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Liang Y, Li Y, Jiao Q, Wei M, Wang Y, Cui A, Li Z, Li G. Axonal mitophagy in retinal ganglion cells. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:382. [PMID: 39075570 PMCID: PMC11285280 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01761-0] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurons, exhibiting unique polarized structures, rely primarily on the mitochondrial production of ATP to maintain their hypermetabolic energy requirements. To maintain a normal energy supply, mitochondria are transported to the distal end of the axon. When mitochondria within the axon are critically damaged beyond their compensatory capacity, they are cleared via autophagosomal phagocytosis, and the degradation products are recycled to replenish energy. When the mitochondria are dysfunctional or their transport processes are blocked, axons become susceptible to degeneration triggered by energy depletion, resulting in neurodegenerative diseases. As the final checkpoint for mitochondrial quality control, axonal mitophagy is vital for neuronal growth, development, injury, and regeneration. Furthermore, abnormal axonal mitophagy is crucial in the pathogenesis of optic nerve-related diseases such as glaucoma. We review recent studies on axonal mitophagy and summarize the progress of research on axonal mitophagy in optic nerve-related diseases to provide insights into diseases associated with axonal damage in optic ganglion cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Yulin Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Qing Jiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Muyang Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Aoteng Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Zhihui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Guangyu Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China.
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2
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Kopp W. Aging and "Age-Related" Diseases - What Is the Relation? Aging Dis 2024:AD.2024.0570. [PMID: 39012663 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2024.0570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The study explores the intricate relationship between aging and the development of noncommunicable diseases [NCDs], focusing on whether these diseases are inevitable consequences of aging or primarily driven by lifestyle factors. By examining epidemiological data, particularly from hunter-gatherer societies, the study highlights that many NCDs prevalent in modern populations are rare in these societies, suggesting a significant influence of lifestyle choices. It delves into the mechanisms through which poor diet, smoking, and other lifestyle factors contribute to systemic physiological imbalances, characterized by oxidative stress, insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, and dysregulation of the sympathetic nervous system, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and the immune system. The interplay between this pattern and individual factors such as genetic susceptibility, biological variability, epigenetic changes and the microbiome is proposed to play a crucial role in the development of a range of age-related NCDs. Modified biomolecules such as oxysterols and advanced glycation end products also contribute to their development. Specific diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, Parkinson's disease, glaucoma and osteoarthritis are analyzed to illustrate these mechanisms. The study concludes that while aging contributes to the risk of NCDs, lifestyle factors play a crucial role, offering potential avenues for prevention and intervention through healthier living practices. One possible approach could be to try to restore the physiological balance, e.g. through dietary measures [e.g. Mediterranean diet, Okinawan diet or Paleolithic diet] in conjunction with [a combination of] pharmacological interventions and other lifestyle changes.
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Lewis LSC, Skiba NP, Hao Y, Bomze HM, Arshavsky VY, Cartoni R, Gospe SM. Compartmental Differences in the Retinal Ganglion Cell Mitochondrial Proteome. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.07.593032. [PMID: 38766051 PMCID: PMC11100734 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.07.593032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Among neurons, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are uniquely sensitive to mitochondrial dysfunction. The RGC is highly polarized, with a somatodendritic compartment in the inner retina and an axonal compartment projecting to targets in the brain. The drastically dissimilar functions of these compartments implies that mitochondria face different bioenergetic and other physiological demands. We hypothesized that compartmental differences in mitochondrial biology would be reflected by disparities in mitochondrial protein composition. Here, we describe a protocol to isolate intact mitochondria separately from mouse RGC somatodendritic and axonal compartments by immunoprecipitating labeled mitochondria from RGC MitoTag mice. Using mass spectrometry, 471 and 357 proteins were identified in RGC somatodendritic and axonal mitochondrial immunoprecipitates, respectively. We identified 10 mitochondrial proteins exclusively in the somatodendritic compartment and 19 enriched ≥2-fold there, while 3 proteins were exclusively identified and 18 enriched in the axonal compartment. Our observation of compartment-specific enrichment of mitochondrial proteins was validated through immunofluorescence analysis of the localization and relative abundance of superoxide dismutase ( SOD2 ), sideroflexin-3 ( SFXN3 ) and trifunctional enzyme subunit alpha ( HADHA ) in retina and optic nerve specimens. The identified compartmental differences in RGC mitochondrial composition may provide promising leads for uncovering physiologically relevant pathways amenable to therapeutic intervention for optic neuropathies.
