1
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Dion W, Tao Y, Chambers M, Zhao S, Arbuckle RK, Sun M, Kubra S, Nie Y, Ye M, Larsen MB, Camarco D, Ickes E, DuPont C, Wang H, Wang B, Liu S, Pi S, Chen BB, Chen Y, Chen X, Zhu B. Nuclear speckle rejuvenation alleviates proteinopathies at the expense of YAP1. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.18.590103. [PMID: 38659924 PMCID: PMC11042303 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.18.590103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Current treatments targeting individual protein quality control have limited efficacy in alleviating proteinopathies, highlighting the prerequisite for a common upstream druggable target capable of global proteostasis modulation. Building on our prior research establishing nuclear speckles as pivotal organelles responsible for global proteostasis transcriptional control, we aim to alleviate proteinopathies through nuclear speckle rejuvenation. We identified pyrvinium pamoate as a small-molecule nuclear speckle rejuvenator that enhances protein quality control while suppressing YAP1 signaling via decreasing the surface tension of nuclear speckle condensates through interaction with the intrinsically disordered region of nuclear speckle scaffold protein SON. In pre-clinical models, pyrvinium pamoate reduced tauopathy and alleviated retina degeneration by promoting autophagy and ubiquitin-proteasome system. Aberrant nuclear speckle morphology, reduced protein quality control and increased YAP1 activity were also observed in human tauopathies. Our study uncovers novel therapeutic targets for tackling protein misfolding disorders within an expanded proteostasis framework encompassing nuclear speckles and YAP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Dion
- Aging Institute of UPMC, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, U.S.A
| | - Yuren Tao
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, U.S.A
| | - Maci Chambers
- Aging Institute of UPMC, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, U.S.A
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, U.S.A
| | - Riley K. Arbuckle
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA, U.S.A
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michelle Sun
- Aging Institute of UPMC, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, U.S.A
| | - Syeda Kubra
- Aging Institute of UPMC, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, U.S.A
| | - Yuhang Nie
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, U.S.A
| | - Megan Ye
- Aging Institute of UPMC, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, U.S.A
| | - Mads B. Larsen
- Aging Institute of UPMC, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, U.S.A
| | - Daniel Camarco
- Aging Institute of UPMC, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, U.S.A
| | - Eleanor Ickes
- Aging Institute of UPMC, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, U.S.A
| | - Claire DuPont
- Aging Institute of UPMC, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, U.S.A
| | - Haokun Wang
- Aging Institute of UPMC, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, U.S.A
| | - Bingjie Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA, U.S.A
| | - Silvia Liu
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, U.S.A
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, U.S.A
| | - Shaohua Pi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA, U.S.A
| | - Bill B Chen
- Aging Institute of UPMC, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, U.S.A
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, U.S.A
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA, U.S.A
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA, U.S.A
| | - Xu Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, U.S.A
| | - Bokai Zhu
- Aging Institute of UPMC, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, U.S.A
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, U.S.A
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, U.S.A
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2
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Sundaresan Y, Yacoub S, Kodati B, Amankwa CE, Raola A, Zode G. Therapeutic applications of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology for the treatment of ocular diseases. FEBS J 2023; 290:5248-5269. [PMID: 36877952 PMCID: PMC10480348 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Ocular diseases are a highly heterogeneous group of phenotypes, caused by a spectrum of genetic variants and environmental factors that exhibit diverse clinical symptoms. As a result of its anatomical location, structure and immune privilege, the eye is an ideal system to assess and validate novel genetic therapies. Advances in genome editing have revolutionized the field of biomedical science, enabling researchers to understand the biology behind disease mechanisms and allow the treatment of several health conditions, including ocular pathologies. The advent of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based gene editing facilitates efficient and specific genetic modifications in the nucleic acid sequence, resulting in permanent changes at the genomic level. This approach has advantages over other treatment strategies and is promising for the treatment of various genetic and non-genetic ocular conditions. This review provides an overview of the CRISPR/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system and summarizes recent advances in the therapeutic application of CRISPR/Cas9 for the treatment of various ocular pathologies, as well as future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bindu Kodati
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107
| | - Charles E. Amankwa
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107
| | - Akash Raola
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107
| | - Gulab Zode
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107
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3
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Keuthan CJ, Karma S, Zack DJ. Alternative RNA Splicing in the Retina: Insights and Perspectives. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2023; 13:a041313. [PMID: 36690463 PMCID: PMC10547393 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Alternative splicing is a fundamental and highly regulated post-transcriptional process that enhances transcriptome and proteome diversity. This process is particularly important in neuronal tissues, such as the retina, which exhibit some of the highest levels of differentially spliced genes in the body. Alternative splicing is regulated both temporally and spatially during neuronal development, can be cell-type-specific, and when altered can cause a number of pathologies, including retinal degeneration. Advancements in high-throughput sequencing technologies have facilitated investigations of the alternative splicing landscape of the retina in both healthy and disease states. Additionally, innovations in human stem cell engineering, specifically in the generation of 3D retinal organoids, which recapitulate many aspects of the in vivo retinal microenvironment, have aided studies of the role of alternative splicing in human retinal development and degeneration. Here we review these advances and discuss the ongoing development of strategies for the treatment of alternative splicing-related retinal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey J Keuthan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, USA
