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Chen X, Yu Y, Nie H, Qin X, Bai W, Ren J, Yao J, Li J, Jiang Q. Insights into adeno-associated virus-based ocular gene therapy: A bibliometric and visual analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e34043. [PMID: 37327269 PMCID: PMC10270495 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000034043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adeno-associated virus (AAV) plays a vital role in ocular gene therapy and has been widely studied since 1996. This study summarizes and explores the publication outputs and future research trends of AAV-based ocular gene therapy. METHODS Publications and data about AAV-based ocular gene therapy were downloaded from the Web of Science Core Collection or ClinicalTrials.gov database. The publications and data were analyzed by Microsoft Excel, CiteSpace, VOS viewer, and a free online platform (http://bibliometric.com). RESULTS Totally 832 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection relevant to AAV-based ocular gene therapy were published from 1996 to 2022. These publications were contributed by research institutes from 42 countries or regions. The US contributed the most publications among these countries or regions, notably the University of Florida. Hauswirth WW was the most productive author. "Efficacy" and "safety" are the main focus areas for future research according to the references and keywords analysis. Eighty clinical trials examined AAV-based ocular gene therapy were registered on ClinicalTrials.Gov. Institutes from the US and European did the dominant number or the large proportion of the trials. CONCLUSIONS The research focus of the AAV-based ocular gene therapy has transitioned from the study in biological theory to clinical trialing. The AAV-based gene therapy is not limited to inherited retinal diseases but various ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huiling Nie
- Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xun Qin
- Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wen Bai
- Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junsong Ren
- Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin Yao
- Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Juxue Li
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qin Jiang
- Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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2
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Zhen F, Zou T, Wang T, Zhou Y, Dong S, Zhang H. Rhodopsin-associated retinal dystrophy: Disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1132179. [PMID: 37077319 PMCID: PMC10106759 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1132179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhodopsin is a light-sensitive G protein-coupled receptor that initiates the phototransduction cascade in rod photoreceptors. Mutations in the rhodopsin-encoding gene RHO are the leading cause of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP). To date, more than 200 mutations have been identified in RHO. The high allelic heterogeneity of RHO mutations suggests complicated pathogenic mechanisms. Here, we discuss representative RHO mutations as examples to briefly summarize the mechanisms underlying rhodopsin-related retinal dystrophy, which include but are not limited to endoplasmic reticulum stress and calcium ion dysregulation resulting from protein misfolding, mistrafficking, and malfunction. Based on recent advances in our understanding of disease mechanisms, various treatment methods, including adaptation, whole-eye electrical stimulation, and small molecular compounds, have been developed. Additionally, innovative therapeutic treatment strategies, such as antisense oligonucleotide therapy, gene therapy, optogenetic therapy, and stem cell therapy, have achieved promising outcomes in preclinical disease models of rhodopsin mutations. Successful translation of these treatment strategies may effectively ameliorate, prevent or rescue vision loss related to rhodopsin mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Zhen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial Ophthalmic Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tongdan Zou
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ting Wang
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yongwei Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial Ophthalmic Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuqian Dong
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial Ophthalmic Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shuqian Dong, ; Houbin Zhang,
| | - Houbin Zhang
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Shuqian Dong, ; Houbin Zhang,
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3
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Song DJ, Bao XL, Fan B, Li GY. Mechanism of Cone Degeneration in Retinitis Pigmentosa. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:1037-1048. [PMID: 35792991 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01243-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of genetic disorders resulting in inherited blindness due to the degeneration of rod and cone photoreceptors. The various mechanisms underlying rod degeneration primarily rely on genetic mutations, leading to night blindness initially. Cones gradually degenerate after rods are almost eliminated, resulting in varying degrees of visual disability and blindness. The mechanism of cone degeneration remains unclear. An understanding of the mechanisms underlying cone degeneration in RP, a highly heterogeneous disease, is essential to develop novel treatments of RP. Herein, we review recent advancements in the five hypotheses of cone degeneration, including oxidative stress, trophic factors, metabolic stress, light damage, and inflammation activation. We also discuss the connection among these theories to provide a better understanding of secondary cone degeneration in RP. Five current mechanisms of cone degenerations in RP Interactions among different pathways are involved in RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Juan Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Xiao-Li Bao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Bin Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Guang-Yu Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China.
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4
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John MC, Quinn J, Hu ML, Cehajic-Kapetanovic J, Xue K. Gene-agnostic therapeutic approaches for inherited retinal degenerations. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1068185. [PMID: 36710928 PMCID: PMC9881597 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1068185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are associated with mutations in over 250 genes and represent a major cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. While gene augmentation or gene editing therapies could address the underlying genetic mutations in a small subset of patients, their utility remains limited by the great genetic heterogeneity of IRDs and the costs of developing individualised therapies. Gene-agnostic therapeutic approaches target common pathogenic pathways that drive retinal degeneration or provide functional rescue of vision independent of the genetic cause, thus offering potential clinical benefits to all IRD patients. Here, we review the key gene-agnostic approaches, including retinal cell reprogramming and replacement, neurotrophic support, immune modulation and optogenetics. The relative benefits and limitations of these strategies and the timing of clinical interventions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly C. John
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Joel Quinn
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Monica L. Hu
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jasmina Cehajic-Kapetanovic
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kanmin Xue
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
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5
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Karamali F, Behtaj S, Babaei-Abraki S, Hadady H, Atefi A, Savoj S, Soroushzadeh S, Najafian S, Nasr Esfahani MH, Klassen H. Potential therapeutic strategies for photoreceptor degeneration: the path to restore vision. J Transl Med 2022; 20:572. [PMID: 36476500 PMCID: PMC9727916 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03738-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptors (PRs), as the most abundant and light-sensing cells of the neuroretina, are responsible for converting light into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. PR degeneration, including morphological and functional impairment of these cells, causes significant diminution of the retina's ability to detect light, with consequent loss of vision. Recent findings in ocular regenerative medicine have opened promising avenues to apply neuroprotective therapy, gene therapy, cell replacement therapy, and visual prostheses to the challenge of restoring vision. However, successful visual restoration in the clinical setting requires application of these therapeutic approaches at the appropriate stage of the retinal degeneration. In this review, firstly, we discuss the mechanisms of PR degeneration by focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying cell death. Subsequently, innovations, recent developments, and promising treatments based on the stage of disorder progression are further explored. Then, the challenges to be addressed before implementation of these therapies in clinical practice are considered. Finally, potential solutions to overcome the current limitations of this growing research area are suggested. Overall, the majority of current treatment modalities are still at an early stage of development and require extensive additional studies, both pre-clinical and clinical, before full restoration of visual function in PR degeneration diseases can be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Karamali
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sanaz Behtaj
- grid.1022.10000 0004 0437 5432Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia ,grid.1022.10000 0004 0437 5432Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4222 Australia
| | - Shahnaz Babaei-Abraki
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hanieh Hadady
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Atefeh Atefi
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Soraya Savoj
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sareh Soroushzadeh
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Samaneh Najafian
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr Esfahani
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Henry Klassen
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Irvine, CA USA
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6
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Ciliary neurotrophic factor-mediated neuroprotection involves enhanced glycolysis and anabolism in degenerating mouse retinas. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7037. [PMID: 36396639 PMCID: PMC9672129 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34443-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) acts as a potent neuroprotective cytokine in multiple models of retinal degeneration. To understand mechanisms underlying its broad neuroprotective effects, we have investigated the influence of CNTF on metabolism in a mouse model of photoreceptor degeneration. CNTF treatment improves the morphology of photoreceptor mitochondria, but also leads to reduced oxygen consumption and suppressed respiratory chain activities. Molecular analyses show elevated glycolytic pathway gene transcripts and active enzymes. Metabolomics analyses detect significantly higher levels of ATP and the energy currency phosphocreatine, elevated glycolytic pathway metabolites, increased TCA cycle metabolites, lipid biosynthetic pathway intermediates, nucleotides, and amino acids. Moreover, CNTF treatment restores the key antioxidant glutathione to the wild type level. Therefore, CNTF significantly impacts the metabolic status of degenerating retinas by promoting aerobic glycolysis and augmenting anabolic activities. These findings reveal cellular mechanisms underlying enhanced neuronal viability and suggest potential therapies for treating retinal degeneration.
