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Sarmento C, Duarte ARC, Rita Jesus A. Can (Natural) deep eutectic systems increase the efficacy of ocular therapeutics? Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 198:114276. [PMID: 38582179 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114276] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
The eye is one of the most complex organs in the human body, with a unique anatomy and physiology, being divided into anterior and posterior segments. Ocular diseases can occur in both segments, but different diseases affect different segments. Glaucoma and cataracts affect the anterior segment, while macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy occur in the posterior segment. The easiest approach to treat ocular diseases, especially in the anterior segment, is through the administration of topical eye drops, but this route presents many constraints, namely precorneal dynamic and static ocular barriers. On the other hand, the delivery of drugs to the posterior segment of the eye is far more challenging and is mainly performed by the intravitreal route. However, it can lead to severe complications such as retinal detachment, endophthalmitis, increased intraocular pressure and haemorrhage. The design of new drug delivery systems for the anterior segment is very challenging, but targeting the posterior one is even more difficult and little progress has been made. In this review we will discuss various strategies including the incorporation of additives in the formulations, such as viscosity, permeability, and solubility enhancers, namely based on Deep eutectic systems (DES). Natural deep eutectic systems (NADES) have emerged to solve several problems encountered in pharmaceutical industry, regarding the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of drugs. NADES can contribute to the design of advanced technologies for ocular therapeutics, including hydrogels and nanomaterials. Here in, we revise some applications of (NA)DES in the development of new drug delivery systems that can be translated into the ophthalmology field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Sarmento
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Chemistry Department, NOVA - School of Science and Technology, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita C Duarte
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Chemistry Department, NOVA - School of Science and Technology, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Jesus
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Chemistry Department, NOVA - School of Science and Technology, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal.
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Park JW, Piknova B, Tunau-Spencer KJ, Thomas SM, Cai H, Walter PJ, Jenkins A, Hellinga D, Parver LM, Schechter AN. Dietary Nitrate Metabolism in Porcine Ocular Tissues Determined Using 15N-Labeled Sodium Nitrate Supplementation. Nutrients 2024; 16:1154. [PMID: 38674845 PMCID: PMC11054199 DOI: 10.3390/nu16081154] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nitrate (NO3-) obtained from the diet is converted to nitrite (NO2-) and subsequently to nitric oxide (NO) within the body. Previously, we showed that porcine eye components contain substantial amounts of nitrate and nitrite that are similar to those in blood. Notably, cornea and sclera exhibited the capability to reduce nitrate to nitrite. To gain deeper insights into nitrate metabolism in porcine eyes, our current study involved feeding pigs either NaCl or Na15NO3 and assessing the levels of total and 15N-labeled NO3-/NO2- in various ocular tissues. Three hours after Na15NO3 ingestion, a marked increase in 15NO3- and 15NO2- was observed in all parts of the eye; in particular, the aqueous and vitreous humor showed a high 15NO3- enrichment (77.5 and 74.5%, respectively), similar to that of plasma (77.1%) and showed an even higher 15NO2- enrichment (39.9 and 35.3%, respectively) than that of plasma (19.8%). The total amounts of NO3- and NO2- exhibited patterns consistent with those observed in 15N analysis. Next, to investigate whether nitrate or nitrite accumulate proportionally after multiple nitrate treatments, we measured nitrate and nitrite contents after supplementing pigs with Na15NO3 for five consecutive days. In both 15N-labeled and total nitrate and nitrite analysis, we did not observe further accumulation of these ions after multiple treatments, compared to a single treatment. These findings suggest that dietary nitrate supplementation exerts a significant influence on nitrate and nitrite levels and potentially NO levels in the eye and opens up the possibility for the therapeutic use of dietary nitrate/nitrite to enhance or restore NO levels in ocular tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Won Park
- Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (J.W.P.); (B.P.); (K.J.T.-S.); (S.M.T.)
- Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Barbora Piknova
- Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (J.W.P.); (B.P.); (K.J.T.-S.); (S.M.T.)
- Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Khalid J. Tunau-Spencer
- Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (J.W.P.); (B.P.); (K.J.T.-S.); (S.M.T.)
- Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Samantha M. Thomas
- Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (J.W.P.); (B.P.); (K.J.T.-S.); (S.M.T.)
- Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hongyi Cai
- Clinical Mass Spectrometry Core, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (H.C.); (P.J.W.)
- Clinical Mass Spectrometry Core, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Peter J. Walter
- Clinical Mass Spectrometry Core, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (H.C.); (P.J.W.)
- Clinical Mass Spectrometry Core, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Audrey Jenkins
- MedStar Health Research Institute, Washington, DC 20010, USA; (A.J.); (D.H.)
| | - David Hellinga
- MedStar Health Research Institute, Washington, DC 20010, USA; (A.J.); (D.H.)
| | - Leonard M. Parver
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Alan N. Schechter
- Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (J.W.P.); (B.P.); (K.J.T.-S.); (S.M.T.)
- Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Somers FM, Malek G. Estrogen related receptor alpha: Potential modulator of age-related macular degeneration. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2024; 75:102439. [PMID: 38447458 PMCID: PMC10947805 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2024.102439] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
To develop effective therapies for complex blinding diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), identification of mechanisms involved in its initiation and progression is needed. The estrogen-related receptor alpha (ESRRA) is an orphan nuclear receptor that regulates several AMD-associated pathogenic pathways. However, it has not been investigated in detail in the ocular posterior pole during aging or in AMD. This review delves into the literature highlighting the significance of ESRRA as a molecular target that may be important in the pathobiology of AMD, and discusses data available supporting the targeting of this receptor signaling pathway as a therapeutic option for AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Goldis Malek
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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Garg A, Agrawal R, Singh Chauhan C, Deshmukh R. In-situ gel: A smart carrier for drug delivery. Int J Pharm 2024; 652:123819. [PMID: 38242256 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123819] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
In-situ gel technology is a promising drug delivery strategy that undergoes a 'sol to gel' transition upon administration, providing controlled and prolonged drug release. These gels are composed of cross-linked 3D networks of polymers, with hydrogels being a specific type of absorbing water while retaining their shape. Gelation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as temperature, pH, ions, and light. They offer several advantages like improved patient compliance, extended drug residence time, localized drug delivery, etc, but also have some disadvantages like drug degradation and limited mechanical strength. In-situ gel falls into three categories: temperature-sensitive, ion-sensitive, and pH-sensitive, but multi-responsive gels that respond to multiple stimuli have better drug release characteristics. The mechanism of in-situ gel formation involves physical and chemical mechanisms. There are various applications of in-situ gel, like ocular drug delivery, nose-to-brain delivery, etc. In this review, we have discussed the types, and mechanisms of in-situ gel & use of in-situ gel in the treatment of different diseases through various routes like buccal, vaginal, ocular, nasal, etc., along with its use in targeted drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash Garg
- Bhupal Noble's University, New Shiv Nagar, Central Area, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, India.
| | - Rutvi Agrawal
- Bhupal Noble's University, New Shiv Nagar, Central Area, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, India
| | - Chetan Singh Chauhan
- Bhupal Noble's University, New Shiv Nagar, Central Area, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, India
| | - Rohitas Deshmukh
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, India
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Feng W, Wang L, Liu CJ, Zhang C. Skin characterization of diabetes mellitus revealed by polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography imaging. J Biomed Opt 2024; 29:036003. [PMID: 38481479 PMCID: PMC10933388 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.29.3.036003] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Significance Diabetes can lead to the glycation of proteins and dysfunction of skin collagen. Skin lesions are a prevalent clinical symptom of diabetes mellitus (DM). Early diagnosis and assessing the efficacy of treatment for DM are crucial for patient health management. However, performing a non-invasive skin assessment in the early stages of DM is challenging. Aim By using the polarization-sensitive optical coherent tomography (PS-OCT) imaging technique, it is possible to noninvasively assess the skin changes caused by diabetes. Approach The PS-OCT was used to monitor the polarization characteristics of mouse skin at different stages of diabetes. Results Based on a multi-layered adhesive tape model, we found that the polarization characteristics (retardation, optic axis, and polarization uniformity) were sensitive to the microstructure changes in the samples. Through this method, we observed significant changes in the polarization states of the skin as diabetes progressed. This was in line with the detected microstructure changes in skin collagen fibers using scanning electron microscopy. Conclusions This study presents a highly useful approach for non-invasive skin assessment of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Feng
- Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang Institute of Clinical Medicine, Zhanjiang, China
- Zhanjiang Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Lisi Wang
- Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang Institute of Clinical Medicine, Zhanjiang, China
- Zhanjiang Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Chun-Jie Liu
- Huazhong University of Science and Technology, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Artificial Intelligence Biology, Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang Institute of Clinical Medicine, Zhanjiang, China
- Zhanjiang Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
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Chowdhury G, Umeda K, Ohyanagi T, Nasu K, Yamasu K. Involvement of nr2f genes in brain regionalization and eye development during early zebrafish development. Dev Growth Differ 2024; 66:145-160. [PMID: 38263801 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12912] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F (Nr2f) proteins are essential for brain development in mice, but little is known about their precise roles and their evolutionary diversification. In the present study, the expression patterns of major nr2f genes (nr2f1a, nr2f1b, and nr2f2) during early brain development were investigated in zebrafish. Comparisons of their expression patterns revealed similar but temporally and spatially distinct patterns after early somite stages in the brain. Frameshift mutations in the three nr2f genes, achieved using the CRISPR/Cas9 method, resulted in a smaller telencephalon and smaller eyes in the nr2f1a mutants; milder forms of those defects were present in the nr2f1b and nr2f2 mutants. Acridine orange staining revealed enhanced cell death in the brain and/or eyes in all nr2f homozygous mutants. The expression of regional markers in the brain did not suggest global defects in brain regionalization; however, shha expression in the preoptic area and hypothalamus, as well as fgf8a expression in the anterior telencephalon, was disturbed in nr2f1a and nr2f1b mutants, potentially leading to a defective telencephalon. Specification of the retina and optic stalk was also significantly affected. The overexpression of nr2f1b by injection of mRNA disrupted the anterior brain at a high dose, and the expression of pax6a in the eyes and fgf8a in the telencephalon at a low dose. The results of these loss- and gain-of-function approaches showed that nr2f genes regulate the development of the telencephalon and eyes in zebrafish embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gazlima Chowdhury
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Aquatic Environment and Resource Management, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Koto Umeda
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takero Ohyanagi
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kouhei Nasu
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kyo Yamasu
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
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Dourlen P. Identification of Tau Toxicity Modifiers in the Drosophila Eye. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2754:483-498. [PMID: 38512684 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3629-9_27] [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] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Drosophila is a powerful model to study human diseases thanks to its genetic tools and ease of screening. Human genes can be expressed in targeted organs and their toxicity assessed on easily scorable external phenotypes that can be used as readouts to perform genetic screens of toxicity modifiers. In this chapter, I describe how to express human Tau protein in the Drosophila eye, assess protein expression by Western blot, assess Tau toxicity by quantifying the size of the Tau-induced rough eye, and perform a genetic screen of modifiers of Tau toxicity in the Drosophila eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Dourlen
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1167 - RID-AGE - Facteurs de risque et déterminants moléculaires des maladies liées au vieillissement, Lille, France.
