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Bassetto M, Sen M, Poulhes F, Arango-Gonzalez B, Ueffing M, Zelphati O. Method for siRNA delivery in retina explants. Methods Cell Biol 2023; 176:199-216. [PMID: 37164538 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2022.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Several barriers prevent the delivery of nucleic acids to the retina and limit the application of established technologies, such as RNA interference (RNAi), in the study of retinae biology. Organotypic culture of retinal explants is a convenient method to decrease the complexity of the biological environment surrounding the retina while preserving most of its physiological features. Nevertheless, eliciting significant, non-toxic RNAi in retina explants is not straightforward. Retina explants are mainly constituted by neurons organized in discrete circuits embedded within a complex 3D extracellular matrix. About 70% of these neurons are post-mitotic ciliated cells that respond to light. Unfortunately, like the other cells of the retina, photoreceptors are refractory to transfection, and a toxic delivery of nucleic acid often results in permanent cell loss. RNAi has been applied to retina explants using electroporation, viral, and non-viral vectors but with reproducible, poor gene silencing efficiency. In addition, only a few superficial cells can be transduced/transfected in adult retina explants. Therefore, viruses are often injected into the eye of embryos prior to excision of the retina. However, embryonic explants are not the best model to study most retina diseases since even if they are viable for several weeks, the pathological phenotype often appears later in development. We describe a robust and straightforward method to elicit significant RNAi in adult retina explant using Reverse Magnetofection. This transfection method offers a simple tool for non-toxic gene knockdown of specific genes in adult retina explants by using cationic magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to complex and deliver short interfering-RNAs (siRNA) in retina cells under the action of a magnetic field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bassetto
- OZ Biosciences, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, CEDEX 9, Marseille, France; Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Merve Sen
- Centre of Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Florent Poulhes
- OZ Biosciences, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, CEDEX 9, Marseille, France.
| | - Blanca Arango-Gonzalez
- Centre of Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Centre of Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Olivier Zelphati
- OZ Biosciences, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, CEDEX 9, Marseille, France
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Tolone A, Sen M, Chen Y, Ueffing M, Arango-Gonzalez B, Paquet-Durand F. Pathomechanisms of Inherited Retinal Degeneration and Perspectives for Neuroprotection. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2022:cshperspect.a041310. [PMID: 36122932 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The precise processes causing photoreceptor cell death in retinal degeneration (RD) are still largely unknown but are likely to follow a variety of degenerative mechanisms. While different genetic insults can trigger distinct molecular pathways, eventually these may converge into a limited number of common cell death mechanisms. These mechanisms often involve deregulation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-signaling and proteostasis, which both may increase photoreceptor energy expenditure. Comprehensive information on these mechanisms may allow for targeted interventions to delay or prevent photoreceptor loss. Here, we review the current knowledge on photoreceptor degenerative mechanisms, focusing on processes triggered by aberrant cGMP-signaling, proteostasis, and energy metabolism. Afterward, we discuss how these pathways could potentially be used to treat photoreceptor degeneration, highlighting data from a number of recent studies on inhibitory cGMP analogs, proteostasis blockers, and interventions aimed at fortifying energetic status. Finally, we provide perspectives on how such experimental approaches could be translated into future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Tolone
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Merve Sen
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Yiyi Chen
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Blanca Arango-Gonzalez
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - François Paquet-Durand
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
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Zhu Y, Cao B, Tolone A, Yan J, Christensen G, Arango-Gonzalez B, Ueffing M, Paquet-Durand F. In vitro Model Systems for Studies Into Retinal Neuroprotection. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:938089. [PMID: 35873807 PMCID: PMC9301112 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.938089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapy development for neurodegenerative diseases of the retina constitutes a major unmet medical need, and this may be particularly relevant for inherited diseases of the retina, which are largely untreatable to this day. Therapy development necessitates appropriate models to improve the understanding of the underlying degenerative mechanisms, as well as for the testing and evaluation of novel treatment approaches. This review provides an overview of various in vitro model systems used to study retinal neuroprotection. The in vitro methods and technologies discussed range from primary retinal cell cultures and cell lines, to retinal organoids and organotypic retinal explants, to the cultivation of whole eyeballs. The advantages and disadvantages of these methods are compared and evaluated, also in view of the 3R principles (i.e., the refinement, reduction, and replacement of live animal testing), to identify suitable in vitro alternatives for in vivo experimentation. The article further expands on the use of in vitro models to test and evaluate neuroprotective treatments and to aid the development of retinal drug delivery systems. Among the pharmacological agents tested and characterized in vitro are such that interfere with aberrant cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) -signaling or such that inhibit the activities of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), histone deacetylases (HDAC), calpain-type proteases, as well as unfolded protein response-related stress. We then introduce nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems and discuss how different in vitro systems may be used to assess their efficacy in the treatment of retinal diseases. The summary provides a brief comparison of available in vitro models and relates their advantages and limitations to the various experimental requirements, for instance, for studies into disease mechanisms, novel treatments, or retinal toxicity. In many cases, combinations of different in vitro models may be required to obtain a comprehensive view of the efficacy of a given retinal neuroprotection approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhu
- Cell Death Mechanisms Group, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bowen Cao
- Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Molecular Biology of Retinal Degenerations, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Arianna Tolone
- Cell Death Mechanisms Group, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jie Yan
- Cell Death Mechanisms Group, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gustav Christensen
- Cell Death Mechanisms Group, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Blanca Arango-Gonzalez
- Molecular Biology of Retinal Degenerations, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Molecular Biology of Retinal Degenerations, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Marius Ueffing,
| | - François Paquet-Durand
- Cell Death Mechanisms Group, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- François Paquet-Durand,
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Kicková E, Sadeghi A, Puranen J, Tavakoli S, Sen M, Ranta VP, Arango-Gonzalez B, Bolz S, Ueffing M, Salmaso S, Caliceti P, Toropainen E, Ruponen M, Urtti A. Pharmacokinetics of Pullulan-Dexamethasone Conjugates in Retinal Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2021; 14:pharmaceutics14010012. [PMID: 35056906 PMCID: PMC8779473 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment of retinal diseases by intravitreal injections requires frequent administration unless drug delivery systems with long retention and controlled release are used. In this work, we focused on pullulan (≈67 kDa) conjugates of dexamethasone as therapeutic systems for intravitreal administration. The pullulan-dexamethasone conjugates self-assemble into negatively charged nanoparticles (average size 326 ± 29 nm). Intravitreal injections of pullulan and pullulan-dexamethasone were safe in mouse, rat and rabbit eyes. Fluorescently labeled pullulan particles showed prolonged retention in the vitreous and they were almost completely eliminated via aqueous humor outflow. Pullulan conjugates also distributed to the retina via Müller glial cells when tested in ex vivo retina explants and in vivo. Pharmacokinetic simulations showed that pullulan-dexamethasone conjugates may release free and active dexamethasone in the vitreous humor for over 16 days, even though a large fraction of dexamethasone may be eliminated from the eye as bound pullulan-dexamethasone. We conclude that pullulan based drug conjugates are promising intravitreal drug delivery systems as they may reduce injection frequency and deliver drugs into the retinal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Kicková
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy; (E.K.); (S.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Amir Sadeghi
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.S.); (J.P.); (V.-P.R.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
| | - Jooseppi Puranen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.S.); (J.P.); (V.-P.R.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
| | - Shirin Tavakoli
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00710 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Merve Sen
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Str. 7, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (M.S.); (B.A.-G.); (S.B.); (M.U.)
