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El Hajji S, Shiga Y, Belforte N, Solorio YC, Tastet O, D’Onofrio P, Dotigny F, Prat A, Arbour N, Fortune B, Di Polo A. Insulin restores retinal ganglion cell functional connectivity and promotes visual recovery in glaucoma. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl5722. [PMID: 39110798 PMCID: PMC11305393 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl5722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Dendrite pathology and synaptic loss result in neural circuit dysfunction, a common feature of neurodegenerative diseases. There is a lack of strategies that target dendritic and synaptic regeneration to promote neurorecovery. We show that daily human recombinant insulin eye drops stimulate retinal ganglion cell (RGC) dendrite and synapse regeneration during ocular hypertension, a risk factor to develop glaucoma. We demonstrate that the ribosomal protein p70S6 kinase (S6K) is essential for insulin-dependent dendritic regrowth. Furthermore, S6K phosphorylation of the stress-activated protein kinase-interacting protein 1 (SIN1), a link between the mammalian target of rapamycin complexes 1 and 2 (mTORC1/2), is required for insulin-induced dendritic regeneration. Using two-photon microscopy live retinal imaging, we show that insulin rescues single-RGC light-evoked calcium (Ca2+) dynamics. We further demonstrate that insulin enhances neuronal survival and retina-brain connectivity leading to improved optomotor reflex-elicited behaviors. Our data support that insulin is a compelling pro-regenerative strategy with potential clinical implications for the treatment and management of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana El Hajji
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Yukihiro Shiga
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Belforte
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Yves Carpentier Solorio
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Olivier Tastet
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Philippe D’Onofrio
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Florence Dotigny
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alexandre Prat
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nathalie Arbour
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Brad Fortune
- Discoveries in Sight Research Laboratories, Devers Eye Institute and Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Health, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Yao M, Zeng Z, Li S, Zou Z, Chen Z, Chen X, Gao Q, Zhao G, Chen A, Li Z, Wang Y, Ning R, McAlinden C, Zhou X, Huang J. CRISPR-CasRx-mediated disruption of Aqp1/Adrb2/Rock1/Rock2 genes reduces intraocular pressure and retinal ganglion cell damage in mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6395. [PMID: 39080269 PMCID: PMC11289368 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50050-4] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma affects approximately 80 million individuals worldwide, a condition for which current treatment options are inadequate. The primary risk factor for glaucoma is elevated intraocular pressure. Intraocular pressure is determined by the balance between the secretion and outflow of aqueous humor. Here we show that using the RNA interference tool CasRx based on shH10 adenovirus-associated virus can reduce the expression of the aqueous humor circulation related genes Rock1 and Rock2, as well as aquaporin 1 and β2 adrenergic receptor in female mice. This significantly reduced intraocular pressure in female mice and provided protection to the retina ganglion cells, ultimately delaying disease progression. In addition, we elucidated the mechanisms by which the knockdown of Rock1 and Rock2, or aquaporin 1 and β2 adrenergic receptor in female mice, reduces the intraocular pressure and secures the retina ganglion cells by single-cell sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Yao
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University; NHC Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases; Key Laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenhai Zeng
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University; NHC Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases; Key Laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shanghai, China
| | - Siheng Li
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University; NHC Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases; Key Laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhilin Zou
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhongxing Chen
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University; NHC Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases; Key Laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyi Chen
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qingyi Gao
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University; NHC Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases; Key Laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoli Zhao
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University; NHC Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases; Key Laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shanghai, China
| | - Aodong Chen
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zheng Li
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiran Wang
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University; NHC Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases; Key Laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Ning
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University; NHC Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases; Key Laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shanghai, China
| | - Colm McAlinden
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University; NHC Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases; Key Laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Corneo Plastic Unit & Eye Bank, Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, UK
| | - Xingtao Zhou
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University; NHC Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases; Key Laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jinhai Huang
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University; NHC Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases; Key Laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shanghai, China.
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Li CP, Wu S, Sun YQ, Peng XQ, Gong M, Du HZ, Zhang J, Teng ZQ, Wang N, Liu CM. Lhx2 promotes axon regeneration of adult retinal ganglion cells and rescues neurodegeneration in mouse models of glaucoma. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101554. [PMID: 38729157 PMCID: PMC11148806 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101554] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
The axons of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) form the optic nerve, transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. Damage or loss of RGCs and their axons is the leading cause of visual functional defects in traumatic injury and degenerative diseases such as glaucoma. However, there are no effective clinical treatments for nerve damage in these neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we report that LIM homeodomain transcription factor Lhx2 promotes RGC survival and axon regeneration in multiple animal models mimicking glaucoma disease. Furthermore, following N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced excitotoxicity damage of RGCs, Lhx2 mitigates the loss of visual signal transduction. Mechanistic analysis revealed that overexpression of Lhx2 supports axon regeneration by systematically regulating the transcription of regeneration-related genes and inhibiting transcription of Semaphorin 3C (Sema3C). Collectively, our studies identify a critical role of Lhx2 in promoting RGC survival and axon regeneration, providing a promising neural repair strategy for glaucomatous neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Ping Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shen Wu
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing 100730, China; Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yong-Quan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xue-Qi Peng
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Maolei Gong
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hong-Zhen Du
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jingxue Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing 100730, China; Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Zhao-Qian Teng
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Ningli Wang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing 100730, China; Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.
| | - Chang-Mei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China.
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4
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Becker S, L'Ecuyer Z, Jones BW, Zouache MA, McDonnell FS, Vinberg F. Modeling complex age-related eye disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 100:101247. [PMID: 38365085 PMCID: PMC11268458 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101247] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Modeling complex eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma poses significant challenges, since these conditions depend highly on age-related changes that occur over several decades, with many contributing factors remaining unknown. Although both diseases exhibit a relatively high heritability of >50%, a large proportion of individuals carrying AMD- or glaucoma-associated genetic risk variants will never develop these diseases. Furthermore, several environmental and lifestyle factors contribute to and modulate the pathogenesis and progression of AMD and glaucoma. Several strategies replicate the impact of genetic risk variants, pathobiological pathways and environmental and lifestyle factors in AMD and glaucoma in mice and other species. In this review we will primarily discuss the most commonly available mouse models, which have and will likely continue to improve our understanding of the pathobiology of age-related eye diseases. Uncertainties persist whether small animal models can truly recapitulate disease progression and vision loss in patients, raising doubts regarding their usefulness when testing novel gene or drug therapies. We will elaborate on concerns that relate to shorter lifespan, body size and allometries, lack of macula and a true lamina cribrosa, as well as absence and sequence disparities of certain genes and differences in their chromosomal location in mice. Since biological, rather than chronological, age likely predisposes an organism for both glaucoma and AMD, more rapidly aging organisms like small rodents may open up possibilities that will make research of these diseases more timely and financially feasible. On the other hand, due to the above-mentioned anatomical and physiological features, as well as pharmacokinetic and -dynamic differences small animal models are not ideal to study the natural progression of vision loss or the efficacy and safety of novel therapies. In this context, we will also discuss the advantages and pitfalls of alternative models that include larger species, such as non-human primates and rabbits, patient-derived retinal organoids, and human organ donor eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Becker
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Zia L'Ecuyer
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Bryan W Jones
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Moussa A Zouache
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Fiona S McDonnell
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Frans Vinberg
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Bou Ghanem GO, Wareham LK, Calkins DJ. Addressing neurodegeneration in glaucoma: Mechanisms, challenges, and treatments. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 100:101261. [PMID: 38527623 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101261] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally. The disease causes vision loss due to neurodegeneration of the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) projection to the brain through the optic nerve. Glaucoma is associated with sensitivity to intraocular pressure (IOP). Thus, mainstay treatments seek to manage IOP, though many patients continue to lose vision. To address neurodegeneration directly, numerous preclinical studies seek to develop protective or reparative therapies that act independently of IOP. These include growth factors, compounds targeting metabolism, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents, and neuromodulators. Despite success in experimental models, many of these approaches fail to translate into clinical benefits. Several factors contribute to this challenge. Firstly, the anatomic structure of the optic nerve head differs between rodents, nonhuman primates, and humans. Additionally, animal models do not replicate the complex glaucoma pathophysiology in humans. Therefore, to enhance the success of translating these findings, we propose two approaches. First, thorough evaluation of experimental targets in multiple animal models, including nonhuman primates, should precede clinical trials. Second, we advocate for combination therapy, which involves using multiple agents simultaneously, especially in the early and potentially reversible stages of the disease. These strategies aim to increase the chances of successful neuroprotective treatment for glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazi O Bou Ghanem
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Lauren K Wareham
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - David J Calkins
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Karg MM, Lu YR, Refaian N, Cameron J, Hoffmann E, Hoppe C, Shirahama S, Shah M, Krasniqi D, Krishnan A, Shrestha M, Guo Y, Cermak JM, Walthier M, Broniowska K, Rosenzweig-Lipson S, Gregory-Ksander M, Sinclair DA, Ksander BR. Sustained Vision Recovery by OSK Gene Therapy in a Mouse Model of Glaucoma. Cell Reprogram 2023; 25:288-299. [PMID: 38060815 PMCID: PMC10739681 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2023.0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma, a chronic neurodegenerative disease, is a leading cause of age-related blindness worldwide and characterized by the progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. Previously, we developed a novel epigenetic rejuvenation therapy, based on the expression of the three transcription factors Oct4, Sox2, and Klf4 (OSK), which safely rejuvenates RGCs without altering cell identity in glaucomatous and old mice after 1 month of treatment. In the current year-long study, mice with continuous or cyclic OSK expression induced after glaucoma-induced vision damage had occurred were tracked for efficacy, duration, and safety. Surprisingly, only 2 months of OSK fully restored impaired vision, with a restoration of vision for 11 months with prolonged expression. In RGCs, transcription from the doxycycline (DOX)-inducible Tet-On AAV system, returned to baseline 4 weeks after DOX withdrawal. Significant vision improvements remained for 1 month post switching off OSK, after which the vision benefit gradually diminished but remained better than baseline. Notably, no adverse effects on retinal structure or body weight were observed in glaucomatous mice with OSK continuously expressed for 21 months providing compelling evidence of efficacy and safety. This work highlights the tremendous therapeutic potential of rejuvenating gene therapies using OSK, not only for glaucoma but also for other ocular and systemic injuries and age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarete M. Karg
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye & Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yuancheng Ryan Lu
- Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research, Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Department of Biology, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nasrin Refaian
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye & Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James Cameron
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Department of Biology, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emma Hoffmann
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye & Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cindy Hoppe
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye & Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shintaro Shirahama
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye & Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Madhura Shah
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye & Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Drenushe Krasniqi
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye & Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anitha Krishnan
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye & Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maleeka Shrestha
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye & Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yinjie Guo
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye & Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Meredith Gregory-Ksander
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye & Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David A. Sinclair
- Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research, Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bruce R. Ksander
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye & Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Lo J, Mehta K, Dhillon A, Huang YK, Luo Z, Nam MH, Al Diri I, Chang KC. Therapeutic strategies for glaucoma and optic neuropathies. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 94:101219. [PMID: 37839232 PMCID: PMC10841486 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101219] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative eye disease that causes permanent vision impairment. The main pathological characteristics of glaucoma are retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss and optic nerve degeneration. Glaucoma can be caused by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), although some cases are congenital or occur in patients with normal IOP. Current glaucoma treatments rely on medicine and surgery to lower IOP, which only delays disease progression. First-line glaucoma medicines are supported by pharmacotherapy advancements such as Rho kinase inhibitors and innovative drug delivery systems. Glaucoma surgery has shifted to safer minimally invasive (or microinvasive) glaucoma surgery, but further trials are needed to validate long-term efficacy. Further, growing evidence shows that adeno-associated virus gene transduction and stem cell-based RGC replacement therapy hold potential to treat optic nerve fiber degeneration and glaucoma. However, better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of RGC development is needed to provide insight into RGC differentiation from stem cells and help choose target genes for viral therapy. In this review, we overview current progress in RGC development research, optic nerve fiber regeneration, and human stem cell-derived RGC differentiation and transplantation. We also provide an outlook on perspectives and challenges in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Lo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Kamakshi Mehta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Armaan Dhillon
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center and Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Yu-Kai Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan
| | - Ziming Luo
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Mi-Hyun Nam
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center and Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Issam Al Diri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
| | - Kun-Che Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Center of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan.