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Zhang Y, Zhou T, Qi Y, Li Y, Zhang Y, Zhao Y, Han H, Wang Y. Engineered assemblies from isomeric pentapeptides augment dry eye treatment. J Control Release 2024; 365:521-529. [PMID: 38040342 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.11.053] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Changing positions of amino acid residues in the peptide sequence alters the peptide' s assembly behaviors, affording various nanostructures. However, it remains elusive that how subtle changes in the peptide sequence influence the in vivo bioactivity of peptide-based nanocarriers, further impacting the efficacy of the encapsulated drugs. We report here a class of isomeric pentapeptide amphiphiles that associate into filaments with different dimensions, which were further used as carriers of Diquafosol tetrasodium (DQS), for the treatment of dry eye disease. Our results suggest that subtle changes in peptide sequences resulted in dramatically different molecular packings and distinct morphologies, which were verified by molecular dynamics simulations. In vivo results show that the drug retention time could be prolonged by the peptidic nanostructures on the ocular surface but were highly morphological-dependent. The longer retention time promised better therapeutic efficacy. In terms of facile synthesis and good biocompatibility, we believe that these peptides could be used for eye disease treatments or other related areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwen Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Tinglian Zhou
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Yuzhen Qi
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yijie Li
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yijing Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yaxue Zhao
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Haijie Han
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China.
| | - Yin Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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Shen T, Lin R, Hu C, Yu D, Ren C, Li T, Zhu M, Wan Z, Su T, Wu Y, Cai W, Yu J. Succinate-induced macrophage polarization and RBP4 secretion promote vascular sprouting in ocular neovascularization. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:308. [PMID: 38129891 PMCID: PMC10734053 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02998-1] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathological neovascularization is a pivotal biological process in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), in which macrophages (Mφs) play a key role. Tip cell specialization is critical in angiogenesis; however, its interconnection with the surrounding immune environment remains unclear. Succinate is an intermediate in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and was significantly elevated in patients with wet AMD by metabolomics. Advanced experiments revealed that SUCNR1 expression in Mφ and M2 polarization was detected in abnormal vessels of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) models. Succinate-induced M2 polarization via SUCNR1, which facilitated vascular endothelial cell (EC) migration, invasion, and tubulation, thus promoting angiogenesis in pathological neovascularization. Furthermore, evidence indicated that succinate triggered the release of RBP4 from Mφs into the surroundings to regulate endothelial sprouting and pathological angiogenesis via VEGFR2, a marker of tip cell formation. In conclusion, our results suggest that succinate represents a novel class of vasculature-inducing factors that modulate Mφ polarization and the RBP4/VEGFR2 pathway to induce pathological angiogenic signaling through tip cell specialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Ruoyi Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Chengyu Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Donghui Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Chengda Ren
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Meijiang Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Zhongqi Wan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Tu Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| | - Wenting Cai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| | - Jing Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China.
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third People's Hospital of Bengbu, Bengbu, China.
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Fujishima H, Yazu H, Shimizu E, Okada N, Fukagawa K. Eye Washing Downregulated Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 in Conjunctival Tissue Samples from Smokers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17526. [PMID: 38139354 PMCID: PMC10743887 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417526] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to (1) determine whether the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine 2 is increased in tobacco smokers, which potentially increases their susceptibility to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, and (2) assess whether eye rinsing can reduce susceptibility. This prospective study included 20 eyes of 10 smokers and 18 eyes of nine healthy non-smokers (control) for reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. This study also included 28 eyes of 14 smokers and 16 eyes of eight healthy non-smokers (control) for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Tear and impression cytology samples were collected from the right eye of each patient. The left eye was then rinsed for 30 s, and after 5 min, the tear and impression cytology samples were collected in the same manner. The expression of the ACE2 gene was significantly higher in the conjunctiva of smokers (n = 17; median 3.07 copies/ng of total RNA) than in those of non-smokers (n = 17; median 1.92 copies/ng of total RNA, p = 0.003). Further, mRNA expression and protein levels of ACE2 were weakly correlated in smokers (r = 0.49). ACE2 protein levels in Schirmer's strip samples were significantly reduced from 5051 to 3202 pg/mL after eye washing (n = 10; p = 0.001). Ocular surface cells are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Smoking may be a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection, and eye rinsing may reduce the risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Fujishima
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine, Yokohama 230-8501, Japan; (H.Y.); (N.O.)
- Keio Allergy Center, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (E.S.); (K.F.)
| | - Hiroyuki Yazu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine, Yokohama 230-8501, Japan; (H.Y.); (N.O.)
- Keio Allergy Center, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (E.S.); (K.F.)
| | - Eisuke Shimizu
- Keio Allergy Center, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (E.S.); (K.F.)
| | - Naoko Okada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine, Yokohama 230-8501, Japan; (H.Y.); (N.O.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nihon Pharmaceutical Hospital, Saitama 362-0806, Japan
| | - Kazumi Fukagawa
- Keio Allergy Center, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (E.S.); (K.F.)
- Ryogoku Eye Clinic, Tokyo 130-0026, Japan
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11
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Hardy H, Rainger J. Cell adhesion marker expression dynamics during fusion of the optic fissure. Gene Expr Patterns 2023; 50:119344. [PMID: 37844855 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2023.119344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Tissue fusion is a critical process that is repeated in multiple contexts during embryonic development and shares common attributes to processes such as wound healing and metastasis. Ocular coloboma is a developmental eye disorder that presents as a physical gap in the ventral eye, and is a major cause of childhood blindness. Coloboma results from fusion failure between opposing ventral retinal epithelia, but there are major knowledge gaps in our understanding of this process at the molecular and cell behavioural levels. Here we catalogue the expression of cell adhesion proteins: N-cadherin, E-cadherin, R-cadherin, ZO-1, and the EMT transcriptional activator and cadherin regulator SNAI2, in the developing chicken embryonic eye. We find that fusion pioneer cells at the edges of the fusing optic fissure have unique and dynamic expression profiles for N-cad, E-cad and ZO-1, and that these are temporally preceded by expression of SNAI2. This highlights the unique properties of these cells and indicates that regulation of cell adhesion factors may be a critical process in optic fissure closure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Hardy
- The Division of Functional Genetics and Development, The Roslin Institute, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Joe Rainger
- The Division of Functional Genetics and Development, The Roslin Institute, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.
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12
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Böhm EW, Buonfiglio F, Voigt AM, Bachmann P, Safi T, Pfeiffer N, Gericke A. Oxidative stress in the eye and its role in the pathophysiology of ocular diseases. Redox Biol 2023; 68:102967. [PMID: 38006824 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress occurs through an imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant defense mechanisms of cells. The eye is particularly exposed to oxidative stress because of its permanent exposure to light and due to several structures having high metabolic activities. The anterior part of the eye is highly exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and possesses a complex antioxidant defense system to protect the retina from UV radiation. The posterior part of the eye exhibits high metabolic rates and oxygen consumption leading subsequently to a high production rate of ROS. Furthermore, inflammation, aging, genetic factors, and environmental pollution, are all elements promoting ROS generation and impairing antioxidant defense mechanisms and thereby representing risk factors leading to oxidative stress. An abnormal redox status was shown to be involved in the pathophysiology of various ocular diseases in the anterior and posterior segment of the eye. In this review, we aim to summarize the mechanisms of oxidative stress in ocular diseases to provide an updated understanding on the pathogenesis of common diseases affecting the ocular surface, the lens, the retina, and the optic nerve. Moreover, we discuss potential therapeutic approaches aimed at reducing oxidative stress in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Wilma Böhm
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Francesco Buonfiglio
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Anna Maria Voigt
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Philipp Bachmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tarek Safi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Norbert Pfeiffer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Adrian Gericke
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
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13
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Chang YH, Hsing CH, Chiu CJ, Wu YR, Hsu SM, Hsu YH. Protective role of IL-17-producing γδ T cells in a laser-induced choroidal neovascularization mouse model. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:279. [PMID: 38007487 PMCID: PMC10676594 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02952-1] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vision loss in patients with wet/exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is associated with choroidal neovascularization (CNV), and AMD is the leading cause of irreversible vision impairment in older adults. Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is a component of the microenvironment associated with some autoimmune diseases. Previous studies have indicated that wet AMD patients have elevated serum IL-17A levels. However, the effect of IL-17A on AMD progression needs to be better understood. We aimed to investigate the role of IL-17A in a laser-induced CNV mouse model. METHODS We established a laser-induced CNV mouse model in wild-type (WT) and IL-17A-deficient mice and then evaluated the disease severity of these mice by using fluorescence angiography. We performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to analyze the levels of IL-17A and to investigate the immune cell populations in the eyes of WT and IL-17A-deficient mice. We used ARPE-19 cells to clarify the effect of IL-17A under oxidative stress. RESULTS In the laser-induced CNV model, the CNV lesions were larger in IL-17A-deficient mice than in WT mice. The numbers of γδ T cells, CD3+CD4+RORγt+ T cells, Treg cells, and neutrophils were decreased and the number of macrophages was increased in the eyes of IL-17A-deficient mice compared with WT mice. In WT mice, IL-17A-producing γδ T-cell numbers increased in a time-dependent manner from day 7 to 28 after laser injury. IL-6 levels increased and IL-10, IL-24, IL-17F, and GM-CSF levels decreased in the eyes of IL-17A-deficient mice after laser injury. In vitro, IL-17A inhibited apoptosis and induced the expression of the antioxidant protein HO-1 in ARPE-19 cells under oxidative stress conditions. IL-17A facilitated the repair of oxidative stress-induced barrier dysfunction in ARPE-19 cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide new insight into the protective effect of IL-17A in a laser-induced CNV model and reveal a novel regulatory role of IL-17A-producing γδ T cells in the ocular microenvironment in wet AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsien Chang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hsi Hsing
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Juno Chiu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Rou Wu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Min Hsu
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsiang Hsu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
- Antibody New Drug Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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14
