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Peng X, Jia X, Shang G, Xue M, Jiang M, Chen D, Zhang F, Hu Y. The generation and characterization of a transgenic zebrafish line with lens-specific Cre expression. Mol Vis 2024; 30:123-136. [PMID: 38601019 PMCID: PMC11006009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Danio rerio zebrafish constitute a popular model for studying lens development and congenital cataracts. However, the specific deletion of a gene with a Cre/LoxP system in the zebrafish lens is unavailable because of the lack of a lens-Cre-transgenic zebrafish. This study aimed to generate a transgenic zebrafish line in which Cre recombinase was specifically expressed in the lens. Methods The pTol2 cryaa:Cre-polyA-cryaa:EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) plasmid was constructed and co-injected with Tol2-transposase into one-to-two-cell-stage wild-type (WT) zebrafish embryos. Whole-mount in situ hybridization (ISH), tissue section, hematoxylin and eosin staining, a Western blot, a split-lamp observation, and a grid transmission assay were used to analyze the Cre expression, lens structure, and lens transparency of the transgenic zebrafish. Results In this study, we generated a transgenic zebrafish line, zTg(cryaa:Cre-cryaa:EGFP), in which Cre recombinase and EGFP were driven by the lens-specific cryaa promoter. zTg(cryaa:Cre-cryaa:EGFP) began to express Cre and EGFP specifically in the lens at the 22 hpf stage, and this ectopic Cre could efficiently and specifically delete the red fluorescent protein (RFP) signal from the lens when zTg(cryaa:Cre-cryaa:EGFP) embryos were injected with the loxP-flanked RFP plasmid. The overexpression of Cre and EGFP did not impair zebrafish development or lens transparency. Accordingly, this zTg(cryaa:Cre-cryaa:EGFP) zebrafish line is a useful tool for gene editing, specifically with zebrafish lenses. Conclusions We established a zTg(cryaa:Cre-cryaa:EGFP) zebrafish line that can specifically express an active Cre recombinase in lens tissues. This transgenic zebrafish line can be used as a tool to specifically manipulate a gene in zebrafish lenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyan Peng
- The Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zheng Zhou, China
| | - Xiaolin Jia
- The Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zheng Zhou, China
| | - Guohui Shang
- Department of Medical Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zheng Zhou, China
| | - Mengjiao Xue
- The Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zheng Zhou, China
| | - Mingjun Jiang
- The Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zheng Zhou, China
| | - Dandan Chen
- The Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zheng Zhou, China
| | - Fengyan Zhang
- The Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zheng Zhou, China
| | - Yanzhong Hu
- The Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zheng Zhou, China
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Henan University School of Basic Medical Sciences. Kaifeng, China
- Kaifeng Key Lab for Cataract and Myopia, Institute of Eye Disease, Kaifeng Central Hospital, Kaifeng, China
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Ye P, Gu R, Zhu H, Chen J, Han F, Nie X. SOX family transcription factors as therapeutic targets in wound healing: A comprehensive review. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127243. [PMID: 37806414 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127243] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
The SOX family plays a vital role in determining the fate of cells and has garnered attention in the fields of cancer research and regenerative medicine. It also shows promise in the study of wound healing, as it actively participates in the healing processes of various tissues such as skin, fractures, tendons, and the cornea. However, our understanding of the mechanisms behind the SOX family's involvement in wound healing is limited compared to its role in cancer. Gaining insight into its role, distribution, interaction with other factors, and modifications in traumatized tissues could provide valuable new knowledge about wound healing. Based on current research, SOX2, SOX7, and SOX9 are the most promising members of the SOX family for future interventions in wound healing. SOX2 and SOX9 promote the renewal of cells, while SOX7 enhances the microvascular environment. The SOX family holds significant potential for advancing wound healing research. This article provides a comprehensive review of the latest research advancements and therapeutic tools related to the SOX family in wound healing, as well as the potential benefits and challenges of targeting the SOX family for wound treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penghui Ye
- Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education & Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China; College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Rifang Gu
- Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education & Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China; School Medical Office, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Huan Zhu
- Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education & Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China; College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Jitao Chen
- Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education & Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China; College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Felicity Han
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Xuqiang Nie
- Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education & Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China; College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China; Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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3
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Pan Q, Lu K, Luo J, Jiang Y, Xia B, Chen L, Wang M, Dai R, Chen T. Japanese medaka Olpax6.1 mutant as a potential model for spondylo-ocular syndrome. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:168. [PMID: 37204625 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01090-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
pax6 is a canonic master gene for eye formation. Knockout of pax6 affects the development of craniofacial skeleton and eye in mice. Whether pax6 affects the development of spinal bone has not been reported yet. In the present study, we used CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate Olpax6.1 mutant in Japanese medaka. Phenotype analysis showed that ocular mutation caused by the Olpax6.1 mutation occurred in the homozygous mutant. The phenotype of heterozygotes is not significantly different from that of wild-type. In addition, knockout Olpax6.1 resulted in severe curvature of the spine in the homozygous F2 generation. Comparative transcriptome analysis and qRT-PCR revealed that the defective Olpax6.1 protein caused a decrease in the expression level of sp7, col10a1a, and bglap, while the expression level of xylt2 did not change significantly. The functional enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database showed that the DEGs between Olpax6.1 mutation and wild-type were enriched in p53 signaling pathway, extracellular matrix (ECM) -receptor interaction, et al. Our results indicated that the defective Olpax6.1 protein results in the reduction of sp7 expression level and the activation of p53 signaling pathway, which leads to a decrease in the expression of genes encoding ECM protein, such as collagen protein family and bone gamma-carboxyglutamate protein, which further inhibits bone development. Based on the phenotype and molecular mechanism of ocular mutation and spinal curvature induced by Olpax6.1 knockout, we believe that the Olpax6.1-/- mutant could be a potential model for the study of spondylo-ocular syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihua Pan
- Fisheries College of Jimei University, Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of the Modern Technology for Eel Industry, Ministry of Education, Xiamen, 361021, Fujian, China
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Ke Lu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Junzhi Luo
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Yuewen Jiang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Bilin Xia
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Fisheries College of Jimei University, Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of the Modern Technology for Eel Industry, Ministry of Education, Xiamen, 361021, Fujian, China
| | - Mengyang Wang
- Fisheries College of Jimei University, Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of the Modern Technology for Eel Industry, Ministry of Education, Xiamen, 361021, Fujian, China
| | - Ronggui Dai
- Fisheries College of Jimei University, Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of the Modern Technology for Eel Industry, Ministry of Education, Xiamen, 361021, Fujian, China
| | - Tiansheng Chen
- Fisheries College of Jimei University, Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of the Modern Technology for Eel Industry, Ministry of Education, Xiamen, 361021, Fujian, China.
