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Wagner N, Tsai T, Reinehr S, Theile J, Dick HB, Joachim SC. Retinal debris triggers cytotoxic damage in cocultivated primary porcine RPE cells. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1401571. [PMID: 39114482 PMCID: PMC11303199 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1401571] [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: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction One of the most common causes of vision loss in the elderly population worldwide is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Subsequently, the number of people affected by AMD is estimated to reach approximately 288 million by the year 2040. The aim of this study was to develop an ex vivo model that simulates various aspects of the complex AMD pathogenesis. Methods For this purpose, primary porcine retinal pigment epithelial cells (ppRPE) were isolated and cultured. One group was exposed to medium containing sodium iodate (NaIO3) to induce degeneration. The others were exposed to different supplemented media, such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), homogenized porcine retinas (HPR), or rod outer segments (ROOS) for eight days to promote retinal deposits. Then, these ppRPE cells were cocultured with porcine neuroretina explants for another eight days. To assess the viability of ppRPE cells, live/dead assay was performed at the end of the study. The positive RPE65 and ZO1 area was evaluated by immunocytochemistry and the expression of RLBP1, RPE65, and TJP1 was analyzed by RT-qPCR. Additionally, drusen (APOE), inflammation (ITGAM, IL6, IL8, NLRP3, TNF), oxidative stress (NFE2L2, SOD1, SOD2), and hypoxia (HIF1A) markers were investigated. The concentration of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 was determined in medium supernatants from day 16 and 24 via ELISA. Results Live/dead assay suggests that especially exposure to NaIO3 and HPR induced damage to ppRPE cells, leading in a significant ppRPE cell loss. All supplemented media resulted in decreased RPE-characteristic markers (RPE65; ZO-1) and gene expression like RLBP1 and RPE65 in the cultured ppRPE cells. Besides, some inflammatory, oxidative as well as hypoxic stress markers were altered in ppRPE cells cultivated with NaIO3. The application of HPR induced an enhanced APOE expression. Pre-exposure of the ppRPE cells led to a diminished number of cones in all supplemented media groups compared to controls. Discussion Overall, this novel coculture model represents an interesting initial approach to incorporating deposits into coculture to mimic AMD pathogenesis. Nevertheless, the effects of the media used need to be investigated in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Stephanie C. Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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2
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Wang XL, Gao YX, Yuan QZ, Zhang M. Protective effects of CY-09 and astaxanthin on NaIO 3-induced photoreceptor inflammation via the NLRP3/autophagy pathway. Int J Ophthalmol 2024; 17:1217-1231. [PMID: 39026909 PMCID: PMC11246927 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2024.07.05] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM To study the effect of the NLRP3/autophagy pathway on the photoreceptor inflammatory response and the protective mechanism of CY-09 and astaxanthin (AST). METHODS ICR mice were intraperitoneally injected NaIO3, CY-09, AST successively and divided into 5 groups, including the control, NaIO3, NaIO3+CY-09, NaIO3+AST, and NaIO3+CY-09+AST groups. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography and flash electroretinogram were examined and the retina tissues were harvested for immunohistochemistry, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blotting. Retinal pigment epithelium cell line (ARPE-19 cells) and mouse photoreceptor cells line (661W cells) were also treated with NaIO3, CY-09, and AST successively. Cell proliferation was assessed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Changes in autophagosome morphology were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to detect NLRP3 and caspase-1. NLRP3, caspase-1, cleaved caspase-1, p62, Beclin-1, and LC3 protein levels were measured by Western blotting. IL-1β and IL-18 were measured by ELISA. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the activity of NaIO3-treated 661W cells decreased within 24 and 48h, apoptosis increased, NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 levels increased, and autophagy-related protein levels increased (P<0.05). Compared with NaIO3 group, CY-09 and AST inhibited apoptosis (P<0.05), reduced NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 expression (P<0.05), and inhibited autophagy. Compared with the other groups, CY-09 combined with AST significantly decreased NLRP3 expression and inhibited the expression of the autophagy-related proteins p62, Beclin-1, and LC3 in vitro and in vivo (P<0.05). CONCLUSION CY-09 and AST inhibit NaIO3-induced inflammatory damage through the NLRP3/autophagy pathway in vitro and in vivo. CY-09 and AST may protect retina from inflammatory injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Li Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yun-Xia Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qiong-Zhen Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
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Liu J, Copland DA, Clare AJ, Gorski M, Richards BT, Scott L, Theodoropoulou S, Greferath U, Cox K, Shi G, Bell OH, Ou K, Powell JLB, Wu J, Robles LM, Li Y, Nicholson LB, Coffey PJ, Fletcher EL, Guymer R, Radeke MJ, Heid IM, Hageman GS, Chan YK, Dick AD. Replenishing IRAK-M expression in retinal pigment epithelium attenuates outer retinal degeneration. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadi4125. [PMID: 38838135 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adi4125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is a constitutive component of many age-related diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Here, we identified interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase M (IRAK-M) as a key immunoregulator in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) that declines during the aging process. Rare genetic variants of IRAK3, which encodes IRAK-M, were associated with an increased likelihood of developing AMD. In human samples and mouse models, IRAK-M abundance in the RPE declined with advancing age or exposure to oxidative stress and was further reduced in AMD. Irak3-knockout mice exhibited an increased incidence of outer retinal degeneration at earlier ages, which was further exacerbated by oxidative stressors. The absence of IRAK-M led to a disruption in RPE cell homeostasis, characterized by compromised mitochondrial function, cellular senescence, and aberrant cytokine production. IRAK-M overexpression protected RPE cells against oxidative or immune stressors. Subretinal delivery of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-expressing human IRAK3 rescued light-induced outer retinal degeneration in wild-type mice and attenuated age-related spontaneous retinal degeneration in Irak3-knockout mice. Our data show that replenishment of IRAK-M in the RPE may redress dysregulated pro-inflammatory processes in AMD, suggesting a potential treatment for retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Liu
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - David A Copland
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Alison J Clare
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Mathias Gorski
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg 93053, Germany
| | - Burt T Richards
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Louis Scott
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Sofia Theodoropoulou
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Ursula Greferath
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Katherine Cox
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Gongyu Shi
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Oliver H Bell
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Kepeng Ou
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Jenna Le Brun Powell
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Jiahui Wu
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Luis Martinez Robles
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Yingxin Li
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Lindsay B Nicholson
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Peter J Coffey
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Erica L Fletcher
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Robyn Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Monte J Radeke
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Iris M Heid
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg 93053, Germany
| | - Gregory S Hageman
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Ying Kai Chan
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Andrew D Dick
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London EC1V 2PD, UK
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Yang YC, Chien Y, Yarmishyn AA, Lim LY, Tsai HY, Kuo WC, Tsai PH, Yang SH, Hong SI, Chen SJ, Hwang DK, Yang YP, Chiou SH. Inhibition of oxidative stress-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in retinal pigment epithelial cells of age-related macular degeneration model by suppressing ERK activation. J Adv Res 2024; 60:141-157. [PMID: 37328058 PMCID: PMC11156608 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is related to the pathogenesis of various retinopathies including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Oxidative stress is the major factor that induces degeneration of RPE cells associated with the etiology of AMD. OBJECTIVES Sodium iodate (NaIO3) generates intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and is widely used to establish a model of AMD due to the selective induction of retinal degeneration. This study was performed to clarify the effects of multiple NaIO3-stimulated signaling pathways on EMT in RPE cells. METHODS The EMT characteristics in NaIO3-treated human ARPE-19 cells and RPE cells of the mouse eyes were analyzed. Multiple oxidative stress-induced modulators were investigated and the effects of pre-treatment with Ca2+ chelator, extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) inhibitor, or epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor on NaIO3-induced EMT were determined. The efficacy of post-treatment with ERK inhibitor on the regulation of NaIO3-induced signaling pathways was dissected and its role in retinal thickness and morphology was evaluated by using histological cross-sections and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. RESULTS We found that NaIO3 induced EMT in ARPE-19 cells and in RPE cells of the mouse eyes. The intracellular ROS, Ca2+, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress marker, phospho-ERK, and phospho-EGFR were increased in NaIO3-stimulated cells. Our results showed that pre-treatment with Ca2+ chelator, ERK inhibitor, or EGFR inhibitor decreased NaIO3-induced EMT, interestingly, the inhibition of ERK displayed the most prominent effect. Furthermore, post-treatment with FR180204, a specific ERK inhibitor, reduced intracellular ROS and Ca2+ levels, downregulated phospho-EGFR and ER stress marker, attenuated EMT of RPE cells, and prevented structural disorder of the retina induced by NaIO3. CONCLUSIONS ERK is a crucial regulator of multiple NaIO3-induced signaling pathways that coordinate EMT program in RPE cells. Inhibition of ERK may be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Chi Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan; College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Yueh Chien
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan; College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Aliaksandr A Yarmishyn
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan; College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Lee-Yieng Lim
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Yu Tsai
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan; Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chuan Kuo
- Institute of Biophotonics, College of Biomedical Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Hsing Tsai
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan; College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan; Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Hsien Yang
- Institute of Biophotonics, College of Biomedical Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Shao-I Hong
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan; Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jen Chen
- College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan; Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
| | - De-Kuang Hwang
- College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan; Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan; College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan; Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan.
