1
|
Tapia M, Levay K, Tsoulfas P, Park KK. Retrograde AAV-mediated gene modulation reveals chloride intracellular channel proteins as potent regulators of retinal ganglion cell death. Exp Neurol 2024; 377:114810. [PMID: 38714284 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114810] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Most projection neurons, including retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), undergo cell death after axotomy proximal to the cell body. Specific RGC subtypes, such as ON-OFF direction selective RGCs (ooDSGCs) are particularly vulnerable, whereas intrinsically photosensitive RGCs (ipRGCs) exhibit resilience to axonal injury. Through the application of RNA sequencing and fluorescent in situ hybridization, we show that the expression of chloride intracellular channel protein 1 and 4 (Clic1 and Clic4) are highly increased in the ooDSGCs after axonal injury. Toward determining a gene's role in RGCs, we optimized the utility and efficacy of adenovirus associated virus (AAV)-retro expressing short hairpin RNA (shRNA). Injection of AAV2-retro into the superior colliculus results in efficient shRNA expression in RGCs. Incorporating histone H2B gene fused with mGreenLantern results in bright nuclear reporter expression, thereby enhancing single RGC identification and cell quantitation in live retinas. Lastly, we demonstrate that AAV2-retro mediated knockdown of both Clic1 and Clic4 promotes RGC survival after injury. Our findings establish an integrated use of AAV2-retro-shRNA and real-time fundus imaging and reveal CLICs' contribution to RGC death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Tapia
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1501 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, United States of America
| | - Konstantin Levay
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1501 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, United States of America
| | - Pantelis Tsoulfas
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1501 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, United States of America
| | - Kevin K Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Neuroscience, Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5901 Forest Park Rd, Dallas, TX 75235, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wu W, Zhang J, Chen Y, Chen Q, Liu Q, Zhang F, Li S, Wang X. Genes in Axonal Regeneration. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04049-z. [PMID: 38388774 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04049-z] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
This review explores the molecular and genetic underpinnings of axonal regeneration and functional recovery post-nerve injury, emphasizing its significance in reversing neurological deficits. It presents a systematic exploration of the roles of various genes in axonal regrowth across peripheral and central nerve injuries. Initially, it highlights genes and gene families critical for axonal growth and guidance, delving into their roles in regeneration. It then examines the regenerative microenvironment, focusing on the role of glial cells in neural repair through dedifferentiation, proliferation, and migration. The concept of "traumatic microenvironments" within the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) is discussed, noting their impact on regenerative capacities and their importance in therapeutic strategy development. Additionally, the review delves into axonal transport mechanisms essential for accurate growth and reinnervation, integrating insights from proteomics, genome-wide screenings, and gene editing advancements. Conclusively, it synthesizes these insights to offer a comprehensive understanding of axonal regeneration's molecular orchestration, aiming to inform effective nerve injury therapies and contribute to regenerative neuroscience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenshuang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Qianqian Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Qianyan Liu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion, Tuina and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Fuchao Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Shiying Li
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Xinghui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bai Y, He H, Ren B, Ren J, Zou T, Chen X, Liu Y. Sstr2 Defines the Cone Differentiation-Competent Late-Stage Retinal Progenitor Cells in the Developing Mouse Retina. Stem Cells Transl Med 2024; 13:83-99. [PMID: 37935630 PMCID: PMC10785222 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szad073] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cone cell death is a characteristic shared by various retinal degenerative disorders, such as cone-rod dystrophy, Stargardt disease, achromatopsia, and retinitis pigmentosa. This leads to conditions like color blindness and permanently impaired visual acuity. Stem cell therapy focused on photoreceptor replacement holds promise for addressing these conditions. However, identifying surface markers that aid in enriching retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) capable of differentiating into cones remains a complex task. In this study, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing to scrutinize the transcriptome of developing retinas in C57BL/6J mice. This revealed the distinctive expression of somatostatin receptor 2 (Sstr2), a surface protein, in late-stage RPCs exhibiting the potential for photoreceptor differentiation. In vivo lineage tracing experiments verified that Sstr2+ cells within the late embryonic retina gave rise to cones, amacrine and horizontal cells during the developmental process. Furthermore, Sstr2+ cells that were isolated from the late embryonic mouse retina displayed RPC markers and exhibited the capability to differentiate into cones in vitro. Upon subretinal transplantation into both wild-type and retinal degeneration 10 (rd10) mice, Sstr2+ cells survived and expressed cone-specific markers. This study underscores the ability of Sstr2 to enrich late-stage RPCs primed for cone differentiation to a large extent. It proposes the utility of Sstr2 as a biomarker for RPCs capable of generating cones for transplantation purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Bai
