1
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Stone ML, Lee HH, Levine EM. Agarose hydrogel-mediated electroporation method for retinal tissue cultured at the air-liquid interface. iScience 2024; 27:111299. [PMID: 39628577 PMCID: PMC11612790 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.111299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 10/29/2024] [Indexed: 12/06/2024] Open
Abstract
It is advantageous to culture the ex vivo retina and other tissues at the air-liquid interface to allow for more efficient gas exchange. However, gene delivery to these cultures can be challenging. Electroporation is a fast and robust method of gene delivery, but typically requires submergence in liquid buffer for electrical current flow. We have developed a submergence-free electroporation technique that incorporates an agarose hydrogel disk between the positive electrode and retina. Inner retinal neurons and Müller glia are transfected with increased propensity toward Müller glia transfection after extended time in culture. We also observed an increase in BrdU incorporation in Müller glia following electrical stimulation, and variation in detection of transfected cells from expression vectors with different promoters. This method advances our ability to use ex vivo retinal tissue for genetic studies and should be adaptable for other tissues cultured at an air-liquid interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L. Stone
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN 37232, USA
| | - Hannah H. Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville TN 37232, USA
| | - Edward M. Levine
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN 37232, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville TN 37232, USA
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2
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Delpech C, Schaeffer J, Vilallongue N, Delaunay A, Benadjal A, Blot B, Excoffier B, Plissonnier E, Gascon E, Albert F, Paccard A, Saintpierre A, Gasnier C, Zagar Y, Castellani V, Belin S, Chédotal A, Nawabi H. Axon guidance during mouse central nervous system regeneration is required for specific brain innervation. Dev Cell 2024; 59:3213-3228.e8. [PMID: 39353435 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.09.005] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
Reconstructing functional neuronal circuits is one major challenge of central nervous system repair. Through activation of pro-growth signaling pathways, some neurons achieve long-distance axon regrowth. Yet, functional reconnection has hardly been obtained, as these regenerating axons fail to resume their initial trajectory and reinnervate their proper target. Axon guidance is considered to be active only during development. Here, using the mouse visual system, we show that axon guidance is still active in the adult brain in regenerative conditions. We highlight that regenerating retinal ganglion cell axons avoid one of their primary targets, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), due to Slit/Robo repulsive signaling. Together with promoting regeneration, silencing Slit/Robo in vivo enables regenerating axons to enter the SCN and form active synapses. The newly formed circuit is associated with neuronal activation and functional recovery. Our results provide evidence that axon guidance mechanisms are required to reconnect regenerating axons to specific brain nuclei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Delpech
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Julia Schaeffer
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Noemie Vilallongue
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Apolline Delaunay
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Amin Benadjal
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Beatrice Blot
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Blandine Excoffier
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Elise Plissonnier
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Eduardo Gascon
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INT, Institute of Neurosci Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Floriane Albert
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Antoine Paccard
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Ana Saintpierre
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Celestin Gasnier
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Yvrick Zagar
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Castellani
- University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, MeLiS, CNRS UMR5284, INSERM U1314, Lyon, France
| | - Stephane Belin
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Alain Chédotal
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France; University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, MeLiS, CNRS UMR5284, INSERM U1314, Lyon, France; Institut de pathologie, groupe hospitalier Est, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Homaira Nawabi
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France.
