD reflect the context-dependent regulation of folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism, endowing the larvae to prioritize the essential biochemical pathways for supporting the continuous growth in response to folate depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsun-Hsien Hsiao
- The Institute of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Gang-Hui Lee
- The Institute of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Sheng Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Hung Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Center for Biomarkers and Biotech Drugs, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Fun Fu
- The Institute of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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22
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Quint WH, Tadema KCD, de Vrieze E, Lukowicz RM, Broekman S, Winkelman BHJ, Hoevenaars M, de Gruiter HM, van Wijk E, Schaeffel F, Meester-Smoor M, Miller AC, Willemsen R, Klaver CCW, Iglesias AI. Loss of Gap Junction Delta-2 (GJD2) gene orthologs leads to refractive error in zebrafish. Commun Biol 2021; 4:676. [PMID: 34083742 PMCID: PMC8175550 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02185-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Myopia is the most common developmental disorder of juvenile eyes, and it has become an increasing cause of severe visual impairment. The GJD2 locus has been consistently associated with myopia in multiple independent genome-wide association studies. However, despite the strong genetic evidence, little is known about the functional role of GJD2 in refractive error development. Here, we find that depletion of gjd2a (Cx35.5) or gjd2b (Cx35.1) orthologs in zebrafish, cause changes in the biometry and refractive status of the eye. Our immunohistological and scRNA sequencing studies show that Cx35.5 (gjd2a) is a retinal connexin and its depletion leads to hyperopia and electrophysiological changes in the retina. These findings support a role for Cx35.5 (gjd2a) in the regulation of ocular biometry. Cx35.1 (gjd2b) has previously been identified in the retina, however, we found an additional lenticular role. Lack of Cx35.1 (gjd2b) led to a nuclear cataract that triggered axial elongation. Our results provide functional evidence of a link between gjd2 and refractive error. Quint et al. use zebrafish lines deficient in one of two orthologs of the Gap Junction Delta-2 (GJD2) gene, which is associated with myopia by genome-wide association studies. They link gjd2 with refractive error and report evidence to suggest that gjd2a plays a role in ocular biometry whilst gjd2b, previously found in the retina, possesses an additional lenticular role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wim H Quint
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Kirke C D Tadema
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erik de Vrieze
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Rachel M Lukowicz
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, United States
| | - Sanne Broekman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Beerend H J Winkelman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Cerebellar Coordination and Cognition, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Melanie Hoevenaars
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Erwin van Wijk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Frank Schaeffel
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Magda Meester-Smoor
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adam C Miller
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, United States
| | - Rob Willemsen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline C W Klaver
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Adriana I Iglesias
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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23
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Schwartz AV, Sant KE, Navarrete J, George UZ. Mathematical modeling of the interaction between yolk utilization and fish growth in zebrafish, Danio rerio. Development 2021; 148:261800. [PMID: 33960383 DOI: 10.1242/dev.193508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Optimal embryonic development plays a major role in the health of an individual beyond the developmental stage. Nutritional perturbation during development is associated with cardiovascular and metabolic disease later in life. With both nutritional uptake and overall growth being risk factors for eventual health, it is necessary to understand not only the behavior of the processes during development but also their interactions. In this study, we used differential equations, image analyses, curve fittings, parameter estimation and laboratory experiments to quantify the rate of yolk absorption and its effect on early development of a vertebrate model (Danio rerio). Findings from this study establish a nonlinear functional relationship between nutrient absorption and early fish growth. We found that the rate of change in fish length and yolk utilization is logistic, that is the yolk decays rapidly for a period of time before leveling out. An interesting finding from this study is that yolk utilization reaches its maximum at 84 h post-fertilization. We validated our mathematical models against experimental observations, making them powerful tools for replication and future simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley V Schwartz
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Karilyn E Sant
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Julian Navarrete
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Uduak Z George
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
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24
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McDonald J, Paradis H, Bartellas M, Gendron RL. Use of three-dimensional printing for adapting and optimizing smartphone ophthalmoscopy to existing SD-OCT instrumentation for rodent and teleost ocular research. Mol Vis 2021; 27:117-124. [PMID: 33907367 PMCID: PMC8056466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Use of animal models for human vision research is now pervasive. To address a range of technical challenges, laboratories either modify existing equipment or purchase products that are purpose designed. Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology now allows the do-it-yourself capability to invent, innovate, and manufacture for a specific purpose. Ophthalmic imaging is often used with a range of other sophisticated experimental retinal imaging techniques, such as spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The handheld smartphone camera and cost-effective, readily available professional-quality apps now allow accessible high-definition video ophthalmic image recording. However, to our knowledge, there are few reports of adapting smartphone ophthalmic imaging to existing experimental SD-OCT imaging instrumentation. This would offer better accuracy, reproducibility, and most importantly, precision. The objective of the present study was to use 3D printing to enhance the functionality and precision of existing SD-OCT instrumentation and smartphone-based ophthalmic imaging through construction of a custom 3D-printed assembly. The assembly can be controlled either manually or by the highly precise rodent stage of the SD-OCT instrument. Using this technical approach, 3D printing facilitated a novel methodology for high-quality ophthalmic imaging with low cost and ease of production either manually or by enhancing existing SD-OCT instrumentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- James McDonald
- Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, N, Canada
| | - Hélène Paradis
- Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, N, Canada
| | - Michael Bartellas
- Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert L. Gendron
- Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, N, Canada
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25
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Jin X, Zhang Z, Nie Z, Wang C, Meng F, Yi Q, Chen M, Sun J, Zou J, Jiang P, Guan MX. An animal model for mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase deficiency reveals links between oxidative phosphorylation and retinal function. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100437. [PMID: 33610547 PMCID: PMC8010715 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria maintain a distinct pool of ribosomal machinery, including tRNAs and tRNAs activating enzymes, such as mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (YARS2). Mutations in YARS2, which typically lead to the impairment of mitochondrial protein synthesis, have been linked to an array of human diseases including optic neuropathy. However, the lack of YARS2 mutation animal model makes us difficult to elucidate the pathophysiology underlying YARS2 deficiency. To explore this system, we generated YARS2 knockout (KO) HeLa cells and zebrafish using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We observed the aberrant tRNATyr aminoacylation overall and reductions in the levels in mitochondrion- and nucleus-encoding subunits of oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS), which were especially pronounced effects in the subunits of complex I and complex IV. These deficiencies manifested the decreased levels of intact supercomplexes overall. Immunoprecipitation assays showed that YARS2 bound to specific subunits of complex I and complex IV, suggesting the posttranslational stabilization of OXPHOS. Furthermore, YARS2 ablation caused defects in the stability and activities of OXPHOS complexes. These biochemical defects could be rescued by the overexpression of YARS2 cDNA in the YARS2KO cells. In zebrafish, the yars2KO larva conferred deficient COX activities in the retina, abnormal mitochondrial morphology, and numbers in the photoreceptor and retinal ganglion cells. The zebrafish further exhibited the retinal defects affecting both rods and cones. Vision defects in yars2KO zebrafish recapitulated the clinical phenotypes in the optic neuropathy patients carrying the YARS2 mutations. Our findings highlighted the critical role of YARS2 in the stability and activity of OXPHOS and its pathological consequence in vision impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofen Jin
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education of PRC, The Woman's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and National Clinic Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zengming Zhang
- Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhipeng Nie
- Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenghui Wang
- Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feilong Meng
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and National Clinic Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiuzi Yi
- Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengquan Chen
- Department of Lab Medicine, Wenzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiji Sun
- Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jian Zou
- Insitute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Pingping Jiang
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and National Clinic Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic & Developmental Disorders, Zhejiang Univesity, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Min-Xin Guan
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education of PRC, The Woman's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and National Clinic Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic & Developmental Disorders, Zhejiang Univesity, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Division of Mitochondrial Biomedicine, Joint Institute of Genetics and Genome Medicine between Zhejiang University and University of Toronto, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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26
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Noel NCL, MacDonald IM, Allison WT. Zebrafish Models of Photoreceptor Dysfunction and Degeneration. Biomolecules 2021; 11:78. [PMID: 33435268 PMCID: PMC7828047 DOI: 10.3390/biom11010078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish are an instrumental system for the generation of photoreceptor degeneration models, which can be utilized to determine underlying causes of photoreceptor dysfunction and death, and for the analysis of potential therapeutic compounds, as well as the characterization of regenerative responses. We review the wealth of information from existing zebrafish models of photoreceptor disease, specifically as they relate to currently accepted taxonomic classes of human rod and cone disease. We also highlight that rich, detailed information can be derived from studying photoreceptor development, structure, and function, including behavioural assessments and in vivo imaging of zebrafish. Zebrafish models are available for a diversity of photoreceptor diseases, including cone dystrophies, which are challenging to recapitulate in nocturnal mammalian systems. Newly discovered models of photoreceptor disease and drusenoid deposit formation may not only provide important insights into pathogenesis of disease, but also potential therapeutic approaches. Zebrafish have already shown their use in providing pre-clinical data prior to testing genetic therapies in clinical trials, such as antisense oligonucleotide therapy for Usher syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole C. L. Noel
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada; (I.M.M.); (W.T.A.)
| | - Ian M. MacDonald
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada; (I.M.M.); (W.T.A.)
