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Duncan JL, Bowman A, Laster A, Gelfman C, Birch DG, Boye SE, Daiger SP, Del Priore L, Zack DJ, Handa JT. Inherited Retinal Degenerations and Non-Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Progress and Unmet Needs. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2024; 13:28. [PMID: 39688851 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.12.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal degeneration (IRD) disease and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are leading causes of irreversible vision loss and blindness. Although significant progress has advanced the field in the past 5 years, significant challenges remain. The current article reviews the accomplishments and research advances that have fueled the development of treatments for patients with IRD and AMD, including the first approved gene-augmentation treatment for RPE65-related retinal degeneration and complement inhibition therapies to slow progression of geographic atrophy (GA) in AMD. The article outlines opportunities to address gaps and unmet needs that should lead to additional progress toward the development of treatments for patients with IRDs and non-neovascular AMD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacque L Duncan
- Wayne and Gladys Valley Center for Vision, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Amy Laster
- Foundation Fighting Blindness, Columbia, MD, USA
| | | | - David G Birch
- Rose-Silverthorne Retinal Degenerations Laboratory, Retina Foundation of the Southwest, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Shannon E Boye
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Stephen P Daiger
- Human Genetics Center, Epidemiology Dept., School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lucian Del Priore
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Donald J Zack
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - James T Handa
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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2
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Lu Q, Wright A, Pan ZH. AAV dose-dependent transduction efficiency in retinal ganglion cells and functional efficacy of optogenetic vision restoration. Gene Ther 2024; 31:572-579. [PMID: 39237697 PMCID: PMC11576505 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-024-00485-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Optogenetics is a promising approach for restoring vision to the blind after photoreceptor degeneration. The ability to restore vision through AAV-mediated delivery of light-sensitive proteins, especially channelrhodopsins, into retinal ganglion cells has been extensively demonstrated in animal models. For clinical application, knowledge of viral dose-dependent functional efficacy is desired. In this study, using a triple-knockout blind mouse model and a highly light-sensitive channelrhodopsin variant, we evaluated viral dose-dependent vision restoration through retinal ganglion cell expression by using optomotor behavioral assays. Our results show that both the restored light sensitivity and visual acuity reached peak levels at a medial viral dose of 108 vg. With increasing dose, transduction efficiency continued to increase while protein expression peaked at the dose of ~109 vg and declined at higher doses. Also, a significant increase in retinal gliosis and inflammatory responses started at the dose of ~109 vg, and a marked increase was observed at the dose of ~1010. These results provide valuable insights into viral dose design for clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Anna Wright
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Zhuo-Hua Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
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3
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Tang J, Feng M, Wang D, Zhang L, Yang K. Recent advancement of sonogenetics: A promising noninvasive cellular manipulation by ultrasound. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101112. [PMID: 38947740 PMCID: PMC11214298 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.101112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in biomedical research have underscored the importance of noninvasive cellular manipulation techniques. Sonogenetics, a method that uses genetic engineering to produce ultrasound-sensitive proteins in target cells, is gaining prominence along with optogenetics, electrogenetics, and magnetogenetics. Upon stimulation with ultrasound, these proteins trigger a cascade of cellular activities and functions. Unlike traditional ultrasound modalities, sonogenetics offers enhanced spatial selectivity, improving precision and safety in disease treatment. This technology broadens the scope of non-surgical interventions across a wide range of clinical research and therapeutic applications, including neuromodulation, oncologic treatments, stem cell therapy, and beyond. Although current literature predominantly emphasizes ultrasonic neuromodulation, this review offers a comprehensive exploration of sonogenetics. We discuss ultrasound properties, the specific ultrasound-sensitive proteins employed in sonogenetics, and the technique's potential in managing conditions such as neurological disorders, cancer, and ophthalmic diseases, and in stem cell therapies. Our objective is to stimulate fresh perspectives for further research in this promising field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Tang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Stem Cell Therapy, Chongqing 400014, China
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Mingxuan Feng
- Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ke Yang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Stem Cell Therapy, Chongqing 400014, China