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7
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Markan A, Neupane S, Agrawal R, Gupta V. Newer therapeutic agents for retinal diseases. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/17469899.2022.2030709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Markan
- Advanced Eye Centre, Department of Ophthalmology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Swechya Neupane
- Advanced Eye Centre, Department of Ophthalmology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Rupesh Agrawal
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Sen Hospital, Novena, Singapore
| | - Vishali Gupta
- Advanced Eye Centre, Department of Ophthalmology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
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8
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Amato A, Arrigo A, Aragona E, Manitto MP, Saladino A, Bandello F, Battaglia Parodi M. Gene Therapy in Inherited Retinal Diseases: An Update on Current State of the Art. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:750586. [PMID: 34722588 PMCID: PMC8553993 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.750586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Gene therapy cannot be yet considered a far perspective, but a tangible therapeutic option in the field of retinal diseases. Although still confined in experimental settings, the preliminary results are promising and provide an overall scenario suggesting that we are not so far from the application of gene therapy in clinical settings. The main aim of this review is to provide a complete and updated overview of the current state of the art and of the future perspectives of gene therapy applied on retinal diseases. Methods: We carefully revised the entire literature to report all the relevant findings related to the experimental procedures and the future scenarios of gene therapy applied in retinal diseases. A clinical background and a detailed description of the genetic features of each retinal disease included are also reported. Results: The current literature strongly support the hope of gene therapy options developed for retinal diseases. Although being considered in advanced stages of investigation for some retinal diseases, such as choroideremia (CHM), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and Leber's congenital amaurosis (LCA), gene therapy is still quite far from a tangible application in clinical practice for other retinal diseases. Conclusions: Gene therapy is an extremely promising therapeutic tool for retinal diseases. The experimental data reported in this review offer a strong hope that gene therapy will be effectively available in clinical practice in the next years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Amato
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scientific Institute San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Arrigo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scientific Institute San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Aragona
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scientific Institute San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Manitto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scientific Institute San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Saladino
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scientific Institute San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Bandello
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scientific Institute San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
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9
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Yang C, Georgiou M, Atkinson R, Collin J, Al-Aama J, Nagaraja-Grellscheid S, Johnson C, Ali R, Armstrong L, Mozaffari-Jovin S, Lako M. Pre-mRNA Processing Factors and Retinitis Pigmentosa: RNA Splicing and Beyond. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:700276. [PMID: 34395430 PMCID: PMC8355544 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.700276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common inherited retinal disease characterized by progressive degeneration of photoreceptors and/or retinal pigment epithelium that eventually results in blindness. Mutations in pre-mRNA processing factors (PRPF3, 4, 6, 8, 31, SNRNP200, and RP9) have been linked to 15–20% of autosomal dominant RP (adRP) cases. Current evidence indicates that PRPF mutations cause retinal specific global spliceosome dysregulation, leading to mis-splicing of numerous genes that are involved in a variety of retina-specific functions and/or general biological processes, including phototransduction, retinol metabolism, photoreceptor disk morphogenesis, retinal cell polarity, ciliogenesis, cytoskeleton and tight junction organization, waste disposal, inflammation, and apoptosis. Importantly, additional PRPF functions beyond RNA splicing have been documented recently, suggesting a more complex mechanism underlying PRPF-RPs driven disease pathogenesis. The current review focuses on the key RP-PRPF genes, depicting the current understanding of their roles in RNA splicing, impact of their mutations on retinal cell’s transcriptome and phenome, discussed in the context of model species including yeast, zebrafish, and mice. Importantly, information on PRPF functions beyond RNA splicing are discussed, aiming at a holistic investigation of PRPF-RP pathogenesis. Finally, work performed in human patient-specific lab models and developing gene and cell-based replacement therapies for the treatment of PRPF-RPs are thoroughly discussed to allow the reader to get a deeper understanding of the disease mechanisms, which we believe will facilitate the establishment of novel and better therapeutic strategies for PRPF-RP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunbo Yang
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Georgiou
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Atkinson
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Collin
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Jumana Al-Aama
- Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Colin Johnson
- Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Robin Ali
- King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lyle Armstrong
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Sina Mozaffari-Jovin
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Cellular Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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10
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Ghasemi M, Alizadeh E, Motlagh BF, Zarghami N. The effect of exogenous ciliary neurotrophic factor on cell cycle and neural differentiation markers of in vitro model cells: New insights for future therapeutic approaches. Cell Biochem Funct 2021; 39:636-645. [PMID: 33890305 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Retinoblastoma is known as childhood rare malignancy of the retina. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) was previously found to reduce degeneration and promote retina survival. This work investigated the effects of CNTF supplementation on in-vitro model cells including retinoblastoma (Y79) and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) viability, proliferation, gene expression and cell cycle. A drop of viability was detected in Y79 treated with CNTF in a dose-dependent manner (P < .05). However, the proliferation of AMSCs was increased at lower concentrations of CNTF (5 ng/mL), but declined in higher doses (50 and 100 ng/mL). The BrdU assay confirmed the MTT assay results. Cell cycle was arrested in both Y79 and AMSCs in the G0/G1 phase by CNTF treatment. A considerable down-regulation of Bcl2, CycD1 and N-Myc genes expression (P < .05) inversely, P15 and P21 genes up-regulation in treated Y79 cells was observed. Besides, stemness genes' transcription was reduced in AMSCs (P < .05), and levels of neuronal-specific markers such as neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and neuronal nuclei (NeuN) were increased (P < .05). The findings of this study suggest a promising potential of CNTF in terms of arresting Y79 retinoblastoma cells, and differentiation-inducing to AMSCs, which could be valuable for managing future innovative treatments targeting retinoblastoma. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: We demonstrate that CNTF has the potential to reduce proliferation of Y79 cells and induce the cell cycle arrest of them. Also, down-regulation of oncogenes (such as N-Myc) while up-regulation of tumour suppressor genes (such as P21) was detected by exposure of Y79 cells to CNTF. Furthermore, we observed the cell cycle arrest, reduction of stemness gene and up-regulation of neural differentiation markers in AMSCs treated with CNTF. These results support the probable promising effects of CNTF for controlling retinoblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Ghasemi
- Stem Cell Research Center (SRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Effat Alizadeh
- Stem Cell Research Center (SRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Fallahi Motlagh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nikokar Eye Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nosratollah Zarghami
- Stem Cell Research Center (SRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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11
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Itkonen J, Annala A, Tavakoli S, Arango-Gonzalez B, Ueffing M, Toropainen E, Ruponen M, Casteleijn MG, Urtti A. Characterization, Stability, and in Vivo Efficacy Studies of Recombinant Human CNTF and Its Permeation into the Neural Retina in ex Vivo Organotypic Retinal Explant Culture Models. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12070611. [PMID: 32629980 PMCID: PMC7408322 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12070611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is one of the most studied neuroprotective agents with acknowledged potential in treating diseases of the posterior eye segment. Although its efficacy and mechanisms of action in the retina have been studied extensively, it is still not comprehensively understood which retinal cells mediate the therapeutic effects of CNTF. As with therapeutic proteins in general, it is poorly elucidated whether exogenous CNTF administered into the vitreous can enter and distribute into the retina and hence reach potentially responsive target cells. Here, we have characterized our purified recombinant human CNTF (rhCNTF), studied the protein’s in vitro bioactivity in a cell-based assay, and evaluated the thermodynamic and oligomeric status of the protein during storage. Biological activity of rhCNTF was further evaluated in vivo in an animal model of retinal degeneration. The retinal penetration and distribution of rhCNTF after 24 h was studied utilizing two ex vivo retina models. Based on our characterization findings, our rhCNTF is correctly folded and biologically active. Moreover, based on initial screening and subsequent follow-up, we identified two buffers in which rhCNTF retains its stability during storage. Whereas rhCNTF did not show photoreceptor preservative effect or improve the function of photoreceptors in vivo, this could possibly be due to the used disease model or the short duration of action with a single intravitreal injection of rhCNTF. On the other hand, the lack of in vivo efficacy was shown to not be due to distribution limitations; permeation into the retina was observed in both retinal explant models as in 24 h rhCNTF penetrated the inner limiting membrane, and being mostly observed in the ganglion cell layer, distributed to different layers of the neural retina. As rhCNTF can reach deeper retinal layers, in general, having direct effects on resident CNTF-responsive target cells is plausible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaakko Itkonen
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; (S.T.); (M.G.C.)
