1
|
Szabó K, Dékány B, Énzsöly A, Hajdú RI, Laurik-Feuerstein LK, Szabó A, Radovits T, Mátyás C, Oláh A, Kovács KA, Szél Á, Somfai GM, Lukáts Á. Possible retinotoxicity of long-term vardenafil treatment. Exp Eye Res 2024; 243:109890. [PMID: 38615833 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors - such as vardenafil - are used primarily for treating erectile dysfunction via increasing cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels. Recent studies have also demonstrated their significant cardioprotective effects in several diseases, including diabetes, upon long-term, continuous application. However, PDE inhibitors are not specific for PDE5 and also inhibit the retinal isoform. A sustained rise in cGMP in photoreceptors is known to be toxic; therefore, we hypothesized that long-term vardenafil treatment might result in retinotoxicity. The hypothesis was tested in a clinically relevant animal model of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Histological experiments were performed on lean and diabetic Zucker Diabetic Fatty rats. Half of the animals were treated with vardenafil for six months, and the retinal effects were evaluated. Vardenafil treatment alleviated rod outer segment degeneration but decreased rod numbers in some positions and induced changes in the interphotoreceptor matrix, even in control animals. Vardenafil treatment decreased total retinal thickness in the control and diabetic groups and reduced the number of nuclei in the outer nuclear layer. Müller cell activation was detectable even in the vardenafil-treated control animals, and vardenafil did not improve gliosis in the diabetic group. Vardenafil-treated animals showed complex retinal alterations with improvements in some parameters while deterioration in others. Our results point towards the retinotoxicity of vardenafil, even without diabetes, which raises doubts about the retinal safety of long-term continuous vardenafil administration. This effect needs to be considered when approving PDE inhibitors for alternative indications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Szabó
- Institute of Education and Psychology at Szombathely, Faculty of Education and Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Szombathely, Hungary; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bulcsú Dékány
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Énzsöly
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rozina Ida Hajdú
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Arnold Szabó
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Radovits
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Mátyás
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Oláh
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztián András Kovács
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Translational Retina Research Group, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágoston Szél
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Márk Somfai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Spross Research Institute, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, Stadtspital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ákos Lukáts
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Institute of Translational Medicine, Translational Retina Research Group, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sarkar S, Syed F, Webb-Robertson BJ, Melchior JT, Chang G, Gritsenko M, Wang YT, Tsai CF, Liu J, Yi X, Cui Y, Eizirik DL, Metz TO, Rewers M, Evans-Molina C, Mirmira RG, Nakayasu ES. Protection of β cells against pro-inflammatory cytokine stress by the GDF15-ERBB2 signaling. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.11.27.23298904. [PMID: 38076918 PMCID: PMC10705646 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.27.23298904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Aim/hypothesis Growth/differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a therapeutic target for a variety of metabolic diseases, including type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, the nausea caused by GDF15 is a challenging point for therapeutic development. In addition, it is unknown why the endogenous GDF15 fails to protect from T1D development. Here, we investigate the GDF15 signaling in pancreatic islets towards opening possibilities for therapeutic targeting in β cells and to understand why this protection fails to occur naturally. Methods GDF15 signaling in islets was determined by proximity-ligation assay, untargeted proteomics, pathway analysis, and treatment of cells with specific inhibitors. To determine if GDF15 levels would increase prior to disease onset, plasma levels of GDF15 were measured in a longitudinal prospective study of children during T1D development (n=132 cases vs. n=40 controls) and in children with islet autoimmunity but normoglycemia (n=47 cases vs. n=40 controls) using targeted mass spectrometry. We also investigated the regulation of GDF15 production in islets by fluorescence microscopy and western blot analysis. Results The proximity-ligation assay identified ERBB2 as the GDF15 receptor in islets, which was confirmed using its specific antagonist, tucatinib. The untargeted proteomics analysis and caspase assay showed that ERBB2 activation by GDF15 reduces β cell apoptosis by downregulating caspase 8. In plasma, GDF15 levels were higher (p=0.0024) during T1D development compared to controls, but not in islet autoimmunity with normoglycemia. However, in the pancreatic islets GDF15 was depleted via sequestration of its mRNA into stress granules, resulting in translation halting. Conclusions/interpretation GDF15 protects against T1D via ERBB2-mediated decrease of caspase 8 expression in pancreatic islets. Circulating levels of GDF15 increases pre-T1D onset, which is insufficient to promote protection due to its localized depletion in the islets. These findings open opportunities for targeting GDF15 downstream signaling for pancreatic β cell protection in T1D and help to explain the lack of natural protection by the endogenous protein.