| | - Veli-Pekka Ranta
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.S.); (J.P.); (V.-P.R.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
| | - Blanca Arango-Gonzalez
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Str. 7, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (M.S.); (B.A.-G.); (S.B.); (M.U.)
| | - Sylvia Bolz
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Str. 7, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (M.S.); (B.A.-G.); (S.B.); (M.U.)
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Str. 7, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (M.S.); (B.A.-G.); (S.B.); (M.U.)
| | - Stefano Salmaso
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy; (E.K.); (S.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Paolo Caliceti
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy; (E.K.); (S.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Elisa Toropainen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.S.); (J.P.); (V.-P.R.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
| | - Marika Ruponen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.S.); (J.P.); (V.-P.R.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
| | - Arto Urtti
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.S.); (J.P.); (V.-P.R.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00710 Helsinki, Finland;
- Institute of Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, Petergof, Universitetskii pr. 26, 198504 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Correspondence:
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Sen M, Al-Amin M, Kicková E, Sadeghi A, Puranen J, Urtti A, Caliceti P, Salmaso S, Arango-Gonzalez B, Ueffing M. Retinal neuroprotection by controlled release of a VCP inhibitor from self-assembled nanoparticles. J Control Release 2021; 339:307-320. [PMID: 34606936 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in rhodopsin lead to its misfolding resulting in autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP). Pharmacological inhibition of the ATP-driven chaperone valosin-containing protein (VCP), a molecular checkpoint for protein quality control, slows down retinal degeneration in animal models. However, poor water-solubility of VCP inhibitors poses a challenge to their clinical translation as intravitreal injections for retinal treatment. In order to enable the delivery of VCP inhibitors, we have developed and investigated two formulations for the VCP inhibitor ML240. Nanoformulations of ML240 were obtained by using amphiphilic polymers methoxy-poly (ethylene glycol)5kDa-cholane (mPEG5kDa-cholane) and methoxy-poly (ethylene glycol)5kDa-cholesterol (mPEG5kDa-cholesterol). Both formulations increased the water-solubility of ML240 by two orders of magnitude and prolonged the drug released over ten days. In addition, encapsulation of ML240 in mPEG5kDa-cholane showed superior photoreceptor protection at lower drug concentrations, normalized rhodopsin localization, and alleviated inflammatory microglial responses in an ex vivo rat model of retinal degeneration. The study demonstrates the potential of VCP inhibitor nanoformulations to treat adRP, a pharmacologically orphan disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Sen
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Md Al-Amin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Eva Kicková
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Amir Sadeghi
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jooseppi Puranen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Arto Urtti
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Paolo Caliceti
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Salmaso
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Blanca Arango-Gonzalez
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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Armento A, Murali A, Marzi J, Almansa-Garcia AC, Arango-Gonzalez B, Kilger E, Clark SJ, Schenke-Layland K, Ramlogan-Steel CA, Steel JC, Ueffing M. Complement Factor H Loss in RPE Cells Causes Retinal Degeneration in a Human RPE-Porcine Retinal Explant Co-Culture Model. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11111621. [PMID: 34827622 PMCID: PMC8615889 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related Macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative disease of the macula affecting the elderly population. Treatment options are limited, partly due to the lack of understanding of AMD pathology and the lack of suitable research models that replicate the complexity of the human macula and the intricate interplay of the genetic, aging and lifestyle risk factors contributing to AMD. One of the main genetic risks associated with AMD is located on the Complement Factor H (CFH) gene, leading to an amino acid substitution in the Factor H (FH) protein (Y402H). However, the mechanism of how this FH variant promotes the onset of AMD remains unclear. Previously, we have shown that FH deprivation in RPE cells, via CFH silencing, leads to increased inflammation, metabolic impairment and vulnerability toward oxidative stress. In this study, we established a novel co-culture model comprising CFH silenced RPE cells and porcine retinal explants derived from the visual streak of porcine eyes, which closely resemble the human macula. We show that retinae exposed to FH-deprived RPE cells show signs of retinal degeneration, with rod cells being the first cells to undergo degeneration. Moreover, via Raman analyses, we observed changes involving the mitochondria and lipid composition of the co-cultured retinae upon FH loss. Interestingly, the detrimental effects of FH loss in RPE cells on the neuroretina were independent of glial cell activation and external complement sources. Moreover, we show that the co-culture model is also suitable for human retinal explants, and we observed a similar trend when RPE cells deprived of FH were co-cultured with human retinal explants from a single donor eye. Our findings highlight the importance of RPE-derived FH for retinal homeostasis and provide a valuable model for AMD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Armento
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.M.); (A.C.A.-G.); (B.A.-G.); (E.K.); (S.J.C.)
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (M.U.); Tel.: +49-7071-29-84953 (A.A.)
| | - Aparna Murali
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.M.); (A.C.A.-G.); (B.A.-G.); (E.K.); (S.J.C.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (C.A.R.-S.); (J.C.S.)
| | - Julia Marzi
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department for Medical Technologies and Regenerative Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (J.M.); (K.S.-L.)
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ana C Almansa-Garcia
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.M.); (A.C.A.-G.); (B.A.-G.); (E.K.); (S.J.C.)
| | - Blanca Arango-Gonzalez
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.M.); (A.C.A.-G.); (B.A.-G.); (E.K.); (S.J.C.)
| | - Ellen Kilger
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.M.); (A.C.A.-G.); (B.A.-G.); (E.K.); (S.J.C.)
| | - Simon J Clark
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.M.); (A.C.A.-G.); (B.A.-G.); (E.K.); (S.J.C.)
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Katja Schenke-Layland
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department for Medical Technologies and Regenerative Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (J.M.); (K.S.-L.)
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Medicine/Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Charmaine A Ramlogan-Steel
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (C.A.R.-S.); (J.C.S.)
