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Wu V, Swider M, Sumaroka A, Dufour VL, Vance JE, Aleman TS, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA, Cideciyan AV. Retinal response to light exposure in BEST1-mutant dogs evaluated with ultra-high resolution OCT. Vision Res 2024; 218:108379. [PMID: 38460402 PMCID: PMC11009038 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2024.108379] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Mutations in BEST1 cause an autosomal recessive disease in dogs where the earliest changes localize to the photoreceptor-RPE interface and show a retina-wide micro-detachment that is modulated by light exposure. The purpose of this study was to define the spatial and temporal details of the outer retina and its response to light with ultra-high resolution OCT across a range of ages and with different BEST1 mutations. Three retinal regions were selected in each eye: near the fovea-like area, near the optic nerve, both in the tapetal area, and inferior to the optic nerve in the non-tapetal area. The OS+ slab thickness was defined between the peak near the junction of inner and outer segments (IS/OS) and the transition between basal RPE, Bruch membrane, choriocapillaris and proximal tapetum (RPE/T). In wildtype (WT) dogs, two tapetal regions showed additional hyperscattering OCT peaks within the OS+ slab likely representing cone and rod outer segment tips (COST and ROST). The inferior non-tapetal region of WT dogs had only one of these peaks, likely ROST. In dogs with BEST1 mutations, all three locations showed a single peak, likely suggesting optical silence of COST. Light-dependent expansion of the micro-detachment by about 10 um was detectable in both tapetal and non-tapetal retina across all ages and BEST1 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Wu
- Center for Hereditary Retinal Degenerations, Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Center for Hereditary Retinal Degenerations, Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Center for Hereditary Retinal Degenerations, Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Valerie L Dufour
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Tomas S Aleman
- Center for Hereditary Retinal Degenerations, Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Center for Hereditary Retinal Degenerations, Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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2
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Murgiano L, Banjeree E, O'Connor C, Miyadera K, Werner P, Niggel JK, Aguirre GD, Casal ML. A naturally occurring canine model of syndromic congenital microphthalmia. G3 (Bethesda) 2024:jkae067. [PMID: 38682429 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae067] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
In humans, the prevalence of congenital microphthalmia is estimated to be 0.2-3.0 for every 10,000 individuals, with nonocular involvement reported in ∼80% of cases. Inherited eye diseases have been widely and descriptively characterized in dogs, and canine models of ocular diseases have played an essential role in unraveling the pathophysiology and development of new therapies. A naturally occurring canine model of a syndromic disorder characterized by microphthalmia was discovered in the Portuguese water dog. As nonocular findings included tooth enamel malformations, stunted growth, anemia, and thrombocytopenia, we hence termed this disorder Canine Congenital Microphthalmos with Hematopoietic Defects. Genome-wide association study and homozygosity mapping detected a 2 Mb candidate region on canine chromosome 4. Whole-genome sequencing and mapping against the Canfam4 reference revealed a Short interspersed element insertion in exon 2 of the DNAJC1 gene (g.74,274,883ins[T70]TGCTGCTTGGATT). Subsequent real-time PCR-based mass genotyping of a larger Portuguese water dog population found that the homozygous mutant genotype was perfectly associated with the Canine Congenital Microphthalmos with Hematopoietic Defects phenotype. Biallelic variants in DNAJC21 are mostly found to be associated with bone marrow failure syndrome type 3, with a phenotype that has a certain degree of overlap with Fanconi anemia, dyskeratosis congenita, Shwachman-Diamond syndrome, Diamond-Blackfan anemia, and reports of individuals showing thrombocytopenia, microdontia, and microphthalmia. We, therefore, propose Canine Congenital Microphthalmos with Hematopoietic Defects as a naturally occurring model for DNAJC21-associated syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Murgiano
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Sylvia M. Van Sloun Laboratory for Canine Genomic Analysis, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Esha Banjeree
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Cynthia O'Connor
- Section of Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- East Bridgewater Veterinary Hospitla, East Bridgewater, MA 02333, USA
| | - Keiko Miyadera
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Petra Werner
- Section of Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Genetic Diagnostic Laboratory, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jessica K Niggel
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Sylvia M. Van Sloun Laboratory for Canine Genomic Analysis, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Sylvia M. Van Sloun Laboratory for Canine Genomic Analysis, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Margret L Casal
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Section of Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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3
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Murgiano L, Niggel JK, Benedicenti L, Cortellari M, Bionda A, Crepaldi P, Liotta L, Aguirre GK, Beltran WA, Aguirre GD. Frameshift Variant in AMPD2 in Cirneco dell'Etna Dogs with Retinopathy and Tremors. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:238. [PMID: 38397227 PMCID: PMC10887799 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020238] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
While the manifestations of many inherited retinal disorders are limited to loss of vision, others are part of a syndrome that affects multiple tissues, particularly the nervous system. Most syndromic retinal disorders are thought to be recessively inherited. Two dogs out of a litter of Cirneco dell' Etna dogs, both males, showed signs of retinal degeneration, along with tremors and signs described as either atypical seizures or paroxysmal dyskinesias, while the other two male littermates were normal. We named this oculo-neurological syndrome CONS (Cirneco oculo-neurological syndrome), and undertook homozygosity mapping and whole-genome sequencing to determine its potential genetic etiology. Notably, we detected a 1-bp deletion in chromosome 6 that was predicted to cause a frameshift and premature stop codon within the canine AMPD2 gene, which encodes adenosine monophosphate deaminase, an enzyme that converts adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) to inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP). Genotyping of the available Cirneco population suggested perfect segregation between cases and controls for the variant. Moreover, this variant was absent in canine genomic databases comprised of thousands of unaffected dogs. The AMPD2 genetic variant we identified in dogs presents with retinal manifestations, adding to the spectrum of neurological manifestations associated with AMPD2 variants in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Murgiano
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (J.K.N.); (W.A.B.); (G.D.A.)
- Sylvia M. Van Sloun Laboratory for Canine Genomic Analysis, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jessica K. Niggel
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (J.K.N.); (W.A.B.); (G.D.A.)
- Sylvia M. Van Sloun Laboratory for Canine Genomic Analysis, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Leontine Benedicenti
- Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Matteo Cortellari
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences—Production, Territory, Agroenergy, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (A.B.); (P.C.)
| | - Arianna Bionda
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences—Production, Territory, Agroenergy, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (A.B.); (P.C.)
| | - Paola Crepaldi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences—Production, Territory, Agroenergy, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (A.B.); (P.C.)
| | - Luigi Liotta
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy;
| | - Geoffrey K. Aguirre
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - William A. Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (J.K.N.); (W.A.B.); (G.D.A.)
| | - Gustavo D. Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (J.K.N.); (W.A.B.); (G.D.A.)
- Sylvia M. Van Sloun Laboratory for Canine Genomic Analysis, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Mowat FM, Iwabe S, Aguirre GD, Petersen-Jones SM. Consensus guidelines for nomenclature of companion animal inherited retinal disorders. Vet Ophthalmol 2024. [PMID: 38334230 DOI: 10.1111/vop.13185] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Companion animals, namely dogs, cats, and horses, can be affected with many forms of hereditary retinal disease. The number of such diseases characterized in the last decade has increased substantially, and nomenclature is nonstandardized, heterogenous, and confusing. We provide in this viewpoint article consensus guidelines for naming of companion animal hereditary retinal diseases, either prospectively or retrospectively. These consensus guidelines have been developed with the purpose of standardizing nomenclature. We provide examples for the iterative nomenclature process and a comprehensive File S1 on proposed renaming of previously described diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya M Mowat
- Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Simone Iwabe
- Altasciences Preclinical Scranton, Scott Township, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Simon M Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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5
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Taskin HO, Wivel J, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA, Aguirre GK. Cone-Driven, Geniculocortical Responses in Canine Models of Outer Retinal Disease. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2024; 13:18. [PMID: 38241039 PMCID: PMC10807495 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.1.18] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Canine models of inherited retinal degeneration are used for proof of concept of emerging gene and cell-based therapies that aim to produce functional restoration of cone-mediated vision. We examined functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of the postretinal response to cone-directed stimulation in wild-type (WT) dogs, and in three different retinal disease models. Methods Temporal spectral modulation of a uniform field of light around a photopic background was used to target the canine L/M (hereafter "L") and S cones and rods. Stimuli were designed to separately target the postreceptoral luminance (L+S) and chrominance (L-S) pathways, the rods, and all photoreceptors jointly (light flux). These stimuli were presented to WT, and mutant PDE6B-RCD1, RPGR-XLPRA2, and NPHP5-CRD2 dogs during pupillometry and functional MRI (fMRI). Results Pupil responses in WT dogs to light flux, L+S, and rod-directed stimuli were consistent with responses being driven by cone signals alone. For WT animals, both luminance and chromatic (L-S) stimuli evoked fMRI responses in the lateral geniculate nucleus or visual cortex; RCD1 animals with predominant rod loss had similar responses. Responses to cone-directed stimulation were reduced in XLPRA2 and absent in CRD2. NPHP5 gene augmentation restored the cortical response to luminance stimulation in a CRD2 animal. Conclusions Cone-directed stimulation during fMRI can be used to measure the integrity of luminance and chrominance responses in the dog visual system. The NPHP5-CRD2 model is appealing for studies of recovered cone function. Translational Relevance fMRI assessment of cone-driven cortical response provides a tool to translate cell/gene therapies for vision restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huseyin O. Taskin
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jacqueline Wivel
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gustavo D. Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - William A. Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Geoffrey K. Aguirre
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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6