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Han He
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bangqi Ren
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiayun Ren
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting Zou
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Liu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Forsthofer M, Gordy C, Kolluri M, Straka H. Bilateral Retinofugal Pathfinding Impairments Limit Behavioral Compensation in Near-Congenital One-Eyed Xenopus laevis. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0371-23.2023. [PMID: 38164595 PMCID: PMC10849038 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0371-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
To generate a coherent visual percept, information from both eyes must be appropriately transmitted into the brain, where binocular integration forms the substrate for visuomotor behaviors. To establish the anatomical substrate for binocular integration, the presence of bilateral eyes and interaction of both optic nerves during retinotectal development play a key role. However, the extent to which embryonic monocularly derived visual circuits can convey visuomotor behaviors is unknown. In this study, we assessed the retinotectal anatomy and visuomotor performance of embryonically generated one-eyed tadpoles. In one-eyed animals, the axons of retinal ganglion cells from the singular remaining eye exhibited striking irregularities in their central projections in the brain, generating a noncanonical ipsilateral retinotectal projection. This data is indicative of impaired pathfinding abilities. We further show that these novel projections are correlated with an impairment of behavioral compensation for the loss of one eye.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Forsthofer
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Planegg 82152, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Planegg 82152, Germany
| | - Clayton Gordy
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Planegg 82152, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Planegg 82152, Germany
| | - Meghna Kolluri
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Planegg 82152, Germany
| | - Hans Straka
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Planegg 82152, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Soucy JR, Aguzzi EA, Cho J, Gilhooley MJ, Keuthan C, Luo Z, Monavarfeshani A, Saleem MA, Wang XW, Wohlschlegel J, Baranov P, Di Polo A, Fortune B, Gokoffski KK, Goldberg JL, Guido W, Kolodkin AL, Mason CA, Ou Y, Reh TA, Ross AG, Samuels BC, Welsbie D, Zack DJ, Johnson TV. Retinal ganglion cell repopulation for vision restoration in optic neuropathy: a roadmap from the RReSTORe Consortium. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:64. [PMID: 37735444 PMCID: PMC10514988 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00655-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death in glaucoma and other optic neuropathies results in irreversible vision loss due to the mammalian central nervous system's limited regenerative capacity. RGC repopulation is a promising therapeutic approach to reverse vision loss from optic neuropathies if the newly introduced neurons can reestablish functional retinal and thalamic circuits. In theory, RGCs might be repopulated through the transplantation of stem cell-derived neurons or via the induction of endogenous transdifferentiation. The RGC Repopulation, Stem Cell Transplantation, and Optic Nerve Regeneration (RReSTORe) Consortium was established to address the challenges associated with the therapeutic repair of the visual pathway in optic neuropathy. In 2022, the RReSTORe Consortium initiated ongoing international collaborative discussions to advance the RGC repopulation field and has identified five critical areas of focus: (1) RGC development and differentiation, (2) Transplantation methods and models, (3) RGC survival, maturation, and host interactions, (4) Inner retinal wiring, and (5) Eye-to-brain connectivity. Here, we discuss the most pertinent questions and challenges that exist on the path to clinical translation and suggest experimental directions to propel this work going forward. Using these five subtopic discussion groups (SDGs) as a framework, we suggest multidisciplinary approaches to restore the diseased visual pathway by leveraging groundbreaking insights from developmental neuroscience, stem cell biology, molecular biology, optical imaging, animal models of optic neuropathy, immunology & immunotolerance, neuropathology & neuroprotection, materials science & biomedical engineering, and regenerative neuroscience. While significant hurdles remain, the RReSTORe Consortium's efforts provide a comprehensive roadmap for advancing the RGC repopulation field and hold potential for transformative progress in restoring vision in patients suffering from optic neuropathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Soucy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass. Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erika A Aguzzi
- The Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, England, UK
| | - Julie Cho
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Michael James Gilhooley
- The Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, England, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Casey Keuthan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ziming Luo