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4
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Balcorta HV, Contreras Guerrero VG, Bisht D, Poon W. Nucleic Acid Delivery Nanotechnologies for In Vivo Cell Programming. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:5020-5036. [PMID: 38288693 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00886] [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] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
In medicine, it is desirable for clinicians to be able to restore function and imbue novel function into selected cells for therapy and disease prevention. Cells damaged by disease, injury, or aging could be programmed to restore normal or lost functions, such as retinal cells in inherited blindness and neuronal cells in Alzheimer's disease. Cells could also be genetically programmed with novel functions such as immune cells expressing synthetic chimeric antigen receptors for immunotherapy. Furthermore, knockdown or modification of risk factor proteins can mitigate disease development. Currently, nucleic acids are emerging as a versatile and potent therapeutic modality for achieving this cellular programming. In this review, we highlight the latest developments in nanobiomaterials-based nucleic acid therapeutics for cellular programming from a biomaterial design and delivery perspective and how to overcome barriers to their clinical translation to benefit patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannia V Balcorta
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Veronica G Contreras Guerrero
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Deepali Bisht
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Wilson Poon
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
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5
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Herrera-Arcos G, Song H, Yeon SH, Ghenand O, Gutierrez-Arango S, Sinha S, Herr H. Closed-loop optogenetic neuromodulation enables high-fidelity fatigue-resistant muscle control. Sci Robot 2024; 9:eadi8995. [PMID: 38776378 DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.adi8995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Closed-loop neuroprostheses show promise in restoring motion in individuals with neurological conditions. However, conventional activation strategies based on functional electrical stimulation (FES) fail to accurately modulate muscle force and exhibit rapid fatigue because of their unphysiological recruitment mechanism. Here, we present a closed-loop control framework that leverages physiological force modulation under functional optogenetic stimulation (FOS) to enable high-fidelity muscle control for extended periods of time (>60 minutes) in vivo. We first uncovered the force modulation characteristic of FOS, showing more physiological recruitment and significantly higher modulation ranges (>320%) compared with FES. Second, we developed a neuromuscular model that accurately describes the highly nonlinear dynamics of optogenetically stimulated muscle. Third, on the basis of the optogenetic model, we demonstrated real-time control of muscle force with improved performance and fatigue resistance compared with FES. This work lays the foundation for fatigue-resistant neuroprostheses and optogenetically controlled biohybrid robots with high-fidelity force modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Herrera-Arcos
- K. Lisa Yang Center for Bionics, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Program in Media Arts and Sciences, MIT Media Lab, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hyungeun Song
- K. Lisa Yang Center for Bionics, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology (HST), MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Seong Ho Yeon
- K. Lisa Yang Center for Bionics, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Program in Media Arts and Sciences, MIT Media Lab, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Omkar Ghenand
- K. Lisa Yang Center for Bionics, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Samantha Gutierrez-Arango
- K. Lisa Yang Center for Bionics, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Program in Media Arts and Sciences, MIT Media Lab, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sapna Sinha
- K. Lisa Yang Center for Bionics, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hugh Herr
- K. Lisa Yang Center for Bionics, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
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6
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Stoddart PR, Begeng JM, Tong W, Ibbotson MR, Kameneva T. Nanoparticle-based optical interfaces for retinal neuromodulation: a review. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1360870. [PMID: 38572073 PMCID: PMC10987880 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1360870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Degeneration of photoreceptors in the retina is a leading cause of blindness, but commonly leaves the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and/or bipolar cells extant. Consequently, these cells are an attractive target for the invasive electrical implants colloquially known as "bionic eyes." However, after more than two decades of concerted effort, interfaces based on conventional electrical stimulation approaches have delivered limited efficacy, primarily due to the current spread in retinal tissue, which precludes high-acuity vision. The ideal prosthetic solution would be less invasive, provide single-cell resolution and an ability to differentiate between different cell types. Nanoparticle-mediated approaches can address some of these requirements, with particular attention being directed at light-sensitive nanoparticles that can be accessed via the intrinsic optics of the eye. Here we survey the available known nanoparticle-based optical transduction mechanisms that can be exploited for neuromodulation. We review the rapid progress in the field, together with outstanding challenges that must be addressed to translate these techniques to clinical practice. In particular, successful translation will likely require efficient delivery of nanoparticles to stable and precisely defined locations in the retinal tissues. Therefore, we also emphasize the current literature relating to the pharmacokinetics of nanoparticles in the eye. While considerable challenges remain to be overcome, progress to date shows great potential for nanoparticle-based interfaces to revolutionize the field of visual prostheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R. Stoddart