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
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Vöcking O, Famulski JK. A temporal single cell transcriptome atlas of zebrafish anterior segment development. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5656. [PMID: 37024546 PMCID: PMC10079958 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32212-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD), resulting in vision impairment, stems from maldevelopment of anterior segment (AS) tissues. Incidence of ASD has been linked to malfunction of periocular mesenchyme cells (POM). POM cells specify into anterior segment mesenchyme (ASM) cells which colonize and produce AS tissues. In this study we uncover ASM developmental trajectories associated with formation of the AS. Using a transgenic line of zebrafish that fluorescently labels the ASM throughout development, Tg[foxc1b:GFP], we isolated GFP+ ASM cells at several developmental timepoints (48-144 hpf) and performed single cell RNA sequencing. Clustering analysis indicates subdifferentiation of ASM as early as 48 hpf and subsequent diversification into corneal epithelium/endothelium/stroma, or annular ligament (AL) lineages. Tracking individual clusters reveals common developmental pathways, up to 72 hpf, for the AL and corneal endothelium/stroma and distinct pathways for corneal epithelium starting at 48 hpf. Spatiotemporal validation of over 80 genes found associated with AS development demonstrates a high degree of conservation with mammalian trabecular meshwork and corneal tissues. In addition, we characterize thirteen novel genes associated with annular ligament and seven with corneal development. Overall, the data provide a molecular verification of the long-standing hypothesis that POM derived ASM give rise to AS tissues and highlight the high degree of conservation between zebrafish and mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Vöcking
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA
| | - J K Famulski
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA.
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5
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Kranert K, Woźny M, Podlasz P, Wąsowicz K, Brzuzan P. MiR92b-3p synthetic analogue impairs zebrafish embryonic development, leading to ocular defects, decreased movement and hatching rate, and increased mortality. J Appl Genet 2023; 64:145-157. [PMID: 36274083 PMCID: PMC9837005 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-022-00732-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of microRNA 92b-3p (MiR92b-3p) overexpression on the embryonic development of zebrafish. A synthetic MiR92b-3p analogue (mirVana™ mimic, in vivo-ready) was injected at doses up to 5 ng/embryo into the yolk sac of embryos (2-16 cell stage). At 24 h post fertilization (hpf), the locomotor activity of the embryos was measured, and after hatching (72 hpf), the rates of malformation occurrence, hatching, and mortality were determined. Next, the larvae were fixed for histological and molecular examinations. Exposure to the MiR92b-3p mimic impaired embryonic development, leading to increased occurrence of malformations (i.e., pericardial edema, spine curvature, smaller eyes), decreased locomotor activity and hatching rate, and increased mortality. Importantly, the mimic affected retinal differentiation and lens formation during zebrafish embryogenesis, which suggests that MiR92b-3p could be an important factor in the regulation of fish embryogenesis and ocular development. The expression level of MiR92b-3p was substantially higher in the exposed larvae than in the untreated larvae, indicating that the mimic was successfully delivered to the zebrafish. Although screening of potential MiR92b-3p target genes suggested some changes in their expression levels, these results were inconclusive. Together, this study indicates that MiR92b-3p mimic impairs zebrafish embryonic development, and further research is necessary to identify the MiR92b-3p-regulated cell pathways involved in the impairment of the fish's development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kilian Kranert
- grid.412607.60000 0001 2149 6795Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Institute of Engineering and Environment Protection, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, ul. Słoneczna 45G, 10-709 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Maciej Woźny
- grid.412607.60000 0001 2149 6795Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Institute of Engineering and Environment Protection, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, ul. Słoneczna 45G, 10-709 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Piotr Podlasz
- grid.412607.60000 0001 2149 6795Department of Pathophysiology, Forensic Veterinary Medicine and Administration, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, ul. Oczapowskiego 13, 10-718 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Wąsowicz
- grid.412607.60000 0001 2149 6795Department of Pathophysiology, Forensic Veterinary Medicine and Administration, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, ul. Oczapowskiego 13, 10-718 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Paweł Brzuzan
- grid.412607.60000 0001 2149 6795Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Institute of Engineering and Environment Protection, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, ul. Słoneczna 45G, 10-709 Olsztyn, Poland
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6
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Carrington B, Ramanagoudr-Bhojappa R, Bresciani E, Han TU, Sood R. A robust pipeline for efficient knock-in of point mutations and epitope tags in zebrafish using fluorescent PCR based screening. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:810. [PMID: 36476416 PMCID: PMC9730659 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08971-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 has become a powerful tool in zebrafish to generate targeted gene knockouts models. However, its use for targeted knock-in remains challenging due to inefficient homology directed repair (HDR) pathway in zebrafish, highlighting the need for efficient and cost-effective screening methods. RESULTS: Here, we present our fluorescent PCR and capillary electrophoresis based screening approach for knock-in using a single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotide donor (ssODN) as a repair template for the targeted insertion of epitope tags, or single nucleotide changes to recapitulate pathogenic human alleles. For the insertion of epitope tags, we took advantage of the expected change in size of the PCR product. For point mutations, we combined fluorescent PCR with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis to distinguish the fish with the knock-in allele. As a proof-of-principle, we present our data on the generation of fish lines with insertion of a FLAG tag at the tcnba locus, an HA tag at the gata2b locus, and a point mutation observed in Gaucher disease patients in the gba gene. Despite the low number of germline transmitting founders (1-5%), combining our screening methods with prioritization of founder fish by fin biopsies allowed us to establish stable knock-in lines by screening 12 or less fish per gene. CONCLUSIONS We have established a robust pipeline for the generation of zebrafish models with precise integration of small DNA sequences and point mutations at the desired sites in the genome. Our screening method is very efficient and easy to implement as it is PCR-based and only requires access to a capillary sequencer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake Carrington
