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DiCesare SM, Ortega AJ, Collier GE, Daniel S, Thompson KN, McCoy MK, Posner BA, Hulleman JD. GSK3 inhibition reduces ECM production and prevents age-related macular degeneration-like pathology. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e178050. [PMID: 39114980 PMCID: PMC11383595 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.178050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Malattia Leventinese/Doyne honeycomb retinal dystrophy (ML/DHRD) is an age-related macular degeneration-like (AMD-like) retinal dystrophy caused by an autosomal dominant R345W mutation in the secreted glycoprotein, fibulin-3 (F3). To identify new small molecules that reduce F3 production in retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells, we knocked-in a luminescent peptide tag (HiBiT) into the endogenous F3 locus that enabled simple, sensitive, and high-throughput detection of the protein. The GSK3 inhibitor, CHIR99021 (CHIR), significantly reduced F3 burden (expression, secretion, and intracellular levels) in immortalized RPE and non-RPE cells. Low-level, long-term CHIR treatment promoted remodeling of the RPE extracellular matrix, reducing sub-RPE deposit-associated proteins (e.g., amelotin, complement component 3, collagen IV, and fibronectin), while increasing RPE differentiation factors (e.g., tyrosinase, and pigment epithelium-derived factor). In vivo, treatment of 8-month-old R345W+/+ knockin mice with CHIR (25 mg/kg i.p., 1 mo) was well tolerated and significantly reduced R345W F3-associated AMD-like basal laminar deposit number and size, thereby preventing the main pathological feature in these mice. This is an important demonstration of small molecule-based prevention of AMD-like pathology in ML/DHRD mice and may herald a rejuvenation of interest in GSK3 inhibition for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases, including potentially AMD itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia M DiCesare
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Antonio J Ortega
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Gracen E Collier
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Steffi Daniel
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Krista N Thompson
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Melissa K McCoy
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Bruce A Posner
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - John D Hulleman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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2
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Coler-Reilly A, Pincus Z, Scheller EL, Civitelli R. Six drivers of aging identified among genes differentially expressed with age. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.02.606402. [PMID: 39149379 PMCID: PMC11326176 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.02.606402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Many studies have compared gene expression in young and old samples to gain insights on aging, the primary risk factor for most major chronic diseases. However, these studies only describe associations, failing to distinguish drivers of aging from compensatory geroprotective responses and incidental downstream effects. Here, we introduce a workflow to characterize the causal effects of differentially expressed genes on lifespan. First, we performed a meta-analysis of 25 gene expression datasets comprising samples of various tissues from healthy, untreated adult mammals (humans, dogs, and rodents) at two distinct ages. We ranked each gene according to the number of distinct datasets in which the gene was differentially expressed with age in a consistent direction. The top age-upregulated genes were TMEM176A, EFEMP1, CP, and HLA-A; the top age-downregulated genes were CA4, SIAH, SPARC, and UQCR10. Second, the effects of the top ranked genes on lifespan were measured by applying post-developmental RNA interference of the corresponding ortholog in the nematode C. elegans (two trials, with roughly 100 animals per genotype per trial). Out of 10 age-upregulated and 9 age-downregulated genes that were tested, two age-upregulated genes (csp-3/CASP1 and spch-2/RSRC1) and four age-downregulated genes (C42C1.8/DIRC2, ost-1/SPARC, fzy-1/CDC20, and cah-3/CA4) produced significant and reproducible lifespan extension. Notably, the data do not suggest that the direction of differential expression with age is predictive of the effect on lifespan. Our study provides novel insight into the relationship between differential gene expression and aging phenotypes, pilots an unbiased workflow that can be easily repeated and expanded, and pinpoints six genes with evolutionarily conserved, causal roles in the aging process for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariella Coler-Reilly
- Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases, Musculoskeletal Research Center
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Medical Scientist Training Program, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Zachary Pincus
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Erica L. Scheller
- Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases, Musculoskeletal Research Center
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology; Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Roberto Civitelli
- Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases, Musculoskeletal Research Center
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology; Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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3