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Taskin HO, Wivel J, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA, Aguirre GK. Cone-driven, geniculo-cortical responses in canine models of outer retinal disease. bioRxiv 2023:2023.12.13.571523. [PMID: 38168165 PMCID: PMC10760074 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.13.571523] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Purpose Canine models of inherited retinal degeneration are used for proof-of-concept of emerging gene and cell-based therapies that aim to produce functional restoration of cone-mediated vision. We examined functional MRI measures of the post-retinal response to cone-directed stimulation in wild type (WT) dogs, and in three different retinal disease models. Methods Temporal spectral modulation of a uniform field of light around a photopic background was used to target the canine L/M (hereafter "L") and S cones and rods. Stimuli were designed to separately target the post-receptoral luminance (L+S) and chrominance (L-S) pathways, the rods, and all photoreceptors jointly (light flux). These stimuli were presented to WT, and mutant PDE6B-RCD1, RPGR-XLPRA2, and NPHP5-CRD2 dogs during pupillometry and fMRI. Results Pupil responses in WT dogs to light flux, L+S, and rod-directed stimuli were consistent with responses being driven by cone signals alone. For WT animals, both luminance and chromatic (L-S) stimuli evoked fMRI responses in the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) or visual cortex; RCD1 animals with predominant rod loss had similar responses. Responses to cone-directed stimulation were reduced in XLPRA2 and absent in CRD2. NPHP5 gene augmentation restored the cortical response to luminance stimulation in a CRD2 animal. Conclusions Cone-directed stimulation during fMRI can be used to measure the integrity of luminance and chrominance responses in the dog visual system. The NPHP5-CRD2 model is appealing for studies of recovered cone function. Translational Relevance fMRI assessment of cone driven cortical response provides a tool to translate cell/gene therapies for vision restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huseyin O. Taskin
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Jacqueline Wivel
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Gustavo D. Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - William A. Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Geoffrey K. Aguirre
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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Takahashi K, Kwok JC, Sato Y, Aguirre GD, Miyadera K. Molecular characterization of MAP9 in the photoreceptor sensory cilia as a modifier in canine RPGRIP1-associated cone-rod dystrophy. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1226603. [PMID: 37650070 PMCID: PMC10464610 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1226603] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptors possess a highly specialized primary cilium containing expanded ciliary membrane discs called the outer segment. The photoreceptor cilium is essential for the maintenance of the outer segment, and pathogenic variants in more than 50 cilia-related genes have been identified as causing non-syndromic inherited retinal diseases in patients. The retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator interacting protein 1 (RPGRIP1) is a structural protein localized to the photoreceptor cilium and biallelic RPGRIP1 variants have been associated with non-syndromic human inherited retinal diseases. In a canine cone-rod dystrophy model, a naturally occurring 44-bp exonic insertion in RPGRIP1 (RPGRIP1ins44/ins44) is the primary disease locus while an additional homozygous variant in MAP9 (microtubule associated protein 9) (MAP9aff/aff) acts as a modifier associated with early disease onset. MAP9 was originally identified as a microtubule-binding protein stabilizing microtubule structure during both mitosis and interphase in human cell lines. However, the roles of MAP9 in primary cilia, including photoreceptor neurosensory cilia, have not been well understood. Hence, we characterized the pathogenic phenotypes associated with homozygous MAP9 variant, and investigated the molecular function of MAP9 in primary cilia using the RPGRIP1-associated oligogenic canine cone-rod dystrophy model as well as cultured cells. Both functionally and structurally, the RPGRIP1ins44/ins44 MAP9aff/aff retina exhibited progressive cone photoreceptor degeneration starting earlier than the retina affected by RPGRIP1ins44/ins44 alone. Based on immunostaining of canine retinal sections and cultured cells, we found that MAP9 is prominently localized in the basal body of primary cilia and played an important role in maintaining the structure of ciliary microtubule axoneme. These findings suggest that the affected MAP9, together with mutant RPGRIP1, is deprived of critical roles in cilia organization and maintenance resulting in altered cilia structure and function giving rise to early onset and accelerated disease progression in the RPGRIP1ins44/ins44 MAP9aff/aff double homozygote cone-rod dystrophy canine model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Keiko Miyadera
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Takahashi K, Kwok JC, Sato Y, Aguirre GD, Miyadera K. Extended functional rescue following AAV gene therapy in a canine model of LRIT3-congenital stationary night blindness. Vision Res 2023; 209:108260. [PMID: 37220680 PMCID: PMC10524691 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2023.108260] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) is a group of inherited retinal diseases in which either rod-to-ON-bipolar cell (ON-BC) signaling, or rod function is affected leading to impaired vision under low light conditions. One type of CSNB is associated with defects in genes (NYX, GRM6, TRPM1, GPR179, and LRIT3) involved in the mGluR6 signaling cascade at the ON-BC dendritic tips. We have previously characterized a canine model of LRIT3-CSNB and demonstrated short-term safety and efficacy of an ON-BC targeting AAV-LRIT3 (AAVK9#4-shGRM6-cLRIT3-WPRE) gene therapy. Herein, we demonstrate long-term functional recovery and molecular restoration following subretinal injection of the ON-BC targeting AAV-LRIT3 vector in all eight treated eyes for up to 32 months. Following subretinal administration of the therapeutic vector, expression of the LRIT3 transgene, as well as restoration of mGluR6 signaling cascade member TRPM1, were confirmed in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) of the treated area. However, further investigation of the transgene LRIT3 transcript expression by RNA in situ hybridization (RNA-ISH) revealed off-target expression in non-BCs including the photoreceptors, inner nuclear, and ganglion cell layers, despite the use of a mutant AAVK9#4 capsid and an improved mGluR6 promoter designed to specifically transduce and promote expression in ON-BCs. While the long-term therapeutic potential of AAVK9#4-shGRM6-cLRIT3-WPRE is promising, we highlight the necessity for further optimization of AAV-LRIT3 therapy in the canine CSNB model prior to its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Takahashi
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jennifer C Kwok
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yu Sato
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Keiko Miyadera
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Ripolles-Garcia A, Murgiano L, Ziolkowska N, Marinho FP, Roszak K, Iffrig S, Aguirre GD, Miyadera K. Natural disease history of a canine model of oligogenic RPGRIP1-cone-rod dystrophy establishes variable effects of previously and newly mapped modifier loci. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:2139-2151. [PMID: 36951959 PMCID: PMC10281748 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine RPGRIP1-cone-rod dystrophy (CRD), a model for human inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), was originally identified as autosomal recessive early-onset blindness. However, later studies revealed extensive phenotypic variability among RPGRIP1 mutants. This led to the identification of a homozygous MAP9 variant as a modifier associated with early-onset disease. Based on further phenotypic variation affecting cone photoreceptor function, we report mapping of L3 as an additional modifier locus, within a 4.1-Mb locus on canine chromosome 30. We establish the natural disease history of RPGRIP1-CRD based on up to 9-year long-term functional and structural retinal data from 58 dogs including 44 RPGRIP1 mutants grouped according to the modifier status. RPGRIP1 mutants affected by both MAP9 and L3 modifiers exhibited the most severe phenotypes with rapid disease progression. MAP9 alone was found to act as an overall accelerator of rod and cone diseases, while L3 had a cone-specific effect. Ultrastructural analysis of photoreceptors revealed varying degrees of rod and cone damage, while the connecting cilia appeared structurally preserved in all groups. We conclude that RPGRIP1-CRD is an oligogenic disease with at least three loci contributing to the pathogenesis. While the RPGRIP1 variant is required for developing the disease, MAP9 and L3 modifiers exacerbate the phenotype, individually and cumulatively. Oligogenic canine RPGRIP1-CRD illustrates the impact of multiple genetic modifiers on disease phenotype and thus has the potential to reveal new targets for broad-spectrum therapies for oligogenic or polygenic forms of human IRDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ripolles-Garcia
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Leonardo Murgiano
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Natalia Ziolkowska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn 10-719, Poland
| | - Felipe Pompeo Marinho
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Karolina Roszak
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sommer Iffrig
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Keiko Miyadera
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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10
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Cideciyan AV, Jacobson SG, Sumaroka A, Swider M, Krishnan AK, Sheplock R, Garafalo AV, Guziewicz KE, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA, Matsui Y, Kondo M, Heon E. Photoreceptor function and structure in retinal degenerations caused by biallelic BEST1 mutations. Vision Res 2023; 203:108157. [PMID: 36450205 PMCID: PMC9825664 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2022.108157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The only approved retinal gene therapy is for biallelic RPE65 mutations which cause a recessive retinopathy with a primary molecular defect located at the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). For a distinct recessive RPE disease caused by biallelic BEST1 mutations, a pre-clinical proof-of-concept for gene therapy has been demonstrated in canine eyes. The current study was undertaken to consider potential outcome measures for a BEST1 clinical trial in patients demonstrating a classic autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy (ARB) phenotype. Spatial distribution of retinal structure showed a wide expanse of abnormalities including large intraretinal cysts, shallow serous retinal detachments, abnormalities of inner and outer segments, and an unusual prominence of the external limiting membrane. Surrounding the central macula extending from 7 to 30 deg eccentricity, outer nuclear layer was thicker than expected from a cone only retina and implied survival of many rod photoreceptors. Co-localized however, were large losses of rod sensitivity despite preserved cone sensitivities. The dissociation of rod function from rod structure observed, supports a large treatment potential in the paramacular region for biallelic bestrophinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Arun K Krishnan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Rebecca Sheplock
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alexandra V Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Karina E Guziewicz
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yoshitsugu Matsui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Mineo Kondo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Elise Heon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2L3, Canada
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11
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Appelbaum T, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA. Identification of circular RNAs hosted by the RPGR ORF15 genomic locus. RNA Biol 2023; 20:31-47. [PMID: 36593651 PMCID: PMC9817113 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2022.2159165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the retina-specific isoform of the gene encoding retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGRorf15) cause X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, a severe and early onset inherited retinal degeneration. The underlying pathogenic mechanisms and variability in disease severity remain to be fully elucidated. The present study examines structural features of the ORF15 exonic region to provide new insights into the disease pathogenesis. Using canine and human RNA samples, we identified several novel RPGR ORF15-like linear RNA transcripts containing cryptic introns (exitrons) within the annotated exon ORF15. Furthermore, using outward-facing primers designed inside exitrons in the ORF15 exonic region, we found many of previously unidentified circular RNAs (circRNAs) that formed via back fusion of linear parts of the RPGRorf15 pre-mRNAs. These circRNAs (resistant to RNAse R treatment) were found in all studied cells and tissues. Notably, some circRNAs were present in cytoplasmic and polysomal RNA fractions. Although certain RPGR circRNAs may be cell type specific, we found some of the same circRNAs expressed in different cell types, suggesting similarities in their biogenesis and functions. Sequence analysis of RPGR circRNAs revealed several remarkable features, including identification of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) consensus sequence motifs and high prevalence of predictive microRNA binding sites pointing to the functional roles of these circRNAs. Our findings also illustrate the presence of non-canonical RPGR circRNA biogenesis pathways independent of the known back splicing mechanism. The obtained data on novel RPGR circRNAs further underline structural complexity of the RPGR ORF15 region and provide a potential molecular basis for the disease phenotypic heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Appelbaum