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Murai Y, Mori S, Okuda M, Kusuhara S, Kurimoto T, Nakamura M. Effects of Elevated Intraocular Pressure on Retinal Ganglion Cell Density and Expression and Interaction of Retinal Aquaporin 9 and Monocarboxylate Transporters. Ophthalmic Res 2023; 66:1222-1229. [PMID: 37647868 PMCID: PMC10614569 DOI: 10.1159/000533497] [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: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Astrocyte-to-neuron lactate shuttle (ANLS) plays an important role in the energy metabolism of neurons, including retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Aquaporin 9 (AQP9), which is an aquaglyceroporin that can transport lactate, may be involved in ANLS together with monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) to maintain RGC function and survival. This study aimed to investigate the impact of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) on AQP9-MCT interaction and RGC survival. METHODS IOP was elevated in Aqp9 knock-out (KO) mice and wild-type (WT) littermates by anterior chamber microbead injection. RGC density was measured by TUBB3 immunostaining on retinal flat mounts. Immunolabeling, immunoblot, and immunoprecipitation were conducted to identify and quantitate expressions of AQP9, MCT1, MCT2, and MCT4 in whole retinas and ganglion cell layer (GCL). RESULTS Aqp9 KO and WT mice had similar RGC density at baseline. Microbead injection increased cumulative IOP by approximately 32% up to 4 weeks, resulting in RGC density loss of 42% and 34% in WT and Aqp9 KO mice, respectively, with no statistical difference. In the retina of WT mice, elevated IOP decreased the amount of AQP9, MCT1, and MCT2 protein and changed the AQP9 immunoreactivity and reduced MCT1 and MCT2 immunoreactivities in GCL. Meanwhile, it decreased MCT1 and increased MCT2 that interact with AQP9, without affecting MCT4 expression. Aqp9 gene deletion increased baseline MCT2 expression in the GCL and counteracted IOP elevation regarding MCT1 and MCT2 expressions. CONCLUSION The compensatory upregulation of MCT1 and MCT2 with Aqp9 gene deletion and ocular hypertension may reflect the need to maintain lactate transport in the retina for RGC survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Murai
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Sotaro Mori
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Mina Okuda
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Sentaro Kusuhara
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takuji Kurimoto
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Makoto Nakamura
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
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9
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Qian C, Xin Y, Cheng Q, Wang H, Zack D, Blackshaw S, Hattar S, Feng-Quan Z, Qian J. Intercellular communication atlas reveals Oprm1 as a neuroprotective factor for retinal ganglion cells. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3193738. [PMID: 37645816 PMCID: PMC10462234 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3193738/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The progressive death of mature neurons often results in neurodegenerative diseases. While the previous studies have mostly focused on identifying intrinsic mechanisms controlling neuronal survival, the extracellular environment also plays a critical role in regulating cell viability. Here we explore how intercellular communication contributes to the survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) following the optic nerve crush (ONC). Although the direct effect of the ONC is restricted to the RGCs, we observed transcriptomic responses in other retinal cells to the injury based on the single-cell RNA-seq, with astrocytes and Müller glia having the most interactions with RGCs. By comparing the RGC subclasses showing distinct resilience to ONC-induced cell death, we found that the high-survival RGCs tend to have more ligand-receptor interactions with other retinal cells, suggesting that these RGCs are intrinsically programmed to foster more communication with their surroundings. Furthermore, we identified top 47 interactions that are stronger in the high-survival RGCs, likely representing neuroprotective interactions. We performed functional assays on one of the receptors, μ opioid receptor (Oprm1), a receptor known to play roles in regulating pain, reward, and addictive behavior. Although Oprm1 is preferentially expressed in intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), its neuroprotective effect could be transferred to multiple RGC subclasses by specific overexpressing Oprm1 in pan-RGCs in ONC, excitotoxicity, and glaucoma models. Lastly, manipulating Oprm1 activity improved visual functions and altered pupillary light response in mice. Our study provides an atlas of cell-cell interactions in both intact and post-ONC retina and an effective strategy to predict molecular mechanisms in neuroprotection, underlying the principal role played by extracellular environment in supporting neuron survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Qian
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Ying Xin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Qi Cheng
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Hui Wang
- Section on Light and Circadian Rhythms, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Donald Zack
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Samer Hattar
- Section on Light and Circadian Rhythms, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Zhou Feng-Quan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiang Qian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
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10
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Huang KC, Gomes C, Shiga Y, Belforte N, VanderWall KB, Lavekar SS, Fligor CM, Harkin J, Di Polo A, Meyer JS. Autophagy disruption reduces mTORC1 activation leading to retinal ganglion cell neurodegeneration associated with glaucoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.04.522687. [PMID: 36711831 PMCID: PMC9881969 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.04.522687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy dysfunction has been associated with several neurodegenerative diseases including glaucoma, characterized by the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). However, the mechanisms by which autophagy dysfunction promotes RGC damage remain unclear. Here, we hypothesized that perturbation of the autophagy pathway results in increased autophagic demand, thereby downregulating signaling through mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), a negative regulator of autophagy, contributing to the degeneration of RGCs. We identified an impairment of autophagic-lysosomal degradation and decreased mTORC1 signaling via activation of the stress sensor adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), along with subsequent neurodegeneration in RGCs differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) with a glaucoma-associated variant of Optineurin (OPTN-E50K). Similarly, the microbead occlusion model of glaucoma resulting in ocular hypertension also exhibited autophagy disruption and mTORC1 downregulation. Pharmacological inhibition of mTORC1 in hPSC-derived RGCs recapitulated disease-related neurodegenerative phenotypes in otherwise healthy RGCs, while the mTOR-independent induction of autophagy reduced protein accumulation and restored neurite outgrowth in diseased OPTN-E50K RGCs. Taken together, these results highlight an important balance between autophagy and mTORC1 signaling essential for RGC homeostasis, while disruption to these pathways contributes to neurodegenerative features in glaucoma, providing a potential therapeutic target to prevent neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Chieh Huang
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN USA
| | - Cátia Gomes
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN USA
| | - Yukihiro Shiga
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Belforte
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kirstin B. VanderWall
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN USA
| | - Sailee S. Lavekar
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN USA
| | - Clarisse M. Fligor
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN USA
| | - Jade Harkin
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN USA
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jason S. Meyer
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN USA
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11
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Ramírez JM, Salobrar-García E, de Hoz R, Salazar JJ, Matamoros JA, Sánchez-Puebla L, López-Cuenca I, Fernández-Albarral JA, Ramírez AI. Laser-Induced Ocular Hypertension in a Mouse Model of Glaucoma. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2708:49-56. [PMID: 37558959 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3409-7_6] [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] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and thus to blindness. There are numerous experimental models used for the study of this pathology. Among the different models, episcleral vein photocoagulation is one of the most widely used. In this model there is a transient increase in intraocular pressure that returns to normal values about 7 days after induction of ocular hypertension (OHT). In addition, typical glaucoma changes, such as loss of RGC, thinning of the optic nerve fiber layer, and glial activation, occur in this model. All these changes have been described in detail over time after OHT induction. In this chapter, we describe the detailed method of OHT induction in Swiss albino mice by diode laser photocoagulation of limbal and episcleral veins.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Ramírez
- Ramón Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmological Research, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Health Research, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Salobrar-García
- Ramón Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmological Research, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Health Research, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa de Hoz
- Ramón Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmological Research, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Health Research, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan J Salazar
- Ramón Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmological Research, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Health Research, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José A Matamoros
- Ramón Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmological Research, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidia Sánchez-Puebla
- Ramón Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmological Research, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés López-Cuenca
- Ramón Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmological Research, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José A Fernández-Albarral
- Ramón Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmological Research, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ana I Ramírez