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Aboozar Monavarfeshani
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Meher A Saleem
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Health System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Xue-Wei Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Petr Baranov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass. Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Brad Fortune
- Discoveries in Sight Research Laboratories, Devers Eye Institute and Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Health, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kimberly K Gokoffski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - William Guido
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Alex L Kolodkin
- The Solomon H Snyder, Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carol A Mason
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Ophthalmology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yvonne Ou
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ahmara G Ross
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brian C Samuels
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Callahan Eye Hospital, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Derek Welsbie
- Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Donald J Zack
- Glaucoma Center of Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21287 MD, USA
- Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology & Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas V Johnson
- Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology & Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21287 MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fries M, Brown TW, Jolicoeur C, Boulan B, Boudreau-Pinsonneault C, Javed A, Abram P, Cayouette M. Pou3f1 orchestrates a gene regulatory network controlling contralateral retinogeniculate projections. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112985. [PMID: 37590135 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112985] [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: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The balance of contralateral and ipsilateral retinogeniculate projections is critical for binocular vision, but the transcriptional programs regulating this process remain ill defined. Here we show that the Pou class homeobox protein POU3F1 is expressed in nascent mouse contralateral retinal ganglion cells (cRGCs) but not ipsilateral RGCs (iRGCs). Upon Pou3f1 inactivation, the proportion of cRGCs is reduced in favor of iRGCs, leading to abnormal projection ratios at the optic chiasm. Conversely, misexpression of Pou3f1 in progenitors increases the production of cRGCs. Using CUT&RUN and RNA sequencing in gain- and loss-of-function assays, we demonstrate that POU3F1 regulates expression of several key members of the cRGC gene regulatory network. Finally, we report that POU3F1 is sufficient to induce RGC-like cell production, even in late-stage retinal progenitors of Atoh7 knockout mice. This work uncovers POU3F1 as a regulator of the cRGC transcriptional program, opening possibilities for optic nerve regenerative therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michel Fries
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada; Molecular Biology Program, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Thomas W Brown
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Christine Jolicoeur
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Benoit Boulan
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Camille Boudreau-Pinsonneault
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Awais Javed
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada; Molecular Biology Program, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Pénélope Abram
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Michel Cayouette
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada; Molecular Biology Program, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Navarro-Calvo J, Esquiva G, Gómez-Vicente V, Valor LM. MicroRNAs in the Mouse Developing Retina. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032992. [PMID: 36769311 PMCID: PMC9918188 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032992] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The retina is among the highest organized tissues of the central nervous system. To achieve such organization, a finely tuned regulation of developmental processes is required to form the retinal layers that contain the specialized neurons and supporting glial cells to allow precise phototransduction. MicroRNAs are a class of small RNAs with undoubtful roles in fundamental biological processes, including neurodevelopment of the brain and the retina. This review provides a short overview of the most important findings regarding microRNAs in the regulation of retinal development, from the developmental-dependent rearrangement of the microRNA expression program to the key roles of particular microRNAs in the differentiation and maintenance of retinal cell subtypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Navarro-Calvo
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, ISABIAL, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Gema Esquiva
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Violeta Gómez-Vicente
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Luis M. Valor
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, ISABIAL, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-965-913-988
