1
|
Merivaara A, Puranen J, Sadeghi A, Zashikhina N, Pirskanen L, Lajunen T, Terasaki T, Auriola S, Vellonen KS, Urtti A. Barcode lipids for absolute quantitation of liposomes in ocular tissues. J Control Release 2024; 370:1-13. [PMID: 38615893 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.04.023] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Lipid-based drug formulations are promising systems for improving delivery of drugs to ocular tissues, such as retina. To develop lipid-based systems further, an improved understanding of their pharmacokinetics is required, but high-quality in vivo experiments require a large number of animals, raising ethical and economic questions. In order to expedite in vivo kinetic testing of lipid-based systems, we propose a barcode approach that is based on barcoding liposomes with non-endogenous lipids. We developed and evaluated a liquid-chromatography-mass spectrometry method to quantify many liposomes simultaneously in aqueous humor, vitreous, and neural retina at higher than ±20% precision and accuracy. Furthermore, we showed in vivo suitability of the method in pharmacokinetic evaluation of six different liposomes after their simultaneous injection into the rat vitreal cavity. We calculated pharmacokinetic parameters in vitreous and aqueous humor, quantified liposome concentrations in the retina, and quantitated retinal distribution of the liposomes in the rats. Compared to individual injections of the liposome formulations, the barcode-based study design enabled reduction of animal numbers from 72 to 12. We believe that the proposed approach is reliable and will reduce and refine ocular pharmacokinetic experiments with liposomes and other lipid-based systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arto Merivaara
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, Kuopio 70210, Finland.
| | - Jooseppi Puranen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, Kuopio 70210, Finland
| | - Amir Sadeghi
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, Kuopio 70210, Finland
| | - Natalia Zashikhina
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, Kuopio 70210, Finland
| | - Lea Pirskanen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, Kuopio 70210, Finland
| | - Tatu Lajunen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, Kuopio 70210, Finland; Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Tetsuya Terasaki
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, Kuopio 70210, Finland
| | - Seppo Auriola
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, Kuopio 70210, Finland.
| | - Kati-Sisko Vellonen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, Kuopio 70210, Finland
| | - Arto Urtti
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, Kuopio 70210, Finland; Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Álvarez-Barrios A, Álvarez L, Pereiro R, González-Iglesias H. Elemental mass spectrometry to study metallo-transcriptomic changes during the in vitro degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024; 416:2699-2710. [PMID: 37507467 PMCID: PMC11009741 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04880-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Trace elements play crucial roles in cellular biology. Their improper homeostasis may contribute to the progress of eye diseases, exacerbated during ageing. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is progressively deteriorated during age-related neurodegeneration and metal homeostasis may be compromised. In this study, elemental mass spectrometry (MS) was combined with cellular and molecular biology techniques to identify changes in trace elements during the in vitro degeneration of human RPE cells. Cells were collected at 21, 91, and 133 days and processed for RNA sequencing; Ca, Na, P, Mg, and Cu quantification by flow injection analysis and inductively coupled plasma-MS; and protein analysis by immunocytochemistry. Four-month-old RPE cultures showed depigmentation, impaired barrier function, and antioxidant protection, manifesting signs of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Na and P significantly increased in the cytosol of degenerated RPE cells (from 15 ± 20 to 13495 ± 638 ng·µg-1 and from 30.6 ± 9.5 to 116.8 ± 16.8 ng·µg-1, respectively). Mg decreased in both the cytosol and insoluble fraction of cells (from 2.83 ± 0.40 to 1.58 ± 0.56 ng·µg-1 and from 247.57 ± 11.06 to 30 ± 8 ng·g-1, respectively), while P and Cu decreased in the insoluble fraction after 133 days in culture (from 9471 ± 1249 to 4555 ± 985 ng·µg-1 and from 2251 ± 79 to 1054 ± 235 ng·g-1, respectively), along with changes in metal-dependent antioxidant enzymes and Cu transporters. This RPE model reflected metal homeostatic changes, providing additional perspectives on effects of metal regulation during ageing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Álvarez-Barrios
- Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Avda. Dres. Fernández-Vega. 34, 33012, Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Julián Clavería, 8, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Lydia Álvarez
- Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Avda. Dres. Fernández-Vega. 34, 33012, Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto Oftalmológico Fernández-Vega, Avda. Dres. Fernández-Vega, 34, 33012, Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Rosario Pereiro
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Julián Clavería, 8, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Héctor González-Iglesias
- Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPLA-CSIC), Villaviciosa, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dubey SK, Dubey R, Prajapati SC, Jung K, Mohan K, Liu X, Roney J, Tian W, Abney J, Giarmarco MM, Hernandez AG, Liu J, Kleinman ME. Histone deficiency and hypoacetylation in the aging retinal pigment epithelium. Aging Cell 2024; 23:e14108. [PMID: 38408164 PMCID: PMC11113634 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14108] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Histones serve as a major carrier of epigenetic information in the form of post-translational modifications which are vital for controlling gene expression, maintaining cell identity, and ensuring proper cellular function. Loss of histones in the aging genome can drastically impact the epigenetic landscape of the cell leading to altered chromatin structure and changes in gene expression profiles. In this study, we investigated the impact of age-related changes on histone levels and histone acetylation in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and retina of mice. We observed a global reduction of histones H1, H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 in aged RPE/choroid but not in the neural retina. Transcriptomic analyses revealed significant downregulation of histones in aged RPE/choroid including crucial elements of the histone locus body (HLB) complex involved in histone pre-mRNA processing. Knockdown of HINFP, a key HLB component, in human RPE cells induced histone loss, senescence, and the upregulation of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) markers. Replicative senescence and chronological aging in human RPE cells similarly resulted in progressive histone loss and acquisition of the SASP. Immunostaining of human retina sections revealed histone loss in RPE with age. Acetyl-histone profiling in aged mouse RPE/choroid revealed a specific molecular signature with loss of global acetyl-histone levels, including H3K14ac, H3K56ac, and H4K16ac marks. These findings strongly demonstrate histone loss as a unique feature of RPE aging and provide critical insights into the potential mechanisms linking histone dynamics, cellular senescence, and aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sushil K. Dubey
- Department of SurgeryEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTennesseeUSA
| | - Rashmi Dubey
- Department of SurgeryEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTennesseeUSA
| | - Subhash C. Prajapati
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Kyungsik Jung
- Department of SurgeryEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTennesseeUSA
| | - Kabhilan Mohan
- Department of SurgeryEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTennesseeUSA
| | - Xinan Liu
- Department of Computer ScienceUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Jacob Roney
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual SciencesUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Wenjian Tian
- Department of SurgeryEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTennesseeUSA
| | - Jennifer Abney
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual SciencesUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | | | - Alvaro G. Hernandez
- Roy J. Carver Biotechnology CenterUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Jinze Liu
- Department of BiostatisticsVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginiaUSA
| | - Mark E. Kleinman
- Department of SurgeryEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTennesseeUSA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pollalis D, Georgescu C, Wren JD, Tombulyan G, Leung JM, Lo PA, Bloemhof CM, Lee RH, Bae E, Bailey JK, Pennington BO, Khan AI, Kelly KR, Yeh AK, Sundaram KS, Humayun M, Louie S, Clegg DO, Lee SY. Rescuing Photoreceptors in RPE Dysfunction-Driven Retinal Degeneration: The Role of Small Extracellular Vesicles Secreted from Retinal Pigment Epithelium. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.09.588773. [PMID: 38645051 PMCID: PMC11030310 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.09.588773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a common shared pathology in major degenerative retinal diseases despite variations in the primary etiologies of each disease. Due to their demanding and indispensable functional roles throughout the lifetime, RPE cells are vulnerable to genetic predisposition, external stress, and aging processes. Building upon recent advancements in stem cell technology for differentiating healthy RPE cells and recognizing the significant roles of small extracellular vesicles (sEV) in cellular paracrine and autocrine actions, we investigated the hypothesis that the RPE-secreted sEV alone can restore essential RPE functions and rescue photoreceptors in RPE dysfunction-driven retinal degeneration. Our findings support the rationale for developing intravitreal treatment of sEV. We demonstrate that intravitreally delivered sEV effectively penetrate the full thickness of the retina. Xenogenic intraocular administration of human-derived EVs did not induce acute immune reactions in rodents. sEV derived from human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived fully differentiated RPE cells, but not sEV-depleted conditioned cell culture media (CCM minus sEV), rescued photoreceptors and their function in a Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat model. This model is characterized by photoreceptor death and retinal degeneration resulting from a mutation in the MerTK gene in RPE cells. From the bulk RNA sequencing study, we identified 447 differently expressed genes in the retina after hESC-RPE-sEV treatment compared with the untreated control. Furthermore, 394 out of 447 genes (88%) showed a reversal in expression toward the healthy state in Long-Evans (LE) rats after treatment compared to the diseased state. Particularly, detrimental alterations in gene expression in RCS rats, including essential RPE functions such as phototransduction, vitamin A metabolism, and lipid metabolism were partially reversed. Defective photoreceptor outer segment engulfment due to intrinsic MerTK mutation was partially ameliorated. These findings suggest that RPE-secreted sEV may play a functional role similar to that of RPE cells. Our study justifies further exploration to fully unlock future therapeutic interventions with sEV in a broad array of degenerative retinal diseases.
Collapse
|
5
|
Gofas-Salas E, Lee DMW, Rondeau C, Grieve K, Rossi EA, Paques M, Gocho K. Comparison between Two Adaptive Optics Methods for Imaging of Individual Retinal Pigmented Epithelial Cells. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:768. [PMID: 38611681 PMCID: PMC11012195 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14070768] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) plays a prominent role in diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, but imaging individual RPE cells is challenging due to their high absorption and low autofluorescence emission. The RPE lies beneath the highly reflective photoreceptor layer (PR) and contains absorptive pigments, preventing direct backscattered light detection when the PR layer is intact. Here, we used near-infrared autofluorescence adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (NIRAF AOSLO) and transscleral flood imaging (TFI) in the same healthy eyes to cross-validate these approaches. Both methods revealed a consistent RPE mosaic pattern and appeared to reflect a distribution of fluorophores consistent with findings from histological studies. Interestingly, even in apparently healthy RPE, we observed dynamic changes over months, suggesting ongoing cellular activity or alterations in fluorophore distribution. These findings emphasize the value of NIRAF AOSLO and TFI in understanding RPE morphology and dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Gofas-Salas
- Department of Photonics, Institut de la Vision, INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France;
- CIC 1423, CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS 28 rue de Charenton, F-75012 Paris, France; (M.P.); (K.G.)
| | - Daniel M. W. Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (D.M.W.L.); (E.A.R.)
| | | | - Kate Grieve
- Department of Photonics, Institut de la Vision, INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France;
- CIC 1423, CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS 28 rue de Charenton, F-75012 Paris, France; (M.P.); (K.G.)
| | - Ethan A. Rossi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (D.M.W.L.); (E.A.R.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Michel Paques
- CIC 1423, CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS 28 rue de Charenton, F-75012 Paris, France; (M.P.); (K.G.)
| | - Kiyoko Gocho
- CIC 1423, CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS 28 rue de Charenton, F-75012 Paris, France; (M.P.); (K.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ahluwalia K, Du Z, Martinez-Camarillo JC, Naik A, Thomas BB, Pollalis D, Lee SY, Dave P, Zhou E, Li Z, Chester C, Humayun MS, Louie SG. Unveiling Drivers of Retinal Degeneration in RCS Rats: Functional, Morphological, and Molecular Insights. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3749. [PMID: 38612560 PMCID: PMC11011632 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073749] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa, significantly contribute to adult blindness. The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat is a well-established disease model for studying these dystrophies; however, molecular investigations remain limited. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of retinal degeneration in RCS rats, including an immunodeficient RCS (iRCS) sub-strain, using ocular coherence tomography, electroretinography, histology, and molecular dissection using transcriptomics and immunofluorescence. No significant differences in retinal degeneration progression were observed between the iRCS and immunocompetent RCS rats, suggesting a minimal role of adaptive immune responses in disease. Transcriptomic alterations were primarily in inflammatory signaling pathways, characterized by the strong upregulation of Tnfa, an inflammatory signaling molecule, and Nox1, a contributor to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Additionally, a notable decrease in Alox15 expression was observed, pointing to a possible reduction in anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid mediators. These findings were corroborated by immunostaining, which demonstrated increased photoreceptor lipid peroxidation (4HNE) and photoreceptor citrullination (CitH3) during retinal degeneration. Our work enhances the understanding of molecular changes associated with retinal degeneration in RCS rats and offers potential therapeutic targets within inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways for confirmatory research and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kabir Ahluwalia
- Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (K.A.); (A.N.); (P.D.); (E.Z.); (Z.L.); (C.C.)
| | - Zhaodong Du
- USC Ginsburg Institute of for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (Z.D.); (J.C.M.-C.); (B.B.T.); (D.P.); (S.Y.L.); (M.S.H.)
| | - Juan Carlos Martinez-Camarillo
- USC Ginsburg Institute of for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (Z.D.); (J.C.M.-C.); (B.B.T.); (D.P.); (S.Y.L.); (M.S.H.)
- Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Aditya Naik
- Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (K.A.); (A.N.); (P.D.); (E.Z.); (Z.L.); (C.C.)
| | - Biju B. Thomas
- USC Ginsburg Institute of for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (Z.D.); (J.C.M.-C.); (B.B.T.); (D.P.); (S.Y.L.); (M.S.H.)
- Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Dimitrios Pollalis
- USC Ginsburg Institute of for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (Z.D.); (J.C.M.-C.); (B.B.T.); (D.P.); (S.Y.L.); (M.S.H.)
- Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Sun Young Lee
- USC Ginsburg Institute of for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (Z.D.); (J.C.M.-C.); (B.B.T.); (D.P.); (S.Y.L.); (M.S.H.)
- Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Department of Physiology & Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Priyal Dave
- Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (K.A.); (A.N.); (P.D.); (E.Z.); (Z.L.); (C.C.)
| | - Eugene Zhou
- Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (K.A.); (A.N.); (P.D.); (E.Z.); (Z.L.); (C.C.)
| | - Zeyang Li
- Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (K.A.); (A.N.); (P.D.); (E.Z.); (Z.L.); (C.C.)
| | - Catherine Chester
- Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (K.A.); (A.N.); (P.D.); (E.Z.); (Z.L.); (C.C.)
| | - Mark S. Humayun
- USC Ginsburg Institute of for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (Z.D.); (J.C.M.-C.); (B.B.T.); (D.P.); (S.Y.L.); (M.S.H.)
- Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Stan G. Louie
- Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (K.A.); (A.N.); (P.D.); (E.Z.); (Z.L.); (C.C.)
- USC Ginsburg Institute of for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (Z.D.); (J.C.M.-C.); (B.B.T.); (D.P.); (S.Y.L.); (M.S.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dontsov A, Ostrovsky M. Retinal Pigment Epithelium Pigment Granules: Norms, Age Relations and Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3609. [PMID: 38612421 PMCID: PMC11011557 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073609] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which ensures the normal functioning of the neural retina, is a pigmented single-cell layer that separates the retina from the Bruch's membrane and the choroid. There are three main types of pigment granules in the RPE cells of the human eye: lipofuscin granules (LG) containing the fluorescent "age pigment" lipofuscin, melanoprotein granules (melanosomes, melanolysosomes) containing the screening pigment melanin and complex melanolipofuscin granules (MLG) containing both types of pigments simultaneously-melanin and lipofuscin. This review examines the functional role of pigment granules in the aging process and in the development of oxidative stress and associated pathologies in RPE cells. The focus is on the process of light-induced oxidative degradation of pigment granules caused by reactive oxygen species. The reasons leading to increased oxidative stress in RPE cells as a result of the oxidative degradation of pigment granules are considered. A mechanism is proposed to explain the phenomenon of age-related decline in melanin content in RPE cells. The essence of the mechanism is that when the lipofuscin part of the melanolipofuscin granule is exposed to light, reactive oxygen species are formed, which destroy the melanin part. As more melanolipofuscin granules are formed with age and the development of degenerative diseases, the melanin in pigmented epithelial cells ultimately disappears.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mikhail Ostrovsky
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia;
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lim RR, Mahaling B, Tan A, Mehta M, Kaur C, Hunziker W, Kim JE, Barathi VA, Ghosh A, Chaurasia SS. ITF2357 regulates NF-κB signaling pathway to protect barrier integrity in retinal pigment epithelial cells. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23512. [PMID: 38430220 PMCID: PMC11019659 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301592r] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The robust integrity of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which contributes to the outer brain retina barrier (oBRB), is compromised in several retinal degenerative and vascular disorders, including diabetic macular edema (DME). This study evaluates the role of a new generation of histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), ITF2357, in regulating outer blood-retinal barrier function and investigates the underlying mechanism of action in inhibiting TNFα-induced damage to RPE integrity. Using the immortalized RPE cell line (ARPE-19), ITF2357 was found to be non-toxic between 50 nM and 5 μM concentrations. When applied as a pre-treatment in conjunction with an inflammatory cytokine, TNFα, the HDACi was safe and effective in preventing epithelial permeability by fortifying tight junction (ZO-1, -2, -3, occludin, claudin-1, -2, -3, -5, -19) and adherens junction (E-cadherin, Nectin-1) protein expression post-TNFα stress. Mechanistically, ITF2357 depicted a late action at 24 h via attenuating IKK, IκBα, and p65 phosphorylation and ameliorated the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and MCP-1. Also, ITF2357 delayed IκBα synthesis and turnover. The use of Bay 11-7082 and MG132 further uncovered a possible role for ITF2357 in non-canonical NF-κB activation. Overall, this study revealed the protection effects of ITF2357 by regulating the turnover of tight and adherens junction proteins and modulating NF-κB signaling pathway in the presence of an inflammatory stressor, making it a potential therapeutic application for retinal vascular diseases such as DME with compromised outer blood-retinal barrier.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rayne R. Lim
- Ocular Immunology and Angiogenesis Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin Eye Institute, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Binapani Mahaling
- Ocular Immunology and Angiogenesis Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin Eye Institute, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Alison Tan
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Milan Mehta
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Charanjit Kaur
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Walter Hunziker
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, A*STAR Agency, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Judy E. Kim
- Ocular Immunology and Angiogenesis Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin Eye Institute, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Veluchamy A. Barathi
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Vision Research, Duke NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore
| | | | - Shyam S. Chaurasia
- Ocular Immunology and Angiogenesis Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin Eye Institute, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shelton DA, Gefke I, Summers V, Kim YK, Yu H, Getz Y, Ferdous S, Donaldson K, Liao K, Papania JT, Chrenek MA, Boatright JH, Nickerson JM. Age-Related RPE changes in Wildtype C57BL/6J Mice between 2 and 32 Months. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.30.574142. [PMID: 38352604 PMCID: PMC10862734 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.30.574142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Purpose This study provides a systematic evaluation of age-related changes in RPE cell structure and function using a morphometric approach. We aim to better capture nuanced predictive changes in cell heterogeneity that reflect loss of RPE integrity during normal aging. Using C57BL6/J mice ranging from P60-P730, we sought to evaluate how regional changes in RPE shape reflect incremental losses in RPE cell function with advancing age. We hypothesize that tracking global morphological changes in RPE is predictive of functional defects over time. Methods We tested three groups of C57BL/6J mice (young: P60-180; Middle-aged: P365-729; aged: 730+) for function and structural defects using electroretinograms, immunofluorescence, and phagocytosis assays. Results The largest changes in RPE morphology were evident between the young and aged groups, while the middle-aged group exhibited smaller but notable region-specific differences. We observed a 1.9-fold increase in cytoplasmic alpha-catenin expression specifically in the central-medial region of the eye between the young and aged group. There was an 8-fold increase in subretinal, IBA-1-positive immune cell recruitment and a significant decrease in visual function in aged mice compared to young mice. Functional defects in the RPE corroborated by changes in RPE phagocytotic capacity. Conclusions The marked increase of cytoplasmic alpha-catenin expression and subretinal immune cell deposition, and decreased visual output coincide with regional changes in RPE cell morphometrics when stratified by age. These cumulative changes in the RPE morphology showed predictive regional patterns of stress associated with loss of RPE integrity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debresha A. Shelton
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Isabelle Gefke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Vivian Summers
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Yong-Kyu Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hanyi Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Department of Computer Science, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Yana Getz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Salma Ferdous
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Kevin Donaldson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Kristie Liao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Jack T. Papania
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Micah A. Chrenek
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Jeffrey H. Boatright
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Atlanta VA Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Decatur, Georgia, United States
| | - John M. Nickerson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Upadhyay M, Bonilha VL. Regulated cell death pathways in the sodium iodate model: Insights and implications for AMD. Exp Eye Res 2024; 238:109728. [PMID: 37972750 PMCID: PMC10841589 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The sodium iodate (NaIO3) model of increased oxidative stress recapitulates dry AMD features such as patchy RPE loss, secondary photoreceptors, and underlying choriocapillaris death, allowing longitudinal evaluation of the retinal structure. Due to the time- and dose-dependent degeneration observed in diverse animal models, this preclinical model has become one of the most studied models. The events leading to RPE cell death post- NaIO3 injection have been extensively studied, and here we have reviewed different modalities of cell death, including apoptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis with a particular focus on findings associated with in vivo and in vitro NaIO3 studies on RPE cell death. Because the fundamental cause of vision loss in patients with dry AMD is the death of these same cells affected by NaIO3, studies using NaIO3 can provide valuable insights into RPE and photoreceptor cell death mechanisms and can help understand mechanisms behind RPE degeneration in AMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mala Upadhyay
- Cole Eye Institute, Ophthalmic Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Vera L Bonilha
- Cole Eye Institute, Ophthalmic Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Finocchio L, Zeppieri M, Gabai A, Toneatto G, Spadea L, Salati C. Recent Developments in Gene Therapy for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Review. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3221. [PMID: 38137442 PMCID: PMC10740940 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex and multifactorial disease and a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the elderly population. The anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy has revolutionized the management and prognosis of neovascular AMD (nAMD) and is currently the standard of care for this disease. However, patients are required to receive repeated injections, imposing substantial social and economic burdens. The implementation of gene therapy methods to achieve sustained delivery of various therapeutic proteins holds the promise of a single treatment that could ameliorate the treatment challenges associated with chronic intravitreal therapy, and potentially improve visual outcomes. Several early-phase trials are currently underway, evaluating the safety and efficacy of gene therapy for nAMD; however, areas of controversy persist, including the therapeutic target, route of administration, and potential safety issues. In this review, we assess the evolution of gene therapy for nAMD and summarize several preclinical and early-stage clinical trials, exploring challenges and future directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Finocchio
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Marco Zeppieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Andrea Gabai
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Giacomo Toneatto
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Leopoldo Spadea
- Eye Clinic, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Salati
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Manikandan SK, Logan A, Cerrada-Gimenez M, Fitzhenry L, Coffey L, Kaja S, Rani S. Immune System, Inflammation and Autoantigens in Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Pathological Significance and Therapeutic Importance. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2236. [PMID: 38137838 PMCID: PMC10744676 DOI: 10.3390/life13122236] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) is a chronic inflammation-associated neurodegenerative disease affecting the posterior part of the eye in the aging population. Aging results in the reduced functionality of cells and tissues, including the cells of the retina. Initiators of a chronic inflammatory and pathologic state in wAMD may be a result of the accumulation of inevitable metabolic injuries associated with the maintenance of tissue homeostasis from a young age to over 50. Apart from this, risk factors like smoking, genetic predisposition, and failure to repair the injuries that occur, alongside attempts to rescue the hypoxic outer retina may also contribute to the pathogenesis. Aging of the immune system (immunosenescence) and a compromised outer blood retinal barrier (BRB) result in the exposure of the privileged milieu of the retina to the systemic immune system, further increasing the severity of the disease. When immune-privileged sites like the retina are under pathological stress, certain age- and disease-related conditions may necessitate assistance from cells distant from the resident ones to help restore the functionality of the tissue. As a necessary part of tissue repair, inflammation is a major response to disease and recruits immune cells to the site of damage. We suspect that the specific reparative inflammatory responses are controlled by an autoantigen-T cell-mediated mechanism, a process that may be hindered in wAMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sreeraj Kuruppilakath Manikandan
- Ocular Therapeutics Research Group, Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre, South East Technological University, Waterford Campus, X91 K0EK Waterford, Ireland; (S.K.M.); (L.F.)