- Ramón Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmological Research, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
- Institute for Health Research, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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12
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Tan Z, Guo Y, Shrestha M, Sun D, Gregory-Ksander M, Jakobs TC. Microglia depletion exacerbates retinal ganglion cell loss in a mouse model of glaucoma. Exp Eye Res 2022; 225:109273. [PMID: 36206859 PMCID: PMC10970711 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
To test whether depletion of microglia in the optic nerve head has a beneficial effect on retinal ganglion cell numbers and function, we depleted microglia by oral administration of the CSF1R antagonist PLX5622. Then, ocular hypertension was induced by unilateral injection of magnetic microbeads into the anterior chamber. Visual function was assessed with pattern electroretinography and measurement of the optomotor reflex. Retinal ganglion cell bodies and axons were counted and gene expression patterns in optic nerve head astrocytes were tested on freshly dissociated astrocytes. PLX5622 efficiently depleted microglia in the retina and the optic nerve head, but about 20% of microglia persisted in the myelinated optic nerve proper even after prolonged exposure to the drug. PLX5622 did not affect ganglion cell function by itself. Elevation of the IOP for four weeks led to the expected decrease in visual acuity and pattern ERG amplitude. Microglia ablation did not affect these parameters. Ganglion cell and axon numbers were counted histologically post mortem. Mice in the microglia depletion group showed a moderate but significantly greater loss of ganglion cells than the control group. At four weeks post microbead injection, gene expression patterns in optic nerve head astrocytes are consistent with an A2 (or neuroprotective) pattern. Microglia depletion blunted the up-regulation of A2 genes in astrocytes. In conclusion, microglia depletion is unlikely to protect retinal ganglion cells in early glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zizhu Tan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China; Schepens Eye Research Institute/Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard University School of Medicine, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Yinjie Guo
- Schepens Eye Research Institute/Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard University School of Medicine, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA; The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Maleeka Shrestha
- Schepens Eye Research Institute/Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard University School of Medicine, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Daniel Sun
- Schepens Eye Research Institute/Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard University School of Medicine, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Meredith Gregory-Ksander
- Schepens Eye Research Institute/Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard University School of Medicine, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Tatjana C Jakobs
- Schepens Eye Research Institute/Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard University School of Medicine, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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13
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Fan J, Liu J, Liu J, Angel PM, Drake RR, Wu Y, Fan H, Koutalos Y, Crosson CE. Sphingomyelinases in retinas and optic nerve heads: Effects of ocular hypertension and ischemia. Exp Eye Res 2022; 224:109250. [PMID: 36122624 PMCID: PMC10694736 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sphingomyelinases (SMase), enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin to ceramide, are important sensors for inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic signaling. Studies have provided evidence that increased SMase activity can contribute to retinal injury. In most tissues, two major SMases are responsible for stress-induced increases in ceramide: acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) and Mg2+-dependent neutral sphingomyelinase (NSMase). The purposes of the current study were to determine the localization of SMases and their substrates in the retina and optic nerve head and to investigate the effects of ocular hypertension and ischemia on ASMase and NSMase activities. Tissue and cellular localization of ASMase and NSMase were determined by immunofluorescence imaging. Tissue localization of sphingomyelin in retinas was further determined by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization mass spectrometry imaging. Tissue levels of sphingomyelins and ceramide were determined by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Sphingomyelinase activities under basal conditions and following acute ischemic and ocular hypotensive stress were measured using the Amplex Red Sphingomyelinase Assay Kit. Our data show that ASMase is in the optic nerve head and the retinal ganglion cell layer. NSMase is in the optic nerve head, photoreceptor and retinal ganglion cell layers. Both ASMase and NSMase were identified in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve head astrocytes. The retina and optic nerve head each exhibited unique distribution of sphingomyelins with the abundance of very long chain species being higher in the optic nerve head than in the retina. Basal activities for ASMase in retinas and optic nerve heads were 54.98 ± 2.5 and 95.6 ± 19.5 mU/mg protein, respectively. Ocular ischemia significantly increased ASMase activity to 86.2 ± 15.3 mU/mg protein in retinas (P = 0.03) but not in optic nerve heads (81.1 ± 15.3 mU/mg protein). Ocular hypertension significantly increased ASMase activity to 121.6 ± 7.3 mU/mg protein in retinas (P < 0.001) and 267.0 ± 66.3 mU/mg protein in optic nerve heads (P = 0.03). Basal activities for NSMase in retinas and optic nerve heads were 12.3 ± 2.1 and 37.9 ± 8.7 mU/mg protein, respectively. No significant change in NSMase activity was measured following ocular ischemia or hypertension. Our results provide evidence that both ASMase and NSMase are expressed in retinas and optic nerve heads; however, basal ASMase activity is significantly higher than NSMase activity in retinas and optic nerve heads. In addition, only ASMase activity was significantly increased in ocular ischemia or hypertension. These data support a role for ASMase-mediated sphingolipid metabolism in the development of retinal ischemic and hypertensive injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fan
- Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Ophthalmology, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Jian Liu
- Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Ophthalmology, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jiali Liu
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, 274 Middle Zhijiang Road, Jingan District, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Peggi M Angel
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and MUSC Proteomics Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Richard R Drake
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and MUSC Proteomics Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Hongkuan Fan
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Yiannis Koutalos
- Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Ophthalmology, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Craig E Crosson
- Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Ophthalmology, Charleston, SC, USA
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14
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Youale J, Bigot K, Kodati B, Jaworski T, Fan Y, Nsiah NY, Pappenhagen N, Inman DM, Behar-Cohen F, Bordet T, Picard E. Neuroprotective Effects of Transferrin in Experimental Glaucoma Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232112753. [PMID: 36361544 PMCID: PMC9659282 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron is essential for retinal metabolism, but an excess of ferrous iron causes oxidative stress. In glaucomatous eyes, retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death has been associated with dysregulation of iron homeostasis. Transferrin (TF) is an endogenous iron transporter that controls ocular iron levels. Intraocular administration of TF is neuroprotective in various models of retinal degeneration, preventing iron overload and reducing iron-induced oxidative stress. Herein, we assessed the protective effects of TF on RGC survival, using ex vivo rat retinal explants exposed to iron, NMDA-induced excitotoxicity, or CoCl2-induced hypoxia, and an in vivo rat model of ocular hypertension (OHT). TF significantly preserved RGCs against FeSO4-induced toxicity, NMDA-induced excitotoxicity, and CoCl2-induced hypoxia. TF protected RGCs from apoptosis, ferroptosis, and necrosis. In OHT rats, TF reduced RGC loss by about 70% compared to vehicle-treated animals and preserved about 47% of the axons. Finally, increased iron staining was shown in the retina of a glaucoma patient's eye as compared to non-glaucomatous eyes. These results indicate that TF can interfere with different cell-death mechanisms involved in glaucoma pathogenesis and demonstrate the ability of TF to protect RGCs exposed to elevated IOP. Altogether, these results suggest that TF is a promising treatment against glaucoma neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Youale
- Eyevensys, 11 Rue Watt, 75013 Paris, France
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Université de Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, From Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases to Clinical Development, 75006 Paris, France
| | | | - Bindu Kodati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Thara Jaworski
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Université de Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, From Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases to Clinical Development, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Yan Fan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Nana Yaa Nsiah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Nathaniel Pappenhagen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Denise M. Inman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Francine Behar-Cohen
- Eyevensys, 11 Rue Watt, 75013 Paris, France
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Université de Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, From Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases to Clinical Development, 75006 Paris, France
- Cochin Hospital, AP-HP, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, 24 rue du Faubourg Saint Jacques, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Thierry Bordet
- Eyevensys, 11 Rue Watt, 75013 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (T.B.); (E.P.)
| | - Emilie Picard
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Université de Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, From Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases to Clinical Development, 75006 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (T.B.); (E.P.)