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Slavi N, Balasubramanian R, Lee MA, Liapin M, Oaks-Leaf R, Peregrin J, Potenski A, Troy CM, Ross ME, Herrera E, Kosmidis S, John SWM, Mason CA. CyclinD2-mediated regulation of neurogenic output from the retinal ciliary margin is perturbed in albinism. Neuron 2023; 111:49-64.e5. [PMID: 36351424 PMCID: PMC9822872 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In albinism, aberrations in the ipsi-/contralateral retinal ganglion cell (RGC) ratio compromise the functional integrity of the binocular circuit. Here, we focus on the mouse ciliary margin zone (CMZ), a neurogenic niche at the embryonic peripheral retina, to investigate developmental processes regulating RGC neurogenesis and identity acquisition. We found that the mouse ventral CMZ generates predominantly ipsilaterally projecting RGCs, but this output is altered in the albino visual system because of CyclinD2 downregulation and disturbed timing of the cell cycle. Consequently, albino as well as CyclinD2-deficient pigmented mice exhibit diminished ipsilateral retinogeniculate projection and poor depth perception. In albino mice, pharmacological stimulation of calcium channels, known to upregulate CyclinD2 in other cell types, augmented CyclinD2-dependent neurogenesis of ipsilateral RGCs and improved stereopsis. Together, these results implicate CMZ neurogenesis and its regulators as critical for the formation and function of the mammalian binocular circuit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nefeli Slavi
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Revathi Balasubramanian
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Melissa Ann Lee
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael Liapin
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachel Oaks-Leaf
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - John Peregrin
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anna Potenski
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carol Marie Troy
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Margaret Elizabeth Ross
- Center for Neurogenetics, Feil Family Brain & Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eloisa Herrera
- Instituto de Neurociencias (CSIC-UMH), Av. Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Stylianos Kosmidis
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Simon William Maxwell John
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carol Ann Mason
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Neuroscience, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Godement P. A Stay in Friedrich Bonhoeffer's Lab in Tubingen in the Mid-eighties. Neuroscience 2023; 508:52-61. [PMID: 36464176 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.11.031] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The main focus of research for which Friedrich Bonhoeffer's work is known in the Neuroscience community was pioneer experiments on how axonal projections could organize into "maps", what mechanisms are involved in axon guidance and involve gradients of guiding molecules, and isolation of the first such molecules, e.g. RAGS (ephrin A5) and RGM (repulsive guidance molecule). Other papers have described in detail these contributions as well as Friedrich Bonhoeffer's personality. In the mid-eighties, I made a 2-year stay in his lab and initiated a line of research on development of binocular connections in Mammals, particularly the guidance of retinal fibers to one or the other side of the brain. In this paper I recall these circumstances as they pertain to Neuroscience as it stood at the time, and explain as best as I can how his lab was a conducive setting for the discoveries made there and how Friedrich Bonhoeffer acted for me as a scientist and a tutor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Godement
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu X, Zhu Q, Lu P, Gaucher D, Yao J. Most nonpathological eyes present a small area of hyperreflective Henle's fiber layer on pupil-centered optical coherence tomography. Int Ophthalmol 2022; 42:3941-3950. [PMID: 35776391 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-022-02378-3] [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: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Henle's fiber layer (HFL) is hyporeflective and indistinct on pupil-centered optical coherence tomography (OCT). However, a small area of HFL is also found to be hyperreflective on pupil-centered OCT. This study characterized the hyperreflective HFL of healthy eyes on pupil-centered OCT and investigated the possible physiological and functional relationship of hyperreflective HFL. METHODS Subjects with different degrees of ametropia underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, including binocular function by synoptophore and Titmus test, ocular axial length, refractions, and pupil-centered OCT angiography coupled with OCT. The area of hyperreflective HFL was manually plotted and calculated using the Optovue AngioVue system technology. The possible ocular physiological and functional relationship with the area of hyperreflective HFL was investigated. RESULTS A total of 111 subjects (222 eyes) without other ocular diseases were enrolled, of which 164 eyes (74%) presented hyperreflective HFL. The average area of hyperreflective HFL was 0.71 ± 0.07 mm2. The area of hyperreflective HFL was significantly related to spherical diopters (P = 0.032). The average binocular area of hyperreflective HFL was 1.38 ± 0.17 mm2. The binocular area of hyperreflective HFL was significantly related to the angle of superposition and far stereoacuity (P = 0.013 and 0.038, respectively). CONCLUSION Most healthy eyes present a small area of hyperreflective HFL, which might be due to alternation of the orientation of some Henle fibers by ametropia during the development of visual function postpartum. The small area of hyperreflective HFL may serve as a marker in identifying the boundary of HFL on OCT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuanli Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qin Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peirong Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - David Gaucher
