1
|
Wong NK, Yip SP, Huang CL. Establishing Functional Retina in a Dish: Progress and Promises of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Retinal Neuron Differentiation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13652. [PMID: 37686457 PMCID: PMC10487913 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713652] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The human eye plays a critical role in vision perception, but various retinal degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can lead to vision loss or blindness. Although progress has been made in understanding retinal development and in clinical research, current treatments remain inadequate for curing or reversing these degenerative conditions. Animal models have limited relevance to humans, and obtaining human eye tissue samples is challenging due to ethical and legal considerations. Consequently, researchers have turned to stem cell-based approaches, specifically induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), to generate distinct retinal cell populations and develop cell replacement therapies. iPSCs offer a novel platform for studying the key stages of human retinogenesis and disease-specific mechanisms. Stem cell technology has facilitated the production of diverse retinal cell types, including retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and photoreceptors, and the development of retinal organoids has emerged as a valuable in vitro tool for investigating retinal neuron differentiation and modeling retinal diseases. This review focuses on the protocols, culture conditions, and techniques employed in differentiating retinal neurons from iPSCs. Furthermore, it emphasizes the significance of molecular and functional validation of the differentiated cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nonthaphat Kent Wong
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shea Ping Yip
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chien-Ling Huang
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu S, Ji Y, Li H, Ren L, Zhu J, Yang T, Li X, Yao J, Cao X, Yan B. EYE-503: A Novel Retinoic Acid Drug for Treating Retinal Neurodegeneration. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1033. [PMID: 37513944 PMCID: PMC10386480 DOI: 10.3390/ph16071033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal neurodegeneration is a major cause of vision loss. Retinoic acid signaling is critical for the maintenance of retinal function, and its dysfunction can cause retinal neurodegeneration. However, the therapeutic effects of retinoic acid drugs on retinal neurodegeneration remain unclear. In this study, we designed a novel retinoic acid drug called EYE-503 and investigated its therapeutic effects of EYE-503 on retinal neurodegeneration. The optic nerve crush (ONC) model was selected for the retinal neurodegeneration study. H&E staining, TUNEL staining, immunofluorescence staining, and visual electrophysiology assays were performed to determine the role of EYE-503 in retinal neurodegeneration in vivo. The CCK-8 assay, EdU incorporation assay, PI staining, and flow cytometry assays were performed to investigate the effects of EYE-503 administration on retinal neurodegeneration in vitro. The potential mechanism of EYE-503 in retinal neurodegeneration was investigated by network pharmacology and Western blots. The results showed that EYE-503 administration had no detectable cytotoxicity and tissue toxicity. EYE-503 administration alleviated ONC-induced retinal injury and optic nerve injury in vivo. EYE-503 administration attenuated retinal ganglion cell apoptosis, inhibited reactive gliosis, and retarded the progression of retinal neurodegeneration. Mechanistically, EYE-503 regulated retinal neurodegeneration by targeting the JNK/p38 signaling pathway. This study suggests that EYE-503 is a promising therapeutic agent for retinal neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sha Liu
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210093, China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yuke Ji
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210093, China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Huan Li
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210093, China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Ling Ren
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Junya Zhu
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210093, China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Tianjing Yang
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210093, China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xiumiao Li
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210093, China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Jin Yao
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210093, China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xin Cao
- Institute of Clinical Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Biao Yan
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bioinformatic Prioritization and Functional Annotation of GWAS-Based Candidate Genes for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13061055. [PMID: 35741817 PMCID: PMC9222386 DOI: 10.3390/genes13061055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most prevalent glaucoma subtype, but its exact etiology is still unknown. In this study, we aimed to prioritize the most likely ‘causal’ genes and identify functional characteristics and underlying biological pathways of POAG candidate genes. Methods: We used the results of a large POAG genome-wide association analysis study from GERA and UK Biobank cohorts. First, we performed systematic gene-prioritization analyses based on: (i) nearest genes; (ii) nonsynonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms; (iii) co-regulation analysis; (iv) transcriptome-wide association studies; and (v) epigenomic data. Next, we performed functional enrichment analyses to find overrepresented functional pathways and tissues. Results: We identified 142 prioritized genes, of which 64 were novel for POAG. BICC1, AFAP1, and ABCA1 were the most highly prioritized genes based on four or more lines of evidence. The most significant pathways were related to extracellular matrix turnover, transforming growth factor-β, blood vessel development, and retinoic acid receptor signaling. Ocular tissues such as sclera and trabecular meshwork showed enrichment in prioritized gene expression (>1.5 fold). We found pleiotropy of POAG with intraocular pressure and optic-disc parameters, as well as genetic correlation with hypertension and diabetes-related eye disease. Conclusions: Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying glaucoma pathogenesis and have prioritized many novel candidate genes for functional follow-up studies.