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3
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Schaeffer J, Belin S. Axon regeneration: an issue of translation. C R Biol 2024; 347:249-258. [PMID: 39665232 DOI: 10.5802/crbiol.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2024] [Revised: 11/05/2024] [Accepted: 11/08/2024] [Indexed: 12/13/2024]
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4
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Deng Q, Wu C, Parker E, Liu TCY, Duan R, Yang L. Microglia and Astrocytes in Alzheimer's Disease: Significance and Summary of Recent Advances. Aging Dis 2024; 15:1537-1564. [PMID: 37815901 PMCID: PMC11272214 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease, one of the most common forms of dementia, is characterized by a slow progression of cognitive impairment and neuronal loss. Currently, approved treatments for AD are hindered by various side effects and limited efficacy. Despite considerable research, practical treatments for AD have not been developed. Increasing evidence shows that glial cells, especially microglia and astrocytes, are essential in the initiation and progression of AD. During AD progression, activated resident microglia increases the ability of resting astrocytes to transform into reactive astrocytes, promoting neurodegeneration. Extensive clinical and molecular studies show the involvement of microglia and astrocyte-mediated neuroinflammation in AD pathology, indicating that microglia and astrocytes may be potential therapeutic targets for AD. This review will summarize the significant and recent advances of microglia and astrocytes in the pathogenesis of AD in three parts. First, we will review the typical pathological changes of AD and discuss microglia and astrocytes in terms of function and phenotypic changes. Second, we will describe microglia and astrocytes' physiological and pathological role in AD. These roles include the inflammatory response, "eat me" and "don't eat me" signals, Aβ seeding, propagation, clearance, synapse loss, synaptic pruning, remyelination, and demyelination. Last, we will review the pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies targeting microglia and astrocytes in AD. We conclude that microglia and astrocytes are essential in the initiation and development of AD. Therefore, understanding the new role of microglia and astrocytes in AD progression is critical for future AD studies and clinical trials. Moreover, pharmacological, and non-pharmacological therapies targeting microglia and astrocytes, with specific studies investigating microglia and astrocyte-mediated neuronal damage and repair, may be a promising research direction for future studies regarding AD treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianting Deng
- Laboratory of Exercise and Neurobiology, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Chongyun Wu
- Laboratory of Exercise and Neurobiology, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine in Sports Science, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Emily Parker
- Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
| | - Timon Cheng-Yi Liu
- Laboratory of Laser Sports Medicine, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Rui Duan
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine in Sports Science, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Luodan Yang
- Laboratory of Exercise and Neurobiology, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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5
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Stone ML, Lee HH, Levine E. Agarose disk electroporation method for ex vivo retinal tissue cultured at the air-liquid interface reveals electrical stimulus-induced cell cycle reentry in retinal cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.21.572865. [PMID: 38187784 PMCID: PMC10769434 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.21.572865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
It is advantageous to culture the ex vivo murine retina along with many other tissue types at the air-liquid interface. However, gene delivery to these cultures can be challenging. Electroporation is a fast and robust method of gene delivery, but typically requires submergence in a liquid buffer to allow electric current flow. We have developed a submergence-free electroporation technique using an agarose disk that allows for efficient gene delivery to the ex vivo murine retina. This method advances our ability to use ex vivo retinal tissue for genetic studies and can easily be adapted for any tissue cultured at an air-liquid interface. We found an increased ability to transfected Muller glia at 14 days ex vivo and an increase in BrdU incorporation in Muller glia following electrical stimulation. Use of this method has revealed valuable insights on the state of ex vivo retinal tissues and the effects of electrical stimulation on retinal cells.
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6
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Tai WL, Cho KS, Kriukov E, Ashok A, Wang X, Monavarfeshani A, Yan W, Li Y, Guan T, Sanes JR, Baranov P, Chen DF. Suppressing DNMT3a Alleviates the Intrinsic Epigenetic Barrier for Optic Nerve Regeneration and Restores Vision in Adult Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.17.567614. [PMID: 38014168 PMCID: PMC10680854 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.17.567614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The limited regenerative potential of the optic nerve in adult mammals presents a major challenge for restoring vision after optic nerve trauma or disease. The mechanisms of this regenerative failure are not fully understood1,2. Here, through small-molecule and genetic screening for epigenetic modulators3, we identify DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3a) as a potent inhibitor of axon regeneration in mouse and human retinal explants. Selective suppression of DNMT3a in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) by gene targeting or delivery of shRNA leads to robust, full-length regeneration of RGC axons through the optic nerve and restoration of vision in adult mice after nerve crush injury. Genome-wide bisulfite and transcriptome profiling in combination with single nucleus RNA-sequencing of RGCs revealed selective DNA demethylation and reactivation of genetic programs supporting neuronal survival and axonal growth/regeneration by DNMT3a deficiency. This was accompanied by the suppression of gene networks associated with apoptosis and inflammation. Our results identify DNMT3a as the central orchestrator of an RGC-intrinsic mechanism that limits optic nerve regeneration. Suppressing DNMT3a expression in RGCs unlocks the epigenetic switch for optic nerve regeneration and presents a promising therapeutic avenue for effectively reversing vision loss resulted from optic nerve trauma or diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai Lydia Tai
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kin-Sang Cho
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emil Kriukov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ajay Ashok
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xuejian Wang
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Aboozar Monavarfeshani
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, MA, USA
| | - Wenjun Yan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, MA, USA
| | - Yingqian Li
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Timothy Guan
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua R Sanes
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, MA, USA