| | - Shih-Hwa Chiou
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan; College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan; Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan; Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan; Genomic Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115024, Taiwan.
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Chen X, Wei DD, Lin M, Wang XS, Kang HJ, Ni L, Qian DW, Guo S, Duan JA. Comparative evaluation of four Lycium barbarum cultivars on NaIO 3-induced retinal degeneration mice via multivariate statistical analysis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 325:117889. [PMID: 38336183 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The fruit of Lycium barbarum L. (goji berry) is a traditional Chinese medicine and is often used to improve vision. While various goji cultivars may differentially treat retinal degeneration, however their comparative effectiveness remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To evaluate the protective effects of four goji cultivars on NaIO3-induced retinal degeneration mouse model and identify the most therapeutically potent cultivar. MATERIALS AND METHODS The principal compounds in the extracts of four goji cultivars were characterized by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. A retinal degeneration mouse model was established via NaIO3 injection. Dark-light transition and TUNEL assays were used to assess visual function and retinal apoptosis. The levels of antioxidative, inflammatory, and angiogenic markers in serums and eyeballs were measured. Hierarchical cluster analysis, principal component analysis and partial least squares-discriminant analysis were used to objectively compare the treatment responses. RESULTS Sixteen compounds were identified in goji berry extracts. All goji berry extracts could reverse NaIO3-induced visual impairment, retinal damage and apoptosis. The samples from the cultivar of Ningqi No.1 significantly modulated oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular endothelial growth factor levels, which are more effectively than the other cultivars based on integrated multivariate profiling. CONCLUSION Ningqi No.1 demonstrated a stronger protective effect on mouse retina than other goji cultivars, and is a potential variety for further research on the treatment of retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization/ National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Dan-Dan Wei
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization/ National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ming Lin
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization/ National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xue-Sen Wang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization/ National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Hong-Jie Kang
- Ningxia Innovation Center of Goji R & D, Yinchuan, 750002, China
| | - Liang Ni
- Guizhou Tongde Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Tongren, 554300, China
| | - Da-Wei Qian
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization/ National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Sheng Guo
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization/ National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Jin-Ao Duan
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization/ National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Tsou SC, Chuang CJ, Wang I, Chen TC, Yeh JH, Hsu CL, Hung YC, Lee MC, Chang YY, Lin HW. Lemon Peel Water Extract: A Novel Material for Retinal Health, Protecting Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells against Dynamin-Related Protein 1-Mediated Mitochondrial Fission by Blocking ROS-Stimulated Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Pathway. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:538. [PMID: 38790643 PMCID: PMC11117509 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13050538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous studies showed that NaIO3 can induce oxidative stress-mediated retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) damage to simulate age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Lemon peel is rich in antioxidants and components that can penetrate the blood-retinal barrier, but their role in retinal oxidative damage remains unexplored. Here, we explore the protection of lemon peel ultrasonic-assisted water extract (LUWE), containing large amounts of flavonoids and polyphenols, against NaIO3-induced retinal degeneration. We initially demonstrated that LUWE, orally administered, prevented retinal distortion and thinning on the inner and outer nuclei layers, downregulating cleaved caspase-3 protein expression in RPE cells in NaIO3-induced mice. The effect of LUWE was achieved through the suppression of apoptosis and the associated proteins, such as cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-3, as suggested by NaIO3-induced ARPE-19 cell models. This is because LUWE reduced reactive oxygen species-mediated mitochondrial fission via regulating p-Drp-1 and Fis1 expression. We further confirmed that LUWE suppresses the expression of p-MEK-1/2 and p-ERK-1/2 in NaIO3-induced ARPE-19 cells, thereby providing the protection described above, which was confirmed using PD98059 and U0126. These results indicated that LUWE prevents mitochondrial oxidative stress-mediated RPE damage via the MEK/ERK pathway. Elucidation of the molecular mechanism may provide a new protective strategy against retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang-Chun Tsou
- Department of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan; (S.-C.T.); (C.-L.H.)
| | - Chen-Ju Chuang
- Emergency Department, St. Martin De Porres Hospital, Chiayi 60069, Taiwan;
| | - Inga Wang
- Rehabilitation Sciences & Technology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA;
| | - Tzu-Chun Chen
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan; (T.-C.C.); (J.-H.Y.)
| | - Jui-Hsuan Yeh
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan; (T.-C.C.); (J.-H.Y.)
| | - Chin-Lin Hsu
- Department of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan; (S.-C.T.); (C.-L.H.)