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, Zebrafish Core, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Ramanagouda Ramanagoudr-Bhojappa
- Cancer Genetics Unit, Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Erica Bresciani
- Oncogenesis and Development Section, Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Tae-Un Han
- Molecular Neurogenetics Section, Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Raman Sood
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, Zebrafish Core, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
- Oncogenesis and Development Section, Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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Abdolkarimi D, Cunha DL, Lahne1 M, Moosajee M. PAX6 disease models for aniridia. Indian J Ophthalmol 2022; 70:4119-4129. [PMID: 36453299 PMCID: PMC9940591 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_316_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aniridia is a pan-ocular genetic developmental eye disorder characterized by complete or partial iris and foveal hypoplasia, for which there is no treatment currently. Progressive sight loss can arise from cataracts, glaucoma, and aniridia-related keratopathy, which can be managed conservatively or through surgical intervention. The vast majority of patients harbor heterozygous mutations involving the PAX6 gene, which is considered the master transcription factor of early eye development. Over the past decades, several disease models have been investigated to gain a better understanding of the molecular pathophysiology, including several mouse and zebrafish strains and, more recently, human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from aniridia patients. The latter provides a more faithful cellular system to study early human eye development. This review outlines the main aniridia-related animal and cellular models used to study aniridia and highlights the key discoveries that are bringing us closer to a therapy for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dulce Lima Cunha
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Mariya Moosajee
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
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8
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Chhetri J, Dilek J, Davies N, Jacobson G, Dallmann R, Gueven N. NQO1 protects against clioquinol toxicity. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1000278. [PMID: 36267290 PMCID: PMC9576850 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1000278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Clioquinol (CQ) was widely used as oral antibiotic before being taken off the market in many countries in 1970, after it was linked to subacute myelo-optic neuropathy (SMON) in Japan, leading to vision loss with many patients left wheelchair-bound. The common pathology of CQ-associated SMON was reproduced in animals but none of the proposed modes of toxicity explained the restriction of CQ-induced SMON to Japan. Given a re-emergence of CQ and related analogues as neuroprotectants, it is crucial to understand the underlying mechanism of CQ-induced toxicity to prevent any potential CQ-associated risks to future patients. A small molecule screen to find drugs that induce mitochondrial dysfunction in vitro identified CQ and the structurally related 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-OHQ). Their mitochondrial liability, pro-oxidative and cytotoxic activity was subsequently confirmed in some cell lines but surprisingly not in others. Subsequent studies in isogenic cell lines demonstrated that the antioxidant protein NQO1 is differentially expressed in the cell lines tested and potently protects against CQ toxicity. CQ-induced reduction of cellular ATP levels, increased lipid peroxidation and elevated cell death was also attenuated by antioxidants, implicating oxidative stress as the core mechanism of CQ-induced toxicity. These in-vitro findings were replicated in zebrafish. Visual acuity in zebrafish larvae that do not express NQO1, was reduced by CQ in a dose-dependent manner, while CQ did not affect visual function in the adult zebrafish that express NQO1. Similarly, pharmacological inhibition of NQO1 activity resulted in CQ-induced oxidative stress in the retina and severe acute systemic toxicity in the adult fish. Given the much higher prevalence of the inactivating C609T NQO1 polymorphism in the Japanese population compared to the European population, the results of this study could for the first time indicate how the geographic restriction of SMON cases to Japan could be explained. Importantly, if CQ or its derivatives are to be used safely for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, it seems imperative that NQO1 levels and activity of prospective patients should be ascertained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamuna Chhetri
- School of Pharmacy, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Jem Dilek
- School of Pharmacy, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Noel Davies
- Central Science Laboratory, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Glenn Jacobson
- School of Pharmacy, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Robert Dallmann
- Division of Biomedical Science, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Nuri Gueven
- School of Pharmacy, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
- *Correspondence: Nuri Gueven,
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9
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Huang W, Tourmouzis K, Perry H, Honkanen RA, Rigas B. Animal models of dry eye disease: Useful, varied and evolving (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1394. [PMID: 34650642 PMCID: PMC8506913 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dry eye disease (DED), which is a prevalent disease that still lacks successful treatment options, remains a major challenge in ophthalmology. Multiple animal models of DED have been used to decipher its pathophysiology and to develop novel treatments. These models use mice, rats, rabbits, cats, dogs and non-human primates. Each model assesses aspects of DED by focusing on elements of the lacrimal functional unit, which controls the homeostasis of the tear film. The present review outlines representative DED animal models and assesses their contribution to the study of DED. Murine models are the most extensively used, followed by rabbit models; the latter offer the advantage of larger eyes, a favorable biochemical profile for drug studies, experimental ease and relatively low cost, contrasting with non-human primates, which, although closer to humans, are not as accessible and are expensive. No comprehensive ‘ideal’ animal model encompassing all aspects of human DED exists nor is it feasible. Investigators often choose an animal model based on their experimental needs and the following four features of a given model: The size of the eye, its biochemical composition, the available research reagents and cost. As research efforts in DED expand, more refined animal models are needed to supplement the enormous contribution made to date by existing models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | | | - Henry Perry