| | - Petr Baranov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dong Feng Chen
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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7
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Matson MJ, Bushmaker T, Scott DP, Rosenke R, Saturday G, Chertow DS, Munster VJ. Ebola Virus Tropism in Ex Vivo Cynomolgus Macaque Ocular Tissues. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:S626-S630. [PMID: 37386692 PMCID: PMC10651198 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad239] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocular complications of Ebola virus disease are well-documented and long-term sequelae in survivors are common and lead to considerable morbidity. However, little is currently known regarding EBOV's tropism and replication kinetics within the eye. To date, limited studies have utilized in vitro infections of ocular cell lines and analyses of archived pathology samples to investigate these issues. Here, we employed ex vivo cultures of cynomolgus macaque eyes to determine the tropism of EBOV in 7 different ocular tissues: cornea, anterior sclera with bulbar conjunctiva, ciliary body, iris, lens, neural retina, and retina pigment epithelium. We report that, except for neural retina, all tissues supported EBOV replication. Retina pigment epithelium produced the fastest growth and highest viral RNA loads, although the differences were not statistically significant. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed and further characterized infection. This study demonstrates that EBOV has a broad tropism within the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Jeremiah Matson
- Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Trent Bushmaker
- Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Dana P Scott
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MontanaUSA
| | - Rebecca Rosenke
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MontanaUSA
| | - Greg Saturday
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MontanaUSA
| | - Daniel S Chertow
- Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
- Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Vincent J Munster
- Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
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8
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Schaeffer J, Vilallongue N, Decourt C, Blot B, El Bakdouri N, Plissonnier E, Excoffier B, Paccard A, Diaz JJ, Humbert S, Catez F, Saudou F, Nawabi H, Belin S. Customization of the translational complex regulates mRNA-specific translation to control CNS regeneration. Neuron 2023; 111:2881-2898.e12. [PMID: 37442131 PMCID: PMC10522804 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
In the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS), axons fail to regenerate spontaneously after injury because of a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Despite recent advances targeting the intrinsic regenerative properties of adult neurons, the molecular mechanisms underlying axon regeneration are not fully understood. Here, we uncover a regulatory mechanism that controls the expression of key proteins involved in regeneration at the translational level. Our results show that mRNA-specific translation is critical for promoting axon regeneration. Indeed, we demonstrate that specific ribosome-interacting proteins, such as the protein Huntingtin (HTT), selectively control the translation of a specific subset of mRNAs. Moreover, modulating the expression of these translationally regulated mRNAs is crucial for promoting axon regeneration. Altogether, our findings highlight that selective translation through the customization of the translational complex is a key mechanism of axon regeneration with major implications in the development of therapeutic strategies for CNS repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Schaeffer
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Noemie Vilallongue
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Charlotte Decourt
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Beatrice Blot
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Nacera El Bakdouri
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Elise Plissonnier
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Blandine Excoffier
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Antoine Paccard
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Jean-Jacques Diaz
- Inserm U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, 69000 Lyon, France; Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France; Université de Lyon 1, 69000 Lyon, France
| | - Sandrine Humbert
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Frederic Catez
- Inserm U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, 69000 Lyon, France; Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France; Université de Lyon 1, 69000 Lyon, France
| | - Frederic Saudou
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Homaira Nawabi
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France.
| | - Stephane Belin
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France.
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9
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Chen D, Sun YY, Zhou LY, Han X, Yang S, Hong FY, Yuan Y, Wu XH, Huang GH, Cheng YC, Huang J, Feng DF. Knockdown of Porf-2 restores visual function after optic nerve crush injury. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:570. [PMID: 37640747 PMCID: PMC10462692 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06087-2] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the sole output neurons in the eyes, are vulnerable to diverse insults in many pathological conditions, which can lead to permanent vision dysfunction. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms that contribute to protecting RGCs and their axons from injuries are not completely known. Here, we identify that Porf-2, a member of the Rho GTPase activating protein gene group, is upregulated in RGCs after optic nerve crush. Knockdown of Porf-2 protects RGCs from apoptosis and promotes long-distance optic nerve regeneration after crush injury in both young and aged mice in vivo. In vitro, we find that inhibition of Porf-2 induces axon growth and growth cone formation in retinal explants. Inhibition of Porf-2 provides long-term and post-injury protection to RGCs and eventually promotes the recovery of visual function after crush injury in mice. These findings reveal a neuroprotective impact of the inhibition of Porf-2 on RGC survival and axon regeneration after optic nerve injury, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for vision restoration in patients with traumatic optic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Chen
- Southern Medical University Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, 201499, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201999, China
| | - Yi-Yu Sun
- Southern Medical University Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Lai-Yang Zhou
- Southern Medical University Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Xu Han
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, School of Anesthesiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Fei-Yang Hong
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Wu
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Guo-Hui Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201999, China
| | - Yuan-Chi Cheng
- Southern Medical University Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Ju Huang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Dong-Fu Feng
- Southern Medical University Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, 201499, China.