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Gazsó-Gerhát G, Gombos R, Tóth K, Kaltenecker P, Szikora S, Bíró J, Csapó E, Asztalos Z, Mihály J. FRL and DAAM are required for lateral adhesion of interommatidial cells and patterning of the retinal floor. Development 2023; 150:dev201713. [PMID: 37997920 PMCID: PMC10690107 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201713] [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: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Optical insulation of the unit eyes (ommatidia) is an important prerequisite of precise sight with compound eyes. Separation of the ommatidia is ensured by pigment cells that organize into a hexagonal lattice in the Drosophila eye, forming thin walls between the facets. Cell adhesion, mediated by apically and latero-basally located junctional complexes, is crucial for stable attachment of these cells to each other and the basal lamina. Whereas former studies have focused on the formation and remodelling of the cellular connections at the apical region, here, we report a specific alteration of the lateral adhesion of the lattice cells, leaving the apical junctions largely unaffected. We found that DAAM and FRL, two formin-type cytoskeleton regulatory proteins, play redundant roles in lateral adhesion of the interommatidial cells and patterning of the retinal floor. We show that formin-dependent cortical actin assembly is crucial for latero-basal sealing of the ommatidial lattice. We expect that the investigation of these previously unreported eye phenotypes will pave the way toward a better understanding of the three-dimensional aspects of compound eye development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Gazsó-Gerhát
- Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
- Doctoral School in Biology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - Rita Gombos
- Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Tóth
- Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - Péter Kaltenecker
- Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - Szilárd Szikora
- Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - Judit Bíró
- Aktogen Hungary Ltd., Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - Enikő Csapó
- Aktogen Hungary Ltd., Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Asztalos
- Institute of Biochemistry, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - József Mihály
- Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
- Department of Genetics, University of Szeged, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
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15
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Suarez MF, Schmitt HM, Kuhn MS, Watkins T, Hake KM, Weisz T, Flynn EJ, Elliott MH, Hauser MA, Stamer WD. Genetic background determines severity of Loxl1-mediated systemic and ocular elastosis in mice. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm050392. [PMID: 37905384 PMCID: PMC10668029 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050392] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is a systemic, age-related disorder characterized by elastosis and extracellular matrix deposits. Its most significant ocular manifestation is an aggressive form of glaucoma associated with variants in the gene encoding lysyl oxidase-like 1 (LOXL1). Depending upon the population, variants in LOXL1 can impart risk or protection for PEX, suggesting the importance of genetic context. As LOXL1 protein levels are lower and the degree of elastosis is higher in people with PEX, we studied Loxl1-deficient mice on three different genetic backgrounds: C57BL/6 (BL/6), 129S×C57BL/6 (50/50) and 129S. Early onset and high prevalence of spontaneous pelvic organ prolapse in BL/6 Loxl1-/- mice necessitated the study of mice that were <2 months old. Similar to pelvic organ prolapse, most elastosis endpoints were the most severe in BL/6 Loxl1-/- mice, including skin laxity, pulmonary tropoelastin accumulation, expansion of Schlemm's canal and dilation of intrascleral veins. Interestingly, intraocular pressure was elevated in 50/50 Loxl1-/- mice, depressed in BL/6 Loxl1-/- mice and unchanged in 129S Loxl1-/- mice compared to that of control littermates. Overall, the 129S background was protective against most elastosis phenotypes studied. Thus, repair of elastin-containing tissues is impacted by the abundance of LOXL1 and genetic context in young animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria F. Suarez
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, USA
| | - Heather M. Schmitt
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, USA
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Megan S. Kuhn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, USA
| | - TeddiJo Watkins
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, USA
| | - Kristyn M. Hake
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, USA
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Tara Weisz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, USA
| | - Edward J. Flynn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, USA
| | - Michael H. Elliott
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Michael A. Hauser
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, USA
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - W. Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, USA
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16
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Liu S, Zhang W. NAD + metabolism and eye diseases: current status and future directions. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:8653-8663. [PMID: 37540459 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08692-y] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there are no truly effective treatments for a variety of eye diseases, such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs). These conditions have a significant impact on patients' quality of life and can be a burden on society. However, these diseases share a common pathological process of NAD+ metabolism disorders. They are either associated with genetically induced primary NAD+ synthase deficiency, decreased NAD+ levels due to aging, or enhanced NAD+ consuming enzyme activity during disease pathology. In this discussion, we explore the role of NAD+ metabolic disorders in the development of associated ocular diseases and the potential advantages and disadvantages of various methods to increase NAD+ levels. It is essential to carefully evaluate the possible adverse effects of these methods and conduct a more comprehensive and objective assessment of their function before considering their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, 730030, Lanzhou, VA, China
| | - Wenfang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, 730030, Lanzhou, VA, China.
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17
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Pikuleva IA. Challenges and Opportunities in P450 Research on the Eye. Drug Metab Dispos 2023; 51:1295-1307. [PMID: 36914277 PMCID: PMC10506698 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.122.001072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Of the 57 cytochrome P450 enzymes found in humans, at least 30 have ocular tissues as an expression site. Yet knowledge of the roles of these P450s in the eye is limited, in part because only very few P450 laboratories expanded their research interests to studies of the eye. Hence the goal of this review is to bring attention of the P450 community to the eye and encourage more ocular studies. This review is also intended to be educational for eye researchers and encourage their collaborations with P450 experts. The review starts with a description of the eye, a fascinating sensory organ, and is followed by sections on ocular P450 localizations, specifics of drug delivery to the eye, and individual P450s, which are grouped and presented based on their substrate preferences. In sections describing individual P450s, available eye-relevant information is summarized and concluded by the suggestions on the opportunities in ocular studies of the discussed enzymes. Potential challenges are addressed as well. The conclusion section outlines several practical suggestions on how to initiate eye-related research. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This review focuses on the cytochrome P450 enzymes in the eye to encourage their ocular investigations and collaborations between P450 and eye researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina A Pikuleva
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
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18
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Lopes ACC, de Mattos BO, Marcon JL, Vera LM, López-Olmeda JF, Sánchez-Vázquez FJ, Carvalho TB. Does exposure to moonlight affect day/night changes in melatonin and metabolic parameters in Amazonian fish? Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2023; 284:111489. [PMID: 37474098 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.111489] [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: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Lunar cycle modulates the rhythmic activity patterns of many animals, including fish. The effect of the moonlight cycle on daily melatonin and metabolic parameters was evaluated in matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus) subjected to external natural lighting. Eighty juvenile were distributed in 4 tanks of 1m3 (20 fish/tank) and divided into two groups. One group was exposed to the full moon and the other group to the new moon for 30 days, which corresponds to the duration of the lunar period. At the end of the lunar phase, 6 fish from each group were anesthetized to collect blood, tissue and eye samples at midday and midnight. The comparison between the light and dark periods revealed a significant increase in plasma and ocular melatonin in the last period. However, there was no significant difference for plasma melatonin between moons. Ocular melatonin presented higher concentrations during the new moon. Glucose, total proteins, cortisol, liver glutathione and gill lipid peroxidation were higher in the full moon compared to in the new moon. Plasma triglyceride was higher during the night for the full moon, and the opposite was found for the new moon. Total cholesterol values were higher at night regardless the moon phase. Glutathione in the gills and lipid peroxidation in the liver showed no significant differences. These results highlight the importance of considering both the day and lunar cycles for melatonin and metabolic parameters in species of commercial interest and susceptible to stressful situations in rearing conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruno Olivetti de Mattos
- Laboratory of Feeding Behavior and Fish Nutrition, Center of Agricultural Sciences, Environmental and Biological, Campus Cruz das Almas, Federal University of Recôncavo Bahia (UFRB), 44380-000, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Jaydione Luiz Marcon
- Postgraduate Program in Zoology, Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM), 69080-900, Amazonas, Brazil; Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM), 69080-900, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Luisa María Vera
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - José Fernando López-Olmeda
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Sánchez-Vázquez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Thaís Billalba Carvalho
- Postgraduate Program in Zoology, Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM), 69080-900, Amazonas, Brazil; Laboratory of Feeding Behavior and Fish Nutrition, Center of Agricultural Sciences, Environmental and Biological, Campus Cruz das Almas, Federal University of Recôncavo Bahia (UFRB), 44380-000, Bahia, Brazil
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19
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Hodges ED, Chrystal PW, Footz T, Doucette LP, Noel NCL, Li Z, Walter MA, Allison WT. Disrupting the Repeat Domain of Premelanosome Protein (PMEL) Produces Dysamyloidosis and Dystrophic Ocular Pigment Reflective of Pigmentary Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14423. [PMID: 37833870 PMCID: PMC10572516 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914423] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pigmentary glaucoma has recently been associated with missense mutations in PMEL that are dominantly inherited and enriched in the protein's fascinating repeat domain. PMEL pathobiology is intriguing because PMEL forms functional amyloid in healthy eyes, and this PMEL amyloid acts to scaffold melanin deposition. This is an informative contradistinction to prominent neurodegenerative diseases where amyloid formation is neurotoxic and mutations cause a toxic gain of function called "amyloidosis". Preclinical animal models have failed to model this PMEL "dysamyloidosis" pathomechanism and instead cause recessively inherited ocular pigment defects via PMEL loss of function; they have not addressed the consequences of disrupting PMEL's repetitive region. Here, we use CRISPR to engineer a small in-frame mutation in the zebrafish homolog of PMEL that is predicted to subtly disrupt the protein's repetitive region. Homozygous mutant larvae displayed pigmentation phenotypes and altered eye morphogenesis similar to presumptive null larvae. Heterozygous mutants had disrupted eye morphogenesis and disrupted pigment deposition in their retinal melanosomes. The deficits in the pigment deposition of these young adult fish were not accompanied by any detectable glaucomatous changes in intraocular pressure or retinal morphology. Overall, the data provide important in vivo validation that subtle PMEL mutations can cause a dominantly inherited pigment pathology that aligns with the inheritance of pigmentary glaucoma patient pedigrees. These in vivo observations help to resolve controversy regarding the necessity of PMEL's repeat domain in pigmentation. The data foster an ongoing interest in an antithetical dysamyloidosis mechanism that, akin to the amyloidosis of devastating dementias, manifests as a slow progressive neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth D. Hodges
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; (E.D.H.); (P.W.C.)
- Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Paul W. Chrystal
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; (E.D.H.); (P.W.C.)
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Tim Footz
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada (M.A.W.)
| | - Lance P. Doucette
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; (E.D.H.); (P.W.C.)
| | - Nicole C. L. Noel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; (E.D.H.); (P.W.C.)
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada (M.A.W.)
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Zixuan Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; (E.D.H.); (P.W.C.)
| | - Michael A. Walter
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada (M.A.W.)
| | - W. Ted Allison
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; (E.D.H.); (P.W.C.)
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada (M.A.W.)