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15
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Lee KM, Song DY, Kim SH. Effect of Strain on Rodent Glaucoma Models: Magnetic Bead Injection Versus Hydrogel Injection Versus Circumlimbal Suture. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:31. [PMID: 36173647 PMCID: PMC9527335 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.9.31] [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 To compare the inter-strain differences of three rodent glaucoma models as induced by magnetic bead injection, hydrogel injection, and circumlimbal suture. Methods In Brown Norway (BN) and Sprague Dawley (SD) rat strains, intraocular pressure (IOP) was elevated by injection of magnetic beads or hydrogel to obstruct the aqueous humor outflow or by external compression of circumlimbal suture. Maximum and average IOP values were compared according to both procedure and rat strain over 1 month postoperatively. Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) density loss was evaluated using confocal microscopic images of the flat-mounted retina obtained at postoperative days 14 and 30. Results The maximum IOPs were higher in the hydrogel injection or circumlimbal injection models than in the magnetic bead injection model (P < 0.001), whereas average IOP showed no difference between the two strains (both P ≥ 0.05). A generalized estimating equation regression model showed that the IOP increase was maintained better in the BN rats than in the SD rats (P < 0.001). Such inter-strain difference was smaller in the circumlimbal suture model. A significant decrease in RGC density was observed in all of the models for the BN rats and in the circumlimbal suture model for the SD rats at postoperative day 30. Conclusions BN rats were advantageous for the magnetic bead or hydrogel injection model, but either rat strain could be used for the circumlimbal suture model. Strains should be considered cautiously when establishing rodent glaucoma models with different IOP profiles. Translational Relevance This comparison offers the best strain for each rodent glaucoma model for assessment of glaucoma-relevant therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung Min Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Da Young Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seok Hwan Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
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16
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Claes M, Moons L. Retinal Ganglion Cells: Global Number, Density and Vulnerability to Glaucomatous Injury in Common Laboratory Mice. Cells 2022; 11:2689. [PMID: 36078097 PMCID: PMC9454702 DOI: 10.3390/cells11172689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
How many RBPMS+ retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) does a standard C57BL/6 laboratory mouse have on average and is this number substrain- or sex-dependent? Do RGCs of (European) C57BL/6J and -N mice show a different intrinsic vulnerability upon glaucomatous injury? Global RGC numbers and densities of common laboratory mice were previously determined via axon counts, retrograde tracing or BRN3A immunohistochemistry. Here, we report the global RGC number and density by exploiting the freely available tool RGCode to automatically count RGC numbers and densities on entire retinal wholemounts immunostained for the pan-RGC marker RBPMS. The intrinsic vulnerability of RGCs from different substrains to glaucomatous injury was evaluated upon introduction of the microbead occlusion model, followed by RBPMS counts, retrograde tracing and electroretinography five weeks post-injury. We demonstrate that the global RGC number and density varies between substrains, yet is not sex-dependent. C57BL/6J mice have on average 46K ± 2K RBPMS+ RGCs per retina, representing a global RGC density of 3268 ± 177 RGCs/mm2. C57BL/6N mice, on the other hand, have on average less RBPMS+ RGCs (41K ± 3K RGCs) and a lower density (3018 ± 189 RGCs/mm2). The vulnerability of the RGC population of the two C57BL/6 substrains to glaucomatous injury did, however, not differ in any of the interrogated parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lieve Moons
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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17
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Pericyte dysfunction and loss of interpericyte tunneling nanotubes promote neurovascular deficits in glaucoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2110329119. [PMID: 35135877 PMCID: PMC8851476 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2110329119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduced blood flow and impaired neurovascular coupling are recognized features of glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, but the mechanisms underlying these defects are unknown. Retinal pericytes regulate microcirculatory blood flow and coordinate neurovascular coupling through interpericyte tunneling nanotubes (IP-TNTs). Using two-photon microscope live imaging of the mouse retina, we found reduced capillary diameter and impaired blood flow at pericyte locations in eyes with high intraocular pressure, the most important risk factor to develop glaucoma. We show that IP-TNTs are structurally and functionally damaged by ocular hypertension, a response that disrupted light-evoked neurovascular coupling. Pericyte-specific inhibition of excessive Ca2+ influx rescued hemodynamic responses, protected IP-TNTs and neurovascular coupling, and enhanced retinal neuronal function as well as survival in glaucomatous retinas. Our study identifies pericytes and IP-TNTs as potential therapeutic targets to counter ocular pressure-related microvascular deficits, and provides preclinical proof of concept that strategies aimed to restore intrapericyte calcium homeostasis rescue autoregulatory blood flow and prevent neuronal dysfunction.
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18
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Mathew DJ, Livne-Bar I, Sivak JM. An inducible rodent glaucoma model that exhibits gradual sustained increase in intraocular pressure with distinct inner retina and optic nerve inflammation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22880. [PMID: 34819548 PMCID: PMC8613281 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02057-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease of the optic nerve resulting in loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and vision. The most prominent glaucoma risk factor is increased intraocular pressure (IOP), and most models focus on reproducing this aspect to study disease mechanisms and targets. Yet, current models result in IOP profiles that often do not resemble clinical glaucoma. Here we introduce a new model that results in a gradual and sustained IOP increase over time. This approach modifies a circumlimbal suture method, taking care to make the sutures 'snug' instead of tight, without inducing an initial IOP spike. This approach did not immediately affect IOPs, but generated gradual ocular hypertension (gOHT) as the sutures tighten over time, in comparison to loosely sutured control eyes (CON), resulting in an average 12.6 mmHg increase in IOP at 17 weeks (p < 0.001). Corresponding characterization revealed relevant retinal and optic nerve pathology, such as thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer, decreased optokinetic response, RGC loss, and optic nerve head remodeling. Yet, angles remained open, with no evidence of inflammation. Corresponding biochemical profiling indicated significant increases in TGF-β2 and 3, and IL-1 family cytokines in gOHT optic nerve tissues compared to CON, with accompanying microglial reactivity, consistent with active tissue injury and repair mechanisms. Remarkably, this signature was absent from optic nerves following acute ocular hypertension (aOHT) associated with intentionally tightened sutures, although the resulting RGC loss was similar in both methods. These results suggest that the pattern of IOP change has an important impact on underlying pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Mathew
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Lab Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Izhar Livne-Bar
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Lab Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jeremy M Sivak
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Lab Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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19
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Di Pierdomenico J, Henderson DCM, Giammaria S, Smith VL, Jamet AJ, Smith CA, Hooper ML, Chauhan BC. Age and intraocular pressure in murine experimental glaucoma. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 88:101021. [PMID: 34801667 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.101021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Age and intraocular pressure (IOP) are the two most important risk factors for the development and progression of open-angle glaucoma. While IOP is commonly considered in models of experimental glaucoma (EG), most studies use juvenile or adult animals and seldom older animals which are representative of the human disease. This paper provides a concise review of how retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss, the hallmark of glaucoma, can be evaluated in EG with a special emphasis on serial in vivo imaging, a parallel approach used in clinical practice. It appraises the suitability of EG models for the purpose of in vivo imaging and argues for the use of models that provide a sustained elevation of IOP, without compromise of the ocular media. In a study with parallel cohorts of adult (3-month-old, equivalent to 20 human years) and old (2-year-old, equivalent to 70 human years) mice, we compare the effects of elevated IOP on serial ganglion cell complex thickness and individual RGC dendritic morphology changes obtained in vivo. We also evaluate how age modulates the impact of elevated IOP on RGC somal and axonal density in histological analysis as well the density of melanopsin RGCs. We discuss the challenges of using old animals and emphasize the potential of single RGC imaging for understanding the pathobiology of RGC loss and evaluating new therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny Di Pierdomenico
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Delaney C M Henderson
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Sara Giammaria
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Victoria L Smith
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Aliénor J Jamet
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Corey A Smith
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Michele L Hooper
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Balwantray C Chauhan
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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20
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Sharif NA. Therapeutic Drugs and Devices for Tackling Ocular Hypertension and Glaucoma, and Need for Neuroprotection and Cytoprotective Therapies. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:729249. [PMID: 34603044 PMCID: PMC8484316 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.729249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Damage to the optic nerve and the death of associated retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), also known as glaucoma, is responsible for visual impairment and blindness in millions of people worldwide. The ocular hypertension (OHT) and the deleterious mechanical forces it exerts at the back of the eye, at the level of the optic nerve head/optic disc and lamina cribosa, is the only modifiable risk factor associated with glaucoma that can be treated. The elevated IOP occurs due to the inability of accumulated aqueous humor (AQH) to egress from the anterior chamber of the eye due to occlusion of the major outflow pathway, the trabecular meshwork (TM) and Schlemm’s canal (SC). Several different classes of pharmaceutical agents, surgical techniques and implantable devices have been developed to lower and control IOP. First-line drugs to promote AQH outflow via the uveoscleral outflow pathway include FP-receptor prostaglandin (PG) agonists (e.g., latanoprost, travoprost and tafluprost) and a novel non-PG EP2-receptor agonist (omidenepag isopropyl, Eybelis®). TM/SC outflow enhancing drugs are also effective ocular hypotensive agents (e.g., rho kinase inhibitors like ripasudil and netarsudil; and latanoprostene bunod, a conjugate of a nitric oxide donor and latanoprost). One of the most effective anterior chamber AQH microshunt devices is the Preserflo® microshunt which can lower IOP down to 10–13 mmHg. Other IOP-lowering drugs and devices on the horizon will be also discussed. Additionally, since elevated IOP is only one of many risk factors for development of glaucomatous optic neuropathy, a treatise of the role of inflammatory neurodegeneration of the optic nerve and retinal ganglion cells and appropriate neuroprotective strategies to mitigate this disease will also be reviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najam A Sharif