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Jason C Steel
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (C.A.R.-S.); (J.C.S.)
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.M.); (A.C.A.-G.); (B.A.-G.); (E.K.); (S.J.C.)
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (M.U.); Tel.: +49-7071-29-84953 (A.A.)
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Bassetto M, Sen M, Poulhes F, Arango-Gonzalez B, Bonvin E, Sapet C, Ueffing M, Zelphati O. New Method for Efficient siRNA Delivery in Retina Explants: Reverse Magnetofection. Bioconjug Chem 2021; 32:1078-1093. [PMID: 34081855 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.1c00132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of retinal disorders associated with visual impairment and blindness is increasing worldwide, while most of them remain without effective treatment. Pharmacological and molecular therapy development is hampered by the lack of effective drug delivery into the posterior segment of the eye. Among molecular approaches, RNA-interference (RNAi) features strong advantages, yet delivering it to the inner layer of the retina appears extremely challenging. To address this, we developed an original magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs)-based transfection method that allows the efficient delivery of siRNA in all retinal layers of rat adult retinas through magnetic targeting. To establish delivery of RNAi throughout the retina, we have chosen organotypic retinal explants as an ex vivo model and for future high content screening of molecular drugs. Conversely to classic Magnetofection, and similar to conditions in the posterior chamber of the eye, our methods allows attraction of siRNA complexed to MNPs from the culture media into the explant. Our method termed "Reverse Magnetofection" provides a novel and nontoxic strategy for RNAi-based molecular as well as gene therapy in the retina that can be transferred to a wide variety of organ explants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bassetto
- OZ Biosciences, Parc scientifique de Luminy, Case 922, zone entreprise, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Merve Sen
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Florent Poulhes
- OZ Biosciences, Parc scientifique de Luminy, Case 922, zone entreprise, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Blanca Arango-Gonzalez
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Elise Bonvin
- OZ Biosciences, Parc scientifique de Luminy, Case 922, zone entreprise, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Cedric Sapet
- OZ Biosciences, Parc scientifique de Luminy, Case 922, zone entreprise, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Olivier Zelphati
- OZ Biosciences, Parc scientifique de Luminy, Case 922, zone entreprise, 13288 Marseille, France
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Sen M, Bassetto M, Poulhes F, Zelphati O, Ueffing M, Arango-Gonzalez B. Efficient Ocular Delivery of VCP siRNA via Reverse Magnetofection in RHO P23H Rodent Retina Explants. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13020225. [PMID: 33562020 PMCID: PMC7914601 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13020225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of synthetic RNA for research purposes as well as RNA-based therapy and vaccination has gained increasing importance. Given the anatomical seclusion of the eye, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-induced gene silencing bears great potential for targeted reduction of pathological gene expression that may allow rational treatment of chronic eye diseases in the future. However, there is yet an unmet need for techniques providing safe and efficient siRNA delivery to the retina. We used magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and magnetic force (Reverse Magnetofection) to deliver siRNA/MNP complexes into retinal explant tissue, targeting valosin-containing protein (VCP) previously established as a potential therapeutic target for autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP). Safe and efficient delivery of VCP siRNA was achieved into all retinal cell layers of retinal explants from the RHO P23H rat, a rodent model for adRP. No toxicity or microglial activation was observed. VCP silencing led to a significant decrease of retinal degeneration. Reverse Magnetofection thus offers an effective method to deliver siRNA into retinal tissue. Used in combination with retinal organotypic explants, it can provide an efficient and reliable preclinical test platform of RNA-based therapy approaches for ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Sen
- Centre of Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany;
- Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marco Bassetto
- OZ Biosciences, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, CEDEX 9, 13288 Marseille, France; (M.B.); (F.P.); (O.Z.)
| | - Florent Poulhes
- OZ Biosciences, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, CEDEX 9, 13288 Marseille, France; (M.B.); (F.P.); (O.Z.)
| | - Olivier Zelphati
- OZ Biosciences, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, CEDEX 9, 13288 Marseille, France; (M.B.); (F.P.); (O.Z.)
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Centre of Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany;
- Correspondence: (M.U.); (B.A.-G.)
| | - Blanca Arango-Gonzalez
- Centre of Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany;
- Correspondence: (M.U.); (B.A.-G.)
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9
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Itkonen J, Annala A, Tavakoli S, Arango-Gonzalez B, Ueffing M, Toropainen E, Ruponen M, Casteleijn MG, Urtti A. Characterization, Stability, and in Vivo Efficacy Studies of Recombinant Human CNTF and Its Permeation into the Neural Retina in ex Vivo Organotypic Retinal Explant Culture Models. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12070611. [PMID: 32629980 PMCID: PMC7408322 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12070611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is one of the most studied neuroprotective agents with acknowledged potential in treating diseases of the posterior eye segment. Although its efficacy and mechanisms of action in the retina have been studied extensively, it is still not comprehensively understood which retinal cells mediate the therapeutic effects of CNTF. As with therapeutic proteins in general, it is poorly elucidated whether exogenous CNTF administered into the vitreous can enter and distribute into the retina and hence reach potentially responsive target cells. Here, we have characterized our purified recombinant human CNTF (rhCNTF), studied the protein’s in vitro bioactivity in a cell-based assay, and evaluated the thermodynamic and oligomeric status of the protein during storage. Biological activity of rhCNTF was further evaluated in vivo in an animal model of retinal degeneration. The retinal penetration and distribution of rhCNTF after 24 h was studied utilizing two ex vivo retina models. Based on our characterization findings, our rhCNTF is correctly folded and biologically active. Moreover, based on initial screening and subsequent follow-up, we identified two buffers in which rhCNTF retains its stability during storage. Whereas rhCNTF did not show photoreceptor preservative effect or improve the function of photoreceptors in vivo, this could possibly be due to the used disease model or the short duration of action with a single intravitreal injection of rhCNTF. On the other hand, the lack of in vivo efficacy was shown to not be due to distribution limitations; permeation into the retina was observed in both retinal explant models as in 24 h rhCNTF penetrated the inner limiting membrane, and being mostly observed in the ganglion cell layer, distributed to different layers of the neural retina. As rhCNTF can reach deeper retinal layers, in general, having direct effects on resident CNTF-responsive target cells is plausible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaakko Itkonen
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; (S.T.); (M.G.C.)
- Correspondence: (J.I.); (A.U.)
| | - Ada Annala
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.A.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Science, Utrecht University, David de Wiedgebouw, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Shirin Tavakoli
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; (S.T.); (M.G.C.)
| | - Blanca Arango-Gonzalez
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Strasse 7, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (B.A.-G.); (M.U.)