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang FM, Wang B, Hu H, Li QY, Chen HH, Luo LT, Jiang ZJ, Zeng MX, Liu XJ. Transcriptional Profiling of TGF-β Superfamily Members in Lumbar DRGs of Rats Following Sciatic Nerve Axotomy and Activin C Inhibits Neuropathic Pain. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2023; 23:375-388. [PMID: 36201267 DOI: 10.2174/1871530322666221006114557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroinflammation and cytokines play critical roles in neuropathic pain and axon degeneration/regeneration. Cytokines of transforming growth factor-β superfamily have implications in pain and injured nerve repair processing. However, the transcriptional profiles of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily members in dorsal root ganglia under neuropathic pain and axon degeneration/regeneration conditions remain elusive. OBJECTIVE We aimed to plot the transcriptional profiles of transforming growth factor-β superfamily components in lumbar dorsal root ganglia of sciatic nerve-axotomized rats and to further verify the profiles by testing the analgesic effect of activin C, a representative cytokine, on neuropathic pain. METHODS Adult male rats were axotomized in sciatic nerves, and lumbar dorsal root ganglia were isolated for total RNA extraction or section. A custom microarray was developed and employed to plot the gene expression profiles of transforming growth factor-β superfamily components. Realtime RT-PCR was used to confirm changes in the expression of activin/inhibin family genes, and then in situ hybridization was performed to determine the cellular locations of inhibin α, activin βC, BMP-5 and GDF-9 mRNAs. The rat spared nerve injury model was performed, and a pain test was employed to determine the effect of activin C on neuropathic pain. RESULTS The expression of transforming growth factor-β superfamily cytokines and their signaling, including some receptors and signaling adaptors, were robustly upregulated. Activin βC subunit mRNAs were expressed in the small-diameter dorsal root ganglion neurons and upregulated after axotomy. Single intrathecal injection of activin C inhibited neuropathic pain in spared nerve injury model. CONCLUSION This is the first report to investigate the transcriptional profiles of members of transforming growth factor-β superfamily in axotomized dorsal root ganglia. The distinct cytokine profiles observed here might provide clues toward further study of the role of transforming growth factor-β superfamily in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain and axon degeneration/regeneration after peripheral nerve injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Ming Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Bing Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China
| | - Han Hu
- Institute of Apicultural Research/Key Laboratory of Pollinating Insect Biology, Ministry of Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 1 Beigou Xiangshan, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Qing-Yi Li
- Pain and Related Disease Research Lab, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, 515041, China
| | - Hao-Hao Chen
- Pain and Related Disease Research Lab, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, 515041, China
| | - Li-Ting Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China
| | - Zuo-Jie Jiang
- Pain and Related Disease Research Lab, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, 515041, China
| | - Mei-Xing Zeng
- Pain and Related Disease Research Lab, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, 515041, China
| | - Xing-Jun Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China
- Pain and Related Disease Research Lab, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, 515041, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lin W, Zhang WW, Lyu N, Cao H, Xu WD, Zhang YQ. Growth Differentiation Factor-15 Produces Analgesia by Inhibiting Tetrodotoxin-Resistant Nav1.8 Sodium Channel Activity in Rat Primary Sensory Neurons. Neurosci Bull 2021; 37:1289-1302. [PMID: 34076854 PMCID: PMC8423960 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-021-00709-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily. It is widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Whether and how GDF-15 modulates nociceptive signaling remains unclear. Behaviorally, we found that peripheral GDF-15 significantly elevated nociceptive response thresholds to mechanical and thermal stimuli in naïve and arthritic rats. Electrophysiologically, we demonstrated that GDF-15 decreased the excitability of small-diameter dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. Furthermore, GDF-15 concentration-dependently suppressed tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channel Nav1.8 currents, and shifted the steady-state inactivation curves of Nav1.8 in a hyperpolarizing direction. GDF-15 also reduced window currents and slowed down the recovery rate of Nav1.8 channels, suggesting that GDF-15 accelerated inactivation and slowed recovery of the channel. Immunohistochemistry results showed that activin receptor-like kinase-2 (ALK2) was widely expressed in DRG medium- and small-diameter neurons, and some of them were Nav1.8-positive. Blockade of ALK2 prevented the GDF-15-induced inhibition of Nav1.8 currents and nociceptive behaviors. Inhibition of PKA and ERK, but not PKC, blocked the inhibitory effect of GDF-15 on Nav1.8 currents. These results suggest a functional link between GDF-15 and Nav1.8 in DRG neurons via ALK2 receptors and PKA associated with MEK/ERK, which mediate the peripheral analgesia of GDF-15.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lin