- Global Alliances and External Research, Ophthalmology Innovation Center, Santen Inc., Emeryville, CA, United States
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21
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Fan J, Liu J, Liu J, Chen C, Koutalos Y, Crosson CE. Evidence for ceramide induced cytotoxicity in retinal ganglion cells. Exp Eye Res 2021; 211:108762. [PMID: 34499916 PMCID: PMC8511283 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Ceramides are bioactive compounds that play important roles in regulating cellular responses to extracellular stimuli and stress. Previous studies have shown that ceramides contribute to retinal degeneration associated with ischemic and ocular hypertensive stress. Acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) is one of the major enzymes responsible for the stress-induced generation of ceramides. The goals of this study are to investigate the effects of ceramides on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and of ASMase inhibition in ocular hypertensive mice. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived RGCs and primary cultures of human optic nerve head astrocytes were used to characterize the response to C2-ceramide. Microbead-induced ocular hypertension in the ASMase heterozygote mouse model was used to confirm the physiological relevance of in vitro studies. In mice, RGC function and morphology were assessed with pattern ERG (pERG) and immunofluorescence. The addition of C2-ceramide to iPSC-derived RGCs produced a significant concentration- and time-dependent reduction in cell numbers when compared to control cultures. While the addition of C2-ceramide to astrocytes did not affect viability, it resulted in a 2.6-fold increase in TNF-α secretion. The addition of TNF-α or conditioned media from C2-ceramide-treated astrocytes to RGC cultures significantly reduced cell numbers by 56.1 ± 8.4% and 24.7 ± 4.8%, respectively. This cytotoxic response to astrocyte-conditioned media was blocked by TNF-α antibody. In ASMase heterozygote mice, functional and morphological analyses of ocular hypertensive eyes reveal significantly less RGC degeneration when compared with hypertensive eyes from wild-type mice. These results provide evidence that ceramides can induce RGC cell death by acting directly, as well as indirectly via the secretion of TNF-α from optic nerve head astrocytes. In vivo studies in mice provide evidence that ceramides derived through the activity of ASMase contribute to ocular hypertensive injury. Together these results support the importance of ceramides in the pathogenesis of ocular hypertensive injury to the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fan
- Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Ophthalmology, 167 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
| | - Jiali Liu
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, 274 Middle Zhijiang Road, Jingan District, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Ophthalmology, 167 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Chunhe Chen
- Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Ophthalmology, 167 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Yiannis Koutalos
- Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Ophthalmology, 167 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Craig E Crosson
- Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Ophthalmology, 167 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
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22
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Guo X, Zhou J, Starr C, Mohns EJ, Li Y, Chen EP, Yoon Y, Kellner CP, Tanaka K, Wang H, Liu W, Pasquale LR, Demb JB, Crair MC, Chen B. Preservation of vision after CaMKII-mediated protection of retinal ganglion cells. Cell 2021; 184:4299-4314.e12. [PMID: 34297923 PMCID: PMC8530265 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the sole output neurons that transmit visual information from the retina to the brain. Diverse insults and pathological states cause degeneration of RGC somas and axons leading to irreversible vision loss. A fundamental question is whether manipulation of a key regulator of RGC survival can protect RGCs from diverse insults and pathological states, and ultimately preserve vision. Here, we report that CaMKII-CREB signaling is compromised after excitotoxic injury to RGC somas or optic nerve injury to RGC axons, and reactivation of this pathway robustly protects RGCs from both injuries. CaMKII activity also promotes RGC survival in the normal retina. Further, reactivation of CaMKII protects RGCs in two glaucoma models where RGCs degenerate from elevated intraocular pressure or genetic deficiency. Last, CaMKII reactivation protects long-distance RGC axon projections in vivo and preserves visual function, from the retina to the visual cortex, and visually guided behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinzheng Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Christopher Starr
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ethan J Mohns
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Yidong Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | | | - Yonejung Yoon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Christopher P Kellner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Kohichi Tanaka
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, School of Biomedical Sciences and Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hongbing Wang
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Louis R Pasquale
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jonathan B Demb
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Michael C Crair
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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23
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Belforte N, Agostinone J, Alarcon-Martinez L, Villafranca-Baughman D, Dotigny F, Cueva Vargas JL, Di Polo A. AMPK hyperactivation promotes dendrite retraction, synaptic loss, and neuronal dysfunction in glaucoma. Mol Neurodegener 2021; 16:43. [PMID: 34187514 PMCID: PMC8243567 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-021-00466-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The maintenance of complex dendritic arbors and synaptic transmission are processes that require a substantial amount of energy. Bioenergetic decline is a prominent feature of chronic neurodegenerative diseases, yet the signaling mechanisms that link energy stress with neuronal dysfunction are poorly understood. Recent work has implicated energy deficits in glaucoma, and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) dendritic pathology and synapse disassembly are key features of ocular hypertension damage. RESULTS We show that adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a conserved energy biosensor, is strongly activated in RGC from mice with ocular hypertension and patients with primary open angle glaucoma. Our data demonstrate that AMPK triggers RGC dendrite retraction and synapse elimination. We show that the harmful effect of AMPK is exerted through inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Attenuation of AMPK activity restores mTORC1 function and rescues dendrites and synaptic contacts. Strikingly, AMPK depletion promotes recovery of light-evoked retinal responses, improves axonal transport, and extends RGC survival. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies AMPK as a critical nexus between bioenergetic decline and RGC dysfunction during pressure-induced stress, and highlights the importance of targeting energy homeostasis in glaucoma and other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Belforte
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Succursale centre-ville 6128, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3J7, Canada.,Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montréal, Québec, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Jessica Agostinone
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Succursale centre-ville 6128, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3J7, Canada.,Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montréal, Québec, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Luis Alarcon-Martinez
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Succursale centre-ville 6128, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3J7, Canada.,Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montréal, Québec, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Deborah Villafranca-Baughman
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Succursale centre-ville 6128, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3J7, Canada.,Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montréal, Québec, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Florence Dotigny
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montréal, Québec, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Jorge L Cueva Vargas
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Succursale centre-ville 6128, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3J7, Canada.,Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montréal, Québec, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Succursale centre-ville 6128, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3J7, Canada. .,Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montréal, Québec, H2X 0A9, Canada.
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24
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Chronic Glaucoma Using Biodegradable Microspheres to Induce Intraocular Pressure Elevation. Six-Month Follow-Up. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9060682. [PMID: 34208744 PMCID: PMC8235213 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: To compare two prolonged animal models of glaucoma over 24 weeks of follow-up. A novel pre-trabecular model of chronic glaucoma was achieved by injection of biodegradable poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) microspheres (10–20 µm) (Ms20/10) into the ocular anterior chamber to progressively increase ocular hypertension (OHT). Methods: Rat right eyes were injected to induce OHT: 50% received a suspension of Ms20/10 in the anterior chamber at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks, and the other 50% received a sclerosing episcleral vein injection biweekly (EPIm). Ophthalmological clinical signs, intraocular pressure (IOP), neuroretinal functionality measured by electroretinography (ERG), and structural analysis of the retina, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL) protocols using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and histological exams were performed. Results: Both models showed progressive neuroretinal degeneration (p < 0.05), and contralateral eye affectation. The Ms20/10 model showed a more progressive increase in IOP and better preservation of ocular surface. Although no statistical differences were found between models, the EPIm showed a tendency to produce thicker retinal and thinner GCL thicknesses, slower latency and smaller amplitude as measured using ERG, and more aggressive disturbances in retinal histology. In both models, while the GCL showed the greatest percentage loss of thickness, the RNFL showed the greatest and earliest rate of thickness loss. Conclusions: The intracameral model with biodegradable microspheres resulted more like the conditions observed in humans. It was obtained by a less-aggressive mechanism, which allows for adequate study of the pathology over longer periods.
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25
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A Fair Assessment of Evaluation Tools for the Murine Microbead Occlusion Model of Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115633. [PMID: 34073191 PMCID: PMC8199180 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite being one of the most studied eye diseases, clinical translation of glaucoma research is hampered, at least in part, by the lack of validated preclinical models and readouts. The most popular experimental glaucoma model is the murine microbead occlusion model, yet the observed mild phenotype, mixed success rate, and weak reproducibility urge for an expansion of available readout tools. For this purpose, we evaluated various measures that reflect early onset glaucomatous changes in the murine microbead occlusion model. Anterior chamber depth measurements and scotopic threshold response recordings were identified as an outstanding set of tools to assess the model’s success rate and to chart glaucomatous damage (or neuroprotection in future studies), respectively. Both are easy-to-measure, in vivo tools with a fast acquisition time and high translatability to the clinic and can be used, whenever judged beneficial, in combination with the more conventional measures in present-day glaucoma research (i.e., intraocular pressure measurements and post-mortem histological analyses). Furthermore, we highlighted the use of dendritic arbor analysis as an alternative histological readout for retinal ganglion cell density counts.