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gustavo D. Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - William A. Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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12
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Nikonov S, Dolgova N, Sudharsan R, Tochitsky I, Iwabe S, Guzman JM, Van Gelder RN, Kramer RH, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA. Photochemical Restoration of Light Sensitivity in the Degenerated Canine Retina. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122711. [PMID: 36559205 PMCID: PMC9783220 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122711] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Photopharmacological compounds such as azobenzene-based photoswitches have been shown to control the conductivity of ionic channels in a light-dependent manner and are considered a potential strategy to restore vision in patients with end-stage photoreceptor degeneration. Here, we report the effects of DENAQ, a second-generation azobenzene-based photoswitch on retinal ganglion cells (RGC) in canine retinas using multi-electrode array (MEA) recordings (from nine degenerated and six WT retinas). DENAQ treatment conferred increased light sensitivity to RGCs in degenerated canine retinas. RGC light responses were observed in degenerated retinas following ex vivo application of 1 mM DENAQ (n = 6) or after in vivo DENAQ injection (n = 3, 150 μL, 3-10 mM) using 455 nm light at intensities as low as 0.2 mW/cm2. The number of light-sensitive cells and the per cell response amplitude increased with light intensity up to the maximum tested intensity of 85 mW/cm2. Application of DENAQ to degenerated retinas with partially preserved cone function caused appearance of DENAQ-driven responses both in cone-driven and previously non-responsive RGCs, and disappearance of cone-driven responses. Repeated stimulation slowed activation and accelerated recovery of the DENAQ-driven responses. The latter is likely responsible for the delayed appearance of a response to 4 Hz flicker stimulation. Limited aqueous solubility of DENAQ results in focal drug aggregates associated with ocular toxicity. While this limits the therapeutic potential of DENAQ, more potent third-generation photoswitches may be more promising, especially when delivered in a slow-release formulation that prevents drug aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei Nikonov
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Natalia Dolgova
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Raghavi Sudharsan
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ivan Tochitsky
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 90095, USA
| | - Simone Iwabe
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jose-Manuel Guzman
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Russell N. Van Gelder
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pathology, and Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Richard H. Kramer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 90095, USA
| | - Gustavo D. Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - William A. Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Correspondence:
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13
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Cideciyan AV, Jacobson SG, Swider M, Sumaroka A, Sheplock R, Krishnan AK, Garafalo AV, Guziewicz KE, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA, Heon E. Photoreceptor Function and Structure in Autosomal Dominant Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy Caused by BEST1 Mutations. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:12. [PMID: 36512348 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.13.12] [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: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate rod and cone function and outer retinal structure within macular lesions, and surrounding extralesional areas of patients with autosomal dominant Best vitelliform macular dystrophy caused by BEST1 mutations. Methods Seventeen patients from seven families were examined with dark- and light-adapted chromatic perimetry and optical coherence tomography. Subsets of patients had long-term follow-up (14-22 years, n = 6) and dark-adaptation kinetics measured (n = 5). Results Within central lesions with large serous retinal detachments, rod sensitivity was severely reduced but visual acuity and cone sensitivity were relatively retained. In surrounding extralesional areas, there was a mild but detectable widening of the subretinal space in some patients and some retinal areas. Available evidence was consistent with subretinal widening causing slower dark-adaptation kinetics. Over long-term follow-up, some eyes showed formation of de novo satellite lesions at retinal locations that years previously demonstrated subretinal widening. A subclinical abnormality consisting of a retina-wide mild thickening of the outer nuclear layer was evident in many patients and thickening increased in the subset of patients with long-term follow-up. Conclusions Outcome measures for future clinical trials should include evaluations of rod sensitivity within central lesions and quantitative measures of outer retinal structure in normal-appearing regions surrounding the lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Rebecca Sheplock
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Arun K Krishnan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alexandra V Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Karina E Guziewicz
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Elise Heon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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14
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Ripolles-Garcia A, Chen Y, Sato Y, Gray A, Ying GS, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA. Retinal Vascular Plexuses Are Unequally Affected in Canine Inherited Retinal Degenerations. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:22. [PMID: 36378130 PMCID: PMC9672900 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.12.22] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To characterize the progression of vascular changes that occur in each retinal plexus, in three canine models of inherited retinal degeneration. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we examined the retinal imaging records of 44 dogs from a research colony that had undergone optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) imaging. Animals enrolled included crd2/NPHP5 and xlpra2/RPGR mutant dogs imaged at different stages of photoreceptor loss, as well as RHOT4R/+ dogs after acute light-induced rod degeneration. Also included were normal controls imaged at similar ages. OCT angiograms of the superficial vascular plexus combined with the intermediate capillary plexus (SVP + ICP), and the deep capillary plexus (DCP) were analyzed using the AngioTool software to calculate vessel density and other vascular parameters. Results A reduction in vessel density was seen over time in both the SVP + ICP and DCP in all mutant dogs but was more pronounced in the DCP. Scans were subclassified based on outer nuclear layer (ONL) thinning compared to age-matched normal controls. When ONL loss was 0% to 50%, vessel density in the DCP was significantly lower than in age-matched controls. In all cases, when ONL loss exceeded 87.5%, vessel density in the SVP + ICP was significantly reduced as well. In the acute light-induced rod degeneration model, the vascular regression changes were observed mainly in the DCP. Conclusions Vessel density reduction in dogs undergoing retinal degeneration is first detected by OCTA in the DCP, and only at later stages in the SVP + ICP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ripolles-Garcia
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Yineng Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Yu Sato
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alexa Gray
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Gui-Shuang Ying
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Gustavo D. Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - William A. Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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15
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Ripolles-Garcia A, Dolgova N, Phillips MJ, Savina S, Ludwig AL, Stuedemann SA, Nlebedum U, Wolfe JH, Garden OA, Maminishkis A, Amaral J, Bharti K, Gamm DM, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA. Systemic immunosuppression promotes survival and integration of subretinally implanted human ESC-derived photoreceptor precursors in dogs. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:1824-1841. [PMID: 35905738 PMCID: PMC9391525 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Regenerative therapies aimed at replacing photoreceptors are a promising approach for the treatment of otherwise incurable causes of blindness. However, such therapies still face significant hurdles, including the need to improve subretinal delivery and long-term survival rate of transplanted cells, and promote sufficient integration into the host retina. Here, we successfully delivered in vitro-derived human photoreceptor precursor cells (PRPCs; also known as immature photoreceptors) to the subretinal space of seven normal and three rcd1/PDE6B mutant dogs with advanced inherited retinal degeneration. Notably, while these xenografts were rejected in dogs that were not immunosuppressed, transplants in most dogs receiving systemic immunosuppression survived up to 3–5 months postinjection. Moreover, differentiation of donor PRPCs into photoreceptors with synaptic pedicle-like structures that established contact with second-order neurons was enhanced in rcd1/PDE6B mutant dogs. Together, our findings set the stage for evaluating functional vision restoration following photoreceptor replacement in canine models of inherited retinal degeneration. In vivo multimodal imaging identified early signs of transplant rejection Systemic immunosuppression was necessary for long-term survival of xenotransplants Human donor photoreceptors integrated and differentiated mostly into M/L cones A degenerating retinal environment enhances structural synaptogenesis in PRPCs
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ripolles-Garcia
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Natalia Dolgova
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - M Joseph Phillips
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Svetlana Savina
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Allison L Ludwig
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Sara A Stuedemann
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Uchenna Nlebedum
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - John H Wolfe
- Walter Flato Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Oliver A Garden
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Arvydas Maminishkis
- Section on Epithelial and Retinal Physiology and Disease, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Juan Amaral
- Office of Scientific Director, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kapil Bharti
- Unit on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - David M Gamm
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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16
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Miyadera K, Santana E, Roszak K, Iffrig S, Visel M, Iwabe S, Boyd RF, Bartoe JT, Sato Y, Gray A, Ripolles-Garcia A, Dufour VL, Byrne LC, Flannery JG, Beltran WA, Aguirre GD. Targeting ON-bipolar cells by AAV gene therapy stably reverses LRIT3-congenital stationary night blindness. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2117038119. [PMID: 35316139 PMCID: PMC9060458 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2117038119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SignificanceCanine models of inherited retinal diseases have helped advance adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapies targeting specific cells in the outer retina for treating blinding diseases in patients. However, therapeutic targeting of diseases such as congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) that exhibit defects in ON-bipolar cells (ON-BCs) of the midretina remains underdeveloped. Using a leucine-rich repeat, immunoglobulin-like and transmembrane domain 3 (LRIT3) mutant canine model of CSNB exhibiting ON-BC dysfunction, we tested the ability of cell-specific AAV capsids and promotors to specifically target ON-BCs for gene delivery. Subretinal injection of one vector demonstrated safety and efficacy with robust and stable rescue of electroretinography signals and night vision up to 1 y, paving the way for clinical trials in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Miyadera
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Evelyn Santana
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Karolina Roszak
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Sommer Iffrig
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Meike Visel
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Simone Iwabe
- Ophthalmology Services, Charles River Laboratories, Mattawan, MI 49071
| | - Ryan F. Boyd
- Ophthalmology Services, Charles River Laboratories, Mattawan, MI 49071
| | - Joshua T. Bartoe
- Ophthalmology Services, Charles River Laboratories, Mattawan, MI 49071
| | - Yu Sato
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Alexa Gray
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Ana Ripolles-Garcia
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Valérie L. Dufour
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Leah C. Byrne
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - John G. Flannery