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R7, Canada
| | - W. Ted Allison
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada; (I.M.M.); (W.T.A.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M8, Canada
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27
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Huckenpahler AL, Lookfong NA, Warr E, Heffernan E, Carroll J, Collery RF. Noninvasive Imaging of Cone Ablation and Regeneration in Zebrafish. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:18. [PMID: 32983626 PMCID: PMC7500127 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.10.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To observe and characterize cone degeneration and regeneration in a selective metronidazole-mediated ablation model of ultraviolet-sensitive (UV) cones in zebrafish using in vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. Methods Twenty-six sws1:nfsB-mCherry;sws2:eGFP zebrafish were imaged with OCT, treated with metronidazole to selectively kill UV cones, and imaged at 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, or 56 days after ablation. Regions 200 × 200 µm were cropped from volume OCT scans to count individual UV cones before and after ablation. Fish eyes were fixed, and immunofluorescence staining was used to corroborate cone density measured from OCT and to track monocyte response. Results Histology shows significant loss of UV cones after metronidazole treatment with a slight increase in observable blue cone density one day after treatment (Kruskal, Wallis, P = 0.0061) and no significant change in blue cones at all other timepoints. Regenerated UV cones measured from OCT show significantly lower density than pre-cone-ablation at 14, 28, and 56 days after ablation (analysis of variance, P < 0.01, P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, respectively, 15.9% of expected nonablated levels). Histology shows significant changes to monocyte morphology (mixed-effects analysis, P < 0.0001) and retinal position (mixed-effects analysis, P < 0.0001). Conclusions OCT can be used to observe loss of individual cones selectively ablated by metronidazole prodrug activation and to quantify UV cone loss and regeneration in zebrafish. OCT images also show transient changes to the blue cone mosaic and inner retinal layers that occur concomitantly with selective UV cone ablation. Translational Relevance Profiling cone degeneration and regeneration using in vivo imaging enables experiments that may lead to a better understanding of cone regeneration in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison L Huckenpahler
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | - Emma Warr
- Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Elizabeth Heffernan
- Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Joseph Carroll
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ross F Collery
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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28
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Bilandžija H, Hollifield B, Steck M, Meng G, Ng M, Koch AD, Gračan R, Ćetković H, Porter ML, Renner KJ, Jeffery W. Phenotypic plasticity as a mechanism of cave colonization and adaptation. eLife 2020; 9:51830. [PMID: 32314737 PMCID: PMC7173965 DOI: 10.7554/elife.51830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A widely accepted model for the evolution of cave animals posits colonization by surface ancestors followed by the acquisition of adaptations over many generations. However, the speed of cave adaptation in some species suggests mechanisms operating over shorter timescales. To address these mechanisms, we used Astyanax mexicanus, a teleost with ancestral surface morphs (surface fish, SF) and derived cave morphs (cavefish, CF). We exposed SF to completely dark conditions and identified numerous altered traits at both the gene expression and phenotypic levels. Remarkably, most of these alterations mimicked CF phenotypes. Our results indicate that many cave-related traits can appear within a single generation by phenotypic plasticity. In the next generation, plasticity can be further refined. The initial plastic responses are random in adaptive outcome but may determine the subsequent course of evolution. Our study suggests that phenotypic plasticity contributes to the rapid evolution of cave-related traits in A. mexicanus. The Mexican tetra is a fish that has two forms: a surface-dwelling form, which has eyes and silvery grey appearance, and a cave-dwelling form, which is blind and has lost its pigmentation. Recent studies have shown that the cave-dwelling form evolved rapidly within the last 200,000 years from an ancestor that lived at the surface. The recent evolution of the cave-dwelling form of the tetra poses an interesting evolutionary question: how did the surface-dwelling ancestor of the tetra quickly adapt to the new and challenging environment found in the caves? ‘Phenotypic plasticity’ is a phenomenon through which a single set of genes can produce different observable traits depending on the environment. An example of phenotypic plasticity occurs in response to diet: in animals, poor diets can lead to an increase in the size of the digestive organs and to the animals eating more. To see if surface-dwelling tetras can quickly adapt to cave environments through phenotypic plasticity, Bilandžija et al. have exposed these fish to complete darkness (the major feature of the cave environment) for two years. After spending up to two years in the dark, these fish were compared to normal surface-dwelling and cave-dwelling tetras. Results revealed that surface-dwelling tetras raised in the dark exhibited traits associated with cave-dwelling tetras. These traits included changes in the activity of many genes involved in diverse processes, resistance to starvation, metabolism, and levels of hormones and molecules involved in neural signaling, which could lead to changes in behavior. However, the fish also exhibited traits, including an increase in the cells responsible for pigmentation, that would have no obvious benefit in the darkness. Even though the changes observed require no genetic mutations, they can help or hinder the fish’s survival once they occur, possibly determining subsequent evolution. Thus, a trait beneficial for surviving in the dark that appears simply through phenotypic plasticity may eventually be selected for and genetic mutations that encode it more reliably may appear too. These results shed light on how species may quickly adapt to new environments without accumulating genetic mutations, which can take hundreds of thousands of years. They also may help to explain how colonizer species succeed in challenging environments. The principles described by Bilandžija et al. can be applied to different organisms adapting to new environments, and may help understand the role of phenotypic plasticity in evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Bilandžija