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26
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Tribble JR, Otmani A, Kokkali E, Lardner E, Morgan JE, Williams PA. Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration in a Rat Magnetic Bead Model of Ocular Hypertensive Glaucoma. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:21. [PMID: 33510960 PMCID: PMC7804499 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.1.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Glaucoma remains a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Animal glaucoma models replicate high intraocular pressure, a risk factor for glaucoma, to induce retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration. We describe an inducible, magnetic bead model in the Brown Norway rat in which we are able to determine degeneration across multiple RGC compartments at a time point that is appropriate for investigating neurodegenerative events and potential treatment effects. Methods We induced ocular hypertension through injection of magnetic microspheres into the anterior chamber of Brown Norway rats; un-operated (naïve) rats served as controls. Intraocular pressure was recorded, and eye diameter measurements were taken before surgery and at the terminal end points. We assessed RGC degeneration and vascular changes through immunofluorescence, and axon transport to terminal brain thalami through intravitreal injection of fluorophore-conjugated cholera toxin subunit β. Results We observed clinically relevant features of disease accompanying RGC cell somal, axonal, and dendritic loss. RGC axonal dysfunction persisted along the trajectory of the cell into the terminal brain thalami, with clear disruption at the optic nerve head. We also observed vascular compromise consistent with human disease, as well as an expansion of global eye size with ocular hypertension. Conclusions The magnetic bead model in the Brown Norway rat recapitulates many clinically relevant disease features of human glaucoma, including degeneration across multiple RGC compartments. Eye expansion is likely a result of rodent scleral elasticity, and we caution that this should be considered when assessing retinal density measurements. Translational Relevance This model offers a disease-relevant platform that will allow for assessment of glaucoma-relevant therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Tribble
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Amin Otmani
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eirini Kokkali
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Emma Lardner
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - James E Morgan
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK.,School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Pete A Williams
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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27
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Masin L, Claes M, Bergmans S, Cools L, Andries L, Davis BM, Moons L, De Groef L. A novel retinal ganglion cell quantification tool based on deep learning. Sci Rep 2021; 11:702. [PMID: 33436866 PMCID: PMC7804414 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80308-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a disease associated with the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), and remains one of the primary causes of blindness worldwide. Major research efforts are presently directed towards the understanding of disease pathogenesis and the development of new therapies, with the help of rodent models as an important preclinical research tool. The ultimate goal is reaching neuroprotection of the RGCs, which requires a tool to reliably quantify RGC survival. Hence, we demonstrate a novel deep learning pipeline that enables fully automated RGC quantification in the entire murine retina. This software, called RGCode (Retinal Ganglion Cell quantification based On DEep learning), provides a user-friendly interface that requires the input of RBPMS-immunostained flatmounts and returns the total RGC count, retinal area and density, together with output images showing the computed counts and isodensity maps. The counting model was trained on RBPMS-stained healthy and glaucomatous retinas, obtained from mice subjected to microbead-induced ocular hypertension and optic nerve crush injury paradigms. RGCode demonstrates excellent performance in RGC quantification as compared to manual counts. Furthermore, we convincingly show that RGCode has potential for wider application, by retraining the model with a minimal set of training data to count FluoroGold-traced RGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Masin
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Department of Biology, Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marie Claes
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Department of Biology, Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven Bergmans
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Department of Biology, Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lien Cools
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Department of Biology, Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lien Andries
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Department of Biology, Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Benjamin M. Davis
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Glaucoma and Retinal Neurodegenerative Disease Research Group, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK ,grid.496779.2Central Laser Facility, Science and Technologies Facilities Council, UK Research and Innovation, Didcot, Oxfordshire UK
| | - Lieve Moons
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Department of Biology, Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies De Groef
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Department of Biology, Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Sterling JK, Adetunji MO, Guttha S, Bargoud AR, Uyhazi KE, Ross AG, Dunaief JL, Cui QN. GLP-1 Receptor Agonist NLY01 Reduces Retinal Inflammation and Neuron Death Secondary to Ocular Hypertension. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108271. [PMID: 33147455 PMCID: PMC7660987 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness and is characterized by the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Recent studies have implicated pro-inflammatory microglia, macrophages, and A1 astrocytes in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. The role of pro-inflammatory, neurotoxic A1 astrocytes in glaucoma is just beginning to be explored. Using a mouse model of glaucoma, we demonstrate that ocular hypertension is sufficient to trigger production of C1q, interleukin-1α (IL-1α), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), three cytokines necessary and sufficient to drive the formation of A1 astrocytes. Upregulation of these cytokines occurs first in CD11b+ CD11c+ cells followed by CD11b+ CD11c- cells. Ablation of this pathway, by either genetic deletions of C1qa, IL-1α, and TNF-α, or treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist NLY01, reduces A1 astrocyte transformation and RGC death. Together, these results highlight a neuroinflammatory mechanism of glaucomatous neurodegeneration that can be therapeutically targeted by NLY01 administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob K Sterling
- FM Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Modupe O Adetunji
- FM Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Samyuktha Guttha
- FM Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Albert R Bargoud
- FM Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Katherine E Uyhazi
- FM Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ahmara G Ross
- FM Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Joshua L Dunaief
- FM Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Qi N Cui
- FM Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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29
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VanderWall KB, Lu B, Alfaro JS, Allsop AR, Carr AS, Wang S, Meyer JS. Differential susceptibility of retinal ganglion cell subtypes in acute and chronic models of injury and disease. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17359. [PMID: 33060618 PMCID: PMC7566630 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71460-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are a heterogeneous population of neurons, comprised of numerous subtypes that work synchronously to transmit visual information to the brain. In blinding disorders such as glaucoma, RGCs are the main cell type to degenerate and lead to loss of vision. Previous studies have identified and characterized a variety of RGC subtypes in animal models, although only a handful of studies demonstrate the differential loss of these RGC subtypes in response to disease or injury. Thus, efforts of the current study utilized both chronic (bead occlusion) and acute (optic nerve crush, ONC) rat models to characterize disease response and differential loss of RGC subtypes. Bead occlusion and ONC retinas demonstrated significant RGC loss, glial reactivity and apoptosis compared to control retinas. Importantly, bead occlusion and ONC retinas resulted in differential subtype-specific loss of RGCs, with a high susceptibility for alpha- and direction selective-RGCs and preferential survival of ipRGCs. Results of this study serve as an important foundation for future experiments focused on the mechanisms resulting in the loss of RGCs in optic neuropathies, as well as the development of targeted therapeutics for RGC subtype-specific neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin B VanderWall
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Bin Lu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Regenerative Medicine Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Jorge S Alfaro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Regenerative Medicine Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Anna R Allsop
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Alexa S Carr
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Shaomei Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Regenerative Medicine Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
| | - Jason S Meyer
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Deparment of Ophthalmology, Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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30
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Abstract
Myo/Nog cells were discovered in the chick embryo epiblast. Their expression of MyoD reflects a commitment to the skeletal muscle lineage and capacity to differentiate into myofibroblasts. Release of Noggin by Myo/Nog cells is essential for normal morphogenesis. Myo/Nog cells rapidly respond to wounding in the skin and eyes. In this report, we present evidence suggesting that Myo/Nog cells phagocytose tattoo ink in tissue sections of human skin and engulf cell corpses in cultures of anterior human lens tissue and magnetic beads injected into the anterior chamber of mice in vivo. Myo/Nog cells are distinct from macrophages in the skin and eyes indicated by the absence of labeling with an antibody to ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1. In addition to their primary roles as regulators of BMP signaling and progenitors of myofibroblasts, Myo/Nog cells behave as nonprofessional phagocytes defined as cells whose primary functions are unrelated to phagocytosis but are capable of engulfment.
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31
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Retinal energy metabolism in health and glaucoma. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 81:100881. [PMID: 32712136 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Energy metabolism refers to the processes by which life transfers energy to do cellular work. The retina's relatively large energy demands make it vulnerable to energy insufficiency. In addition, evolutionary pressures to optimize human vision have been traded against retinal ganglion cell bioenergetic fragility. Details of the metabolic profiles of the different retinal cells remain poorly understood and are challenging to resolve. Detailed immunohistochemical mapping of the energy pathway enzymes and substrate transporters has provided some insights and highlighted interspecies differences. The different spatial metabolic patterns between the vascular and avascular retinas can account for some inconsistent data in the literature. There is a consilience of evidence that at least some individuals with glaucoma have impaired RGC energy metabolism, either due to impaired nutrient supply or intrinsic metabolic perturbations. Bioenergetic-based therapy for glaucoma has a compelling pathophysiological foundation and is supported by recent successes in animal models. Recent demonstrations of visual and electrophysiological neurorecovery in humans with glaucoma is highly encouraging and motivates longer duration trials investigating bioenergetic neuroprotection.
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32
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Oral administration of the iron chelator deferiprone protects against loss of retinal ganglion cells in a mouse model of glaucoma. Exp Eye Res 2020; 193:107961. [PMID: 32045598 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.107961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a progressive neurodegenerative process affecting the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and the optic nerve. Oxidative stress has been implicated in glaucoma pathogenesis, and iron is a potent generator of oxidative stress. The oral iron chelator deferiprone (DFP) is protective against retinal degenerations associated with oxidative stress. To test whether DFP could be protective in glaucoma, we used microbead injections to induce elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in a cohort of 3-month old C57BL/6J mice. One eye of each animal was injected with magnetic microbeads resulting in ocular hypertension for >7 weeks while the fellow eye was injected with saline and served as a normotensive internal control. While half of the cohort received oral DFP (1 mg/ml in the drinking water), the other half did not and served as controls. After 8 weeks, Brn3a immunolabeling of flat-mounted retinas was used for manual RGC quantification. Axon counts were obtained from thin sections of optic nerves using the AxonJ plugin for ImageJ. DFP administration was protective against RGC and optic nerve loss in the setting of elevated IOP. These results suggest that iron chelation by DFP may provide glaucoma neuroprotection.
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33
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Wu J, Bell OH, Copland DA, Young A, Pooley JR, Maswood R, Evans RS, Khaw PT, Ali RR, Dick AD, Chu CJ. Gene Therapy for Glaucoma by Ciliary Body Aquaporin 1 Disruption Using CRISPR-Cas9. Mol Ther 2020; 28:820-829. [PMID: 31981492 PMCID: PMC7054720 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a common cause of blindness, yet current therapeutic options are imperfect. Clinical trials have invariably shown that reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) regardless of disease subtype prevents visual loss. Reducing ciliary body aqueous humor production can lower IOP, and the adeno-associated virus ShH10 serotype was identified as able to transduce mouse ciliary body epithelium following intravitreal injection. Using ShH10 to deliver a single vector CRISPR-Cas9 system disrupting Aquaporin 1 resulted in reduced IOP in treated eyes (10.4 ± 2.4 mmHg) compared with control (13.2 ± 2.0 mmHg) or non-injected eyes (13.1 ± 2.8 mmHg; p < 0.001; n = 12). Editing in the aquaporin 1 gene could be detected in ciliary body, and no off-target increases in corneal or retinal thickness were identified. In experimental mouse models of corticosteroid and microbead-induced ocular hypertension, IOP could be reduced to prevent ganglion cell loss (32 ± 4 /mm2) compared with untreated eyes (25 ± 5/mm2; p < 0.01). ShH10 could transduce human ciliary body from post-mortem donor eyes in ex vivo culture with indel formation detectable in the Aquaporin 1 locus. Clinical translation of this approach to patients with glaucoma may permit long-term reduction of IOP following a single injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Wu
- Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Oliver H Bell
- Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - David A Copland
- Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Alison Young
- Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - John R Pooley
- Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Ryea Maswood
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Rachel S Evans
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Peng Tee Khaw
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Robin R Ali
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Andrew D Dick
- Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Colin J Chu
- Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK.
