1
|
Hu ZL, Wang YX, Lin ZY, Ren WS, Liu B, Zhao H, Qin Q. Regulatory factors of Nrf2 in age-related macular degeneration pathogenesis. Int J Ophthalmol 2024; 17:1344-1362. [PMID: 39026906 PMCID: PMC11246936 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2024.07.21] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complicated disease that causes irreversible visual impairment. Increasing evidences pointed retinal pigment epithelia (RPE) cells as the decisive cell involved in the progress of AMD, and the function of anti-oxidant capacity of PRE plays a fundamental physiological role. Nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a significant transcription factor in the cellular anti-oxidant system as it regulates the expression of multiple anti-oxidative genes. Its functions of protecting RPE cells against oxidative stress (OS) and ensuing physiological changes, including inflammation, mitochondrial damage and autophagy dysregulation, have already been elucidated. Understanding the roles of upstream regulators of Nrf2 could provide further insight to the OS-mediated AMD pathogenesis. For the first time, this review summarized the reported upstream regulators of Nrf2 in AMD pathogenesis, including proteins and miRNAs, and their underlying molecular mechanisms, which may help to find potential targets via regulating the Nrf2 pathway in the future research and further discuss the existing Nrf2 regulators proved to be beneficial in preventing AMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Ling Hu
- Five Year Program of Ophthalmology and Optometry 2019, Beijing Tong Ren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100054, China
| | - Yu-Xuan Wang
- Four Year Program of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy 2020, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Zi-Yue Lin
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Wen-Shuo Ren
- Four Year Program of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy 2020, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Five Year Program of Ophthalmology and Optometry 2021, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Qiong Qin
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xu M, Gao Y, Yin W, Liu Q, Yuan S. RNA-sequencing expression profile and functional analysis of retinal pigment epithelium in atrophic age-related macular degeneration. J Biomed Res 2024; 38:1-12. [PMID: 38808557 PMCID: PMC11461538 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.37.20230320] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is fundamental to sustaining retinal homeostasis. RPE abnormality leads to visual defects and blindness, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although breakthroughs have been made in the treatment of neovascular AMD, effective intervention for atrophic AMD is largely absent. The inadequate knowledge of RPE pathology is hindered by a lack of patient RPE datasets, especially at the single-cell resolution. In this study, we delved into a large-scale single-cell resource of AMD donors in which RPE cells were occupied in a substantial proportion. Bulk RNA-seq datasets of atrophic AMD were integrated to extract molecular characteristics of RPE in the pathogenesis of atrophic AMD. Both in vivo and in vitro models revealed that carboxypeptidase X, M14 family member 2 (CPXM2) was specifically expressed in the RPE cells of atrophic AMD, which might be induced by oxidative stress and involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of RPE cells. Additionally, silencing of CPXM2 inhibited the mesenchymal phenotype of RPE cells in an oxidative stress cell model. Thus, our results demonstrate that CPXM2 plays a crucial role in regulating atrophic AMD and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for atrophic AMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miao Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Wenjie Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Qinghuai Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Songtao Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gurubaran IS, Watala C, Kostanek J, Szczepanska J, Pawlowska E, Kaarniranta K, Blasiak J. PGC-1α regulates the interplay between oxidative stress, senescence and autophagy in the ageing retina important in age-related macular degeneration. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18051. [PMID: 38571282 PMCID: PMC10992479 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18051] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