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - William A. Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Gustavo D. Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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17
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Aguirre GD. Remembering Alan M. Laties, MD, 1931-2021. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:19. [PMID: 35293950 PMCID: PMC8944394 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.3.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo D Aguirre
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
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18
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Aguirre GD, Kazacos KR. Is it canine DUSN?: Another view of retinopathies, some acquired, and others possibly "inherited": Another view of retinopathies, some acquired, and others possibly "inherited". Vet Ophthalmol 2022; 25:96-108. [PMID: 34894198 PMCID: PMC10566749 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12951] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The term retinopathy has been used to group several heterogeneous retinal abnormalities that are clearly acquired or are suspected/proposed to be inherited. Some share characteristic focal/multifocal hyperreflective tapetal lesions with a dark center, and areas of non-tapetal depigmentation suggestive of patchy or diffuse outer retinal atrophy. Progression is variable, and some develop unilateral or bilateral fundus changes resembling the clearly inherited form of retinal degeneration referred to as PRA. In this Commentary and Review, we discuss the role of ocular larva migrans resulting in the entity we refer to as canine DUSN and suggest that it may be responsible for some of the retinal findings grouped under the retinopathy rubric that share this characteristic fundus lesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo D Aguirre
- Section of Ophthalmology and Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kevin R Kazacos
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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19
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Badiei A, Beltran WA, Aguirre GD. Altered transsulfuration pathway enzymes and redox homeostasis in inherited retinal degenerative diseases. Exp Eye Res 2022; 215:108902. [PMID: 34954206 PMCID: PMC8923955 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases result from apoptotic photoreceptor cell death. As endogenously produced gaseous molecules such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and nitric oxide (NO) play a key role in apoptosis, we compared the expression levels of genes and proteins involved in the production of these molecules in the retina of normal dogs and three canine models (rcd1, crd2, and xlpra2) of human inherited retinal degeneration (IRD). Using qRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC), we showed that mRNA and protein levels of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), an enzyme that produces H2S in neurons, are increased in retinal degeneration, but those of cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), an enzyme involved in the production of glutathione (GSH), an antioxidant, are not. Such findings suggest that increased levels of H2S that are not counterbalanced by increased antioxidant potential may contribute to disease in affected retinas. We also studied the expression of neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthase (nNOS and iNOS), the enzymes responsible for NO production. Western blot and IHC results revealed increased levels of nNOS and iNOS, resulting in increased NO levels in mutant retinas. Finally, photoreceptors are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that can make these cells vulnerable to oxidative damage through reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our results showed increased levels of acrolein and hydroxynonenal (4HNE), two main toxic products of PUFAs, surrounding the membranes of photoreceptors in affected canines. Increased levels of these toxic products, together with increased NO and ROS, likely render these cells susceptible to an intrinsic apoptotic pathway involving mitochondrial membranes. To assess this possibility, we measured the levels of BCL2, an anti-apoptotic protein in the mitochondrial membrane. Western blot results showed decreased levels of BCL2 protein in affected retinas. Overall, the results of this study identify alterations in the expression of enzymes directly involved in maintaining the normal redox status of the retina during retinal degeneration, thereby supporting future studies to investigate the role of H2S and NO in retinal degeneration and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Badiei
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Natural Science and Mathematics, University of Alaska Fairbanks, AK, USA; Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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20
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Gray AP, Sato Y, Miyadera K, Aguirre GD. Novel insights into chorioretinal and juxtapapillary colobomas by optical coherence tomography. Vet Ophthalmol 2022; 25 Suppl 1:136-143. [PMID: 35092136 PMCID: PMC9247035 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12970] [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] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose was to describe the in vivo microanatomy of typical and atypical chorioretinal and juxtapapillary colobomas in the dog. METHODS Three cross-breed dogs were found to be affected with colobomas. Two of the cases were NEHJ1 homozygous and Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) affected and had the typical optic nerve head colobomas seen with the disease. The third case had an unexpected atypical coloboma. In vivo retinal photography and non-invasive retinal imaging by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (cSLO) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were done, and the eye affected with the atypical coloboma was collected and processed for histopathological evaluation. RESULTS The majority of the defining features within the CEA defects were similar, with the extent of change to the choroid being of note. Similar to the first two cases, the atypical coloboma demonstrated absent normal retina, RPE, and choroid within the coloboma. Prominent intercalary membranes and vitreal strands attached to the depth of the coloboma were also apparent in all affected eyes. However, unlike the CEA-associated colobomas, the atypical coloboma possessed normal choroid surrounding the lesion and the depth of the lesion was apparent throughout. CONCLUSIONS Advanced retinal imaging enables the appreciation of microanatomical changes that occur in the living eye. The ability of OCT to enhance visualization of abnormal retinal structures and detect subtle neurosensory retinal defects has allowed for the in vivo characterization of features observed in typical and atypical colobomas, as well as the appreciation of some of the resulting structural changes not visible by ophthalmoscopy alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa P Gray
- Section of Ophthalmology and Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yu Sato
- Section of Ophthalmology and Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Keiko Miyadera
- Section of Ophthalmology and Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Section of Ophthalmology and Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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21
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Ripolles-Garcia A, Ruthel G, Ying GS, Chen Y, Cuenca N, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA. Characterization of the Canine Retinal Vasculature With Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography: Comparisons With Histology and Fluorescein Angiography. Front Neuroanat 2021; 15:785249. [PMID: 34966262 PMCID: PMC8710516 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2021.785249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To present a methodology for quantification of the canine retinal vasculature imaged by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and validate this approach by comparison with fluorescein angiography (FA) and confocal imaging of retinal wholemounts labelled by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Methods: Six normal adult dogs underwent retinal OCTA imaging in both eyes. The images extracted from the different microvascular plexuses at eight retinal locations spanning the central and mid-peripheral fundus were analyzed using the AngioTool software. FA was performed in one eye and was compared to the OCTA images. Six eyes from three dogs were processed by IHC to examine the retinal vasculature. Results: A total of four retinal plexuses were identified by OCTA in the canine retina, and their density and topographical pattern varied with eccentricity. OCTA offered improved resolution over FA with the advantage of allowing imaging of the individual plexuses. Detection by OCTA of small vessels within the deep capillary plexus was possible and approached the level of resolution achieved with ex vivo imaging of the retinal vasculature by confocal microscopy/IHC. The plexuses herein described are analogous to human retinal vasculature. Conclusion: OCTA can be used to image and quantify non-invasively the vascular retinal networks of the canine retina. We provide normative data in eight different retinal locations that can be imaged non-invasively with this technology. This could support analysis of retinal vascular changes associated with disease and following therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ripolles-Garcia
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Gordon Ruthel
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Gui-Shuang Ying
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Yineng Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Nicolas Cuenca
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Gustavo D. Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - William A. Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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22
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Aguirre GD, Cideciyan AV, Dufour VL, Ripolles-García A, Sudharsan R, Swider M, Nikonov R, Iwabe S, Boye SL, Hauswirth WW, Jacobson SG, Beltran WA. Gene therapy reforms photoreceptor structure and restores vision in NPHP5-associated Leber congenital amaurosis. Mol Ther 2021; 29:3528. [PMID: 34715016 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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23
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Ripolles-Garcia A, Holle DM, Cohen JA, Beltran WA, Aguirre GD. Retinal structural and microvascular abnormalities in retinal dysplasia imaged by OCT and OCT angiography. Vet Ophthalmol 2021; 25 Suppl 1:193-200. [PMID: 34808028 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12952] [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] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the in vivo structural characteristics of multifocal and geographic retinal dysplasia visualized with advanced retinal imaging including confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO), optical coherence tomography (OCT), en face OCT, and the novel vascular imaging technique OCT angiography (OCTA). DOGS STUDIED AND PROCEDURES Two dogs were diagnosed with unilateral multifocal or geographic retinal dysplasia and underwent advanced retinal imaging under general anesthesia at the Retinal Disease Studies Facility of the University of Pennsylvania. RESULTS In both cases, the morphological pattern of the lesions was similar including outer retinal folds that invaginated and formed tubular retinal rosettes, surrounding a central inner retinal thickening (multifocal) or plaque (geographic). The two dogs had multiple vascular anomalies in the lesions such as increased tortuosity, abnormal change of vessel diameter including aneurysms and capillary network disruption. We also identified increased autofluorescence by AF cSLO with short wavelength light source (488 nm and barrier filter at 500 nm), and several areas of photoreceptor loss associated with the lesions. CONCLUSION The use of OCTA allowed the identification of microvascular abnormalities associated with multifocal and geographic retinal dysplasia in two dogs. To our knowledge, this is the first report where the dye-free OCTA technique is used to study vascular lesions in canine retinas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ripolles-Garcia
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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24
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Dufour VL, Cohen JA, Holle DM, Aguirre GD. Optic nerve colobomas associated with unilateral focal serous retinal detachment in a dog - In-vivo imaging and outcome following laser retinopexy. Vet Ophthalmol 2021; 24:645-652. [PMID: 34709702 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12948] [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] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the ophthalmoscopic, in-vivo imaging, fluorescein angiography, and therapeutic photocoagulation outcome in a case of bilateral optic nerve colobomas associated with focal unilateral retinal detachment in a dog. METHODS Pretraining eye examination of a 1.6-year-old female German shepherd service dog showed a focal juxta-papillary bullous retinal separation in the right eye. In vivo imaging and angiography were performed under general anesthesia using optical coherence tomography. Nonoverlapping diode laser burns were applied through an operating microscope adapter to selected areas along the leading margins of the detachment. RESULTS The funduscopic examination and in-vivo imaging revealed bilateral optic nerve colobomas associated with a focal bullous detachment in the right eye. Fluorescein angiography showed absence of blood vessel leakage and absence of staining inside of the retinal elevation. Photocoagulation induced immediate changes in retinal layer reflectivity. Three months post-photocoagulation, the retinal detachment had improved and scarring of the burns was visible. One and two years post-procedure, the retinal detachment resolved. CONCLUSIONS Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging provides a detailed analysis of the retinal abnormalities associated with the clinical lesion. Laser retinopexy is a valid therapeutic option to limit the extension of the detachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie L Dufour
