1
|
Abokyi S, Tse DYY. Age-related driving mechanisms of retinal diseases and neuroprotection by transcription factor EB-targeted therapy. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:366-377. [PMID: 38819040 PMCID: PMC11317960 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-02033] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinal aging has been recognized as a significant risk factor for various retinal disorders, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma, following a growing understanding of the molecular underpinnings of their development. This comprehensive review explores the mechanisms of retinal aging and investigates potential neuroprotective approaches, focusing on the activation of transcription factor EB. Recent meta-analyses have demonstrated promising outcomes of transcription factor EB-targeted strategies, such as exercise, calorie restriction, rapamycin, and metformin, in patients and animal models of these common retinal diseases. The review critically assesses the role of transcription factor EB in retinal biology during aging, its neuroprotective effects, and its therapeutic potential for retinal disorders. The impact of transcription factor EB on retinal aging is cell-specific, influencing metabolic reprogramming and energy homeostasis in retinal neurons through the regulation of mitochondrial quality control and nutrient-sensing pathways. In vascular endothelial cells, transcription factor EB controls important processes, including endothelial cell proliferation, endothelial tube formation, and nitric oxide levels, thereby influencing the inner blood-retinal barrier, angiogenesis, and retinal microvasculature. Additionally, transcription factor EB affects vascular smooth muscle cells, inhibiting vascular calcification and atherogenesis. In retinal pigment epithelial cells, transcription factor EB modulates functions such as autophagy, lysosomal dynamics, and clearance of the aging pigment lipofuscin, thereby promoting photoreceptor survival and regulating vascular endothelial growth factor A expression involved in neovascularization. These cell-specific functions of transcription factor EB significantly impact retinal aging mechanisms encompassing proteostasis, neuronal synapse plasticity, energy metabolism, microvasculature, and inflammation, ultimately offering protection against retinal aging and diseases. The review emphasizes transcription factor EB as a potential therapeutic target for retinal diseases. Therefore, it is imperative to obtain well-controlled direct experimental evidence to confirm the efficacy of transcription factor EB modulation in retinal diseases while minimizing its risk of adverse effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Abokyi
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Research Center for SHARP Vision, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Dennis Yan-yin Tse
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Research Center for SHARP Vision, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Center for Eye and Vision Research, Sha Tin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Szilágyi A, Takács B, Szekeres R, Tarjányi V, Nagy D, Priksz D, Bombicz M, Kiss R, Szabó AM, Lehoczki A, Gesztelyi R, Juhász B, Szilvássy Z, Varga B. Effects of voluntary and forced physical exercise on the retinal health of aging Wistar rats. GeroScience 2024; 46:4707-4728. [PMID: 38795184 PMCID: PMC11336036 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01208-x] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging is accompanied by an increased prevalence of degenerative conditions, including those affecting ocular health, which significantly impact quality of life and increase the burden on healthcare systems. Among these, retinal aging is of particular concern due to its direct link to vision impairment, a leading cause of disability in the elderly. Vision loss in the aging population is associated with heightened risks of cognitive decline, social isolation, and morbidity. This study addresses the critical gap in our understanding of modifiable lifestyle factors, such as physical exercise, that may mitigate retinal aging and its related pathologies. We investigated the effects of different exercise regimens-voluntary (recreational-type) and forced (high-intensity)-on the retinal health of aging Wistar rats (18-month-old), serving as a model for studying the translational potential of exercise interventions in humans. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: a young control (3-month-old) for baseline comparison, an aged sedentary control, an aged group engaging in voluntary exercise via a running wheel in their cage, and an aged group subjected to forced exercise on a treadmill for six sessions of 20 min each per week. After a 6-month experimental period, we assessed retinal function via electroretinography (ERG), measured retinal thickness histologically, and analyzed protein expression changes relevant to oxidative stress, inflammation, and anti-aging mechanisms. Our findings reveal that voluntary exercise positively impacts retinal function and morphology, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation markers while enhancing anti-aging protein expression. In contrast, forced exercise showed diminished benefits. These insights underscore the importance of exercise intensity and preference in preserving retinal health during aging. The study highlights the potential of recreational physical activity as a non-invasive strategy to counteract retinal aging, advocating for further research into exercise regimens as preventative therapies for age-related ocular degenerations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Szilágyi
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Krt 98., 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Barbara Takács
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Krt 98., 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Réka Szekeres
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Krt 98., 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Vera Tarjányi
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Krt 98., 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Dávid Nagy