We previously showed that mice with knockout in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PPARGC1A) gene encoding the PGC-1α protein, and nuclear factor erythroid 2 like 2 (NFE2L2) gene, exhibited some features of the age-related macular degeneration (AMD) phenotype. To further explore the mechanism behind the involvement of PGC-1α in AMD pathogenesis we used young (3-month) and old (12-month) mice with knockout in the PPARGC1A gene and age-matched wild-type (WT) animals. An immunohistochemical analysis showed age-dependent different expression of markers of oxidative stress defence, senescence and autophagy in the retinal pigment epithelium of KO animals as compared with their WT counterparts. Multivariate inference testing showed that senescence and autophagy proteins had the greatest impact on the discrimination between KO and WT 3-month animals, but proteins of antioxidant defence also contributed to that discrimination. A bioinformatic analysis showed that PGC-1α might coordinate the interplay between genes encoding proteins involved in antioxidant defence, senescence and autophagy in the ageing retina. These data support importance of PGC-1α in AMD pathogenesis and confirm the utility of mice with PGC-1α knockout as an animal model to study AMD pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cezary Watala
- Department of Haemostatic DisordersMedical University of LodzLodzPoland
| | - Joanna Kostanek
- Department of Haemostatic DisordersMedical University of LodzLodzPoland
| | | | | | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of OphthalmologyUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
- Department of OphthalmologyKuopio University HospitalKuopioFinland
| | - Janusz Blasiak
- Faculty of Medicine, Collegium MedicumMazovian Academy in PlockPlock09‐402Poland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ma X, Han S, Liu Y, Chen Y, Li P, Liu X, Chang L, Chen YA, Chen F, Hou Q, Hou L. DAPL1 prevents epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the retinal pigment epithelium and experimental proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:158. [PMID: 36841807 PMCID: PMC9968328 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05693-4] [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: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a hallmark of the pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) that can lead to severe vision loss. Nevertheless, the precise regulatory mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of PVR remain largely unknown. Here, we show that the expression of death-associated protein-like 1 (DAPL1) is downregulated in PVR membranes and that DAPL1 deficiency promotes EMT in RPE cells in mice. In fact, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated DAPL1 overexpression in RPE cells of Dapl1-deficient mice inhibited EMT in physiological and retinal-detachment states. In a rabbit model of PVR, ARPE-19 cells overexpressing DAPL1 showed reduced ability to induce experimental PVR, and AAV-mediated DAPL1 delivery attenuated the severity of experimental PVR. Furthermore, a mechanistic study revealed that DAPL1 promotes P21 phosphorylation and its stabilization partially through NFκB (RelA) in RPE cells, whereas the knockdown of P21 led to neutralizing effects on DAPL1-dependent EMT inhibition and enhanced the severity of experimental PVR. These results suggest that DAPL1 acts as a novel suppressor of RPE-EMT and has an important role in antagonizing the pathogenesis of experimental PVR. Hence, this finding has implications for understanding the mechanism of and potential therapeutic applications for PVR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyin Ma
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003, China.
| | - Shuxian Han
- grid.268099.c0000 0001 0348 3990Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003 China ,grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 China
| | - Youjia Liu
- grid.268099.c0000 0001 0348 3990Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003 China
| | - Yu Chen
- grid.268099.c0000 0001 0348 3990Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003 China ,grid.268099.c0000 0001 0348 3990State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003 China
| | - Pingping Li
- grid.268099.c0000 0001 0348 3990Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003 China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- grid.268099.c0000 0001 0348 3990Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003 China
| | - Lifu Chang
- grid.268099.c0000 0001 0348 3990Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003 China
| | - Ying-ao Chen
- grid.268099.c0000 0001 0348 3990Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003 China
| | - Feng Chen
- grid.268099.c0000 0001 0348 3990School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003 China
| | - Qiang Hou
- grid.268099.c0000 0001 0348 3990State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003 China
| | - Ling Hou