| | - Yu-Chien Hung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan;
| | - Ming-Chung Lee
- Brion Research Institute of Taiwan, New Taipei City 23143, Taiwan;
| | - Yuan-Yen Chang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Wen Lin
- Department of Optometry, Asia University, Taichung 413305, Taiwan
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Iezzi R, Scruggs BA, Gandhi J, Zenti FN, Shafi N, Berger A, Marmorstein AD. Early Choriocapillaris Loss in a Porcine Model of RPE Cell Debridement Precedes Pathology That Simulates Advanced Macular Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:8. [PMID: 38568620 PMCID: PMC10996981 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.4.8] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose No large-mammal surgical models exist for geographic atrophy (GA), choroidal neovascularization (CNV), and pachychoroidal vascular remodeling. Our goal was to develop a porcine RPE debridement model of advanced macular degeneration to study photoreceptor cell loss and choroidal remodeling. Methods Seven 2-month-old female domestic pigs were used for this study. After 25G vitrectomy, the area centralis was detached via subretinal bleb. A nitinol wire (Finesse Flex Loop) was used to debride RPE cells across a 3- to 5-mm diameter region. Fluid-air exchange was performed, and 20% SF6 gas injected. Animals underwent fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCT-angiography (OCTA) at 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Retinal histology was obtained at euthanasia, 2 months (n = 3), 3 months (n = 2), or 6 months (n = 2) after surgery. Results RPE debridement resulted in GA with rapid loss of choriocapillaris, progressive loss of photoreceptors, and pachychoroidal changes in Sattler's and Haller's layers in all seven eyes undergoing debridement within 2 months. OCT and histological findings included subretinal disciform scar with overlying outer retinal atrophy; outer retinal tubulations and subretinal hyper-reflective material. OCTA revealed type 2 CNV (n = 4) at the edges of the debridement zone by 2 months, but there was no significant exudation noted at any time point. Conclusions Surgical debridement of the RPE results in GA, CNV, and pachychoroid and reproduced all forms of advanced macular degeneration. This surgical model may be useful in examining the role of RPE and other cell replacement in treating advanced macular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Iezzi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Brittni A. Scruggs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Jarel Gandhi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Francesca N. Zenti
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Noah Shafi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Aubrey Berger
- Regenerative Sciences, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Alan D. Marmorstein
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
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Li M, Wang P, Huo ST, Qiu H, Li C, Lin S, Guo L, Ji Y, Zhu Y, Liu J, Guo J, Na J, Hu Y. Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived Endothelial Cells Repair Choroidal Ischemia. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2302940. [PMID: 38115754 PMCID: PMC10916649 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Choroidal atrophy is a common fundus pathological change closely related to the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa, and pathological myopia. Studies suggest that choroidal endothelial cells (CECs) that form the choriocapillaris vessels are the first cells lost in choroidal atrophy. It is found that endothelial cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC-ECs) through the MESP1+ mesodermal progenitor stage express CECs-specific markers and can integrate into choriocapillaris. Single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) studies show that hPSC-ECs upregulate angiogenesis and immune-modulatory and neural protective genes after interacting with ex vivo ischemic choroid. In a rat model of choroidal ischemia (CI), transplantation of hPSC-ECs into the suprachoroidal space increases choroid thickness and vasculature density. Close-up examination shows that engrafted hPSC-ECs integrate with all layers of rat choroidal vessels and last 90 days. Remarkably, EC transplantation improves the visual function of CI rats. The work demonstrates that hPSC-ECs can be used to repair choroidal ischemia in the animal model, which may lead to a new therapy to alleviate choroidal atrophy implicated in dry AMD, pathological myopia, and other ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengda Li
- Eye CenterBeijing Tsinghua Changgung HospitalBeijing102218China
- Institute for Precision MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- School of Clinical MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Peiliang Wang
- SXMU‐Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier MedicineSchool of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare DiseasesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative MedicineSchool of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Si Tong Huo
- Eye CenterBeijing Tsinghua Changgung HospitalBeijing102218China
- Institute for Precision MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- School of Clinical MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Hui Qiu
- SXMU‐Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier MedicineSchool of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare DiseasesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative MedicineSchool of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- School of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Chendi Li
- Eye CenterBeijing Tsinghua Changgung HospitalBeijing102218China
- Institute for Precision MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- School of Clinical MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Siyong Lin
- Eye CenterBeijing Tsinghua Changgung HospitalBeijing102218China
- Institute for Precision MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- School of Clinical MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Libin Guo
- Eye CenterBeijing Tsinghua Changgung HospitalBeijing102218China
- Institute for Precision MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- School of Clinical MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Yicong Ji
- Eye CenterBeijing Tsinghua Changgung HospitalBeijing102218China
- Institute for Precision MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- School of Clinical MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Yonglin Zhu
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative MedicineSchool of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Jinyang Liu
- SXMU‐Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier MedicineSchool of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare DiseasesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative MedicineSchool of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Jianying Guo
- Center for Reproductive MedicineDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyPeking University Third HospitalBeijing100191China
| | - Jie Na
- SXMU‐Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier MedicineSchool of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare DiseasesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative MedicineSchool of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Yuntao Hu
- Eye CenterBeijing Tsinghua Changgung HospitalBeijing102218China
- Institute for Precision MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- School of Clinical MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
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9
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Chen J, Zhao L, Zhang L, Luo Y, Jiang Y, H P. The identification of signature genes and their relationship with immune cell infiltration in age-related macular degeneration. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:339. [PMID: 38393419 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08969-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a prevalent source of visual impairment among the elderly population, and its incidence has risen in tandem with the increasing longevity of humans. Despite the progress made with anti-VEGF therapy, clinical outcomes have proven to be unsatisfactory. METHOD We obtained differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of AMD patients and healthy controls from the GEO database. GO and KEGG analyses were used to enrich the DEGs. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify modules related to AMD. SVM, random forest, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were employed to screen hub genes. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to explore the pathways in which these hub genes were enriched. CIBERSORT was utilized to analyze the relationship between the hub genes and immune cell infiltration. Finally, Western blotting and RT‒PCR were used to explore the expression of hub genes in AMD mice. RESULTS We screened 1084 DEGs in GSE29801, of which 496 genes were upregulated. These 1084 DEGs were introduced into the WGCNA, and 94 genes related to AMD were obtained. Seventy-nine overlapping genes were obtained by the Venn plot. These 79 genes were introduced into three machine-learning methods to screen the hub genes, and the genes identified by the three methods were TNC, FAP, SREBF1, and TGF-β2. We verified their diagnostic function in the GSE29801 and GSE103060 datasets. Then, the hub gene co-enrichment pathways were obtained by GO and KEGG analyses. CIBERSORT analysis showed that these hub genes were associated with immune cell infiltration. Finally, we found increased expression of TNC, FAP, SREBF1, and TGF-β2 mRNA and protein in the retinas of AMD mice. CONCLUSION We found that four hub genes, namely, FAP, TGF-β2, SREBF1, and TNC, have diagnostic significance in patients with AMD and are related to immune cell infiltration. Finally, we determined that the mRNA and protein expression of these hub genes was upregulated in the retinas of AMD mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinquan Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Tongnan District People's Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Long Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Longbin Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Tongnan District People's Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Yiling Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Tongnan District People's Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuling Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Tongnan District People's Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng H
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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10
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Biber J, Jabri Y, Glänzer S, Dort A, Hoffelner P, Schmidt CQ, Bludau O, Pauly D, Grosche A. Gliosis-dependent expression of complement factor H truncated variants attenuates retinal neurodegeneration following ischemic injury. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:56. [PMID: 38388518 PMCID: PMC10885619 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03045-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Inherited, age-related, and acute retinal diseases are often exacerbated by an aberrant or excessive activity of the complement system. Consequently, cells not directly affected by an acute event or genetic variants may degenerate, resulting in enhanced visual impairment. The therapeutic potential of supplementation of complement factor H (FH), a key regulator of the complement cascade, is therefore particularly promising in the context of retinal diseases caused by complement activation. In this study, we engineered adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) containing sequences of two truncated human FH variants. The expression of these variants was regulated by the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter, which is selectively active in gliotic Müller cells. Both FH variants consisted of FH domains 19-20, which were connected to domains 1-4 and 1-7, respectively, by a polyglycine linker. These AAVs were intravitreally injected following ischemic injury of C57BL/6J mouse retinas. We observed transgene expression in gliotic Müller cells and to some extent in astrocytes. The expression correlated directly with damage severity. Interventions resulted in decreased complement activation, accelerated normalization of microglia activity and morphological improvements. Reduced levels of C3 transcripts and C3d protein in conjunction with higher transcript levels of inhibitory regulators like Cfi and Cfh, hinted at attenuated complement activity. This study demonstrates the great potential of complement regulatory gene addition therapy. With further in vivo testing it could be applied to treat a wide range of retinal diseases where no causative therapies are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Biber
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Yassin Jabri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Glänzer
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Aaron Dort
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Patricia Hoffelner
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Christoph Q Schmidt
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
- Institute of Pharmacy, Biochemical Pharmacy Group, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Oliver Bludau
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Diana Pauly
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Antje Grosche
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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11