| | - Ann Logan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7HL, UK;
| | | | - Laurence Fitzhenry
- Ocular Therapeutics Research Group, Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre, South East Technological University, Waterford Campus, X91 K0EK Waterford, Ireland; (S.K.M.); (L.F.)
| | - Lee Coffey
- Ocular Therapeutics Research Group, Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre, South East Technological University, Waterford Campus, X91 K0EK Waterford, Ireland; (S.K.M.); (L.F.)
| | - Simon Kaja
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Molecular Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Sweta Rani
- Ocular Therapeutics Research Group, Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre, South East Technological University, Waterford Campus, X91 K0EK Waterford, Ireland; (S.K.M.); (L.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cristante E, Liyanage SE, Smith AJ, Ali RR, Bainbridge JWB. Role of HIF1α and HIF2α in Cre Recombinase-Induced Retinal Pigment Epithelium Pathology and Its Secondary Effect on Choroidal Neovascularization. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:1694-1705. [PMID: 37330004 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
CreTrp1 mice are widely used for conditional retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) gene function studies. Like other Cre/LoxP models, phenotypes in CreTrp1 mice can be affected by Cre-mediated cellular toxicity, leading to RPE dysfunction, altered morphology and atrophy, activation of innate immunity, and consequent impairment of photoreceptor function. These effects are common among the age-related alterations of RPE that feature in early/intermediate forms of age-related macular degeneration. This article characterizes Cre-mediated pathology in the CreTrp1 line to elucidate the impact of RPE degeneration on both developmental and pathologic choroidal neovascularization. Nonredundant roles of the two major components of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) family of transcription regulators, HIF1α and HIF2α, were identified. Genetic ablation of Hif1a protected against Cre-induced degeneration of RPE and choroid, whereas ablation of Hif2a exacerbated this degeneration. Furthermore, HIF1α deficiency protected CreTrp1 mice against laser-induced choroidal neovascularization, whereas HIF2α deficiency exacerbated the phenotype. Cre-mediated degeneration of the RPE in CreTrp1 mice offers an opportunity to investigate the impact of hypoxia signaling in the context of RPE degeneration. These findings indicate that HIF1α promotes Cre recombinase-mediated RPE degeneration and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization, whereas HIF2α is protective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexander J Smith
- Centre for Cell and Gene Therapy, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin R Ali
- Centre for Cell and Gene Therapy, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - James W B Bainbridge
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology London, United Kingdom; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Karg MM, Moorefield M, Hoffmann E, Philipose H, Krasniqi D, Hoppe C, Shu DY, Shirahama S, Ksander BR, Saint-Geniez M. Microglia preserve visual function loss in the aging retina by supporting retinal pigment epithelial health. Immun Ageing 2023; 20:53. [PMID: 37838654 PMCID: PMC10576380 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-023-00358-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased age is a risk factor for the development and progression of retinal diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Understanding the changes that occur in the eye due to aging is important in enhancing our understanding of AMD pathogenesis and the development of novel AMD therapies. Microglia, the resident brain and retinal immune cells are associated with both maintaining homeostasis and protection of neurons and loss of microglia homeostasis could be a significant player in age related neurodegeneration. One important characteristic of retinal aging is the migration of microglia from the inner to outer retina where they reside in the subretinal space (SRS) in contact with the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. The role of aged subretinal microglia is unknown. Here, we depleted microglia in aged C57/BL6 mice fed for 6 weeks with a chow containing PLX5622, a small molecule inhibitor of colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (Csf1r) required for microglial survival. RESULTS The subretinal P2RY12 + microglia in aged mice displayed a highly amoeboid and activated morphology and were filled with autofluorescence droplets reminiscent of lipofuscin. TEM indicates that subretinal microglia actively phagocytize shed photoreceptor outer segments, one of the main functions of retinal pigmented epithelial cells. PLX5622 treatment depleted up to 90% of the retinal microglia and was associated with significant loss in visual function. Mice on the microglia depletion diet showed reduced contrast sensitivity and significantly lower electroretinogram for the c-wave, a measurement of RPE functionality, compared to age-matched controls. The loss of c-wave coincided with a loss of RPE cells and increased RPE swelling in the absence of microglia. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that microglia preserve visual function in aged mice and support RPE cell function, by phagocytosing shed photoreceptor outer segments and lipids, therefore compensating for the known age-related decline of RPE phagocytosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margarete M Karg
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, 20 Staniford St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - May Moorefield
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, 20 Staniford St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Emma Hoffmann
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, 20 Staniford St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Hannah Philipose
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, 20 Staniford St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Drenushe Krasniqi
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, 20 Staniford St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Cindy Hoppe
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, 20 Staniford St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daisy Y Shu
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, 20 Staniford St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shintaro Shirahama
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, 20 Staniford St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bruce R Ksander
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, 20 Staniford St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Magali Saint-Geniez
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, 20 Staniford St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Trinh M, Kalloniatis M, Alonso-Caneiro D, Nivison-Smith L. Spatial Cluster Patterns of Retinal Sensitivity Loss in Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration Features. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:6. [PMID: 37676679 PMCID: PMC10494986 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.9.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To examine spatial patterns of retinal sensitivity loss in the three key features of intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD). Methods One-hundred individuals (53 iAMD, 47 normal) underwent 10-2 mesopic microperimetry testing in one eye. Pointwise sensitivities (dB) were corrected for age, sex, iAMD status, and co-presence of co-localized key iAMD features: drusen load, pigmentary abnormalities, and reticular pseudodrusen (RPD). Clusters (labeled by ranks of magnitude C-2, C-1, C0) were derived from pointwise sensitivities and then assessed by quadrants and eccentricity/rings. Results Two clusters of decreased sensitivities were evident in iAMD versus normal: C-2, -1.67 dB (95% CI (confidence intervals), -2.36 to -0.98; P < 0.0001); C-1, -0.93 dB (95% CI, -1.5 to -0.36; P < 0.01). One cluster of decreased sensitivity was independently associated each with increased drusen load (13.57 µm increase per -1 dB; P < 0.0001), pigmentary abnormalities (C-1: -2.23 dB; 95% CI, -3.36 to -1.1; P < 0.01), and RPD (C-1: -1.07 dB; 95% CI, -2 to -0.14; P < 0.01). Sensitivity loss in iAMD was biased toward the superior and central macula (P = 0.16 to <0.0001), aligning with structural distributions of features. However, sensitivity loss associated with drusen load also extended to the peripheral macula (P < 0.0001) with paracentral sparing, which was discordant with the central distribution of drusen. Conclusions Drusen load, pigmentary abnormalities, and RPD are associated with patterns of retinal sensitivity loss commonly demonstrating superior and central bias. Results highlighted that a clinical focus on these three key iAMD features using structural measures alone does not capture the complex, spatial extent of vision-related functional impairment in iAMD. Translational Relevance Defining the spatial patterns of retinal sensitivity loss in iAMD can facilitate a targeted visual field protocol for iAMD assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matt Trinh
- Centre for Eye Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Kalloniatis
- Centre for Eye Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine (Optometry), Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Alonso-Caneiro
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lisa Nivison-Smith
- Centre for Eye Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Borchert GA, Shamsnajafabadi H, Hu ML, De Silva SR, Downes SM, MacLaren RE, Xue K, Cehajic-Kapetanovic J. The Role of Inflammation in Age-Related Macular Degeneration-Therapeutic Landscapes in Geographic Atrophy. Cells 2023; 12:2092. [PMID: 37626902 PMCID: PMC10453093 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss and visual impairment in people over 50 years of age. In the current therapeutic landscape, intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies have been central to the management of neovascular AMD (also known as wet AMD), whereas treatments for geographic atrophy have lagged behind. Several therapeutic approaches are being developed for geographic atrophy with the goal of either slowing down disease progression or reversing sight loss. Such strategies target the inflammatory pathways, complement cascade, visual cycle or neuroprotective mechanisms to slow down the degeneration. In addition, retinal implants have been tried for vision restoration and stem cell therapies for potentially a dual purpose of slowing down the degeneration and restoring visual function. In particular, therapies focusing on the complement pathway have shown promising results with the FDA approved pegcetacoplan, a complement C3 inhibitor, and avacincaptad pegol, a complement C5 inhibitor. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of inflammation in AMD and outline the therapeutic landscapes of atrophy AMD. Improved understanding of the various pathway components and their interplay in this complex neuroinflammatory degeneration will guide the development of current and future therapeutic options, such as optogenetic therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace A. Borchert
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Hoda Shamsnajafabadi
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Monica L. Hu
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Samantha R. De Silva
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Susan M. Downes
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Robert E. MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kanmin Xue
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Jasmina Cehajic-Kapetanovic
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Rickabaugh E, Weatherston D, Harris TI, Jones JA, Vargis E. Engineering a Biomimetic In Vitro Model of Bruch's Membrane Using Hagfish Slime Intermediate Filament Proteins. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:5051-5061. [PMID: 37458693 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00411] [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] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Bruch's membrane resides in the subretinal tissue and regulates the flow of nutrients and waste between the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) and vascular layers of the eye. With age, Bruch's membrane becomes thicker, stiffer, and less permeable, which impedes its function as a boundary layer in the subretina. These changes contribute to pathologies such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). To better understand how aging in Bruch's membrane affects surrounding tissues and to determine the relationship between aging and disease, an in vitro model of Bruch's membrane is needed. An accurate model of Bruch's membrane must be a proteinaceous, semipermeable, and nonporous biomaterial with similar mechanical properties to in vivo conditions. Additionally, this model must support RPE cell growth. While models of subretinal tissue exist, they typically differ from in vivo Bruch's membrane in one or more of these properties. This study evaluates the capability of membranes created from recombinant hagfish intermediate filament (rHIF) proteins to accurately replicate Bruch's membrane in an in vitro model of the subretinal tissue. The physical characteristics of these rHIF membranes were evaluated using mechanical testing, permeability assays, brightfield microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The capacity of the membranes to support RPE cell culture was determined using brightfield and fluorescent microscopy, as well as immunocytochemical staining. This study demonstrates that rHIF protein membranes are an appropriate biomaterial to accurately mimic both healthy and aged Bruch's membrane for in vitro modeling of the subretinal tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilee Rickabaugh
- Department of Biological Engineering, Utah State University, 4105 Old Main Hill, Logan, Utah 84322-4105 United States
| | - Dillon Weatherston
- Department of Biological Engineering, Utah State University, 4105 Old Main Hill, Logan, Utah 84322-4105 United States
| | - Thomas I Harris
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, 5305 Old Main Hill, Logan, Utah 84322-5305, United States
| | - Justin A Jones
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, 5305 Old Main Hill, Logan, Utah 84322-5305, United States
| | - Elizabeth Vargis
- Department of Biological Engineering, Utah State University, 4105 Old Main Hill, Logan, Utah 84322-4105 United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sharma SN, Marsh JW, Tsipursky MS, Boppart SA. Ratiometric Analysis of In Vivo Optical Coherence Tomography Retinal Layer Thicknesses for Detection of Changes in Alzheimer's Disease. TRANSLATIONAL BIOPHOTONICS 2023; 5:e202300003. [PMID: 38617043 PMCID: PMC11013958 DOI: 10.1002/tbio.202300003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
We analyzed ophthalmic retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) images from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) to identify retinal layer thickness and ratio changes that may serve as image-based biomarkers for the disease. One three-dimensional volume before and one after diagnosis for each of 48 patients were segmented to identify retinal layer and total retinal thicknesses. Between before- and after-diagnosis retinal OCT images, there were significant thickness changes in six of ten (60%) retinal layers across all 48 patients. Through a comparison with age-matched healthy subjects, the significant changes were attributed to AD only (NFL and PR2 layers), age only (GCL, IPL, and RPE layers), or both AD and age (OPL layer). Analyzing ratios of retinal layer thicknesses, 53 of 90 (58.89%) ratios had significant changes. The four independently non-significant layers were assessed to be affected by neither AD nor age (INL layer) or both AD and age (ELM, PR1, and BM layers). The demonstrated image segmentation, measurement, and ratiometric analysis of retinal layers in AD patients may yield a noninvasive OCT image-based retinal biomarker that can be used to detect retinal changes associated with this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shonit N Sharma