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kaarniranta K, Blasiak J, Liton P, Boulton M, Klionsky DJ, Sinha D. Autophagy in age-related macular degeneration. Autophagy 2023; 19:388-400. [PMID: 35468037 PMCID: PMC9851256 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2022.2069437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment in the aging population with limited understanding of its pathogenesis and a lack of effective treatment. The progression of AMD is initially characterized by atrophic alterations in the retinal pigment epithelium, as well as the formation of lysosomal lipofuscin and extracellular drusen deposits. Damage caused by chronic oxidative stress, protein aggregation and inflammatory processes may lead to geographic atrophy and/or choroidal neovascularization and fibrosis. The role of macroautophagy/autophagy in AMD pathology is steadily emerging. This review describes selective and secretory autophagy and their role in drusen biogenesis, senescence-associated secretory phenotype, inflammation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the pathogenesis of AMD.Abbreviations: Aβ: amyloid-beta; AMBRA1: autophagy and beclin 1 regulator 1; AMD: age-related macular degeneration; ATF6: activating transcription factor 6; ATG: autophagy related; BACE1: beta-secretase 1; BHLHE40: basic helix-loop-helix family member e40; BNIP3: BCL2 interacting protein 3; BNIP3L/NIX: BCL2 interacting protein 3 like; C: complement; CALCOCO2/NDP52: calcium binding and coiled-coil domain 2; CARD: caspase recruitment domain; CDKN2A/p16: cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A; CFB: complement factor B; DELEC1/Dec1; deleted in esophageal cancer 1; EIF2AK3/PERK: eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 3; EMT: epithelial-mesenchymal transition; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; ERN1/IRE1: endoplasmic reticulum to nucleus signaling 1; FUNDC1: FUN14 domain containing 1; GABARAP: GABA type A receptor-associated protein; HMGB1: high mobility group box 1; IL: interleukin; KEAP1: kelch like ECH associated protein 1; LAP: LC3-associated phagocytosis; LAMP2: lysosomal associated membrane protein 2; LIR: LC3-interacting region; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; NFE2L2: NFE2 like bZIP transcription factor 2; NLRP3; NLR family pyrin domain containing 3; NFKB/NFκB: nuclear factor kappa B; OPTN: optineurin; PARL: presenilin associated rhomboid like; PGAM5: PGAM family member 5, mitochondrial serine/threonine protein phosphatase; PINK1: PTEN induced kinase 1; POS: photoreceptor outer segment; PPARGC1A: PPARG coactivator 1 alpha; PRKN: parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase; PYCARD/ASC: PYD and CARD domain containing; ROS: reactive oxygen species; RPE: retinal pigment epithelium; SA: secretory autophagy; SASP: senescence-associated secretory phenotype; SEC22B: SEC22 homolog B, vesicle trafficking protein; SNAP: synaptosome associated protein; SNARE: soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; STX: syntaxin; TGFB2: transforming growth factor beta 2; TRIM16: tripartite motif containing 16; TWIST: twist family bHLH transcription factor; Ub: ubiquitin; ULK: unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase; UPR: unfolded protein response; UPS: ubiquitin-proteasome system; V-ATPase: vacuolar-type H+-translocating ATPase; VIM: vimentin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Janusz Blasiak
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Paloma Liton
- Duke University, Department of Ophthalmology, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael Boulton
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Daniel J. Klionsky
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Debasish Sinha
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Departments of Ophthalmology, Cell Biology, and Developmental Biology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- The Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ng PQ, Saint-Geniez M, Kim LA, Shu DY. Divergent Metabolomic Signatures of TGFβ2 and TNFα in the Induction of Retinal Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Metabolites 2023; 13:213. [PMID: 36837832 PMCID: PMC9966219 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13020213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a dedifferentiation program in which polarized, differentiated epithelial cells lose their cell-cell adhesions and transform into matrix-producing mesenchymal cells. EMT of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells plays a crucial role in many retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and diabetic retinopathy. This dynamic process requires complex metabolic reprogramming to accommodate the demands of this dramatic cellular transformation. Both transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGFβ2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) have the capacity to induce EMT in RPE cells; however, little is known about their impact on the RPE metabolome. Untargeted metabolomics using high-resolution mass spectrometry was performed to reveal the metabolomic signatures of cellular and secreted metabolites of primary human fetal RPE cells treated with either TGFβ2 or TNFα for 5 days. A total of 638 metabolites were detected in both samples; 188 were annotated as primary metabolites. Metabolomics profiling showed distinct metabolomic signatures associated with TGFβ2 and TNFα treatment. Enrichment pathway network analysis revealed alterations in the pentose phosphate pathway, galactose metabolism, nucleotide and pyrimidine metabolism, purine metabolism, and arginine and proline metabolism in TNFα-treated cells compared to untreated control cells, whereas TGFβ2 treatment induced perturbations in fatty acid biosynthesis metabolism, the linoleic acid pathway, and the Notch signaling pathway. These results provide a broad metabolic understanding of the bioenergetic rewiring processes governing TGFβ2- and TNFα-dependent induction of EMT. Elucidating the contributions of TGFβ2 and TNFα and their mechanistic differences in promoting EMT of RPE will enable the identification of novel biomarkers for diagnosis, management, and tailored drug development for retinal fibrotic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pei Qin Ng