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wen-Wen Zhang
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ning Lyu
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Hong Cao
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wen-Dong Xu
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
| | - Yu-Qiu Zhang
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rochette L, Zeller M, Cottin Y, Vergely C. Insights Into Mechanisms of GDF15 and Receptor GFRAL: Therapeutic Targets. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2020; 31:939-951. [PMID: 33172749 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2020.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) belongs to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily proteins. GDF15 acts as an inflammatory marker, and it plays a role in pathogenesis of tumors, ischemic diseases, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative processes. GDF15 is not normally expressed in the tissue; it is prominently induced following 'injury'. GDF15 functions are critical for the regulation of endothelial adaptations after vascular damage. Recently, four research groups simultaneously identified glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)-family receptor α-like (GFRAL) in the brain, an orphan receptor as the receptor for GDF15, signaling through the coreceptor RET. In this article, new aspects of the biology of GDF15 and receptor GFRAL, and their relationship with various pathologies, are commented on.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luc Rochette
- Research team, Pathophysiology and Epidemiology of Cerebro-Cardiovascular diseases (PEC2, EA 7460), University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR des Sciences de Santé, 7 boulevard Jeanne d' Arc, 21079 DIJON, France.
| | - Marianne Zeller
- Research team, Pathophysiology and Epidemiology of Cerebro-Cardiovascular diseases (PEC2, EA 7460), University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR des Sciences de Santé, 7 boulevard Jeanne d' Arc, 21079 DIJON, France
| | - Yves Cottin
- Research team, Pathophysiology and Epidemiology of Cerebro-Cardiovascular diseases (PEC2, EA 7460), University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR des Sciences de Santé, 7 boulevard Jeanne d' Arc, 21079 DIJON, France; Cardiology Unit, Dijon University Hospital Center, Dijon, France
| | - Catherine Vergely
- Research team, Pathophysiology and Epidemiology of Cerebro-Cardiovascular diseases (PEC2, EA 7460), University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR des Sciences de Santé, 7 boulevard Jeanne d' Arc, 21079 DIJON, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Relationship between plasma growth differentiation factor-15 levels and diabetic retinopathy in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20568. [PMID: 33239667 PMCID: PMC7689527 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77584-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of our study was to investigate the relationship between plasma growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) concentrations and diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). We evaluated 235 patients with type 2 DM in a cross-sectional study. Significantly increased levels of the plasma GDF-15 were found in individuals with diabetic retinopathy versus those without. According to the degree of diabetic retinopathy, there was a significant difference in the average plasma GDF-15 levels (no diabetic retinopathy, 1114 ng/L; nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, 1327 ng/L; proliferative diabetic retinopathy, 1445 ng/L; p for trend = 0.035) after adjustments for confounders. Logistic regression analyses indicated that plasma GDF-15 concentrations were significantly associated with diabetic retinopathy (odds ratio per 1 standard deviation increment in the log-transformed value, 1.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-3.03, p = 0.032). Our study showed a significant positive relationship between plasma GDF-15 concentrations and diabetic retinopathy in type 2 DM patients.
Collapse
|
7
|
Mitochondrial stress and GDF15 in the pathophysiology of sepsis. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 696:108668. [PMID: 33188737 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2020.108668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are multifunctional organelles that regulate diverse cellular processes. Mitochondrial stress, including stress generated by electron transport chain defects and impaired mitochondrial proteostasis, is intimately involved in various diseases and pathological conditions. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when an imbalanced host response to infection leads to organ dysfunction. Metabolic disturbances and impaired immune responses are implicated in the pathogenesis and development of sepsis. Given that mitochondria play central roles in cellular metabolism, mitochondrial stress is predicted to be involved in the pathological mechanism of sepsis. Under mitochondrial stress, cells activate stress response systems to maintain homeostasis. This mitochondrial stress response transcriptionally activates genes involved in cell survival and death. Mitochondrial stress also induces the release of distinctive secretory proteins from cells. Recently, we showed that growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a major secretory protein induced by mitochondrial dysfunction. In this article, we provide a brief overview of mitochondrial stress response and GDF15, and discuss the potential role of GDF15 in the pathophysiology of sepsis.