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Krt 98., 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Dániel Priksz
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Krt 98., 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Mariann Bombicz
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Krt 98., 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Rita Kiss
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Krt 98., 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Adrienn Mónika Szabó
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Krt 98., 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Andrea Lehoczki
- Departments of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, South Pest Central Hospital, National Institute of Hematology and Infectious Diseases, Saint Ladislaus Campus, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Doctoral College, Health Sciences Program, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rudolf Gesztelyi
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Krt 98., 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Béla Juhász
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Krt 98., 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Szilvássy
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Krt 98., 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Balázs Varga
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Krt 98., 4032, Debrecen, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lee PY, Bui BV. Age-related differences in retinal function and structure in C57BL/6J and Thy1-YFPh mice. Neurobiol Aging 2024; 141:171-181. [PMID: 38964014 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2024.06.005] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Age-related neuronal adaptations are known to help maintain function. This study aims to examine gross age-related in vivo retinal functional adaptations (using electroretinography) in young and middle aged C57BL/6J and Thy1-YFPh mice and to relate this to in vivo retinal structure (using optical coherence tomography). Electroretinography responses were generally larger in Thy1-YFPh mice than in C57BL/6J mice, with similar in vivo retinal layer thicknesses except for longer inner/outer photoreceptor segment in Thy1-YFPh mice. Relative to 3-month-old mice, 12-month-old mice showed reduced photoreceptor (C57BL/6J 84.0±2.5 %; Thy1-YFPh 80.2±5.2 %) and bipolar cell (C57BL/6J 75.6±2.3 %; Thy1-YFPh 68.1±5.5 %) function. There was relative preservation of ganglion cell function (C57BL/6J 79.7±3.7 %; Thy1-YFPh 91.7±5.0 %) with age, which was associated with increased b-wave (bipolar cell) sensitivities to light. Ganglion cell function was correlated with both b-wave amplitude and sensitivity. This study shows that there are normal age-related adaptations to preserve functional output. Different mouse strains may have varied age-related adaptation capacity and should be taken into consideration when examining age-related susceptibility to injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pei Ying Lee
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Bang V Bui
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chucair-Elliott AJ, Ocañas SR, Pham K, Machalinski A, Plafker S, Stout MB, Elliott MH, Freeman WM. Age- and sex- divergent translatomic responses of the mouse retinal pigmented epithelium. Neurobiol Aging 2024; 140:41-59. [PMID: 38723422 PMCID: PMC11173338 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2024.04.012] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Aging is the main risk factor for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a retinal neurodegenerative disease that leads to irreversible blindness, particularly in people over 60 years old. Retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) atrophy is an AMD hallmark. Genome-wide chromatin accessibility, DNA methylation, and gene expression studies of AMD and control RPE demonstrate epigenomic/transcriptomic changes occur during AMD onset and progression. However, mechanisms by which molecular alterations of normal aging impair RPE function and contribute to AMD pathogenesis are unclear. Here, we specifically interrogate the RPE translatome with advanced age and across sexes in a novel RPE reporter mouse model. We find differential age- and sex- associated transcript expression with overrepresentation of pathways related to inflammation in the RPE. Concordant with impaired RPE function, the phenotypic changes in the aged translatome suggest that aged RPE becomes immunologically active, in both males and females, with some sex-specific signatures, which supports the need for sex representation for in vivo studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana J Chucair-Elliott
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
| | - Sarah R Ocañas
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Kevin Pham
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Adeline Machalinski
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Scott Plafker
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Michael B Stout
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Michael H Elliott
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Willard M Freeman
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Long DM, Cravetchi O, Chow ES, Allen C, Kretzschmar D. The amyloid precursor protein intracellular domain induces sleep disruptions and its nuclear localization fluctuates in circadian pacemaker neurons in Drosophila and mice. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 192:106429. [PMID: 38309627 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106429] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The most prominent symptom of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is cognitive decline; however, sleep and other circadian disruptions are also common in AD patients. Sleep disruptions have been connected with memory problems and therefore the changes in sleep patterns observed in AD patients may also actively contribute to cognitive decline. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that connect sleep disruptions and AD are unclear. A characteristic feature of AD is the formation of plaques consisting of Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides generated by cleavage of the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP). Besides Aβ, APP cleavage generates several other fragments, including the APP intracellular domain (AICD) that has been linked to transcriptional regulation and neuronal homeostasis. Here we show that overexpression of the AICD reduces the early evening expression of two core clock genes and disrupts the sleep pattern in flies. Analyzing the subcellular localization of the AICD in pacemaker neurons, we found that the AICD levels in the nucleus are low during daytime but increase at night. While this pattern of nuclear AICD persisted with age, the nighttime levels were higher in aged flies. Increasing the cleavage of the fly APP protein also disrupted AICD nuclear localization. Lastly, we show that the day/nighttime nuclear pattern of the AICD is also detectable in neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of mice and that it also changes with age. Together, these data suggest that AD-associated changes in APP processing and the subsequent changes in AICD levels may cause sleep disruptions in AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dani M Long
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
| | - Olga Cravetchi
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Eileen S Chow
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Charles Allen
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Doris Kretzschmar
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
van Koeverden AK, Afiat BC, Nguyen CT, Bui BV, Lee PY. Understanding how ageing impacts ganglion cell susceptibility to injury in glaucoma. Clin Exp Optom 2024; 107:147-155. [PMID: 37980904 DOI: 10.1080/08164622.2023.2279734] [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: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, with a marked increase in prevalence with advancing age. Due to the multifactorial nature of glaucoma pathogenesis, dissecting how ageing impacts upon glaucoma risk requires analysis and synthesis of evidence from a vast literature. While there is a wealth of human clinical studies examining glaucoma pathogenesis and why older patients have increased risk, many aspects of the disease such as adaptations of retinal ganglion cells to stress, autophagy and the role of glial cells in glaucoma, require the use of animal models to study the complex cellular processes and interactions. Additionally, the accelerated nature of ageing in rodents facilitates the longitudinal study of changes that would not be feasible in human clinical studies. This review article examines evidence derived predominantly from rodent models on how the ageing process impacts upon various aspects of glaucoma pathology from the retinal ganglion cells themselves, to supporting cells and tissues such as glial cells, connective tissue and vasculature, in addition to oxidative stress and autophagy. An improved understanding of how ageing modifies these factors may lead to the development of different therapeutic strategies that target specific risk factors or processes involved in glaucoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna K van Koeverden
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brianna C Afiat
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christine To Nguyen
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bang V Bui
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pei Ying Lee
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Matynia A, Recio BS, Myers Z, Parikh S, Goit RK, Brecha NC, Pérez de Sevilla Müller L. Preservation of Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells (ipRGCs) in Late Adult Mice: Implications as a Potential Biomarker for Early Onset Ocular Degenerative Diseases. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:28. [PMID: 38224335 PMCID: PMC10793389 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.1.28] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) play a crucial role in non-image-forming visual functions. Given their significant loss observed in various ocular degenerative diseases at early stages, this study aimed to assess changes in both the morphology and associated behavioral functions of ipRGCs in mice between 6 (mature) and 12 (late adult) months old. The findings contribute to understanding the preservation of ipRGCs in late adults and their potential as a biomarker for early ocular degenerative diseases. Methods Female and male C57BL/6J mice were used to assess the behavioral consequences of aging to mature and old adults, including pupillary light reflex, light aversion, visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity. Immunohistochemistry on retinal wholemounts from these mice was then conducted to evaluate ipRGC dendritic morphology in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and inner nuclear layer (INL). Results Morphological analysis showed that ipRGC dendritic field complexity was remarkably stable through 12 months old of age. Similarly, the pupillary light reflex, visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity were stable in mature and old adults. Although alterations were observed in ipRGC-independent light aversion distinct from the pupillary light reflex, aged wild-type mice continuously showed enhanced light aversion with dilation. No effect of sex was observed in any tests. Conclusions The preservation of both ipRGC morphology and function highlights the potential of ipRGC-mediated function as a valuable biomarker for ocular diseases characterized by early ipRGC loss. The consistent stability of ipRGCs in mature and old adult mice suggests that detected changes in ipRGC-mediated functions could serve as early indicators or diagnostic tools for early-onset conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and diabetes, where ipRGC loss has been documented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Matynia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
- Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Brandy S. Recio
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Zachary Myers
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Sachin Parikh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
- Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Rajesh Kumar Goit