- Ophthalomology Consultants of Long Island, Westbury, NY 11590, USA
| | - Robert A Honkanen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Basil Rigas
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
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10
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French CR. Mechanistic Insights into Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome from Zebrafish foxc1 and pitx2 Mutants. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810001. [PMID: 34576164 PMCID: PMC8472202 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome (ARS) encompasses a group of developmental disorders that affect the anterior segment of the eye, as well as systemic developmental defects in some patients. Malformation of the ocular anterior segment often leads to secondary glaucoma, while some patients also present with cardiovascular malformations, craniofacial and dental abnormalities and additional periumbilical skin. Genes that encode two transcription factors, FOXC1 and PITX2, account for almost half of known cases, while the genetic lesions in the remaining cases remain unresolved. Given the genetic similarity between zebrafish and humans, as well as robust antisense inhibition and gene editing technologies available for use in these animals, loss of function zebrafish models for ARS have been created and shed light on the mechanism(s) whereby mutations in these two transcription factors cause such a wide array of developmental phenotypes. This review summarizes the published phenotypes in zebrafish foxc1 and pitx2 loss of function models and discusses possible mechanisms that may be used to target pharmaceutical development and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curtis R French
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, NL A1B 3V6, Canada
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11
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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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12
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Williams AL, Bohnsack BL. The Ocular Neural Crest: Specification, Migration, and Then What? Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:595896. [PMID: 33425902 PMCID: PMC7785809 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.595896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
During vertebrate embryonic development, a population of dorsal neural tube-derived stem cells, termed the neural crest (NC), undergo a series of morphogenetic changes and extensive migration to become a diverse array of cell types. Around the developing eye, this multipotent ocular NC cell population, called the periocular mesenchyme (POM), comprises migratory mesenchymal cells that eventually give rise to many of the elements in the anterior of the eye, such as the cornea, sclera, trabecular meshwork, and iris. Molecular cell biology and genetic analyses of congenital eye diseases have provided important information on the regulation of NC contributions to this area of the eye. Nevertheless, a complete understanding of the NC as a contributor to ocular development remains elusive. In addition, positional information during ocular NC migration and the molecular pathways that regulate end tissue differentiation have yet to be fully elucidated. Further, the clinical challenges of ocular diseases, such as Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome (ARS), Peters anomaly (PA) and primary congenital glaucoma (PCG), strongly suggest the need for better treatments. While several aspects of NC evolution have recently been reviewed, this discussion will consolidate the most recent current knowledge on the specification, migration, and contributions of the NC to ocular development, highlighting the anterior segment and the knowledge obtained from the clinical manifestations of its associated diseases. Ultimately, this knowledge can inform translational discoveries with potential for sorely needed regenerative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antionette L Williams
- Division of Ophthalmology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Brenda L Bohnsack
- Division of Ophthalmology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
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13
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Lai YH, Audira G, Liang ST, Siregar P, Suryanto ME, Lin HC, Villalobos O, Villaflores OB, Hao E, Lim KH, Hsiao CD. Duplicated dnmt3aa and dnmt3ab DNA Methyltransferase Genes Play Essential and Non-Overlapped Functions on Modulating Behavioral Control in Zebrafish. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11111322. [PMID: 33171840 PMCID: PMC7695179 DOI: 10.3390/genes11111322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation plays several roles in regulating neuronal proliferation, differentiation, and physiological functions. The major de novo methyltransferase, DNMT3, controls the DNA methylation pattern in neurons according to environmental stimulations and behavioral regulations. Previous studies demonstrated that knockout of Dnmt3 induced mouse anxiety; however, controversial results showed that activation of Dnmt3 causes anxiolytic behavior. Thus, an alternative animal model to clarify Dnmt3 on modulating behavior is crucial. Therefore, we aimed to establish a zebrafish (Danio rerio) model to clarify the function of dnmt3 on fish behavior by behavioral endpoint analyses. We evaluated the behaviors of the wild type, dnmt3aa, and dnmt3ab knockout (KO) fish by the novel tank, mirror biting, predator avoidance, social interaction, shoaling, circadian rhythm locomotor activity, color preference, and short-term memory tests. The results indicated that the dnmt3aa KO fish possessed abnormal exploratory behaviors and less fear response to the predator. On the other hand, dnmt3ab KO fish displayed less aggression, fear response to the predator, and interests to interact with their conspecifics, loosen shoaling formation, and dysregulated color preference index ranking. Furthermore, both knockout fishes showed higher locomotion activity during the night cycle, which is a sign of anxiety. However, changes in some neurotransmitter levels were observed in the mutant fishes. Lastly, whole-genome DNA methylation sequencing demonstrates a potential network of Dnmt3a proteins that is responsive to behavioral alterations. To sum up, the results suggested that the dnmt3aa KO or dnmt3ab KO fish display anxiety symptoms, which supported the idea that Dnmt3 modulates the function involved in emotional control, social interaction, and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Heng Lai
- Department of Chemistry, Chinese Culture University, Taipei 11114, Taiwan;
| | - Gilbert Audira
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 320314, Taiwan; (G.A.); (P.S.)