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Service d'Ophtalmologie du Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg Cedex, France
| | - Jingyan Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Neveu MM, Padhy SK, Ramamurthy S, Takkar B, Jalali S, Cp D, Padhi TR, Robson AG. Ophthalmological Manifestations of Oculocutaneous and Ocular Albinism: Current Perspectives. Clin Ophthalmol 2022; 16:1569-1587. [PMID: 35637898 PMCID: PMC9148211 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s329282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Albinism describes a heterogeneous group of genetically determined disorders characterized by disrupted synthesis of melanin and a range of developmental ocular abnormalities. The main ocular features common to both oculocutaneous albinism (OCA), and ocular albinism (OA) include reduced visual acuity, refractive errors, foveal hypoplasia, congenital nystagmus, iris and fundus hypopigmentation and visual pathway misrouting, but clinical signs vary and there is phenotypic overlap with other pathologies. This study reviews the prevalence, genetics and ocular manifestations of OCA and OA, including abnormal development of the optic chiasm. The role of visual electrophysiology in the detection of chiasmal dysfunction and visual pathway misrouting is emphasized, highlighting how age-associated changes in visual evoked potential (VEP) test results must be considered to enable accurate diagnosis, and illustrated further by the inclusion of novel VEP data in genetically confirmed cases. Differential diagnosis is considered in the context of suspected retinal and other disorders, including rare syndromes that may masquerade as albinism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magella M Neveu
- Department Electrophysiology, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, EC1V 2PD, UK.,Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Brijesh Takkar
- Anant Bajaj Retina Institute, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Subhadra Jalali
- Anant Bajaj Retina Institute, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Deepika Cp
- Anant Bajaj Retina Institute, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Tapas Ranjan Padhi
- Anant Bajaj Retina Institute, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Anthony G Robson
- Department Electrophysiology, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, EC1V 2PD, UK.,Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kofman S, Mohan N, Sun X, Ibric L, Piermarini E, Qiang L. Human mini brains and spinal cords in a dish: Modeling strategies, current challenges, and prospective advances. J Tissue Eng 2022; 13:20417314221113391. [PMID: 35898331 PMCID: PMC9310295 DOI: 10.1177/20417314221113391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered three-dimensional (3D) in vitro and ex vivo neural tissues, also known
as “mini brains and spinal cords in a dish,” can be derived from different types
of human stem cells via several differentiation protocols. In general, human
mini brains are micro-scale physiological systems consisting of mixed
populations of neural progenitor cells, glial cells, and neurons that may
represent key features of human brain anatomy and function. To date, these
specialized 3D tissue structures can be characterized into spheroids, organoids,
assembloids, organ-on-a-chip and their various combinations based on generation
procedures and cellular components. These 3D CNS models incorporate complex
cell-cell interactions and play an essential role in bridging the gap between
two-dimensional human neuroglial cultures and animal models. Indeed, they
provide an innovative platform for disease modeling and therapeutic cell
replacement, especially shedding light on the potential to realize personalized
medicine for neurological disorders when combined with the revolutionary human
induced pluripotent stem cell technology. In this review, we highlight human 3D
CNS models developed from a variety of experimental strategies, emphasize their
advances and remaining challenges, evaluate their state-of-the-art applications
in recapitulating crucial phenotypic aspects of many CNS diseases, and discuss
the role of contemporary technologies in the prospective improvement of their
composition, consistency, complexity, and maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simeon Kofman
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Neha Mohan
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Xiaohuan Sun
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Larisa Ibric
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Emanuela Piermarini
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Liang Qiang
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Alastra G, Aloe L, Baldassarro VA, Calzà L, Cescatti M, Duskey JT, Focarete ML, Giacomini D, Giardino L, Giraldi V, Lorenzini L, Moretti M, Parmeggiani I, Sannia M, Tosi G. Nerve Growth Factor Biodelivery: A Limiting Step in Moving Toward Extensive Clinical Application? Front Neurosci 2021; 15:695592. [PMID: 34335170 PMCID: PMC8319677 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.695592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) was the first-discovered member of the neurotrophin family, a class of bioactive molecules which exerts powerful biological effects on the CNS and other peripheral tissues, not only during development, but also during adulthood. While these molecules have long been regarded as potential drugs to combat acute and chronic neurodegenerative processes, as evidenced by the extensive data on their neuroprotective properties, their clinical application has been hindered by their unexpected side effects, as well as by difficulties in defining appropriate dosing and administration strategies. This paper reviews aspects related to the endogenous production of NGF in healthy and pathological conditions, along with conventional and biomaterial-assisted delivery strategies, in an attempt to clarify the impediments to the clinical application of this powerful molecule.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Alastra