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James RE, Hamilton NR, Huffman LN, Pasterkamp J, Goff LA, Kolodkin AL. Semaphorin 6A in Retinal Ganglion Cells Regulates Functional Specialization of the Inner Retina. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.18.567662. [PMID: 38014224 PMCID: PMC10680864 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.18.567662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
To form functional circuits, neurons must settle in their appropriate cellular locations and then project and elaborate neurites to contact their target synaptic neuropils. Laminar organization within the vertebrate retinal inner plexiform layer (IPL) facilitates pre- and postsynaptic neurite targeting, yet, the precise mechanisms underlying establishment of functional IPL subdomains are not well understood. Here we explore mechanisms defining the compartmentalization of OFF and ON neurites generally, and OFF and ON direction-selective neurites specifically, within the developing IPL. We show that semaphorin 6A (Sema6A), a repulsive axon guidance cue, is required for delineation of OFF versus ON circuits within the IPL: in the Sema6a null IPL, the boundary between OFF and ON domains is blurred. Furthermore, Sema6A expressed by retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) directs laminar segregation of OFF and ON starburst amacrine cell (SAC) dendritic scaffolds, which themselves serve as a substrate upon which other retinal neurites elaborate. These results demonstrate for the first time that RGCs, the first neuron-type born within the retina, play an active role in functional specialization of the IPL. Retinal ganglion cell-dependent regulation of OFF and ON starburst amacrine cell dendritic scaffold segregation prevents blurring of OFF versus ON functional domains in the murine inner plexiform layer.
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Alarcon-Martinez L, Shiga Y, Villafranca-Baughman D, Cueva Vargas JL, Vidal Paredes IA, Quintero H, Fortune B, Danesh-Meyer H, Di Polo A. Neurovascular dysfunction in glaucoma. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 97:101217. [PMID: 37778617 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells, the neurons that die in glaucoma, are endowed with a high metabolism requiring optimal provision of oxygen and nutrients to sustain their activity. The timely regulation of blood flow is, therefore, essential to supply firing neurons in active areas with the oxygen and glucose they need for energy. Many glaucoma patients suffer from vascular deficits including reduced blood flow, impaired autoregulation, neurovascular coupling dysfunction, and blood-retina/brain-barrier breakdown. These processes are tightly regulated by a community of cells known as the neurovascular unit comprising neurons, endothelial cells, pericytes, Müller cells, astrocytes, and microglia. In this review, the neurovascular unit takes center stage as we examine the ability of its members to regulate neurovascular interactions and how their function might be altered during glaucomatous stress. Pericytes receive special attention based on recent data demonstrating their key role in the regulation of neurovascular coupling in physiological and pathological conditions. Of particular interest is the discovery and characterization of tunneling nanotubes, thin actin-based conduits that connect distal pericytes, which play essential roles in the complex spatial and temporal distribution of blood within the retinal capillary network. We discuss cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurovascular interactions and their pathophysiological implications, while highlighting opportunities to develop strategies for vascular protection and regeneration to improve functional outcomes in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Alarcon-Martinez
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yukihiro Shiga
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Deborah Villafranca-Baughman
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jorge L Cueva Vargas
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Isaac A Vidal Paredes
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Heberto Quintero
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Brad Fortune
- Discoveries in Sight Research Laboratories, Devers Eye Institute and Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Healthy, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Helen Danesh-Meyer
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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6
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Ju WK, Perkins GA, Kim KY, Bastola T, Choi WY, Choi SH. Glaucomatous optic neuropathy: Mitochondrial dynamics, dysfunction and protection in retinal ganglion cells. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 95:101136. [PMID: 36400670 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and is characterized by a slow, progressive, and multifactorial degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons, resulting in vision loss. Despite its high prevalence in individuals 60 years of age and older, the causing factors contributing to glaucoma progression are currently not well characterized. Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only proven treatable risk factor. However, lowering IOP is insufficient for preventing disease progression. One of the significant interests in glaucoma pathogenesis is understanding the structural and functional impairment of mitochondria in RGCs and their axons and synapses. Glaucomatous risk factors such as IOP elevation, aging, genetic variation, neuroinflammation, neurotrophic factor deprivation, and vascular dysregulation, are potential inducers for mitochondrial dysfunction in glaucoma. Because oxidative phosphorylation stress-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with structural and functional impairment of mitochondria in glaucomatous RGCs, understanding the underlying mechanisms and relationship between structural and functional alterations in mitochondria would be beneficial to developing mitochondria-related neuroprotection in RGCs and their axons and synapses against glaucomatous neurodegeneration. Here, we review the current studies focusing on mitochondrial dynamics-based structural and functional alterations in the mitochondria of glaucomatous RGCs and therapeutic strategies to protect RGCs against glaucomatous neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Kyu Ju
- Hamilton Glaucoma Center and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Guy A Perkins
- National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Keun-Young Kim
- National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Tonking Bastola
- Hamilton Glaucoma Center and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Woo-Young Choi
- Hamilton Glaucoma Center and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Department of Plastic Surgery, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwang-ju, South Korea
| | - Soo-Ho Choi
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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7