- Section of Ophthalmology and Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Section of Ophthalmology and Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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25
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Öztürk BE, Johnson ME, Kleyman M, Turunç S, He J, Jabalameli S, Xi Z, Visel M, Dufour VL, Iwabe S, Pompeo Marinho LFL, Aguirre GD, Sahel JA, Schaffer DV, Pfenning AR, Flannery JG, Beltran WA, Stauffer WR, Byrne LC. scAAVengr, a transcriptome-based pipeline for quantitative ranking of engineered AAVs with single-cell resolution. eLife 2021; 10:64175. [PMID: 34664552 PMCID: PMC8612735 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapies are rapidly advancing to the clinic, and AAV engineering has resulted in vectors with increased ability to deliver therapeutic genes. Although the choice of vector is critical, quantitative comparison of AAVs, especially in large animals, remains challenging. Methods Here, we developed an efficient single-cell AAV engineering pipeline (scAAVengr) to simultaneously quantify and rank efficiency of competing AAV vectors across all cell types in the same animal. Results To demonstrate proof-of-concept for the scAAVengr workflow, we quantified - with cell-type resolution - the abilities of naturally occurring and newly engineered AAVs to mediate gene expression in primate retina following intravitreal injection. A top performing variant identified using this pipeline, K912, was used to deliver SaCas9 and edit the rhodopsin gene in macaque retina, resulting in editing efficiency similar to infection rates detected by the scAAVengr workflow. scAAVengr was then used to identify top-performing AAV variants in mouse brain, heart, and liver following systemic injection. Conclusions These results validate scAAVengr as a powerful method for development of AAV vectors. Funding This work was supported by funding from the Ford Foundation, NEI/NIH, Research to Prevent Blindness, Foundation Fighting Blindness, UPMC Immune Transplant and Therapy Center, and the Van Sloun fund for canine genetic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilge E Öztürk
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Molly E Johnson
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Michael Kleyman
- Computational Biology, School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Serhan Turunç
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Jing He
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Sara Jabalameli
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Zhouhuan Xi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States.,Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Meike Visel
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Valérie L Dufour
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Simone Iwabe
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Luis Felipe L Pompeo Marinho
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - David V Schaffer
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States.,Chemical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Andreas R Pfenning
- Computational Biology, School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - John G Flannery
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States.,Vision Science, Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - William R Stauffer
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Leah C Byrne
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States.,Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States.,Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
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Abstract
Purpose To define genetic variants associated with variable severity of X-linked progressive retinal atrophy 1 (XLPRA1) caused by a five-nucleotide deletion in canine RPGR exon ORF15. Methods A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed in XLPRA1 phenotype informative pedigree. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used for mutational analysis of genes within the candidate genomic region. Retinas of normal and mutant dogs were used for gene expression, gene structure, and RNA duplex analyses. Results GWAS followed by haplotype phasing identified an approximately 4.6 Mb candidate genomic interval on CFA31 containing seven protein-coding genes expressed in retina (ROBO1, ROBO2, RBM11, NRIP1, HSPA13, SAMSN1, and USP25). Furthermore, we identified and characterized two novel lncRNAs, ROBO1-AS and ROBO2-AS, that display overlapping gene organization with axon guidance pathway genes ROBO1 and ROBO2, respectively, producing sense-antisense gene pairs. Notably, ROBO1-AS and ROBO2-AS act in cis to form lncRNA/mRNA duplexes with ROBO1 and ROBO2, respectively, suggesting important roles for these lncRNAs in the ROBO regulatory network. A subsequent WGS identified candidate genes within the genomic region on CFA31 that might be implicated in modifying severity of XLPRA1. This approach led to discovery of genetic variants in ROBO1, ROBO1-AS, ROBO2-AS, and USP25 that are strongly associated with the XLPRA1 moderate phenotype. Conclusions The study provides new insights into the genetic basis of phenotypic variation in severity of RPGRorf15-associated retinal degeneration. Our findings suggest an important role for ROBO pathways in disease progression further expanding on our previously reported changes of ROBO1 expression in XLPRA1 retinas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Appelbaum
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Leonardo Murgiano
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Doreen Becker
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.,Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Genome Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Evelyn Santana
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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27
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Garafalo AV, Cideciyan AV, Héon E, Sheplock R, Pearson A, WeiYang Yu C, Sumaroka A, Aguirre GD, Jacobson SG. Progress in treating inherited retinal diseases: Early subretinal gene therapy clinical trials and candidates for future initiatives. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 77:100827. [PMID: 31899291 PMCID: PMC8714059 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.100827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Due to improved phenotyping and genetic characterization, the field of 'incurable' and 'blinding' inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) has moved substantially forward. Decades of ascertainment of IRD patient data from Philadelphia and Toronto centers illustrate the progress from Mendelian genetic types to molecular diagnoses. Molecular genetics have been used not only to clarify diagnoses and to direct counseling but also to enable the first clinical trials of gene-based treatment in these diseases. An overview of the recent reports of gene augmentation clinical trials by subretinal injections is used to reflect on the reasons why there has been limited success in this early venture into therapy. These first-in human experiences have taught that there is a need for advancing the techniques of delivery of the gene products - not only for refining further subretinal trials, but also for evaluating intravitreal delivery. Candidate IRDs for intravitreal gene delivery are then suggested to illustrate some of the disorders that may be amenable to improvement of remaining central vision with the least photoreceptor trauma. A more detailed understanding of the human IRDs to be considered for therapy and the calculated potential for efficacy should be among the routine prerequisites for initiating a clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra V Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Elise Héon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rebecca Sheplock
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Alexander Pearson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Caberry WeiYang Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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28
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Song C, Dufour VL, Cideciyan AV, Ye GJ, Swider M, Newmark JA, Timmers AM, Robinson PM, Knop DR, Chulay JD, Jacobson SG, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA, Shearman MS. Dose Range Finding Studies with Two RPGR Transgenes in a Canine Model of X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa Treated with Subretinal Gene Therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 31:743-755. [PMID: 32414297 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vector-mediated gene therapy is being developed to treat X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) in patients with mutations in the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene. In preparation for a clinical gene therapy trial, we conducted dose range finding (DRF) studies with an AAV2 capsid with three surface tyrosine residues changed to phenylalanine (AAV2tYF) vector administered by subretinal injection in a naturally occurring RPGR-mutant canine model (XLPRA2) to compare two different human RPGR (hRPGR) transgenes and to establish a reasonable starting dose for a clinical trial. Different dose levels of two candidate vectors (0.15 mL at 1.2 × 1010-3.0 × 1012 vg/mL of rAAV2tYF-GRK1-hRPGRco or 4 × 1010-3.0 × 1012 vg/mL of rAAV2tYF-GRK1-hRPGRstb), 6.0 × 1011 vg/mL rAAV5-GRK1-hRPGRco reference vector or Vehicle were subretinally administered, and the dogs were followed for 8 weeks postdose. Ophthalmic examinations, analyses of retinal structure by in vivo imaging using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO)/optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the Lower (4.0 × 1010 vg/mL) and Lowest (1.2 × 1010 vg/mL) Doses, immunological responses by cell based assays or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, RPGR transgene expression, and reversal of opsin mislocalization by immunohistochemistry were performed. No sustained signs of ocular discomfort or ophthalmic complications were noted in any of the injected eyes except some in the High Dose group (3.0 × 1012 vg/mL), which showed signs of retinal detachment and inflammation. A change in fundus reflectivity suggestive of a rescue effect was seen in the High, Mid (6.0 × 1011 vg/mL), and Low (1.2 × 1011 vg/mL) Dose groups. cSLO/OCT demonstrated qualitative and quantitative evidence of rescue effect in eyes treated with the Lower Dose. Anti-hRPGR antibodies were absent, but neutralizing antibody titers against AAV2 were detected in all animals dosed with rAAV2tYF in an apparent dose-related pattern. RPGR expression was stronger for rAAV2tYF-GRK1-hRPGRco compared to rAAV2tYF-GRK1-hRPGRstb at all dose levels. Subretinal administration of rAAV2tYF-GRK1-hRPGRco and rAAV2tYF-GRK1-hRPGRstb both corrected rod and cone opsin mislocalization, two early markers of disease in the XLPRA2 canine model of RPGR-XLRP. These results support the selection and use of rAAV2tYF-GRK1-hRPGRco (AGTC-501) and guided the initial doses in clinical studies in patients with XLRP caused by RPGR mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunjuan Song
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, Florida, USA
| | - Valérie L Dufour
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Guo-Jie Ye
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, Florida, USA
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | | | - David R Knop
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, Florida, USA
| | | | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mark S Shearman
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, Florida, USA
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29
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Smith SM, Holt E, Aguirre GD. Conjunctival staining with lissamine green as a predictor of tear film deficiency in dogs. Vet Ophthalmol 2020; 23:624-631. [PMID: 32386097 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate a grading scheme for conjunctival staining patterns with lissamine green ocular dye in the diagnosis of tear film deficiencies in dogs. PROCEDURES Client-owned and research colony dogs were enrolled in a prospective study between February and October 2018 in which slit-lamp biomicroscopy, Schirmer tear test (STT), tear film breakup time (TFBUT), conjunctival lissamine green staining (LGS), and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement were performed in both eyes of all dogs. Lissamine green staining of the temporal bulbar conjunctiva was graded from 0-3, with a higher grade corresponding to an increased stain intensity. RESULTS Fifty-four dogs (107 eyes), comprising 31 males and 23 females with a mean age of 5.0 ± 3.9 years (range 0.5-14.3), were enrolled in the study. STT was <15 mm/min in 21 eyes and ≥15 mm/min in 86 eyes. Lissamine green staining grade for eyes with a STT of <15 mm/min (2.0 ± 0.9) was significantly higher than for eyes with a STT ≥15 mm/min (0.2 ± 0.7) (P < .001). TFBUT for eyes with a STT <15 mm/min (6.5 ± 4.4 seconds) was significantly shorter than for eyes with a STT ≥ 15 mm/min (16.1 ± 3.6 seconds) (P < .001). As LGS grade increased, both STT (P < .001) and TFBUT (P < .001) significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS A higher LGS grade was significantly associated with a lower STT and more rapid TFBUT in dogs. Lissamine green ocular dye can be considered as an adjunctive diagnostic test when evaluating tear film deficiency in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Smith
- Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Elaine Holt
- Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Appelbaum T, Santana E, Aguirre GD. Critical Decrease in the Level of Axon Guidance Receptor ROBO1 in Rod Synaptic Terminals Is Followed by Axon Retraction. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:11. [PMID: 32176262 PMCID: PMC7405958 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.3.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To define remodeling of photoreceptor synaptic terminals and second-order retinal neurons in canine X-linked progressive retinal atrophy 1 caused by a five-nucleotide deletion in the RPGR exon ORF15. Methods Retinas of normal and mutant dogs were used for gene expression, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Cell-specific markers were used to examine disease-dependent retinal remodeling. Results In mutant retinas, a number of rod axon terminals retract into the outer nuclear layer. This neuritic atrophy preceded significant loss of rods and was evident early in disease. Rod bipolar and horizontal cell processes were found to extend into the outer nuclear layer, where they seemed to form contacts with the spherules of rod photoreceptors. No ectopic rewiring was observed. Because cytoskeletal reorganization was previously shown to underlie photoreceptor axon retraction, we examined normal and mutant retinas for expression of axon guidance receptors ROBO1 and ROBO2, which are known to regulate actin cytoskeleton dynamics. We found that the overall expression of both ROBO1 and ROBO2 is retained at the same level in premature and fully developed normal retinas. However, analysis of predisease and early disease retinas identified markedly decreased levels of ROBO1 in rod spherules compared with controls. In contrast, no differences in ROBO1 signals were noted in cone pedicles in normal and mutant retinas, where ROBO1 levels remained similarly low. Conclusions Depletion of ROBO1 in rod synaptic terminals correlates with the remodeling of axonal and dendritic processes in the outer retina of dogs with X-linked progressive retinal atrophy 1 and may play a role in the retraction of rod axons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Appelbaum
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Evelyn Santana
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Gustavo D. Aguirre
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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Dufour VL, Cideciyan AV, Ye GJ, Song C, Timmers A, Habecker PL, Pan W, Weinstein NM, Swider M, Durham AC, Ying GS, Robinson PM, Jacobson SG, Knop DR, Chulay JD, Shearman MS, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA. Toxicity and Efficacy Evaluation of an Adeno-Associated Virus Vector Expressing Codon-Optimized RPGR Delivered by Subretinal Injection in a Canine Model of X-linked Retinitis Pigmentosa. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 31:253-267. [PMID: 31910043 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation (AGTC) is developing a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector AGTC-501, also designated rAAV2tYF-GRK1-hRPGRco, to treat X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) in patients with mutations in the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene. The vector contains a codon-optimized human RPGR cDNA (hRPGRco) driven by a photoreceptor-specific promoter (G protein-coupled receptor kinase 1 [GRK1]), and is packaged in an AAV2 capsid variant with three surface tyrosine residues changed to phenylalanine (AAV2tYF). We conducted a toxicity and efficacy study of this vector administered by subretinal injection in the naturally occurring RPGR mutant (X-linked progressive retinal atrophy 2 [XLPRA2]) dog model. Sixteen RPGR mutant dogs divided into four groups of three to five animals each received either a subretinal injection of 0.07 mL of AGTC-501 at low (1.2 × 1011 vector genome [vg]/mL), mid (6 × 1011 vg/mL), or high dose (3 × 1012 vg/mL), or of vehicle control in the right eye at early-stage disease. The left eye remained untreated. Subretinal injections were well tolerated and were not associated with systemic toxicity. Electroretinography, in vivo retinal imaging, and histological analysis showed rescue of photoreceptor function and structure in the absence of ocular toxicity in the low- and mid-dose treatment groups when compared with the vehicle-treated group. The high-dose group showed evidence of both photoreceptor rescue and posterior segment toxicity. These results support the use of AGTC-501 in clinical studies with patients affected with XLRP caused by RPGR mutations and define the no-observed-adverse-effect level at 6 × 1011 vg/mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie L Dufour
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Guo-Jie Ye
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, Florida
| | - Chunjuan Song
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, Florida
| | - Adrian Timmers
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, Florida
| | - Perry L Habecker
- Department of Pathobiology, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
| | - Wei Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Nicole M Weinstein
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Amy C Durham
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Gui-Shuang Ying
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - David R Knop
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, Florida
| | | | | | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Dufour VL, Yu Y, Pan W, Ying GS, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA. In-vivo longitudinal changes in thickness of the postnatal canine retina. Exp Eye Res 2020; 192:107926. [PMID: 31931002 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.107926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of the present work were to assess by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) the changes in thickness of the outer nuclear layer (ONL), the ONL + photoreceptor inner segment (IS), and the retinal thickness, as a function of age in the normal canine retina. OCT retinal scans extending from the edge of the optic nerve head (ONH) along the superior and inferior meridians were captured in both eyes of 17 normal dogs at age ranging from 4 to 119 weeks. The different parameters along the superior and the inferior regions were determined following manual segmentation using the Heidelberg Eye Explorer software. Changes in thickness with age were modeled using one-phase exponential decay models. In vivo OCT imaging results showed no interocular statistically significant differences in ONL, ONL + IS, and retinal thickness at any age. All three parameters were however found to be statistically significantly thicker in the superior vs inferior retina. A rapid thinning of the three layers occurs in both the superior and inferior retina between 4 and 12 weeks of age, before reaching a plateau at around 20 weeks of age. In conclusion, the ONL, ONL + IS, and retinal thickness of the normal canine retina decrease significantly during the first three postnatal months, and is likely attributed to an overall increase in the eye volume and tangential dispersion of the photoreceptor since early photoreceptor developmental cell death is very limited at that age. Establishment of the natural history of ONL, ONL + IS, and retinal thinning will allow a more accurate assessment of the progression of a retinal degenerative condition as well as facilitate the detection of positive rescue effect of novel retinal therapies evaluated in this large animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie L Dufour
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yinxi Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wei Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gui-Shuang Ying
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Iwabe S, Dufour VL, Guzmán JM, Holle DM, Cohen JA, Beltran WA, Aguirre GD. Focal/multifocal and geographic retinal dysplasia in the dog-In vivo retinal microanatomy analyses. Vet Ophthalmol 2019; 23:292-304. [PMID: 31746146 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the in vivo microanatomy of retinal folds and geographic lesions in dogs with acquired or inherited retinal dysplasia. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirteen dogs had retinal microanatomy evaluation under general anesthesia using cSLO/sdOCT; two eyes had noninherited multifocal retinal folds, five had inherited multifocal retinal folds (drd1 or drd2), and 10 geographic retinal dysplasia. Retinas from two drd2 carrier dogs were examined by histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) after in vivo imaging. RESULTS Retinal folds are the common feature of acquired focal/multifocal or geographic retinal dysplasia, are indistinguishable structurally from those associated with syndromic oculoskeletal dysplasia, and represent outer nuclear layer invaginations and rosettes visible by sdOCT. In dogs heterozygous for oculoskeletal dysplasia, the folds form clusters in a perivascular distribution along superior central vessels. IHC confirmed photoreceptor identity in the retinal folds. The geographic dysplasia plaques are not focally detached, but have inner retinal disorganization and intense autofluorescence in cSLO autofluorescence mode that is mainly limited to the geographic lesion, but is not uniform and in some extends beyond the plaques. CONCLUSION We propose that the autofluorescent characteristic of the geographic lesions is associated with an inner retinal disruption associated with perivascular or infiltrating macrophages and phagocytosis of cellular debris. As well, we suggest restructuring the examination forms to distinguish the folds that are sporadically distributed from those that have a perivascular distribution as the latter likely represent carriers for drd. In this latter group, DNA testing would be a helpful tool to provide specific breeding advice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Iwabe
- Section of Ophthalmology, Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvanias
| | - Valerie L Dufour
- Section of Ophthalmology, Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvanias
| | - José M Guzmán
- Section of Ophthalmology, Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvanias
| | | | | | - William A Beltran
- Section of Ophthalmology, Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvanias
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Section of Ophthalmology, Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvanias
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Das RG, Becker D, Jagannathan V, Goldstein O, Santana E, Carlin K, Sudharsan R, Leeb T, Nishizawa Y, Kondo M, Aguirre GD, Miyadera K. Genome-wide association study and whole-genome sequencing identify a deletion in LRIT3 associated with canine congenital stationary night blindness. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14166. [PMID: 31578364 PMCID: PMC6775105 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50573-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB), in the complete form, is caused by dysfunctions in ON-bipolar cells (ON-BCs) which are secondary neurons of the retina. We describe the first disease causative variant associated with CSNB in the dog. A genome-wide association study using 12 cases and 11 controls from a research colony determined a 4.6 Mb locus on canine chromosome 32. Subsequent whole-genome sequencing identified a 1 bp deletion in LRIT3 segregating with CSNB. The canine mutant LRIT3 gives rise to a truncated protein with unaltered subcellular expression in vitro. Genetic variants in LRIT3 have been associated with CSNB in patients although there is limited evidence regarding its apparently critical function in the mGluR6 pathway in ON-BCs. We determine that in the canine CSNB retina, the mutant LRIT3 is correctly localized to the region correlating with the ON-BC dendritic tips, albeit with reduced immunolabelling. The LRIT3-CSNB canine model has direct translational potential enabling studies to help understand the CSNB pathogenesis as well as to develop new therapies targeting the secondary neurons of the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rueben G Das
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Doreen Becker
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, United States of America.,Institute of Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | | | - Orly Goldstein
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Evelyn Santana
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Kendall Carlin
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Raghavi Sudharsan
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Tosso Leeb
- Institute of Genetics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yuji Nishizawa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, Aichi, Japan
| | - Mineo Kondo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Keiko Miyadera
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, United States of America.