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10
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Melo P, S Silveira M, Mendes-Pinto I, Relvas JB. MorphoMacro for in vivo and ex vivo quantitative morphometric analysis of microglia. Methods Cell Biol 2023; 174:75-92. [PMID: 36710053 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2022.08.003] [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: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Microglia cells dynamically survey the central nervous system microenvironment and, in response to tissue damage inflicted by radiation therapy, disease or infection, undergo morphological and functional changes that culminate in microglia activation. Cell shape transformation can be assessed descriptively or, alternatively, it can be quantified as a continuous variable for parameters including total cell size as well as protrusion length, ramification and complexity. The purpose of the MorphoMacro method is to quantitatively profile multiple and single microglia cells using the available ImageJ platform. This method outlines the required steps and ImageJ plugins to convert fluorescence and bright-field photomicrographs into representative binary and skeletonized images and to analyze them using the MorphoMacro software plugin for multiparametric and multilevel description of microglia cell morphology in vivo and ex vivo. Overall, the protocol provides a quantitative and comprehensive tool that can be used to identify, stratify, and monitor diverse microglia morphologies in homeostatic, different disease conditions and subsequent therapeutic monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Melo
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana S Silveira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Inês Mendes-Pinto
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - João B Relvas
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Departmento de Biomedicina, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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11
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Croteau LP, Risner ML, Wareham LK, McGrady NR, Chamling X, Zack DJ, Calkins DJ. Ex Vivo Integration of Human Stem Retinal Ganglion Cells into the Mouse Retina. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203241. [PMID: 36291110 PMCID: PMC9600680 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203241] [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: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell replacement therapies may be key in achieving functional recovery in neurodegenerative optic neuropathies diseases such as glaucoma. One strategy that holds promise in this regard is the use of human embryonic stem cell and induced pluripotent stem-derived retinal ganglion cells (hRGCs). Previous hRGC transplantation studies have shown modest success. This is in part due to the low survival and integration of the transplanted cells in the host retina. The field is further challenged by mixed assays and outcome measurements that probe and determine transplantation success. Thefore, we have devised a transplantation assay involving hRGCs and mouse retina explants that bypasses physical barriers imposed by retinal membranes. We show that hRGC neurites and somas are capable of invading mouse explants with a subset of hRGC neurites being guided by mouse RGC axons. Neonatal mouse retina explants, and to a lesser extent, adult explants, promote hRGC integrity and neurite outgrowth. Using this assay, we tested whether suppmenting cultures with brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the adenylate cyclase activator, forskolin, enhances hRGC neurite integration, neurite outgrowth, and integrity. We show that supplementing cultures with a combination BDNF and forskolin strongly favors hRGC integrity, increasing neurite outgrowth and complexity as well as the invasion of mouse explants. The transplantation assay presented here is a practical tool for investigating strategies for testing and optimizing the integration of donor cells into host tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis-Philippe Croteau
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Michael L. Risner
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Lauren K. Wareham
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Nolan R. McGrady
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Xitiz Chamling
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Donald J. Zack
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - David J. Calkins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Correspondence:
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12
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Guidance landscapes unveiled by quantitative proteomics to control reinnervation in adult visual system. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6040. [PMID: 36229455 PMCID: PMC9561644 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33799-4] [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: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the injured adult central nervous system (CNS), activation of pro-growth molecular pathways in neurons leads to long-distance regeneration. However, most regenerative fibers display guidance defects, which prevent reinnervation and functional recovery. Therefore, the molecular characterization of the proper target regions of regenerative axons is essential to uncover the modalities of adult reinnervation. In this study, we use mass spectrometry (MS)-based quantitative proteomics to address the proteomes of major nuclei of the adult visual system. These analyses reveal that guidance-associated molecules are expressed in adult visual targets. Moreover, we show that bilateral optic nerve injury modulates the expression of specific proteins. In contrast, the expression of guidance molecules remains steady. Finally, we show that regenerative axons are able to respond to guidance cues ex vivo, suggesting that these molecules possibly interfere with brain target reinnervation in adult. Using a long-distance regeneration model, we further demonstrate that the silencing of specific guidance signaling leads to rerouting of regenerative axons in vivo. Altogether, our results suggest ways to modulate axon guidance of regenerative neurons to achieve circuit repair in adult.