Collapse
|
8
|
Iwata Y, Inagaki S, Morozumi W, Nakamura S, Hara H, Shimazawa M. Treatment with GDF15, a TGFβ superfamily protein, induces protective effect on retinal ganglion cells. Exp Eye Res 2020; 202:108338. [PMID: 33157126 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a protein belonging to the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily. The precursor GDF15 is cleaved and activated as a mature GDF15 by protease. GDF15 has been detected in the aqueous humor of the primary open angle glaucoma patients, however the localization and the effect on the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are still unknown. Thus, the purpose of this study was to elucidate the effect of GDF15 on mouse optic nerve crush (ONC) model and primary culture of rat RGCs. Immunostaining showed that the GDF15 was in the ganglion cell layer (GCL), and colocalized with GFAP-positive cells in the GCL and the optic nerve. Western blotting analysis showed that the mature GDF15 was upregulated in the retina and the optic nerve after the ONC. Intravitreal injection of GDF15 suppressed RGCs loss of the ONC model mice in vivo. The neurites length of the primary culture of rat RGCs were increased by mature GDF15 treatment. In addition, the neurotrophic effect of GDF15 was canceled by RET inhibitor treatment. These findings indicate that GDF15 has neuroprotective effect on RGCs via GFRAL-RET pathway. Therefore, GDF15 may be one of novel therapeutic targets in RGC degenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Iwata
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Satoshi Inagaki
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Wataru Morozumi
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Nakamura
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hideaki Hara
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Shimazawa
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hoyer N, Zielke P, Hu C, Petersen M, Sauter K, Scharrenberg R, Peng Y, Kim CC, Han C, Parrish JZ, Soba P. Ret and Substrate-Derived TGF-β Maverick Regulate Space-Filling Dendrite Growth in Drosophila Sensory Neurons. Cell Rep 2020; 24:2261-2272.e5. [PMID: 30157422 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.07.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendrite morphogenesis is a highly regulated process that gives rise to stereotyped receptive fields, which are required for proper neuronal connectivity and function. Specific classes of neurons, including Drosophila class IV dendritic arborization (C4da) neurons, also feature complete space-filling growth of dendrites. In this system, we have identified the substrate-derived TGF-β ligand maverick (mav) as a developmental signal promoting space-filling growth through the neuronal Ret receptor. Both are necessary for radial spreading of C4da neuron dendrites, and Ret is required for neuronal uptake of Mav. Moreover, local changes in Mav levels result in directed dendritic growth toward regions with higher ligand availability. Our results suggest that Mav acts as a substrate-derived secreted signal promoting dendrite growth within not-yet-covered areas of the receptive field to ensure space-filling dendritic growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Hoyer
- Research Group Neuronal Patterning and Connectivity, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Philip Zielke
- Research Group Neuronal Patterning and Connectivity, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Chun Hu
- Research Group Neuronal Patterning and Connectivity, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Meike Petersen
- Research Group Neuronal Patterning and Connectivity, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Sauter
- Research Group Neuronal Patterning and Connectivity, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Robin Scharrenberg
- Research Group Neuronal Development, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yun Peng
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | | | - Chun Han
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Jay Z Parrish
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Peter Soba
- Research Group Neuronal Patterning and Connectivity, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Detailed Evaluation of Possible Ganglion Cell Loss in the Retina of Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) Rats. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10463. [PMID: 31320684 PMCID: PMC6639371 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46879-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A thinning of the inner retina is one of the earliest potential markers of neuroretinal damage in diabetic subjects. The histological background is uncertain; retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss and changes in the structure or thickness of the inner plexiform layer (IPL) have been suspected. Studies conducted on animal models on RGC pathology gave contradictory results. Hereby we present RGC numbers, distribution patterns and IPL thickness from Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats. After labelling RGCs on retinal whole mounts, isodensity maps were constructed, RGC numbers and distribution patterns analysed using a custom-built algorithm, enabling point-by-point comparison. There was no change in staining characteristics of the antibodies and no significant difference in average RGC densities was found compared to controls. The distribution patterns were also comparable and no significant difference was found in IPL thickness and stratification or in the number of apoptotic cells in the ganglion cell layer (GCL). Our results provide a detailed evaluation of the inner retina and exclude major RGC loss in ZDF rats and suggest that other factors could serve as a potential explanation for inner retinal thinning in clinical studies. Our custom-built method could be adopted for the assessment of other animal or human retinas.