- School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - James M. Begeng
- School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wei Tong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael R. Ibbotson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tatiana Kameneva
- School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
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7
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Xu J, Zhang H, Chen D, Xu K, Li Z, Wu H, Geng X, Wei X, Wu J, Cui W, Wei S. Looking for a Beam of Light to Heal Chronic Pain. J Pain Res 2024; 17:1091-1105. [PMID: 38510563 PMCID: PMC10953534 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s455549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain (CP) is a leading cause of disability and a potential factor that affects biological processes, family relationships, and self-esteem of patients. However, the need for treatment of CP is presently unmet. Current methods of pain management involve the use of drugs, but there are different degrees of concerning side effects. At present, the potential mechanisms underlying CP are not completely clear. As research progresses and novel therapeutic approaches are developed, the shortcomings of current pain treatment methods may be overcome. In this review, we discuss the retinal photoreceptors and brain regions associated with photoanalgesia, as well as the targets involved in photoanalgesia, shedding light on its potential underlying mechanisms. Our aim is to provide a foundation to understand the mechanisms underlying CP and develop light as a novel analgesic treatment has its biological regulation principle for CP. This approach may provide an opportunity to drive the field towards future translational, clinical studies and support pain drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialing Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classic Theory of Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Interdisciplinary Research Institute, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classic Theory of Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Interdisciplinary Research Institute, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Chen
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Interdisciplinary Research Institute, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kaiyong Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classic Theory of Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Interdisciplinary Research Institute, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zifa Li
- The Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classic Theory of Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Interdisciplinary Research Institute, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongyun Wu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiwen Geng
- The Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classic Theory of Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Interdisciplinary Research Institute, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xia Wei
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Generic Drugs, Shandong Institute for Food and Drug Control, Ji’nan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jibiao Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classic Theory of Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Interdisciplinary Research Institute, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenqiang Cui
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sheng Wei
- The Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classic Theory of Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Interdisciplinary Research Institute, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
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8
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Whalen M, Akula M, McNamee SM, DeAngelis MM, Haider NB. Seeing the Future: A Review of Ocular Therapy. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:179. [PMID: 38391665 PMCID: PMC10886198 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11020179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Ocular diseases present a unique challenge and opportunity for therapeutic development. The eye has distinct advantages as a therapy target given its accessibility, compartmentalization, immune privilege, and size. Various methodologies for therapeutic delivery in ocular diseases are under investigation that impact long-term efficacy, toxicity, invasiveness, and delivery range. While gene, cell, and antibody therapy and nanoparticle delivery directly treat regions that have been damaged by disease, they can be limited in the duration of the therapeutic delivery and have a focal effect. In contrast, contact lenses and ocular implants can more effectively achieve sustained and widespread delivery of therapies; however, they can increase dilution of therapeutics, which may result in reduced effectiveness. Current therapies either offer a sustained release or a broad therapeutic effect, and future directions should aim toward achieving both. This review discusses current ocular therapy delivery systems and their applications, mechanisms for delivering therapeutic products to ocular tissues, advantages and challenges associated with each delivery system, current approved therapies, and clinical trials. Future directions for the improvement in existing ocular therapies include combination therapies, such as combined cell and gene therapies, as well as AI-driven devices, such as cortical implants that directly transmit visual information to the cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiya Whalen