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Zhao Q, Lai K. Role of immune inflammation regulated by macrophage in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration. Exp Eye Res 2024; 239:109770. [PMID: 38145794 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109770] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can lead to irreversible impairment of visual function, and the number of patients with AMD has been increasing globally. The immunoinflammatory theory is an important pathogenic mechanism of AMD, with macrophages serving as the primary inflammatory infiltrating cells in AMD lesions. Its powerful immunoinflammatory regulatory function has attracted considerable attention. Herein, we provide an overview of the involvement of macrophage-regulated immunoinflammation in different stages of AMD. Additionally, we summarize novel therapeutic approaches for AMD, focusing on targeting macrophages, such as macrophage/microglia modulators, reduction of macrophage aggregation in the subretinal space, modulation of macrophage effector function, macrophage phenotypic alterations, and novel biomimetic nanocomposites development based on macrophage-associated functional properties. We aimed to provide a basis and reference for the further exploration of AMD pathogenesis, developmental influences, and new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, No.7 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Kunbei Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, No.7 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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12
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Liu YS, Pan JQ, Pan XB, Kong FS, Zhang JQ, Wei ZY, Xu ZH, Rao JH, Wang JH, Chen JH. Comparative Analysis of Molecular Landscape in Mouse Models and Patients Reveals Conserved Inflammation Pathways in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:13. [PMID: 38175639 PMCID: PMC10774692 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.1.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify key genes and their regulatory networks that are conserved in mouse models of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and human AMD. Methods Retinal RNA-Seq was performed in laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) mice at day 3 and day 7 after photocoagulation. Mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis was performed with retinas collected at day 3. Retinal RNA-Seq data was further compared among mouse models of laser-induced CNV and NaIO3-induced retinal degeneration (RD) and a large AMD cohort. Results Retinal RNA-Seq revealed upregulated genes and pathways related to innate immunity and inflammation in mice with CNV, with more profound changes at the early stage (day 3). Proteomic analysis further validated these differentially expressed genes and their networks in retinal inflammation during CNV. Notably, the most evident overlap in the retina of mice with laser-induced CNV and NaIO3-induced RD was the upregulation of inflammation-related genes, pointing to a common vital role of retinal inflammation in the early stage for both mouse AMD models. Further comparative transcriptomic analysis of the mouse AMD models and human AMD identified 48 conserved genes mainly involved in inflammation response. Among them, B2M, C3, and SERPING1 were upregulated in all stages of human AMD and the mouse AMD models compared to controls. Conclusions Our study demonstrates conserved molecular changes related to retinal inflammation in mouse AMD models and human AMD and provides new insight into the translational application of these mouse models in studying AMD mechanisms and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Shan Liu
- Department of Pediatric Laboratory, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Jiangnan University (Wuxi Children's Hospital), Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jia-Qi Pan
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xu-Bin Pan
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fan-Sheng Kong
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing-Qian Zhang
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Wei
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhou-Heng Xu
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun-Hua Rao
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ji-Hong Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian-Huan Chen
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Jiangnan University & Xinshijie Hospital Ophthalmic Research Center, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
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13
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Huang JM, Zhao N, Hao XN, Li SY, Wei D, Pu N, Peng GH, Tao Y. CX3CL1/CX3CR1 Signaling Mediated Neuroglia Activation Is Implicated in the Retinal Degeneration: A Potential Therapeutic Target to Prevent Photoreceptor Death. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:29. [PMID: 38231527 PMCID: PMC10795588 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.1.29] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal degeneration (RD) is a large cluster of retinopathies that is characterized by the progressive photoreceptor death and visual impairments. CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signaling has been documented to mediate the microglia activation and gliosis reaction during neurodegeneration. We intend to verify whether the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signaling is involved in the RD pathology. Methods A pharmacologically induced RD mice model was established. AZD8797, a CX3CR1 antagonist, was injected into the vitreous cavity of an RD model to modulate the neuroglia activation. Then, the experimental animals were subjected to functional, morphological, and behavioral analysis. Results The CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signaling mediated neuroglia activation was implicated in the photoreceptor demise of an RD model. Intravitreal injection of AZD8797 preserved the retinal structure and enhanced the photoreceptor survival through inhibiting the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 expressions. Fundus photography showed that the distribution of retinal vessel was clear, and the severity of lesions was alleviated by AZD8797. In particular, these morphological benefits could be translated into remarkable functional improvements, as evidenced by the behavioral test and electroretinogram (mf-ERG) examination. A mechanism study showed that AZD8797 mitigated the microglia activation and migration in the degenerative retinas. The Müller cell hyper-reaction and secondary gliosis response were also suppressed by AZD8797. Conclusions The neuroinflammation is implicated in the photoreceptor loss of RD pathology. Targeting the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signaling may serve as an effective therapeutic strategy. Future refinements of these findings may cast light into the discovery of new medications for RD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Min Huang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Laboratory of Visual Cell Differentiation and Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Na Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Laboratory of Visual Cell Differentiation and Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Na Hao
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Laboratory of Visual Cell Differentiation and Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Si-Yu Li
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Laboratory of Visual Cell Differentiation and Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dong Wei
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Laboratory of Visual Cell Differentiation and Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ning Pu
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Laboratory of Visual Cell Differentiation and Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guang-Hua Peng
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Laboratory of Visual Cell Differentiation and Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ye Tao
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Laboratory of Visual Cell Differentiation and Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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14
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Bhutto IA, McLeod DS, Thomson BR, Lutty GA, Edwards MM. Visualization of choroidal vasculature in pigmented mouse eyes from experimental models of AMD. Exp Eye Res 2024; 238:109741. [PMID: 38056552 PMCID: PMC10872330 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
A variety of techniques exist to investigate retinal and choroidal vascular changes in experimental mouse models of human ocular diseases. While all have specific advantages, a method for evaluating the choroidal vasculature in pigmented mouse eyes has been more challenging especially for whole mount visualization and morphometric analysis. Here we report a simple, reliable technique involving bleaching pigment prior to immunostaining the vasculature in whole mounts of pigmented mouse choroids. Eyes from healthy adult pigmented C57BL/6J mice were used to establish the methodology. The retina and anterior segment were separated from the choroid. The choroid with retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) and sclera was soaked in 1% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to remove the RPE. Tissues were fixed in 2% paraformaldehyde (PFA) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Choroids were subjected to melanin bleaching with 10% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at 55 °C for 90 min, washed in PBS and then immunostained with anti-podocalyxin antibody to label vascular endothelium followed by Cy3-AffiniPure donkey anti-goat IgG at 4 °C overnight. Images of immunostained bleached choroids were captured using a Zeiss 710 confocal microscope. In addition to control eyes, this method was used to analyze the choroids from subretinal sodium iodate (NaIO3) RPE atrophy and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) mouse models. The H2O2 pretreatment effectively bleached the melanin, resulting in a transparent choroid. Immunolabeling with podocalyxin antibody following bleaching provided excellent visualization of choroidal vasculature in the flat perspective. In control choroids, the choriocapillaris (CC) displayed different anatomical patterns in peripapillary (PP), mid peripheral (MP) and far peripheral (FP) choroid. Morphometric analysis of the vascular area (VA) revealed that the CC was most dense in the PP region (87.4 ± 4.3% VA) and least dense in FP (79.9 ± 6.7% VA). CC diameters also varied depending on location from 11.4 ± 1.97 mm in PP to 15.1 ± 3.15 mm in FP. In the NaIO3-injected eyes, CC density was significantly reduced in the RPE atrophic regions (50.7 ± 5.8% VA in PP and 45.8 ± 6.17% VA in MP) compared to the far peripheral non-atrophic regions (82.8 ± 3.8% VA). CC diameters were significantly reduced in atrophic regions (6.35 ± 1.02 mm in PP and 6.5 ± 1.2 mm in MP) compared to non-atrophic regions (14.16 ± 2.12 mm). In the laser-induced CNV model, CNV area was 0.26 ± 0.09 mm2 and luminal diameters of CNV vessels were 4.7 ± 0.9 mm. Immunostaining on bleached choroids with anti-podocalyxin antibody provides a simple and reliable tool for visualizing normal and pathologic choroidal vasculature in pigmented mouse eyes for quantitative morphometric analysis. This method will be beneficial for examining and evaluating the effects of various treatment modalities on the choroidal vasculature in mouse models of ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, and degenerative genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran A Bhutto
- Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - D Scott McLeod
- Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Benjamin R Thomson
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg SOM, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gerard A Lutty
- Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Malia M Edwards
- Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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15
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Malih S, Song YS, Sorenson CM, Sheibani N. Choroidal Mast Cells and Pathophysiology of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Cells 2023; 13:50. [PMID: 38201254 PMCID: PMC10778483 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains a leading cause of vision loss in elderly patients. Its etiology and progression are, however, deeply intertwined with various cellular and molecular interactions within the retina and choroid. Among the key cellular players least studied are choroidal mast cells, with important roles in immune and allergic responses. Here, we will review what is known regarding the pathophysiology of AMD and expand on the recently proposed intricate roles of choroidal mast cells and their activation in outer retinal degeneration and AMD pathogenesis. We will focus on choroidal mast cell activation, the release of their bioactive mediators, and potential impact on ocular oxidative stress, inflammation, and overall retinal and choroidal health. We propose an important role for thrombospondin-1 (TSP1), a major ocular angioinflammatory factor, in regulation of choroidal mast cell homeostasis and activation in AMD pathogenesis. Drawing from limited studies, this review underscores the need for further comprehensive studies aimed at understanding the precise roles changes in TSP1 levels and choroidal mast cell activity play in pathophysiology of AMD. We will also propose potential therapeutic strategies targeting these regulatory pathways, and highlighting the promise they hold for curbing AMD progression through modulation of mast cell activity. In conclusion, the evolving understanding of the role of choroidal mast cells in AMD pathogenesis will not only offer deeper insights into the underlying mechanisms but will also offer opportunities for development of novel preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Malih
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (S.M.); (Y.-S.S.)