Collapse
|
11
|
Chang KC, Sun C, Cameron EG, Madaan A, Wu S, Xia X, Zhang X, Tenerelli K, Nahmou M, Knasel CM, Russano KR, Hertz J, Goldberg JL. Opposing Effects of Growth and Differentiation Factors in Cell-Fate Specification. Curr Biol 2019; 29:1963-1975.e5. [PMID: 31155355 PMCID: PMC6581615 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Following ocular trauma or in diseases such as glaucoma, irreversible vision loss is due to the death of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) neurons. Although strategies to replace these lost cells include stem cell replacement therapy, few differentiated stem cells turn into RGC-like neurons. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of RGC differentiation in vivo may improve outcomes of cell transplantation by directing the fate of undifferentiated cells toward mature RGCs. Here, we report a new mechanism by which growth and differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), a ligand in the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily, strongly promotes RGC differentiation in the developing retina in vivo in rodent retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) and in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). This effect is in direct contrast to the closely related ligand GDF-11, which suppresses RGC-fate specification. We find these opposing effects are due in part to GDF-15's ability to specifically suppress Smad-2, but not Smad-1, signaling induced by GDF-11, which can be recapitulated by pharmacologic or genetic blockade of Smad-2 in vivo to increase RGC specification. No other retinal cell types were affected by GDF-11 knockout, but a slight reduction in photoreceptor cells was observed by GDF-15 knockout in the developing retina in vivo. These data define a novel regulatory mechanism of GDFs' opposing effects and their relevance in RGC differentiation and suggest a potential approach for advancing ESC-to-RGC cell-based replacement therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Che Chang
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
| | - Catalina Sun
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Evan G Cameron
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Ankush Madaan
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Suqian Wu
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; Eye, Ear, Nose, & Throat Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Fudan University, 200031 Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Xia
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Xiong Zhang
- Shiley Eye Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kevin Tenerelli
- Shiley Eye Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Michael Nahmou
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Cara M Knasel
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Kristina R Russano
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; Shiley Eye Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Jonathan Hertz
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; Shiley Eye Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Saito K, Shigetomi E, Yasuda R, Sato R, Nakano M, Tashiro K, Tanaka KF, Ikenaka K, Mikoshiba K, Mizuta I, Yoshida T, Nakagawa M, Mizuno T, Koizumi S. Aberrant astrocyte Ca 2+ signals "AxCa signals" exacerbate pathological alterations in an Alexander disease model. Glia 2018; 66:1053-1067. [PMID: 29383757 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Alexander disease (AxD) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by gain of function mutations in the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) gene. Accumulation of GFAP proteins and formation of Rosenthal fibers (RFs) in astrocytes are hallmarks of AxD. However, malfunction of astrocytes in the AxD brain is poorly understood. Here, we show aberrant Ca2+ responses in astrocytes as playing a causative role in AxD. Transcriptome analysis of astrocytes from a model of AxD showed age-dependent upregulation of GFAP, several markers for neurotoxic reactive astrocytes, and downregulation of Ca2+ homeostasis molecules. In situ AxD model astrocytes produced aberrant extra-large Ca2+ signals "AxCa signals", which increased with age, correlated with GFAP upregulation, and were dependent on stored Ca2+ . Inhibition of AxCa signals by deletion of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate type 2 receptors (IP3R2) ameliorated AxD pathogenesis. Taken together, AxCa signals in the model astrocytes would contribute to AxD pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kozo Saito
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture, 400-8510, Japan.,Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Eiji Shigetomi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture, 400-8510, Japan
| | - Rei Yasuda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Sato
- Department of Genomic Medical Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masakazu Nakano
- Department of Genomic Medical Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kei Tashiro
- Department of Genomic Medical Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kenji F Tanaka
- Division of Neurobiology and Bioinformatics, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan.,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Ikenaka
- Division of Neurobiology and Bioinformatics, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Mikoshiba
- Laboratory for Developmental Neurobiology, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Japan
| | - Ikuko Mizuta
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomokatsu Yoshida
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masanori Nakagawa
- Department of Neurology, North Medical Center, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshiki Mizuno