- Centre for Prions & Protein Folding Disease, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M8, Canada
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20
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Kannan RM, Pitha I, Parikh KS. A new era in posterior segment ocular drug delivery: Translation of systemic, cell-targeted, dendrimer-based therapies. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 200:115005. [PMID: 37419213 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115005] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Vision impairment and loss due to posterior segment ocular disorders, including age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, are a rapidly growing cause of disability globally. Current treatments consist primarily of intravitreal injections aimed at preventing disease progression and characterized by high cost and repeated clinic visits. Nanotechnology provides a promising platform for drug delivery to the eye, with potential to overcome anatomical and physiological barriers to provide safe, effective, and sustained treatment modalities. However, there are few nanomedicines approved for posterior segment disorders, and fewer that target specific cells or that are compatible with systemic administration. Targeting cell types that mediate these disorders via systemic administration may unlock transformative opportunities for nanomedicine and significantly improve patient access, acceptability, and outcomes. We highlight the development of hydroxyl polyamidoamine dendrimer-based therapeutics that demonstrate ligand-free cell targeting via systemic administration and are under clinical investigation for treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rangaramanujam M Kannan
- Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Ian Pitha
- Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Glaucoma Center of Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kunal S Parikh
- Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Center for Bioengineering Innovation & Design, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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21
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Yost PP, Al-Nouman A, Curtiss J. The Rap1 small GTPase affects cell fate or survival and morphogenetic patterning during Drosophila melanogaster eye development. Differentiation 2023; 133:12-24. [PMID: 37437447 PMCID: PMC10528170 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2023.06.001] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The Drosophila melanogaster eye has been instrumental for determining both how cells communicate with one another to determine cell fate, as well as cell morphogenesis and patterning. Here, we describe the effects of the small GTPase Rap1 on the development of multiple cell types in the D. melanogaster eye. Although Rap1 has previously been linked to RTK-Ras-MAPK signaling in eye development, we demonstrate that manipulation of Rap1 activity is modified by increase or decrease of Delta/Notch signaling during several events of cell fate specification in eye development. In addition, we demonstrate that manipulating Rap1 function either in primary pigment cells or in interommatidial cells affects cone cell contact switching, primary pigment cell enwrapment of the ommatidial cluster, and sorting of secondary and tertiary pigment cells. These data suggest that Rap1 has roles in both ommatidial cell recruitment/survival and in ommatidial morphogenesis in the pupal stage. They lay groundwork for future experiments on the role of Rap1 in these events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip P Yost
- New Mexico State University, 1780 E University Ave, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA
| | | | - Jennifer Curtiss
- New Mexico State University, 1780 E University Ave, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA.
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22
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Chakraborty M, Lara AG, Dang A, McCulloch KJ, Rainbow D, Carter D, Ngo LT, Solares E, Said I, Corbett-Detig RB, Gilbert LE, Emerson JJ, Briscoe AD. Sex-linked gene traffic underlies the acquisition of sexually dimorphic UV color vision in Heliconius butterflies. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2301411120. [PMID: 37552755 PMCID: PMC10438391 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2301411120] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The acquisition of novel sexually dimorphic traits poses an evolutionary puzzle: How do new traits arise and become sex-limited? Recently acquired color vision, sexually dimorphic in animals like primates and butterflies, presents a compelling model for understanding how traits become sex-biased. For example, some Heliconius butterflies uniquely possess UV (ultraviolet) color vision, which correlates with the expression of two differentially tuned UV-sensitive rhodopsins, UVRh1 and UVRh2. To discover how such traits become sexually dimorphic, we studied Heliconius charithonia, which exhibits female-specific UVRh1 expression. We demonstrate that females, but not males, discriminate different UV wavelengths. Through whole-genome shotgun sequencing and assembly of the H. charithonia genome, we discovered that UVRh1 is present on the W chromosome, making it obligately female-specific. By knocking out UVRh1, we show that UVRh1 protein expression is absent in mutant female eye tissue, as in wild-type male eyes. A PCR survey of UVRh1 sex-linkage across the genus shows that species with female-specific UVRh1 expression lack UVRh1 gDNA in males. Thus, acquisition of sex linkage is sufficient to achieve female-specific expression of UVRh1, though this does not preclude other mechanisms, like cis-regulatory evolution from also contributing. Moreover, both this event, and mutations leading to differential UV opsin sensitivity, occurred early in the history of Heliconius. These results suggest a path for acquiring sexual dimorphism distinct from existing mechanistic models. We propose a model where gene traffic to heterosomes (the W or the Y) genetically partitions a trait by sex before a phenotype shifts (spectral tuning of UV sensitivity).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahul Chakraborty
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843
| | | | - Andrew Dang
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
| | - Kyle J. McCulloch
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN55108
| | - Dylan Rainbow
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
| | - David Carter
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA92521
| | - Luna Thanh Ngo
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
| | - Edwin Solares
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
| | - Iskander Said
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering and Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA95064
| | - Russell B. Corbett-Detig
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering and Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA95064
| | | | - J. J. Emerson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
| | - Adriana D. Briscoe
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
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Baumli P, Liu C, Bekčić A, Fuller GG. The Role of Membrane-Tethered Mucins in Axial Epithelial Adhesion in Controlled Normal Stress Environments. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2300043. [PMID: 37271859 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300043] [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: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The collective adhesive behavior of epithelial cell layers mediated by complex macromolecular fluid environments plays a vital role in many biological processes. Mucins, a family of highly glycosylated proteins, are known to lubricate cell-on-cell contacts in the shear direction. However, the role of mucins mediating axial epithelial adhesion in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the cell sheet has received less attention. This article subjects cell-on-cell layers of live ocular epithelia that express mucins on their apical surfaces to compression/decompression cycles and tensile loading using a customized instrument. In addition to providing compressive moduli of native cell-on-cell layers, it is found that the mucin layer between the epithelia acts as a soft cushion between the epithelial cell layers. Decompression experiments reveal mucin layers act as soft, nonlinear springs in the axial direction. The cell-on-cell layers withstand decompression before fracturing by a cohesive failure within the mucin layer. When mucin deficiency is induced via a protease treatment, it is found that the axial adhesion between the cell layers is increased. The findings which correlate changes in biological factors with changes in mechanical properties might be of interest to challenges in ophthalmology, vision care, and mucus research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Baumli
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Chunzi Liu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Aleksandar Bekčić
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Gerald G Fuller
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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24
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Bussing D, Li Y, Guo L, Verma A, Sullivan JM, Shah DK. Pharmacokinetics of Monoclonal Antibody and Antibody Fragments in The Mouse Eye Following Intravitreal Administration. J Pharm Sci 2023; 112:2276-2284. [PMID: 37062415 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.04.006] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Mice are rarely used in pharmacokinetic (PK) studies of ocular therapeutics due to the small size of their eyes and challenges in drug administration, tissue collection, and analysis of drug concentrations. Therefore, ocular PK of protein therapeutics in mouse eye following intravitreal (IVT) administration is not known. Here, we have presented the first of its kind investigation, to study the PK of 4 different size non-binding protein therapeutics in mouse plasma, cornea/ICB, vitreous humor, retina, and posterior cup (including choroid) following IVT administration. Administered proteins include trastuzumab (150 kDa) and F(ab)2 (100 kDa), Fab, and scFv (27 kDa) fragments of trastuzumab. An imaging and injection apparatus suitable for performing small (50 nL) IVT injections in mice was developed, and techniques for enucleation of the eye and dissection of ocular tissues were developed. Furthermore, a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of proteins in very small amounts of ocular tissues were developed. It was observed that elimination from the vitreous chamber was the primary driver of PK in the cornea/ICB, retina, posterior cup, and plasma. Trastuzumab displays first-order kinetics in the vitreous humor with a half-life of 18.8 h. F(ab)2, Fab, and ScFv show biphasic PK profiles with distribution phases becoming more rapid as molecular weight decreases, and terminal elimination becoming longer as molecular weight decreases, with terminal half-lives of 16.3, 20.6, and 48.9 h, respectively. The mean residence times of trastuzumab, F(ab)2, Fab, and scFv in the vitreous humor were 26.0, 12.2, 10.7, and 8.16 h, respectively. It was found that the mean residence time in vitreous humor doubles with an increase in molecular weight of ∼69 kDa. Interestingly, the PK of proteins measured in the un-injected eye suggest the presence of a pathway for drug transfer between the eyes, which needs to be further validated. Overall, the findings presented here pave the way for drug discovery and development studies of protein therapeutics for ophthalmic indications in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bussing
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Yingyi Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Leiming Guo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Ashwni Verma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Jack M Sullivan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York, USA; VA Western NY Healthcare System, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Dhaval K Shah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA.