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 15614, Iran
| | - Yong-Seok Song
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (S.M.); (Y.-S.S.)
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - Christine M. Sorenson
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Nader Sheibani
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (S.M.); (Y.-S.S.)
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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16
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Sreekumar PG, Su F, Spee C, Hong E, Komirisetty R, Araujo E, Nusinowitz S, Reddy ST, Kannan R. Paraoxonase 2 Deficiency Causes Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells and Retinal Degeneration in Mice. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1820. [PMID: 37891899 PMCID: PMC10604559 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12101820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although AMD is a complex disease, oxidative stress is a crucial contributor to its development, especially in view of the higher oxygen demand of the retina. Paraoxonase 2 (PON2) is a ubiquitously and constitutively expressed antioxidant protein that is found intracellularly associated with mitochondrial membranes and modulates mitochondrial ROS production and function. The contribution of PON2 to AMD has not been studied to date. In this study, we examined the role of PON2 in AMD utilizing both in vitro and in vivo models of AMD with emphasis on mitochondrial function. Mitochondrial localization and regulation of PON2 following oxidative stress were determined in human primary cultured retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE) cells. PON2 was knocked down in RPE cells using siRNA and mitochondrial bioenergetics were measured. To investigate the function of PON2 in the retina, WT and PON2-deficient mice were administered NaIO3 (20 mg/kg) intravenously; fundus imaging, optical coherence tomography (OCT), electroretinography (ERG) were conducted; and retinal thickness and cell death were measured and quantified. In hRPE, mitochondrial localization of PON2 increased markedly with stress. Moreover, a time-dependent regulation of PON2 was observed following oxidative stress, with an initial significant increase in expression followed by a significant decrease. Mitochondrial bioenergetic parameters (basal respiration, ATP production, spare respiratory capacity, and maximal respiration) showed a significant decrease with oxidative stress, which was further exacerbated in the absence of PON2. NaIO3 treatment caused significant retinal degeneration, retinal thinning, and reduced rod and cone function in PON2-deficient mice when compared to WT mice. The apoptotic cells and active caspase 3 significantly increased in PON2-deficient mice treated with NaIO3, when compared to WT mice. Our investigation demonstrates that deficiency of PON2 results in RPE mitochondrial dysfunction and a decline in retinal function. These findings imply that PON2 may have a beneficial role in retinal pathophysiology and is worthy of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Feng Su
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| | - Christine Spee
- Doheny Eye Institute, Pasadena, CA 91103, USA; (P.G.S.); (C.S.); (E.H.)
| | - Elise Hong
- Doheny Eye Institute, Pasadena, CA 91103, USA; (P.G.S.); (C.S.); (E.H.)
| | - Ravikiran Komirisetty
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| | - Eduardo Araujo
- Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (E.A.); (S.N.)
| | - Steven Nusinowitz
- Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (E.A.); (S.N.)
| | - Srinivasa T. Reddy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ram Kannan
- Doheny Eye Institute, Pasadena, CA 91103, USA; (P.G.S.); (C.S.); (E.H.)
- Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (E.A.); (S.N.)
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17
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Iwagawa T, Saita K, Sagara H, Watanabe S. Downregulation of VEGF in the retinal pigment epithelium followed by choriocapillaris atrophy after NaIO3 treatment in mice. Exp Eye Res 2023; 234:109598. [PMID: 37479076 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Sodium iodate (NaIO3) induces retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dysfunction, which leads to photoreceptor degeneration. Previously, we used electron microscopy to show that the administration of NaIO3 resulted in the accumulation of cell debris in the subretinal space, which was thought to be caused by failed phagocytosis in the outer segment of the photoreceptor due to RPE dysfunction. We further analyzed the pathological changes in the retina and choroid of NaIO3-injected mice, and found that the expression of OTX2, an RPE marker, disappeared from central part of the RPE 1 day after NaIO3 administration. Furthermore, fenestrated capillaries (choriocapillaris, CC) adjacent to the RPE could not be identified only 2 days after NaIO3 administration. An examination of the expression of the CC-specific protein plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein (PLVAP), in sections and flat-mount retina/choroid specimens showed destruction of the CC, and complete disappearance of the PLVAP signal 7 days after NaIO3 administration. In contrast, CD31 flat-mount immunohistochemistry of the retina indicated no difference in retinal vessels between NaIO3-treated mice and controls. Electron microscopy showed that the fenestrated capillaries in the kidney and duodenum were morphologically indistinguishable between control and NaIO3-treated mice. We examined cytokine production in the retina and RPE, and found that the Vegfa transcript level in the RPE decreased starting 1 day after NaIO3 administration. Taken together, these observations show that NaIO3 reduces the CC in the early stages of the pathology, which is accompanied by a rapid decrease in Vegfa expression in the RPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiro Iwagawa
- Department of Retinal Biology and Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kosuke Saita
- Department of Retinal Biology and Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan; Department of Anesthesiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sagara
- Medical Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sumiko Watanabe
- Department of Retinal Biology and Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan.