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
- Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Nicholas C. Brecha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
- Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Luis Pérez de Sevilla Müller
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gierke K, Lux UT, Regus-Leidig H, Brandstätter JH. The first synapse in vision in the aging mouse retina. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1291054. [PMID: 38026697 PMCID: PMC10654782 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1291054] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Vision is our primary sense, and maintaining it throughout our lifespan is crucial for our well-being. However, the retina, which initiates vision, suffers from an age-related, irreversible functional decline. What causes this functional decline, and how it might be treated, is still unclear. Synapses are the functional hub for signal transmission between neurons, and studies have shown that aging is widely associated with synaptic dysfunction. In this study, we examined the first synapse of the visual system - the rod and cone photoreceptor ribbon synapse - in the mouse retina using light and electron microscopy at 2-3 months, ~1 year, and >2 years of age. We asked, whether age-related changes in key synaptic components might be a driver of synaptic dysfunction and ultimately age-related functional decline during normal aging. We found sprouting of horizontal and bipolar cells, formation of ectopic photoreceptor ribbon synapses, and a decrease in the number of rod photoreceptors and photoreceptor ribbon synapses in the aged retina. However, the majority of the photoreceptors did not show obvious changes in the structural components and protein composition of their ribbon synapses. Noteworthy is the increase in mitochondrial size in rod photoreceptor terminals in the aged retina.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Johann Helmut Brandstätter
- Animal Physiology/Neurobiology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Batista A, Guimarães P, Serranho P, Nunes A, Martins J, Moreira PI, Ambrósio AF, Morgado M, Castelo-Branco M, Bernardes R. Retinal imaging in animal models: Searching for biomarkers of neurodegeneration. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2023; 3:1156605. [PMID: 38983000 PMCID: PMC11182266 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2023.1156605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
There is a pressing need for novel diagnostic and progression biomarkers of neurodegeneration. However, the inability to determine disease duration and stage in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) hinders their discovery. Because animal models of disease allow us to circumvent some of these limitations, they have proven to be of paramount importance in clinical research. Due to the clear optics of the eye, the retina combined with optical coherence tomography (OCT) offers the perfect opportunity to image neurodegeneration in the retina in vivo, non-invasively, directly, quickly, and inexpensively. Based on these premises, our group has worked towards uncovering neurodegeneration-associated changes in the retina of the triple-transgenic mouse model of familial AD (3×Tg-AD). In this work, we present an overview of our work on this topic. We report on thickness variations of the retina and retinal layers/layer aggregates caused by healthy aging and AD-like conditions and discuss the implications of focusing research efforts solely on retinal thickness. We explore what other information is embedded in the OCT data, extracted based on texture analysis and deep-learning approaches, to further identify biomarkers that could be used for early detection and diagnosis. We were able to detect changes in the retina of the animal model of AD as early as 1 month of age. We also discuss our work to develop an optical coherence elastography system to measure retinal elasticity, which can be used in conjunction with conventional OCT. Finally, we discuss the potential application of these technologies in human patients and the steps needed to make OCT a helpful screening tool for the detection of neurodegeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Batista
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Pedro Guimarães
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Pedro Serranho
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), Coimbra, Portugal
- Universidade Aberta, Department of Sciences and Technology, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Nunes
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Martins
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), Coimbra, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula I. Moreira
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Francisco Ambrósio
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Morgado
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), Coimbra, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences and Technology (FCTUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), Coimbra, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Bernardes
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), Coimbra, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhi JJ, Wu SL, Wu HQ, Ran Q, Gao X, Chen JF, Gu XM, Li T, Wang F, Xiao L, Ye J, Mei F. Insufficient Oligodendrocyte Turnover in Optic Nerve Contributes to Age-Related Axon Loss and Visual Deficits. J Neurosci 2023; 43:1859-1870. [PMID: 36725322 PMCID: PMC10027114 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2130-22.2023] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related decline in visual functions is a prevalent health problem among elderly people, and no effective therapies are available up-to-date. Axon degeneration and myelin loss in optic nerves (ONs) are age-dependent and become evident in middle-aged (13-18 months) and old (20-22 months) mice of either sex compared with adult mice (3-8 months), accompanied by functional deficits. Oligodendrocyte (OL) turnover is actively going on in adult ONs. However, the longitudinal change and functional significance of OL turnover in aging ONs remain largely unknown. Here, using cell-lineage labeling