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Brückner A, Brandtner A, Rieck S, Matthey M, Geisen C, Fels B, Stei M, Kusche-Vihrog K, Fleischmann BK, Wenzel D. Site-specific genetic and functional signatures of aortic endothelial cells at aneurysm predilection sites in healthy and AngII ApoE -/- mice. Angiogenesis 2024:10.1007/s10456-024-09933-9. [PMID: 38965173 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-024-09933-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Aortic aneurysm is characterized by a pathological dilation at specific predilection sites of the vessel and potentially results in life-threatening vascular rupture. Herein, we established a modified "Häutchen method" for the local isolation of endothelial cells (ECs) from mouse aorta to analyze their spatial heterogeneity and potential role in site-specific disease development. When we compared ECs from aneurysm predilection sites of healthy mice with adjacent control segments we found regulation of genes related to extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis and inflammation, all pathways playing a critical role in aneurysm development. We also detected enhanced cortical stiffness of the endothelium at these sites. Gene expression of ECs from aneurysms of the AngII ApoE-/- model when compared to sham animals mimicked expression patterns from predilection sites of healthy animals. Thus, this work highlights a striking genetic and functional regional heterogeneity in aortic ECs of healthy mice, which defines the location of aortic aneurysm formation in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Brückner
- Life&Brain Center, Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Adrian Brandtner
- Life&Brain Center, Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sarah Rieck
- Life&Brain Center, Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michaela Matthey
- Department of Systems Physiology, Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology, Ruhr University of Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Caroline Geisen
- Life&Brain Center, Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Benedikt Fels
- Institute of Physiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- DZHK (German Research Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner SiteHamburg/Luebeck/Kiel, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Marta Stei
- Heart Center Bonn, Clinic for Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kristina Kusche-Vihrog
- Institute of Physiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- DZHK (German Research Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner SiteHamburg/Luebeck/Kiel, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Bernd K Fleischmann
- Life&Brain Center, Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Daniela Wenzel
- Life&Brain Center, Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
- Department of Systems Physiology, Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology, Ruhr University of Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.
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4
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Marrero AD, Cárdenas C, Castilla L, Ortega-Vidal J, Quesada AR, Martínez-Poveda B, Medina MÁ. Antiangiogenic Potential of an Olive Oil Extract: Insights from a Proteomic Study. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:13023-13038. [PMID: 38809962 PMCID: PMC11181319 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c08851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), a staple of the Mediterranean diet, is rich in phenolic compounds recognized for their potent bioactive effects, including anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its effects on vascular health remain relatively unexplored. In this study, we examined the impact of a "picual" EVOO extract from Jaén, Spain, on endothelial cells. Proteomic analysis revealed the modulation of angiogenesis-related processes. In subsequent in vitro experiments, the EVOO extract inhibited endothelial cell migration, adhesion, invasion, ECM degradation, and tube formation while inducing apoptosis. These results provide robust evidence of the extract's antiangiogenic potential. Our findings highlight the potential of EVOO extracts in mitigating angiogenesis-related pathologies, such as cancer, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Dácil Marrero
- Departamento
de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias,
Andalucía Tech, Universidad de Málaga, E-29071 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto
de Investigación Biomédica y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA
Plataforma BIONAND (Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga), E-29071 Málaga, Spain
- CIBER
de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto
de Salud Carlos III, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Casimiro Cárdenas
- Departamento
de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias,
Andalucía Tech, Universidad de Málaga, E-29071 Málaga, Spain
- Servicios
Centrales de Apoyo a la Investigación (SCAI), Universidad de Málaga, E-29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Laura Castilla
- Departamento
de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias,
Andalucía Tech, Universidad de Málaga, E-29071 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto
de Investigación Biomédica y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA
Plataforma BIONAND (Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga), E-29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Ortega-Vidal
- Departamento
de Química Inorgánica y Orgánica, Campus de Excelencia
Internacional Agroalimentaria ceiA3, Universidad
de Jaén, Jaén E- 23071, Spain
| | - Ana R. Quesada
- Departamento
de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias,
Andalucía Tech, Universidad de Málaga, E-29071 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto
de Investigación Biomédica y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA
Plataforma BIONAND (Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga), E-29071 Málaga, Spain
- CIBER
de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto
de Salud Carlos III, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Martínez-Poveda
- Departamento
de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias,
Andalucía Tech, Universidad de Málaga, E-29071 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto
de Investigación Biomédica y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA
Plataforma BIONAND (Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga), E-29071 Málaga, Spain
- CIBER
de
Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Medina
- Departamento
de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias,
Andalucía Tech, Universidad de Málaga, E-29071 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto
de Investigación Biomédica y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA
Plataforma BIONAND (Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga), E-29071 Málaga, Spain
- CIBER
de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto
de Salud Carlos III, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
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de Guimarães TAC, Kalitzeos A, Mahroo OA, van der Spuy J, Webster AR, Michaelides M. A Long-Term Retrospective Natural History Study of EFEMP1-Associated Autosomal Dominant Drusen. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:31. [PMID: 38899960 PMCID: PMC11193069 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.6.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To analyze the natural history of EFEMP1-associated autosomal dominant drusen (ADD). Methods In this retrospective observational study of molecularly confirmed patients with ADD, data and retinal imaging were extracted from an in-house database. The main outcome measurements were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refraction, and retinal imaging, including quantitative analyses of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness and pigmented epithelium detachment area, as well as qualitative analyses. Results The study included 44 patients (34 females and 10 males). The mean ± SD age of symptom onset was 40.1 ± 6.59 years of age (range, 25-52). Fourteen patients were asymptomatic during their entire follow-up. The most common symptoms at presentation were reduced vision (70%) and distortion in central vision (53%). Most subjects were emmetropic. The mean BCVA (logMAR) at baseline was 0.27 ± 0.41 (range, -0.1 to 2.1) in right eyes and was 0.19 ± 0.32 (range, -0.2 to 1.3) in left eyes. After a mean follow-up of 7.9 years, BCVA was reduced to 0.59 ± 0.66 (range, -0.1 to 2.1) in right eyes and 0.5 ± 0.72 (range, -0.1 to 2.4) in left eyes, values that were significantly different than baseline (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0014, respectively). Fifteen eyes showed active or inactive choroidal neovascularization (CNV). BCVA differed significantly (P = 0.0004) between eyes with and without CNV at a comparable mean age. The ONL had a slow rate of thinning longitudinally, which significantly correlated with BCVA. Conclusions Despite the late onset and relatively good prognosis of ADD, CNVs are more frequent than previously reported and are associated with a worse prognosis. Further research is necessary to elucidate gender associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thales A. C. de Guimarães
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Angelos Kalitzeos
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Omar A. Mahroo
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline van der Spuy
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew R. Webster
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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6
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Forghani I, Lang SH, Rodier MJ, Bivona SA, Morales AA, Zuchner S, Bademci G, Tekin M. EFEMP1 haploinsufficiency causes a Marfan-like hereditary connective tissue disorder. Am J Med Genet A 2024; 194:e63556. [PMID: 38348595 PMCID: PMC11060917 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Phenotypic features of a hereditary connective tissue disorder, including craniofacial characteristics, hyperextensible skin, joint laxity, kyphoscoliosis, arachnodactyly, inguinal hernia, and diverticulosis associated with biallelic pathogenic variants in EFEMP1 have been previously described in four patients. Genome sequencing on a proband and her mother with comparable phenotypic features revealed that both patients were heterozygous for a stop-gain variant c.1084C>T (p.Arg362*). Complementary RNA-seq on fibroblasts revealed significantly reduced levels of mutant EFEMP1 transcript. Considering the absence of other molecular explanations, we extrapolated that EFEMP1 could be the cause of the patient's phenotypes. Furthermore, nonsense-mediated decay was demonstrated for the mutant allele as the principal mechanism for decreased levels of EFEMP1 mRNA. We provide strong clinical and genetic evidence for the haploinsufficiency of EFEMP1 due to nonsense-medicated decay to cause severe kyphoscoliosis, generalized hypermobility of joints, high and narrow arched palate, and potentially severe diverticulosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an autosomal dominant EFEMP1-associated hereditary connective tissue disorder and therefore expands the phenotypic spectrum of EFEMP1 related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irman Forghani
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
| | - Steven H. Lang
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Matthew J. Rodier
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
| | - Stephanie A. Bivona
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
| | | | - Alejo A. Morales
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
| | - Stephan Zuchner
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
| | - Guney Bademci
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
| | - Mustafa Tekin
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