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Héon E, Aguirre GD. Introducing Artur V. Cideciyan and Samuel G. Jacobson, the 2018 Recipients of the Proctor Medal. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:1677-1679. [PMID: 31009523 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.19-26884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elise Héon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Hospital for Sick Kids, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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Gardiner KL, Cideciyan AV, Swider M, Dufour VL, Sumaroka A, Komáromy AM, Hauswirth WW, Iwabe S, Jacobson SG, Beltran WA, Aguirre GD. Long-Term Structural Outcomes of Late-Stage RPE65 Gene Therapy. Mol Ther 2019; 28:266-278. [PMID: 31604676 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [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: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The form of hereditary childhood blindness Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) caused by biallelic RPE65 mutations is considered treatable with a gene therapy product approved in the US and Europe. The resulting vision improvement is well accepted, but long-term outcomes on the natural history of retinal degeneration are controversial. We treated four RPE65-mutant dogs in mid-life (age = 5-6 years) and followed them long-term (4-5 years). At the time of the intervention at mid-life, there were intra-ocular and inter-animal differences in local photoreceptor layer health ranging from near normal to complete degeneration. Treated locations having more than 63% of normal photoreceptors showed robust treatment-related retention of photoreceptors in the long term. Treated regions with less retained photoreceptors at the time of the intervention showed progressive degeneration similar to untreated regions with matched initial stage of disease. Unexpectedly, both treated and untreated regions in study eyes tended to show less degeneration compared to matched locations in untreated control eyes. These results support the hypothesis that successful long-term arrest of progression with RPE65 gene therapy may only occur in retinal regions with relatively retained photoreceptors at the time of the intervention, and there may be heretofore unknown mechanisms causing long-distance partial treatment effects beyond the region of subretinal injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin L Gardiner
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Valérie L Dufour
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - András M Komáromy
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - William W Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Simone Iwabe
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Krishnan H, Diehl K, Stefanovski D, Aguirre GD. Vitreous degeneration and associated ocular abnormalities in the dog. Vet Ophthalmol 2019; 23:219-224. [PMID: 31464365 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the frequency of vitreous degeneration and its association with ocular comorbidities including cataracts, lens luxation, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. METHODS This is a retrospective study of 4217 dogs from the Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER) that underwent breed screening ophthalmic examinations between 2013 and 2016. The breeds analyzed included the Italian Greyhound, Shih Tzu, Affenpinscher, Bichon Frise, Brussels Griffon, Whippets, and Greyhound. Data collected from CAER included age, gender, number of examinations, and whether vitreous degeneration, along with cataracts, lens luxation, glaucoma and/or retinal detachment were present in either or both eyes. RESULTS The study found that breed and age are significant drivers for developing VD. Italian Greyhounds, Brussels Griffons, and Shih Tzus have a significantly higher likelihood of VD compared to the negative control breed, the Greyhound. Additionally, with every 1-year age increase, there is a 24% higher likelihood of developing VD. However, no association was identified between vitreous degeneration and cataracts, lens luxation, glaucoma, or retinal detachment. CONCLUSIONS While the study found that breed and age were significant drivers for developing VD, no association was found between VD and the other ocular comorbidities examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harathi Krishnan
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kathryn Diehl
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Darko Stefanovski
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Becker D, Niggel JK, Pearce-Kelling S, Riis RC, Aguirre GD. Optic nerve hypoplasia in miniature poodle dogs: A preliminary genetic and candidate gene association study. Vet Ophthalmol 2019; 23:67-76. [PMID: 31342635 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To conduct a genetic and candidate gene association study with samples from phenotype-ascertained dogs to identify putative disease-associated gene/mutation for optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) in the miniature poodle. ANIMALS STUDIED A total of 43 miniature poodles from the United States and Europe, nine affected bilaterally with ONH, were included in the study. Pedigree information was recorded. PROCEDURES A pedigree including all animals studied was assembled. Twenty-one genes typically expressed in ganglion cells or that are associated with ocular malformations and have a critical function in eye and neural retina development were selected. Exons and exon-intron boundaries of eight genes were sequenced in four ONH cases and four controls. Furthermore, cases and controls were genotyped with the Illumina CanineHD BeadChip to obtain genotypes for 13 additional candidate genes for haplotype association. RESULTS The assembled pedigree connected all ONH-affected dogs to a possible common founder. Identified variants and haplotypes of the tested candidate genes did not segregate with the phenotype using Identity by Descent approach assuming autosomal recessive inheritance with variable but yet unknown penetrance. CONCLUSIONS Pedigree analysis did not reveal the inheritance pattern. There is no evidence of association of the evaluated candidate genes with ONH; therefore, the screened candidate genes can provisionally be ruled out as causally associated with the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doreen Becker
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Genome Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany.,Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jessica K Niggel
- Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Ronald C Riis
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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Sudharsan R, Beiting DP, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA. Author Correction: Involvement of Innate Immune System in Late Stages of Inherited Photoreceptor Degeneration. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17041. [PMID: 30429513 PMCID: PMC6235918 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35520-2] [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] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghavi Sudharsan
- 0000 0004 1936 8972grid.25879.31Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Daniel P. Beiting
- 0000 0004 1936 8972grid.25879.31Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Gustavo D. Aguirre
- 0000 0004 1936 8972grid.25879.31Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - William A. Beltran
- 0000 0004 1936 8972grid.25879.31Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
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Hardcastle AJ, Sieving PA, Sahel JA, Jacobson SG, Cideciyan AV, Flannery JG, Beltran WA, Aguirre GD. Translational Retinal Research and Therapies. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2018; 7:8. [PMID: 30225158 PMCID: PMC6138060 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.7.5.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The following review summarizes the state of the art in representative aspects of gene therapy/translational medicine and evolves from a symposium held at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania on November 16, 2017 honoring Dr. Gustavo Aguirre, recipient of ARVO's 2017 Proctor Medal. Focusing on the retina, speakers highlighted current work on moving therapies for inherited retinal degenerative diseases from the laboratory bench to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul A Sieving
- Director, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Director of the UPMC Eye Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA and Director, Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université-Inserm-CNRS, Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, Paris, France
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John G Flannery
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - William A Beltran
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Léger H, Santana E, Leu NA, Smith ET, Beltran WA, Aguirre GD, Luca FC. Ndr kinases regulate retinal interneuron proliferation and homeostasis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12544. [PMID: 30135513 PMCID: PMC6105603 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30492-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Ndr2/Stk38l encodes a protein kinase associated with the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway and is mutated in a naturally-occurring canine early retinal degeneration (erd). To elucidate the retinal functions of Ndr2 and its paralog Ndr1/Stk38, we generated Ndr1 and Ndr2 single knockout mice. Although retinal lamination appeared normal in these mice, Ndr deletion caused a subset of Pax6-positive amacrine cells to proliferate in differentiated retinas, while concurrently decreasing the number of GABAergic, HuD and Pax6-positive amacrine cells. Retinal transcriptome analyses revealed that Ndr2 deletion increased expression of neuronal stress genes and decreased expression of synaptic organization genes. Consistent with the latter, Ndr deletion dramatically reduced levels of Aak1, an Ndr substrate that regulates vesicle trafficking. Our findings indicate that Ndr kinases are important regulators of amacrine and photoreceptor cells and suggest that Ndr kinases inhibit the proliferation of a subset of terminally differentiated cells and modulate interneuron synapse function via Aak1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Léger
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Evelyn Santana
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - N Adrian Leu
- Center for Animal Transgenesis and Germ Cell Research, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Eliot T Smith
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Francis C Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo D Aguirre
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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Sudharsan R, Elliott MH, Dolgova N, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA. Photoreceptor Outer Segment Isolation from a Single Canine Retina for RPE Phagocytosis Assay. Adv Exp Med Biol 2018; 1074:593-601. [PMID: 29721992 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-75402-4_72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Protocols for photoreceptor outer segment (POS) isolation that can be used in phagocytosis assays of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells have routinely used a large number of cow or pig eyes. However, when working with large animal models (e.g., dog, cats, transgenic pigs) of inherited retinal degenerative diseases, access to retinal tissues may be limited. An optimized protocol is presented in this paper to isolate sufficient POS from a single canine retina for use in RPE phagocytosis assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghavi Sudharsan
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael H Elliott
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Centre, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Natalia Dolgova
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Ye GJ, Komáromy AM, Zeiss C, Calcedo R, Harman CD, Koehl KL, Stewart GA, Iwabe S, Chiodo VA, Hauswirth WW, Aguirre GD, Chulay JD. Safety and Efficacy of AAV5 Vectors Expressing Human or Canine CNGB3 in CNGB3-Mutant Dogs. HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2017; 28:197-207. [PMID: 29020838 DOI: 10.1089/humc.2017.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Achromatopsia is an inherited retinal disorder of cone photoreceptors characterized by markedly reduced visual acuity, extreme light sensitivity, and absence of color discrimination. Approximately 50% of cases are caused by mutations in the cone photoreceptor-specific cyclic nucleotide gated channel beta subunit (CNGB3) gene. Studies in CNGB3-mutant dogs showed that subretinal injection of an AAV vector expressing human CNGB3, which has 76% amino acid identity with canine CNGB3, driven by a 2.1 kb human red cone opsin promoter (PR2.1) and packaged in AAV5 capsids (AAV5-PR2.1-hCNGB3) rescued cone photoreceptor function, but at high doses was associated with an inflammatory response (focal chorioretinitis) consistent with immune-mediated toxicity. AAV vectors containing the PR2.1 promoter packaged in AAV5 capsids and expressing either the native canine CNGB3 (AAV5-PR2.1-cCNGB3) or the human CNGB3 (AAV5-PR2.1-hCNGB3) were evaluated at different dose levels in CNGB3-mutant dogs. The vector expressing canine CNGB3 achieved somewhat better rescue of cone function but unexpectedly was associated with a greater degree of retinal toxicity than the vector expressing human CNGB3. Very low-level T-cell immune responses to some AAV or CNGB3 peptides were observed in animals that received the higher vector dose. There was a more than twofold increase in serum neutralizing antibodies to AAV in one of three animals in the low-dose group and in two of three animals in the high-dose group. No serum anti-hCNGB3 antibodies were detected in any animal. The results of this study do not support the hypothesis that the focal chorioretinitis seen with high doses of AAV5-PR2.1-hCNGB3 in the initial studies was due to an immune response to human CNGB3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Jie Ye
- 1 Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation (AGTC) , Alachua, Florida
| | - András M Komáromy
- 2 College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University , East Lansing, Michigan.,4 School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Caroline Zeiss