- Department of Plant Science, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, Cambridgeshire, UK
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Magali Saint-Geniez
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Leo A. Kim
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Daisy Y. Shu
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hyttinen JMT, Blasiak J, Kaarniranta K. Non-Coding RNAs Regulating Mitochondrial Functions and the Oxidative Stress Response as Putative Targets against Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032636. [PMID: 36768958 PMCID: PMC9917342 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an ever-increasing, insidious disease which reduces the quality of life of millions of elderly people around the world. AMD is characterised by damage to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the macula region of the retina. The origins of this multi-factorial disease are complex and still not fully understood. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial imbalance in the RPE are believed to be important factors in the development of AMD. In this review, the regulation of the mitochondrial function and antioxidant stress response by non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), newly emerged epigenetic factors, is discussed. These molecules include microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular non-coding RNAs. They act mainly as mRNA suppressors, controllers of other ncRNAs, or by interacting with proteins. We include here examples of these RNA molecules which affect various mitochondrial processes and antioxidant signaling of the cell. As a future prospect, the possibility to manipulate these ncRNAs to strengthen mitochondrial and antioxidant response functions is discussed. Non-coding RNAs could be used as potential diagnostic markers for AMD, and in the future, also as therapeutic targets, either by suppressing or increasing their expression. In addition to AMD, it is possible that non-coding RNAs could be regulators in other oxidative stress-related degenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juha M. T. Hyttinen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
- Correspondence:
| | - Janusz Blasiak
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 100, FI-70029 Kuopio, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mowat FM. Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator-1Alpha (PGC-1α): A Transcriptional Regulator at the Interface of Aging and Age-Related Macular Degeneration? ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1415:49-53. [PMID: 37440013 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-27681-1_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Human age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a prevalent age-related disease which causes retinal dysfunction and disability. Genetic and cell culture studies from AMD patients have implicated impaired activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α). PGC-1α is a transcriptional co-regulator that acts to control a plethora of metabolic processes relevant to AMD pathophysiology including gluconeogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation, and response to oxidative injury. Perturbation of PGC-1α activity in mice causes AMD-like RPE and retinal pathology. There is potential for therapeutic modulation of the PGC-1α pathway in AMD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Freya M Mowat
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (School of Medicine and Public Health), Department of Surgical Sciences (School of Veterinary Medicine), Medical Sciences Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Szczepan M, Llorián-Salvador M, Chen M, Xu H. Immune Cells in Subretinal Wound Healing and Fibrosis. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:916719. [PMID: 35755781 PMCID: PMC9226489 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.916719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The subretinal space is devoid of any immune cells under normal conditions and is an immune privileged site. When photoreceptors and/or retinal pigment epithelial cells suffer from an injury, a wound healing process will be initiated. Retinal microglia and the complement system, as the first line of retinal defense, are activated to participate in the wound healing process. If the injury is severe or persists for a prolonged period, they may fail to heal the damage and circulating immune cells will be summoned leading to chronic inflammation and abnormal wound healing, i.e., subretinal or intraretinal fibrosis, a sight-threatening condition frequently observed in rhematogenous retinal detachment, age-related macular degeneration and recurrent uveoretinitis. Here, we discussed the principles of subretinal wound healing with a strong focus on the conditions whereby the damage is beyond the healing capacity of the retinal defense system and highlighted the roles of circulating immune cells in subretinal wound healing and fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manon Szczepan