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Strasse 7, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (B.A.-G.); (M.U.)
| | - Elisa Toropainen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.A.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
| | - Marika Ruponen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.A.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
| | - Marco G. Casteleijn
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; (S.T.); (M.G.C.)
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Solutions for Natural Resources and Environment, Tietotie 2, Espoo, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 VTT, Finland
| | - Arto Urtti
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; (S.T.); (M.G.C.)
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.A.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
- Laboratory of Biohybrid Technologies, Institute of Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskii pr. 26, Peterhoff, 198504 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Correspondence: (J.I.); (A.U.)
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10
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Schmitt M, Hippeläinen E, Raviña M, Arango-Gonzalez B, Antopolsky M, Vellonen KS, Airaksinen AJ, Urtti A. Intravitreal Pharmacokinetics in Mice: SPECT/CT Imaging and Scaling to Rabbits and Humans. Mol Pharm 2019; 16:4399-4404. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.9b00679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mechthild Schmitt
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eero Hippeläinen
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 64, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
- HUS Medical imaging Center, Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Manuela Raviña
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Maxim Antopolsky
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Anu J. Airaksinen
- Department of Chemistry—Radiochemistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Arto Urtti
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Laboratory of Biohybrid Technologies, Institute of Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, Peterhoff, Russian Federation
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11
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Trifunović D, Arango-Gonzalez B, Comitato A, Barth M, Del Amo EM, Kulkarni M, Sahaboglu A, Hauck SM, Urtti A, Arsenijevic Y, Ueffing M, Marigo V, Paquet-Durand F. HDAC inhibition in the cpfl1 mouse protects degenerating cone photoreceptors in vivo. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 25:4462-4472. [PMID: 28172811 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cone photoreceptor cell death as it occurs in certain hereditary retinal diseases is devastating, with the affected patients suffering from a loss of accurate and colour vision. Regrettably, these hereditary cone diseases are still untreatable to date. Thus, the identification of substances able to block or restrain cone cell death is of primary importance. We studied the neuroprotective effects of a histone deacetylase inhibitor, Trichostatin A (TSA), in a mouse model of inherited, primary cone degeneration (cpfl1). We show that HDAC inhibition protects cpfl1 cones in vitro, in retinal explant cultures. More importantly, in vivo, a single intravitreal TSA injection significantly increased cone survival for up to 16 days post-injection. In addition, the abnormal, incomplete cone migration pattern in the cpfl1 retina was significantly improved by HDAC inhibition. These findings suggest a crucial role for HDAC activity in primary cone degeneration and highlight a new avenue for future therapy developments for cone dystrophies and retinal diseases associated with impaired cone migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragana Trifunović
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Antonella Comitato
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Melanie Barth
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Eva M Del Amo
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Manoj Kulkarni
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ayse Sahaboglu
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie M Hauck
- Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Arto Urtti
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Centre for Drug Research, Division of Pharmaceutical Bioscience, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yvan Arsenijevic
- Unit of Gene Therapy & Stem Cell Biology, Hôpital Ophtalmique Jules Gonin, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Valeria Marigo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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12
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Schnichels S, Dorfi T, Schultheiss M, Arango-Gonzalez B, Bartz-Schmidt KU, Januschowski K, Spitzer MS, Ziemssen F. Ex-vivo-examination of ultrastructural changes in organotypic retina culture using near-infrared imaging and optical coherence tomography. Exp Eye Res 2016; 147:31-36. [PMID: 27109031 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) dramatically changed the way of diagnostic assessment in retinal diseases during the last years. Using this technique in-vivo in-depth analysis of the retina and its layers is possible. Since animal research is changing by intrinsic and extrinsic pressure to animal-(in-vivo)-free methods, we adapted OCT-measurements to organotypic cultures. An easy to use protocol was generated to assess standardized OCT assessments in organotypic culture. First, two custom-made devices need to be made to change any commercially available OCT for examinations in humans into a device allowing ex-vivo analyses of organotypic culture. The modification is feasible within seconds. After OCT measurement of the ex-vivo tissues, quantitative evaluation of the retinas were performed via ImageJ software. OCT pictures of ex-vivo retinas were obtained for time periods of seven days and the thickness of retinal tissue was evaluated. The reproducibility of the pictures and measurements was very high (SD < 15%). In conclusion, an easy to use protocol for the investigation of different effects on retinal cultures with commercially available OCT devices was successfully established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Schnichels
- Centre of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Schleichstr. 12/1, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Tanja Dorfi
- Centre of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Schleichstr. 12/1, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maximilian Schultheiss
- Centre of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Schleichstr. 12/1, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Blanca Arango-Gonzalez
- Centre of Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Karl-Ulrich Bartz-Schmidt
- Centre of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Schleichstr. 12/1, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kai Januschowski
- Centre of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Schleichstr. 12/1, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany; Eye Clinic Sulzbach-Saar, an der Klinik 10, 66111, Sulzbach-Saar, Germany
| | - Martin S Spitzer
- Centre of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Schleichstr. 12/1, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Focke Ziemssen
- Centre of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Schleichstr. 12/1, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany
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13
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Schultheiss M, Schnichels S, Hermann T, Hurst J, Feldkaemper M, Arango-Gonzalez B, Ueffing M, Bartz-Schmidt KU, Zeck G, Spitzer MS. Hypothermia Protects and Prolongs the Tolerance Time of Retinal Ganglion Cells against Ischemia. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0148616. [PMID: 26848953 PMCID: PMC4744055 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Hypothermia has been shown to be neuroprotective in the therapy of ischemic stroke in the brain. To date no studies exist on the level of the inner retina and it is unclear if hypothermia would prolong the ischemic tolerance time of retinal ganglion cells, which are decisive in many ischemic retinopathies. Methods Bovine eyes were enucleated and stored either at 21°C or 37°C for 100 or 340 minutes, respectively. Afterwards the globes were dissected, the retina was prepared and either the spontaneous ganglion cell responses were measured or the retina was incubated as an organotypic culture for additional 24 hours. After incubation the retina was either processed for histology (H&E and DAPI staining) or real-time PCR (Thy-1 expression) was performed. Results Hypothermia prolonged ganglion cell survival up to 340 minutes under ischemic conditions. In contrast to eyes kept at 37°C the eyes stored at 21°C still showed spontaneous ganglion cell spiking (56.8% versus 0%), a 5.8 fold higher Thy-1 mRNA expression (not significant, but a trend) and a preserved retinal structure after 340 minutes of ischemia. Conclusion Hypothermia protects retinal ganglion cells against ischemia and prolongs their ischemic tolerance time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sven Schnichels