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25
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Owen LJ, Rainger J, Bengani H, Kilanowski F, FitzPatrick DR, Papanastasiou AS. Characterization of an eye field-like state during optic vesicle organoid development. Development 2023; 150:dev201432. [PMID: 37306293 PMCID: PMC10445745 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201432] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Specification of the eye field (EF) within the neural plate marks the earliest detectable stage of eye development. Experimental evidence, primarily from non-mammalian model systems, indicates that the stable formation of this group of cells requires the activation of a set of key transcription factors. This crucial event is challenging to probe in mammals and, quantitatively, little is known regarding the regulation of the transition of cells to this ocular fate. Using optic vesicle organoids to model the onset of the EF, we generate time-course transcriptomic data allowing us to identify dynamic gene expression programmes that characterize this cellular-state transition. Integrating this with chromatin accessibility data suggests a direct role of canonical EF transcription factors in regulating these gene expression changes, and highlights candidate cis-regulatory elements through which these transcription factors act. Finally, we begin to test a subset of these candidate enhancer elements, within the organoid system, by perturbing the underlying DNA sequence and measuring transcriptomic changes during EF activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liusaidh J. Owen
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Jacqueline Rainger
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Hemant Bengani
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Fiona Kilanowski
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - David R. FitzPatrick
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Andrew S. Papanastasiou
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
- School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AB, UK
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Avellino A, Peng CH, Lin MD. Cell Cycle Regulation by NF-YC in Drosophila Eye Imaginal Disc: Implications for Synchronization in the Non-Proliferative Region. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12203. [PMID: 37569581 PMCID: PMC10418845 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512203] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell cycle progression during development is meticulously coordinated with differentiation. This is particularly evident in the Drosophila 3rd instar eye imaginal disc, where the cell cycle is synchronized and arrests at the G1 phase in the non-proliferative region (NPR), setting the stage for photoreceptor cell differentiation. Here, we identify the transcription factor Nuclear Factor-YC (NF-YC) as a crucial player in this finely tuned progression, elucidating its specific role in the synchronized movement of the morphogenetic furrow. Depletion of NF-YC leads to extended expression of Cyclin A (CycA) and Cyclin B (CycB) from the FMW to the NPR. Notably, NF-YC knockdown resulted in decreased expression of Eyes absent (Eya) but did not affect Decapentaplegic (Dpp) and Hedgehog (Hh). Our findings highlight the role of NF-YC in restricting the expression of CycA and CycB in the NPR, thereby facilitating cell-cycle synchronization. Moreover, we identify the transcriptional cofactor Eya as a downstream target of NF-YC, revealing a new regulatory pathway in Drosophila eye development. This study expands our understanding of NF-YC's role from cell cycle control to encompass developmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Avellino
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, 701 Zhongyang Rd., Sec. 3, Hualien 97004, Taiwan;
| | - Chen-Huan Peng
- Department of Orthopedics, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, 707 Zhongyang Rd., Sec. 3, Hualien 97002, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, 701 Zhongyang Rd., Sec. 3, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Der Lin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, 701 Zhongyang Rd., Sec. 3, Hualien 97004, Taiwan;
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, 701 Zhongyang Rd., Sec. 3, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
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27
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Takata N, Miska JM, Morgan MA, Patel P, Billingham LK, Joshi N, Schipma MJ, Dumar ZJ, Joshi NR, Misharin AV, Embry RB, Fiore L, Gao P, Diebold LP, McElroy GS, Shilatifard A, Chandel NS, Oliver G. Lactate-dependent transcriptional regulation controls mammalian eye morphogenesis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4129. [PMID: 37452018 PMCID: PMC10349100 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39672-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian retinal metabolism favors aerobic glycolysis. However, the role of glycolytic metabolism in retinal morphogenesis remains unknown. We report that aerobic glycolysis is necessary for the early stages of retinal development. Taking advantage of an unbiased approach that combines the use of eye organoids and single-cell RNA sequencing, we identify specific glucose transporters and glycolytic genes in retinal progenitors. Next, we determine that the optic vesicle territory of mouse embryos displays elevated levels of glycolytic activity. At the functional level, we show that removal of Glucose transporter 1 and Lactate dehydrogenase A gene activity from developing retinal progenitors arrests eye morphogenesis. Surprisingly, we uncover that lactate-mediated upregulation of key eye-field transcription factors is controlled by the epigenetic modification of histone H3 acetylation through histone deacetylase activity. Our results identify an unexpected bioenergetic independent role of lactate as a signaling molecule necessary for mammalian eye morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomu Takata
- Center for Vascular and Developmental Biology, Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Jason M Miska
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Marc A Morgan
- Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Priyam Patel
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Leah K Billingham
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Neha Joshi
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Matthew J Schipma
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Zachary J Dumar
- Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Nikita R Joshi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Alexander V Misharin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Ryan B Embry
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Luciano Fiore
- Center for Vascular and Developmental Biology, Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Laboratory of Nanomedicine, National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), Av. General Paz 1499, B1650KNA, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Peng Gao
- Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center Metabolomics Core, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Lauren P Diebold
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Gregory S McElroy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Navdeep S Chandel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Guillermo Oliver
- Center for Vascular and Developmental Biology, Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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28
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Barton A, Rosenkrands I, Pickering H, Faal N, Harte A, Joof H, Makalo P, Ragonnet M, Olsen AW, Bailey RL, Mabey DCW, Follmann F, Dietrich J, Holland MJ. A systems serology approach to the investigation of infection-induced antibody responses and protection in trachoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1178741. [PMID: 37287960 PMCID: PMC10242090 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1178741] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ocular infections with Chlamydia trachomatis serovars A-C cause the neglected tropical disease trachoma. As infection does not confer complete immunity, repeated infections are common, leading to long-term sequelae such as scarring and blindness. Here, we apply a systems serology approach to investigate whether systemic antibody features are associated with susceptibility to infection. Methods Sera from children in five trachoma endemic villages in the Gambia were assayed for 23 antibody features: IgG responses towards two C. trachomatis antigens and three serovars [elementary bodies and major outer membrane protein (MOMP), serovars A-C], IgG responses towards five MOMP peptides (serovars A-C), neutralization, and antibody-dependent phagocytosis. Participants were considered resistant if they subsequently developed infection only when over 70% of other children in the same compound were infected. Results The antibody features assayed were not associated with resistance to infection (false discovery rate < 0.05). Anti-MOMP SvA IgG and neutralization titer were higher in susceptible individuals (p < 0.05 before multiple testing adjustment). Classification using partial least squares performed only slightly better than chance in distinguishing between susceptible and resistant participants based on systemic antibody profile (specificity 71%, sensitivity 36%). Conclusions Systemic infection-induced IgG and functional antibody responses do not appear to be protective against subsequent infection. Ocular responses, IgA, avidity, or cell-mediated responses may play a greater role in protective immunity than systemic IgG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Barton
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ida Rosenkrands
- Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Harry Pickering
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nkoyo Faal
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Anna Harte
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hassan Joof
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Pateh Makalo
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Manon Ragonnet
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Anja Weinreich Olsen
- Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Robin L. Bailey
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - David C. W. Mabey
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Frank Follmann
- Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jes Dietrich
- Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin J. Holland
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Nhàn NTT, Maidana DE, Yamada KH. Ocular Delivery of Therapeutic Agents by Cell-Penetrating Peptides. Cells 2023; 12:1071. [PMID: 37048144 PMCID: PMC10093283 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are short peptides with the ability to translocate through the cell membrane to facilitate their cellular uptake. CPPs can be used as drug-delivery systems for molecules that are difficult to uptake. Ocular drug delivery is challenging due to the structural and physiological complexity of the eye. CPPs may be tailored to overcome this challenge, facilitating cellular uptake and delivery to the targeted area. Retinal diseases occur at the posterior pole of the eye; thus, intravitreal injections are needed to deliver drugs at an effective concentration in situ. However, frequent injections have risks of causing vision-threatening complications. Recent investigations have focused on developing long-acting drugs and drug delivery systems to reduce the frequency of injections. In fact, conjugation with CPP could deliver FDA-approved drugs to the back of the eye, as seen by topical application in animal models. This review summarizes recent advances in CPPs, protein/peptide-based drugs for eye diseases, and the use of CPPs for drug delivery based on systematic searches in PubMed and clinical trials. We highlight targeted therapies and explore the potential of CPPs and peptide-based drugs for eye diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nhàn
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Daniel E. Maidana
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Kaori H. Yamada
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
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30
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Zhang Q, Guo Y, Kang M, Lin WH, Wu JC, Yu Y, Li LC, Sang A. p21CIP/WAF1 saRNA inhibits proliferative vitreoretinopathy in a rabbit model. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282063. [PMID: 36821623 PMCID: PMC9949646 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a disease process resulting from proliferation of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in the vitreous and periretinal area, leading to periretinal membrane formation and traction and eventually to postoperative failure after vitreo-retinal surgery for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). The present study was designed to test the therapeutic potential of a p21CIP/WAF1 (p21) inducing saRNA for PVR. METHODS A chemically modified p21 saRNA (RAG1-40-53) was tested in cultured human RPE cells for p21 induction and for the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration and cell cycle progression. RAG1-40-53 was further conjugated to a cholesterol moiety and tested for pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in rabbit eyes and for therapeutic effects after intravitreal administration in a rabbit PVR model established by injecting human RPE cells. RESULTS RAG1-40-53 (0.3 mg, 1 mg) significantly induced p21 expression in RPE cells and inhibited cell proliferation, the progression of cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase and TGF-β1 induced migration. After a single intravitreal injection into rabbit eyes, cholesterol-conjugated RAG1-40-53 exhibited sustained concentration in the vitreal humor beyond at least 8 days and prevented the progression of established PVR. CONCLUSION p21 saRNA could represent a novel therapeutics for PVR by exerting a antiproliferation and antimigration effect on RPE cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
- Dalian Medical University, Lvshunkou District, Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yangchen Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
- Nantong University, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Moorim Kang
- Ractigen Therapeutics, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei-Hsiang Lin
- Ractigen Therapeutics, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jian-Cheng Wu
- Ractigen Therapeutics, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ying Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
- * E-mail: (LCL); (YY); (AS)
| | - Long-Cheng Li
- Ractigen Therapeutics, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
- * E-mail: (LCL); (YY); (AS)
| | - Aimin Sang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
- * E-mail: (LCL); (YY); (AS)