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Choquet H, Duot M, Herrera VA, Shrestha SK, Meyers TJ, Hoffmann TJ, Sangani PK, Lachke SA. Multi-tissue transcriptome-wide association study identifies novel candidate susceptibility genes for cataract. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2024; 4:1362350. [PMID: 38984127 PMCID: PMC11182099 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2024.1362350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Cataract is the leading cause of blindness among the elderly worldwide. Twin and family studies support an important role for genetic factors in cataract susceptibility with heritability estimates up to 58%. To date, 55 loci for cataract have been identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS), however, much work remains to identify the causal genes. Here, we conducted a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) of cataract to prioritize causal genes and identify novel ones, and examine the impact of their expression. Methods We performed tissue-specific and multi-tissue TWAS analyses to assess associations between imputed gene expression from 54 tissues (including 49 from the Genotype Tissue Expression (GTEx) Project v8) with cataract using FUSION software. Meta-analyzed GWAS summary statistics from 59,944 cataract cases and 478,571 controls, all of European ancestry and from two cohorts (GERA and UK Biobank) were used. We then examined the expression of the novel genes in the lens tissue using the iSyTE database. Results Across tissue-specific and multi-tissue analyses, we identified 99 genes for which genetically predicted gene expression was associated with cataract after correcting for multiple testing. Of these 99 genes, 20 (AC007773.1, ANKH, ASIP, ATP13A2, CAPZB, CEP95, COQ6, CREB1, CROCC, DDX5, EFEMP1, EIF2S2, ESRRB, GOSR2, HERC4, INSRR, NIPSNAP2, PICALM, SENP3, and SH3YL1) did not overlap with previously reported cataract-associated loci. Tissue-specific analysis identified 202 significant gene-tissue associations for cataract, of which 166 (82.2%), representing 9 unique genes, were attributed to the previously reported 11q13.3 locus. Tissue-enrichment analysis revealed that gastrointestinal tissues represented one of the highest proportions of the Bonferroni-significant gene-tissue associations (21.3%). Moreover, this gastrointestinal tissue type was the only anatomical category significantly enriched in our results, after correcting for the number of tissue donors and imputable genes for each reference panel. Finally, most of the novel cataract genes (e.g., Capzb) were robustly expressed in iSyTE lens data. Discussion Our results provide evidence of the utility of imputation-based TWAS approaches to characterize known GWAS risk loci and identify novel candidate genes that may increase our understanding of cataract etiology. Our findings also highlight the fact that expression of genes associated with cataract susceptibility is not necessarily restricted to lens tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Choquet
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC), Division of Research, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - Matthieu Duot
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
- The National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) - Joint Research Units (UMR), Univ Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Victor A Herrera
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC), Division of Research, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - Sanjaya K Shrestha
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Travis J Meyers
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC), Division of Research, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - Thomas J Hoffmann
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Poorab K Sangani
- Department of Ophthalmology, KPNC, South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Salil A Lachke
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
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8
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Betts JHJ, Troeberg L. Review: Mechanisms of TIMP-3 accumulation and pathogenesis in Sorsby fundus dystrophy. Mol Vis 2024; 30:74-91. [PMID: 38601018 PMCID: PMC11006011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Sorsby fundus dystrophy (SFD) is a rare, inherited form of macular degeneration caused by mutations in the gene encoding tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 3 (TIMP-3). There are 21 mutations currently associated with SFD, with some variants (e.g., Ser179Cys, Tyr191Cys, and Ser204Cys) having been studied much more than others. We review what is currently known about the identified SFD variants in terms of their dimerization, metalloproteinase inhibition, and impact on angiogenesis, with a focus on disparities between reports and areas requiring further study. We also explore the potential molecular mechanisms leading to the accumulation of extracellular TIMP-3 in SFD and consider how accumulated TIMP-3 causes macular damage. Recent reports have identified extraocular pathologies in a small number of SFD patients. We discuss these intriguing findings and consider the apparent discrepancy between the widespread expression of TIMP-3 and the primarily retinal manifestations of SFD. The potential benefits of novel experimental approaches (e.g., metabolomics and stem cell models) in terms of investigating SFD pathology are presented. The review thus highlights gaps in our current molecular understanding of SFD and suggests ways to support the development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob H J Betts
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Rosalind Franklin Road, Norwich, UK
| | - Linda Troeberg
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Rosalind Franklin Road, Norwich, UK
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9