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18
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Jones MK, Orozco LD, Qin H, Truong T, Caplazi P, Elstrott J, Modrusan Z, Chaney SY, Jeanne M. Integration of human stem cell-derived in vitro systems and mouse preclinical models identifies complex pathophysiologic mechanisms in retinal dystrophy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1252547. [PMID: 37691820 PMCID: PMC10483287 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1252547] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare DRAM2 coding variants cause retinal dystrophy with early macular involvement via unknown mechanisms. We found that DRAM2 is ubiquitously expressed in the human eye and expression changes were observed in eyes with more common maculopathy such as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). To gain insights into pathogenicity of DRAM2-related retinopathy, we used a combination of in vitro and in vivo models. We found that DRAM2 loss in human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived retinal organoids caused the presence of additional mesenchymal cells. Interestingly, Dram2 loss in mice also caused increased proliferation of cells from the choroid in vitro and exacerbated choroidal neovascular lesions in vivo. Furthermore, we observed that DRAM2 loss in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells resulted in increased susceptibility to stress-induced cell death in vitro and that Dram2 loss in mice caused age-related photoreceptor degeneration. This highlights the complexity of DRAM2 function, as its loss in choroidal cells provided a proliferative advantage, whereas its loss in post-mitotic cells, such as photoreceptor and RPE cells, increased degeneration susceptibility. Different models such as human pluripotent stem cell-derived systems and mice can be leveraged to study and model human retinal dystrophies; however, cell type and species-specific expression must be taken into account when selecting relevant systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa K. Jones
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
- Product Development Clinical Science Ophthalmology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Luz D. Orozco
- Department of Bioinformatics, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Han Qin
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Tom Truong
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Patrick Caplazi
- Department of Research Pathology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Justin Elstrott
- Department of Translational Imaging, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Zora Modrusan
- Department of Microchemistry, Proteomics, Lipidomics and Next-Generation Sequencing, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Shawnta Y. Chaney
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Marion Jeanne
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
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19
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Espitia-Arias MD, de la Villa P, Paleo-García V, Germain F, Milla-Navarro S. Oxidative Model of Retinal Neurodegeneration Induced by Sodium Iodate: Morphofunctional Assessment of the Visual Pathway. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1594. [PMID: 37627589 PMCID: PMC10451746 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Sodium iodate (NaIO3) has been shown to cause severe oxidative stress damage to retinal pigment epithelium cells. This results in the indirect death of photoreceptors, leading to a loss of visual capabilities. The aim of this work is the morphological and functional characterization of the retina and the visual pathway of an animal model of retinal neurodegeneration induced by oxidative stress. Following a single intraperitoneal dose of NaIO3 (65 mg/kg) to C57BL/6J mice with a mutation in the Opn4 gene (Opn4-/-), behavioral and electroretinographic tests were performed up to 42 days after administration, as well as retinal immunohistochemistry at day 57. A near total loss of the pupillary reflex was observed at 3 days, as well as an early deterioration of visual acuity. Behavioral tests showed a late loss of light sensitivity. Full-field electroretinogram recordings displayed a progressive and marked decrease in wave amplitude, disappearing completely at 14 days. A reduction in the amplitude of the visual evoked potentials was observed, but not their total disappearance. Immunohistochemistry showed structural alterations in the outer retinal layers. Our results show that NaIO3 causes severe structural and functional damage to the retina. Therefore, the current model can be presented as a powerful tool for the study of new therapies for the prevention or treatment of retinal pathologies mediated by oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Espitia-Arias
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Alcalá, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.E.-A.); (P.d.l.V.); (V.P.-G.)
| | - Pedro de la Villa
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Alcalá, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.E.-A.); (P.d.l.V.); (V.P.-G.)
- Visual Neurophysiology Group-Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Victor Paleo-García
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Alcalá, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.E.-A.); (P.d.l.V.); (V.P.-G.)
| | - Francisco Germain
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Alcalá, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.E.-A.); (P.d.l.V.); (V.P.-G.)
- Visual Neurophysiology Group-Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Milla-Navarro
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Alcalá, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.E.-A.); (P.d.l.V.); (V.P.-G.)
- Visual Neurophysiology Group-Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
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20
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Zhang C, Xiao J, Fa L, Jiang F, Jiang H, Zhou L, Xu Z. Advances in the applications of mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium in ocular diseases. Exp Eye Res 2023:109560. [PMID: 37385531 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109560] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium (MSC-CM), also known as secretome, is secreted by MSC and contains a variety of bioactive factors with anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, neuroprotection, and proliferation effects. Increasing evidence proved that MSC-CM plays an important role in various diseases, including skin, bone, muscle, and dental diseases. However, the role of MSC-CM in ocular diseases is not quite clear, Therefore, this article reviewed the composition, biological functions, preparation, and characterization of MSC-CM and summarized current research advances in different sources of MSC-CM in corneal and retinal diseases, including dry eye, corneal epithelial damage, chemical corneal injury, retinitis pigmentosa (RP), anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION), diabetic retinopathy (DR), and other retinal degenerative changes. For these diseases, MSC-CM can promote cell proliferation, reduce inflammation and vascular leakage, inhibit retinal cell degeneration and apoptosis, protect corneal and retinal structures, and further improves visual function. Hence, we summarize the production, composition and biological functions of MSC-CM and focus on describing its mechanisms in the treatment of ocular diseases. Furthermore, we look at the unexplored mechanisms and further research directions for MSC-CM based therapy in ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jing Xiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Luzhong Fa
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Fanwen Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zhuping Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
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21
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Millington-Ward S, Chadderton N, Finnegan LK, Post IJM, Carrigan M, Nixon R, Humphries MM, Humphries P, Kenna PF, Palfi A, Farrar GJ. RPE-Directed Gene Therapy Improves Mitochondrial Function in Murine Dry AMD Models. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043847. [PMID: 36835257 PMCID: PMC9968062 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in the aged population. However, to date there is no effective treatment for the dry form of the disease, representing 85-90% of cases. AMD is an immensely complex disease which affects, amongst others, both retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor cells and leads to the progressive loss of central vision. Mitochondrial dysfunction in both RPE and photoreceptor cells is emerging as a key player in the disease. There are indications that during disease progression, the RPE is first impaired and RPE dysfunction in turn leads to subsequent photoreceptor cell degeneration; however, the exact sequence of events has not as yet been fully determined. We recently showed that AAV delivery of an optimised NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (NDI1) gene, a nuclear-encoded complex 1 equivalent from S. cerevisiae, expressed from a general promoter, provided robust benefit in a variety of murine and cellular models of dry AMD; this was the first study employing a gene therapy to directly boost mitochondrial function, providing functional benefit in vivo. However, use of a restricted RPE-specific promoter to drive expression of the gene therapy enables exploration of the optimal target retinal cell type for dry AMD therapies. Furthermore, such restricted transgene expression could reduce potential off-target effects, possibly improving the safety profile of the therapy. Therefore, in the current study, we interrogate whether expression of the gene therapy from the RPE-specific promoter, Vitelliform macular dystrophy 2 (VMD2), might be sufficient to rescue dry AMD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Millington-Ward
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
- Correspondence:
| | - Naomi Chadderton
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laura K. Finnegan
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Iris J. M. Post
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Matthew Carrigan
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rachel Nixon
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Marian M. Humphries
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Pete Humphries
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul F. Kenna
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
- The Research Foundation, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, D02 XK51 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Arpad Palfi
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
| | - G. Jane Farrar
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
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22
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Mini- αA Upregulates the miR-155-5p Target Gene CDK2 and Plays an Antiapoptotic Role in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells during Oxidative Stress. J Ophthalmol 2023; 2023:6713094. [PMID: 36824443 PMCID: PMC9943629 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6713094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of serious vision loss in the elderly. Regulating microRNA (miRNA) gene expression offers exciting new avenues for treating AMD. This study aimed to investigate whether miRNAs and their target genes play an antiapoptotic role during oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells via mini-αA. Methods ARPE-19 cells were treated with 3.5 mM NaIO3 for 48 h to establish a retinal degeneration model. Cells were treated with mini-αA (10, 15, and 20 μM) for 4 h. miR-155-5p was knocked down and overexpressed. Cell viability and apoptosis were measured using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The reactive oxygen species level was detected by flow cytometry. miR-155-5p target genes were predicted via bioinformatics. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were performed for miR-155-5p target genes. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect miRNAs and cell cycle-related target genes. Western blotting was performed to measure the levels of apoptotic pathway genes encoding Bcl-2, Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2). Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to verify the targeted binding relationship between miR-155-5p and CDK2. Results NaIO3 can induce oxidative damage and promote apoptosis. Conversely, mini-αA had inhibitory effects and could reverse the oxidative damage and apoptosis triggered by NaIO3 in the retinal degeneration model. The expression of miR-155-5p was upregulated in cells treated with NaIO3 and was downregulated after mini-αA treatment. Furthermore, miR-155-5p can target the following cell cycle-related and proliferation-related genes: CDK2, CDK4, CCND1, and CCND2. Moreover, our study indicated that miR-155-5p was involved in the antioxidative damage and antiapoptotic effects of mini-αA via CDK2 regulation. Conclusions miR-155-5p promotes the antioxidative damage and antiapoptotic effects of mini-αA during oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of RPE cells via CDK2 regulation. This study provides a new therapeutic target for AMD.