- Correspondence: (J.I.); (A.U.)
| | - Ada Annala
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.A.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Science, Utrecht University, David de Wiedgebouw, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Shirin Tavakoli
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; (S.T.); (M.G.C.)
| | - Blanca Arango-Gonzalez
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Strasse 7, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (B.A.-G.); (M.U.)
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Strasse 7, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (B.A.-G.); (M.U.)
| | - Elisa Toropainen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.A.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
| | - Marika Ruponen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.A.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
| | - Marco G. Casteleijn
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; (S.T.); (M.G.C.)
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Solutions for Natural Resources and Environment, Tietotie 2, Espoo, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 VTT, Finland
| | - Arto Urtti
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; (S.T.); (M.G.C.)
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.A.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
- Laboratory of Biohybrid Technologies, Institute of Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskii pr. 26, Peterhoff, 198504 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Correspondence: (J.I.); (A.U.)
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12
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Liu X, Feng B, Vats A, Tang H, Seibel W, Swaroop M, Tawa G, Zheng W, Byrne L, Schurdak M, Chen Y. Pharmacological clearance of misfolded rhodopsin for the treatment of RHO-associated retinitis pigmentosa. FASEB J 2020; 34:10146-10167. [PMID: 32536017 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000282r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Rhodopsin mutation and misfolding is a common cause of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Using a luciferase reporter assay, we undertook a small-molecule high-throughput screening (HTS) of 68, 979 compounds and identified nine compounds that selectively reduced the misfolded P23H rhodopsin without an effect on the wild type (WT) rhodopsin protein. Further, we found five of these compounds, including methotrexate (MTX), promoted P23H rhodopsin degradation that also cleared out other misfolded rhodopsin mutant proteins. We showed MTX increased P23H rhodopsin degradation via the lysosomal but not the proteasomal pathway. Importantly, one intravitreal injection (IVI) of 25 pmol MTX increased electroretinogram (ERG) response and rhodopsin level in the retinae of RhoP23H/+ knock-in mice at 1 month of age. Additionally, four weekly IVIs increased the photoreceptor cell number in the retinae of RhoP23H/+ mice compared to vehicle control. Our study indicates a therapeutic potential of repurposing MTX for the treatment of rhodopsin-associated RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xujie Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bing Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Abhishek Vats
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hong Tang
- Drug Discovery Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - William Seibel
- Drug Discovery Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Oncology Department, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Manju Swaroop
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gregory Tawa
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Wei Zheng
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Leah Byrne
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mark Schurdak
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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13
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Toms D, Al-Ani A, Sunba S, Tong QYV, Workentine M, Ungrin M. Automated Hypothesis Generation to Identify Signals Relevant in the Development of Mammalian Cell and Tissue Bioprocesses, With Validation in a Retinal Culture System. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:534. [PMID: 32582664 PMCID: PMC7287043 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We have developed an accessible software tool (receptoR) to predict potentially active signaling pathways in one or more cell type(s) of interest from publicly available transcriptome data. As proof-of-concept, we applied it to mouse photoreceptors, yielding the previously untested hypothesis that activin signaling pathways are active in these cells. Expression of the type 2 activin receptor (Acvr2a) was experimentally confirmed by both RT-qPCR and immunochemistry, and activation of this signaling pathway with recombinant activin A significantly enhanced the survival of magnetically sorted photoreceptors in culture. Taken together, we demonstrate that our approach can be easily used to mine publicly available transcriptome data and generate hypotheses around receptor expression that can be used to identify novel signaling pathways in specific cell types of interest. We anticipate that receptoR (available at https://www.ucalgary.ca/ungrinlab/receptoR) will enable more efficient use of limited research resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Toms
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Abdullah Al-Ani
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Leaders in Medicine Program, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Saud Sunba
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Qing Yun Victor Tong
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Matthew Workentine
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Mark Ungrin
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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14
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Xiang Z, Kurupati RK, Li Y, Kuranda K, Zhou X, Mingozzi F, High KA, Ertl HCJ. The Effect of CpG Sequences on Capsid-Specific CD8 + T Cell Responses to AAV Vector Gene Transfer. Mol Ther 2019; 28:771-783. [PMID: 31839483 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Transfer of genes by adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors is benefiting patients with particular genetic defects. Challenges remain by rejection of AAV-transduced cells, which may be caused by CD8+ T lymphocytes directed to AAV capsid antigens. Reducing the number of CpG motifs from the genome of AAV vectors reduces expansion of naive T cells directed against an epitope within the capsid. In contrast, AAV capsid-specific memory CD8+ T cells respond more vigorously to AAV vectors lacking CpG motifs than to those with CpG motifs presumably reflecting dampening of T cell expansion by cytokines from the innate immune system. Depending on the purification method, AAV vector preparations can contain substantial amounts of empty AAV particles that failed to package the genome. Others have used empty particles as decoys to AAV-neutralizing antibodies. We tested if empty AAV vectors given alone or mixed with genome-containing AAV vectors induce proliferation of naive or memory CD8+ T cells directed to an antigen within an AAV capsid. Naive CD8+ T cells failed to respond to empty AAV vectors, which in contrast induced expansion of AAV-specific memory CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yan Li
- Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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15
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Di Pierdomenico J, Scholz R, Valiente-Soriano FJ, Sánchez-Migallón MC, Vidal-Sanz M, Langmann T, Agudo-Barriuso M, García-Ayuso D, Villegas-Pérez MP. Neuroprotective Effects of FGF2 and Minocycline in Two Animal Models of Inherited Retinal Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:4392-4403. [PMID: 30193320 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to study the effect of minocycline and several neurotrophic factors, alone or in combination, on photoreceptor survival and macro/microglial reactivity in two rat models of retinal degeneration. Methods P23H-1 (rhodopsin mutation), Royal College of Surgeon (RCS, pigment epithelium malfunction), and age-matched control rats (Sprague-Dawley and Pievald Viro Glaxo, respectively) were divided into three groups that received at P10 for P23H-1 rats or P33 for RCS rats: (1) one intravitreal injection (IVI) of one of the following neurotrophic factors: ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), or basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2); (2) daily intraperitoneal administration of minocycline; or (3) a combination of IVI of FGF2 and intraperitoneal minocycline. All animals were processed 12 days after treatment initiation. Retinal microglial cells and cone photoreceptors were immunodetected and analyzed qualitatively in cross sections. The numbers of microglial cells in the different retinal layers and number of nuclei rows in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) were quantified. Results IVI of CNTF, PEDF, or FGF2 improved the morphology of the photoreceptors outer segment, but only FGF2 rescued a significant number of photoreceptors. None of the trophic factors had qualitative or quantitative effects on microglial cells. Minocycline treatment reduced activation and migration of microglia and produced a significant rescue of photoreceptors. Combined treatment with minocycline and FGF2 had higher neuroprotective effects than each of the treatments alone. Conclusions In two animal models of photoreceptor degeneration with different etiologies, minocycline reduces microglial activation and migration, and FGF2 and minocycline increase photoreceptor survival. The combination of FGF2 and minocycline show greater neuroprotective effects than their isolated effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny Di Pierdomenico
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Rebecca Scholz
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - F Javier Valiente-Soriano
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Maria C Sánchez-Migallón
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Thomas Langmann
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marta Agudo-Barriuso
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Diego García-Ayuso
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - María Paz Villegas-Pérez
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
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16
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A light in the dark: state of the art and perspectives in optogenetics and optopharmacology for restoring vision. Future Med Chem 2019; 11:463-487. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2018-0315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, innovative therapeutic strategies against inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) have emerged. In particular, chemical- and opto-genetics approaches or a combination of them have been identified for modulating neuronal/optical activity in order to restore vision in blinding diseases. The ‘chemical-genetics approach’ (optopharmacology) uses small molecules (exogenous photoswitches) for restoring light sensitivity by activating ion channels. The ‘opto-genetics approach’ employs light-activated photosensitive proteins (exogenous opsins), introduced by viral vectors in injured tissues, to restore light response. These approaches offer control of neuronal activities with spatial precision and limited invasiveness, although with some drawbacks. Currently, a combined therapeutic strategy (optogenetic pharmacology) is emerging. This review describes the state of the art and provides an overview of the future perspectives in vision restoration.