- Centre for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Thoralf Hermann
- Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Jose Hurst
- Centre for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marita Feldkaemper
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Marius Ueffing
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Guenther Zeck
- Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Martin S. Spitzer
- Centre for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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14
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Farinelli P, Perera A, Arango-Gonzalez B, Trifunovic D, Wagner M, Carell T, Biel M, Zrenner E, Michalakis S, Paquet-Durand F, Ekström PAR. DNA methylation and differential gene regulation in photoreceptor cell death. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1558. [PMID: 25476906 PMCID: PMC4649831 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2014.512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Revised: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) defines a group of inherited degenerative retinal diseases causing progressive loss of photoreceptors. To this day, RP is still untreatable and rational treatment development will require a thorough understanding of the underlying cell death mechanisms. Methylation of the DNA base cytosine by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) is an important epigenetic factor regulating gene expression, cell differentiation, cell death, and survival. Previous studies suggested an involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in RP, and in this study, increased cytosine methylation was detected in dying photoreceptors in the rd1, rd2, P23H, and S334ter rodent models for RP. Ultrastructural analysis of photoreceptor nuclear morphology in the rd1 mouse model for RP revealed a severely altered chromatin structure during retinal degeneration that coincided with an increased expression of the DNMT isozyme DNMT3a. To identify disease-specific differentially methylated DNA regions (DMRs) on a genomic level, we immunoprecipitated methylated DNA fragments and subsequently analyzed them with a targeted microarray. Genome-wide comparison of DMRs between rd1 and wild-type retina revealed hypermethylation of genes involved in cell death and survival as well as cell morphology and nervous system development. When correlating DMRs with gene expression data, we found that hypermethylation occurred alongside transcriptional repression. Consistently, motif analysis showed that binding sites of several important transcription factors for retinal physiology were hypermethylated in the mutant model, which also correlated with transcriptional silencing of their respective target genes. Finally, inhibition of DNMTs in rd1 organotypic retinal explants using decitabine resulted in a substantial reduction of photoreceptor cell death, suggesting inhibition of DNA methylation as a potential novel treatment in RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Farinelli
- 1] Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Lund, BMC-B11, Lund 22184, Sweden [2] Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - A Perera
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - B Arango-Gonzalez
- Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - D Trifunovic
- Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - M Wagner
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - T Carell
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - M Biel
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - E Zrenner
- Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - S Michalakis
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - F Paquet-Durand
- Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - P A R Ekström
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Lund, BMC-B11, Lund 22184, Sweden
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15
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Arango-Gonzalez B, Trifunović D, Sahaboglu A, Kranz K, Michalakis S, Farinelli P, Koch S, Koch F, Cottet S, Janssen-Bienhold U, Dedek K, Biel M, Zrenner E, Euler T, Ekström P, Ueffing M, Paquet-Durand F. Identification of a common non-apoptotic cell death mechanism in hereditary retinal degeneration. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112142. [PMID: 25392995 PMCID: PMC4230983 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell death in neurodegenerative diseases is often thought to be governed by apoptosis; however, an increasing body of evidence suggests the involvement of alternative cell death mechanisms in neuronal degeneration. We studied retinal neurodegeneration using 10 different animal models, covering all major groups of hereditary human blindness (rd1, rd2, rd10, Cngb1 KO, Rho KO, S334ter, P23H, Cnga3 KO, cpfl1, Rpe65 KO), by investigating metabolic processes relevant for different forms of cell death. We show that apoptosis plays only a minor role in the inherited forms of retinal neurodegeneration studied, where instead, a non-apoptotic degenerative mechanism common to all mutants is of major importance. Hallmark features of this pathway are activation of histone deacetylase, poly-ADP-ribose-polymerase, and calpain, as well as accumulation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate and poly-ADP-ribose. Our work thus demonstrates the prevalence of alternative cell death mechanisms in inherited retinal degeneration and provides a rational basis for the design of mutation-independent treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dragana Trifunović
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ayse Sahaboglu
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Katharina Kranz
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Stylianos Michalakis
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich and Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Pietro Farinelli
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
| | - Susanne Koch
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich and Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Fred Koch
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich and Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sandra Cottet
- Institute for Research in Ophthalmology, Sion, Switzerland
| | | | - Karin Dedek
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Martin Biel
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich and Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Eberhart Zrenner
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Euler
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Per Ekström
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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16
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Haq W, Arango-Gonzalez B, Zrenner E, Euler T, Schubert T. Synaptic remodeling generates synchronous oscillations in the degenerated outer mouse retina. Front Neural Circuits 2014; 8:108. [PMID: 25249942 PMCID: PMC4155782 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2014.00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
During neuronal degenerative diseases, neuronal microcircuits undergo severe structural alterations, leading to remodeling of synaptic connectivity. The functional consequences of such remodeling are mostly unknown. For instance, in mutant rd1 mouse retina, a common model for Retinitis Pigmentosa, rod bipolar cells (RBCs) establish contacts with remnant cone photoreceptors (cones) as a consequence of rod photoreceptor cell death and the resulting lack of presynaptic input. To assess the functional connectivity in the remodeled, light-insensitive outer rd1 retina, we recorded spontaneous population activity in retinal wholemounts using Ca(2+) imaging and identified the participating cell types. Focusing on cones, RBCs and horizontal cells (HCs), we found that these cell types display spontaneous oscillatory activity and form synchronously active clusters. Overall activity was modulated by GABAergic inhibition from interneurons such as HCs and/or possibly interplexiform cells. Many of the activity clusters comprised both cones and RBCs. Opposite to what is expected from the intact (wild-type) cone-ON bipolar cell pathway, cone and RBC activity was positively correlated and, at least partially, mediated by glutamate transporters expressed on RBCs. Deletion of gap junctional coupling between cones reduced the number of clusters, indicating that electrical cone coupling plays a crucial role for generating the observed synchronized oscillations. In conclusion, degeneration-induced synaptic remodeling of the rd1 retina results in a complex self-sustained outer retinal oscillatory network, that complements (and potentially modulates) the recently described inner retinal oscillatory network consisting of amacrine, bipolar and ganglion cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wadood Haq