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Jordan W Marsh
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Michael S Tsipursky
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Stephen A Boppart
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- NIH Center for Label-free Imaging and Multiscale Biophotonics (CLIMB), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Maran JJ, Adesina MM, Green CR, Kwakowsky A, Mugisho OO. The central role of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in the pathogenesis of age-related diseases in the eye and the brain. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 88:101954. [PMID: 37187367 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
With increasing age, structural changes occur in the eye and brain. Neuronal death, inflammation, vascular disruption, and microglial activation are among many of the pathological changes that can occur during ageing. Furthermore, ageing individuals are at increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases in these organs, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although these diseases pose a significant global public health burden, current treatment options focus on slowing disease progression and symptomatic control rather than targeting underlying causes. Interestingly, recent investigations have proposed an analogous aetiology between age-related diseases in the eye and brain, where a process of chronic low-grade inflammation is implicated. Studies have suggested that patients with AD or PD are also associated with an increased risk of AMD, glaucoma, and cataracts. Moreover, pathognomonic amyloid-β and α-synuclein aggregates, which accumulate in AD and PD, respectively, can be found in ocular parenchyma. In terms of a common molecular pathway that underpins these diseases, the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-containing family, and pyrin domain-containing-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is thought to play a vital role in the manifestation of all these diseases. This review summarises the current evidence regarding cellular and molecular changes in the brain and eye with age, similarities between ocular and cerebral age-related diseases, and the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome as a critical mediator of disease propagation in the eye and the brain during ageing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack J Maran
- Buchanan Ocular Therapeutics Unit, Department of Ophthalmology and the New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Moradeke M Adesina
- Buchanan Ocular Therapeutics Unit, Department of Ophthalmology and the New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Colin R Green
- Department of Ophthalmology and the New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Andrea Kwakowsky
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Galway Neuroscience Centre, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Odunayo O Mugisho
- Buchanan Ocular Therapeutics Unit, Department of Ophthalmology and the New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Piskova T, Kozyrina AN, Di Russo J. Mechanobiological implications of age-related remodelling in the outer retina. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 147:213343. [PMID: 36801797 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
The outer retina consists of the light-sensitive photoreceptors, the pigmented epithelium, and the choroid, which interact in a complex manner to sustain homeostasis. The organisation and function of these cellular layers are mediated by the extracellular matrix compartment named Bruch's membrane, situated between the retinal epithelium and the choroid. Like many tissues, the retina experiences age-related structural and metabolic changes, which are relevant for understanding major blinding diseases of the elderly, such as age-related macular degeneration. Compared with other tissues, the retina mainly comprises postmitotic cells, making it less able to maintain its mechanical homeostasis over the years functionally. Aspects of retinal ageing, like the structural and morphometric changes of the pigment epithelium and the heterogenous remodelling of the Bruch's membrane, imply changes in tissue mechanics and may affect functional integrity. In recent years, findings in the field of mechanobiology and bioengineering highlighted the importance of mechanical changes in tissues for understanding physiological and pathological processes. Here, we review the current knowledge of age-related changes in the outer retina from a mechanobiological perspective, aiming to generate food for thought for future mechanobiology studies in the outer retina.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teodora Piskova
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Clinical Research, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany; Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Aleksandra N Kozyrina
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Clinical Research, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany; Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Jacopo Di Russo
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Clinical Research, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany; Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074 Aachen, Germany; DWI - Leibniz-Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bell BA, Kaul C, Dunaief JL, Hollyfield JG, Bonilha VL. A comparison of optophysiological biomarkers of photoreceptor stress and phototoxicity in BALB/cJ, B6 (Cg)-Tyrc-2J/J, and C57Bl/6J mouse strains. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2023; 3:1128311. [PMID: 38689597 PMCID: PMC11057998 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2023.1128311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Ophthalmic imaging instruments, including the confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography system, originally intended for revealing ocular microstructures in the human eye, have been deployed by vision researchers to evaluate the eyes of numerous small and large animal species for more than two decades. In this study, we have used these two instruments to obtain imaging data sequentially from the retinas of three prominent, widely used experimental mouse models to document changes induced by two contrasting vivarium lighting conditions. Mice studied include albino BALB/cJ and B6(Cg)-Tyrc-2J/J and pigmented C57Bl/6J. Mice were reared under dim light conditions until ~8 weeks of age where they underwent baseline imaging. Following, mice were returned to the dim vivarium or relocated to the top rack cage position in a standard vivarium. Mice were then followed for several months by ocular imaging to catalog the retinal dynamics as a function of long-term dim vs. elevated, standard vivarium lighting exposure levels. Upon exposure to elevated light levels, B6(Cg)-Tyrc-2J/J underwent similar changes as BALB/cJ in regard to photoreceptor outer segment shortening, photoreceptor layer proximal aspect hyperreflective changes, and the development of retinal infoldings and autofluorescent sub-retinal inflammatory monocyte infiltrate. Noteworthy, however, is that infoldings and infiltrate occurred at a slower rate of progression in B6(Cg)-Tyrc-2J/J vs. BALB/cJ. The photoreceptor outer nuclear layer thickness of BALB/cJ degenerated steadily following elevated light onset. In contrast, B6(Cg)-Tyrc-2J/J degeneration was unremarkable for many weeks before experiencing a noticeable change in the rate of degeneration that was concomitant with a plateau and decreasing trend in number of retinal infoldings and monocyte infiltrate. Pathological changes in C57Bl/6J mice were unremarkable for all imaging biomarkers assessed with exception to autofluorescent sub-retinal inflammatory monocyte infiltrate, which showed significant accumulation in dim vs. elevated light exposed mice following ~1 year of observation. These data were evaluated using Spearman's correlation and Predictive Power Score matrices to determine the best imaging optophysiological biomarkers for indicating vivarium light stress and light-induced photoreceptor degeneration. This study suggests that changes in proximal aspect hyperreflectivity, outer segment shortening, retinal infoldings and autofluorescent sub-retinal inflammatory monocyte infiltrate are excellent indicators of light stress and light-induced degeneration in albino B6(Cg)-Tyrc-2J/J and BALB/cJ mouse strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brent A. Bell
- Scheie Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Cole Eye Institute/Ophthalmic Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Charles Kaul
- Cole Eye Institute/Ophthalmic Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Joshua L. Dunaief
- Scheie Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Joe G. Hollyfield
- Cole Eye Institute/Ophthalmic Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Vera L. Bonilha
- Cole Eye Institute/Ophthalmic Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Goodman D, Ness S. The Role of Oxidative Stress in the Aging Eye. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030837. [PMID: 36983992 PMCID: PMC10052045 DOI: 10.3390/life13030837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the expanding elderly population in the United States and the world, it is important to understand the processes underlying both natural and pathological age-related changes in the eye. Both the anterior and posterior segment of the eye undergo changes in biological, chemical, and physical properties driven by oxidative stress. With advancing age, changes in the anterior segment include dermatochalasis, blepharoptosis, thickening of the sclera, loss of corneal endothelial cells, and stiffening of the lens. Changes in the posterior segment include lowered viscoelasticity of the vitreous body, photoreceptor cell loss, and drusen deposition at the macula and fovea. Age-related ocular pathologies including glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration are largely mediated by oxidative stress. The prevalence of these diseases is expected to increase in the coming years, highlighting the need to develop new therapies that address oxidative stress and slow the progression of age-related pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Goodman
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Steven Ness
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Blackorby BL, Banda H, Smith BT, Shah GK. Macular Findings of Patients on Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium. Mil Med 2023; 188:e579-e583. [PMID: 34296258 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usab301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2018, a unique maculopathy associated with chronic pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) use for the treatment of interstitial cystitis (IC) was described, where the authors detailed macular retinal pigment epithelial abnormalities in six patients. In this paper, a retrospective study of a larger patient pool at one large tertiary retina practice was undertaken to evaluate patients taking PPS and their macular findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients presenting to a single large retina practice between 2011 and 2019. Patient's macular diagnosis, findings, optical coherence tomography scans, and macular auto-fluorescent scans were assessed. This project was Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved by the St Luke's Hospital IRB board (St Louis, MO, USA). RESULTS Fifty-five patients were identified as taking PPS for IC. Fifty-three patients were found to have a diagnosis consistent with changes attributable to known macular diseases to include macular degeneration and pattern dystrophies. Two (4%) of fifty-five patients had macular findings suggestive of PPS toxicity. The first was a 58-year-old female with subtle retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) deposits on optical coherence tomography that exhibited hyper-autofluorescence. The second was a 72-year-old female with 14 years of PPS use who exhibited RPE excrescences and parafoveal areas of atrophy. CONCLUSIONS Pentosan polysulfate sodium may be the cause of macular findings in a small percentage of patients referred to a tertiary retina practice. Although causation of macular changes with PPS use has yet to be elucidated, clinicians should be aware of this possibility when assessing patients with atypical macular findings. Future longitudinal studies are necessary to evaluate a definitive relationship. This paper should remind all clinicians of the importance of a throughout review of the patient's medication list as novel toxicities may become apparent years after initial FDA trials. The strength of this study is the larger patient population compared to earlier studies, and the main weaknesses include the retrospective nature of the study, lack of family and genetic testing, and lack of multimodal imaging for all patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barton L Blackorby
- Department of Ophthalmology, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA 98431, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Fontaine V, Balducci C, Dinan L, Monteiro E, Boumedine T, Fournié M, Nguyen V, Guibout L, Clatot J, Latil M, Veillet S, Sahel JA, Lafont R, Dilda PJ, Camelo S. Anti-Inflammatory Effects and Photo- and Neuro-Protective Properties of BIO203, a New Amide Conjugate of Norbixin, in Development for the Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5296. [PMID: 36982372 PMCID: PMC10049354 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065296] [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: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
9'-cis-norbixin (norbixin/BIO201) protects RPE cells against phototoxicity induced by blue light and N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E) in vitro and preserves visual functions in animal models of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in vivo. The purpose of this study was to examine the mode of action and the in vitro and in vivo effects of BIO203, a novel norbixin amide conjugate. Compared to norbixin, BIO203 displays improved stability at all temperatures tested for up to 18 months. In vitro, BIO203 and norbixin share a similar mode of action involving the inhibition of PPARs, NF-κB, and AP-1 transactivations. The two compounds also reduce IL-6, IL-8, and VEGF expression induced by A2E. In vivo, ocular maximal concentration and BIO203 plasma exposure are increased compared to those of norbixin. Moreover, BIO203 administered systemically protects visual functions and retinal structure in albino rats subjected to blue-light illumination and in the retinal degeneration model of Abca4-/- Rdh8-/- double knock-out mice following 6 months of oral complementation. In conclusion, we report here that BIO203 and norbixin share similar modes of action and protective effects in vitro and in vivo. BIO203, with its improved pharmacokinetic and stability properties, could be developed for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases such as AMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Fontaine
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 Rue Moreau, 75012 Paris, France; (V.F.)