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 320314, Taiwan; (S.-T.L.); (M.E.S.)
| | - Sung-Tzu Liang
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 320314, Taiwan; (S.-T.L.); (M.E.S.)
| | - Petrus Siregar
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 320314, Taiwan; (G.A.); (P.S.)
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 320314, Taiwan; (S.-T.L.); (M.E.S.)
| | - Michael Edbert Suryanto
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 320314, Taiwan; (S.-T.L.); (M.E.S.)
| | - Huan-Chau Lin
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Number 92, Section 2, Chungshan North Road, Taipei 10449, Taiwan;
| | - Omar Villalobos
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1015, Philippines;
| | - Oliver B. Villaflores
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1015, Philippines;
| | - Erwei Hao
- Guangxi Scientific Experimental Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Efficacy Study on Chinese Materia Medica, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, Guangxi, China
- Correspondence: (E.H.); (K.-H.L.); (C.-D.H.)
| | - Ken-Hong Lim
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Number 92, Section 2, Chungshan North Road, Taipei 10449, Taiwan;
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, Sanzhi Dist., New Taipei City 252, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (E.H.); (K.-H.L.); (C.-D.H.)
| | - Chung-Der Hsiao
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 320314, Taiwan; (G.A.); (P.S.)
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 320314, Taiwan; (S.-T.L.); (M.E.S.)
- Center of Nanotechnology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 320314, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (E.H.); (K.-H.L.); (C.-D.H.)
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14
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The Genetic and Endoplasmic Reticulum-Mediated Molecular Mechanisms of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21114171. [PMID: 32545285 PMCID: PMC7312987 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a heterogenous, chronic, progressive group of eye diseases, which results in irreversible loss of vision. There are several types of glaucoma, whereas the primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) constitutes the most common type of glaucoma, accounting for three-quarters of all glaucoma cases. The pathological mechanisms leading to POAG pathogenesis are multifactorial and still poorly understood, but it is commonly known that significantly elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) plays a crucial role in POAG pathogenesis. Besides, genetic predisposition and aggregation of abrogated proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen and subsequent activation of the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)-dependent unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling pathway may also constitute important factors for POAG pathogenesis at the molecular level. Glaucoma is commonly known as a ‘silent thief of sight’, as it remains asymptomatic until later stages, and thus its diagnosis is frequently delayed. Thereby, detailed knowledge about the glaucoma pathophysiology is necessary to develop both biochemical and genetic tests to improve its early diagnosis as well as develop a novel, ground-breaking treatment strategy, as currently used medical therapies against glaucoma are limited and may evoke numerous adverse side-effects in patients.
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15
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Takamiya M, Stegmaier J, Kobitski AY, Schott B, Weger BD, Margariti D, Cereceda Delgado AR, Gourain V, Scherr T, Yang L, Sorge S, Otte JC, Hartmann V, van Wezel J, Stotzka R, Reinhard T, Schlunck G, Dickmeis T, Rastegar S, Mikut R, Nienhaus GU, Strähle U. Pax6 organizes the anterior eye segment by guiding two distinct neural crest waves. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008774. [PMID: 32555736 PMCID: PMC7323998 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cranial neural crest (NC) contributes to the developing vertebrate eye. By multidimensional, quantitative imaging, we traced the origin of the ocular NC cells to two distinct NC populations that differ in the maintenance of sox10 expression, Wnt signalling, origin, route, mode and destination of migration. The first NC population migrates to the proximal and the second NC cell group populates the distal (anterior) part of the eye. By analysing zebrafish pax6a/b compound mutants presenting anterior segment dysgenesis, we demonstrate that Pax6a/b guide the two NC populations to distinct proximodistal locations. We further provide evidence that the lens whose formation is pax6a/b-dependent and lens-derived TGFβ signals contribute to the building of the anterior segment. Taken together, our results reveal multiple roles of Pax6a/b in the control of NC cells during development of the anterior segment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanari Takamiya
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Johannes Stegmaier
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Andrei Yu Kobitski
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute of Applied Physics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Benjamin Schott
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Benjamin D. Weger
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Dimitra Margariti
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Angel R. Cereceda Delgado
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Victor Gourain
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Tim Scherr
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Lixin Yang
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Sebastian Sorge
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Jens C. Otte
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Volker Hartmann
- Institute for Data Processing and Electronics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Jos van Wezel
- Steinbuch Centre for Computing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Rainer Stotzka
- Institute for Data Processing and Electronics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Freiburg University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Freiburg University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Dickmeis
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Sepand Rastegar
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Ralf Mikut
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Gerd Ulrich Nienhaus
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute of Applied Physics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute of Nanotechnology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Uwe Strähle
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
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16