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - María Llorián-Salvador
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Mei Chen
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Heping Xu
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom,Aier Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, Changsha, China,*Correspondence: Heping Xu,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Liukkonen MPK, Paterno JJ, Kivinen N, Siintamo L, Koskela AKJ, Kaarniranta K. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related serum markers ET-1, IL-8 and TGF-β2 are elevated in a Finnish wet age-related macular degeneration cohort. Acta Ophthalmol 2021; 100:e1153-e1162. [PMID: 34699684 DOI: 10.1111/aos.15051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE It has been hypothesized that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) may occur in the retinal pigment epithelium of advanced stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Various serum and plasma growth factors and inflammatory mediators have been linked to AMD. We were interested in finding out whether systemic levels of EMT-associated markers were altered in the serum of wet AMD patients. Serum biomarkers associated with the various pathological processes of AMD may present an avenue towards identifying and characterizing the birth mechanisms of wet AMD, its progression and severity, paving the way towards the application of precision medicine. METHODS We chose to measure the serum levels of known biomarkers of EMT - EGF (epidermal growth factor), ET-1 (endothelin 1), IL-8 (interleukin 8), TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 (transforming growth factor-beta 1 and 2) and VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth factor A) - using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. We measured them from 71 Finnish wet AMD patients who were receiving intravitreal anti-VEGF-A injection treatments, as well as 64 age-adjusted controls. RESULTS We found significantly elevated levels of ET-1, IL-8 and TGF-β2 in the serums of wet AMD patients. CONCLUSIONS ET-1, IL-8 and TGF-β2 appear to be useful serum biomarkers in understanding active wet AMD. However, we cannot conclude that local retinal EMT-processes could be observed from the corresponding systemic serum biomarkers in patients undergoing anti-VEGF-A treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mikko P. K. Liukkonen
- Department of Ophthalmology Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Eastern Finland Kuopio Finland
| | - Jussi J. Paterno
- Department of Ophthalmology Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Eastern Finland Kuopio Finland
- Department of Ophthalmology Kuopio University Hospital Kuopio Finland
| | - Niko Kivinen
- Department of Ophthalmology Kuopio University Hospital Kuopio Finland
| | - Leea Siintamo
- Department of Ophthalmology Kuopio University Hospital Kuopio Finland
| | - Ali K. J. Koskela
- Department of Ophthalmology Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Eastern Finland Kuopio Finland
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Eastern Finland Kuopio Finland
- Department of Ophthalmology Kuopio University Hospital Kuopio Finland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hyttinen J, Blasiak J, Tavi P, Kaarniranta K. Therapeutic potential of PGC-1α in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) - the involvement of mitochondrial quality control, autophagy, and antioxidant response. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:773-785. [PMID: 34637373 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1991913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading, cause of sight loss in the elderly in the Western world. Most patients remain still without any treatment options. The targeting of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), a transcription co-factor, is a putative therapy against AMD. AREAS COVERED The characteristics of AMD and their possible connection with PGC-1α as well as the transcriptional and post-transcriptional control of PGC-1α are discussed. The PGC-1α-driven control of mitochondrial functions, and its involvement in autophagy and antioxidant responses are also examined. Therapeutic possibilities via drugs and epigenetic approaches to enhance PGC-1α expression are discussed. Authors conducted a search of literature mainly from the recent decade from the PubMed database. EXPERT OPINION Therapy options in AMD could include PGC-1α activation or stabilization. This could be achieved by a direct elevation of PGC-1α activity, a stabilization or modification of its upstream activators and inhibitors by chemical compounds, like 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside, metformin, and resveratrol. Furthermore, manipulations with epigenetic modifiers of PGC-1α expression, including miRNAs, e.g. miR-204, are considered. A therapy aimed at PGC-1α up-regulation may be possible in other disorders besides AMD, if they are associated with disturbances in the mitochondria-antioxidant response-autophagy axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juha Hyttinen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Janusz Blasiak