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, United States.,Department of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Breanna Hollifield
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, United States
| | - Mireille Steck
- Department of Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, United States
| | - Guanliang Meng
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mandy Ng
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, United States
| | - Andrew D Koch
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, United States
| | - Romana Gračan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Helena Ćetković
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Megan L Porter
- Department of Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, United States
| | - Kenneth J Renner
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, United States
| | - William Jeffery
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, United States
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29
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Wang K, Vorontsova I, Hoshino M, Uesugi K, Yagi N, Hall JE, Schilling TF, Pierscionek BK. Optical development in the zebrafish eye lens. FASEB J 2020; 34:5552-5562. [PMID: 32103543 PMCID: PMC10666921 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902607r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The optics of the eye is the key to a functioning visual system. The exact nature of the correlation between ocular optics and eye development is not known because of the paucity of knowledge about the growth of a key optical element, the eye lens. The sophisticated optics of the lens and its gradient of refractive index provide the superior optical quality that the eye needs and which, it is thought, has a major influence on the development of proper visual function. The nature of a gradient refractive index lens, however, renders accurate measurements of its development difficult to make and has been the reason why the influence of lens growth on visual function remains largely unknown. Novel imaging techniques have made it possible to investigate growth of the eye lens in the zebrafish. This study shows measurements using X-ray Talbot interferometry of three-dimensional gradient index profiles in eye lenses of zebrafish from late larval to adult stages. The zebrafish lens shows evidence of a gradient of refractive index from the earliest stages measured and its growth suggests an apparent coincidence between periods of rapid increase in refractive index in the lens nucleus and increased expression of a particular crystallin protein group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kehao Wang
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Irene Vorontsova
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Masato Hoshino
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (Spring-8), Hyogo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Uesugi
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (Spring-8), Hyogo, Japan
| | - Naoto Yagi
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (Spring-8), Hyogo, Japan
| | - James E Hall
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Thomas F Schilling
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Barbara K Pierscionek
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
- School of Life Sciences and Education, Staffordshire University, Stafford, UK
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Collery RF, Link BA. Precise Short Sequence Insertion in Zebrafish Using a CRISPR/Cas9 Approach to Generate a Constitutively Soluble Lrp2 Protein. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:167. [PMID: 31457013 PMCID: PMC6700241 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00167] [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: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
LRP2 is a large transmembrane receptor expressed on absorptive epithelia where it binds many extracellular ligands to control several signaling pathways. Mutations in LRP2 are associated with buphthalmic eye enlargement, myopia and other non-ocular symptoms. Though studies have clearly shown that absence of LRP2 causes these phenotypes, and that overexpression of individual LRP2 domains can exacerbate eye enlargement caused by the absence of Lrp2, the relationship between soluble LRP2 fragments and full-length membrane-bound LRP2 is not completely understood. Here we use a CRISPR/Cas9 approach to insert a stop codon cassette into zebrafish lrp2 to prematurely truncate the protein before its transmembrane domain while leaving the entire extracellular domain intact. The resulting mutant line will be a useful tool for examining Lrp2 function in the eye, and testing hypotheses regarding its extracellular processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross F Collery
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin Eye Institute, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Brian A Link
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
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Lin Y, Xiang X, Chen T, Gao C, Fu H, Wang L, Deng L, Zeng L, Zhang J. In vivo monitoring and high-resolution characterizing of the prednisolone-induced osteoporotic process on adult zebrafish by optical coherence tomography. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2019; 10:1184-1195. [PMID: 30891338 PMCID: PMC6420289 DOI: 10.1364/boe.10.001184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Because of its similar genetic makeup with humans, zebrafish are an available and well-established osteoporosis model in vivo for anti-osteoporosis drug development as well as the drug safety-evaluation process. However, few optical imaging methods could effectively visualize the bone of adult zebrafish due to their limited penetration depth. In this paper, in vivo high-resolution and long-term characterization of a prednisolone-induced osteoporotic zebrafish model was achieved with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The capability of three-dimensional SD-OCT imaging was also demonstrated in this study. With SD-OCT images, we could non-destructively monitor the deforming process of adult zebrafish skull from several directions at any time. There is good correlation and agreement between SD-OCT and histology. Valuable phenomenon such as bone defects could be quantitatively evaluated using the SD-OCT images at different time points during a period of 21 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Lin