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of TübingenTübingen, Germany
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), University of TübingenTübingen, Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Tübingen, University of TübingenTübingen, Germany
| | - Blanca Arango-Gonzalez
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of TübingenTübingen, Germany
| | - Eberhart Zrenner
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of TübingenTübingen, Germany
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), University of TübingenTübingen, Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Tübingen, University of TübingenTübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Euler
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of TübingenTübingen, Germany
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), University of TübingenTübingen, Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Tübingen, University of TübingenTübingen, Germany
| | - Timm Schubert
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of TübingenTübingen, Germany
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), University of TübingenTübingen, Germany
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17
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Kucharska J, Del Río P, Arango-Gonzalez B, Gorza M, Feuchtinger A, Hauck SM, Ueffing M. Cyr61 activates retinal cells and prolongs photoreceptor survival in rd1 mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. J Neurochem 2014; 130:227-40. [PMID: 24593181 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Subretinal injections with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) rescue morphology as well as function of rod cells in mouse and rat animal models of retinitis pigmentosa. At the same time, it is postulated that this effect is indirect, mediated by activation of retinal Müller glial (RMG) cells. Here, we show that Cyr61/CCN1, one of the secreted proteins up-regulated in primary RMG after glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor stimulation, provides neuroprotective and pro-survival capacities: Recombinant Cyr61 significantly reduced photoreceptor (PR) cells death in organotypic cultures of Pde6b(rd1) retinas. To identify stimulated pathways in the retina, we treated Pde6b(rd1) retinal explants with Cyr61 and observed an overall increase in activated Erk1/2 and Stat3 signalling molecules characterized by activation-site-specific phosphorylation. To identify Cyr61 retinal target cells, we isolated primary porcine PR, RMG and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and exposed them separately to Cyr61. Here, RMG as well as RPE cells responded with induced phosphorylation of Erk1/2, Stat3 and Akt. In PR, no increase in phosphorylation in any of the studied proteins was detected, suggesting an indirect neuroprotective effect of Cyr61. Cyr61 may thus act as an endogenous pro-survival factor for PR, contributing to the complex repertoire of neuroprotective activities generated by RMG and RPE cells. We propose the following model of Cyr61 neuroprotection within the retina: Cyr61 stimulates retinal Müller glial (RMG) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and activates PI3K/Akt, mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)/Erk and Janus kinase(JAK)/Stat-signalling pathways in these cells. Phosphorylated Stat3 and Erk1/2 presumably translocate to the nucleus, induce transcriptional changes, which increase secretion of neuroprotective agents that protect photoreceptors (PR) from mutation-induced death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kucharska
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
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Arango-Gonzalez B, Leitritz MA, Fischer D, Gerberding M, Paquet-Durand F, Ueffing M. [Current therapeutic approaches in inherited retinal degeneration: from genes to chip]. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2014; 231:222-31. [PMID: 24658859 DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1360259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Different strategies for the treatment of inherited photoreceptor degeneration are currently being investigated, with each of these approaches facing specific challenges. Gene therapy, for instance, may be feasible only for genetically well-defined pathologies. However, inherited retinal disorders are genetically highly heterogeneous and early onset disorders may restrict the therapeutic window. The majority of currently developed molecular approaches aim at the reconstitution of physiologically important functions in RPE and photoreceptor. Neuroprotection attempts to prolong cell survival and proper function via sustained delivery systems that fulfil a long-term dynamic reservoir function for therapeutic neuroprotective compounds. Cell-based approaches include replacement strategies such as cell transplantation, the implantation of prosthetic devices or optogenetics. They aim at replacing lost neurosensory functions of the retina. This short review aims at providing an insight into current therapeutic strategies and future treatment options for retinal disorders. Pharmacological and nutritional support strategies are only briefly discussed as we focus here on molecular and prosthetic therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Arango-Gonzalez
- Forschungsinstitut für Augenheilkunde und Universitäts-Augenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen
| | - M A Leitritz
- Forschungsinstitut für Augenheilkunde und Universitäts-Augenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen
| | - D Fischer
- Forschungsinstitut für Augenheilkunde und Universitäts-Augenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen
| | - M Gerberding
- Forschungsinstitut für Augenheilkunde und Universitäts-Augenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen
| | - F Paquet-Durand
- Forschungsinstitut für Augenheilkunde und Universitäts-Augenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen
| | - M Ueffing
- Forschungsinstitut für Augenheilkunde und Universitäts-Augenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen
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Farinelli P, Arango-Gonzalez B, Völkl J, Alesutan I, Lang F, Zrenner E, Paquet-Durand F, Ekström PAR. Retinitis Pigmentosa: over-expression of anti-ageing protein Klotho in degenerating photoreceptors. J Neurochem 2013; 127:868-79. [PMID: 23796581 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Retinitis Pigmentosa involves a hereditary degeneration of photoreceptors by as yet unresolved mechanisms. The secretable protein α-Klotho has a function related to ageing processes, and α-Klotho-deficient mice have reduced lifespan and declining functions in several tissues. Here, we studied Klotho in connection with inherited photoreceptor degeneration. Increased nuclear immunostaining for α-Klotho protein was seen in degenerating photoreceptors in four different Retinitis Pigmentosa models (rd1, rd2 mice; P23H, S334ter rhodopsin mutant rats). Correspondingly, in rd1 retina α-Klotho mRNA expression was significantly up-regulated. Moreover, immunostaining for another Klotho family protein, β-Klotho, also co-localized with degenerating rd1 photoreceptors. The rd1 retina displayed reduced levels of fibroblast growth factor 15, a member of the fibroblast growth factor subfamily for which Klotho acts as a co-receptor. Exogenous α-Klotho protein added to retinal explant cultures did not affect cell death in rd1 retinae, but caused a severe layer disordering in wild-type retinae. Our study suggests Klotho as a novel player in the retina, with a clear connection to photoreceptor cell death as well as with an influence on retinal organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Farinelli
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden; Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Trifunović D, Sahaboglu A, Kaur J, Mencl S, Zrenner E, Ueffing M, Arango-Gonzalez B, Paquet-Durand F. Neuroprotective strategies for the treatment of inherited photoreceptor degeneration. Curr Mol Med 2012; 12:598-612. [PMID: 22515977 DOI: 10.2174/156652412800620048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2011] [Revised: 12/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Photoreceptor degeneration is the hallmark of several groups of inherited neurodegenerative diseases causing blindness in humans. These diseases are a major cause of visual handicap and to date no satisfactory treatment is available. Here, we briefly review different approaches for the treatment of photoreceptor degeneration, to then focus on neuroprotection. Up to date, translation of experimental neuroprotection into a clinical setting has faced major obstacles, which are in part due to an incomplete understanding of the regulation of pro-survival as well as neurodegenerative mechanisms. Previous approaches were often based on the hypothesis that photoreceptor cell death was governed by a single, apoptotic cell death mechanism. This perception has turned out too simple as recent work has demonstrated that photoreceptor cell death is governed by non-apoptotic mechanisms as well. Moreover, there is evidence, that several different destructive processes are executed in parallel. Briefly reviewing the complexity of degenerative mechanisms, this review discusses relevant pathways, options to target signaling cascades, final common denominators of cell death, and the interplay of events executing cell death. In particular, we focus on cGMP-signaling, epigenetic and proteolytic processes and the corresponding enzymatic activities that were recently shown to be causally related to retinal degeneration. Finally, we illustrate how a better understanding of destructive mechanisms may enable identification and validation of novel targets for neuroprotection, and allow development of next generation neuroprotective treatments as well as combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Trifunović