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DiCesare SM, Ortega AJ, Collier GE, Daniel S, Thompson KN, McCoy MK, Posner BA, Hulleman JD. GSK3 inhibition reduces ECM production and prevents age-related macular degeneration-like pathology. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.14.571757. [PMID: 38168310 PMCID: PMC10760106 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.14.571757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Malattia Leventinese/Doyne Honeycomb Retinal Dystrophy (ML/DHRD) is an age-related macular degeneration (AMD)-like retinal dystrophy caused by an autosomal dominant R345W mutation in the secreted glycoprotein, fibulin-3 (F3). To identify new small molecules that reduce F3 production from retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells, we knocked-in a luminescent peptide tag (HiBiT) into the endogenous F3 locus which enabled simple, sensitive, and high throughput detection of the protein. The GSK3 inhibitor, CHIR99021 (CHIR), significantly reduced F3 burden (expression, secretion, and intracellular levels) in immortalized RPE and non-RPE cells. Low-level, long-term CHIR treatment promoted remodeling of the RPE extracellular matrix (ECM), reducing sub-RPE deposit-associated proteins (e.g., amelotin, complement component 3, collagen IV, and fibronectin), while increasing RPE differentiation factors (e.g., tyrosinase, and pigment epithelium derived factor). In vivo, treatment of 8 mo R345W+/+ knockin mice with CHIR (25 mg/kg i.p., 1 mo) was well tolerated and significantly reduced R345W F3-associated AMD-like basal laminar deposit number and size, thereby preventing the main pathological feature in these mice. This is the first demonstration of small molecule-based prevention of AMD-like pathology in ML/DHRD mice and may herald a rejuvenation of interest in GSK3 inhibition for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, including, potentially AMD itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia M. DiCesare
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas, 75390, United States
| | - Antonio J. Ortega
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, 2001 6 St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States
| | - Gracen E. Collier
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas, 75390, United States
| | - Steffi Daniel
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, 2001 6 St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States
| | - Krista N. Thompson
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas, 75390, United States
| | - Melissa K. McCoy
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - Bruce A. Posner
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - John D. Hulleman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, 2001 6 St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States
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Massri AJ, Fitzpatrick M, Cunny H, Li JL, Harry GJ. Differential gene expression profiling implicates altered network development in rat postnatal day 4 cortex following 4-Methylimidazole (4-MeI) induced maternal seizures. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2023; 100:107301. [PMID: 37783441 PMCID: PMC10843020 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2023.107301] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Compromised maternal health leading to maternal seizures can have adverse effects on the healthy development of offspring. This may be the result of inflammation, hypoxia-ischemia, and altered GABA signaling. The current study examined cortical tissue from F2b (2nd litter of the 2nd generation) postnatal day 4 (PND4) offspring of female Harlan SD rats chronically exposed to the seizuregenic compound, 4-Methylimidazole (0, 750, or 2500 ppm 4-MeI). Maternal seizures were evident only at 2500 ppm 4-MeI. GABA related gene expression as examined by qRT-PCR and whole genome microarray showed no indication of disrupted GABA or glutamatergic signaling. Canonical pathway hierarchical clustering and multi-omics combinatory genomic (CNet) plots of differentially expressed genes (DEG) showed alterations in genes associated with regulatory processes of cell development including neuronal differentiation and synaptogenesis. Functional enrichment analysis showed a similarity of cellular processes across the two exposure groups however, the genes comprising each cluster were primarily unique rather than shared and often showed different directionality. A dose-related induction of cytokine signaling was indicated however, pathways associated with individual cytokine signaling were not elevated, suggesting an alternative involvement of cytokine signaling. Pathways related to growth process and cell signaling showed a negative activation supporting an interpretation of disruption or delay in developmental processes at the 2500 ppm 4-MeI exposure level with maternal seizures. Thus, while GABA signaling was not altered as has been observed with maternal seizures, the pattern of DEG suggested a potential for alteration in neuronal network formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdull J Massri
- Integrative Bioinformatics, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 T. W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Mackenzie Fitzpatrick
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 T. W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Helen Cunny
- Office of the Scientific Director, Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 T. W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Jian-Liang Li
- Integrative Bioinformatics, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 T. W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - G Jean Harry
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 T. W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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11
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Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenesis Underlying Inherited Retinal Dystrophies. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020271. [PMID: 36830640 PMCID: PMC9953031 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are congenital retinal degenerative diseases that have various inheritance patterns, including dominant, recessive, X-linked, and mitochondrial. These diseases are most often the result of defects in rod and/or cone photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium function, development, or both. The genes associated with these diseases, when mutated, produce altered protein products that have downstream effects in pathways critical to vision, including phototransduction, the visual cycle, photoreceptor development, cellular respiration, and retinal homeostasis. The aim of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive review of the underlying molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis of IRDs by delving into many of the genes associated with IRD development, their protein products, and the pathways interrupted by genetic mutation.