and tracing, we reported that oligodendrogenesis displayed an age-dependent decrease in aging ONs. To understand whether active OL turnover is required for maintaining axons and visual function, we conditionally deleted the transcription factor Olig2 in the oligodendrocyte precursor cells of young mice. Genetically dampening OL turnover by Olig2 ablation resulted in accelerated axon loss and retinal degeneration, and subsequently impaired ON signal transmission, suggesting that OL turnover is an important mechanism to sustain axon survival and visual function. To test whether enhancing oligodendrogenesis can prevent age-related visual deficits, 12-month-old mice were treated with clemastine, a pro-myelination drug, or induced deletion of the muscarinic receptor 1 in oligodendrocyte precursor cells. The clemastine treatment or muscarinic receptor 1 deletion significantly increased new OL generation in the aged ONs and consequently preserved visual function and retinal integrity. Together, our data indicate that dynamic OL turnover in ONs is required for axon survival and visual function, and enhancing new OL generation represents a potential approach to reversing age-related declines of visual function.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Oligodendrocyte (OL) turnover has been reported in adult optic nerves (ONs), but the longitudinal change and functional significance of OL turnover during aging remain largely unknown. Using cell-lineage tracing and oligodendroglia-specific manipulation, this study reported that OL generation was active in adult ONs and the efficiency decreased in an age-dependent manner. Genetically dampening OL generation by Olig2 ablation resulted in significant axon loss and retinal degeneration, along with delayed visual signal transmission. Conversely, pro-myelination approaches significantly increased new myelin generation in aging ONs, and consequently preserved retinal integrity and visual function. Our findings indicate that promoting OL generation might be a promising strategy to preserve visual function from age-related decline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Jie Zhi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Brain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education Commission, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Shuang-Ling Wu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Brain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education Commission, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Hao-Qian Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Brain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education Commission, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Qi Ran
- Department of Ophthalmology and Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Brain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education Commission, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xing Gao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Brain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education Commission, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jing-Fei Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Brain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education Commission, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xing-Mei Gu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Brain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education Commission, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Department of Medical English Teaching and Research, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Brain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education Commission, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Brain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education Commission, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Lan Xiao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Brain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education Commission, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jian Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology and Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Feng Mei
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Brain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education Commission, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dias SB, de Lemos L, Sousa L, Bitoque DB, Silva GA, Seabra MC, Tenreiro S. Age-Related Changes of the Synucleins Profile in the Mouse Retina. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13010180. [PMID: 36671565 PMCID: PMC9855780 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (aSyn) plays a central role in Parkinson's disease (PD) and has been extensively studied in the brain. This protein is part of the synuclein family, which is also composed of beta-synuclein (bSyn) and gamma-synuclein (gSyn). In addition to its neurotoxic role, synucleins have important functions in the nervous system, modulating synaptic transmission. Synucleins are expressed in the retina, but they have been poorly characterized. However, there is evidence that they are important for visual function and that they can play a role in retinal degeneration. This study aimed to profile synucleins in the retina of naturally aged mice and to correlate their patterns with specific retinal cells. With aging, we observed a decrease in the thickness of specific retinal layers, accompanied by an increase in glial reactivity. Moreover, the aSyn levels decreased, whereas bSyn increased with aging. The colocalization of both proteins was decreased in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) of the aged retina. gSyn presented an age-related decrease at the inner nuclear layer but was not significantly changed in the ganglion cell layer. The synaptic marker synaptophysin was shown to be preferentially colocalized with aSyn in the IPL with aging. At the same time, aSyn was found to exist at the presynaptic endings of bipolar cells and was affected by aging. Overall, this study suggests that physiological aging can be responsible for changes in the retinal tissue, implicating functional alterations that could affect synuclein family function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Batista Dias