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Schuichi Koizumi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture, 400-8510, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Szabó K, Énzsöly A, Dékány B, Szabó A, Hajdú RI, Radovits T, Mátyás C, Oláh A, Laurik LK, Somfai GM, Merkely B, Szél Á, Lukáts Á. Histological Evaluation of Diabetic Neurodegeneration in the Retina of Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) Rats. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8891. [PMID: 28827737 PMCID: PMC5566374 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09068-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In diabetes, retinal dysfunctions exist prior to clinically detectable vasculopathy, however the pathology behind these functional deficits is still not fully established. Previously, our group published a detailed study on the retinal histopathology of type 1 diabetic (T1D) rat model, where specific alterations were detected. Although the majority of human diabetic patients have type 2 diabetes (T2D), similar studies on T2D models are practically absent. To fill this gap, we examined Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats - a model for T2D - by immunohistochemistry at the age of 32 weeks. Glial reactivity was observed in all diabetic specimens, accompanied by an increase in the number of microglia cells. Prominent outer segment degeneration was detectable with changes in cone opsin expression pattern, without a decrease in the number of labelled elements. The immunoreactivity of AII amacrine cells was markedly decreased and changes were detectable in the number and staining of some other amacrine cell subtypes, while most other cells examined did not show any major alterations. Overall, the retinal histology of ZDF rats shows a surprising similarity to T1D rats indicating that despite the different evolution of the disease, the neuroretinal cells affected are the same in both subtypes of diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Szabó
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Anna Énzsöly
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Bulcsú Dékány
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Arnold Szabó
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Rozina I Hajdú
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Tamás Radovits
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Csaba Mátyás
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Attila Oláh
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Lenke K Laurik
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Gábor M Somfai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Béla Merkely
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Ágoston Szél
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Ákos Lukáts
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ban N, Siegfried CJ, Lin JB, Shui YB, Sein J, Pita-Thomas W, Sene A, Santeford A, Gordon M, Lamb R, Dong Z, Kelly SC, Cavalli V, Yoshino J, Apte RS. GDF15 is elevated in mice following retinal ganglion cell death and in glaucoma patients. JCI Insight 2017; 2:91455. [PMID: 28469085 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.91455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. Physicians often use surrogate endpoints to monitor the progression of glaucomatous neurodegeneration. These approaches are limited in their ability to quantify disease severity and progression due to inherent subjectivity, unreliability, and limitations of normative databases. Therefore, there is a critical need to identify specific molecular markers that predict or measure glaucomatous neurodegeneration. Here, we demonstrate that growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is associated with retinal ganglion cell death. Gdf15 expression in the retina is specifically increased after acute injury to retinal ganglion cell axons and in a murine chronic glaucoma model. We also demonstrate that the ganglion cell layer may be one of the sources of secreted GDF15 and that GDF15 diffuses to and can be detected in aqueous humor (AH). In validating these findings in human patients with glaucoma, we find not only that GDF15 is increased in AH of patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), but also that elevated GDF15 levels are significantly associated with worse functional outcomes in glaucoma patients, as measured by visual field testing. Thus, GDF15 maybe a reliable metric of glaucomatous neurodegeneration, although further prospective validation studies will be necessary to determine if GDF15 can be used in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rajendra S Apte
- Departments of Ophthalmology.,Medicine, and.,Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Growth differentiation factor-15 promotes glutamate release in medial prefrontal cortex of mice through upregulation of T-type calcium channels. Sci Rep 2016; 6:28653. [PMID: 27353765 PMCID: PMC4926092 DOI: 10.1038/srep28653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) has been implicated in ischemic brain injury and synapse development, but its involvement in modulating neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of GDF-15 on non-evoked miniature excitatory post-synaptic currents (mEPSCs) and neurotransmitter release in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in mice. Incubation of mPFC slices with GDF-15 for 60 min significantly increased the frequency of mEPSCs without effect on their amplitude. GDF-15 also significantly elevated presynaptic glutamate release, as shown by HPLC. These effects were blocked by dual TGF-β type I receptor (TβRI) and TGF-β type II receptor (TβRII) antagonists, but not by a TβRI antagonist alone. Meanwhile, GDF-15 enhanced pERK level, and inhibition of MAPK/ERK activity attenuated the GDF-15-induced increases in mEPSC and glutamate release. Blocking T-type calcium channels reduced the GDF-15 induced up-regulation of synaptic transmission. Membrane-protein extraction and use of an intracellular protein-transport inhibitor showed that GDF-15 promoted CaV3.1 and CaV3.3 α-subunit expression by trafficking to the membrane. These results confirm previous findings in cerebellar granule neurons, in which GDF-15 induces its neurobiological effects via TβRII and activation of the ERK pathway, providing novel insights into the mechanism of GDF-15 function in cortical neurons.