- Department of Biology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA
| | | | | | - Margaret M DeAngelis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Neena B Haider
- Shifa Precision, Boston, MA 02138, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02138, USA
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9
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Sakai D, Maeda T, Yamamoto M, Yokota S, Maeda A, Hirami Y, Nakamura M, Kurimoto Y, Mandai M. Relationship between residual visual field and full-field stimulus testing in patients with late-stage retinal degenerative diseases. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2793. [PMID: 38307956 PMCID: PMC10837419 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53474-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate how the extent and central/peripheral location of the residual visual field (VF) in patients with late-stage inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are related to retinal sensitivity detected using full-field stimulus testing (FST). We reviewed the results of Goldmann perimetry and FST from the medical records of patients with IRDs whose VF represents central (within 10°) and/or peripheral islands, or undetectable. In total, 19 patients (19 eyes) were analyzed in this study. The median value of residual VF area was 1.38%. The median values of rod and cone sensitivities were - 14.9 dB and 7.4 dB, respectively. Patients with only the peripheral island (- 33.9 dB) had better median rod sensitivity than other groups (only central, - 18.9 dB; both, - 3.6 dB). VF area significantly correlated with rod sensitivity (r = - 0.943, p = 0.005) in patients with only peripheral island, but not with cone sensitivity. Peripheral VF islands were significant contributors to FST results, especially rod sensitivity. With reduced or loss of central vision, the extent of residual peripheral VF significantly affected rod sensitivity, suggesting that FST can be useful in quantitatively estimating the overall remaining vision in patients with late-stage IRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Sakai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, 2-1-8 Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe, Japan.
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.
| | - Tadao Maeda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, 2-1-8 Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Midori Yamamoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, 2-1-8 Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yokota
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, 2-1-8 Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Akiko Maeda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, 2-1-8 Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Hirami
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, 2-1-8 Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Makoto Nakamura
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yasuo Kurimoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, 2-1-8 Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Michiko Mandai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, 2-1-8 Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe, Japan
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10
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Sauter MM, Noel H, Brandt CR. The RLR intrinsic antiviral system is expressed in neural retina and restricts lentiviral transduction of human Mueller cells. Exp Eye Res 2023; 236:109647. [PMID: 37689341 PMCID: PMC10834037 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
The retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG)-I-like receptor (RLR) family of RNA sensor proteins plays a key role in the innate immune response to viral nucleic acids, including viral gene delivery vectors, but little is known about the expression of RLR proteins in the retina. The purpose of this study was to characterize cell-specific expression patterns of RLR proteins in non-human primate (NHP) neural retina tissue and to examine if RLR pathway signaling restricts viral gene delivery transduction. Since RLR protein signaling converges at the mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS), experiments were performed to determine if knockdown of MAVS affected FIVGFP transduction efficiency in the human Mueller cell line MIO-M1. Immunoblotting confirmed expression of RIG-I, melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5), laboratory of genetics and physiology 2 (LGP2), and MAVS proteins in MIO-M1 cells and NHP retina tissue. Double label immunofluorescence (IF) studies revealed RIG-I, LGP2, and MAVS were expressed in Mueller microglial cells in the NHP retina. In addition, LGP2 and MDA5 proteins were detected in cone and retinal ganglion cells (RGC). MDA5 was also present in a subset of calretinin positive amacrine cells, and in nuclei within the inner nuclear layer (INL). Knockdown of MAVS significantly increased the transduction efficiency of the lentiviral vector FIVGFP in MIO-M1 cells, compared to control cells. FIVGFP or AAVGFP challenge did not alter expression of the LGP2, MAVS, MDA5 or RIG-I genes in MIO-M1 cells or NHP retina tissue compared to media treated controls. Our data demonstrate that innate immune response proteins involved in viral RNA sensing, including MDA5, RIG-I, LGP2, and MAVS, are expressed in several cell types within the NHP neural retina. In addition, the MAVS protein restricts non-human lentiviral transduction efficiency in MIO-M1 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica M Sauter