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Trejo-Reveles V, Owen N, Ching Chan BH, Toms M, Schoenebeck JJ, Moosajee M, Rainger J. Identification of Novel Coloboma Candidate Genes through Conserved Gene Expression Analyses across Four Vertebrate Species. Biomolecules 2023; 13:293. [PMID: 36830662 PMCID: PMC9953556 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020293] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocular coloboma (OC) is a failure of complete optic fissure closure during embryonic development and presents as a tissue defect along the proximal-distal axis of the ventral eye. It is classed as part of the clinical spectrum of structural eye malformations with microphthalmia and anophthalmia, collectively abbreviated to MAC. Despite deliberate attempts to identify causative variants in MAC, many patients remain without a genetic diagnosis. To reveal potential candidate genes, we utilised transcriptomes experimentally generated from embryonic eye tissues derived from humans, mice, zebrafish, and chicken at stages coincident with optic fissure closure. Our in-silico analyses found 10 genes with optic fissure-specific enriched expression: ALDH1A3, BMPR1B, EMX2, EPHB3, NID1, NTN1, PAX2, SMOC1, TENM3, and VAX1. In situ hybridization revealed that all 10 genes were broadly expressed ventrally in the developing eye but that only PAX2 and NTN1 were expressed in cells at the edges of the optic fissure margin. Of these conserved optic fissure genes, EMX2, NID1, and EPHB3 have not previously been associated with human MAC cases. Targeted genetic manipulation in zebrafish embryos using CRISPR/Cas9 caused the developmental MAC phenotype for emx2 and ephb3. We analysed available whole genome sequencing datasets from MAC patients and identified a range of variants with plausible causality. In combination, our data suggest that expression of genes involved in ventral eye development is conserved across a range of vertebrate species and that EMX2, NID1, and EPHB3 are candidate loci that warrant further functional analysis in the context of MAC and should be considered for sequencing in cohorts of patients with structural eye malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Trejo-Reveles
- Roslin Institute, R(D)SVS, Easter Bush Campus, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Nicholas Owen
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
- Ocular Genomics and Therapeutics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1A, UK
| | - Brian Ho Ching Chan
- Roslin Institute, R(D)SVS, Easter Bush Campus, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Maria Toms
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
- Ocular Genomics and Therapeutics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1A, UK
| | - Jeffrey J. Schoenebeck
- Roslin Institute, R(D)SVS, Easter Bush Campus, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
- Ocular Genomics and Therapeutics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1A, UK
- Department of Genetics, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Joe Rainger
- Roslin Institute, R(D)SVS, Easter Bush Campus, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
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Chintala SK, Pan J, Satapathy S, Condruti R, Hao Z, Liu PW, O’Conner CF, Barr JT, Wilson MR, Jeong S, Fini ME. Recombinant Human Clusterin Seals Damage to the Ocular Surface Barrier in a Mouse Model of Ophthalmic Preservative-Induced Epitheliopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24020981. [PMID: 36674497 PMCID: PMC9861099 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24020981] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a significant unmet need for therapeutics to treat ocular surface barrier damage, also called epitheliopathy, due to dry eye and related diseases. We recently reported that the natural tear glycoprotein CLU (clusterin), a molecular chaperone and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, seals and heals epitheliopathy in mice subjected to desiccating stress in a model of aqueous-deficient/evaporative dry eye. Here we investigated CLU sealing using a second model with features of ophthalmic preservative-induced dry eye. The ocular surface was stressed by topical application of the ophthalmic preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAC). Then eyes were treated with CLU and sealing was evaluated immediately by quantification of clinical dye uptake. A commercial recombinant form of human CLU (rhCLU), as well as an rhCLU form produced in our laboratory, designed to be compatible with U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines on current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), were as effective as natural plasma-derived human CLU (pCLU) in sealing the damaged ocular surface barrier. In contrast, two other proteins found in tears: TIMP1 and LCN1 (tear lipocalin), exhibited no sealing activity. The efficacy and selectivity of rhCLU for sealing of the damaged ocular surface epithelial barrier suggests that it could be of therapeutic value in treating BAC-induced epitheliopathy and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shravan K. Chintala
- USC Institute for Genetic Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Jinhong Pan
- New England Eye Center, Tufts Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Sandeep Satapathy
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Rebecca Condruti
- Training Program in Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Zixuan Hao
- Training Program in Pharmacology and Drug Development, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Pei-wen Liu
- Training Program in Pharmacology and Drug Development, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Christian F. O’Conner
- Doctor of Medicine Training Program, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Joseph T. Barr
- The Ohio State University College of Optometry, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Mark R. Wilson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Shinwu Jeong
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - M. Elizabeth Fini
- New England Eye Center, Tufts Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Correspondence:
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Tran TL, Hamann S, Heegaard S. Aquaporins in Eye. Adv Exp Med Biol 2023; 1398:203-209. [PMID: 36717496 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-7415-1_14] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The major part of the eye consists of water. Continuous movement of water and ions between the ocular compartments and to the systemic circulation is pivotal for many physiological functions in the eye. The movement of water facilitates removal of the many metabolic products of corneal-, ciliary body-, lens-, and retinal metabolism, while maintaining transparency in the optical compartments. Transport across the corneal epithelium and endothelium maintains the corneal transparency. Also, aqueous humor is continuously secreted by the epithelia of the ciliary body and maintains the intraocular pressure. In the retina, water is transported into the vitreous body and across the retinal pigment epithelium to regulate the extracellular environment and the hydration of the retina. Aquaporins are a major contributor in the water transport throughout the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Linh Tran
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet - Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Steffen Hamann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet - Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Steffen Heegaard
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet - Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Matsuo R, Kotoh S, Takishita K, Sakamoto K, Uebi T, Ozaki M, Matsuo Y, Nishi T. Opsins in the Cephalic and Extracephalic Photoreceptors in the Marine Gastropod Onchidium verruculatum. Biol Bull 2022; 243:339-352. [PMID: 36716483 DOI: 10.1086/723013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
AbstractThe marine gastropod Onchidium verruculatum has a pair of ocular photoreceptors, the stalk eyes, on the tip of its stalk near the head, as well as several extracephalic photosensory organs. The retinas of the stalk eye consist of two morphologically distinct visual cells, namely, the type I cells equipped with well-developed microvilli and the type II cells with less developed microvilli. The extracephalic photosensors comprise the dorsal eye, dermal photoreceptor, and brain photosensitive neurons. The characteristics of these cephalic and extracephalic photosensory organs have been studied from morphological and electrophysiological perspectives. However, little is known about the visual pigment molecules responsible for light detection in these organs. In the present study, we searched for opsin molecules that are expressed in the neural tissues of Onchidium and identified six putative signaling-competent opsin species, including Xenopsin1, Xenopsin2, Gq-coupled rhodopsin1, Gq-coupled rhodopsin2, Opsin-5B, and Gq-coupled rhodopsin-like. Immunohistochemical staining of four of the six opsins revealed that Xenopsin1, Gq-coupled rhodopsin1, and Gq-coupled rhodopsin2 are expressed in the rhabdomere of the stalk eye and in the dermal photoreceptor. Xenopsin2 was expressed in the type II photoreceptors of the stalk eye and in the ciliary photoreceptors of the dorsal eye. These immunohistochemical data were consistent with the results of the expression analysis, revealed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. This study clarified the identities of opsins expressed in the extracephalic photosensory organs of Onchidium and the distinct molecular compositions among the photoreceptors.
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Bajkowska D, Szelachowska M, Buczyńska A, Krętowski AJ, Siewko K. Tears as a Source of Biomarkers in the Diagnosis of Graves' Orbitopathy. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1620. [PMID: 36358969 PMCID: PMC9687490 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111620] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid eye disease (TED) is a poorly understood autoimmune manifestation of thyroid diseases most commonly associated with Graves' disease. Due to a lack of specific biomarkers and uncertain signs and symptoms, Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is challenging to diagnose early and treat effectively. Nowadays, there is great interest in searching for precise molecular biomarkers for early detection, disease monitoring, and clinical management. Researchers are keen to identify novel methods to predict and diagnose diseases and to monitor patient therapeutic response. Tears, due to their direct contact with the eye and the fact that lacrimal glands can also be affected by the disease, could give new insights into the mechanisms taking place in thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) and reveal potential promising biomarkers. Tear fluid offers the possibility of the non-invasive acquisition of a sample with a high protein content, thereby attracting continuously growing interest in the discovery of novel biomarkers. This article provides an up-to-date overview of the various putative tear-fluid biomarkers that have been identified. In this review, we present the potential use of tears as a diagnostic fluid and tool to investigate the mechanism of ocular diseases and discuss the future research directions in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Bajkowska
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Szelachowska
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Angelika Buczyńska
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Adam Jacek Krętowski
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Siewko
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
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Abstract
Hybrid or recombinant protein-polymers, peptide-based biomaterials, and antibody-targeted therapeutics are widely explored for various ocular conditions and vision correction. They have been noted for their potential biocompatibility, potency, adaptability, and opportunities for sustained drug delivery. Unique to peptide and protein therapeutics, their production by cellular translation allows their precise modification through genetic engineering. To a greater extent than drug delivery to other systems, delivery to the eye can benefit from the combination of locally-targeted administration and protein-based specificity. Consequently, a range of delivery platforms and administration methods have been exploited to address the ocular delivery of peptide and protein biomaterials. This review discusses a sample of preclinical and clinical opportunities for peptide-based drug delivery to the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Aly Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - J Andrew MacKay
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
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Abstract
The TGF-β signaling pathway plays a crucial role in several key aspects of development and tissue homeostasis. TGF-β ligands and their mediators have been shown to be important regulators of ocular physiology and their dysregulation has been described in several eye pathologies. TGF-β signaling participates in regulating several key developmental processes in the eye, including angiogenesis and neurogenesis. Inadequate TGF-β signaling has been associated with defective angiogenesis, vascular barrier function, unfavorable inflammatory responses, and tissue fibrosis. In addition, experimental models of corneal neovascularization, diabetic retinopathy, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, glaucoma, or corneal injury suggest that aberrant TGF-β signaling may contribute to the pathological features of these conditions, showing the potential of modulating TGF-β signaling to treat eye diseases. This review highlights the key roles of TGF-β family members in ocular physiology and in eye diseases, and reviews approaches targeting the TGF-β signaling as potential treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumaya Hachana
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Bruno Larrivée
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
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38
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Mao M, Labelle-Dumais C, Tufa SF, Keene DR, Gould DB. Elevated TGFβ signaling contributes to ocular anterior segment dysgenesis in Col4a1 mutant mice. Matrix Biol 2022; 110:151-173. [PMID: 35525525 PMCID: PMC10410753 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.05.001] [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: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Ocular anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD) refers to a collection of developmental disorders affecting the anterior structures of the eye. Although a number of genes have been implicated in the etiology of ASD, the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms remain unclear. Mutations in genes encoding collagen type IV alpha 1 (COL4A1) and alpha 2 (COL4A2) cause Gould syndrome, a multi-system disorder that often includes ocular manifestations such as ASD and glaucoma. COL4A1 and COL4A2 are abundant basement membrane proteins that provide structural support to tissues and modulate signaling through interactions with other extracellular matrix proteins, growth factors, and cell surface receptors. In this study, we used a combination of histological, molecular, genetic and pharmacological approaches to demonstrate that altered TGFβ signaling contributes to ASD in mouse models of Gould syndrome. We show that TGFβ signaling was elevated in anterior segments from Col4a1 mutant mice and that genetically reducing TGFβ signaling partially prevented ASD. Notably, we identified distinct roles for TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 in ocular defects observed in Col4a1 mutant mice. Importantly, we show that pharmacologically promoting type IV collagen secretion or reducing TGFβ signaling ameliorated ocular pathology in Col4a1 mutant mice. Overall, our findings demonstrate that altered TGFβ signaling contributes to COL4A1-related ocular dysgenesis and implicate this pathway as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of Gould syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Mao
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - Cassandre Labelle-Dumais
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - Sara F Tufa
- Shriners Children's, Micro-Imaging Center, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Douglas R Keene
- Shriners Children's, Micro-Imaging Center, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Douglas B Gould
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States; Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States; Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States; Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States; Bakar Aging Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States.