- Tubingen University, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Cell Death Mechanisms Group, Rontgenweg 11, 72076 Tubingen, Germany
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Schatz A, Arango-Gonzalez B, Fischer D, Enderle H, Bolz S, Röck T, Naycheva L, Grimm C, Messias A, Zrenner E, Bartz-Schmidt KU, Willmann G, Gekeler F. Transcorneal Electrical Stimulation Shows Neuroprotective Effects in Retinas of Light-Exposed Rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 53:5552-61. [DOI: 10.1167/iovs.12-10037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Schatz
- From the Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Dominik Fischer
- From the Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Heike Enderle
- From the Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sylvia Bolz
- From the Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Röck
- From the Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lubka Naycheva
- From the Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian Grimm
- Department for Ophthalmology, Zürich University Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland; and
| | - André Messias
- Department of Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eberhart Zrenner
- From the Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Gabriel Willmann
- From the Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Florian Gekeler
- From the Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Arango-Gonzalez B, Schatz A, Bolz S, Eslava-Schmalbach J, Willmann G, Zhour A, Zrenner E, Fischer MD, Gekeler F. Effects of combined ketamine/xylazine anesthesia on light induced retinal degeneration in rats. PLoS One 2012; 7:e35687. [PMID: 22558200 PMCID: PMC3338443 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0035687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Accepted: 03/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To explore the effect of ketamine-xylazine anesthesia on light-induced retinal degeneration in rats. Methods Rats were anesthetized with ketamine and xylazine (100 and 5 mg, respectively) for 1 h, followed by a recovery phase of 2 h before exposure to 16,000 lux of environmental illumination for 2 h. Functional assessment by electroretinography (ERG) and morphological assessment by in vivo imaging (optical coherence tomography), histology (hematoxylin/eosin staining, TUNEL assay) and immunohistochemistry (GFAP and rhodopsin staining) were performed at baseline (ERG), 36 h, 7 d and 14 d post-treatment. Non-anesthetized animals treated with light damage served as controls. Results Ketamine-xylazine pre-treatment preserved retinal function and protected against light-induced retinal degeneration. In vivo retinal imaging demonstrated a significant increase of outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness in the non-anesthetized group at 36 h (p<0.01) and significant reduction one week (p<0.01) after light damage. In contrast, ketamine-xylazine pre-treated animals showed no significant alteration of total retinal or ONL thickness at either time point (p>0.05), indicating a stabilizing and/or protective effect with regard to phototoxicity. Histology confirmed light-induced photoreceptor cell death and Müller cells gliosis in non-anesthetized rats, especially in the superior hemiretina, while ketamine-xylazine treated rats showed reduced photoreceptor cell death (TUNEL staining: p<0.001 after 7 d), thicker ONL and longer IS/OS. Fourteen days after light damage, a reduction of standard flash induced a-wave amplitudes and a-wave slopes (p = 0.01) and significant alterations in parameters of the scotopic sensitivity function (e.g. Vmax of the Naka Rushton fit p = 0.03) were observed in non-treated vs. ketamine-xylazine treated animals. Conclusions Our results suggest that pre-treatment with ketamine-xylazine anesthesia protects retinas against light damage, reducing photoreceptor cell death. These data support the notion that anesthesia with ketamine-xylazine provides neuroprotective effects in light-induced cell damage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andreas Schatz
- Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sylvia Bolz
- Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Gabriel Willmann
- Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ahmad Zhour
- Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Eberhart Zrenner
- Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - M. Dominik Fischer
- Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tuebingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Florian Gekeler
- Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tuebingen, Germany
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Willmann G, Schäferhoff K, Fischer MD, Arango-Gonzalez B, Bolz S, Naycheva L, Röck T, Bonin M, Bartz-Schmidt KU, Zrenner E, Schatz A, Gekeler F. Gene Expression Profiling of the Retina after Transcorneal Electrical Stimulation in Wild-type Brown Norway Rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 52:7529-37. [PMID: 21873684 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.11-7838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Willmann
- From the University Eye Hospital and Institute for Ophthalmic Research and
| | - Karin Schäferhoff
- the Medical Genetics, Institute for Human Genetics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Manuel D. Fischer
- From the University Eye Hospital and Institute for Ophthalmic Research and
| | | | - Sylvia Bolz
- From the University Eye Hospital and Institute for Ophthalmic Research and
| | - Lubka Naycheva
- From the University Eye Hospital and Institute for Ophthalmic Research and
| | - Tobias Röck
- From the University Eye Hospital and Institute for Ophthalmic Research and
| | - Michael Bonin
- the Medical Genetics, Institute for Human Genetics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Eberhart Zrenner
- From the University Eye Hospital and Institute for Ophthalmic Research and
| | - Andreas Schatz
- From the University Eye Hospital and Institute for Ophthalmic Research and
| | - Florian Gekeler
- From the University Eye Hospital and Institute for Ophthalmic Research and
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Kaur J, Mencl S, Sahaboglu A, Farinelli P, van Veen T, Zrenner E, Ekström P, Paquet-Durand F, Arango-Gonzalez B. Calpain and PARP activation during photoreceptor cell death in P23H and S334ter rhodopsin mutant rats. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22181. [PMID: 21765948 PMCID: PMC3134478 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2011] [Accepted: 06/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a heterogeneous group of inherited neurodegenerative diseases affecting photoreceptors and causing blindness. Many human cases are caused by mutations in the rhodopsin gene. An important question regarding RP pathology is whether different genetic defects trigger the same or different cell death mechanisms. To answer this question, we analysed photoreceptor degeneration in P23H and S334ter transgenic rats carrying rhodopsin mutations that affect protein folding and sorting respectively. We found strong activation of calpain and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in both mutants, concomitant with calpastatin down-regulation, increased oxidative DNA damage and accumulation of PAR polymers. These parameters were strictly correlated with the temporal progression of photoreceptor degeneration, mirroring earlier findings in the phosphodiesterase-6 mutant rd1 mouse, and suggesting execution of non-apoptotic cell death mechanisms. Interestingly, activation of caspases-3 and -9 and cytochrome c leakage-key events in apoptotic cell death--were observed only in the S334ter mutant, which also showed increased expression of PARP-1. The identification of the same metabolic markers triggered by different mutations in two different species suggests the existence of common cell death mechanisms, which is a major consideration for any mutation independent treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasvir Kaur
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stine Mencl
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ayse Sahaboglu