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23
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Fu X, Feng S, Qin H, Yan L, Zheng C, Yao K. Microglia: The breakthrough to treat neovascularization and repair blood-retinal barrier in retinopathy. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1100254. [PMID: 36756614 PMCID: PMC9899825 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1100254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia are the primary resident retinal macrophages that monitor neuronal activity in real-time and facilitate angiogenesis during retinal development. In certain retinal diseases, the activated microglia promote retinal angiogenesis in hypoxia stress through neurovascular coupling and guide neovascularization to avascular areas (e.g., the outer nuclear layer and macula lutea). Furthermore, continuously activated microglia secrete inflammatory factors and expedite the loss of the blood-retinal barrier which causes irreversible damage to the secondary death of neurons. In this review, we support microglia can be a potential cellular therapeutic target in retinopathy. We briefly describe the relevance of microglia to the retinal vasculature and blood-retinal barrier. Then we discuss the signaling pathway related to how microglia move to their destinations and regulate vascular regeneration. We summarize the properties of microglia in different retinal disease models and propose that reducing the number of pro-inflammatory microglial death and conversing microglial phenotypes from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory are feasible for treating retinal neovascularization and the damaged blood-retinal barrier (BRB). Finally, we suppose that the unique properties of microglia may aid in the vascularization of retinal organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefei Fu
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuyu Feng
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huan Qin
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lin Yan
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Caiyan Zheng
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Yao
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,*Correspondence: Kai Yao,
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24
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Sreekumar PG, Su F, Spee C, Araujo E, Nusinowitz S, Reddy ST, Kannan R. Oxidative Stress and Lipid Accumulation Augments Cell Death in LDLR-Deficient RPE Cells and Ldlr-/- Mice. Cells 2022; 12:43. [PMID: 36611838 PMCID: PMC9818299 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid peroxidation from oxidative stress is considered a major contributor to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The retina is abundant with circulating low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which are taken up by LDL receptor (LDLR) in the RPE and Müller cells. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of LDLR in the NaIO3-induced model of dry AMD. Confluent primary human RPE (hRPE) and LDLR-silenced ARPE-19 cells were stressed with 150 µM tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBH) and caspase 3/7 activation was determined. WT and Ldlr-/- mice were administered NaIO3 (20 mg/kg) intravenously. On day 7, fundus imaging, OCT, ERG, and retinal thickness were measured. Histology, TUNEL, cleaved caspase 3 and lipid accumulation were assessed. Treatment of hRPE with tBH markedly decreased LDLR expression. Caspase 3/7 activation was significantly increased in LDLR-silenced ARPE-19 cells treated with tBH. In Ldlr-/- mice, NaIO3 administration resulted in significant (a) retinal thinning, (b) compromised photoreceptor function, (c) increased percentage of cleaved caspase 3 positive and apoptotic cells, and (d) increased lipid droplet accumulation in the RPE, Bruch membrane, choroid, and sclera, compared to WT mice. Our findings imply that LDLR loss leads to lipid accumulation and impaired retinal function, which may contribute to the development of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Feng Su
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | | | - Eduardo Araujo
- Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Steven Nusinowitz
- Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Srinivasa T Reddy
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ram Kannan
- Doheny Eye Institute, Pasadena, CA 91103, USA
- Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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25
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Martínez-Gil N, Maneu V, Kutsyr O, Fernández-Sánchez L, Sánchez-Sáez X, Sánchez-Castillo C, Campello L, Lax P, Pinilla I, Cuenca N. Cellular and molecular alterations in neurons and glial cells in inherited retinal degeneration. Front Neuroanat 2022; 16:984052. [PMID: 36225228 PMCID: PMC9548552 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2022.984052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple gene mutations have been associated with inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs). Despite the spectrum of phenotypes caused by the distinct mutations, IRDs display common physiopathology features. Cell death is accompanied by inflammation and oxidative stress. The vertebrate retina has several attributes that make this tissue vulnerable to oxidative and nitrosative imbalance. The high energy demands and active metabolism in retinal cells, as well as their continuous exposure to high oxygen levels and light-induced stress, reveal the importance of tightly regulated homeostatic processes to maintain retinal function, which are compromised in pathological conditions. In addition, the subsequent microglial activation and gliosis, which triggers the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, trophic factors, and other molecules, further worsen the degenerative process. As the disease evolves, retinal cells change their morphology and function. In disease stages where photoreceptors are lost, the remaining neurons of the retina to preserve their function seek out for new synaptic partners, which leads to a cascade of morphological alterations in retinal cells that results in a complete remodeling of the tissue. In this review, we describe important molecular and morphological changes in retinal cells that occur in response to oxidative stress and the inflammatory processes underlying IRDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Martínez-Gil
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Victoria Maneu
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Oksana Kutsyr
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | | | - Xavier Sánchez-Sáez
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Carla Sánchez-Castillo
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Laura Campello
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Pedro Lax
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
| | - Isabel Pinilla
- Aragón Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lozano Blesa University Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Surgery, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Isabel Pinilla,
| | - Nicolás Cuenca
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
- Institute Ramón Margalef, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
- *Correspondence: Nicolás Cuenca,
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26
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Wang S, Du L, Yuan S, Peng GH. Complement C3a receptor inactivation attenuates retinal degeneration induced by oxidative damage. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:951491. [PMID: 36110094 PMCID: PMC9469738 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.951491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration causes vision loss and threatens the health of elderly individuals worldwide. Evidence indicates that the activation of the complement system is associated with retinal degeneration. However, the mechanism of complement signaling in retinal degeneration needs to be further studied. In this study, we show that the expression of C3 and C3a receptor (C3ar1) is positively associated with the inflammatory response and retinal degeneration. Genetic deletion of C3 and pharmacological inhibition of C3ar1 resulted in the alleviation of neuroinflammation, prevention of photoreceptor cell apoptosis and restoration of visual function. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) identified a C3ar1-dependent network shown to regulate microglial activation and astrocyte gliosis formation. Mechanistically, we found that STAT3 functioned downstream of the C3-C3ar1 pathway and that the C3ar1-STAT3 pathway functionally mediated the immune response and photoreceptor cell degeneration in response to oxidative stress. These findings reveal an important role of C3ar1 in oxidative-induced retinal degeneration and suggest that intervention of the C3ar1 pathway may alleviate retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojun Wang
- Senior Department of Ophthalmology, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Du
- Senior Department of Ophthalmology, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shunzong Yuan
- Department of Lymphoma, Head and Neck Cancer, The Fifth Medical Center, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital (Former 307th Hospital of the PLA), Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Shunzong Yuan,
| | - Guang-Hua Peng
- Laboratory of Visual Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Guang-Hua Peng,
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Lian L, Zhai Y, Wan X, Chen L, Liu Z, Liu R, Li S, Zhou J, Chen Y, Hou L, Li H. Sensitivity of the Dorsal-Central Retinal Pigment Epithelium to Sodium Iodate-Induced Damage Is Associated With Overlying M-Cone Photoreceptors in Mice. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:29. [PMID: 36018572 PMCID: PMC9428360 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.9.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration is a leading cause of blindness in retinal degenerative diseases, but the mechanism of RPE regional degeneration remains largely unknown. This study aims to investigate the sensitivity of RPE to sodium iodate (SI) injury in the dorsal and ventral visual fields in mice and analyze whether overlaying cone photoreceptors regulate the sensitivity of RPE to SI-induced damage. Methods SI was used to induce RPE degeneration in mice. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunostaining, and TUNEL assay were used to evaluate retinal degeneration along the dorsal-ventral axis. Flat-mounted and sectional retinal immunostaining were used to analyze the distribution of cones along the dorsoventral axis in C57BL/6, albino, and 129 mice. Electroretinography was used to examine the retinal function. Results Dorsal-central RPE was more sensitive to SI-mediated injury along the dorsal-ventral axis in C57BL/6 mice. Compared with the ventral RPE, the dorsal-central RPE was dominantly covered by M cone photoreceptors in these mice. Interestingly, M cone photoreceptor degeneration was followed by dorsal RPE degeneration under a low dose of SI. Furthermore, the sensitivity of dorsal RPE to a low dose of SI was reduced in both albino and 129 mouse strains with dominant mixed cones instead of M cones in the dorsal visual field. Conclusions These findings suggest that dorsal-central RPE is more sensitive to SI injury and that SI-induced RPE degeneration could be controlled by modifying the dominant overlying cone population in the mouse dorsal retina, thereby highlighting a potential role of M cones in RPE regional degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Lian