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12
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Barreiro K, Lay AC, Leparc G, Tran VDT, Rosler M, Dayalan L, Burdet F, Ibberson M, Coward RJM, Huber TB, Krämer BK, Delic D, Holthofer H. An in vitro approach to understand contribution of kidney cells to human urinary extracellular vesicles. J Extracell Vesicles 2023; 12:e12304. [PMID: 36785873 PMCID: PMC9925963 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EV) are membranous particles secreted by all cells and found in body fluids. Established EV contents include a variety of RNA species, proteins, lipids and metabolites that are considered to reflect the physiological status of their parental cells. However, to date, little is known about cell-type enriched EV cargo in complex EV mixtures, especially in urine. To test whether EV secretion from distinct human kidney cells in culture differ and can recapitulate findings in normal urine, we comprehensively analysed EV components, (particularly miRNAs, long RNAs and protein) from conditionally immortalised human kidney cell lines (podocyte, glomerular endothelial, mesangial and proximal tubular cells) and compared to EV secreted in human urine. EV from cell culture media derived from immortalised kidney cells were isolated by hydrostatic filtration dialysis (HFD) and characterised by electron microscopy (EM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and Western blotting (WB). RNA was isolated from EV and subjected to miRNA and RNA sequencing and proteins were profiled by tandem mass tag proteomics. Representative sets of EV miRNAs, RNAs and proteins were detected in each cell type and compared to human urinary EV isolates (uEV), EV cargo database, kidney biopsy bulk RNA sequencing and proteomics, and single-cell transcriptomics. This revealed that a high proportion of the in vitro EV signatures were also found in in vivo datasets. Thus, highlighting the robustness of our in vitro model and showing that this approach enables the dissection of cell type specific EV cargo in biofluids and the potential identification of cell-type specific EV biomarkers of kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Barreiro
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM)University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Abigail C. Lay
- Bristol RenalBristol Medical SchoolFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - German Leparc
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG BiberachBiberachGermany
| | - Van Du T. Tran
- Vital‐IT GroupSIB Swiss Institute of BioinformaticsLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Marcel Rosler
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG BiberachBiberachGermany
| | - Lusyan Dayalan
- Bristol RenalBristol Medical SchoolFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Frederic Burdet
- Vital‐IT GroupSIB Swiss Institute of BioinformaticsLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Mark Ibberson
- Vital‐IT GroupSIB Swiss Institute of BioinformaticsLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Richard J. M. Coward
- Bristol RenalBristol Medical SchoolFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Tobias B. Huber
- III Department of MedicineUniversity Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | - Bernhard K. Krämer
- Fifth Department of Medicine (Nephrology/Endocrinology/Rheumatology/Pneumology)University Medical Centre MannheimUniversity of HeidelbergMannheimGermany
| | - Denis Delic
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG BiberachBiberachGermany
- Fifth Department of Medicine (Nephrology/Endocrinology/Rheumatology/Pneumology)University Medical Centre MannheimUniversity of HeidelbergMannheimGermany
| | - Harry Holthofer
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM)University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- III Department of MedicineUniversity Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
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13
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Shi WQ, Wan T, Li B, Li T, Zhou XD. EFEMP1 is a potential biomarker of choroid thickness change in myopia. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1144421. [PMID: 36891459 PMCID: PMC9987712 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1144421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore the possible molecular mechanism by which epidermal growth factor-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1) regulates choroid thickness (CT) in the development of myopia. Methods In total, 131 subjects were divided into the emmetropia (EM) group, non-high myopia (non-HM) group and high myopia (HM) group. Their age, refraction, intraocular pressure, and other ocular biometric parameters were collected. A 6 × 6 mm area centered on the optic disc was scanned by coherent optical tomography angiography (OCTA) to measure CT, and the tear concentrations of EFEMP1 were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis. Twenty-two guinea pigs were divided into the control group and the form-deprivation myopia (FDM) group. The right eye of the guinea pig in the FDM group was covered for 4 weeks, and the diopter and axial length of the right eye of the guinea pig were measured before and after the treatment. After the measurement, the guinea pig was euthanized, and the eyeball was removed. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blotting assays and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the expression of EFEMP1 in the choroid. Results There were significant differences in CT among the three groups (p < 0.001). CT was positively correlated with age in HM (r = -0.3613, p = 0.0021), but no significant correlation with SE (p > 0.05) was observed. Furthermore, there were increased levels of EFEMP1 in the tears of myopic patients. After 4 weeks of covering the right eye of the FDM guinea pigs, there was a significant increase in axial length and a decrease in diopter (p < 0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of EFEMP1 was significantly increased in the choroid. Conclusion Choroidal thickness was significantly thinner in myopic patients, and the expression level of EFEMP1 in the choroid increased during the development of FDM. Therefore, EFEMP1 may be involved in the regulation of choroidal thickness in myopia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Qing Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Wan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Li
- Central Laboratory, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Biasella F, Strunz T, Kiel C, Weber BHF, Friedrich U. Vitronectin and Its Interaction with PAI-1 Suggests a Functional Link to Vascular Changes in AMD Pathobiology. Cells 2022; 11:1766. [PMID: 35681461 PMCID: PMC9179922 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a frequent disorder of the central retina, is incompletely understood. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) suggest a strong contribution of genomic variation in AMD susceptibility. Nevertheless, little is known about biological mechanisms of the disease. We reported previously that the AMD-associated polymorphism rs704C > T in the vitronectin (VTN) gene influences protein expression and functional aspects of encoded vitronectin, a human blood and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein. Here, we refined the association of rs704 with AMD in 16,144 cases and 17,832 controls and noted that rs704 is carried exclusively by the neovascular AMD subtype. Interaction studies demonstrate that rs704 affects the ability of vitronectin to bind the angiogenic regulator plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) but has no influence on stabilizing its active state. Western blot analysis and confocal imaging reveal a strong enrichment of PAI-1 in the ECM of cultured endothelial cells and RPE cell line ARPE-19 exposed to vitronectin. Large-scale gene expression of VTN and PAI-1 showed positive correlations and a statistically significant increase in human retinal and blood tissues aged 60 years and older. Our results suggest a mechanism by which the AMD-associated rs704 variant in combination with ageing may contribute to the vascular complications in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Biasella
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (F.B.); (T.S.); (C.K.)
| | - Tobias Strunz
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (F.B.); (T.S.); (C.K.)
| | - Christina Kiel
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (F.B.); (T.S.); (C.K.)
| | | | - Bernhard H. F. Weber
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (F.B.); (T.S.); (C.K.)
- Institute of Clinical Human Genetics, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Friedrich
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (F.B.); (T.S.); (C.K.)
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Identification of Estrogen Signaling in a Prioritization Study of Intraocular Pressure-Associated Genes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910288. [PMID: 34638643 PMCID: PMC8508848 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only modifiable risk factor for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Herein we sought to prioritize a set of previously identified IOP-associated genes using novel and previously published datasets. We identified several genes for future study, including several involved in cytoskeletal/extracellular matrix reorganization, cell adhesion, angiogenesis, and TGF-β signaling. Our differential correlation analysis of IOP-associated genes identified 295 pairs of 201 genes with differential correlation. Pathway analysis identified β-estradiol as the top upstream regulator of these genes with ESR1 mediating 25 interactions. Several genes (i.e., EFEMP1, FOXC1, and SPTBN1) regulated by β-estradiol/ESR1 were highly expressed in non-glaucomatous human trabecular meshwork (TM) or Schlemm’s canal (SC) cells and specifically expressed in TM/SC cell clusters defined by single-cell RNA-sequencing. We confirmed ESR1 gene and protein expression in human TM cells and TM/SC tissue with quantitative real-time PCR and immunofluorescence, respectively. 17β-estradiol was identified in bovine, porcine, and human aqueous humor (AH) using ELISA. In conclusion, we have identified estrogen receptor signaling as a key modulator of several IOP-associated genes. The expression of ESR1 and these IOP-associated genes in TM/SC tissue and the presence of 17β-estradiol in AH supports a role for estrogen signaling in IOP regulation.
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