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Pietro Farinelli
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Sciences Lund, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
| | - Theo van Veen
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Sciences Lund, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
| | - Eberhart Zrenner
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Per Ekström
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Sciences Lund, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
| | - François Paquet-Durand
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Blanca Arango-Gonzalez
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Julien S, Peters T, Ziemssen F, Arango-Gonzalez B, Beck S, Thielecke H, Büth H, Van Vlierberghe S, Sirova M, Rossmann P, Rihova B, Schacht E, Dubruel P, Zrenner E, Schraermeyer U. Implantation of ultrathin, biofunctionalized polyimide membranes into the subretinal space of rats. Biomaterials 2011; 32:3890-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2010] [Accepted: 02/09/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Sahaboglu A, Tanimoto N, Kaur J, Sancho-Pelluz J, Huber G, Fahl E, Arango-Gonzalez B, Zrenner E, Ekström P, Löwenheim H, Seeliger M, Paquet-Durand F. PARP1 gene knock-out increases resistance to retinal degeneration without affecting retinal function. PLoS One 2010; 5:e15495. [PMID: 21124852 PMCID: PMC2990765 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2010] [Accepted: 10/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited neurodegenerative diseases affecting photoreceptors and causing blindness in humans. Previously, excessive activation of enzymes belonging to the poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) group was shown to be involved in photoreceptor degeneration in the human homologous rd1 mouse model for RP. Since there are at least 16 different PARP isoforms, we investigated the exact relevance of the predominant isoform - PARP1 - for photoreceptor cell death using PARP1 knock-out (KO) mice. In vivo and ex vivo morphological analysis using optic coherence tomography (OCT) and conventional histology revealed no major alterations of retinal phenotype when compared to wild-type (wt). Likewise, retinal function as assessed by electroretinography (ERG) was normal in PARP1 KO animals. We then used retinal explant cultures derived from wt, rd1, and PARP1 KO animals to test their susceptibility to chemically induced photoreceptor degeneration. Since photoreceptor degeneration in the rd1 retina is triggered by a loss-of-function in phosphodiesterase-6 (PDE6), we used selective PDE6 inhibition to emulate the rd1 situation on non-rd1 genotypes. While wt retina subjected to PDE6 inhibition showed massive photoreceptor degeneration comparable to rd1 retina, in the PARP1 KO situation, cell death was robustly reduced. Together, these findings demonstrate that PARP1 activity is in principle dispensable for normal retinal function, but is of major importance for photoreceptor degeneration under pathological conditions. Moreover, our results suggest that PARP dependent cell death or PARthanatos may play a major role in retinal degeneration and highlight the possibility to use specific PARP inhibitors for the treatment of RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Sahaboglu
- Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Naoyuki Tanimoto
- Ocular Neurodegeneration Research Group, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jasvir Kaur
- Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Javier Sancho-Pelluz
- Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gesine Huber
- Ocular Neurodegeneration Research Group, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Edda Fahl
- Ocular Neurodegeneration Research Group, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Blanca Arango-Gonzalez
- Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Eberhart Zrenner
- Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Per Ekström
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Sciences Lund, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
| | - Hubert Löwenheim
- Otolaryngology Department, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Mathias Seeliger
- Ocular Neurodegeneration Research Group, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - François Paquet-Durand
- Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Arango-Gonzalez B, Szabó A, Pinzon-Duarte G, Lukáts Á, Guenther E, Kohler K. In Vivo and In Vitro Development of S- and M-Cones in Rat Retina. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 51:5320-7. [DOI: 10.1167/iovs.09-4741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Arango-Gonzalez
- From the Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, the Centre for Ophthalmology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Arnold Szabó
- the Department of Human Morphology and Developmental Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - German Pinzon-Duarte
- the Department of Cell Biology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York; and
| | - Ákos Lukáts
- the Department of Human Morphology and Developmental Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Elke Guenther
- the NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute, the University of Tübingen, Rütlingen, Germany
| | - Konrad Kohler
- From the Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, the Centre for Ophthalmology, Tübingen, Germany
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Sancho-Pelluz J, Arango-Gonzalez B, Kustermann S, Romero FJ, van Veen T, Zrenner E, Ekström P, Paquet-Durand F. Photoreceptor cell death mechanisms in inherited retinal degeneration. Mol Neurobiol 2008; 38:253-69. [PMID: 18982459 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-008-8045-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2008] [Accepted: 10/16/2008] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Photoreceptor cell death is the major hallmark of a group of human inherited retinal degenerations commonly referred to as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Although the causative genetic mutations are often known, the mechanisms leading to photoreceptor degeneration remain poorly defined. Previous research work has focused on apoptosis, but recent evidence suggests that photoreceptor cell death may result primarily from non-apoptotic mechanisms independently of AP1 or p53 transcription factor activity, Bcl proteins, caspases, or cytochrome c release. This review briefly describes some animal models used for studies of retinal degeneration, with particular focus on the rd1 mouse. After outlining the major features of different cell death mechanisms in general, we then compare them with results obtained in retinal degeneration models, where photoreceptor cell death appears to be governed by, among other things, changes in cyclic nucleotide metabolism, downregulation of the transcription factor CREB, and excessive activation of calpain and PARP. Based on recent experimental evidence, we propose a putative non-apoptotic molecular pathway for photoreceptor cell death in the rd1 retina. The notion that inherited photoreceptor cell death is driven by non-apoptotic mechanisms may provide new ideas for future treatment of RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Sancho-Pelluz
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Centre for Ophthalmology, Röntgenweg 11, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
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Witkovsky P, Arango-Gonzalez B, Haycock JW, Kohler K. Rat retinal dopaminergic neurons: Differential maturation of somatodendritic and axonal compartments. J Comp Neurol 2004; 481:352-62. [PMID: 15593337 DOI: 10.1002/cne.20389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
We examined developmental changes in dopaminergic (DA) neurons of rat pups between postnatal (P) days 3 and 21. DA cell bodies and dendrites grew progressively between P3-15. Voltage-sensitive sodium channels were present in axons at P11, but the ring-like DA axon terminals appeared only during the third postnatal week. The density of ring terminals increased markedly between P15 and P21. The vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT2) was absent before P13 and became concentrated in DA ring terminals after P17. A steady increase in VMAT2-containing rings around AII amacrine cells occurred during the third postnatal week. The presynaptic membrane protein SNAP-25 colocalized with DA terminals, but several other presynaptic proteins tested, including synaptotagmin I, synapsin, bassoon, syntaxin, and synaptogyrin, appeared not to be associated with DA neurons. Our study shows that the somatodendritic compartment of DA neurons matures before the DA axon terminals do. Maturation of DA axons during the third postnatal week corresponds to the period of onset of visual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Witkovsky
- Department of Ophthalmology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA.
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