- School of Basic Medical Science, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Xiang Xiang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Tingru Chen
- School of Basic Medical Science, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Chudan Gao
- School of Basic Medical Science, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Hongbo Fu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Limei Wang
- Center for Drug Non-clinical Evaluation and Research, Guangdong Biological Resources Institute, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510900, China
| | - Lijun Deng
- Key Lab of Optic-Electronic and Communication, Jiangxi Sciences and Technology Normal University, Nanchang 330038, China
| | - Lvming Zeng
- Key Lab of Optic-Electronic and Communication, Jiangxi Sciences and Technology Normal University, Nanchang 330038, China
- School of Electromechanical Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
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Troilo D, Smith EL, Nickla DL, Ashby R, Tkatchenko AV, Ostrin LA, Gawne TJ, Pardue MT, Summers JA, Kee CS, Schroedl F, Wahl S, Jones L. IMI - Report on Experimental Models of Emmetropization and Myopia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:M31-M88. [PMID: 30817827 PMCID: PMC6738517 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-25967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The results of many studies in a variety of species have significantly advanced our understanding of the role of visual experience and the mechanisms of postnatal eye growth, and the development of myopia. This paper surveys and reviews the major contributions that experimental studies using animal models have made to our thinking about emmetropization and development of myopia. These studies established important concepts informing our knowledge of the visual regulation of eye growth and refractive development and have transformed treatment strategies for myopia. Several major findings have come from studies of experimental animal models. These include the eye's ability to detect the sign of retinal defocus and undergo compensatory growth, the local retinal control of eye growth, regulatory changes in choroidal thickness, and the identification of components in the biochemistry of eye growth leading to the characterization of signal cascades regulating eye growth and refractive state. Several of these findings provided the proofs of concepts that form the scientific basis of new and effective clinical treatments for controlling myopia progression in humans. Experimental animal models continue to provide new insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of eye growth control, including the identification of potential new targets for drug development and future treatments needed to stem the increasing prevalence of myopia and the vision-threatening conditions associated with this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Troilo
- SUNY College of Optometry, State University of New York, New York, New York, United States
| | - Earl L. Smith
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Debora L. Nickla
- Biomedical Sciences and Disease, New England College of Optometry, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Regan Ashby
- Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - Andrei V. Tkatchenko
- Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Lisa A. Ostrin
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Timothy J. Gawne
- School of Optometry, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Machelle T. Pardue
- Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Tech College of Engineering, Atlanta, Georgia, United States31
| | - Jody A. Summers
- College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Chea-su Kee
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Falk Schroedl
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Anatomy, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Siegfried Wahl
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen, Zeiss Vision Science Laboratory, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Lyndon Jones
- CORE, School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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Repeatability and Reproducibility of In Vivo Cone Density Measurements in the Adult Zebrafish Retina. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1074:151-156. [PMID: 29721939 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-75402-4_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are widely used as an experimental model for a wide range of retinal diseases. Previously, optical coherence tomography (OCT) was introduced for quantitative analysis of the zebrafish cone photoreceptor cell mosaic; however no data exists on the intersession reproducibility or intrasession repeatability of such measurements. We imaged 14 wild-type (WT) fish three times each, with 48 h between each time point. En face images of the UV cone mosaic were generated from the OCT volume scans at each time point. These images were then aligned and the overlapping area cropped for analysis. Using a semiautomated cone-counting algorithm, a single observer identified each cone to calculate the cone density for every image, counting each image twice (84 total counts). The OCT cone density measurements were found to have an intersession reproducibility of 0.9988 (95% CI = 0.9978-0.9999) and an intrasession repeatability of 136.0 ± 10.5 cones/mm2 (about 0.7%). Factors affecting image quality include gill movement during acquisition of the OCT volume and variable inclusion of non-UV cone mosaics in the contours used to generate the en face images.