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Kujawski S, Crespo C, Luz M, Yuan M, Winkler S, Knust E. Loss of Crb2b-lf leads to anterior segment defects in old zebrafish. Biol Open 2020; 9:bio047555. [PMID: 31988089 PMCID: PMC7044448 DOI: 10.1242/bio.047555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Defects in the retina or the anterior segment of the eye lead to compromised vision and affect millions of people. Understanding how these ocular structures develop and are maintained is therefore of paramount importance. The maintenance of proper vision depends, among other factors, on the function of genes controlling apico-basal polarity. In fact, mutations in polarity genes are linked to retinal degeneration in several species, including human. Here we describe a novel zebrafish crb2b allele (crb2be40 ), which specifically affects the crb2b long isoform. crb2be40 mutants are viable and display normal ocular development. However, old crb2be40 mutant fish develop multiple defects in structures of the anterior segment, which includes the cornea, the iris and the lens. Phenotypes are characterised by smaller pupils due to expansion of the iris and tissues of the iridocorneal angle, an increased number of corneal stromal keratocytes, an abnormal corneal endothelium and an expanded lens capsule. These findings illustrate a novel role for crb2b in the maintenance of the anterior segment and hence add an important function to this polarity regulator, which may be conserved in other vertebrates including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satu Kujawski
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Cátia Crespo
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Marta Luz
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Michaela Yuan
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Sylke Winkler
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Knust
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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17
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Baanannou A, Rastegar S, Bouzid A, Takamiya M, Gerber V, Souissi A, Beil T, Jrad O, Strähle U, Masmoudi S. Gene duplication and functional divergence of the zebrafish otospiralin genes. Dev Genes Evol 2019; 230:27-36. [PMID: 31838648 DOI: 10.1007/s00427-019-00642-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Otospiralin (OTOSP) is a small protein of unknown function, expressed in fibrocytes of the inner ear and required for normal cochlear auditory function. Despite its conservation from fish to mammals, expression of otospiralin was only investigated in mammals. Here, we report for the first time the expression profile of OTOS orthologous genes in zebrafish (Danio rerio): otospiralin and si:ch73-23l24.1 (designated otospiralin-like). In situ hybridization analyses in zebrafish embryos showed a specific expression of otospiralin-like in notochord (from 14 to 48 hpf) and similar expression patterns for otospiralin and otospiralin-like in gut (from 72 to 120 hpf), swim bladder (from 96 to 120 hpf) and inner ear (at 120 hpf). Morpholino knockdown of otospiralin and otospiralin-like showed no strong change of the body structure of the embryos at 5 dpf and the inner ear was normally formed. Nevertheless, knockdown embryos showed a reduced number of kinocilia in the lateral crista, indicating that these genes play an important role in kinocilium formation. RT-qPCR revealed that otospiralin is highly expressed in adult zebrafish inner ear comparing to the others analyzed tissues as previously shown for mice. Interestingly, otospiralin-like was not detected in the inner ear which suggests that otospiralin have a more important function in hearing than otospiralin-like. Phylogenetic analysis of otospiralin proteins in vertebrates indicated the presence of two subgroups and supported the functional divergence observed in zebrafish for otospiralin and otospiralin-like genes. This study offers the first insight into the expression of otospiralin and otospiralin-like in zebrafish. Expression data point to an important role for otospiralin in zebrafish hearing and a specific role for otospiralin-like in notochord vacuolization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aissette Baanannou
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Sepand Rastegar
- Institute of Toxicology and Genetics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76021, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Amal Bouzid
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Masanari Takamiya
- Institute of Toxicology and Genetics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76021, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Vanessa Gerber
- Institute of Toxicology and Genetics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76021, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Amal Souissi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Tanja Beil
- Institute of Toxicology and Genetics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76021, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Olfa Jrad
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Uwe Strähle
- Institute of Toxicology and Genetics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76021, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Saber Masmoudi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
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18
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Yang L, Zeng C, Zhang Y, Wang F, Takamiya M, Strähle U. Functions of thioredoxin1 in brain development and in response to environmental chemicals in zebrafish embryos. Toxicol Lett 2019; 314:43-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2019.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Gonadal, Not Maternal, Acquisition of Duplicated pax6 Orthologs in Megalobrama Amblycephala. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071710. [PMID: 30959850 PMCID: PMC6480603 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
: The highly conserved transcription factor Pax6 is involved in the development of the eyes, brain, and pancreas in vertebrates and invertebrates, whereas the additional expression pattern in other organs is still elusive. In this study, we cloned and characterized two pax6 homologs in blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala), named Mapax6a and Mapax6b. The protein alignment and phylogenetic tree showed that Mapax6a and Mapax6b were highly conserved compared with their counterparts in other species. Genomic information analysis revealed that the synteny conservation of Wilms tumor, Aniridia, genitourinary abnormalities, and mental retardation loci was also maintained in this species. By reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, the expression of Mapax6a was later than that of Mapax6b which was found in the blastula stage, while the expression of Mapax6a started from the somite stage, and both of them persisted in a subsequent stage during the embryonic development. By RNA and protein detection, Mapax6a and Mapax6b were detected in the eye and brain as canonic patterns, and most importantly, they were also enriched in germ cells of the testis and ovary. Therefore, our findings validate the duplication of pax6 in fish, confirm the classical expression patterns in the brain and eye, and, for the first time, present a new acquisition of Mapax6a and Mapax6b in gonadal germ cells in particular. Therefore, our results enrich the expression pattern and evolutionary relationship of pax6 by suggesting that duplicated Mapax6 is involved in gametogenesis in Megalobrama amblycephala.