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Vito Antonio Baldassarro
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Calzà
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- IRET Foundation, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Jason Thomas Duskey
- Nanotech Laboratory, TeFarTI Center, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Focarete
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daria Giacomini
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luciana Giardino
- IRET Foundation, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Giraldi
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Lorenzini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Irene Parmeggiani
- Nanotech Laboratory, TeFarTI Center, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Michele Sannia
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tosi
- Nanotech Laboratory, TeFarTI Center, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lymphatics in Eye Fluid Homeostasis: Minor Contributors or Significant Actors? BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10070582. [PMID: 34201989 PMCID: PMC8301034 DOI: 10.3390/biology10070582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Lymphatic vessels exert major effects on the maintenance of interstitial fluid homeostasis, immune cell trafficking, lipid absorption, tumor progression and metastasis. Recently, novel functional roles for the lymphatic vasculature have emerged, which can be associated with pathological situations. Among them, lymphatics have been proposed to participate in eye aqueous humor drainage, with potential consequences on intraocular pressure, a main risk factor for progression of glaucoma disease. In this review, after the description of eye fluid dynamics, we provide an update on the data concerning the distribution of ocular lymphatics. Particular attention is given to the results of investigations allowing the three dimensional visualization of the ocular surface vasculature, and to the molecular mechanisms that have been characterized to regulate ocular lymphatic vessel development. The studies concerning the potential role of lymphatics in aqueous humor outflow are reported and discussed. We also considered the novel studies mentioning the existence of an ocular glymphatic system which may have, in connection with lymphatics, important repercussions in retinal clearance and in diseases affecting the eye posterior segment. Some remaining unsolved questions and new directions to explore are proposed to improve the knowledge about both lymphatic and glymphatic system interactions with eye fluid homeostasis.
Collapse
|
15
|
Fligor CM, Lavekar SS, Harkin J, Shields PK, VanderWall KB, Huang KC, Gomes C, Meyer JS. Extension of retinofugal projections in an assembled model of human pluripotent stem cell-derived organoids. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:2228-2241. [PMID: 34115986 PMCID: PMC8452489 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of the visual system involves the coordination of spatial and temporal events to specify the organization of varied cell types, including the elongation of axons from retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) to post-synaptic targets in the brain. Retinal organoids recapitulate many features of retinal development, yet have lacked downstream targets into which RGC axons extend, limiting the ability to model projections of the human visual system. To address these issues, retinal organoids were generated and organized into an in vitro assembloid model of the visual system with cortical and thalamic organoids. RGCs responded to environmental cues and extended axons deep into assembloids, modeling the projections of the visual system. In addition, RGC survival was enhanced in long-term assembloids, overcoming prior limitations of retinal organoids in which RGCs are lost. Overall, these approaches will facilitate studies of human visual system development, as well as diseases or injuries to this critical pathway. Human stem cell-derived RGC axons respond to target-derived cues Assembloids were generated between retinal, thalamic, and cortical organoids Retinofugal projections robustly extend toward thalamic targets
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clarisse M Fligor
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN, USA
| | - Sailee S Lavekar
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN, USA
| | - Jade Harkin
- Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Gateway Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA
| | - Priya K Shields
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN, USA
| | - Kirstin B VanderWall
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN, USA
| | - Kang-Chieh Huang
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN, USA
| | - Cátia Gomes
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA