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Gheyas R, Ortega-Alvarez R, Chauss D, Kantorow M, Menko AS. Suppression of PI3K signaling is linked to autophagy activation and the spatiotemporal induction of the lens organelle free zone. Exp Cell Res 2022; 412:113043. [PMID: 35101390 PMCID: PMC8859841 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [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: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The terminal steps of lens cell differentiation require elimination of all organelles to create a central Organelle Free Zone (OFZ) that is required for lens function of focusing images on the retina. Previous studies show that the spatiotemporal elimination of these organelles during development is autophagy-dependent. We now show that the inhibition of PI3K signaling in lens organ culture results in the premature induction of autophagy within 24 h, including a significant increase in LAMP1+ lysosomes, and the removal of lens organelles from the center of the lens. Specific inhibition of just the PI3K/Akt signaling axis was directly linked to the elimination of mitochondria and ER, while pan-PI3K inhibitors that block all PI3K downstream signaling removed all organelles, including nuclei. Therefore, blocking the PI3K/Akt pathway was alone insufficient to remove nuclei. RNAseq analysis revealed increased mRNA levels of the endogenous inhibitor of PI3K activation, PIK3IP1, in differentiating lens fiber cells preceding the induction of OFZ formation. Co-immunoprecipitation confirmed that PIK3IP1 associates with multiple PI3K p110 isoforms just prior to formation of the OFZ, providing a likely endogenous mechanism for blocking all PI3K signaling and activating the autophagy pathway required to form the OFZ during lens development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rifah Gheyas
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ramon Ortega-Alvarez
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel Chauss
- Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Marc Kantorow
- Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - A Sue Menko
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Nandamuri SP, Lusk S, Kwan KM. Loss of zebrafish dzip1 results in inappropriate recruitment of periocular mesenchyme to the optic fissure and ocular coloboma. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265327. [PMID: 35286359 PMCID: PMC8920261 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cilia are essential for the development and function of many different tissues. Although cilia machinery is crucial in the eye for photoreceptor development and function, a role for cilia in early eye development and morphogenesis is still somewhat unclear: many zebrafish cilia mutants retain cilia at early stages due to maternal deposition of cilia components. An eye phenotype has been described in the mouse Arl13 mutant, however, zebrafish arl13b is maternally deposited, and an early role for cilia proteins has not been tested in zebrafish eye development. Here we use the zebrafish dzip1 mutant, which exhibits a loss of cilia throughout stages of early eye development, to examine eye development and morphogenesis. We find that in dzip1 mutants, initial formation of the optic cup proceeds normally, however, the optic fissure subsequently fails to close and embryos develop the structural eye malformation ocular coloboma. Further, neural crest cells, which are implicated in optic fissure closure, do not populate the optic fissure correctly, suggesting that their inappropriate localization may be the underlying cause of coloboma. Overall, our results indicate a role for dzip1 in proper neural crest localization in the optic fissure and optic fissure closure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sri Pratima Nandamuri
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
| | - Sarah Lusk
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
| | - Kristen M. Kwan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
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Abstract
Planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling regulates several polarization events during development of ommatidia in the Drosophila eye, including directing chirality by polarizing a cell fate choice and determining the direction and extent of ommatidial rotation. The pksple isoform of the PCP protein Prickle is known to participate in the R3/R4 cell fate decision, but the control of other polarization events and the potential contributions of the three Pk isoforms have not been clarified. Here, by characterizing expression and subcellular localization of individual isoforms together with re-analyzing isoform specific phenotypes, we show that the R3/R4 fate decision, its coordination with rotation direction, and completion of rotation to a final ±90° rotation angle are separable polarization decisions with distinct Pk isoform requirements and contributions. Both pksple and pkpk can enforce robust R3/R4 fate decisions, but only pksple can correctly orient them along the dorsal-ventral axis. In contrast, pksple and pkpk can fully and interchangeably sustain coordination of rotation direction and rotation to completion. We propose that expression dynamics and competitive interactions determine isoform participation in these processes. We propose that the selective requirement for pksple to orient the R3/R4 decision and their interchangeability for coordination and completion of rotation reflects their previously described differential interaction with the Fat/Dachsous system which is known to be required for orientation of R3/R4 decisions but not for coordination or completion of rotation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bomsoo Cho
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Song Song
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Joy Y. Wan
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey D. Axelrod
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Silva B, Gonçalves LM, Braz BS, Delgado E. Chitosan and Hyaluronic Acid Nanoparticles as Vehicles of Epoetin Beta for Subconjunctival Ocular Delivery. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20020151. [PMID: 35200680 PMCID: PMC8878220 DOI: 10.3390/md20020151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroprotection in glaucoma using epoetin beta (EPOβ) has yielded promising results. Our team has developed chitosan-hyaluronic acid nanoparticles (CS/HA) designed to carry EPOβ into the ocular globe, improving the drug’s mucoadhesion and retention time on the ocular surface to increase its bioavailability. In the present in vivo study, we explored the possibility of delivering EPOβ to the eye through subconjunctival administration of chitosan-hyaluronic acid-EPOβ (CS/HA-EPOβ) nanoparticles. Healthy Wistar Hannover rats (n = 21) were split into 7 groups and underwent complete ophthalmological examinations, including electroretinography and microhematocrit evaluations before and after the subconjunctival administrations. CS/HA-EPOβ nanoparticles were administered to the right eye (OD), and the contralateral eye (OS) served as control. At selected timepoints, animals from each group (n = 3) were euthanized, and both eyes were enucleated for histological evaluation (immunofluorescence and HE). No adverse ocular signs, no changes in the microhematocrits (≈45%), and no deviations in the electroretinographies in both photopic and scotopic exams were observed after the administrations (p < 0.05). Intraocular pressure remained in the physiological range during the assays (11–22 mmHg). EPOβ was detected in the retina by immunofluorescence 12 h after the subconjunctival administration and remained detectable until day 21. We concluded that CS/HA nanoparticles could efficiently deliver EPOβ into the retina, and this alternative was considered biologically safe. This nanoformulation could be a promising tool for treating retinopathies, namely optic nerve degeneration associated with glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Silva
- CIISA—Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal; (B.S.); (E.D.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, 1600-277 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Lídia M. Gonçalves
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, 1600-277 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Berta São Braz
- CIISA—Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal; (B.S.); (E.D.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-21-3602025
| | - Esmeralda Delgado
- CIISA—Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal; (B.S.); (E.D.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
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Zhao F, Fan S, Ghate D, Romanova S, Bronich TK, Zhao S. A Hydrogel Ionic Circuit Based High-Intensity Iontophoresis Device for Intraocular Macromolecule and Nanoparticle Delivery. Adv Mater 2022; 34:e2107315. [PMID: 34716729 PMCID: PMC8813891 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202107315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Iontophoresis is an electrical-current-based, noninvasive drug-delivery technology, which is particularly suitable for intraocular drug delivery. Current ocular iontophoresis devices use low current intensities that significantly limit macromolecule and nanoparticle (NP) delivery efficiency. Increasing current intensity leads to ocular tissue damage. Here, an iontophoresis device based on a hydrogel ionic circuit (HIC), for high-efficiency intraocular macromolecule and NP delivery, is described. The HIC-based device is capable of minimizing Joule heating, effectively buffering electrochemical (EC) reaction-generated pH changes, and absorbing electrode overpotential-induced heating. As a result, the device allows safe application of high current intensities (up to 87 mA cm-2 , more than 10 times higher than current ocular iontophoresis devices) to the eye with minimal ocular cell death and tissue damage. The high-intensity iontophoresis significantly enhances macromolecule and NP delivery to both the anterior and posterior segments by up to 300 times compared to the conventional iontophoresis. Therapeutically effective concentrations of bevacizumab and dexamethasone are delivered to target tissue compartments within 10-20 min of iontophoresis application. This study highlights the significant safety enhancement enabled by an HIC-based device design and the potential of the device to deliver therapeutic doses of macromolecule and NP ophthalmic drugs within a clinically relevant time frame.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhao
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Shan Fan
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Deepta Ghate
- Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Svetlana Romanova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Tatiana K Bronich
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Siwei Zhao
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
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Zola M, Mejlachowicz D, Gregorio R, Naud MC, Jaisser F, Zhao M, Behar-Cohen F. Chronic Systemic Dexamethasone Regulates the Mineralocorticoid/Glucocorticoid Pathways Balance in Rat Ocular Tissues. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031278. [PMID: 35163201 PMCID: PMC8836134 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a retinal disease affecting the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the choroid. This is a recognized side-effect of glucocorticoids (GCs), administered through nasal, articular, oral and dermal routes. However, CSCR does not occur after intraocular GCs administration, suggesting that a hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) brake could play a role in the mechanistic link between CSCR and GS. The aim of this study was to explore this hypothesis. To induce HPA brake, Lewis rats received a systemic injection of dexamethasone daily for five days. Control rats received saline injections. Baseline levels of corticosterone were measured by Elisa at baseline and at 5 days in the serum and the ocular media and dexamethasone levels were measured at 5 days in the serum and ocular media. The expression of genes encoding glucocorticoid receptor (GR), mineralocorticoid receptors (MR), and the 11 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) enzymes 1 and 2 were quantified in the neural retina and in RPE/ choroid. The expression of MR target genes was quantified in the retina (Scnn1A (encoding ENac-α, Kir4.1 and Aqp4) and in the RPE/choroid (Shroom 2, Ngal, Mmp9 and Omg, Ptx3, Plaur and Fosl-1). Only 10% of the corticosterone serum concentration was measured in the ocular media. Corticosterone levels in the serum and in the ocular media dropped after 5 days of dexamethasone systemic treatment, reflecting HPA axis brake. Whilst both GR and MR were downregulated in the retina without MR/GR imbalance, in the RPE/choroid, both MR/GR and 11β-hsd2/11β-hsd1 ratio increased, indicating MR pathway activation. MR-target genes were upregulated in the RPE/ choroid but not in the retina. The psychological stress induced by the repeated injection of saline also induced HPA axis brake with a trend towards MR pathway activation in RPE/ choroid. HPA axis brake causes an imbalance of corticoid receptors expression in the RPE/choroid towards overactivation of MR pathway, which could favor the occurrence of CSCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Zola
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Inserm, From Physiopathology of Retinal Diseases to Clinical Advances, 75006 Paris, France; (M.Z.); (D.M.); (R.G.); (M.-C.N.); (F.J.); (M.Z.)
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Department of Ophthalmology, Ophtalmopôle, Hôpital Cochin, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Dan Mejlachowicz
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Inserm, From Physiopathology of Retinal Diseases to Clinical Advances, 75006 Paris, France; (M.Z.); (D.M.); (R.G.); (M.-C.N.); (F.J.); (M.Z.)
| | - Raquel Gregorio
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Inserm, From Physiopathology of Retinal Diseases to Clinical Advances, 75006 Paris, France; (M.Z.); (D.M.); (R.G.); (M.-C.N.); (F.J.); (M.Z.)
| | - Marie-Christine Naud
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Inserm, From Physiopathology of Retinal Diseases to Clinical Advances, 75006 Paris, France; (M.Z.); (D.M.); (R.G.); (M.-C.N.); (F.J.); (M.Z.)
| | - Frédéric Jaisser
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Inserm, From Physiopathology of Retinal Diseases to Clinical Advances, 75006 Paris, France; (M.Z.); (D.M.); (R.G.); (M.-C.N.); (F.J.); (M.Z.)
| | - Min Zhao
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Inserm, From Physiopathology of Retinal Diseases to Clinical Advances, 75006 Paris, France; (M.Z.); (D.M.); (R.G.); (M.-C.N.); (F.J.); (M.Z.)
| | - Francine Behar-Cohen
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Inserm, From Physiopathology of Retinal Diseases to Clinical Advances, 75006 Paris, France; (M.Z.); (D.M.); (R.G.); (M.-C.N.); (F.J.); (M.Z.)