| | - Christine Balducci
- Biophytis, Sorbonne Université, BC9, 4 Place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France (S.C.)
| | - Laurence Dinan
- Biophytis, Sorbonne Université, BC9, 4 Place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France (S.C.)
| | - Elodie Monteiro
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 Rue Moreau, 75012 Paris, France; (V.F.)
| | - Thinhinane Boumedine
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 Rue Moreau, 75012 Paris, France; (V.F.)
| | - Mylène Fournié
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 Rue Moreau, 75012 Paris, France; (V.F.)
| | - Vincent Nguyen
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 Rue Moreau, 75012 Paris, France; (V.F.)
| | - Louis Guibout
- Biophytis, Sorbonne Université, BC9, 4 Place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France (S.C.)
| | - Justine Clatot
- Biophytis, Sorbonne Université, BC9, 4 Place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France (S.C.)
| | - Mathilde Latil
- Biophytis, Sorbonne Université, BC9, 4 Place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France (S.C.)
| | - Stanislas Veillet
- Biophytis, Sorbonne Université, BC9, 4 Place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France (S.C.)
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 Rue Moreau, 75012 Paris, France; (V.F.)
- Fondation Ophtalmologique Rothschild, 29 rue Manin, 75019 Paris, France
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - René Lafont
- Biophytis, Sorbonne Université, BC9, 4 Place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France (S.C.)
| | - Pierre J. Dilda
- Biophytis, Sorbonne Université, BC9, 4 Place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France (S.C.)
| | - Serge Camelo
- Biophytis, Sorbonne Université, BC9, 4 Place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France (S.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Csaky KG. Cross-Sectional Study of Cone Function in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Subjects With Non-foveal Nascent Geographic Atrophy. Am J Ophthalmol 2023; 247:25-34. [PMID: 36368346 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine photoreceptor function in subjects with drusen only and non-foveal nascent geographic atrophy (nGA) intermediate age-related macular degeneration. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 60 eyes from 33 subjects, 30 with drusen only and 30 with non-foveal nGA determined by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) underwent testing for best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), low-luminance visual acuity (LLVA), and qCSF algorithm (area under log contrast sensitivity function [AULCSF]) under both standard photopic and low-luminance (LL AULCSF) conditions. Areas of nGA-associated hypo-autofluorescence (hypo-AF) were graded. RESULTS In the drusen group, visual acuity (VA) = 81 letters ± 3 (mean ± SD), LLVA = 65 letters ± 4, AULCSF = 0.99 ± 0.0.5, and LL AULCSF = 0.38 ± 0.04, whereas in the nGA group, VA = 77 ± 4 letters, LLVA = 61± 4, AULCSF = 0.87 ± 0.09, and LL AULCSF = 0.28 ± 0.06. Multivariate analysis of variance among the LLVA, AULCSF, and LL AULCSF did not demonstrate a statistical difference (P = .167), whereas LL AULCSF analyzed by analysis of variance demonstrated a significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .037). Linear regressions demonstrated significant relationships between BCVA and AULCSF in both the drusen and nGA groups (r = 0.83, P < 10-9 and r = 0.61, P = .0004) but did not correlate with AULCSF under low-luminance conditions (r = 2.9, P = .13) in the nGA group. The total area of hypo-AF was negatively associated with poorer visual functions. CONCLUSIONS The use of LL AULCSF and certain features of FAF should be considered in clinical trials of intermediate age-related macular degeneration. NOTE: Publication of this article is sponsored by the American Ophthalmological Society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karl G Csaky
- From the Retina Foundation of the Southwest, Dallas, Texas, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Emri E, Cappa O, Kelly C, Kortvely E, SanGiovanni JP, McKay BS, Bergen AA, Simpson DA, Lengyel I. Zinc Supplementation Induced Transcriptional Changes in Primary Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium: A Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Study to Understand Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Cells 2023; 12:773. [PMID: 36899910 PMCID: PMC10000409 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050773] [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: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc supplementation has been shown to be beneficial to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, the molecular mechanism underpinning this benefit is not well understood. This study used single-cell RNA sequencing to identify transcriptomic changes induced by zinc supplementation. Human primary retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells could mature for up to 19 weeks. After 1 or 18 weeks in culture, we supplemented the culture medium with 125 µM added zinc for one week. RPE cells developed high transepithelial electrical resistance, extensive, but variable pigmentation, and deposited sub-RPE material similar to the hallmark lesions of AMD. Unsupervised cluster analysis of the combined transcriptome of the cells isolated after 2, 9, and 19 weeks in culture showed considerable heterogeneity. Clustering based on 234 pre-selected RPE-specific genes divided the cells into two distinct clusters, we defined as more and less differentiated cells. The proportion of more differentiated cells increased with time in culture, but appreciable numbers of cells remained less differentiated even at 19 weeks. Pseudotemporal ordering identified 537 genes that could be implicated in the dynamics of RPE cell differentiation (FDR < 0.05). Zinc treatment resulted in the differential expression of 281 of these genes (FDR < 0.05). These genes were associated with several biological pathways with modulation of ID1/ID3 transcriptional regulation. Overall, zinc had a multitude of effects on the RPE transcriptome, including several genes involved in pigmentation, complement regulation, mineralization, and cholesterol metabolism processes associated with AMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Emri
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT97BL, UK
- Section Ophthalmogenetics, Department of Human Genetics, Queen Emma Centre for Precision Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Oisin Cappa
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT97BL, UK
| | - Caoimhe Kelly
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT97BL, UK
| | - Elod Kortvely
- Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology (I2O) Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - John Paul SanGiovanni
- Biosciences Research Laboratories, BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, 1230 North Cherry Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Brian S. McKay
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Arizona, 1656 E. Mabel Street, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Arthur A. Bergen
- Section Ophthalmogenetics, Department of Human Genetics, Queen Emma Centre for Precision Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN-KNAW), 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David A. Simpson
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT97BL, UK
| | - Imre Lengyel
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT97BL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
The Anti-Aging Hormone Klotho Promotes Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cell Viability and Metabolism by Activating the AMPK/PGC-1α Pathway. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020385. [PMID: 36829944 PMCID: PMC9952846 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020385] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Initially discovered by Makuto Kuro-o in 1997, Klotho is a putative aging-suppressor gene when overexpressed and accelerates aging when deleted in mice. Previously, we showed that α-Klotho regulates retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) functions and protects against oxidative stress. However, the mechanisms by which Klotho influences RPE and retinal homeostasis remain elusive. Here, by performing a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments, we demonstrate that Klotho regulates cell viability under oxidative stress, mitochondrial gene expression and activity by inducing the phosphorylation of AMPK and p38MAPK, which in turn phosphorylate and activate CREB and ATF2, respectively, triggering PGC-1α transcription. The inhibition of Klotho in human RPE cells using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing confirmed that a lack of Klotho negatively affects RPE functions, including mitochondrial activity and cell viability. Proteomic analyses showed that myelin sheath and mitochondrial-related proteins are downregulated in the RPE/retina of Kl-/- compared to WT mice, further supporting our biochemical observations. We conclude that Klotho acts upstream of the AMPK/PGC-1α pathway and regulates RPE/retinal resistance to oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and gene and protein expressions. Thus, KL decline during aging could negatively impact retinal health, inducing age-related retinal degeneration.
Collapse
|
28
|
Shao L, Zhang QL, Zhang C, Dong L, Zhou WD, Zhang RH, Wu HT, Wei WB. Thickness of retinal pigment epithelium-Bruch's membrane complex in adult Chinese using optical coherence tomography. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:155-159. [PMID: 35046547 PMCID: PMC9829656 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-021-01911-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study thickness of RPE-BM complex in adult Chinese subjects and its correlation with systemic and ocular biometric parameters. DESIGN Population-based longitudinal study. Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS The population-based Beijing Eye Study 2011 included 3468 individuals with a mean age of 64.6 ± 9.8 years (range: 50-93 years). METHODS A detailed ophthalmic examination was performed including spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT) for measurement of the thickness of RPE-BM complex. Use Heidelberg software "Heidelberg Eye Explorer" for segmentation and measurements. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Thickness of RPE-BM complex. RESULTS In total, 3276 people (6530 eyes) were included in the study. In total, 1844 (56.3%) subjects were female. The mean age was 64.3 ± 9.6 years (range: 50-93 years). The mean refractive error (spherical equivalent) was -0.18 ± 2.04 diopters (range: -22.0 to +7.50 diopters). Mean thickness of the RPE-BM complex at the foveal center was 25.09 ± 3.98 μm (range: 17-37 μm). In multiple regression analysis, subfoveal thickness of the RPE-BM complex was associated with age (p = 0.039; beta: 0.22; B: 0.10 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.20)) and hypertension history (p = 0.038; beta: 0.23; B: 1.96 (95% CI: 0.12, 3.81)). CONCLUSION Mean subfoveal thickness of the RPE-BM complex was 25.09 ± 3.98 μm in elderly subjects with a mean age of 64.3 years increased with age and hypertension history. The increase in the thickness of RPE-BM complex may play a role in the pathophysiologic features of various age-related ocular conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Shao
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Lin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tsinghua University Yuquan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chuan Zhang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Dong
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Da Zhou
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Heng Zhang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Tian Wu
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Bin Wei
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Harju N. Regulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in human retinal pigment epithelial cells. Acta Ophthalmol 2022; 100 Suppl 273:3-59. [DOI: 10.1111/aos.15275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Niina Harju
- School of Pharmacy University of Eastern Finland Kuopio Finland
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Dahlmann-Noor A, Bailly M. Shining a light on foveal development after congenital cataract surgery. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2022; 10:1045. [PMID: 36330396 PMCID: PMC9622496 DOI: 10.21037/atm-2022-31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Annegret Dahlmann-Noor
- Department of Paediatric Ophthalmology, NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Maryse Bailly
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Age and Sex-Related Changes in Retinal Function in the Vervet Monkey. Cells 2022; 11:cells11172751. [PMID: 36078159 PMCID: PMC9454622 DOI: 10.3390/cells11172751] [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: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the deficits in visual processing that accompany healthy aging, the earliest originate in the retina. Moreover, sex-related differences in retinal function have been increasingly recognized. To better understand the dynamics of the retinal aging trajectory, we used the light-adapted flicker electroretinogram (ERG) to functionally assess the state of the neuroretina in a large cohort of age- and sex-matched vervet monkeys (N = 35), aged 9 to 28 years old, with no signs of obvious ocular pathology. We primarily isolated the cone–bipolar axis by stimulating the retina with a standard intensity light flash (2.57 cd/s/m2) at eight different frequencies, ranging from 5 to 40 Hz. Sex-specific changes in the voltage and temporal characteristics of the flicker waveform were found in older individuals (21–28 years-old, N = 16), when compared to younger monkeys (9–20 years-old, N = 19), across all stimulus frequencies tested. Specifically, significantly prolonged implicit times were observed in older monkeys (p < 0.05), but a significant reduction of the amplitude of the response was only found in old male monkeys (p < 0.05). These changes might reflect ongoing degenerative processes targeting the retinal circuitry and the cone subsystem in particular. Altogether, our findings corroborate the existing literature in humans and other species, where aging detrimentally affects photopic retinal responses, and draw attention to the potential contribution of different hormonal environments.