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Li J, Zhang Q. Insight into the molecular genetics of myopia. Mol Vis 2017; 23:1048-1080. [PMID: 29386878 PMCID: PMC5757860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Myopia is the most common cause of visual impairment worldwide. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of myopia. Studies on the molecular genetics of myopia are well established and have implicated the important role of genetic factors. With linkage analysis, association studies, sequencing analysis, and experimental myopia studies, many of the loci and genes associated with myopia have been identified. Thus far, there has been no systemic review of the loci and genes related to non-syndromic and syndromic myopia based on the different approaches. Such a systemic review of the molecular genetics of myopia will provide clues to identify additional plausible genes for myopia and help us to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying myopia. This paper reviews recent genetic studies on myopia, summarizes all possible reported genes and loci related to myopia, and suggests implications for future studies on the molecular genetics of myopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Li
- 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
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Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) provide many advantages as a model organism for studying ocular disease and development, and there is great interest in the ability to non-invasively assess their photoreceptor mosaic. Despite recent applications of scanning light ophthalmoscopy, fundus photography, and gonioscopy to in vivo imaging of the adult zebrafish eye, current techniques either lack accurate scaling information (limiting quantitative analyses) or require euthanizing the fish (precluding longitudinal analyses). Here we describe improved methods for imaging the adult zebrafish retina using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Transgenic fli1:eGFP zebrafish were imaged using the Bioptigen Envisu R2200 broadband source OCT with a 12-mm telecentric probe to measure axial length and a mouse retina probe to acquire retinal volume scans subtending 1.2 × 1.2 mm nominally. En face summed volume projections were generated from the volume scans using custom software that allows the user to create contours tailored to specific retinal layer(s) of interest. Following imaging, the eyes were dissected for ex vivo fluorescence microscopy, and measurements of blood vessel branch points were compared to those made from the en face OCT images to determine the OCT lateral scale as a function of axial length. Using this scaling model, we imaged the photoreceptor layer of five wild-type zebrafish and quantified the density and packing geometry of the UV cone submosaic. Our in vivo cone density measurements agreed with measurements from previously published histology values. The method presented here allows accurate, quantitative assessment of cone structure in vivo and will be useful for longitudinal studies of the zebrafish cone mosaics.
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Collery RF, Volberding PJ, Bostrom JR, Link BA, Besharse JC. Loss of Zebrafish Mfrp Causes Nanophthalmia, Hyperopia, and Accumulation of Subretinal Macrophages. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 57:6805-6814. [PMID: 28002843 PMCID: PMC5215506 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-19593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Mutations in membrane frizzled-related protein (MFRP) are associated with nanophthalmia, hyperopia, foveoschisis, irregular patches of RPE atrophy, and optic disc drusen in humans. Mouse mfrp mutants show retinal degeneration but no change in eye size or refractive state. The goal of this work was to generate zebrafish mutants to investigate the loss of Mfrp on eye size and refractive state, and to characterize other phenotypes observed. Methods Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 methods were used to generate multiple frameshift mutations in zebrafish mfrp causing premature translational stops in Mfrp. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was used to measure eye metrics and refractive state, and immunohistochemistry was used to study adult eyes. Gene expression levels were measured using quantitative PCR. Results Zebrafish Mfrp was shown to localize to apical and basal regions of RPE cells, as well as the ciliary marginal zone. Loss of Mfrp in mutant zebrafish was verified histologically. Zebrafish eyes that were mfrp mutant showed reduced axial length causing hyperopia, RPE folding, and macrophages were observed subretinally. Visual acuity was reduced in mfrp mutant animals. Conclusions Mutation of zebrafish mfrp results in hyperopia with subretinal macrophage infiltration, phenocopying aspects of human and mouse Mfrp deficiency. These mutant zebrafish will be useful in studying the onset and progression of Mfrp-related nanophthalmia, the cues that initiate the recruitment of macrophages, and the mechanisms of Mfrp function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross F Collery
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Peter J Volberding
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Jonathan R Bostrom
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Brian A Link
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Joseph C Besharse
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
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Wilk MA, Huckenpahler AL, Collery RF, Link BA, Carroll J. The Effect of Retinal Melanin on Optical Coherence Tomography Images. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2017; 6:8. [PMID: 28392975 PMCID: PMC5381330 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.6.2.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose We assessed the effect of melanin on the appearance of hyperreflective outer retinal bands in optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. Methods A total of 23 normal subjects and 51 patients with albinism were imaged using the Bioptigen high-resolution spectral-domain OCT. In addition, three wild type, three albino (slc45a2b4/b4), and eight tyrosinase mosaic zebrafish were imaged with the hand-held Bioptigen Envisu R2200 OCT. To identify pigmented versus nonpigmented regions in the tyrosinase mosaic zebrafish, en face summed volume projections of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) were created from volume scans. Longitudinal reflectivity profiles were generated from B-scans to assess the width and maximum intensity of the RPE band in fish, or the presence of one or two RPE/Bruch's membrane (BrM) bands in humans. Results The foveal RPE/BrM appeared as two bands in 71% of locations in patients with albinism and 45% of locations in normal subjects (P = 0.0003). Pigmented zebrafish retinas had significantly greater RPE reflectance, and pigmented regions of mosaic zebrafish also had significantly broader RPE bands than all other groups. Conclusions The hyperreflective outer retinal bands in OCT images are highly variable in appearance. We showed that melanin is a major contributor to the intensity and width of the RPE band on OCT. One should use caution in extrapolating findings from OCT images of one or even a few individuals to define the absolute anatomic correlates of the hyperreflective outer retinal bands in OCT images. Translational Relevance Melanin affects the appearance of the outer retinal bands in OCT images. Use of animal models may help dissect the anatomic correlates of the complex reflective signals in OCT retinal images.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Wilk