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luísa de Lemos
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís Sousa
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Diogo B. Bitoque
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Araújo Silva
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel C. Seabra
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Sandra Tenreiro
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sugita Y, Furukawa T. Effect of Green Tea and Tea Catechin on the Visual Motion Processing for Optokinetic Responses in Mice. Neuroscience 2022; 501:42-51. [PMID: 35987428 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.08.013] [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: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In general, catechins contained in green tea are believed to have positive effects on the human body and mental health. The intake of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major polyphenol in green tea, is known to be effective for retinal protection; however, whether green tea and/or EGCG affect visual function remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effect of green tea and EGCG on visual motion processing by measuring optokinetic responses (OKRs) in young adult and aging mice. Young and aging mice (C57BL6/J) were fed a control diet (control) or the test diet, which contained matcha green tea powder or green tea extract (dried sencha green tea infusion), for 1 month, and their OKRs were measured. They were then intraperitoneally administered saline (control) or EGCG, and OKRs were measured. We found that the OKRs of young and aging mice after green tea intake and after EGCG administration showed higher temporal sensitivity than those of control mice. The visual ability to detect moving objects was enhanced in young and aging mice upon intake of green tea or EGCG. From the above results, the visual motion processing for optokinetic responses by ingesting green tea was enhanced, which may be related to the effect of EGCG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Sugita
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Takahisa Furukawa
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Guimarães P, Serranho P, Martins J, Moreira PI, Ambrósio AF, Castelo-Branco M, Bernardes R. Retinal Aging in 3× Tg-AD Mice Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:832195. [PMID: 35783138 PMCID: PMC9244797 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.832195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The retina, as part of the central nervous system (CNS), can be the perfect target for in vivo, in situ, and noninvasive neuropathology diagnosis and assessment of therapeutic efficacy. It has long been established that several age-related brain changes are more pronounced in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Nevertheless, in the retina such link is still under-explored. This study investigates the differences in the aging of the CNS through the retina of 3× Tg-AD and wild-type mice. A dedicated optical coherence tomograph imaged mice's retinas for 16 months. Two neural networks were developed to model independently each group's ages and were then applied to an independent set containing images from both groups. Our analysis shows a mean absolute error of 0.875±1.1 × 10−2 and 1.112±1.4 × 10−2 months, depending on training group. Our deep learning approach appears to be a reliable retinal OCT aging marker. We show that retina aging is distinct in the two classes: the presence of the three mutated human genes in the mouse genome has an impact on the aging of the retina. For mice over 4 months-old, transgenic mice consistently present a negative retina age-gap when compared to wild-type mice, regardless of training set. This appears to contradict AD observations in the brain. However, the ‘black-box” nature of deep-learning implies that one cannot infer reasoning. We can only speculate that some healthy age-dependent neural adaptations may be altered in transgenic animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Guimarães
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Pedro Guimarães
| | - Pedro Serranho
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Sciences and Technology, Universidade Aberta, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Martins
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula I. Moreira
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Francisco Ambrósio
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Bernardes
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
McLaughlin T, Medina A, Perkins J, Yera M, Wang JJ, Zhang SX. Cellular stress signaling and the unfolded protein response in retinal degeneration: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Mol Neurodegener 2022; 17:25. [PMID: 35346303 PMCID: PMC8962104 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-022-00528-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The retina, as part of the central nervous system (CNS) with limited capacity for self-reparation and regeneration in mammals, is under cumulative environmental stress due to high-energy demands and rapid protein turnover. These stressors disrupt the cellular protein and metabolic homeostasis, which, if not alleviated, can lead to dysfunction and cell death of retinal neurons. One primary cellular stress response is the highly conserved unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR acts through three main signaling pathways in an attempt to restore the protein homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by various means, including but not limited to, reducing protein translation, increasing protein-folding capacity, and promoting misfolded protein degradation. Moreover, recent work has identified a novel function of the UPR in regulation of cellular metabolism and mitochondrial function, disturbance of which contributes to neuronal degeneration and dysfunction. The role of the UPR in retinal neurons during aging and under disease conditions in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy (DR) has been explored over the past two decades. Each of the disease conditions and their corresponding animal models provide distinct challenges and unique opportunities to gain a better understanding of the role of the UPR in the maintenance of retinal health and function. Method We performed an extensive literature search on PubMed and Google Scholar using the following keywords: unfolded protein response, metabolism, ER stress, retinal degeneration, aging, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy. Results and conclusion We summarize recent advances in understanding cellular stress response, in particular the UPR, in retinal diseases, highlighting the potential roles of UPR pathways in regulation of cellular metabolism and mitochondrial function in retinal neurons. Further, we provide perspective on the promise and challenges for targeting the UPR pathways as a new therapeutic approach in age- and disease-related retinal degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Todd McLaughlin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ira G. Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Andy Medina
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ira G. Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Jacob Perkins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ira G. Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Maria Yera
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ira G. Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.,Neuroscience Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Joshua J Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ira G. Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.,Neuroscience Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Sarah X Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ira G. Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA. .,Neuroscience Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Li P, Ma Y, Yu C, Wu S, Wang K, Yi H, Liang W. Autophagy and Aging: Roles in Skeletal Muscle, Eye, Brain and Hepatic Tissue. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:752962. [PMID: 34778264 PMCID: PMC8581214 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.752962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionary conserved degradative process contributing to cytoplasm quality control, metabolic recycling and cell defense. Aging is a universal phenomenon characterized by the progressive accumulation of impaired molecular and reduced turnover of cellular components. Recent evidence suggests a unique role for autophagy in aging and age-related disease. Indeed, autophagic activity declines with age and enhanced autophagy may prevent the progression of many age-related diseases and prolong life span. All tissues experience changes during aging, while the role of autophagy in different tissues varies. This review summarizes the links between autophagy and aging in the whole organism and discusses the physiological and pathological roles of autophagy in the aging process in tissues such as skeletal muscle, eye, brain, and liver.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuanzheng Ma
- Department of Physiology, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Chengwei Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shoutong Wu
- Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hongyang Yi
- Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chaya T, Ishikane H, Varner LR, Sugita Y, Maeda Y, Tsutsumi R, Motooka D, Okuzaki D, Furukawa T. Deficiency of the neurodevelopmental disorder-associated gene Cyfip2 alters the retinal ganglion cell properties and visual acuity. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 31:535-547. [PMID: 34508581 PMCID: PMC8863419 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab268] [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] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting approximately 0.5–3% of the population in the developed world. Individuals with ID exhibit deficits in intelligence, impaired adaptive behavior and often visual impairments. Cytoplasmic fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1)-interacting protein 2 (CYFIP2) is an interacting partner of the FMR protein, whose loss results in fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited cause of ID. Recently, CYFIP2 variants have been found in patients with early-onset epileptic encephalopathy, developmental delay and ID. Such individuals often exhibit visual impairments; however, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the role of Cyfip2 in retinal and visual functions by generating and analyzing Cyfip2 conditional knockout (CKO) mice. While we found no major differences in the layer structures and cell compositions between the control and Cyfip2 CKO retinas, a subset of genes associated with the transporter and channel activities was differentially expressed in Cyfip2 CKO retinas than in the controls. Multi-electrode array recordings showed more sustained and stronger responses to positive flashes of the ON ganglion cells in the Cyfip2 CKO retina than in the controls, although electroretinogram analysis revealed that Cyfip2 deficiency unaffected the photoreceptor and ON bipolar cell functions. Furthermore, analysis of initial and late phase optokinetic responses demonstrated that Cyfip2 deficiency impaired the visual function at the organismal level. Together, our results shed light on the molecular mechanism underlying the visual impairments observed in individuals with CYFIP2 variants and, more generally, in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, including ID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taro Chaya
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ishikane
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Senshu University, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Leah R Varner
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuko Sugita
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yamato Maeda
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryotaro Tsutsumi
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Daisuke Motooka
- Genome Information Research Center, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Daisuke Okuzaki
- Genome Information Research Center, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takahisa Furukawa
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|