Collapse
|
16
|
Peng S, Shi Z, Su H, So KF, Cui Q. Increased production of omega-3 fatty acids protects retinal ganglion cells after optic nerve injury in mice. Exp Eye Res 2016; 148:90-96. [PMID: 27264241 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Injury to the central nervous system causes progressive degeneration of injured axons, leading to loss of the neuronal bodies. Neuronal survival after injury is a prerequisite for successful regeneration of injured axons. In this study, we investigated the effects of increased production of omega-3 fatty acids and elevation of cAMP on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival and axonal regeneration after optic nerve (ON) crush injury in adult mice. We found that increased production of omega-3 fatty acids in mice enhanced RGC survival, but not axonal regeneration, over a period of 3 weeks after ON injury. cAMP elevation promoted RGC survival in wild type mice, but no significant difference in cell survival was seen in mice over-producing omega-3 fatty acids and receiving intravitreal injections of CPT-cAMP, suggesting that cAMP elevation protects RGCs after injury but does not potentiate the actions of the omega-3 fatty acids. The observed omega-3 fatty acid-mediated neuroprotection is likely achieved partially through ERK1/2 signaling as inhibition of this pathway by PD98059 hindered, but did not completely block, RGC protection. Our study thus enhances our current understanding of neural repair after CNS injury, including the visual system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Peng
- GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Brain, Function and Diseases, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education of PRC, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhe Shi
- GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huanxing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Kwok-Fai So
- GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Brain, Function and Diseases, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education of PRC, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Cui
- GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Brain, Function and Diseases, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education of PRC, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Geeraerts E, Dekeyster E, Gaublomme D, Salinas-Navarro M, De Groef L, Moons L. A freely available semi-automated method for quantifying retinal ganglion cells in entire retinal flatmounts. Exp Eye Res 2016; 147:105-113. [PMID: 27107795 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Glaucomatous optic neuropathies are characterized by progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the neurons that connect the eye to the brain. Quantification of these RGCs is a cornerstone in experimental optic neuropathy research and commonly performed via manually quantifying parts of the retina. However, this is a time-consuming process subject to inter- and intra-observer variability. Here we present a freely available ImageJ script to semi-automatically quantify RGCs in entire retinal flatmounts after immunostaining for the RGC-specific transcription factor Brn3a. The blob-like signal of Brn3a-immunopositive RGCs is enhanced via eigenvalues of the Hessian matrix and the resulting local maxima are counted as RGCs. After the user has outlined the retinal flatmount area, the total RGC number and retinal area are reported and an isodensity map, showing the RGC density distribution across the retina, is created. The semi-automated quantification shows a very strong correlation (Pearson's r ≥ 0.99) with manual counts for both widefield and confocal images, thereby validating the data generated via the developed script. Moreover, application of this method in established glaucomatous optic neuropathy models such as N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced excitotoxicity, optic nerve crush and laser-induced ocular hypertension revealed RGC loss conform with literature. Compared to manual counting, the described automated quantification method is faster and shows user-independent consistency. Furthermore, as the script detects the RGC number in entire retinal flatmounts, the method allows detection of regional differences in RGC density. As such, it can help advance research investigating the degenerative mechanisms of glaucomatous optic neuropathies and the effectiveness of new neuroprotective treatments. Because the script is flexible and easy to optimize due to a low number of critical parameters, it can potentially be applied in combination with other tissues or alternative labeling protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Geeraerts
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - E Dekeyster
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - D Gaublomme
- Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Centre, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Laboratory for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - M Salinas-Navarro
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - L De Groef
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - L Moons