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20
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Why does the zebrafish cloche mutant develop lens cataract? PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211399. [PMID: 30861003 PMCID: PMC6413905 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish has become a valuable model for examining ocular lens development, physiology and disease. The zebrafish cloche mutant, first described for its loss of hematopoiesis, also shows reduced eye and lens size, interruption in lens cell differentiation and a cataract likely caused by abnormal protein aggregation. To facilitate the use of the cloche mutant for studies on cataract development and prevention we characterized variation in the lens phenotype, quantified changes in gene expression by qRT-PCR and RNA-Seq and compared the ability of two promoters to drive expression of introduced proteins into the cloche lens. We found that the severity of cloche embryo lens cataract varied, while the decrease in lens diameter and retention of nuclei in differentiating lens fiber cells was constant. We found very low expression of both αB-crystallin genes (cryaba and cryabb) at 4 days post fertilization (dpf) by both qRT-PCR and RNA-Seq in cloche, cloche sibling and wildtype embryos and no significant difference in αA-crystallin (cryaa) expression. RNA-Seq analysis of 4 dpf embryos identified transcripts from 25,281 genes, with 1,329 showing statistically significantly different expression between cloche and wildtype samples. Downregulation of eight lens β- and γM-crystallin genes and 22 retinal related genes may reflect a general reduction in eye development and growth. Six stress response genes were upregulated. We did not find misregulation of any known components of lens development gene regulatory networks. These results suggest that the cloche lens cataract is not caused by loss of αA-crystallin or changes to lens gene regulatory networks. Instead, we propose that the cataract results from general physiological stress related to loss of hematopoiesis. Our finding that the zebrafish αA-crystallin promoter drove strong GFP expression in the cloche lens demonstrates its use as a tool for examining the effects of introduced proteins on lens crystallin aggregation and cataract prevention.
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21
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Poggi L, Casarosa S, Carl M. An Eye on the Wnt Inhibitory Factor Wif1. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:167. [PMID: 30574494 PMCID: PMC6292148 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The coordinated interplay between extrinsic activating and repressing cell signaling molecules is pivotal for embryonic development and subsequent tissue homeostasis. This is well exemplified by studies on the evolutionarily conserved Wnt signaling pathways. Tight temporal and spatial regulation of Wnt signaling activity is required throughout lifetime, from maternal stages before gastrulation until and throughout adulthood. Outside cells, the action of numerous Wnt ligands is counteracted and fine-tuned by only a handful of well characterized secreted inhibitors, such as for instance Dickkopf, secreted Frizzled Related Proteins and Cerberus. Here, we give an overview of our current understanding of another secreted Wnt signaling antagonist, the Wnt inhibitory factor Wif1. Wif1 can directly interact with various Wnt ligands and inhibits their binding to membrane bound receptors. Epigenetic promoter methylation of Wif1, leading to silencing of its transcription and concomitant up-regulation of Wnt signaling, is a common feature during cancer progression. Furthermore, an increasing number of reports describe Wif1 involvement in regulating processes during embryonic development, which so far has not received as much attention. We will summarize our knowledge on Wif1 function and its mode of action with a particular focus on the zebrafish (Danio rerio). In addition, we highlight the potential of Wif1 research to understand and possibly influence mechanisms underlying eye diseases and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Poggi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Ophthalmology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Simona Casarosa
- Laboratory of Neural Development and Regeneration, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Matthias Carl
- Laboratory of Translational Neurogenetics, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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Vasilyeva TA, Voskresenskaya AA, Pozdeyeva NA, Marakhonov AV, Zinchenko RA. PAX6 Gene Characteristic and Causative Role of PAX6 Mutations in Inherited Eye Pathologies. RUSS J GENET+ 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795418090156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Moulton MJ, Letsou A. Modeling congenital disease and inborn errors of development in Drosophila melanogaster. Dis Model Mech 2016; 9:253-69. [PMID: 26935104 PMCID: PMC4826979 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.023564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fly models that faithfully recapitulate various aspects of human disease and human health-related biology are being used for research into disease diagnosis and prevention. Established and new genetic strategies in Drosophila have yielded numerous substantial successes in modeling congenital disorders or inborn errors of human development, as well as neurodegenerative disease and cancer. Moreover, although our ability to generate sequence datasets continues to outpace our ability to analyze these datasets, the development of high-throughput analysis platforms in Drosophila has provided access through the bottleneck in the identification of disease gene candidates. In this Review, we describe both the traditional and newer methods that are facilitating the incorporation of Drosophila into the human disease discovery process, with a focus on the models that have enhanced our understanding of human developmental disorders and congenital disease. Enviable features of the Drosophila experimental system, which make it particularly useful in facilitating the much anticipated move from genotype to phenotype (understanding and predicting phenotypes directly from the primary DNA sequence), include its genetic tractability, the low cost for high-throughput discovery, and a genome and underlying biology that are highly evolutionarily conserved. In embracing the fly in the human disease-gene discovery process, we can expect to speed up and reduce the cost of this process, allowing experimental scales that are not feasible and/or would be too costly in higher eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Moulton
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, 15 North 2030 East, Room 5100, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5330, USA
| | - Anthea Letsou
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, 15 North 2030 East, Room 5100, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5330, USA