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yifan Zhai
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xuejiao Wan
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Linxin Chen
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zuimeng Liu
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ruona Liu
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shijia Li
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiajia Zhou
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ling Hou
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huirong Li
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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28
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Chen S, Liu G, Liu X, Wang Y, He F, Nie D, Liu X, Liu X. RNA-seq analysis reveals differentially expressed inflammatory chemokines in a rat retinal degeneration model induced by sodium iodate. J Int Med Res 2022; 50:3000605221119376. [PMID: 36036255 PMCID: PMC9434683 DOI: 10.1177/03000605221119376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Retinal degeneration (RD) is a group of serious blinding eye diseases
characterized by photoreceptor cell apoptosis and progressive degeneration
of retinal neurons. However, the underlying mechanism of its pathogenesis
remains unclear. Methods In this study, retinal tissues from sodium iodate (NaIO3)-induced
RD and control rats were collected for transcriptome analysis using
RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). Analysis of white blood cell-related parameters
was conducted in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and age-related
cataract (ARC) patients. Results In total, 334 mRNAs, 77 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and 20 other RNA
types were identified as differentially expressed in the retinas of
NaIO3-induced RD rats. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto
Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses showed that
differentially expressed mRNAs were mainly enriched in signaling pathways
related to immune inflammation. Moreover, we found that the
neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was significantly higher in RP patients than
in ARC patients. Conclusion Overall, this study suggests that multiple chemokines participating in
systemic inflammation may contribute to RD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Chen
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Shenzhen Eye Hospital of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Guo Liu
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Shenzhen Eye Hospital of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Shenzhen Eye Hospital of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Fen He
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital Affiliated to Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Danyao Nie
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Shenzhen Eye Hospital of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinhua Liu
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Shenzhen Eye Hospital of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuyang Liu
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the 2nd Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
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29
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Xie R, Wang B, Zuo S, Du M, Wang X, Yu Y, Yan H. Protective effects of CRTH2 suppression in dry age-related macular degeneration. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 624:8-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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30
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Fan W, Huang W, Chen J, Li N, Mao L, Hou S. Retinal microglia: Functions and diseases. Immunology 2022; 166:268-286. [PMID: 35403700 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Fan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Chongqing China
- Chongqing Eye Institute Chongqing China
- Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases Chongqing China
| | - Weidi Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital Central South University Changsha Hunan China
| | - Jiayi Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Na Li
- College of Basic Medicine Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Liming Mao
- Department of Immunology School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road Nantong Jiangsu China
| | - Shengping Hou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Chongqing China
- Chongqing Eye Institute Chongqing China
- Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases Chongqing China
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31
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Sreekumar PG, Reddy ST, Hinton DR, Kannan R. Mechanisms of RPE senescence and potential role of αB crystallin peptide as a senolytic agent in experimental AMD. Exp Eye Res 2022; 215:108918. [PMID: 34986369 PMCID: PMC8923947 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) can cause mitochondrial dysfunction and is likely a causative factor in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Under oxidative stress conditions, some of the RPE cells become senescent and a contributory role for RPE senescence in AMD pathology has been proposed. The purpose of this study is to 1) characterize senescence in human RPE; 2) investigate the effect of an αB Crystallin chaperone peptide (mini Cry) in controlling senescence, in particular by regulating mitochondrial function and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) production and 3) develop mouse models for studying the role of RPE senescence in dry and nAMD. Senescence was induced in human RPE cells in two ways. First, subconfluent cells were treated with 0.2 μg/ml doxorubicin (DOX); second, subconfluent cells were treated with 500 μM H2O2. Senescence biomarkers (senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-βgal), p21, p16) and mitochondrial proteins (Fis1, DRP1, MFN2, PGC1-α, mtTFA) were analyzed in control and experimental groups. The effect of mini Cry on mitochondrial bioenergetics, glycolysis and SASP was determined. In vivo, retinal degeneration was induced by intravenous injection of NaIO3 (20 mg/kg) and subretinal fibrosis by laser-induced choroidal neovascularization. Increased SA-βgal staining and p16 and p21 expression was observed after DOX- or H2O2-induced senescence and mini Cry significantly decreased senescence-positive cells. The expression of mitochondrial biogenesis proteins PGC-1 and mTFA increased with senescence, and mini Cry reduced expression significantly. Senescent RPE cells were metabolically active, as evidenced by significantly enhanced oxidative phosphorylation and anaerobic glycolysis, mini Cry markedly reduced rates of respiration and glycolysis. Senescent RPE cells maintain a proinflammatory phenotype characterized by significantly increased production of cytokines (IFN-ˠ, TNF-α, IL1-α IL1-β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10), and VEGF-A; mini Cry significantly inhibited their secretion. We identified and localized senescent RPE cells for the first time in NaIO3-induced retinal degeneration and laser-induced subretinal fibrosis mouse models. We conclude that mini Cry significantly impairs stress-induced senescence by modulating mitochondrial biogenesis and fission proteins in RPE cells. Characterization of senescence could provide further understanding of the metabolic changes that accompany the senescent phenotype in ocular disease. Future studies in vivo may better define the role of senescence in AMD and the therapeutic potential of mini Cry as a senotherapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parameswaran G Sreekumar
- The Stephen J. Ryan Initiative for Macular Research (RIMR), Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
| | - Srinivasa T Reddy
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - David R Hinton
- Department of Pathology and Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Ram Kannan
- The Stephen J. Ryan Initiative for Macular Research (RIMR), Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA; Stein Eye Institute, Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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32
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Abstract
The eye presents a unique opportunity for complement component 3 (C3) therapeutics. Drugs can be delivered directly to specific parts of the eye, and growing evidence has established a pivotal role for C3 in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Emerging data show that C3 may be important to the pathophysiology of other eye diseases as well. This article will discuss the location of C3 expression in the eye as well as the preclinical and clinical data regarding C3's functions in AMD. We will provide a comprehensive review of developing C3 inhibitors for the eye, including the Phase 2 and 3 data for the C3 inhibitor pegcetacoplan as a treatment for the geographic atrophy of AMD. Developing evidence also points toward C3 as a therapeutic target for stages of AMD preceding geographic atrophy. We will also discuss data illuminating C3's relationship to other eye diseases, such as Stargardt disease, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. In addition to being a converging point and centerpiece of the complement cascade, C3 has broad effects as a multifaceted controller of opsonophagocytosis, microglia/macrophage recruitment, and downstream terminal pathway activity. C3 is a crucial player in the pathophysiology of AMD but also seems to have importance in other diseases that are major causes of blindness. Directions for further investigation will be highlighted, as culminating evidence suggests that we may be approaching an era of C3 therapeutics for the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Kim
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Tianyu Liu
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - John D Lambris
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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