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17
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Wang AL, Knight DK, Vu TTT, Mehta MC. Retinitis Pigmentosa: Review of Current Treatment. Int Ophthalmol Clin 2019; 59:263-280. [PMID: 30585930 DOI: 10.1097/iio.0000000000000256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
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18
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Li S, Sato K, Gordon WC, Sendtner M, Bazan NG, Jin M. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) protects retinal cone and rod photoreceptors by suppressing excessive formation of the visual pigments. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:15256-15268. [PMID: 30115683 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.004008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-dependent visual cycle provides 11-cis-retinal to opsins in the photoreceptor outer segments to generate functional visual pigments that initiate phototransduction in response to light stimuli. Both RPE65 isomerase of the visual cycle and the rhodopsin visual pigment have recently been identified as critical players in mediating light-induced retinal degeneration. These findings suggest that the expression and function of RPE65 and rhodopsin need to be coordinately controlled to sustain normal vision and to protect the retina from photodamage. However, the mechanism controlling the development of the retinal visual system remains poorly understood. Here, we show that deficiency in ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) up-regulates the levels of rod and cone opsins accompanied by an increase in the thickness of the outer nuclear layers and the lengths of cone and rod outer segments in the mouse retina. Moreover, retinoid isomerase activity, expression levels of RPE65 and lecithin:retinol acyltransferase (LRAT), which synthesizes the RPE65 substrate, were also significantly increased in the Cntf -/- RPE. Rod a-wave and cone b-wave amplitudes of electroretinograms were increased in Cntf -/- mice, but rod b-wave amplitudes were unchanged compared with those in WT mice. Up-regulated RPE65 and LRAT levels accelerated both the visual cycle rate and recovery rate of rod light sensitivity in Cntf -/- mice. Of note, rods and cones in Cntf -/- mice exhibited hypersusceptibility to light-induced degeneration. These results indicate that CNTF is a common extracellular factor that prevents excessive production of opsins, the photoreceptor outer segments, and 11-cis-retinal to protect rods and cones from photodamage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songhua Li
- From the Neuroscience Center of Excellence and
| | - Kota Sato
- From the Neuroscience Center of Excellence and
| | - William C Gordon
- From the Neuroscience Center of Excellence and.,Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112 and
| | - Michael Sendtner
- the Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, D-97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nicolas G Bazan
- From the Neuroscience Center of Excellence and.,Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112 and
| | - Minghao Jin
- From the Neuroscience Center of Excellence and .,Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112 and
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19
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Trapani I, Auricchio A. Seeing the Light after 25 Years of Retinal Gene Therapy. Trends Mol Med 2018; 24:669-681. [PMID: 29983335 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2018.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The retina has been at the forefront of translational gene therapy. Proof-of-concept that gene therapy could restore vision in a large animal led to the initiation of the first successful clinical trials and, in turn, to the recent approval of the first gene therapy product for an ocular disease. As dozens of clinical trials of retinal gene therapy have begun, new challenges are identified, which include delivery of large genes, counteracting gain-of-function mutations, and safe and effective gene transfer to diseased retinas. Advancements in vector design, improvements of delivery routes, and selection of optimal timing for intervention will contribute to extend the initial success of retinal gene therapy to an increasing number of inherited blinding conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Trapani
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy; Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy; Department of Advanced Biomedicine, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
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20
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Petit L, Ma S, Cheng SY, Gao G, Punzo C. Rod Outer Segment Development Influences AAV-Mediated Photoreceptor Transduction After Subretinal Injection. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 28:464-481. [PMID: 28510482 PMCID: PMC5488363 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vectors based on the adeno-associated virus (AAV) are currently the preferred tools for delivering genes to photoreceptors (PR) in small and large animals. AAVs have been applied successfully in various models of PR dystrophies. However, unknown barriers still limit AAV's efficient application in several forms of severe PR degenerations due to insufficient transgene expression and/or treated cells at the time of injection. Optimizations of PR gene therapy strategies will likely benefit from the identification of the cellular factors that influence PR transduction. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that the AAV transduction profile of PRs differs significantly between neonatal and adult mouse retinas after subretinal injection. This phenomenon may provide clues to identify host factors that influence the efficiency of AAV-mediated PR transduction. This study demonstrates that rod outer segments are critical modulators of efficient AAV-mediated rod transduction. During retinal development, rod transduction correlated temporally and spatially with the differentiation order of PRs when vectors were introduced subretinally but not when introduced intravitreally. All subretinally injected vectors had an initial preference to transduce cones in the absence of formed rod outer segments and then displayed a preference for rods as the cells matured, independently of the expression cassette or AAV serotype. Consistent with this observation, altered development of rod outer segments was associated with a strong reduction of rod transduction and an increase in the percentage of transduced cones by 2- to 2.8-fold. A similar increase of cone transduction was observed in the adult retinal degeneration 1 (rd1) retina compared to wild-type mice. These results suggest that the loss of rod outer segments in diseased retinas could markedly affect gene transfer efficiency of AAV vectors by limiting the ability of AAVs to infect dying rods efficiently. This information could be exploited for the development of more efficient AAV-based PR gene delivery procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lolita Petit
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Shan Ma
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Shun-Yun Cheng
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Guangping Gao
- 3 Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Claudio Punzo
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts.,2 Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
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21
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Heo JH, Yoon JA, Ahn EK, Kim H, Urm SH, Oak CO, Yu BC, Lee SJ. Intraperitoneal administration of adipose tissue-derived stem cells for the rescue of retinal degeneration in a mouse model via indigenous CNTF up-regulation by IL-6. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 12:e1370-e1382. [PMID: 28715614 DOI: 10.1002/term.2522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
As the world's population begins to age, retinal degeneration is an increasing problem, and various treatment modalities are being developed. However, there have been no therapies for degenerative retinal conditions that are not characterized by neovascularization. We investigated whether transplantation of mouse adipose tissue-derived stem cells (mADSC) into the intraperitoneal space has a rescue effect on NaIO3 -induced retinal degeneration in mice. In this study, mADSC transplantation recovered visual function and preserved the retinal outer layer structure compared to the control group without any integration of mADSC into the retina. Moreover, endogenous ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) was elevated in the retinas of mADSC-treated mice. We found that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or LPS-stimulated monocyte supernatant induced the secretion of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF), CD54, CXCL10, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and CCL5 from the mADSC by cytokine array. Network inference was conducted to investigate signaling networks related to CNTF regulation. Based on bioinformatics data, the expression of IL-6 was related to the expression of CNTF. Additionally, intravitreal injection of IL-6 in rats produced up-regulation of endogenous CNTF in the retina. mADSC had a rescue effect on retinal degeneration through the up-regulation of endogenous CNTF by IL-6. Thus, transplantation of mADSC could be a potential treatment option for retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Hoon Heo
- Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Kosin University, Pusan, Korea.,Institute for Medicine, College of Medicine, Kosin University, Pusan, Korea
| | - Jung Ae Yoon
- Department of Dental Hygiene, Dong Ju College, Pusan, Korea
| | - Eun Kyung Ahn
- Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Science, Dong-A University, Pusan, Korea
| | - Hyun Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Kosin University, Pusan, Korea
| | - Sang Hwa Urm
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Inje University College of Medicine, Pusan, Korea
| | - Chul Oh Oak
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kosin University, Pusan, Korea
| | - Byeng Chul Yu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Kosin University, Pusan, Korea
| | - Sang Joon Lee
- Institute for Medicine, College of Medicine, Kosin University, Pusan, Korea.,Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Kosin University, Pusan, Korea
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22
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Ghasemi M, Alizadeh E, Saei Arezoumand K, Fallahi Motlagh B, Zarghami N. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) delivery to retina: an overview of current research advancements. ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2017; 46:1694-1707. [PMID: 29065723 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2017.1391820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The intraocular administration of the ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) has been found to attenuate the photoreceptor degeneration and preserve retinal functions in the animal research models of the inherited or induced retinal disease. Studies with the aim of CNTF transfer to the posterior segment inside the eye have been directed to determine the best method for its administration. An ideal delivery method would overcome the eye drug elimination mechanisms or barriers and provide the sustained release of the CNTF into retina in the safest fashion with the minimum harm to the quality of life. This review focuses on the present state of CNTF delivery to retina, also provides an overview of available technologies and their challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Ghasemi
- a The Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Research Center (UCSRC) , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran.,b Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
| | - Effat Alizadeh
- a The Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Research Center (UCSRC) , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran.,b Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
| | - Khatereh Saei Arezoumand
- b Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
| | | | - Nosratollah Zarghami
- a The Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Research Center (UCSRC) , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran.,b Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran.,d Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
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23