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Maetzler W, Deleersnijder W, Hanssens V, Bernard A, Brockmann K, Marquetand J, Wurster I, Rattay TW, Roncoroni L, Schaeffer E, Lerche S, Apel A, Deuschle C, Berg D. GDF15/MIC1 and MMP9 Cerebrospinal Fluid Levels in Parkinson's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149349. [PMID: 26938614 PMCID: PMC4777571 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on animal and ex-vivo experiments, Growth/Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF15, also called Macrophage Inhibitory Cytokine-1, MIC1), a member of the transforming growth factor-beta family, and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), a member of the matrix metalloprotease family may be potential markers for Lewy body disorders, i.e. Parkinson’s disease with (PDD) and without dementia (PDND) and Lewy body dementia (DLB). GDF15 has a prominent role in development, cell proliferation, differentiation, and repair, whereas MMP9 degrades, as a proteolytic enzyme, components of the extracellular matrix. In this study, cerebrospinal fluid GDF15 and MMP9 levels of 59 PDND, 17 PDD and 23 DLB patients, as well as of 95 controls were determined, and associated with demographic, clinical and biochemical parameters. Our analysis confirmed the already described association of GDF15 levels with age and gender. Corrected GDF15 levels were significantly higher in PDD than in PDND patients, and intermediate in DLB patients. Within Lewy body disorders, GDF15 levels correlated positively with age at onset of Parkinsonism and dementia, Hoehn & Yahr stage and cerebrospinal fluid t-Tau and p-Tau levels, and negatively with the Mini Mental State Examination. Remarkably, it does not relevantly correlate with disease duration. MMP9 was not relevantly associated with any of these parameters. Cerebrospinal GDF15, but not MMP9, may be a potential marker of and in Lewy body disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Walter Maetzler
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | - Alice Bernard
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Brockmann
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Justus Marquetand
- Department of Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Isabel Wurster
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Tim W. Rattay
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Lorenzo Roncoroni
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Eva Schaeffer
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Lerche
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Anja Apel
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Christian Deuschle
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Daniela Berg
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1/growth differentiation factor 15 as a marker of cognitive ageing and dementia. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2016; 29:181-6. [PMID: 26731555 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW As a divergent member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1/GDF15) is an autocrine regulatory molecule that plays important roles in diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders. More recently, this cytokine has been investigated for its contribution to ageing and age-related cognitive decline. This review aims at summarizing existing findings on the relationships of MIC-1/GDF15 with cognition, brain, and dementia in ageing populations and animal models. RECENT FINDINGS In community-dwelling samples, higher circulating MIC-1/GDF15 levels were associated with worsening cognitive function and decline from cognitively normal status to mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Higher MIC-1/GDF15 serum levels were also linked to decreased grey matter volumes and white matter integrity. Brain structural changes were shown to mediate the inverse relationships of MIC-1/GDF15 serum levels with cognition. Animal studies indicated that the expression of MIC-1/GDF15 in response to stress was neuroprotective and even promoted neurogenesis. SUMMARY From the available findings, MIC-1/GDF15 can be considered as a marker of age-related cognitive decline and brain structural changes. Combining MIC-1/GDF15 with other biomarkers may provide clinical diagnostic and prognostic utility. Threshold effects should be considered in future studies.
Collapse
|
20
|
Ilhan HD, Bilgin AB, Toylu A, Dogan ME, Apaydin KC. The Expression of GDF-15 in the Human Vitreous in the Presence of Retinal Pathologies with an Inflammatory Component. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2015; 24:178-83. [PMID: 26177355 DOI: 10.3109/09273948.2014.981549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The presence of growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), a protein implicated in the regulation of the inflammatory response, was investigated in the vitreous of patients with vitreoretinal disorders. METHODS Vitreous and plasma samples were collected from patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (IERM), macular hole (MH), rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), nucleus drop (ND), or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). GDF-15 concentrations were measured using ELISA. RESULTS The vitreous levels of GDF-15 were higher in ND (5) and PDR (14) patients (1494 ± 243 and 904 ± 138 pg/mL, respectively) than RRD (3), MH (3), and IERM (8) patients (302 ± 160, 288 ± 24, and 254 ± 91 pg/mL, respectively). The vitreous levels of GDF-15 were significantly higher in patients with inflammatory vitreoretinal disorders (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS This is the first report showing that GDF-15 appears to be expressed in the vitreous, and that its expression is significantly higher in the presence of a vitreoretinal disorder in which there is an inflammatory component.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Asli Toylu
- b Akdeniz University , Department of Medical Genetics , Antalya , Turkey , and
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wang X, Krebbers J, Charalambous P, Machado V, Schober A, Bosse F, Müller HW, Unsicker K. Growth/differentiation factor-15 and its role in peripheral nervous system lesion and regeneration. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 362:317-30. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2219-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
|
22
|
The multiple facets of the TGF-β family cytokine growth/differentiation factor-15/macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2013; 24:373-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2013.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|