Collapse
|
4
|
Wen X, Jiao L, Tan H. MAPK/ERK Pathway as a Central Regulator in Vertebrate Organ Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031464. [PMID: 35163418 PMCID: PMC8835994 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Damage to organs by trauma, infection, diseases, congenital defects, aging, and other injuries causes organ malfunction and is life-threatening under serious conditions. Some of the lower order vertebrates such as zebrafish, salamanders, and chicks possess superior organ regenerative capacity over mammals. The extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), as key members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, are serine/threonine protein kinases that are phylogenetically conserved among vertebrate taxa. MAPK/ERK signaling is an irreplaceable player participating in diverse biological activities through phosphorylating a broad variety of substrates in the cytoplasm as well as inside the nucleus. Current evidence supports a central role of the MAPK/ERK pathway during organ regeneration processes. MAPK/ERK signaling is rapidly excited in response to injury stimuli and coordinates essential pro-regenerative cellular events including cell survival, cell fate turnover, migration, proliferation, growth, and transcriptional and translational activities. In this literature review, we recapitulated the multifaceted MAPK/ERK signaling regulations, its dynamic spatio-temporal activities, and the profound roles during multiple organ regeneration, including appendages, heart, liver, eye, and peripheral/central nervous system, illuminating the possibility of MAPK/ERK signaling as a critical mechanism underlying the vastly differential regenerative capacities among vertebrate species, as well as its potential applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Collapse
|
5
|
De La Rosa-Reyes V, Duprey-Díaz MV, Blagburn JM, Blanco RE. Retinoic acid treatment recruits macrophages and increases axonal regeneration after optic nerve injury in the frog Rana pipiens. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255196. [PMID: 34739478 PMCID: PMC8570512 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) plays major roles during nervous system development, and during regeneration of the adult nervous system. We have previously shown that components of the RA signaling pathway are upregulated after optic nerve injury, and that exogenous application of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) greatly increases the survival of axotomized retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The objective of the present study is to investigate the effects of ATRA application on the macrophages in the optic nerve after injury, and to determine whether this affects axonal regeneration. The optic nerve was crushed and treated with PBS, ATRA and/or clodronate-loaded liposomes. Nerves were examined at one and two weeks after axotomy with light microscopy, immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy. ATRA application to the optic nerve caused transient increases in the number of macrophages and microglia one week after injury. The macrophages are consistently labeled with M2-type markers, and have considerable phagocytic activity. ATRA increased ultrastructural features of ongoing phagocytic activity in macrophages at one and two weeks. ATRA treatment also significantly increased the numbers of regenerating GAP-43-labeled axons. Clodronate liposome treatment depleted macrophage numbers by 80%, completely eliminated the ATRA-mediated increase in axonal regeneration, and clodronate treatment alone decreased axonal numbers by 30%. These results suggest that the success of axon regeneration is partially dependent on the presence of debris-phagocytosing macrophages, and that the increases in regeneration caused by ATRA are in part due to their increased numbers. Further studies will examine whether macrophage depletion affects RGC survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria De La Rosa-Reyes
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States of America
- Institute of Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Mildred V. Duprey-Díaz
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Jonathan M. Blagburn
- Institute of Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Rosa E. Blanco
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States of America
- Institute of Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Amirmokhtari N, Foresi BD, Dewan SS, Bouhenni RA, Smith MA. Absence of Cytochrome P450-1b1 Increases Susceptibility of Pressure-Induced Axonopathy in the Murine Retinal Projection. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:636321. [PMID: 33748124 PMCID: PMC7973214 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.636321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the cytochrome P450-1B1 (Cyp1b1) gene is a common genetic predisposition associated with various human glaucomas, most prominently in primary congenital glaucoma (PCG). The role of Cyp1b1 in the eye is largely unknown, however, its absence appears to drive the maldevelopment of anterior eye structures responsible for aqueous fluid drainage in murine models. Nevertheless, vision loss in glaucoma ultimately results from the structural and functional loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Cyp1b1’s influence in the development and support of retinal ganglion cell structure and function under normal conditions or during stress, such as elevated ocular pressure; the most common risk factor in glaucoma, remains grossly unknown. Thus, to determine the role of Cyp1b1 in normal retinal projection development we first assessed the strucutrual integrity of RGCs in the retina, optic nerve, and superior colliculus in un-manipulated (naïve) Cyp1b1-knockout (Cyp1b1–/–) mice. In addition, in a separate cohort of Cyp1b1–/– and wildtype mice, we elevated and maintained intraocular pressure (IOP) at glaucomatous levels for 5-weeks, after which we compared RGC density, node of Ranvier morphology, and axonal transport between the genotypes. Our results demonstrate that naïve Cyp1b1–/– mice develop an anatomically intact retinal projection absent of overt glaucomatous pathology. Following pressure elevation, Cyp1b1–/– accelerated degradation of axonal transport from the retina to the superior colliculus and altered morphology of the nodes of Ranvier and adjacent paranodes in the optic nerves. Together this data suggests the absence Cyp1b1 expression alone is insufficient to drive murine glaucomatous pathology, however, may increase the vulnerability of retinal axons to disease relevant elevations in IOP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naseem Amirmokhtari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, United States.,Integrated Pharmaceutical Medicine Graduate Program, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, United States
| | - Brian D Foresi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, United States
| | - Shiv S Dewan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, United States
| | - Rachida A Bouhenni
- Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, Vision Center, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, OH, United States
| | - Matthew A Smith
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, United States.,Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, Vision Center, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hummel R, Ulbrich S, Appel D, Li S, Hirnet T, Zander S, Bobkiewicz W, Gölz C, Schäfer MK. Administration of all-trans retinoic acid after experimental traumatic brain injury is brain protective. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:5208-5223. [PMID: 32964418 PMCID: PMC7588818 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is a vitamin A metabolite, important in the developing and mature brain. Pre-injury ATRA administration ameliorates ischaemic brain insults in rodents. This study examined the effects of post-traumatic ATRA treatment in experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Male adult mice were subjected to the controlled cortical impact model of TBI or sham procedure and killed at 7 or 30 days post-injury (dpi). ATRA (10 mg kg-1, i.p.) was given immediately after the injury and 1, 2 and 3 dpi. Neurological function and sensorimotor coordination were evaluated. Brains were processed for (immuno-) histological, mRNA and protein analyses (qPCR and western blot). KEY RESULTS ATRA treatment reduced brain lesion size, reactive astrogliosis and axonal injury at 7 dpi, and hippocampal granule cell layer (GCL) integrity was protected at 7 and 30 dpi, independent of cell proliferation in neurogenic niches and blood-brain barrier damage. Neurological and motor deficits over time and the brain tissue loss at 30 dpi were not affected by ATRA treatment. ATRA decreased gene expression of markers for damage-associated molecular pattern (HMGB1), apoptosis (caspase-3 and Bax), activated microglia (TSPO), and reactive astrogliosis (GFAP, SerpinA3N) at 7 dpi and a subset of markers at 30 dpi (TSPO, GFAP). CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS In experimental TBI, post-traumatic ATRA administration exerted brain protective effects, including long-term protection of GCL integrity, but did not affect neurological and motor deficits. Further investigations are required to optimize treatment regimens to enhance ATRA's brain protective effects and improve outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Regina Hummel
- Department of AnesthesiologyUniversity Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg‐University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Sebastian Ulbrich
- Department of AnesthesiologyUniversity Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg‐University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Dominik Appel
- Department of AnesthesiologyUniversity Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg‐University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Shuailong Li
- Department of AnesthesiologyUniversity Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg‐University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Tobias Hirnet
- Department of AnesthesiologyUniversity Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg‐University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Sonja Zander
- Department of AnesthesiologyUniversity Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg‐University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Wieslawa Bobkiewicz