- 3 Yale University Medical School , New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Roberto Calcedo
- 4 School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Christine D Harman
- 2 College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University , East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Kristin L Koehl
- 2 College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University , East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Gabriel A Stewart
- 2 College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University , East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Simone Iwabe
- 4 School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- 4 School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jeffrey D Chulay
- 1 Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation (AGTC) , Alachua, Florida
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Das RG, Marinho FP, Iwabe S, Santana E, McDaid KS, Aguirre GD, Miyadera K. Variabilities in retinal function and structure in a canine model of cone-rod dystrophy associated with RPGRIP1 support multigenic etiology. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12823. [PMID: 28993665 PMCID: PMC5634483 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13112-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Defects in the cilia gene RPGRIP1 cause Leber congenital amaurosis and cone-rod dystrophy in humans. A form of canine cone-rod dystrophy (cord1) was originally associated with a homozygous insertion in RPGRIP1 (RPGRIP1ins/ins) as the primary disease locus while a homozygous deletion in MAP9 (MAP9del/del) was later identified as a modifier associated with the early onset form. However, we find further variability in cone electroretinograms (ERGs) ranging from normal to absent in an extended RPGRIP1ins/ins canine colony, irrespective of the MAP9 genotype. Ophthalmoscopically, cone ERGabsentRPGRIP1ins/ins eyes show discolouration of the tapetal fundus with varying onset and disease progression, while sd-OCT reveals atrophic changes. Despite marked changes in cone ERG and retinal morphology, photopic vision-guided behaviour is comparable between normal and cone ERGabsentRPGRIP1ins/ins littermates. Cone morphology of the dogs lacking cone ERG are truncated with shortened outer and inner segments. Immunohistochemically, cone ERGabsentRPGRIP1ins/ins retinas have extensive L/M-opsin mislocalization, lack CNGB3 labelling in the L/M-cones, and lack GC1 in all cones. Our results indicate that cord1 is a multigenic disease in which mutations in neither RPGRIP1 nor MAP9 alone lead to visual deficits, and additional gene(s) contribute to cone-specific functional and morphologic defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rueben G Das
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Felipe Pompeo Marinho
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Simone Iwabe
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Evelyn Santana
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kendra Sierra McDaid
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Keiko Miyadera
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Bunya VY, Iwabe S, Macchi I, Massaro-Giordano M, Pistilli M, Aguirre GD. Tolerability of Topical Tocilizumab Eyedrops in Dogs: A Pilot Study. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2017. [PMID: 28650215 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2017.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to examine the tolerability of topical tocilizumab eyedrops in normal dogs and to assess whether this preparation alters tear film cytokine levels or conjunctival cytokine mRNA expression. METHODS Two percent tocilizumab eyedrops were administered to the right eyes and artificial tears to the left eyes of 10 dogs with no anterior segment pathology 3 times daily for 4 weeks. Portable slit-lamp examinations and Schirmer tear testing were performed at baseline and day 1 week 4, as well as 2 weeks after treatment (week 6). Schirmer strips were also used to collect tears for analyses of cytokine levels using multiplex bead array. Median levels of 8 cytokines in the tear film [interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10] were compared among tocilizumab-treated and control eyes. Conjunctival biopsies from both eyes were collected at week 4, and mRNA levels of cytokines were also evaluated. Blood samples were collected at baseline and at the end of treatment to monitor for changes in complete blood count, basic metabolic panel, or liver function tests. RESULTS At week 4, conjunctival biopsies and tear samples showed no significant differences in either tear cytokine or mRNA levels for IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10. There was no evidence of local irritation or changes in bloodwork results from the topical tocilizumab formulation. CONCLUSIONS Topical application of tocilizumab eyedrops was well tolerated when used on healthy dog eyes in this pilot study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vatinee Y Bunya
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Simone Iwabe
- 2 Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ilaria Macchi
- 3 University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Mina Massaro-Giordano
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Maxwell Pistilli
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- 2 Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Sudharsan R, Simone KM, Anderson NP, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA. Acute and Protracted Cell Death in Light-Induced Retinal Degeneration in the Canine Model of Rhodopsin Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:270-281. [PMID: 28114588 PMCID: PMC5464465 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-20749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To characterize a light damage paradigm and establish structural and immunocytochemical measures of acute and protracted light-induced retinal degeneration in the rhodopsin (RHO) T4R dog model of RHO-autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP). Methods Retinal light damage was induced in mutant dogs with a 1-minute exposure to various light intensities (0.1-1.0 mW/cm2) delivered with a Ganzfeld stimulator, or by fundus photography. Photoreceptor cell death was assessed by TUNEL assay, and alterations in retinal layers were examined by histology and immunohistochemistry 24 hours and 2 weeks after light exposure. Detailed topographic maps were made to document changes in the outer retinal layers of all four retinal quadrants 2 weeks post exposure. Results Twenty-four hours post light exposure, the severity of photoreceptor cell death was dose dependent. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed disruption of rod outer segments, focal loss of the RPE integrity, and an increase in expression of endothelin receptor B in Müller cells with the two highest doses of light and fundus photography. Two weeks after light exposure, persistence of photoreceptor death, thinning of the outer nuclear layer, and induction of Müller cell gliosis occurred with the highest doses of light. Conclusions We have characterized outcome measures of acute and continuing retinal degeneration in the RHO T4R dog following light exposure. These will be used to assess the molecular mechanisms of light-induced damage and rescue strategies in this large animal model of RHO-ADRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghavi Sudharsan
- Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Kristina M Simone
- Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Nathan P Anderson
- Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - William A Beltran
- Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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Beltran WA, Cideciyan AV, Boye SE, Ye GJ, Iwabe S, Dufour VL, Marinho LF, Swider M, Kosyk MS, Sha J, Boye SL, Peterson JJ, Witherspoon CD, Alexander JJ, Ying GS, Shearman MS, Chulay JD, Hauswirth WW, Gamlin PD, Jacobson SG, Aguirre GD. Optimization of Retinal Gene Therapy for X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa Due to RPGR Mutations. Mol Ther 2017; 25:1866-1880. [PMID: 28566226 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [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: 02/12/2017] [Revised: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) caused by mutations in the RPGR gene is an early onset and severe cause of blindness. Successful proof-of-concept studies in a canine model have recently shown that development of a corrective gene therapy for RPGR-XLRP may now be an attainable goal. In preparation for a future clinical trial, we have here optimized the therapeutic AAV vector construct by showing that GRK1 (rather than IRBP) is a more efficient promoter for targeting gene expression to both rods and cones in non-human primates. Two transgenes were used in RPGR mutant (XLPRA2) dogs under the control of the GRK1 promoter. First was the previously developed stabilized human RPGR (hRPGRstb). Second was a new full-length stabilized and codon-optimized human RPGR (hRPGRco). Long-term (>2 years) studies with an AAV2/5 vector carrying hRPGRstb under control of the GRK1 promoter showed rescue of rods and cones from degeneration and retention of vision. Shorter term (3 months) studies demonstrated comparable preservation of photoreceptors in canine eyes treated with an AAV2/5 vector carrying either transgene under the control of the GRK1 promoter. These results provide the critical molecular components (GRK1 promoter, hRPGRco transgene) to now construct a therapeutic viral vector optimized for RPGR-XLRP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19014, USA.
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Shannon E Boye
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Guo-Jie Ye
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
| | - Simone Iwabe
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19014, USA
| | - Valerie L Dufour
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19014, USA
| | - Luis Felipe Marinho
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19014, USA
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mychajlo S Kosyk
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jin Sha
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sanford L Boye
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - James J Peterson
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - C Douglas Witherspoon
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - John J Alexander
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Gui-Shuang Ying
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mark S Shearman
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Chulay
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
| | - William W Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Paul D Gamlin
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19014, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara M. Stonex
- Section of Ophthalmology; School of Veterinary Medicine; University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia PA 19104 USA
| | | | - Gustavo D. Aguirre
- Section of Ophthalmology; School of Veterinary Medicine; University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia PA 19104 USA
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Guziewicz KE, Sinha D, Gómez NM, Zorych K, Dutrow EV, Dhingra A, Mullins RF, Stone EM, Gamm DM, Boesze-Battaglia K, Aguirre GD. Bestrophinopathy: An RPE-photoreceptor interface disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2017; 58:70-88. [PMID: 28111324 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2017.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Bestrophinopathies, one of the most common forms of inherited macular degenerations, are caused by mutations in the BEST1 gene expressed in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Both human and canine BEST1-linked maculopathies are characterized by abnormal accumulation of autofluorescent material within RPE cells and bilateral macular or multifocal lesions; however, the specific mechanism leading to the formation of these lesions remains unclear. We now provide an overview of the current state of knowledge on the molecular pathology of bestrophinopathies, and explore factors promoting formation of RPE-neuroretinal separations, using the first spontaneous animal model of BEST1-associated retinopathies, canine Best (cBest). Here, we characterize the nature of the autofluorescent RPE cell inclusions and report matching spectral signatures of RPE-associated fluorophores between human and canine retinae, indicating an analogous composition of endogenous RPE deposits in Best Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy (BVMD) patients and its canine disease model. This study also exposes a range of biochemical and structural abnormalities at the RPE-photoreceptor interface related to the impaired cone-associated microvillar ensheathment and compromised insoluble interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM), the major pathological culprits responsible for weakening of the RPE-neuroretina interactions, and consequently, formation of vitelliform lesions. These salient alterations detected at the RPE apical domain in cBest as well as in BVMD- and ARB-hiPSC-RPE model systems provide novel insights into the pathological mechanism of BEST1-linked disorders that will allow for development of critical outcome measures guiding therapeutic strategies for bestrophinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina E Guziewicz
- Department of Clinical Studies-Philadelphia, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Divya Sinha
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Néstor M Gómez
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kathryn Zorych
- Department of Clinical Studies-Philadelphia, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA 19104, USA
| | - Emily V Dutrow
- Department of Clinical Studies-Philadelphia, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA 19104, USA
| | - Anuradha Dhingra
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA 19104, USA
| | - Robert F Mullins
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Edwin M Stone
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - David M Gamm
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | | | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Department of Clinical Studies-Philadelphia, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA 19104, USA
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