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13
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Haller S, Marton RM, Marroquin KA, Shamir ER. Improved handling and embedding schemes for cultured murine neuroretinal explants. J Histotechnol 2022; 45:1-13. [PMID: 36222271 DOI: 10.1080/01478885.2022.2119639] [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: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic, inherited, and age-related degenerative diseases of the retina, such as retinal detachment, retinitis pigmentosa, and age-related macular degeneration, are characterized by the irreversible loss of retinal neurons. While current treatments aim to prevent neuronal degeneration, there are no available treatments to restore neurons after loss. Cultured murine neuroretinal tissue explants model retinal injury and offer a high throughput approach to identify experimental interventions capable of regenerating neurons. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) preparations of murine neuroretinal explants can be used to identify cells throughout the retinal layers to provide information on proliferation and activity following exposure to therapeutics. However, retinal explants are friable, particularly after ex vivo culture, sample handling and FFPE processing steps can result in tissue loss and damage. Friability also prohibits bisecting samples post-culture to display more than one region of interest for analysis. We developed a sample handling and embedding technique for cultured murine neuroretinal explants using HistogelTM in combination with a post-processing trimming step that eliminates tissue loss, increases cross-sectional retinal representation, and captures proximal and central retina on one slide to facilitate analysis of explants subjected to neurotrophic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Haller
- Department of Research Pathology, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Rebecca M Marton
- Department of Immunology Discovery, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kevin A Marroquin
- Department of Research Pathology, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Eliah R Shamir
- Department of Research Pathology, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, CA, USA
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14
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Peña JS, Vazquez M. Harnessing the Neuroprotective Behaviors of Müller Glia for Retinal Repair. FRONT BIOSCI-LANDMRK 2022; 27:169. [PMID: 35748245 PMCID: PMC9639582 DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2706169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Progressive and irreversible vision loss in mature and aging adults creates a health and economic burden, worldwide. Despite the advancements of many contemporary therapies to restore vision, few approaches have considered the innate benefits of gliosis, the endogenous processes of retinal repair that precede vision loss. Retinal gliosis is fundamentally driven by Müller glia (MG) and is characterized by three primary cellular mechanisms: hypertrophy, proliferation, and migration. In early stages of gliosis, these processes have neuroprotective potential to halt the progression of disease and encourage synaptic activity among neurons. Later stages, however, can lead to glial scarring, which is a hallmark of disease progression and blindness. As a result, the neuroprotective abilities of MG have remained incompletely explored and poorly integrated into current treatment regimens. Bioengineering studies of the intrinsic behaviors of MG hold promise to exploit glial reparative ability, while repressing neuro-disruptive MG responses. In particular, recent in vitro systems have become primary models to analyze individual gliotic processes and provide a stepping stone for in vivo strategies. This review highlights recent studies of MG gliosis seeking to harness MG neuroprotective ability for regeneration using contemporary biotechnologies. We emphasize the importance of studying gliosis as a reparative mechanism, rather than disregarding it as an unfortunate clinical prognosis in diseased retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan S. Peña
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State
University of New Jersey, Piscataway (08854), New Jersey, USA
| | - Maribel Vazquez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State
University of New Jersey, Piscataway (08854), New Jersey, USA
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15
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Melo PN, Souza da Silveira M, Mendes Pinto I, Relvas JB. Morphofunctional programming of microglia requires distinct roles of type II myosins. Glia 2021; 69:2717-2738. [PMID: 34329508 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The ramified morphology of microglia and the dynamics of their membrane protrusions are essential for their functions in central nervous system development, homeostasis, and disease. Although their ability to change and control shape critically depends on the actin and actomyosin cytoskeleton, the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, we systematically analyzed the actomyosin cytoskeleton and regulators downstream of the small GTPase RhoA in the control of microglia shape and function. Our results reveal that (i) Myh9 controls cortical tension levels and affects microglia protrusion formation, (ii) cofilin-mediated maintenance of actin turnover regulates microglia protrusion extension, and (iii) Myh10 influences microglia inflammatory activation. Overall we uncover molecular pathways that regulate microglia morphology and identify type-II myosins as important regulators of microglia biology with differential roles in the control of cell shape (Myh9) and functions (Myh10).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Neves Melo
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (I3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Graduate Programme in Areas of Basic and Applied Biology (GABBA), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Souza da Silveira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (I3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho (IBCCF), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Inês Mendes Pinto
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (I3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Life Sciences, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Braga, Portugal
| | - João Bettencourt Relvas
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (I3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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