- Department of AnesthesiologyUniversity Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg‐University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Christina Gölz
- Department of AnesthesiologyUniversity Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg‐University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Michael K.E. Schäfer
- Department of AnesthesiologyUniversity Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg‐University MainzMainzGermany
- Focus Program Translational Neurosciences (FTN)Johannes Gutenberg‐University MainzMainzGermany
- Research Center for ImmunotherapyUniversity Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg‐University MainzMainzGermany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Viera-Vera J, García-Arrarás JE. Retinoic Acid Signaling Is Associated with Cell Proliferation, Muscle Cell Dedifferentiation, and Overall Rudiment Size during Intestinal Regeneration in the Sea Cucumber, Holothuria glaberrima. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9120873. [PMID: 31847189 PMCID: PMC6995554 DOI: 10.3390/biom9120873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Almost every organism has the ability of repairing damaged tissues or replacing lost and worn out body parts, nevertheless the degree of the response substantially differs between each species. Adult sea cucumbers from the Holothuria glaberrima species can eviscerate various organs and the intestinal system is the first one to regenerate. This process involves the formation of a blastema-like structure that derives from the torn mesentery edges by the intervention of specific cellular processes (e.g., cell dedifferentiation and division). Still, the genetic networks controlling the regenerative response in this model system are just starting to be unraveled. In this work we examined if and how the retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathway is involved in the regenerative response of this deuterostome. We first identified and characterized the holothurian orthologs for short chain dehydrogenase/reductase 7 (SDR7) and aldehyde dehydrogenase family 8A1 (ALDH8A1), two enzymes respectively associated with retinaldehyde and RA anabolism. We then showed that the SDR7 transcript was differentially expressed during specific stages of intestinal regeneration while ALDH8A1 did not show significant differences in regenerating tissues when compared to those of normal (non-eviscerated) organisms. Finally, we investigated the consequences of modulating RA signaling during intestinal regeneration using pharmacological tools. We showed that application of an inhibitor (citral) of the enzyme synthesizing RA or a retinoic acid receptor (RAR) antagonist (LE135) resulted in organisms with a significantly smaller intestinal rudiment when compared to those treated with DMSO (vehicle). The two inhibitors caused a reduction in cell division and cell dedifferentiation in the new regenerate when compared to organisms treated with DMSO. Results of treatment with tazarotene (an RAR agonist) were not significantly different from the control. Taken together, these results suggest that the RA signaling pathway is regulating the cellular processes that are crucial for intestinal regeneration to occur. Thus, RA might be playing a role in echinoderm regeneration that is similar to what has been described in other animal systems.
Collapse
|
9
|
Claes M, De Groef L, Moons L. Target-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Deprivation Puts Retinal Ganglion Cells on Death Row: Cold Hard Evidence and Caveats. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4314. [PMID: 31484425 PMCID: PMC6747494 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma and other optic neuropathies are characterized by axonal transport deficits. Axonal cargo travels back and forth between the soma and the axon terminus, a mechanism ensuring homeostasis and the viability of a neuron. An example of vital molecules in the axonal cargo are neurotrophic factors (NTFs). Hindered retrograde transport can cause a scarcity of those factors in the retina, which in turn can tilt the fate of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) towards apoptosis. This postulation is one of the most widely recognized theories to explain RGC death in the disease progression of glaucoma and is known as the NTF deprivation theory. For several decades, research has been focused on the use of NTFs as a novel neuroprotective glaucoma treatment. Until now, results in animal models have been promising, but translation to the clinic has been highly disappointing. Are we lacking important knowledge to lever NTF therapies towards the therapeutic armamentarium? Or did we get the wrong end of the stick regarding the NTF deprivation theory? In this review, we will tackle the existing evidence and caveats advocating for and against the target-derived NTF deprivation theory in glaucoma, whilst digging into associated therapy efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Claes
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies De Groef
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieve Moons