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Almarzouki HS, Tayyib AA, Khayat HA, Alsulami RE, Alzahrani SM, Alkahtani AS, Alghifees LS. Peters Anomaly in Twins: A Case Report of a Rare Incident with Novel Comorbidities. Case Rep Ophthalmol 2016; 7:186-192. [PMID: 27843434 PMCID: PMC5091221 DOI: 10.1159/000450571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Peters anomaly is a rare developmental malformation involving the anterior segment of the eye, which culminates in amblyopia or congenital blindness. Multiple ocular and/or systemic malformations have been observed with this anomaly, and novel comorbidities continue to be reported. CASE PRESENTATION The probands were monozygotic twin boys (twin I and twin II) born to consanguineous parents at 36 weeks of gestation. Coarse facial features and deep-seated eyes were noted at birth. At 6 months, ophthalmic examination revealed that both twins were unable to blink in response to light, or to fixate and follow a moving object. Both twins had prominent horizontal nystagmus. Slit-lamp examination demonstrated varying degrees of central leukoma (corneal opacity) associated with iridocorneal adhesion, which is characteristic of type I Peters anomaly. No cataractous changes were observed. Normal intraocular pressure and disorganized retina were observed. Pupillary abnormalities included bilaterally underdeveloped pupils and bilateral absence of pupils was noted. Ocular MRI showed bilateral microphthalmia and optic nerve hypoplasia, with a small optic chiasm in both twins. At this age, the diagnosis of Peters anomaly was made. At 16 months of age, both twins developed deep venous thrombosis and purpuric skin lesions. Investigations revealed a hereditary thrombophilia secondary to a homozygous mutation causing protein C deficiency, which is a rare thrombotic condition. Ocular ultrasonography revealed bilateral vitreous hemorrhaging linked to altered coagulation. One twin developed bilateral inguinal hernia and cryptorchidism. CONCLUSION The novel concordance of Peters anomaly in these monozygotic twins sharing a mutation in PROC gene provides further evidence that this anomaly has a genetic basis. Hypoplasia of the optic nerves and optic chiasm, along with severe protein C deficiency and bilateral absence of the pupils, are associated comorbidities that have not previously been reported with this anomaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hashem S. Almarzouki
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNG-HA), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa A. Tayyib
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan A. Khayat
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNG-HA), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raed E. Alsulami
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNG-HA), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeed M. Alzahrani
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNG-HA), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz S. Alkahtani
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNG-HA), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Loai S. Alghifees
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
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Melanosomes in pigmented epithelia maintain eye lens transparency during zebrafish embryonic development. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25046. [PMID: 27141993 PMCID: PMC4855227 DOI: 10.1038/srep25046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Altered levels of trace elements are associated with increased oxidative stress that is eventually responsible for pathologic conditions. Oxidative stress has been proposed to be involved in eye diseases, including cataract formation. We visualized the distribution of metals and other trace elements in the eye of zebrafish embryos by micro X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) imaging. Many elements showed highest accumulation in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of the zebrafish embryo. Knockdown of the zebrafish brown locus homologues tyrp1a/b eliminated accumulation of these elements in the RPE, indicating that they are bound by mature melanosomes. Furthermore, albino (slc45a2) mutants, which completely lack melanosomes, developed abnormal lens reflections similar to the congenital cataract caused by mutation of the myosin chaperon Unc45b, and an in situ spin trapping assay revealed increased oxidative stress in the lens of albino mutants. Finally transplanting a wildtype lens into an albino mutant background resulted in cataract formation. These data suggest that melanosomes in pigment epithelial cells protect the lens from oxidative stress during embryonic development, likely by buffering trace elements.
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Soh YQ, Peh GSL, Mehta JS. Translational issues for human corneal endothelial tissue engineering. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2016; 11:2425-2442. [DOI: 10.1002/term.2131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Qiang Soh
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group; Singapore Eye Research Institute; Singapore
- Singapore National Eye Centre; Singapore
| | - Gary S. L. Peh
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group; Singapore Eye Research Institute; Singapore
- Ophthalmology Academic Clinical Programme; Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School; Singapore
| | - Jodhbir S. Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group; Singapore Eye Research Institute; Singapore
- Singapore National Eye Centre; Singapore
- Ophthalmology Academic Clinical Programme; Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School; Singapore
- Department of Clinical Sciences; Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School; Singapore
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27
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Zebrafish biosensor for toxicant induced muscle hyperactivity. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23768. [PMID: 27029555 PMCID: PMC4815012 DOI: 10.1038/srep23768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Robust and sensitive detection systems are a crucial asset for risk management of chemicals, which are produced in increasing number and diversity. To establish an in vivo biosensor system with quantitative readout for potential toxicant effects on motor function, we generated a transgenic zebrafish line TgBAC(hspb11:GFP) which expresses a GFP reporter under the control of regulatory elements of the small heat shock protein hspb11. Spatiotemporal hspb11 transgene expression in the musculature and the notochord matched closely that of endogenous hspb11 expression. Exposure to substances that interfere with motor function induced a dose-dependent increase of GFP intensity beginning at sub-micromolar concentrations, while washout of the chemicals reduced the level of hspb11 transgene expression. Simultaneously, these toxicants induced muscle hyperactivity with increased calcium spike height and frequency. The hspb11 transgene up-regulation induced by either chemicals or heat shock was eliminated after co-application of the anaesthetic MS-222. TgBAC(hspb11:GFP) zebrafish embryos provide a quantitative measure of muscle hyperactivity and represent a robust whole organism system for detecting chemicals that affect motor function.
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28
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Reis LM, Semina EV. Conserved genetic pathways associated with microphthalmia, anophthalmia, and coloboma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 105:96-113. [PMID: 26046913 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.21097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The human eye is a complex organ whose development requires extraordinary coordination of developmental processes. The conservation of ocular developmental steps in vertebrates suggests possible common genetic mechanisms. Genetic diseases involving the eye represent a leading cause of blindness in children and adults. During the last decades, there has been an exponential increase in genetic studies of ocular disorders. In this review, we summarize current success in identification of genes responsible for microphthalmia, anophthalmia, and coloboma (MAC) phenotypes, which are associated with early defects in embryonic eye development. Studies in animal models for the orthologous genes identified overlapping phenotypes for most factors, confirming the conservation of their function in vertebrate development. These animal models allow for further investigation of the mechanisms of MAC, integration of various identified genes into common developmental pathways and finally, provide an avenue for the development and testing of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda M Reis
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Elena V Semina
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.,Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.,Department of Cell Biology Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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