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Miao Y, Zhao GL, Cheng S, Wang Z, Yang XL. Activation of retinal glial cells contributes to the degeneration of ganglion cells in experimental glaucoma. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 93:101169. [PMID: 36736070 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor for neurodegeneration in glaucoma. Glial cells, which play an important role in normal functioning of retinal neurons, are well involved into retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration in experimental glaucoma animal models generated by elevated IOP. In response to elevated IOP, mGluR I is first activated and Kir4.1 channels are subsequently inhibited, which leads to the activation of Müller cells. Müller cell activation is followed by a complex process, including proliferation, release of inflammatory and growth factors (gliosis). Gliosis is further regulated by several factors. Activated Müller cells contribute to RGC degeneration through generating glutamate receptor-mediated excitotoxicity, releasing cytotoxic factors and inducing microglia activation. Elevated IOP activates microglia, and following morphological and functional changes, these cells, as resident immune cells in the retina, show adaptive immune responses, including an enhanced release of pro-inflammatory factors (tumor neurosis factor-α, interleukins, etc.). These ATP and Toll-like receptor-mediated responses are further regulated by heat shock proteins, CD200R, chemokine receptors, and metabotropic purinergic receptors, may aggravate RGC loss. In the optic nerve head, astrogliosis is initiated and regulated by a complex reaction process, including purines, transmitters, chemokines, growth factors and cytokines, which contributes to RGC axon injury through releasing pro-inflammatory factors and changing extracellular matrix in glaucoma. The effects of activated glial cells on RGCs are further modified by the interplay among different types of glial cells. This review is concluded by presenting an in-depth discussion of possible research directions in this field in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanying Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Guo-Li Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shuo Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhongfeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xiong-Li Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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8
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Quintero H, Shiga Y, Belforte N, Alarcon-Martinez L, El Hajji S, Villafranca-Baughman D, Dotigny F, Di Polo A. Restoration of mitochondria axonal transport by adaptor Disc1 supplementation prevents neurodegeneration and rescues visual function. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111324. [PMID: 36103832 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Deficits in mitochondrial transport are a common feature of neurodegenerative diseases. We investigated whether loss of components of the mitochondrial transport machinery impinge directly on metabolic stress, neuronal death, and circuit dysfunction. Using multiphoton microscope live imaging, we showed that ocular hypertension, a major risk factor in glaucoma, disrupts mitochondria anterograde axonal transport leading to energy decline in vulnerable neurons. Gene- and protein-expression analysis revealed loss of the adaptor disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (Disc1) in retinal neurons subjected to high intraocular pressure. Disc1 gene delivery was sufficient to rescue anterograde transport and replenish axonal mitochondria. A genetically encoded ATP sensor combined with longitudinal live imaging showed that Disc1 supplementation increased ATP production in stressed neurons. Disc1 gene therapy promotes neuronal survival, reverses abnormal single-cell calcium dynamics, and restores visual responses. Our study demonstrates that enhancing anterograde mitochondrial transport is an effective strategy to alleviate metabolic stress and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heberto Quintero
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, PO Box 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Yukihiro Shiga
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, PO Box 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Nicolas Belforte
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, PO Box 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Luis Alarcon-Martinez
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, PO Box 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Sana El Hajji
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, PO Box 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Deborah Villafranca-Baughman
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, PO Box 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Florence Dotigny
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, PO Box 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, PO Box 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada.
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9
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Matsumoto N, Hori I, Kajita MK, Murase T, Nakamura W, Tsuji T, Miyake S, Inatani M, Konishi Y. Intermitochondrial signaling regulates the uniform distribution of stationary mitochondria in axons. Mol Cell Neurosci 2022; 119:103704. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2022.103704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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10
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Strachan EL, Mac White-Begg D, Crean J, Reynolds AL, Kennedy BN, O'Sullivan NC. The Role of Mitochondria in Optic Atrophy With Autosomal Inheritance. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:784987. [PMID: 34867178 PMCID: PMC8634724 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.784987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Optic atrophy (OA) with autosomal inheritance is a form of optic neuropathy characterized by the progressive and irreversible loss of vision. In some cases, this is accompanied by additional, typically neurological, extra-ocular symptoms. Underlying the loss of vision is the specific degeneration of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) which form the optic nerve. Whilst autosomal OA is genetically heterogenous, all currently identified causative genes appear to be associated with mitochondrial organization and function. However, it is unclear why RGCs are particularly vulnerable to mitochondrial aberration. Despite the relatively high prevalence of this disorder, there are currently no approved treatments. Combined with the lack of knowledge concerning the mechanisms through which aberrant mitochondrial function leads to RGC death, there remains a clear need for further research to identify the underlying mechanisms and develop treatments for this condition. This review summarizes the genes known to be causative of autosomal OA and the mitochondrial dysfunction caused by pathogenic mutations. Furthermore, we discuss the suitability of available in vivo models for autosomal OA with regards to both treatment development and furthering the understanding of autosomal OA pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin L Strachan
- UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Delphi Mac White-Begg
- UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John Crean
- UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD Diabetes Complications Research Centre, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alison L Reynolds
- UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Breandán N Kennedy
- UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh C O'Sullivan
- UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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