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Awwad S, Mohamed Ahmed AHA, Sharma G, Heng JS, Khaw PT, Brocchini S, Lockwood A. Principles of pharmacology in the eye. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:4205-4223. [PMID: 28865239 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The eye is a highly specialized organ that is subject to a huge range of pathology. Both local and systemic disease may affect different anatomical regions of the eye. The least invasive routes for ocular drug administration are topical (e.g. eye drops) and systemic (e.g. tablets) formulations. Barriers that subserve as protection against pathogen entry also restrict drug permeation. Topically administered drugs often display limited bioavailability due to many physical and biochemical barriers including the pre-corneal tear film, the structure and biophysiological properties of the cornea, the limited volume that can be accommodated by the cul-de-sac, the lacrimal drainage system and reflex tearing. The tissue layers of the cornea and conjunctiva are further key factors that act to restrict drug delivery. Using carriers that enhance viscosity or bind to the ocular surface increases bioavailability. Matching the pH and polarity of drug molecules to the tissue layers allows greater penetration. Drug delivery to the posterior segment is a greater challenge and, currently, the standard route is via intravitreal injection, notwithstanding the risks of endophthalmitis and retinal detachment with frequent injections. Intraocular implants that allow sustained drug release are at different stages of development. Novel exciting therapeutic approaches include methods for promoting transscleral delivery, sustained release devices, nanotechnology and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Awwad
- UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Abeer H A Mohamed Ahmed
- UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Garima Sharma
- UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Jacob S Heng
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Peng T Khaw
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Steve Brocchini
- UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Alastair Lockwood
- Department of Ophthalmology, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, UK
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Auricchio A, Smith AJ, Ali RR. The Future Looks Brighter After 25 Years of Retinal Gene Therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 28:982-987. [PMID: 28825330 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The first report of in vivo gene delivery to the retina dates back to 1987 when a retroviral vector was injected intraocularly in newborn mice. Later came the observation that retinal cells could be successfully transduced using adenoviral and then adeno-associated and lentiviral vectors. By 2000, it had become clear that the eye, compared to other organs and tissues, provides a number of advantages for in vivo gene therapy with regard to safety, efficacy, and route to clinical application. This has prompted the development of many successful proof-of-concept studies in animal models. The demonstration that sight could be restored in a large-animal model with a congenital form of blindness was a major landmark that opened the door to the first-in-human trials for recessively inherited blinding conditions. With these first human studies demonstrating safety as well as some efficacy, retinal gene therapy has now come of age. Rapid clinical development has highlighted various new challenges, including the treatment of patients with advanced photoreceptor degeneration or dominantly inherited retinal dystrophies and those with defects in large genes. Yet, given the progress over the last 25 years, a bright future is expected for retinal gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Auricchio
- 1 Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine , Pozzuoli, Italy.,2 Department of Advanced Biomedicine, "Federico II" University , Naples, Italy
| | - Alexander J Smith
- 3 Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology , London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin R Ali
- 3 Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology , London, United Kingdom.,4 Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Ribas VT, Costa MR. Gene Manipulation Strategies to Identify Molecular Regulators of Axon Regeneration in the Central Nervous System. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:231. [PMID: 28824380 PMCID: PMC5545589 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Limited axon regeneration in the injured adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) usually results in irreversible functional deficits. Both the presence of extrinsic inhibitory molecules at the injury site and the intrinsically low capacity of adult neurons to grow axons are responsible for the diminished capacity of regeneration in the adult CNS. Conversely, in the embryonic CNS, neurons show a high regenerative capacity, mostly due to the expression of genes that positively control axon growth and downregulation of genes that inhibit axon growth. A better understanding of the role of these key genes controlling pro-regenerative mechanisms is pivotal to develop strategies to promote robust axon regeneration following adult CNS injury. Genetic manipulation techniques have been widely used to investigate the role of specific genes or a combination of different genes in axon regrowth. This review summarizes a myriad of studies that used genetic manipulations to promote axon growth in the injured CNS. We also review the roles of some of these genes during CNS development and suggest possible approaches to identify new candidate genes. Finally, we critically address the main advantages and pitfalls of gene-manipulation techniques, and discuss new strategies to promote robust axon regeneration in the mature CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius T Ribas
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas GeraisBelo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marcos R Costa
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do NorteNatal, Brazil
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26
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Zhou WD, Wang LL, Zhou LB, Bin W, Bao TP, Zhang Y, Shu J, Yang WX, Hui LL, Jin R, Zhuang LL, Zhou GP. All-trans retinoic acid upregulates the expression of ciliary neurotrophic factor in retinal pigment epithelial cells. Cell Biochem Funct 2017; 35:202-208. [PMID: 28589680 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity, a leading cause of visual impairment in low birth-weight infants, remains a crucial therapeutic challenge. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is a promyelinating trophic factor that promotes rod and cone photoreceptor survival and cone outer segment regeneration in the degenerating retina. Ciliary neurotrophic factor expression is regulated by many factors such as all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). In this study, we found that ATRA increased CNTF expression in mouse retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and PKA signaling pathway is necessary for ATRA-induced CNTF upregulation. Furthermore, we showed that ATRA promoted CNTF expression through CREB binding to its promoter region. In addition, CNTF levels were decreased in serum of retinopathy of prematurity children and in retinal tissue of oxygen-induced retinopathy mice. In mouse RPE cells cultured with high oxygen, CNTF expression and secretion were decreased, but could be recovered after treatment with ATRA. In conclusion, our data suggest that ATRA administration upregulates CNTF expression in RPE cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Di Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Huai'an First People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lu-Lu Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lan-Bo Zhou
- 2013 Clinical Class 7, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R., China
| | - Wei Bin
- Department of Pediatrics, Huai'an First People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tian-Ping Bao
- Department of Pediatrics, Huai'an First People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jin Shu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei-Xia Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Liang-Liang Hui
- Department of Pediatrics, Huai'an First People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Rui Jin
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li-Li Zhuang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Guo-Ping Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
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27
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Birch DG, Bennett LD, Duncan JL, Weleber RG, Pennesi ME. Long-term Follow-up of Patients With Retinitis Pigmentosa Receiving Intraocular Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor Implants. Am J Ophthalmol 2016; 170:10-14. [PMID: 27457255 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2016.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the long-term efficacy of ciliary neurotrophic factor delivered via an intraocular encapsulated cell implant for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa. DESIGN Long-term follow-up of a multicenter, sham-controlled study. METHODS Thirty-six patients at 3 CNTF4 sites were randomly assigned to receive a high- or low-dose implant in 1 eye and sham surgery in the fellow eye. The primary endpoint (change in visual field sensitivity at 12 months) had been reported previously. Here we measure long-term visual acuity, visual field, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) outcomes in 24 patients either retaining or explanting the device at 24 months relative to sham-treated eyes. RESULTS Eyes retaining the implant showed significantly greater visual field loss from baseline than either explanted eyes or sham eyes through 42 months. By 60 months and continuing through 96 months, visual field loss was comparable among sham-treated eyes, eyes retaining the implant, and explanted eyes, as was visual acuity and OCT macular volume. CONCLUSIONS Over the short term, ciliary neurotrophic factor released continuously from an intravitreal implant led to loss of total visual field sensitivity that was greater than the natural progression in the sham-treated eye. This additional loss of sensitivity related to the active implant was reversible when the implant was removed. Over the long term (60-96 months), there was no evidence of efficacy for visual acuity, visual field sensitivity, or OCT measures of retinal structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Birch
- Retina Foundation of the Southwest, Dallas, Texas; Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
| | | | - Jacque L Duncan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Richard G Weleber
- Oregon Health & Science University Casey Eye Institute, Portland, Oregon
| | - Mark E Pennesi
- Oregon Health & Science University Casey Eye Institute, Portland, Oregon
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28
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Kimura A, Namekata K, Guo X, Harada C, Harada T. Neuroprotection, Growth Factors and BDNF-TrkB Signalling in Retinal Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17091584. [PMID: 27657046 PMCID: PMC5037849 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17091584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophic factors play key roles in the development and survival of neurons. The potent neuroprotective effects of neurotrophic factors, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), suggest that they are good therapeutic candidates for neurodegenerative diseases. Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease of the eye that causes irreversible blindness. It is characterized by damage to the optic nerve, usually due to high intraocular pressure (IOP), and progressive degeneration of retinal neurons called retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Current therapy for glaucoma focuses on reduction of IOP, but neuroprotection may also be beneficial. BDNF is a powerful neuroprotective agent especially for RGCs. Exogenous application of BDNF to the retina and increased BDNF expression in retinal neurons using viral vector systems are both effective in protecting RGCs from damage. Furthermore, induction of BDNF expression by agents such as valproic acid has also been beneficial in promoting RGC survival. In this review, we discuss the therapeutic potential of neurotrophic factors in retinal diseases and focus on the differential roles of glial and neuronal TrkB in neuroprotection. We also discuss the role of neurotrophic factors in neuroregeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuko Kimura
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan.