Collapse
|
32
|
Chen Q, Xin G, Li S, Dong Y, Yu X, Wan C, Wei Z, Zhu Y, Zhang K, Wang Y, Li F, Zhang C, Wen E, Li Y, Niu H, Huang W. Berberine-mediated REDD1 down-regulation ameliorates senescence of retinal pigment epithelium by interrupting the ROS-DDR positive feedback loop. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 104:154181. [PMID: 35792445 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulation of age-associated senescent cells accompanied with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory factors contributes to the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the main cause of blindness in the elderly. Berberine (BBR) has shown efficacy in the treatment of age-related diseases including diabetes and obesity by decreasing ROS. However, the pharmacological effect of BBR on alleviating retinal aging remains largely unknown. PURPOSE Our study aimed to investigate the pharmacological effect of BBR as an anti-aging agent in retinal aging and its further molecular mechanisms. METHODS D-galactose (DG)-induced ARPE-19 cell senescence and retinal aging were employed to evaluate the anti-aging effect of BBR in vivo and in vitro. The siRNA transfection, Western-Blot analyses, SA-β-Gal assay and immunofluorescence were performed to investigate the potential mechanisms of BBR on anti-aging of RPE. RESULTS In RPE-choroid of both natural aged and DG-induced accelerated aged mice, oxidative stress was increased along with the up-regulation of p21 expression, which was ameliorated by BBR treatment. BBR down-regulated the expression of REDD1 to decrease intracellular ROS content, attenuating DG-induced senescence in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, p53 instead of HIF-1α was identified as the transcriptional regulator of REDD1 in DG-induced premature senescence. Importantly, NAC and BBR reversed the expression of p53 and the content of 8-OHdG, indicating that the positive feedback loop of ROS-DNA damage response (DDR) was formed, and BBR interrupted this feedback loop to alleviate DG-induced premature senescence by reducing REDD1 expression. In addition, BBR restored DG-damaged autophagy flux by up-regulating TFEB-mediated lysosomal biosynthesis by inhibiting REDD1 expression, thereby attenuating cellular senescence. CONCLUSION BBR down-regulates REDD1 expression to interrupt the ROS-DDR positive feedback loop and restore autophagic flux, thereby reducing premature senescence of RPE. Our findings elucidate the promising effects of REDD1 on cellular senescence and the great potential of BBR as a therapeutic approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingqiu Chen
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Guang Xin
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shiyi Li
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuman Dong
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiuxian Yu
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chengyu Wan
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zeliang Wei
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuda Zhu
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yilan Wang
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fan Li
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Cuicui Zhang
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - E Wen
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yulong Li
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hai Niu
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wen Huang
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Tong Y, Zhang Z, Wang S. Role of Mitochondria in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Aging and Degeneration. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2022; 3:926627. [PMID: 35912040 PMCID: PMC9337215 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2022.926627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells form a monolayer between the neuroretina and choroid. It has multiple important functions, including acting as outer blood-retina barrier, maintaining the function of neuroretina and photoreceptors, participating in the visual cycle and regulating retinal immune response. Due to high oxidative stress environment, RPE cells are vulnerable to dysfunction, cellular senescence, and cell death, which underlies RPE aging and age-related diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Mitochondria are the powerhouse of cells and a major source of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) that contribute to mitochondrial DNA damage, cell death, senescence, and age-related diseases. Mitochondria also undergo dynamic changes including fission/fusion, biogenesis and mitophagy for quality control in response to stresses. The role of mitochondria, especially mitochondrial dynamics, in RPE aging and age-related diseases, is still unclear. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of mitochondrial function, biogenesis and especially dynamics such as morphological changes and mitophagy in RPE aging and age-related RPE diseases, as well as in the biological processes of RPE cellular senescence and cell death. We also discuss the current preclinical and clinical research efforts to prevent or treat RPE degeneration by restoring mitochondrial function and dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Tong
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Zunyi Zhang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Shusheng Wang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Tulane Personalized Health Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
- *Correspondence: Shusheng Wang,
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
NURR1 expression regulates retinal pigment epithelial-mesenchymal transition and age-related macular degeneration phenotypes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2202256119. [PMID: 35867766 PMCID: PMC9282432 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2202256119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic variations in the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) layer are often a predecessor and driver of ocular degenerative diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in the elderly. We previously identified the orphan nuclear receptor-related 1 (NURR1), from a nuclear receptor atlas of human RPE cells, as a candidate transcription factor potentially involved in AMD development and progression. In the present study we characterized the expression of NURR1 as a function of age in RPE cells harvested from human donor eyes and in donor tissue from AMD patients. Mechanistically, we found an age-dependent shift in NURR1 dimerization from NURR1-RXRα heterodimers toward NURR1-NURR1 homodimers in primary human RPE cells. Additionally, overexpression and activation of NURR1 attenuated TNF-α-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and migration, and modulated EMT-associated gene and protein expression in human RPE cells independent of age. In vivo, oral administration of IP7e, a potent NURR1 activator, ameliorated EMT in an experimental model of wet AMD and improved retinal function in a mouse model that presents with dry AMD features, impacting AMD phenotype, structure, and function of RPE cells, inhibiting accumulation of immune cells, and diminishing lipid accumulation. These results provide insight into the mechanisms of action of NURR1 in the aging eye, and demonstrate that the relative expression levels and activity of NURR1 is critical for both physiological and pathological functions of human RPE cells through RXRα-dependent regulation, and that targeting NURR1 may have therapeutic potential for AMD by modulating EMT, inflammation, and lipid homeostasis.
Collapse
|
35
|
Sridevi Gurubaran I, Hytti M, Kaarniranta K, Kauppinen A. Epoxomicin, a Selective Proteasome Inhibitor, Activates AIM2 Inflammasome in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11071288. [PMID: 35883779 PMCID: PMC9311580 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11071288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that the intracellular clearance system plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis and in regulating oxidative stress and inflammation in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. Dysfunctional proteasomes and autophagy in RPE cells have been associated with the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration. We have previously shown that the inhibition of proteasomes using MG-132 activates the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in human RPE cells. However, MG-132 is a non-selective proteasome inhibitor. In this study, we used the selective proteasome inhibitor epoxomicin to study the effect of non-functional intracellular clearance systems on inflammasome activation. Our data show that epoxomicin-induced proteasome inhibition promoted both nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase and mitochondria-mediated oxidative stress and release of mitochondrial DNA to the cytosol, which resulted in potassium efflux-dependent absence in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome activation and subsequent interleukin-1β secretion in ARPE-19 cells. The non-specific proteasome inhibitor MG-132 activated both NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasomes and oxidative stress predominated as the activation mechanism, but modest potassium efflux was also detected. Collectively, our data suggest that a selective proteasome inhibitor is a potent inflammasome activator in human RPE cells and emphasize the role of the AIM2 inflammasome in addition to the more commonly known NLRP3 inflammasome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iswariyaraja Sridevi Gurubaran
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland; (I.S.G.); (K.K.)
| | - Maria Hytti
- Immuno-Ophthalmology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland; (I.S.G.); (K.K.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, 70029 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anu Kauppinen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland; (I.S.G.); (K.K.)
- Immuno-Ophthalmology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Shu DY, Frank SI, Fitch TC, Karg MM, Butcher ER, Nnuji-John E, Kim LA, Saint-Geniez M. Dimethyl Fumarate Blocks Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha-Driven Inflammation and Metabolic Rewiring in the Retinal Pigment Epithelium. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:896786. [PMID: 35813071 PMCID: PMC9259930 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.896786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) acts as a metabolic gatekeeper between photoreceptors and the choroidal vasculature to maintain retinal function. RPE dysfunction is a key feature of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in developed countries. Inflammation is a key pathogenic mechanism in AMD and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) has been implicated as a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in AMD. While mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in AMD pathogenesis, the interplay between inflammation and cellular metabolism remains elusive. The present study explores how the pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNFα, impacts mitochondrial morphology and metabolic function in RPE. Matured human primary RPE (H-RPE) were treated with TNFα (10 ng/ml) for up to 5 days. TNFα-induced upregulation of IL-6 secretion and inflammatory genes (IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1) was accompanied by increased oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and reduced glycolysis, leading to an increase in cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed defects in mitochondrial morphology with engorged mitochondria and loss of cristae integrity following TNFα treatment. Pre-treatment with the anti-inflammatory drug, 80 μM dimethyl fumarate (DMFu), blocked TNFα-induced inflammatory activation of RPE (IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, CFH, CFB, C3) and normalized their bioenergetic profile to control levels by regulating PFKFB3 and PKM2 gene expression. Furthermore, DMFu prevented TNFα-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and morphological anomalies. Thus, our results indicate that DMFu serves as a novel therapeutic avenue for combating inflammatory activation and metabolic dysfunction of RPE in AMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Y. Shu
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Scott I. Frank
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Tessa C. Fitch
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Margarete M. Karg
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Erik R. Butcher
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Emmanuella Nnuji-John
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, United States
| | - Leo A. Kim
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Magali Saint-Geniez
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Magali Saint-Geniez,