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Hongyu Noel
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Curtis R Brandt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA; Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
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11
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Beaver D, Limnios IJ. A treatment within sight: challenges in the development of stem cell-derived photoreceptor therapies for retinal degenerative diseases. FRONTIERS IN TRANSPLANTATION 2023; 2:1130086. [PMID: 38993872 PMCID: PMC11235385 DOI: 10.3389/frtra.2023.1130086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Stem cell therapies can potentially treat various retinal degenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and inherited retinal diseases like retinitis pigmentosa. For these diseases, transplanted cells may include stem cell-derived retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells, photoreceptors, or a combination of both. Although stem cell-derived RPE cells have progressed to human clinical trials, therapies using photoreceptors and other retinal cell types are lagging. In this review, we discuss the potential use of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived photoreceptors for the treatment of retinal degeneration and highlight the progress and challenges for their efficient production and clinical application in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davinia Beaver
- Clem Jones Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QL, Australia
| | - Ioannis Jason Limnios
- Clem Jones Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QL, Australia
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Becherucci V, Bacci GM, Marziali E, Sodi A, Bambi F, Caputo R. The New Era of Therapeutic Strategies for the Treatment of Retinitis Pigmentosa: A Narrative Review of Pathomolecular Mechanisms for the Development of Cell-Based Therapies. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2656. [PMID: 37893030 PMCID: PMC10604477 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa, defined more properly as cone-rod dystrophy, is a paradigm of inherited diffuse retinal dystrophies, one of the rare diseases with the highest prevalence in the worldwide population and one of the main causes of low vision in the pediatric and elderly age groups. Advancements in and the understanding of molecular biology and gene-editing technologies have raised interest in laying the foundation for new therapeutic strategies for rare diseases. As a consequence, new possibilities for clinicians and patients are arising due to the feasibility of treating such a devastating disorder, reducing its complications. The scope of this review focuses on the pathomolecular mechanisms underlying RP better to understand the prospects of its treatment using innovative approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Becherucci
- Cell Factory Meyer, Children’s Hospital A. Meyer Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (V.B.); (F.B.)
| | - Giacomo Maria Bacci
- Pediatric Ophthalmology Unit, Children’s Hospital A. Meyer Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Elisa Marziali
- Pediatric Ophthalmology Unit, Children’s Hospital A. Meyer Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Andrea Sodi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Franco Bambi
- Cell Factory Meyer, Children’s Hospital A. Meyer Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (V.B.); (F.B.)
| | - Roberto Caputo
- Pediatric Ophthalmology Unit, Children’s Hospital A. Meyer Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.M.); (R.C.)
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Parnami K, Bhattacharyya A. Current approaches to vision restoration using optogenetic therapy. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1236826. [PMID: 37663125 PMCID: PMC10469018 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1236826] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited progressive degeneration of photoreceptors such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common cause of blindness leading to severe vision impairment affecting ~1 in 5,000 people worldwide. Although the function and morphology of the photoreceptors get disrupted, there is evidence that the inner retinal neurons such as bipolar cells and the retinal ganglion cells are left intact until later stages. Among several innovative therapeutic options aiming to restore vision, optogenetic therapy can bestow light sensitivity to remaining retinal neurons by ectopic expression of light-sensitive proteins. Since the advent of this technique, a diverse class of opsins (microbial and mammalian opsins), chimeric proteins, ligand-gated ion channels, and switchable opsins have been used to study their potential in vision restoration. These proteins differ in their excitation spectra, response kinetics, and signal amplification cascade. Although most of the studies have reported high fidelity of responses in the retina, only a handful of them have achieved functional vision in the visual cortex. This review is a summary of the visuocortical and behavioral responses after optogenetic treatment of the degenerated retina. This clarifies to what extent improved and meaningful vision can be obtained for therapeutic efficacy and continued clinical progress.