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34
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Cameron EG, Xia X, Galvao J, Ashouri M, Kapiloff MS, Goldberg JL. Optic Nerve Crush in Mice to Study Retinal Ganglion Cell Survival and Regeneration. Bio Protoc 2020; 10:e3559. [PMID: 32368566 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In diseases such as glaucoma, the failure of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) neurons to survive or regenerate their optic nerve axons underlies partial and, in some cases, complete vision loss. Optic nerve crush (ONC) serves as a useful model not only of traumatic optic neuropathy but also of glaucomatous injury, as it similarly induces RGC cell death and degeneration. Intravitreal injection of adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV2) has been shown to specifically and efficiently transduce RGCs in vivo and has thus been proposed as an effective means of gene delivery for the treatment of glaucoma. Indeed, we and others routinely use AAV2 to study the mechanisms that promote neuroprotection and axon regeneration in RGCs following ONC. Herein, we describe a step-by-step protocol to assay RGC survival and regeneration in mice following AAV2-mediated transduction and ONC injury including 1) intravitreal injection of AAV2 viral vectors, 2) optic nerve crush, 3) cholera-toxin B (CTB) labeling of regenerating axons, 4) optic nerve clearing, 5) flat mount retina immunostaining, and 6) quantification of RGC survival and regeneration. In addition to providing all the materials and procedural details necessary to execute this protocol, we highlight its advantages over other similar published approaches and include useful tips to ensure its faithful reproduction in any modern laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan G Cameron
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94034, USA
| | - Xin Xia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94034, USA
| | - Joana Galvao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94034, USA
| | - Masoumeh Ashouri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94034, USA
| | - Michael S Kapiloff
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94034, USA.,Department of Medicine and Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94034, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Center for Vision Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94034, USA
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35
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The Intraocular Pressure-Lowering Effect of Persimmon leaves ( Diospyros kaki) in a Mouse Model of Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20215268. [PMID: 31652855 PMCID: PMC6862624 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacological efficacy of persimmon leaves in two glaucoma models, microbeads-induced ocular hypertension (OHT) and DBA/2 mouse. Thus, we demonstrated that Ethanol Extract of Diospyros kaki (EEDK) reduced elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in both mouse models of glaucoma by measurements with a tonometer. In particular, we revealed that retinal ganglion cell loss and optic nerve damage caused by IOP elevation were markedly diminished as assessed by TUNEL assay, H&E staining, and fluorescent staining, while the expression of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGCα-1) increased, when EEDK was administered, as revealed by western blot. Moreover, the b-wave magnitude indicating functional scotopic vision was significantly improved in EEDK-administered DBA/2 mice during the 10-week follow-up study, as observed with electroretinography. Collectively, our results suggested that EEDK could be an effective therapeutic and IOP-lowering agent for preventing and treating retinal degenerative diseases such as glaucoma.
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36
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Evangelho K, Mastronardi CA, de-la-Torre A. Experimental Models of Glaucoma: A Powerful Translational Tool for the Future Development of New Therapies for Glaucoma in Humans-A Review of the Literature. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2019; 55:E280. [PMID: 31212881 PMCID: PMC6630440 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55060280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a common complex disease that leads to irreversible blindness worldwide. Even though preclinical studies showed that lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) could prevent retinal ganglion cells loss, clinical evidence suggests that lessening IOP does not prevent glaucoma progression in all patients. Glaucoma is also becoming more prevalent in the elderly population, showing that age is a recognized major risk factor. Indeed, recent findings suggest that age-related tissue alterations contribute to the development of glaucoma and have encouraged exploration for new treatment approaches. In this review, we provide information on the most frequently used experimental models of glaucoma and describe their advantages and limitations. Additionally, we describe diverse animal models of glaucoma that can be potentially used in translational medicine and aid an efficient shift to the clinic. Experimental animal models have helped to understand the mechanisms of formation and evacuation of aqueous humor, and the maintenance of homeostasis of intra-ocular pressure. However, the transfer of pre-clinical results obtained from animal studies into clinical trials may be difficult since the type of study does not only depend on the type of therapy to be performed, but also on a series of factors observed both in the experimental period and the period of transfer to clinical application. Conclusions: Knowing the exact characteristics of each glaucoma experimental model could help to diminish inconveniences related to the process of the translation of results into clinical application in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Evangelho
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas y Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá,11121, Colombia.
| | - Claudio A Mastronardi
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeurUROS), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, 11121, Colombia.
| | - Alejandra de-la-Torre
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeurUROS), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, 11121, Colombia.
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37
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Zhang J, Li L, Huang H, Fang F, Webber HC, Zhuang P, Liu L, Dalal R, Tang PH, Mahajan VB, Sun Y, Li S, Zhang M, Goldberg JL, Hu Y. Silicone oil-induced ocular hypertension and glaucomatous neurodegeneration in mouse. eLife 2019; 8:45881. [PMID: 31090540 PMCID: PMC6533060 DOI: 10.7554/elife.45881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the molecular mechanism of glaucoma and development of neuroprotectants is significantly hindered by the lack of a reliable animal model that accurately recapitulates human glaucoma. Here, we sought to develop a mouse model for the secondary glaucoma that is often observed in humans after silicone oil (SO) blocks the pupil or migrates into the anterior chamber following vitreoretinal surgery. We observed significant intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation after intracameral injection of SO, and that SO removal allows IOP to return quickly to normal. This simple, inducible and reversible mouse ocular hypertension model shows dynamic changes of visual function that correlate with progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss and axon degeneration. It may be applicable with only minor modifications to a range of animal species in which it will generate stable, robust IOP elevation and significant neurodegeneration that will facilitate selection of neuroprotectants and investigating the pathogenesis of ocular hypertension-induced glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States
| | - Haoliang Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hannah C Webber
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States
| | - Pei Zhuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States
| | - Roopa Dalal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States
| | - Peter H Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care, Palo Alto, United States
| | - Vinit B Mahajan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care, Palo Alto, United States
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care, Palo Alto, United States
| | - Shaohua Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingchang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, United States
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38
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Geeraerts E, Claes M, Dekeyster E, Salinas-Navarro M, De Groef L, Van den Haute C, Scheyltjens I, Baekelandt V, Arckens L, Moons L. Optogenetic Stimulation of the Superior Colliculus Confers Retinal Neuroprotection in a Mouse Glaucoma Model. J Neurosci 2019; 39:2313-2325. [PMID: 30655352 PMCID: PMC6433760 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0872-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is characterized by a progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the eye, which ultimately results in visual impairment or even blindness. Because current therapies often fail to halt disease progression, there is an unmet need for novel neuroprotective therapies to support RGC survival. Various research lines suggest that visual target centers in the brain support RGC functioning and survival. Here, we explored whether increasing neuronal activity in one of these projection areas could improve survival of RGCs in a mouse glaucoma model. Prolonged activation of an important murine RGC target area, the superior colliculus (SC), was established via a novel optogenetic stimulation paradigm. By leveraging the unique channel kinetics of the stabilized step function opsin (SSFO), protracted stimulation of the SC was achieved with only a brief light pulse. SSFO-mediated collicular stimulation was confirmed by immunohistochemistry for the immediate-early gene c-Fos and behavioral tracking, which both demonstrated consistent neuronal activity upon repeated stimulation. Finally, the neuroprotective potential of optogenetic collicular stimulation was investigated in mice of either sex subjected to a glaucoma model and a 63% reduction in RGC loss was found. This work describes a new paradigm for optogenetic collicular stimulation and a first demonstration that increasing target neuron activity can increase survival of the projecting neurons.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Despite glaucoma being a leading cause of blindness and visual impairment worldwide, no curative therapies exist. This study describes a novel paradigm to reduce retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration underlying glaucoma. Building on previous observations that RGC survival is supported by the target neurons to which they project and using an innovative optogenetic approach, we increased neuronal activity in the mouse superior colliculus, a main projection target of rodent RGCs. This proved to be efficient in reducing RGC loss in a glaucoma model. Our findings establish a new optogenetic paradigm for target stimulation and encourage further exploration of the molecular signaling pathways mediating retrograde neuroprotective communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiel Geeraerts
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marie Claes
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eline Dekeyster
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Manuel Salinas-Navarro
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies De Groef
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chris Van den Haute
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Viral Vector Core Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium, and
| | - Isabelle Scheyltjens
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, Department of Biology; KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Veerle Baekelandt
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lutgarde Arckens
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, Department of Biology; KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieve Moons
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium,
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Mouse model of ocular hypertension with retinal ganglion cell degeneration. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0208713. [PMID: 30640920 PMCID: PMC6331128 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Ocular hypertension is a primary risk factor for glaucoma and results in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration. Current animal models of glaucoma lack severe RGC cell death as seen in glaucoma, making assessment of physiological mediators of cell death difficult. We developed a modified mouse model of ocular hypertension whereby long-lasting elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) is achieved, resulting in significant reproducible damage to RGCs. Results In this model, microbeads are mixed with hyaluronic acid and injected into the anterior chamber of C57BL/6J mice. The hyaluronic acid allows for a gradual release of microbeads, resulting in sustained blockage of Schlemm’s canal. IOP elevation was bimodal during the course of the model’s progression. The first peak occurred 1 hours after beads injection, with an IOP value of 44.69 ± 6.00 mmHg, and the second peak occurred 6–12 days post-induction, with an IOP value of 34.91 ± 5.21 mmHg. RGC damage was most severe in the peripheral retina, with a loss of 64.1% compared to that of untreated eyes, while the midperiphery exhibited a 32.4% loss, 4 weeks following disease induction. Conclusions These results suggest that sustained IOP elevation causes more RGC damage in the periphery than in the midperiphery of the retina. This model yields significant and reproducible RGC degeneration.