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA ; Current affiliation: HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, 601 Genome Way, Huntsville, AL, USA
| | - Alison L Huckenpahler
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ross F Collery
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Brian A Link
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Joseph Carroll
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA ; Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA ; Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Toms M, Tracey-White D, Muhundhakumar D, Sprogyte L, Dubis AM, Moosajee M. Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography: An In Vivo Imaging Protocol for Assessing Retinal Morphology in Adult Zebrafish. Zebrafish 2017; 14:118-125. [PMID: 28051361 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2016.1376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study outlines a protocol for examining retinal structure in zebrafish, a popular model organism for ocular studies, using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). We demonstrate how this live imaging modality can be used to obtain high quality images of several retinal features, including the optic nerve, retinal vasculature, and the cone photoreceptor mosaic. Retinal histology sections were obtained from imaged fish for comparison with SD-OCT cross-sectional B-scans. Voronoi domain analysis was used to assess cone photoreceptor packing regularity at 3, 6, and 12 months. SD-OCT is an effective in vivo technique for studying the adult zebrafish retina and can be applied to disease models for longitudinal serial monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Toms
- 1 Department of Ocular Biology and Therapeutics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology , London, United Kingdom
| | - Dhani Tracey-White
- 1 Department of Ocular Biology and Therapeutics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology , London, United Kingdom
| | - Dhakshi Muhundhakumar
- 1 Department of Ocular Biology and Therapeutics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology , London, United Kingdom
| | - Lina Sprogyte
- 1 Department of Ocular Biology and Therapeutics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology , London, United Kingdom
| | - Adam M Dubis
- 1 Department of Ocular Biology and Therapeutics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology , London, United Kingdom .,2 Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust , London, United Kingdom
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- 1 Department of Ocular Biology and Therapeutics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology , London, United Kingdom .,2 Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust , London, United Kingdom
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Bell BA, Yuan A, Dicicco RM, Fogerty J, Lessieur EM, Perkins BD. The adult zebrafish retina: In vivo optical sectioning with Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy and Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography. Exp Eye Res 2016; 153:65-78. [PMID: 27720860 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Non-invasive imaging is an invaluable diagnostic tool in ophthalmology. Two imaging devices, the scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT), emerged from the clinical realm to provide research scientists with a real-time view of ocular morphology in living animals. We utilized these two independent imaging modalities in a complementary manner to perform in vivo optical sectioning of the adult zebrafish retina. Due to the very high optical power of the zebrafish lens, the confocal depth of field is narrow, allowing for detailed en face views of specific retinal layers, including the cone mosaic. Moreover, we demonstrate that both native reflectance, as well as fluorescent features observed by SLO, can be combined with axial in-depth information obtained by SDOCT. These imaging approaches can be used to screen for ocular phenotypes and monitor retinal pathology in a non-invasive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent A Bell
- Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States.
| | - Alex Yuan
- Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Rose M Dicicco
- Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Joseph Fogerty
- Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Emma M Lessieur
- Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States; Molecular Medicine PhD Program Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Brian D Perkins
- Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Abstract
Visual defects affect a large proportion of humanity, have a significant negative impact on quality of life, and cause significant economic burden. The wide variety of visual disorders and the large number of gene mutations responsible require a flexible animal model system to carry out research for possible causes and cures for the blinding conditions. With eyes similar to humans in structure and function, zebrafish are an important vertebrate model organism that is being used to study genetic and environmental eye diseases, including myopia, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, ciliopathies, albinism, and diabetes. This review details the use of zebrafish in modeling human ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian A Link
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226; ,
| | - Ross F Collery
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226; ,
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The pros and cons of vertebrate animal models for functional and therapeutic research on inherited retinal dystrophies. Prog Retin Eye Res 2015; 48:137-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2015.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Revised: 04/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Deml B, Reis LM, Muheisen S, Bick D, Semina EV. EFTUD2 deficiency in vertebrates: Identification of a novel human mutation and generation of a zebrafish model. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 103:630-40. [PMID: 26118977 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Revised: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital microphthalmia and coloboma are severe developmental defects that are frequently associated with additional systemic anomalies and display a high level of genetic heterogeneity. METHODS To identify the pathogenic variant in a patient with microphthalmia, coloboma, retinal dystrophy, microcephaly, and other features, whole exome sequencing analysis of the patient and parental samples was undertaken. To further explore the identified variant/gene, expression and functional studies in zebrafish were performed. RESULTS Whole exome sequencing revealed a de novo variant, c.473_474delGA, p.