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Zufiaurre-Seijo M, García-Arumí J, Duarri A. Clinical and Molecular Aspects of C2orf71/PCARE in Retinal Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10670. [PMID: 37445847 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the photoreceptor-specific C2orf71 gene (also known as photoreceptor cilium actin regulator protein PCARE) cause autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa type 54 and cone-rod dystrophy. No treatments are available for patients with C2orf71 retinal ciliopathies exhibiting a severe clinical phenotype. Our understanding of the disease process and the role of PCARE in the healthy retina significantly limits our capacity to transfer recent technical developments into viable therapy choices. This study summarizes the current understanding of C2orf71-related retinal diseases, including their clinical manifestations and an unclear genotype-phenotype correlation. It discusses molecular and functional studies on the photoreceptor-specific ciliary PCARE, focusing on the photoreceptor cell and its ciliary axoneme. It is proposed that PCARE is an actin-associated protein that interacts with WASF3 to regulate the actin-driven expansion of the ciliary membrane during the development of a new outer segment disk in photoreceptor cells. This review also introduces various cellular and animal models used to model these diseases and provides an overview of potential treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddalen Zufiaurre-Seijo
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José García-Arumí
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Duarri
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
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Shibata K, Oda K, Nishizawa T, Hazama Y, Ono R, Takaramoto S, Bagherzadeh R, Yawo H, Nureki O, Inoue K, Akiyama H. Twisting and Protonation of Retinal Chromophore Regulate Channel Gating of Channelrhodopsin C1C2. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:10779-10789. [PMID: 37129501 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c01879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Channelrhodopsins (ChRs) are light-gated ion channels and central optogenetic tools that can control neuronal activity with high temporal resolution at the single-cell level. Although their application in optogenetics has rapidly progressed, it is unsolved how their channels open and close. ChRs transport ions through a series of interlocking elementary processes that occur over a broad time scale of subpicoseconds to seconds. During these processes, the retinal chromophore functions as a channel regulatory domain and transfers the optical input as local structural changes to the channel operating domain, the helices, leading to channel gating. Thus, the core question on channel gating dynamics is how the retinal chromophore structure changes throughout the photocycle and what rate-limits the kinetics. Here, we investigated the structural changes in the retinal chromophore of canonical ChR, C1C2, in all photointermediates using time-resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, to reveal the rate-limiting factors of the photocycle and channel gating, we measured the kinetic isotope effect of all photoreaction processes using laser flash photolysis and laser patch clamp, respectively. Spectroscopic and electrophysiological results provided the following understanding of the channel gating: the retinal chromophore highly twists upon the retinal Schiff base (RSB) deprotonation, causing the surrounding helices to move and open the channel. The ion-conducting pathway includes the RSB, where inflowing water mediates the proton to the deprotonated RSB. The twisting of the retinal chromophore relaxes upon the RSB reprotonation, which closes the channel. The RSB reprotonation rate-limits the channel closing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisei Shibata
- Institute for Solid State Physics, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8581, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Oda
- Department of Biological Sciences Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0034, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Nishizawa
- Department of Biological Sciences Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0034, Japan
| | - Yuji Hazama
- Institute for Solid State Physics, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8581, Japan
| | - Ryohei Ono
- Institute for Solid State Physics, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8581, Japan
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Gunma University, 1-5-1 Tenjin-cho, Kiryu, Gunma 376-8515, Japan
| | - Shunki Takaramoto
- Institute for Solid State Physics, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8581, Japan
| | - Reza Bagherzadeh
- Institute for Solid State Physics, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8581, Japan
| | - Hiromu Yawo
- Institute for Solid State Physics, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8581, Japan
| | - Osamu Nureki
- Department of Biological Sciences Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0034, Japan
| | - Keiichi Inoue
- Institute for Solid State Physics, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8581, Japan
| | - Hidefumi Akiyama
- Institute for Solid State Physics, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8581, Japan