| | - Kazuhiko Namekata
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan.
| | - Xiaoli Guo
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan.
| | - Chikako Harada
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan.
| | - Takayuki Harada
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan.
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Abstract
Over the last few years, huge progress has been made with regard to the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases of the eye. Such knowledge has led to the development of gene therapy approaches to treat these devastating disorders. Challenges regarding the efficacy and efficiency of therapeutic gene delivery have driven the development of novel therapeutic approaches, which continue to evolve the field of ocular gene therapy. In this review article, we will discuss the evolution of preclinical and clinical strategies that have improved gene therapy in the eye, showing that treatment of vision loss has a bright future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lolita Petit
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Hemant Khanna
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts.,2 Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Claudio Punzo
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts.,2 Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
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30
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Retinal gene delivery by adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors: Strategies and applications. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2015; 95:343-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2015.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Revised: 01/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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31
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Lipinski DM, Barnard AR, Singh MS, Martin C, Lee EJ, Davies WIL, MacLaren RE. CNTF Gene Therapy Confers Lifelong Neuroprotection in a Mouse Model of Human Retinitis Pigmentosa. Mol Ther 2015; 23:1308-1319. [PMID: 25896245 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2015.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The long-term outcome of neuroprotection as a therapeutic strategy for preventing cell death in neurodegenerative disorders remains unknown, primarily due to slow disease progression and the inherent difficulty of assessing neuronal survival in vivo. Employing a murine model of retinal disease, we demonstrate that ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) confers life-long protection against photoreceptor degeneration. Repetitive retinal imaging allowed the survival of intrinsically fluorescent cone photoreceptors to be quantified in vivo. Imaging of the visual cortex and assessment of visually-evoked behavioral responses demonstrated that surviving cones retain function and signal correctly to the brain. The mechanisms underlying CNTF-mediated neuroprotection were explored through transcriptome analysis, revealing widespread upregulation of proteolysis inhibitors, which may prevent cellular/extracellular matrix degradation and complement activation in neurodegenerative diseases. These findings provide insights into potential novel therapeutic avenues for diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, for which CNTF has been evaluated unsuccessfully in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Lipinski
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Alun R Barnard
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mandeep S Singh
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Chris Martin
- Department of Psychology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Edward J Lee
- Moorfields Eye Hospital & UCL NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Wayne I L Davies
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; School of Animal Biology and University of Western Australia Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital & UCL NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, London, UK.
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32
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33
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Rex TS. Gene therapy to treat inherited and complex retinal degenerative diseases. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2015; 2:15027. [PMID: 26251841 PMCID: PMC4525775 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2015.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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34
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Abed E, Corbo G, Falsini B. Neurotrophin Family Members as Neuroprotectants in Retinal Degenerations. BioDrugs 2014; 29:1-13. [DOI: 10.1007/s40259-014-0110-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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35
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Trophic factors in the pathogenesis and therapy for retinal degenerative diseases. Surv Ophthalmol 2014; 59:134-65. [PMID: 24417953 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2013.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Revised: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Trophic factors are endogenously secreted proteins that act in an autocrine and/or paracrine fashion to affect vital cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and regeneration, thereby maintaining overall cell homeostasis. In the eye, the major contributors of these molecules are the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) and Müller cells. The primary paracrine targets of these secreted proteins include the photoreceptors and choriocapillaris. Retinal degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa are characterized by aberrant function and/or eventual death of RPE cells, photoreceptors, choriocapillaris, and other retinal cells. We discuss results of in vitro and in vivo animal studies in which candidate trophic factors, either singly or in combination, were used in an attempt to ameliorate photoreceptor and/or retinal degeneration. We also examine current trophic factor therapies as they relate to the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases in clinical studies.
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36
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CNTF-mediated protection of photoreceptors requires initial activation of the cytokine receptor gp130 in Müller glial cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:E4520-9. [PMID: 24191003 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1303604110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) acts as a potent neuroprotective agent in multiple retinal degeneration animal models. Recently, CNTF has been evaluated in clinical trials for the inherited degenerative disease retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Despite its potential as a broad-spectrum therapeutic treatment for blinding diseases, the target cells of exogenous CNTF and its mechanism of action remain poorly understood. We have shown previously that constitutive expression of CNTF prevents photoreceptor death but alters the retinal transcriptome and suppresses visual function. Here, we use a lentivirus to deliver the same secreted human CNTF used in clinical trials to a mouse model of RP. We found that low levels of CNTF halt photoreceptor death, improve photoreceptor morphology, and correct opsin mislocalization. However, we did not detect corresponding improvement of retinal function as measured by the electroretinogram. Disruption of the cytokine receptor gp130 gene in Müller glia reduces CNTF-dependent photoreceptor survival and prevents phosphorylation of STAT3 and ERK in Müller glia and the rest of the retina. Targeted deletion of gp130 in rods also demolishes neuroprotection by CNTF and prevents further activation of Müller glia. Moreover, CNTF elevates the expression of LIF and endothelin 2, thus positively promoting Müller and photoreceptor interactions. We propose that exogenous CNTF initially targets Müller glia, and subsequently induces cytokines acting through gp130 in photoreceptors to promote neuronal survival. These results elucidate a cellular mechanism for exogenous CNTF-triggered neuroprotection and provide insight into the complex cellular responses induced by CNTF in diseased retinas.