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Pasi Tavi
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Blasiak J, Hyttinen JMT, Szczepanska J, Pawlowska E, Kaarniranta K. Potential of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9178. [PMID: 34502084 PMCID: PMC8431062 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment in the aging population with poorly known pathogenesis and lack of effective treatment. Age and family history are the strongest AMD risk factors, and several loci were identified to contribute to AMD. Recently, also the epigenetic profile was associated with AMD, and some long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were shown to involve in AMD pathogenesis. The Vax2os1/2 (ventral anterior homeobox 2 opposite strand isoform 1) lncRNAs may modulate the balance between pro- and anti-angiogenic factors in the eye contributing to wet AMD. The stress-induced dedifferentiation of retinal pigment epithelium cells can be inhibited by the ZNF503-AS1 (zinc finger protein 503 antisense RNA 2) and LINC00167 lncRNAs. Overexpression of the PWRN2 (Prader-Willi region non-protein-coding RNA 2) lncRNA aggravated RPE cells apoptosis and mitochondrial impairment induced by oxidative stress. Several other lncRNAs were reported to exert protective or detrimental effects in AMD. However, many studies are limited to an association between lncRNA and AMD in patients or model systems with bioinformatics. Therefore, further works on lncRNAs in AMD are rational, and they should be enriched with mechanistic and clinical studies to validate conclusions obtained in high-throughput in vitro research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janusz Blasiak
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
| | - Juha M. T. Hyttinen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Joanna Szczepanska
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-216 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Elzbieta Pawlowska
- Department of Orthodontics, Medical University of Lodz, 92-217 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Blasiak J, Szczepanska J, Fila M, Pawlowska E, Kaarniranta K. Potential of Telomerase in Age-Related Macular Degeneration-Involvement of Senescence, DNA Damage Response and Autophagy and a Key Role of PGC-1α. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137194. [PMID: 34281248 PMCID: PMC8268995 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the main cause of vision loss in the elderly, is associated with oxidation in the retina cells promoting telomere attrition. Activation of telomerase was reported to improve macular functions in AMD patients. The catalytic subunit of human telomerase (hTERT) may directly interact with proteins important for senescence, DNA damage response, and autophagy, which are impaired in AMD. hTERT interaction with mTORC1 (mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) complex 1) and PINK1 (PTEN-induced kinase 1) activates macroautophagy and mitophagy, respectively, and removes cellular debris accumulated over AMD progression. Ectopic expression of telomerase in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells lengthened telomeres, reduced senescence, and extended their lifespan. These effects provide evidence for the potential of telomerase in AMD therapy. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) may be involved in AMD pathogenesis through decreasing oxidative stress and senescence, regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and improving autophagy. PGC-1α and TERT form an inhibitory positive feedback loop. In conclusion, telomerase activation and its ectopic expression in RPE cells, as well as controlled clinical trials on the effects of telomerase activation in AMD patients, are justified and should be assisted by PGC-1α modulators to increase the therapeutic potential of telomerase in AMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janusz Blasiak
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence: (J.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Joanna Szczepanska
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-216 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Michal Fila
- Department of Developmental Neurology and Epileptology, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute, 93-338 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Elzbieta Pawlowska
- Department of Orthodontics, Medical University of Lodz, 92-217 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
- Correspondence: (J.B.); (K.K.)
| |
Collapse
|