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Fu L, Lai JSM, Lo ACY, Shih KC. Induction of significant intraocular pressure diurnal fluctuation in rats using a modified technique of microbead occlusion. Int J Ophthalmol 2018; 11:1114-1119. [PMID: 30046526 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2018.07.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the effect of microbead iridocorneal angle occlusion on intraocular pressure (IOP) diurnal fluctuation in rat eyes. METHODS Male Dark Agouti (DA) rats, 8-10 week old, were each given a single intracameral injection of microbeads, followed by injection of dispersive viscoelastic solution. The right eye served as the experimental eye, while the left eye served as the control. IOP was measured twice daily postoperatively for 3wk and compared between groups. At the end of 3wk, the rats were sacrificed and the eyes were harvested for histological analysis and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) counting. RESULTS After microbead injection, experimental eyes had significantly higher dark time IOP than controls from the second week to the third week [2nd week: 22.92±1.631 mm Hg (n=5) vs 17.35±0.751 mm Hg (n=5); 3rd week: 23.59±1.494 mm Hg vs 17.73±0.592 mm Hg (n=5)], while light time IOP was comparable between groups. The fluctuation levels of IOP in the experimental eyes were 7.21±0.398 mm Hg (n=5), 9.50±1.017 mm Hg (n=5) and 10.66±0.894 mm Hg (n=5) from the first week to the third week after injection. Comparatively, they were significantly lower in the control eyes, which were 4.69±0.323 mm Hg (n=5), 2.84±1.122 mm Hg (n=5) and 4.98±0.603 mm Hg (n=5) respectively. However, at the end of 3wk, the larger fluctuations in IOP in the experimental eyes was not associated with a significant loss of RGCs. CONCLUSION Microbead occlusion exacerbates diurnal IOP fluctuation in rats. This reported model may serve as a method of investigating the pathological effects of IOP fluctuation. A longer observation period, or repeated injections, may be needed to observe a significant change in RGC density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Fu
- Affiliated Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jimmy Shiu Ming Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Amy Cheuk Yin Lo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kendrick Co Shih
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Guo C, Qu X, Rangaswamy N, Leehy B, Xiang C, Rice D, Prasanna G. A murine glaucoma model induced by rapid in vivo photopolymerization of hyaluronic acid glycidyl methacrylate. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0196529. [PMID: 29949582 PMCID: PMC6021085 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy commonly associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) resulting in progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and optic nerve degeneration, leading to blindness. New therapeutic approaches that better preserve the visual field by promoting survival and health of RGCs are highly needed since RGC death occurs despite good IOP control in glaucoma patients. We have developed a novel approach to reliably induce chronic IOP elevation in mouse using a photopolymerizable biomatrix, hyaluronic acid glycidyl methacrylate. This is achieved by rapid in vivo crosslinking of the biomatrix at the iridocorneal angle by a flash of ultraviolet A (UVA) light to impede the aqueous outflow pathway with a controllable manner. Sustained IOP elevation was induced after a single manipulation and was maintained at ~45% above baseline for >4 weeks. Significant thinning of the inner retina and ~35% reduction in RGCs and axons was noted within one month of IOP elevation. Optic nerve degeneration showed positive correlation with cumulative IOP elevation. Activation of astrocytes and microglia appeared to be an early event in response to IOP elevation preceding detectable RGC and axon loss. Attenuated glial reactivity was noted at later stage where significant RGC/axon loss had occurred suggesting astrocytes and microglia may play different roles over the course of glaucomatous degeneration. This novel murine glaucoma model is reproducible and displays cellular changes that recapitulate several pathophysiological features of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenying Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
- * E-mail: (GP); (CG)
| | - Xin Qu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Nalini Rangaswamy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Barrett Leehy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Chuanxi Xiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Dennis Rice
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Ganesh Prasanna
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
- * E-mail: (GP); (CG)
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Yang S, Xian B, Li K, Luo Z, Liu Y, Hu D, Ge J. Alpha 1-antitrypsin inhibits microglia activation and facilitates the survival of iPSC grafts in hypertension mouse model. Cell Immunol 2018; 328:49-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Liu HH, Zhang L, Shi M, Chen L, Flanagan JG. Comparison of laser and circumlimbal suture induced elevation of intraocular pressure in albino CD-1 mice. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189094. [PMID: 29190824 PMCID: PMC5708743 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models of ocular hypertension are important tools for glaucoma studies. Both acute transient models and chronic models of ocular hypertension may be useful to investigate specific aspects of neurodegeneration. In this study, we compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) and inner retinal changes induced by 1) laser photocoagulation of both episcleral veins and limbal vessels and 2) circumlimbal suture in CD-1 mice. The suture group is divided into 3 subgroups depending on the level of the immediate IOP spike (acute > 55 mmHg or chronic < 55 mmHg) and time period of monitoring (7 or 28 days). The laser group is followed for 7 days. IOP data show that it peaks at 5 hours and returns to normal level within 7 days in the laser group. In all suture groups, IOP spikes initially and decreases gradually, but it remains significantly elevated at 7 days. In 7 days, the acute suture model generates rapid loss of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) when compared to the gradual loss by the chronic suture model, possibly due to retinal ischemia and reperfusion within the first few hours after treatment. The laser model falls between the acute suture and chronic suture models resulting in less RNFL and RGC loss than the acute suture model but significantly more loss than the chronic suture model. These results suggest that when using suture models of IOP elevation, it is critical to take the initial IOP spike into consideration and to choose between the acute and chronic models depending on respective research purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Hua Liu
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- Center for Eye Disease and Development, Vision Science Graduate Program, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Liwei Zhang
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- Center for Eye Disease and Development, Vision Science Graduate Program, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Meng Shi
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- Center for Eye Disease and Development, Vision Science Graduate Program, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Lu Chen
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- Center for Eye Disease and Development, Vision Science Graduate Program, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - John G. Flanagan
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- Center for Eye Disease and Development, Vision Science Graduate Program, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
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Chiasseu M, Alarcon-Martinez L, Belforte N, Quintero H, Dotigny F, Destroismaisons L, Vande Velde C, Panayi F, Louis C, Di Polo A. Tau accumulation in the retina promotes early neuronal dysfunction and precedes brain pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Mol Neurodegener 2017; 12:58. [PMID: 28774322 PMCID: PMC5543446 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-017-0199-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tau is an axon-enriched protein that binds to and stabilizes microtubules, and hence plays a crucial role in neuronal function. In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), pathological tau accumulation correlates with cognitive decline. Substantial visual deficits are found in individuals affected by AD including a preferential loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the neurons that convey visual information from the retina to the brain. At present, however, the mechanisms that underlie vision changes in these patients are poorly understood. Here, we asked whether tau plays a role in early retinal pathology and neuronal dysfunction in AD. Methods Alterations in tau protein and gene expression, phosphorylation, and localization were investigated by western blots, qPCR, and immunohistochemistry in the retina and visual pathways of triple transgenic mice (3xTg) harboring mutations in the genes encoding presenilin 1 (PS1M146 V), amyloid precursor protein (APPSwe), and tau (MAPTP301L). Anterograde axonal transport was assessed by intraocular injection of the cholera toxin beta subunit followed by quantification of tracer accumulation in the contralateral superior colliculus. RGC survival was analyzed on whole-mounted retinas using cell-specific markers. Reduction of tau expression was achieved following intravitreal injection of targeted siRNA. Results Our data demonstrate an age-related increase in endogenous retinal tau characterized by epitope-specific hypo- and hyper-phosphorylation in 3xTg mice. Retinal tau accumulation was observed as early as three months of age, prior to the reported onset of behavioral deficits, and preceded tau aggregation in the brain. Intriguingly, tau build up occurred in RGC soma and dendrites, while tau in RGC axons in the optic nerve was depleted. Tau phosphorylation changes and missorting correlated with substantial defects in anterograde axonal transport that preceded RGC death. Importantly, targeted siRNA-mediated knockdown of endogenous tau improved anterograde transport along RGC axons. Conclusions Our study reveals profound tau pathology in the visual system leading to early retinal neuron damage in a mouse model of AD. Importantly, we show that tau accumulation promotes anterograde axonal transport impairment in vivo, and identify this response as an early feature of neuronal dysfunction that precedes cell death in the AD retina. These findings provide the first proof-of-concept that a global strategy to reduce tau accumulation is beneficial to improve axonal transport and mitigate functional deficits in AD and tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Chiasseu
- Department of Neuroscience and Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint-Denis, Tour Viger, Room R09.720, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Luis Alarcon-Martinez
- Department of Neuroscience and Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint-Denis, Tour Viger, Room R09.720, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Nicolas Belforte
- Department of Neuroscience and Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint-Denis, Tour Viger, Room R09.720, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Heberto Quintero
- Department of Neuroscience and Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint-Denis, Tour Viger, Room R09.720, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Florence Dotigny
- Department of Neuroscience and Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint-Denis, Tour Viger, Room R09.720, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Laurie Destroismaisons
- Department of Neuroscience and Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint-Denis, Tour Viger, Room R09.720, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Christine Vande Velde
- Department of Neuroscience and Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint-Denis, Tour Viger, Room R09.720, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Fany Panayi
- Institut de Recherches Servier, 78290, Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Caroline Louis
- Institut de Recherches Servier, 78290, Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience and Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint-Denis, Tour Viger, Room R09.720, Montréal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada.
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