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37
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Lu B, Morgans CW, Girman S, Luo J, Zhao J, Du H, Lim S, Ding S, Svendsen C, Zhang K, Wang S. Neural Stem Cells Derived by Small Molecules Preserve Vision. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2013; 2:1. [PMID: 24049711 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.2.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 11/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The advances in stem cell biology hold a great potential to treat retinal degeneration. Importantly, specific cell types can be generated efficiently with small molecules and maintained stably over numerous passages. Here, we investigated whether neural stem cell (NSC) derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESC) by small molecules can preserve vision following grafting into the Royal College Surgeon (RCS) rats; a model for retinal degeneration. METHODS A cell suspension containing 3 × 104 NSCs or NSCs labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP) was injected into the subretinal space or the vitreous cavity of RCS rats at postnatal day (P) 22; animals injected with cell-carry medium and those left untreated were used as controls. The efficacy of treatment was evaluated by testing optokinetic response, recording luminance threshold, and examining retinal histology. RESULTS NSCs offered significant preservation of both photoreceptors and visual function. The grafted NSCs survived for long term without evidence of tumor formation. Functionally, NSC treated eyes had significantly better visual acuity and lower luminance threshold than controls. Morphologically, photoreceptors and retinal connections were well preserved. There was an increase in expression of cillary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) in Müller cells in the graft-protected retina. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals that NSCs derived from hESC by small molecules can survive and preserve vision for long term following subretinal transplantation in the RCS rats. These cells migrate extensively in the subretinal space and inner retina; there is no evidence of tumor formation or unwanted changes after grafting into the eyes. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE The NSCs derived from hESC by small molecules can be generated efficiently and provide an unlimited supply of cells for the treatment of some forms of human outer retinal degenerative diseases. The capacity of NSCs migrating into inner retina offers a potential as a vehicle to delivery drugs/factors to treat inner retinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Lu
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
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38
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Lipinski DM, Thake M, MacLaren RE. Clinical applications of retinal gene therapy. Prog Retin Eye Res 2013; 32:22-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2012.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2011] [Revised: 09/04/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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39
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Bennett J, Maguire AM. Gene Therapy for Retinal Disease. Retina 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4557-0737-9.00034-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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40
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Hellström M, Pollett MA, Harvey AR. Post-injury delivery of rAAV2-CNTF combined with short-term pharmacotherapy is neuroprotective and promotes extensive axonal regeneration after optic nerve trauma. J Neurotrauma 2012; 28:2475-83. [PMID: 21861632 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2011.1928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors expressing neurotrophic genes reduce neuronal death and promote axonal regeneration in central nervous system (CNS) injury models. Currently, however, use of rAAV to treat clinical neurotrauma is problematic because there is a delay in the onset of transgene expression. Using the adult rat retina and optic nerve (ON), we have tested whether rAAV gene therapy administered at the time of injury combined with short-term pharmacotherapy has synergistic effects that enhance neuronal survival and regeneration. The ON was transected and a 1.5 cm segment of autologous peripheral nerve (PN) was grafted onto the cut end. At this time, bicistronic rAAV2 encoding ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and green fluorescent protein (rAAV2-CNTF-GFP) was injected into the injured eye. To provide interim support for axotomized retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) during vector integration and therapeutic transgene expression, rCNTF protein and a cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) analogue (CPT-cAMP) were injected intravitreally 3 and 10 days postoperatively. For comparison, another rAAV2-CNTF-GFP group received two intravitreal saline injections 3 and 10 days after the PN-ON surgery. A further PN graft group received only postoperative intravitreal injections of rCNTF plus CPT-cAMP. After 4 weeks, regenerating RGCs were retrogradely labelled by applying fluorogold to the distal end of each PN graft. Compared to saline-injected animals, both RGC survival and axonal regrowth were significantly higher in the rCNTF and CPT-cAMP injected rAAV2-CNTF-GFP group; approximately one third of the RGC population survived axotomy, and 27% of these regrew an axon. These values were also higher than those obtained in rats that received only rCNTF plus CPT-cAMP injections. Therefore, we show for the first time that rAAV-mediated gene delivery at the time of, or just after, neurotrauma is most successful when combined with temporary post-injury trophic support, and is potentially a viable treatment strategy for patients after acute CNS injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mats Hellström
- School of Anatomy and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
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41
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Park HYL, Kim JH, Sun Kim H, Park CK. Stem cell-based delivery of brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene in the rat retina. Brain Res 2012; 1469:10-23. [PMID: 22750585 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2011] [Revised: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
As an alternative to a viral vector, the application of stem cells to transfer specific genes is under investigation in various organs. Using this strategy may provide more effective method to supply neurotrophic factor to the neurodegenerative diseases caused by neurotrophic factor deprivation. This study investigated the possibility and efficacy of stem cell-based delivery of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene to rat retina. Rat BDNF cDNA was transduced into rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) using a retroviral vector. Its incorporation into the experimental rat retina and the expression of BDNF after intravitreal injection or subretinal injection were detected by real-time PCR, western blot analysis, and immunohistochemical staining. For the incorporated rMSCs, retinal-specific marker staining was performed to investigate the changes in morphology and the characteristics of the stem cells. Transduction of the rMSCs by retrovirus was effective, and the transduced rMSCs expressed high levels of the BDNF gene and protein. The subretinal injection of rMSCs produced rMSC migration and incorporation into the rat retina (about 15.7% incorporation rate), and retinal BDNF mRNA and protein expression was increased at 4 weeks after transplantation. When subretinal injection of rMSCs was applied to axotomized rat retina, it significantly increased the expression of BDNF until 4 weeks after transplantation. Some of the transplanted rMSCs exhibited morphological changes, but the retinal-specific marker stain was not sufficient to indicate whether neuronal differentiation had occurred. Using mesenchymal stem cells to deliver the BDNF gene to the retina may provide new treatment for glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-Young Lopilly Park
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 505 Banpo-dong, Seocho-ku, Seoul 137-701, Republic of Korea
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Rodger J, Drummond ES, Hellström M, Robertson D, Harvey AR. Long-term gene therapy causes transgene-specific changes in the morphology of regenerating retinal ganglion cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31061. [PMID: 22347429 PMCID: PMC3275572 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2011] [Accepted: 12/31/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors can be used to introduce neurotrophic genes into injured CNS neurons, promoting survival and axonal regeneration. Gene therapy holds much promise for the treatment of neurotrauma and neurodegenerative diseases; however, neurotrophic factors are known to alter dendritic architecture, and thus we set out to determine whether such transgenes also change the morphology of transduced neurons. We compared changes in dendritic morphology of regenerating adult rat retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after long-term transduction with rAAV2 encoding: (i) green fluorescent protein (GFP), or (ii) bi-cistronic vectors encoding GFP and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or growth-associated protein-43 (GAP43). To enhance regeneration, rats received an autologous peripheral nerve graft onto the cut optic nerve of each rAAV2 injected eye. After 5–8 months, RGCs with regenerated axons were retrogradely labeled with fluorogold (FG). Live retinal wholemounts were prepared and GFP positive (transduced) or GFP negative (non-transduced) RGCs injected iontophoretically with 2% lucifer yellow. Dendritic morphology was analyzed using Neurolucida software. Significant changes in dendritic architecture were found, in both transduced and non-transduced populations. Multivariate analysis revealed that transgenic BDNF increased dendritic field area whereas GAP43 increased dendritic complexity. CNTF decreased complexity but only in a subset of RGCs. Sholl analysis showed changes in dendritic branching in rAAV2-BDNF-GFP and rAAV2-CNTF-GFP groups and the proportion of FG positive RGCs with aberrant morphology tripled in these groups compared to controls. RGCs in all transgene groups displayed abnormal stratification. Thus in addition to promoting cell survival and axonal regeneration, vector-mediated expression of neurotrophic factors has measurable, gene-specific effects on the morphology of injured adult neurons. Such changes will likely alter the functional properties of neurons and may need to be considered when designing vector-based protocols for the treatment of neurotrauma and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Rodger
- Experimental and Regenerative Neuroscience, School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Eleanor S. Drummond
- School of Anatomy and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Mats Hellström
- School of Anatomy and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Donald Robertson
- Discipline of Physiology, School of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Alan R. Harvey
- School of Anatomy and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Wen R, Tao W, Li Y, Sieving PA. CNTF and retina. Prog Retin Eye Res 2011; 31:136-51. [PMID: 22182585 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2011.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2011] [Revised: 10/29/2011] [Accepted: 11/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is one of the most studied neurotrophic factors for neuroprotection of the retina. A large body of evidence demonstrates that CNTF promotes rod photoreceptor survival in almost all animal models. Recent studies indicate that CNTF also promotes cone photoreceptor survival and cone outer segment regeneration in the degenerating retina and improves cone function in dogs with congenital achromotopsia. In addition, CNTF is a neuroprotective factor and an axogenesis factor for retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). This review focuses on the effects of exogenous CNTF on photoreceptors and RGCs in the mammalian retina and the potential clinical application of CNTF for retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Wen