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Department of Ophthalmology, Ophtalmopôle, Hôpital Cochin, 75014 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
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Hsueh YJ, Chen YN, Tsao YT, Cheng CM, Wu WC, Chen HC. The Pathomechanism, Antioxidant Biomarkers, and Treatment of Oxidative Stress-Related Eye Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031255. [PMID: 35163178 PMCID: PMC8835903 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is an important pathomechanism found in numerous ocular degenerative diseases. To provide a better understanding of the mechanism and treatment of oxidant/antioxidant imbalance-induced ocular diseases, this article summarizes and provides updates on the relevant research. We review the oxidative damage (e.g., lipid peroxidation, DNA lesions, autophagy, and apoptosis) that occurs in different areas of the eye (e.g., cornea, anterior chamber, lens, retina, and optic nerve). We then introduce the antioxidant mechanisms present in the eye, as well as the ocular diseases that occur as a result of antioxidant imbalances (e.g., keratoconus, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma), the relevant antioxidant biomarkers, and the potential of predictive diagnostics. Finally, we discuss natural antioxidant therapies for oxidative stress-related ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Jen Hsueh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; (Y.-J.H.); (Y.-N.C.); (Y.-T.T.); (W.-C.W.)
- Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ning Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; (Y.-J.H.); (Y.-N.C.); (Y.-T.T.); (W.-C.W.)
- Department of Medicine, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Tsao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; (Y.-J.H.); (Y.-N.C.); (Y.-T.T.); (W.-C.W.)
| | - Chao-Min Cheng
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30012, Taiwan;
| | - Wei-Chi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; (Y.-J.H.); (Y.-N.C.); (Y.-T.T.); (W.-C.W.)
- Department of Medicine, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; (Y.-J.H.); (Y.-N.C.); (Y.-T.T.); (W.-C.W.)
- Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-3-328-1200 (ext. 7855); Fax: +886-3-328-7798
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Landowski M, Bhute VJ, Takimoto T, Grindel S, Shahi PK, Pattnaik BR, Ikeda S, Ikeda A. A mutation in transmembrane protein 135 impairs lipid metabolism in mouse eyecups. Sci Rep 2022; 12:756. [PMID: 35031662 PMCID: PMC8760256 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04644-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is a significant factor in the development of age-related diseases but how aging disrupts cellular homeostasis to cause age-related retinal disease is unknown. Here, we further our studies on transmembrane protein 135 (Tmem135), a gene involved in retinal aging, by examining the transcriptomic profiles of wild-type, heterozygous and homozygous Tmem135 mutant posterior eyecup samples through RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). We found significant gene expression changes in both heterozygous and homozygous Tmem135 mutant mouse eyecups that correlate with visual function deficits. Further analysis revealed that expression of many genes involved in lipid metabolism are changed due to the Tmem135 mutation. Consistent with these changes, we found increased lipid accumulation in mutant Tmem135 eyecup samples. Since mutant Tmem135 mice have similar ocular pathologies as human age-related macular degeneration (AMD) eyes, we compared our homozygous Tmem135 mutant eyecup RNA-Seq dataset with transcriptomic datasets of human AMD donor eyes. We found similar changes in genes involved in lipid metabolism between the homozygous Tmem135 mutant eyecups and AMD donor eyes. Our study suggests that the Tmem135 mutation affects lipid metabolism as similarly observed in human AMD eyes, thus Tmem135 mutant mice can serve as a good model for the role of dysregulated lipid metabolism in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Landowski
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Vijesh J Bhute
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Tetsuya Takimoto
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Samuel Grindel
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Pawan K Shahi
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Bikash R Pattnaik
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sakae Ikeda
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Akihiro Ikeda
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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Zhuang A, Chai P, Wang S, Zuo S, Yu J, Jia S, Ge S, Jia R, Zhou Y, Shi W, Xu X, Ruan J, Fan X. Metformin promotes histone deacetylation of optineurin and suppresses tumour growth through autophagy inhibition in ocular melanoma. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e660. [PMID: 35075807 PMCID: PMC8787022 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the therapeutic potential and the underlying mechanism of metformin, an adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase (AMPK) activator, in ocular melanoma. METHODS CCK8, transwell, and colony formation assays were performed to detect the proliferation and migration ability of ocular melanoma cells. A mouse orthotopic xenograft model was built to detect ocular tumor growth in vivo. Western blot, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy were adopted to evaluate the autophagy levels of ocular melanoma cells, and high-throughput proteomics and CUT & Tag assays were performed to analyze the candidate for autophagy alteration. RESULTS Here, we revealed for the first time that a relatively low dose of metformin induced significant tumorspecific inhibition of the proliferation and migration of ocular melanoma cells both in vitro and in vivo. Intriguingly, we found that metformin significantly attenuated autophagic influx in ocular melanoma cells. Through high-throughput proteomics analysis, we revealed that optineurin (OPTN), which is a key candidate for autophagosome formation and maturation, was significantly downregulated after metformin treatment. Moreover, excessive OPTN expression was associated with an unfavorable prognosis of patients. Most importantly, we found that a histone deacetylase, SIRT1, was significantly upregulated after AMPK activation, resulting in histone deacetylation in the OPTN promoter. CONCLUSIONS Overall, we revealed for the first time that metformin significantly inhibited the progression of ocular melanoma, and verified that metformin acted as an autophagy inhibitor through histone deacetylation of OPTN. This study provides novel insights into metformin - guided suppression of ocular melanoma and the potential mechanism underlying the dual role of metformin in autophagy regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Zhuang
- Department of OphthalmologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghaiChina
| | - Peiwei Chai
- Department of OphthalmologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghaiChina
| | - Shaoyun Wang
- Department of OphthalmologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghaiChina
| | - Sipeng Zuo
- Department of OphthalmologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghaiChina
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of OphthalmologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghaiChina
| | - Shichong Jia
- Department of OphthalmologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghaiChina
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of OphthalmologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghaiChina
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of OphthalmologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghaiChina
| | - Yixiong Zhou
- Department of OphthalmologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghaiChina
| | - Wodong Shi
- Department of OphthalmologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghaiChina
| | - Xiaofang Xu
- Department of OphthalmologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghaiChina
| | - Jing Ruan
- Department of OphthalmologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghaiChina
| | - Xianqun Fan
- Department of OphthalmologyNinth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghaiChina
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Abstract
Mucins are an ancient group of glycoproteins that provide viscoelastic, lubricating and hydration properties to fluids bathing wet surfaced epithelia. They are involved in the protection of underlying tissues by forming a barrier with selective permeability properties. The expression, processing and spatial distribution of mucins are often determined by organ-specific requirements that in the eye involve protecting against environmental insult while allowing the passage of light. The human ocular surface epithelia have evolved to produce an extremely thin and watery tear film containing a distinct soluble mucin product secreted by goblet cells outside the visual axis. The adaptation to the ocular environment is notably evidenced by the significant contribution of transmembrane mucins to the tear film, where they can occupy up to one-quarter of its total thickness. This article reviews the tissue-specific properties of human ocular mucins, methods of isolation and detection, and current approaches to model mucin systems recapitulating the human ocular surface mucosa. This knowledge forms the fundamental basis to develop applications with a promising biological and clinical impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Argüeso
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
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Escobedo SE, Shah A, Easton AN, Hall H, Weake VM. Characterizing a gene expression toolkit for eye- and photoreceptor-specific expression in Drosophila. Fly (Austin) 2021; 15:73-88. [PMID: 33899690 PMCID: PMC8078738 DOI: 10.1080/19336934.2021.1915683] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Binary expression systems are a powerful tool for tissue- and cell-specific research. Many of the currently available Drosophila eye-specific drivers have not been systematically characterized for their expression level and cell-type specificity in the adult eye or during development. Here, we used a luciferase reporter to measure expression levels of different drivers in the adult Drosophila eye, and characterized the cell type-specificity of each driver using a fluorescent reporter in live 10-day-old adult males. We also further characterized the expression pattern of these drivers in various developmental stages. We compared several Gal4 drivers from the Bloomington Drosophila Stock Center (BDSC) including GMR-Gal4, longGMR-Gal4 and Rh1-Gal4 with newly developed Gal4 and QF2 drivers that are specific to different cell types in the adult eye. In addition, we generated drug-inducible Rh1-GSGal4 lines and compared their induced expression with an available GMR-GSGal4 line. Although both lines had significant induction of gene expression measured by luciferase activity, Rh1-GSGal4 was expressed at levels below the detection of the fluorescent reporter by confocal microscopy, while GMR-GSGal4 showed substantial reporter expression in the absence of drug by microscopy. Overall, our study systematically characterizes and compares a large toolkit of eye- and photoreceptor-specific drivers, while also uncovering some of the limitations of currently available expression systems in the adult eye.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aashka Shah
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Alyssa N. Easton
- Department of Agriculture and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Hana Hall
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Vikki M. Weake
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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Martin Ask N, Leung M, Radhakrishnan R, Lobo GP. Vitamin A Transporters in Visual Function: A Mini Review on Membrane Receptors for Dietary Vitamin A Uptake, Storage, and Transport to the Eye. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13113987. [PMID: 34836244 PMCID: PMC8620617 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamins are essential compounds obtained through diet that are necessary for normal development and function in an organism. One of the most important vitamins for human physiology is vitamin A, a group of retinoid compounds and carotenoids, which generally function as a mediator for cell growth, differentiation, immunity, and embryonic development, as well as serving as a key component in the phototransduction cycle in the vertebrate retina. For humans, vitamin A is obtained through the diet, where provitamin A carotenoids such as β-carotene from plants or preformed vitamin A such as retinyl esters from animal sources are absorbed into the body via the small intestine and converted into all-trans retinol within the intestinal enterocytes. Specifically, once absorbed, carotenoids are cleaved by carotenoid cleavage oxygenases (CCOs), such as Beta-carotene 15,15’-monooxygenase (BCO1), to produce all-trans retinal that subsequently gets converted into all-trans retinol. CRBP2 bound retinol is then converted into retinyl esters (REs) by the enzyme lecithin retinol acyltransferase (LRAT) in the endoplasmic reticulum, which is then packaged into chylomicrons and sent into the bloodstream for storage in hepatic stellate cells in the liver or for functional use in peripheral tissues such as the retina. All-trans retinol also travels through the bloodstream bound to retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), where it enters cells with the assistance of the transmembrane transporters, stimulated by retinoic acid 6 (STRA6) in peripheral tissues or retinol binding protein 4 receptor 2 (RBPR2) in systemic tissues (e.g., in the retina and the liver, respectively). Much is known about the intake, metabolism, storage, and function of vitamin A compounds, especially with regard to its impact on eye development and visual function in the retinoid cycle. However, there is much to learn about the role of vitamin A as a transcription factor in development and cell growth, as well as how peripheral cells signal hepatocytes to secrete all-trans retinol into the blood for peripheral cell use. This article aims to review literature regarding the major known pathways of vitamin A intake from dietary sources into hepatocytes, vitamin A excretion by hepatocytes, as well as vitamin A usage within the retinoid cycle in the RPE and retina to provide insight on future directions of novel membrane transporters for vitamin A in retinal cell physiology and visual function.
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