| | - Jason S Meyer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA; Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Knickmeyer MD, Mateo JL, Heermann S. BMP Signaling Interferes with Optic Chiasm Formation and Retinal Ganglion Cell Pathfinding in Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094560. [PMID: 33925390 PMCID: PMC8123821 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Decussation of axonal tracts is an important hallmark of vertebrate neuroanatomy resulting in one brain hemisphere controlling the contralateral side of the body and also computing the sensory information originating from that respective side. Here, we show that BMP interferes with optic chiasm formation and RGC pathfinding in zebrafish. Experimental induction of BMP4 at 15 hpf results in a complete ipsilateral projection of RGC axons and failure of commissural connections of the forebrain, in part as the result of an interaction with shh signaling, transcriptional regulation of midline guidance cues and an affected optic stalk morphogenesis. Experimental induction of BMP4 at 24 hpf, resulting in only a mild repression of forebrain shh ligand expression but in a broad expression of pax2a in the diencephalon, does not per se prevent RGC axons from crossing the midline. It nevertheless shows severe pathologies of RGC projections e.g., the fasciculation of RGC axons with the ipsilateral optic tract resulting in the innervation of one tectum by two eyes or the projection of RGC axons in the direction of the contralateral eye.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Max D. Knickmeyer
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany;
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestrasse 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Juan L. Mateo
- Departamento de Informática, Universidad de Oviedo, Jesús Arias de Velasco, 33005 Oviedo, Spain;
| | - Stephan Heermann
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Johnson KO, Triplett JW. Wiring subcortical image-forming centers: Topography, laminar targeting, and map alignment. Curr Top Dev Biol 2020; 142:283-317. [PMID: 33706920 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2020.10.004] [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] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Efficient sensory processing is a complex and important function for species survival. As such, sensory circuits are highly organized to facilitate rapid detection of salient stimuli and initiate motor responses. For decades, the retina's projections to image-forming centers have served as useful models to elucidate the mechanisms by which such exquisite circuitry is wired. In this chapter, we review the roles of molecular cues, neuronal activity, and axon-axon competition in the development of topographically ordered retinal ganglion cell (RGC) projections to the superior colliculus (SC) and dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN). Further, we discuss our current state of understanding regarding the laminar-specific targeting of subclasses of RGCs in the SC and its homolog, the optic tectum (OT). Finally, we cover recent studies examining the alignment of projections from primary visual cortex with RGCs that monitor the same region of space in the SC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristy O Johnson
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States; Institute for Biomedical Sciences, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jason W Triplett
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States; Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Case report: Unilateral optic nerve aplasia and developmental hemi-chiasmal dysplasia with VEP misrouting. Doc Ophthalmol 2020; 142:247-255. [PMID: 32852652 PMCID: PMC7943516 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-020-09788-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To describe the trans-occipital asymmetries of pattern and flash visual evoked potentials (VEPs), in an infant with MRI findings of unilateral optic nerve aplasia and hemi-chiasm dysplasia. Methods A child with suspected left cystic microphthalmia, left microcornea, left unilateral optic nerve aplasia, and hemi-chiasm underwent a multi-channel VEP assessment with pattern reversal, pattern onset, and flash stimulation at the age of 16 weeks. Results There was no VEP evidence of any post-retinal visual pathway activation from left eye with optic nerve aplasia. The VEP trans-occipital distribution from the functional right eye was skewed markedly across the midline, in keeping with significant misrouting of optic nerve fibres at the chiasm. This was supported by the anatomical trajectory of the optic chiasm and tracts seen on MRI. Conclusion This infant has chiasmal misrouting in association with unilateral optic nerve aplasia and unilateral microphthalmos. Chiasmal misrouting has not been found in patients with microphthalmos or anophthalmos, but has been reported after early eye loss in animal models. Our findings contribute to our understanding of the discrepancy between the visual pathway physiology of human unilateral microphthalmia and animal models.
Collapse
|
19
|
Nguyen-Ba-Charvet KT, Rebsam A. Neurogenesis and Specification of Retinal Ganglion Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020451. [PMID: 31936811 PMCID: PMC7014133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Across all species, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the first retinal neurons generated during development, followed by the other retinal cell types. How are retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) able to produce these cell types in a specific and timely order? Here, we will review the different models of retinal neurogenesis proposed over the last decades as well as the extrinsic and intrinsic factors controlling it. We will then focus on the molecular mechanisms, especially the cascade of transcription factors that regulate, more specifically, RGC fate. We will also comment on the recent discovery that the ciliary marginal zone is a new stem cell niche in mice contributing to retinal neurogenesis, especially to the generation of ipsilateral RGCs. Furthermore, RGCs are composed of many different subtypes that are anatomically, physiologically, functionally, and molecularly defined. We will summarize the different classifications of RGC subtypes and will recapitulate the specification of some of them and describe how a genetic disease such as albinism affects neurogenesis, resulting in profound visual deficits.
Collapse
|