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mukai Y, Yamanishi R. Retinol but not retinoic acid can enhance the glutathione level, in a manner similar to β-carotene, in a murine cultured macrophage cell line. Food Sci Nutr 2018; 6:1650-1656. [PMID: 30258608 PMCID: PMC6145222 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.726] [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: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
SCOPE We evaluated the potential of retinol and retinoic acid (RA) to enhance intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels in a murine cultured macrophage cell line, RAW264, to investigate whether the RA signaling pathway is involved in the β-carotene-induced GSH enhancement. METHODS AND RESULTS We examined GSH levels in RAW264 cells cultured in media supplemented with β-carotene and various inhibitors (ER50891 for RA receptor (RAR)α, CD2665 for RARβ/γ, or HX531 for all subtypes of retinoid X receptor (RXR)), to verify each inhibitor's activity against β-carotene, as well as in media supplemented with various stimulants (AM80 for RARα, CD2314 for RARβ, CD437 for RARγ, or SR11237 for RXR), to compare their activity with that of β-carotene. We also examined the GSH level and glutamate-cysteine-ligase (GCL) expression in RAW264 cells cultured in all-trans RA- or retinol-supplemented media. Enhanced GSH production was not inhibited by any tested antagonist, and, apart from β-carotene, no agonist induced GSH production. Retinol, but not all-trans RA, enhanced GSH synthesis and increased GCL expression, similar to that observed with β-carotene. CONCLUSION The RA signaling pathway may not be involved in the β-carotene-induced enhancement of GSH levels in RAW264 cells, whereas, like β-carotene, retinol can enhance the GSH level and GCL expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuuka Mukai
- Department of Food Hygiene and FunctionSchool of Nutrition and DieteticsFaculty of Health and Social WorkKanagawa University of Human ServicesKanagawaJapan
| | - Rintaro Yamanishi
- Department of Food Science and NutritionSchool of Nutrition and DieteticsFaculty of Health and Social WorkKanagawa University of Human ServicesKanagawaJapan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li N, Lu Y, Li D, Zheng X, Lian J, Li S, Cui H, Zhang L, Sang L, Wang Y, Yu JJ, Lu T. All-trans retinoic acid suppresses the angiopoietin-Tie2 pathway and inhibits angiogenesis and metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174555. [PMID: 28369068 PMCID: PMC5378352 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the second common cancer in Henan province and is well-known for aggressiveness and dismal prognosis. Adjuvant therapies, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and endoscopic treatment have not improved survival rates in patients with late stage esophageal carcinoma. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is the active ingredient of Vitamin A and affects a wide spectrum of biological processes including development, growth, neural function, immune function, reproduction, and vision. It is one of the most potent therapeutic agents used for treating cancers, especially lung adenocarcinomas. ATRA inhibits metastatic potential and angiogenesis in several tumor models. We investigated the effects of ATRA on the expression of angiopoietin 1 (Ang-1), angiopoietin 2 (Ang-2) and receptor Tie-2 in EC1 cells in vitro. We also assessed the growth and migration of EC1 cells in vitro. ATRA treatment caused 29.5% and 40.3% reduction of the growth of EC1 cells after 24 hours and 48 hours, relative to the control. ATRA plus fluorouracil treatment reduced the viability more strongly than either drug alone, indicating an additive effect. Moreover, ATRA decreased EC1 migration by 87%. Furthermore, ATRA treatment led to a marked decrease of the transcript levels of Ang-1, Ang-2, Tie-2, VEGF, and VEGF receptors, as assessed by real-time RT-PCR. Importantly, the protein levels of Ang-1, Ang-2 and Tie-2 were reduced by ATRA treatment. In vivo, we found ATRA treatment suppressed the tumor growth and improved the cachexia of mice. Importantly, ATRA treatment decreased the expression of CD31, Ang-1, Ang-2 and Tie-2 in subcutaneous tumors of EC1 cells. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that ATRA exhibits a dose- and temporal-dependent effect on the metastatic behavior, suppresses the angiopoietin-Tie2 pathway and inhibits angiogenesis and the progression of xenograft tumors of EC1 cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjuan Lu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Daoming Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangyu Zheng
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyao Lian
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Oncology, Zhengzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Huijuan Cui
- Department of Oncology, The Chinese People’s Liberation Army 150 Central Hospital, Luoyang, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Linda Zhang
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Luqian Sang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jane J. Yu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- * E-mail: (TL); (JJY)
| | - Taiying Lu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail: (TL); (JJY)
| |
Collapse
|