(Arg158Lysfs*4), in EFTUD2 which encodes a component of the spliceosome complex. Dominant mutations in EFTUD2 cause Mandibulofacial Dysostosis, Guion-Almeida type, which does not involve microphthalmia, coloboma, or retinal dystrophy; analysis of genes known to cause these ocular phenotypes identified several variants of unknown significance but no causal alleles in the affected patient. Zebrafish eftud2 demonstrated high sequence conservation with the human gene and broad embryonic expression. TALEN-mediated disruption was employed to generate a c.378_385 del, p.(Ser127Aspfs*23) truncation mutation in eftud2. Homozygous mutants displayed a reduced head size, small eye, curved body, and early embryonic lethality. Apoptosis assays demonstrated a striking increase in terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells in the developing brain, eye, spinal cord, and other tissues starting at 30 hours postfertilization. CONCLUSION This study reports a novel mutation in EFTUD2 in a Mandibulofacial Dysostosis, Guion-Almeida type patient with unusual ocular features and the generation of a first animal model of eftud2 deficiency. The severe embryonic phenotype observed in eftud2 mutants indicates an important conserved role during development of diverse tissues in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Deml
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Research Institute at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.,Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Linda M Reis
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Research Institute at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Sanaa Muheisen
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Research Institute at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - David Bick
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Research Institute at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Elena V Semina
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Research Institute at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.,Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Cases O, Joseph A, Obry A, Santin MD, Ben-Yacoub S, Pâques M, Amsellem-Levera S, Bribian A, Simonutti M, Augustin S, Debeir T, Sahel JA, Christ A, de Castro F, Lehéricy S, Cosette P, Kozyraki R. Foxg1-Cre Mediated Lrp2 Inactivation in the Developing Mouse Neural Retina, Ciliary and Retinal Pigment Epithelia Models Congenital High Myopia. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129518. [PMID: 26107939 PMCID: PMC4480972 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Myopia is a common ocular disorder generally due to increased axial length of the eye-globe. Its extreme form high myopia (HM) is a multifactorial disease leading to retinal and scleral damage, visual impairment or loss and is an important health issue. Mutations in the endocytic receptor LRP2 gene result in Donnai-Barrow (DBS) and Stickler syndromes, both characterized by HM. To clearly establish the link between Lrp2 and congenital HM we inactivated Lrp2 in the mouse forebrain including the neural retina and the retinal and ciliary pigment epithelia. High resolution in vivo MRI imaging and ophthalmological analyses showed that the adult Lrp2-deficient eyes were 40% longer than the control ones mainly due to an excessive elongation of the vitreal chamber. They had an apparently normal intraocular pressure and developed chorioretinal atrophy and posterior scleral staphyloma features reminiscent of human myopic retinopathy. Immunomorphological and ultrastructural analyses showed that increased eye lengthening was first observed by post-natal day 5 (P5) and that it was accompanied by a rapid decrease of the bipolar, photoreceptor and retinal ganglion cells, and eventually the optic nerve axons. It was followed by scleral thinning and collagen fiber disorganization, essentially in the posterior pole. We conclude that the function of LRP2 in the ocular tissues is necessary for normal eye growth and that the Lrp2-deficient eyes provide a unique tool to further study human HM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Cases
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France
- UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, F-75012, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France
| | - Antoine Joseph
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France
- UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, F-75012, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France
| | - Antoine Obry
- CNRS, UMR_6270, PISSARO Proteomics Platform, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, F-76821, France
- INSERM, U905, PISSARO Proteomics Platform, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, F-76821, France
| | | | - Sirine Ben-Yacoub
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France
- UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, F-75012, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France
| | - Michel Pâques
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France
- UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, F-75012, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France
- Centre Hospitalier National d’Ophthalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DHOS CIC 503, Paris, F-75012, France
| | - Sabine Amsellem-Levera
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France
- UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, F-75012, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France
| | - Ana Bribian
- Grupo de Neurobiologia del Desarollo-GNDe, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Toledo, Spain
| | - Manuel Simonutti
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France
- UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, F-75012, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France
| | - Sébastien Augustin
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France
- UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, F-75012, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France
| | | | - José Alain Sahel
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France
- UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, F-75012, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France
- Centre Hospitalier National d’Ophthalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DHOS CIC 503, Paris, F-75012, France
| | - Annabel Christ
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, D-13125, Germany
| | - Fernando de Castro
- Grupo de Neurobiologia del Desarollo-GNDe, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Toledo, Spain
| | | | - Pascal Cosette
- CNRS, UMR_6270, PISSARO Proteomics Platform, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, F-76821, France
| | - Renata Kozyraki
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France
- UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, F-75012, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France
- * E-mail:
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Correction: Rapid, accurate, and non-invasive measurement of zebrafish axial length and other eye dimensions using SD-OCT allows longitudinal analysis of myopia and emmetropization. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119779. [PMID: 25822247 PMCID: PMC4379152 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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