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Keeling E, Lynn SA, Koh YM, Scott JA, Kendall A, Gatherer M, Page A, Cagampang FR, Lotery AJ, Ratnayaka JA. A High Fat "Western-style" Diet Induces AMD-Like Features in Wildtype Mice. Mol Nutr Food Res 2022; 66:e2100823. [PMID: 35306732 PMCID: PMC9287010 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202100823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Scope The intake of a “Western‐style” diet rich in fats is linked with developing retinopathies including age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Wildtype mice are given a high fat diet (HFD) to determine how unhealthy foods can bring about retinal degeneration. Methods and results Following weaning, female C57BL/6 mice are maintained on standard chow (7% kcal fat, n = 29) or a HFD (45% kcal fat, n = 27) for 12 months. Animals were sacrificed following electroretinography (ERG) and their eyes analyzed by histology, confocal immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. HFD mice become obese, but showed normal retinal function compared to chow‐fed controls. However, diminished β3tubulin labeling of retinal cross‐sections indicated fewer/damaged neuronal processes in the inner plexiform layer. AMD‐linked proteins clusterin and TIMP3 accumulated in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Bruch's membrane (BrM). Neutral lipids also deposited in the outer retinae of HFD mice. Ultrastructural analysis revealed disorganized photoreceptor outer segments, collapsed/misaligned RPE microvilli, vacuoles, convoluted basolateral RPE infolds and BrM changes. Basal laminar‐like deposits were also present alongside abnormal choroidal endothelial cells. Conclusions We show that prolonged exposure to an unhealthy “Western‐style” diet alone can recapitulate early‐intermediate AMD‐like features in wildtype mice, highlighting the importance of diet and nutrition in the etiology of sight‐loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eloise Keeling
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Savannah A Lynn
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Yen Min Koh
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Jenny A Scott
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Aaron Kendall
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Maureen Gatherer
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Anton Page
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, University of Southampton, MP12, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Felino R Cagampang
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Andrew J Lotery
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.,Eye Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - J Arjuna Ratnayaka
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Hung LT, Poon SHL, Yan WH, Lace R, Zhou L, Wong JKW, Williams RL, Shih KC, Shum HC, Chan YK. Scaffold-Free Strategy Using a PEG-Dextran Aqueous Two-Phase-System for Corneal Tissue Repair. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:1987-1999. [PMID: 35362956 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c01500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Forming thin tissue constructs with minimal extracellular matrix surrounding them is important for tissue engineering applications. Here, we explore and optimize a strategy that enables rapid fabrication of scaffold-free corneal tissue constructs using the liquid-liquid interface of an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) that is based on biocompatible polymers, dextran and polyethylene glycol. Intact tissue-like constructs, made of corneal epithelial or endothelial cells, can be formed on the interface between the two liquid phases of ATPS within hours and subsequently collected simply by removing the liquid phases. The formed corneal cell constructs express essential physiological markers and have preserved viability and proliferative ability in vitro. The corneal epithelial cell constructs are also able to re-epithelialize the corneal epithelial wound in vitro. The results suggest the promise of our reported strategy in corneal repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lap Tak Hung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Rm 7-25, Haking Wong Building, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Stephanie Hiu Ling Poon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 301B Cyberport 4, 100 Cyberport Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Wing Huen Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 301B Cyberport 4, 100 Cyberport Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Rebecca Lace
- Department of Eye and Vision Sciences, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool L7 8TX, U.K
| | - Liangyu Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 301B Cyberport 4, 100 Cyberport Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Jasper Ka Wai Wong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 301B Cyberport 4, 100 Cyberport Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Rachel L Williams
- Department of Eye and Vision Sciences, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool L7 8TX, U.K
| | - Kendrick Co Shih
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 301B Cyberport 4, 100 Cyberport Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Ho Cheung Shum
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Rm 7-25, Haking Wong Building, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Yau Kei Chan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 301B Cyberport 4, 100 Cyberport Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Fisher CR, Ebeling MC, Ferrington DA. Quantification of mitophagy using mKeima-mito in cultured human primary retinal pigment epithelial cells. Exp Eye Res 2022; 217:108981. [PMID: 35167864 PMCID: PMC8957530 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.108981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium is a pigmented monolayer of cells that help maintain a healthy retina. Loss of this essential cell layer is implicated in a number of visual disorders, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Utilizing primary RPE cultures to investigate disease is an important step in understanding disease mechanisms. However, the use of primary RPE cultures presents a number of challenges, including the limited number of cells available and the presence of auto-fluorescent pigment that interferes with quantifying fluorescent probes. Additionally, primary RPE are difficult to transfect with exogenous nucleic acids traditionally used for fluorescent imaging. To overcome these challenges, we used an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector to express a pH sensitive fluorescent protein, mKeima, fused to the mitochondrial targeting sequence of cytochrome oxidase subunit 8A (mKeima-mito). mKeima-mito allows for quantification of mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy) in live-cell time-lapse imaging experiments. We also developed an image analysis pipeline to selectively quantify mKeima-mito while removing the signal of auto-fluorescent pigment from the dataset by utilizing information from the mKeima fluorescent channels. These techniques are demonstrated in primary RPE cultures expressing mKeima-mito treated with 2-[2-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]hydrazinylidene]-propanedinitrile (FCCP), an uncoupler that depolarizes the mitochondrial membrane and leads to mitochondrial fragmentation and mitophagy. The techniques outlined provide a roadmap for investigating disease mechanisms or the effect of treatments utilizing fluorescent probes in an important cell culture model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cody R Fisher
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA; Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Mara C Ebeling
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Deborah A Ferrington
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA; Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Rudge JD. A New Hypothesis for Alzheimer’s Disease: The Lipid Invasion Model. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2022; 6:129-161. [PMID: 35530118 PMCID: PMC9028744 DOI: 10.3233/adr-210299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper proposes a new hypothesis for Alzheimer’s disease (AD)—the lipid invasion model. It argues that AD results from external influx of free fatty acids (FFAs) and lipid-rich lipoproteins into the brain, following disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The lipid invasion model explains how the influx of albumin-bound FFAs via a disrupted BBB induces bioenergetic changes and oxidative stress, stimulates microglia-driven neuroinflammation, and causes anterograde amnesia. It also explains how the influx of external lipoproteins, which are much larger and more lipid-rich, especially more cholesterol-rich, than those normally present in the brain, causes endosomal-lysosomal abnormalities and overproduction of the peptide amyloid-β (Aβ). This leads to the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, the most well-known hallmarks of AD. The lipid invasion model argues that a key role of the BBB is protecting the brain from external lipid access. It shows how the BBB can be damaged by excess Aβ, as well as by most other known risk factors for AD, including aging, apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4), and lifestyle factors such as hypertension, smoking, obesity, diabetes, chronic sleep deprivation, stress, and head injury. The lipid invasion model gives a new rationale for what we already know about AD, explaining its many associated risk factors and neuropathologies, including some that are less well-accounted for in other explanations of AD. It offers new insights and suggests new ways to prevent, detect, and treat this destructive disease and potentially other neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D’Arcy Rudge
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Nigalye AK, Hess K, Pundlik SJ, Jeffrey BG, Cukras CA, Husain D. Dark Adaptation and Its Role in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11051358. [PMID: 35268448 PMCID: PMC8911214 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11051358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Dark adaptation (DA) refers to the slow recovery of visual sensitivity in darkness following exposure to intense or prolonged illumination, which bleaches a significant amount of the rhodopsin. This natural process also offers an opportunity to understand cellular function in the outer retina and evaluate for presence of disease. How our eyes adapt to darkness can be a key indicator of retinal health, which can be altered in the presence of certain diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A specific focus on clinical aspects of DA measurement and its significance to furthering our understanding of AMD has revealed essential findings underlying the pathobiology of the disease. The process of dark adaptation involves phototransduction taking place mainly between the photoreceptor outer segments and the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) layer. DA occurs over a large range of luminance and is modulated by both cone and rod photoreceptors. In the photopic ranges, rods are saturated and cone cells adapt to the high luminance levels. However, under scotopic ranges, cones are unable to respond to the dim luminance and rods modulate the responses to lower levels of light as they can respond to even a single photon. Since the cone visual cycle is also based on the Muller cells, measuring the impairment in rod-based dark adaptation is thought to be particularly relevant to diseases such as AMD, which involves both photoreceptors and RPE. Dark adaptation parameters are metrics derived from curve-fitting dark adaptation sensitivities over time and can represent specific cellular function. Parameters such as the cone-rod break (CRB) and rod intercept time (RIT) are particularly sensitive to changes in the outer retina. There is some structural and functional continuum between normal aging and the AMD pathology. Many studies have shown an increase of the rod intercept time (RIT), i.e., delays in rod-mediated DA in AMD patients with increasing disease severity determined by increased drusen grade, pigment changes and the presence of subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD) and association with certain morphological features in the peripheral retina. Specifications of spatial testing location, repeatability of the testing, ease and availability of the testing device in clinical settings, and test duration in elderly population are also important. We provide a detailed overview in light of all these factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Archana K. Nigalye
- Retina Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, USA;
| | - Kristina Hess
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (K.H.); (B.G.J.)
| | - Shrinivas J. Pundlik
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School Department of Ophthalmology, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
| | - Brett G. Jeffrey
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (K.H.); (B.G.J.)
| | - Catherine A. Cukras
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (K.H.); (B.G.J.)
- Correspondence: (C.A.C.); (D.H.); Tel.: +1-(301)435-5061 (C.A.C.); +1-617-573-4371 (D.H.); Fax: +1-617-573-3698 (D.H.)
| | - Deeba Husain
- Retina Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, USA;
- Correspondence: (C.A.C.); (D.H.); Tel.: +1-(301)435-5061 (C.A.C.); +1-617-573-4371 (D.H.); Fax: +1-617-573-3698 (D.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Exudative versus Nonexudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Physiopathology and Treatment Options. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052592. [PMID: 35269743 PMCID: PMC8910030 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease typically associated with the aging and can be classified into two types—namely, the exudative and the nonexudative AMD. Currently available treatments for exudative AMD use intravitreal injections, which are associated with high risk of infection that can lead to endophthalmitis, while no successful treatments yet exist for the nonexudative form of AMD. In addition to the pharmacologic therapies administered by intravitreal injection already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in exudative AMD, there are some laser treatments approved that can be used in combination with the pharmacological therapies. In this review, we discuss the latest developments of treatment options for AMD. Relevant literature available from 1993 was used, which included original articles and reviews available in PubMed database and also information collected from Clinical Trials Gov website using “age-related macular degeneration” and “antiangiogenic therapies” as keywords. The clinical trials search was limited to ongoing trials from 2015 to date.