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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Abstract
The eye is an easily accessible, highly compartmentalised and immune-privileged organ that offers unique advantages as a gene therapy target. Significant advancements have been made in understanding the genetic pathogenesis of ocular diseases, and gene replacement and gene silencing have been implicated as potentially efficacious therapies. Recent improvements have been made in the safety and specificity of vector-based ocular gene transfer methods. Proof-of-concept for vector-based gene therapies has also been established in several experimental models of human ocular diseases. After nearly two decades of ocular gene therapy research, preliminary successes are now being reported in phase 1 clinical trials for the treatment of Leber congenital amaurosis. This review describes current developments and future prospects for ocular gene therapy. Novel methods are being developed to enhance the performance and regulation of recombinant adeno-associated virus- and lentivirus-mediated ocular gene transfer. Gene therapy prospects have advanced for a variety of retinal disorders, including retinitis pigmentosa, retinoschisis, Stargardt disease and age-related macular degeneration. Advances have also been made using experimental models for non-retinal diseases, such as uveitis and glaucoma. These methodological advancements are critical for the implementation of additional gene-based therapies for human ocular diseases in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Liu
- Immunopathology Section, Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bldg 10, Rm 10N103, NIH/NEI, Bethesda, MD 20895-1857, USA
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45
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Xue W, Cojocaru RI, Dudley VJ, Brooks M, Swaroop A, Sarthy VP. Ciliary neurotrophic factor induces genes associated with inflammation and gliosis in the retina: a gene profiling study of flow-sorted, Müller cells. PLoS One 2011; 6:e20326. [PMID: 21637858 PMCID: PMC3102695 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2011] [Accepted: 04/21/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), a member of the interleukin-6 cytokine family, has been implicated in the development, differentiation and survival of retinal neurons. The mechanisms of CNTF action as well as its cellular targets in the retina are poorly understood. It has been postulated that some of the biological effects of CNTF are mediated through its action via retinal glial cells; however, molecular changes in retinal glia induced by CNTF have not been elucidated. We have, therefore, examined gene expression dynamics of purified Müller (glial) cells exposed to CNTF in vivo. Methodology/Principal Findings Müller cells were flow-sorted from mgfap-egfp transgenic mice one or three days after intravitreal injection of CNTF. Microarray analysis using RNA from purified Müller cells showed differential expression of almost 1,000 transcripts with two- to seventeen-fold change in response to CNTF. A comparison of transcriptional profiles from Müller cells at one or three days after CNTF treatment showed an increase in the number of transcribed genes as well as a change in the expression pattern. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis showed that the differentially regulated genes belong to distinct functional types such as cytokines, growth factors, G-protein coupled receptors, transporters and ion channels. Interestingly, many genes induced by CNTF were also highly expressed in reactive Müller cells from mice with inherited or experimentally induced retinal degeneration. Further analysis of gene profiles revealed 20–30% overlap in the transcription pattern among Müller cells, astrocytes and the RPE. Conclusions/Significance Our studies provide novel molecular insights into biological functions of Müller glial cells in mediating cytokine response. We suggest that CNTF remodels the gene expression profile of Müller cells leading to induction of networks associated with transcription, cell cycle regulation and inflammatory response. CNTF also appears to function as an inducer of gliosis in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xue
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Feinberg Medical School, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Radu I. Cojocaru
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - V. Joseph Dudley
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Feinberg Medical School, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Matthew Brooks
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Vijay P. Sarthy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Feinberg Medical School, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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46
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Abstract
The eye is an easily accessible, highly compartmentalised and immune-privileged organ that offers unique advantages as a gene therapy target. Significant advancements have been made in understanding the genetic pathogenesis of ocular diseases, and gene replacement and gene silencing have been implicated as potentially efficacious therapies. Recent improvements have been made in the safety and specificity of vector-based ocular gene transfer methods. Proof-of-concept for vector-based gene therapies has also been established in several experimental models of human ocular diseases. After nearly two decades of ocular gene therapy research, preliminary successes are now being reported in phase 1 clinical trials for the treatment of Leber congenital amaurosis. This review describes current developments and future prospects for ocular gene therapy. Novel methods are being developed to enhance the performance and regulation of recombinant adeno-associated virus- and lentivirus-mediated ocular gene transfer. Gene therapy prospects have advanced for a variety of retinal disorders, including retinitis pigmentosa, retinoschisis, Stargardt disease and age-related macular degeneration. Advances have also been made using experimental models for non-retinal diseases, such as uveitis and glaucoma. These methodological advancements are critical for the implementation of additional gene-based therapies for human ocular diseases in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Liu
- Immunopathology Section, Laboratory of Immunology, NIH/NEI, Bethesda, MD 20895-1857, USA
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Baid R, Tyagi P, Durazo SA, Kompella UB. Protein Drug Delivery and Formulation Development. DRUG PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT FOR THE BACK OF THE EYE 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-9920-7_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Effects of calcium ion, calpains, and calcium channel blockers on retinitis pigmentosa. J Ophthalmol 2010; 2011:292040. [PMID: 21253505 PMCID: PMC3021879 DOI: 10.1155/2011/292040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2010] [Revised: 09/13/2010] [Accepted: 11/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in molecular genetic studies have revealed many of the causative genes of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). These achievements have provided clues to the mechanisms of photoreceptor degeneration in RP. Apoptosis is known to be a final common pathway in RP and, therefore, a possible therapeutic target for photoreceptor rescue. However, apoptosis is not a single molecular cascade, but consists of many different reactions such as caspase-dependent and caspase-independent pathways commonly leading to DNA fractionation and cell death. The intracellular concentration of calcium ions is also known to increase in apoptosis. These findings suggest that calpains, one of the calcium-dependent proteinases, play some roles in the process of photoreceptor apoptosis and that calcium channel antagonists may potentially inhibit photoreceptor apoptosis. Herein, the effects of calpains and calcium channel antagonists on photoreceptor degeneration are reviewed.
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Negative impact of rAAV2 mediated expression of SOCS3 on the regeneration of adult retinal ganglion cell axons. Mol Cell Neurosci 2010; 46:507-15. [PMID: 21145973 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2010.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2010] [Accepted: 12/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Intravitreal injections of recombinant ciliary neurotrophic factor (rCNTF) protect adult rat retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after injury and stimulate regeneration, an effect enhanced by co-injection with a cAMP analogue (CPT-cAMP). This effect is partly mediated by PKA and associated signaling pathways, but CPT-cAMP also moderates upregulation of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) pathways after rCNTF injection, which will also enhance the responsiveness of RGCs to this and perhaps other cytokines. We now report that intravitreal injections of CPT-cAMP do not potentiate RGC axonal regeneration when CNTF is expressed via an adeno-associated viral vector (rAAV2), and concomitantly we show that increases in retinal SOCS mRNA expression are less when CNTF is delivered using the vector. We also directly tested the impact of elevated SOCS3 expression on the survival and regeneration of injured adult RGCs by injecting a bicistronic rAAV2-SOCS3-GFP vector into the vitreous of eyes in rats with a peripheral nerve graft sutured onto the cut optic nerve. Overexpression of SOCS3 resulted in an overall reduction in axonal regrowth and almost complete regeneration failure of RGCs transduced with the rAAV2-SOCS3-GFP vector. Furthermore, rAAV2-mediated expression of SOCS3 abolished the normally neurotrophic effects elicited by intravitreal rCNTF injections. In summary, CNTF delivery to the retina using viral vectors may be more effective than bolus rCNTF injections because the gene therapy approach has a less pronounced effect on neuron-intrinsic SOCS repressor pathways. Our new gain of function data using rAAV2-SOCS3-GFP demonstrate the negative impact of enhanced SOCS3 expression on the regenerative potential of mature CNS neurons.
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50
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Current concepts in the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa. J Ophthalmol 2010; 2011:753547. [PMID: 21048997 PMCID: PMC2964907 DOI: 10.1155/2011/753547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2010] [Accepted: 09/16/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal degenerations, including retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), affect 1 in 4000 individuals in the general population. A majority of the genes which are mutated in these conditions are expressed in either photoreceptors or the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). There is considerable variation in the clinical severity of these conditions; the most severe being autosomal recessive LCA, a heterogeneous retinal degenerative disease and the commonest cause of congenital blindness in children. Here, we discuss all the potential treatments that are now available for retinal degeneration. A number of therapeutic avenues are being explored based on our knowledge of the pathophysiology of retinal degeneration derived from research on animal models, including: gene therapy, antiapoptosis agents, neurotrophic factors, and dietary supplementation. Technological advances in retinal implant devices continue to provide the promise of vision for patients with end-stage disease.
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