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Nguyen XTA, Moekotte L, Plomp AS, Bergen AA, van Genderen MM, Boon CJF. Retinitis Pigmentosa: Current Clinical Management and Emerging Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087481. [PMID: 37108642 PMCID: PMC10139437 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) comprises a group of inherited retinal dystrophies characterized by the degeneration of rod photoreceptors, followed by the degeneration of cone photoreceptors. As a result of photoreceptor degeneration, affected individuals experience gradual loss of visual function, with primary symptoms of progressive nyctalopia, constricted visual fields and, ultimately, central vision loss. The onset, severity and clinical course of RP shows great variability and unpredictability, with most patients already experiencing some degree of visual disability in childhood. While RP is currently untreatable for the majority of patients, significant efforts have been made in the development of genetic therapies, which offer new hope for treatment for patients affected by inherited retinal dystrophies. In this exciting era of emerging gene therapies, it remains imperative to continue supporting patients with RP using all available options to manage their condition. Patients with RP experience a wide variety of physical, mental and social-emotional difficulties during their lifetime, of which some require timely intervention. This review aims to familiarize readers with clinical management options that are currently available for patients with RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan-Thanh-An Nguyen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lude Moekotte
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Astrid S Plomp
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arthur A Bergen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria M van Genderen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Bartiméus, Diagnostic Center for Complex Visual Disorders, 3703 AJ Zeist, The Netherlands
| | - Camiel J F Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Chew LA, Iannaccone A. Gene-agnostic approaches to treating inherited retinal degenerations. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1177838. [PMID: 37123404 PMCID: PMC10133473 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1177838] [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: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Most patients with inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) have been waiting for treatments that are "just around the corner" for decades, with only a handful of seminal breakthroughs happening in recent years. Highlighting the difficulties in the quest for curative therapeutics, Luxturna required 16 years of development before finally obtaining United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and its international equivalents. IRDs are both genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous. While this diversity offers many opportunities for gene-by-gene precision medicine-based approaches, it also poses a significant challenge. For this reason, alternative (or parallel) strategies to identify more comprehensive, across-the-board therapeutics for the genetically and phenotypically diverse IRD patient population are very appealing. Even when gene-specific approaches may be available and become approved for use, many patients may have reached a disease stage whereby these approaches may no longer be viable. Thus, alternate visual preservation or restoration therapeutic approaches are needed at these stages. In this review, we underscore several gene-agnostic approaches that are being developed as therapeutics for IRDs. From retinal supplementation to stem cell transplantation, optogenetic therapy and retinal prosthetics, these strategies would bypass at least in part the need for treating every individual gene or mutation or provide an invaluable complement to them. By considering the diverse patient population and treatment strategies suited for different stages and patterns of retinal degeneration, gene agnostic approaches are very well poised to impact favorably outcomes and prognosis for IRD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey A. Chew
- Duke Center for Retinal Degenerations and Ophthalmic Genetic Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Alessandro Iannaccone
- Duke Center for Retinal Degenerations and Ophthalmic Genetic Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
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Brown AC. Optogenetics Sheds Light on Brown and Beige Adipocytes. JOURNAL OF CELLULAR SIGNALING 2023; 4:178-186. [PMID: 37946877 PMCID: PMC10635576 DOI: 10.33696/signaling.4.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Excessive food intake leads to lipid accumulation in white adipose tissue, triggering inflammation, cellular stress, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. In contrast, the dynamic energy expenditure and heat generation of brown and beige adipose tissue, driven by specialized mitochondria, render it an appealing candidate for therapeutic strategies aimed at addressing metabolic disorders. This review examines the therapeutic potential of brown and beige adipocytes for obesity and metabolic disorders, focusing on recent studies that employ optogenetics for thermogenesis control in these cells. The findings delve into the mechanisms underlying UCP1-dependent and UCP1-independent thermogenesis and how optogenetic approaches can be used to precisely modulate energy expenditure and induce thermogenesis. The convergence of adipocyte biology and optogenetics presents an exciting frontier in combating metabolic disorders and advancing our understanding of cellular regulation and energy balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Clifford Brown
- MaineHealth Institute for Research, 81 Research Drive, Scarborough, ME 04074, USA
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, The University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04469, USA
- Tufts University School of Medicine, 145 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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