Collapse
|
43
|
Chuang JZ, Yang N, Nakajima N, Otsu W, Fu C, Yang HH, Lee MP, Akbar AF, Badea TC, Guo Z, Nuruzzaman A, Hsu KS, Dunaief JL, Sung CH. Retinal pigment epithelium-specific CLIC4 mutant is a mouse model of dry age-related macular degeneration. Nat Commun 2022; 13:374. [PMID: 35042858 PMCID: PMC8766482 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27935-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness among the elderly. Dry AMD has unclear etiology and no treatment. Lipid-rich drusen are the hallmark of dry AMD. An AMD mouse model and insights into drusenogenesis are keys to better understanding of this disease. Chloride intracellular channel 4 (CLIC4) is a pleomorphic protein regulating diverse biological functions. Here we show that retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-specific Clic4 knockout mice exhibit a full spectrum of functional and pathological hallmarks of dry AMD. Multidisciplinary longitudinal studies of disease progression in these mice support a mechanistic model that links RPE cell-autonomous aberrant lipid metabolism and transport to drusen formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Zen Chuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Margaret M. Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Nan Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Margaret M. Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Nobuyuki Nakajima
- Department of Ophthalmology, Margaret M. Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Department of Urology, Tokai University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Wataru Otsu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Margaret M. Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Department of Biomedical Research Laboratory, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Cheng Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Margaret M. Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Howard Hua Yang
- The Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Maxwell Ping Lee
- The Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Tudor Constantin Badea
- National Eye Institute, National institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Research and Development Institute, Transilvania University of Brasov, School of Medicine, Brasov, Romania
| | - Ziqi Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Margaret M. Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Afnan Nuruzzaman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Margaret M. Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Kuo-Shun Hsu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Margaret M. Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Sloan Kettering Cancer Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joshua L Dunaief
- FM Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ching-Hwa Sung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Margaret M. Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Landowski M, Bowes Rickman C. Targeting Lipid Metabolism for the Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Insights from Preclinical Mouse Models. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2021; 38:3-32. [PMID: 34788573 PMCID: PMC8817708 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2021.0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major leading cause of irreversible visual impairment in the world with limited therapeutic interventions. Histological, biochemical, genetic, and epidemiological studies strongly implicate dysregulated lipid metabolism in the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) in AMD pathobiology. However, effective therapies targeting lipid metabolism still need to be identified and developed for this blinding disease. To test lipid metabolism-targeting therapies, preclinical AMD mouse models are needed to establish therapeutic efficacy and the role of lipid metabolism in the development of AMD-like pathology. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of current AMD mouse models available to researchers that could be used to provide preclinical evidence supporting therapies targeting lipid metabolism for AMD. Based on previous studies of AMD mouse models, we discuss strategies to modulate lipid metabolism as well as examples of studies evaluating lipid-targeting therapeutics to restore lipid processing in the RPE. The use of AMD mouse models may lead to worthy lipid-targeting candidate therapies for clinical trials to prevent the blindness caused by AMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Landowski
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Catherine Bowes Rickman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Tsantilas KA, Cleghorn WM, Bisbach CM, Whitson JA, Hass DT, Robbings BM, Sadilek M, Linton JD, Rountree AM, Valencia AP, Sweetwyne MT, Campbell MD, Zhang H, Jankowski CSR, Sweet IR, Marcinek DJ, Rabinovitch PS, Hurley JB. An Analysis of Metabolic Changes in the Retina and Retinal Pigment Epithelium of Aging Mice. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:20. [PMID: 34797906 PMCID: PMC8606884 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.14.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to present our hypothesis that aging alters metabolic function in ocular tissues. We tested the hypothesis by measuring metabolism in aged murine tissues alongside retinal responses to light. Methods Scotopic and photopic electroretinogram (ERG) responses in young (3–6 months) and aged (23–26 months) C57Bl/6J mice were recorded. Metabolic flux in retina and eyecup explants was quantified using U-13C-glucose or U-13C-glutamine with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), O2 consumption rate (OCR) in a perifusion apparatus, and quantifying adenosine triphosphatase (ATP) with a bioluminescence assay. Results Scotopic and photopic ERG responses were reduced in aged mice. Glucose metabolism, glutamine metabolism, OCR, and ATP pools in retinal explants were mostly unaffected in aged mice. In eyecups, glutamine usage in the Krebs Cycle decreased while glucose metabolism, OCR, and ATP pools remained stable. Conclusions Our examination of metabolism showed negligible impact of age on retina and an impairment of glutamine anaplerosis in eyecups. The metabolic stability of these tissues ex vivo suggests age-related metabolic alterations may not be intrinsic. Future experiments should focus on determining whether external factors including nutrient supply, oxygen availability, or structural changes influence ocular metabolism in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristine A Tsantilas
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Whitney M Cleghorn
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Celia M Bisbach
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Jeremy A Whitson
- Department of Biology, Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina, United States
| | - Daniel T Hass
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Brian M Robbings
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States.,UW Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Martin Sadilek
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Jonathan D Linton
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Austin M Rountree
- UW Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Ana P Valencia
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Mariya T Sweetwyne
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Matthew D Campbell
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Huiliang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
| | - Connor S R Jankowski
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States.,Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States
| | - Ian R Sweet
- UW Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - David J Marcinek
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Peter S Rabinovitch
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - James B Hurley
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Trinh M, Khou V, Kalloniatis M, Nivison-Smith L. Location-Specific Thickness Patterns in Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration Reveals Anatomical Differences in Multiple Retinal Layers. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:13. [PMID: 34661608 PMCID: PMC8525852 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.13.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To examine individual retinal layers’ location-specific patterns of thicknesses in intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD) using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods OCT macular cube scans were retrospectively acquired from 84 iAMD eyes of 84 participants and 84 normal eyes of 84 participants propensity-score matched on age, sex, and spherical equivalent refraction. Thicknesses of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), inner nuclear layer (INL), outer plexiform layer (OPL), outer nuclear layer + Henle's fiber layer (ONL+HFL), inner- and outer-segment layers (IS/OS), and retinal pigment epithelium to Bruch's membrane (RPE-BM) were calculated across an 8 × 8 grid (total 24° × 24° area). Location-specific analysis was performed using cluster(normal) and grid(iAMD)-to-cluster(normal) comparisons. Results In iAMD versus normal eyes, the central RPE-BM was thickened (mean difference ± SEM up to 27.45% ± 7.48%, P < 0.001; up to 7.6 SD-from-normal), whereas there was thinned outer (OPL, ONL+HFL, and non-central RPE-BM, up to −6.76% ± 2.47%, P < 0.001; up to −1.6 SD-from-normal) and inner retina (GCL and IPL, up to −4.83% ± 1.56%, P < 0.01; up to −1.7 SD-from-normal) with eccentricity-based effects. Interlayer correlations were greater against the ONL+HFL (mean |r| ± SEM 0.19 ± 0.03, P = 0.14 to < 0.0001) than the RPE-BM (0.09 ± 0, P = 0.72 to < 0.0001). Conclusions Location-specific analysis suggests altered retinal anatomy between iAMD and normal eyes. These data could direct clinical diagnosis and monitoring of AMD toward targeted locations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matt Trinh
- Centre for Eye Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Vincent Khou
- Centre for Eye Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael Kalloniatis
- Centre for Eye Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lisa Nivison-Smith
- Centre for Eye Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Escrevente C, Falcão AS, Hall MJ, Lopes-da-Silva M, Antas P, Mesquita MM, Ferreira IS, Cardoso MH, Oliveira D, Fradinho AC, Ciossek T, Nicklin P, Futter CE, Tenreiro S, Seabra MC. Formation of Lipofuscin-Like Autofluorescent Granules in the Retinal Pigment Epithelium Requires Lysosome Dysfunction. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:39. [PMID: 34313720 PMCID: PMC8322709 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.9.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose We aim to characterize the pathways required for autofluorescent granule (AFG) formation by RPE cells using cultured monolayers. Methods We fed RPE monolayers in culture with a single pulse of photoreceptor outer segments (POS). After 24 hours the cells started accumulating AFGs that were comparable to lipofuscin in vivo. Using this model, we used a variety of light and electron microscopical techniques, flow cytometry and Western blot to analyze the formation of AFGs. We also generated a mutant RPE line lacking cathepsin D by gene editing. Results AFGs seem to derive from incompletely digested POS-containing phagosomes and after 3 days are surrounded by a single membrane positive for lysosome markers. We show by various methods that lysosome-phagosome fusion is required for AFG formation, and that impairment of lysosomal pH or catalytic activity, particularly cathepsin D activity, enhances AF accumulation. Conclusions We conclude that lysosomal dysfunction results in incomplete POS degradation and enhanced AFG accumulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Escrevente
- iNOVA4Health, CEDOC - Chronic Diseases Research Center, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana S Falcão
- iNOVA4Health, CEDOC - Chronic Diseases Research Center, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Mafalda Lopes-da-Silva
- iNOVA4Health, CEDOC - Chronic Diseases Research Center, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro Antas
- iNOVA4Health, CEDOC - Chronic Diseases Research Center, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel M Mesquita
- iNOVA4Health, CEDOC - Chronic Diseases Research Center, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Inês S Ferreira
- iNOVA4Health, CEDOC - Chronic Diseases Research Center, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - M Helena Cardoso
- iNOVA4Health, CEDOC - Chronic Diseases Research Center, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Daniela Oliveira
- iNOVA4Health, CEDOC - Chronic Diseases Research Center, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana C Fradinho
- iNOVA4Health, CEDOC - Chronic Diseases Research Center, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Thomas Ciossek
- Research Beyond Borders, Boehringer Ingelheim, Biberach, Germany
| | - Paul Nicklin
- Research Beyond Borders, Boehringer Ingelheim, Biberach, Germany
| | | | - Sandra Tenreiro
- iNOVA4Health, CEDOC - Chronic Diseases Research Center, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel C Seabra
- iNOVA4Health, CEDOC - Chronic Diseases Research Center, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Lee SJ, Kim SJ, Jo DH, Park KS, Kim JH. Blockade of mTORC1-NOX signaling pathway inhibits TGF-β1-mediated senescence-like structural alterations of the retinal pigment epithelium. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21403. [PMID: 33559185 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001939rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) undergoes characteristic structural changes and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during normal aging, which are exacerbated in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although the pathogenic mechanisms of aging and AMD remain unclear, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is known to induce oxidative stress, morphometric changes, and EMT as a senescence-promoting factor. In this study, we examined whether intravitreal injection of TGF-β1 into the mouse eye elicits senescence-like morphological alterations in the RPE and if this can be prevented by suppressing mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) or NADPH oxidase (NOX) signaling. We verified that intravitreal TGF-β1-induced stress fiber formation and EMT in RPE cells, along with age-associated morphometric changes, including increased variation in cell size and reduced cell density. In RPE cells, exogenous TGF-β1 increased endogenous expression of TGF-β1 and upregulated Smad3-ERK1/2-mTORC1 signaling, increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and EMT. We demonstrated that inhibition of the mTORC1-NOX4 pathway by pretreatment with 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR), an activator of AMP-dependent protein kinase, or GKT137831, a NOX1/4 inhibitor, decreased ROS generation, prevented stress fiber formation, attenuated EMT, and improved the regularity of the RPE structure in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that intravitreal TGF-β1 injection could be used as a screening model to investigate the aging-related structural and functional changes to the RPE. Furthermore, the regulation of TGF-β-mTORC1-NOX signaling could be a potential therapeutic target for reducing pathogenic alterations in aged RPE and AMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seok Jae Lee
- Fight against Angiogenesis-Related Blindness (FARB) Laboratory, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Jin Kim
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Jo
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Sang Park
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Hun Kim
- Fight against Angiogenesis-Related Blindness (FARB) Laboratory, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Advanced Biomedical Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Shang P, Stepicheva N, Teel K, McCauley A, Fitting CS, Hose S, Grebe R, Yazdankhah M, Ghosh S, Liu H, Strizhakova A, Weiss J, Bhutto IA, Lutty GA, Jayagopal A, Qian J, Sahel JA, Samuel Zigler J, Handa JT, Sergeev Y, Rajala RVS, Watkins S, Sinha D. βA3/A1-crystallin regulates apical polarity and EGFR endocytosis in retinal pigmented epithelial cells. Commun Biol 2021; 4:850. [PMID: 34239035 PMCID: PMC8266859 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02386-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) is a monolayer of multifunctional cells located at the back of the eye. High membrane turnover and polarization, including formation of actin-based apical microvilli, are essential for RPE function and retinal health. Herein, we demonstrate an important role for βA3/A1-crystallin in RPE. βA3/A1-crystallin deficiency leads to clathrin-mediated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) endocytosis abnormalities and actin network disruption at the apical side that result in RPE polarity disruption and degeneration. We found that βA3/A1-crystallin binds to phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (PITPβ) and that βA3/A1-crystallin deficiency diminishes phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate (PI(4,5)P2), thus probably decreasing ezrin phosphorylation, EGFR activation, internalization, and degradation. We propose that βA3/A1-crystallin acquired its RPE function before evolving as a structural element in the lens, and that in the RPE, it modulates the PI(4,5)P2 pool through PITPβ/PLC signaling axis, coordinates EGFR activation, regulates ezrin phosphorylation and ultimately the cell polarity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Shang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nadezda Stepicheva
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kenneth Teel
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Austin McCauley
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | | | - Stacey Hose
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rhonda Grebe
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Meysam Yazdankhah
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sayan Ghosh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Haitao Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anastasia Strizhakova
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Joseph Weiss
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Imran A Bhutto
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gerard A Lutty
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Jiang Qian
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Institut de la Vision, INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - J Samuel Zigler
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - James T Handa
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yuri Sergeev
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Raju V S Rajala
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Simon Watkins
- Department of Cell Biology and Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Debasish Sinha
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology and Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Campello L, Singh N, Advani J, Mondal AK, Corso-Diaz X, Swaroop A. Aging of the Retina: Molecular and Metabolic Turbulences and Potential Interventions. Annu Rev Vis Sci 2021; 7:633-664. [PMID: 34061570 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-vision-100419-114940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Multifaceted and divergent manifestations across tissues and cell types have curtailed advances in deciphering the cellular events that accompany advanced age and contribute to morbidities and mortalities. Increase in human lifespan during the past century has heightened awareness of the need to prevent age-associated frailty of neuronal and sensory systems to allow a healthy and productive life. In this review, we discuss molecular and physiological attributes of aging of the retina, with a goal of understanding age-related impairment of visual function. We highlight the epigenome-metabolism nexus and proteostasis as key contributors to retinal aging and discuss lifestyle changes as potential modulators of retinal function. Finally, we deliberate promising intervention strategies for promoting healthy aging of the retina for improved vision. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Vision Science, Volume 7 is September 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Campello
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA;
| | - Nivedita Singh
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA;
| | - Jayshree Advani
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA;
| | - Anupam K Mondal
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA;
| | - Ximena Corso-Diaz
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA;
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA;
| |
Collapse
|