| | - Sadik Karma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, USA
| | - Donald J Zack
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology and Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, USA
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4
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Kong L, Chu G, Ma W, Liang J, Liu D, Liu Q, Wei X, Jia S, Gu H, He Y, Luo W, Cao S, Zhou X, He R, Yuan Z. Mutations in VWA8 cause autosomal-dominant retinitis pigmentosa via aberrant mitophagy activation. J Med Genet 2023; 60:939-950. [PMID: 37012052 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2022-108888] [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: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common type of hereditary retinal dystrophy, approximately 25%-45% of cases remain without a molecular diagnosis. von Willebrand factor A domain containing 8 (VWA8) encodes a mitochondrial matrix-targeted protein; its molecular function and pathogenic mechanism in RP remain unexplained. METHODS Family members of patients with RP underwent ophthalmic examinations, and peripheral blood samples were collected for exome sequencing, ophthalmic targeted sequencing panel and Sanger sequencing. The importance of VWA8 in retinal development was demonstrated by a zebrafish knockdown model and cellular and molecular analysis. RESULTS This study recruited a Chinese family of 24 individuals with autosomal-dominant RP and conducted detailed ophthalmic examinations. Exome sequencing analysis of six patients revealed heterozygous variants in VWA8, namely, the missense variant c.3070G>A (p.Gly1024Arg) and nonsense c.4558C>T (p.Arg1520Ter). Furthermore, VWA8 expression was significantly decreased both at the mRNA and protein levels. The phenotypes of zebrafish with VWA8 knockdown are similar to those of clinical individuals harbouring VWA8 variants. Moreover, VWA8 defects led to severe mitochondrial damage, resulting in excessive mitophagy and the activation of apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS VWA8 plays a significant role in retinal development and visual function. This finding may provide new insights into RP pathogenesis and potential genes for molecular diagnosis and targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linghui Kong
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Guoming Chu
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Wei Ma
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jiajian Liang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Qiushi Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fourth People's Hospital of Shenyang, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaowei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Shanshan Jia
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Hui Gu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yiwen He
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Wenting Luo
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Songying Cao
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | | | - Rong He
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhengwei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Fu S, Fu J, Mobasher-Jannat A, Jadidi K, Li Y, Chen R, Imani S, Cheng J. Novel pathogenic CERKL variant in Iranian familial with inherited retinal dystrophies: genotype-phenotype correlation. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:166. [PMID: 37162806 PMCID: PMC10163994 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03535-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) include a large chronic heterogeneity genetic disease. While many disease-causing pathogenic variants were involved in the progression of IRD, the Ceramide Kinase Like (CERKL) gene variant in Iranian patients is not well characterized. In this study, a consanguineous Iranian family with three generations was recruited whom presented with the clinical diagnosis of autosomal recessive IRD. By targeted next-generation sequencing (TGS) and Sanger sequencing, the proband was found to have a novel, pathological homozygous deletion variant c.560_568del (p.187_190del) of the CERKL gene (NM_001030311.2) that co-segregated with the disease in all affected family members. The Cerkl is highly expressed in the later four developmental retinal stages, playing a vital role in retina degeneration. Therefore, the identification of a novel, homozygous deletion CERKL variant c.560_568del (p.187_190del) in an IRD familial cohort descent provides insights into the molecular pathogenesis of IRD and facilitates genetic counseling and disease prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangyi Fu
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
- School of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Jiewen Fu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000 People’s Republic of China
| | | | - Khosrow Jadidi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bina Eye Hospital Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yumei Li
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Rui Chen
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Saber Imani
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000 People’s Republic of China
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Jingliang Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000 People’s Republic of China
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6
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Tseng CC, Hung CC, Shu CW, Lee CH, Chen CF, Kuo MS, Kao YY, Chen CL, Ger LP, Liu PF. The Clinical and Biological Effects of Receptor Expression-Enhancing Protein 6 in Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051270. [PMID: 37238941 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
There are currently no effective biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC), which causes a poor 5-year overall survival rate. Thus, it is crucial to identify more effective diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for TSCC patients. The receptor expression-enhancing protein 6 (REEP6), a transmembrane endoplasmic reticulum resident protein, controls the expression or transport of a subset of proteins or receptors. Although it was reported that REEP6 plays a role in lung and colon cancers, its clinical impact and biological role in TSCC are still unknown. The present study aimed to identify a novel effective biomarker and therapeutic target for TSCC patients. Expression levels of REEP6 in specimens from TSCC patients were determined with immunohistochemistry. Gene knockdown was used to evaluate the effects of REEP6 in cancer malignancy (colony/tumorsphere formation, cell cycle regulation, migration, drug resistance and cancer stemness) of TSCC cells. The clinical impact of REEP6 expression and gene co-expression on prognosis were analyzed in oral cancer patients including TSCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Tumor tissues had higher levels of REEP6 compared to normal tissues in TSCC patients. Higher REEP6 expression was related to shorter disease-free survival (DFS) in oral cancer patients with poorly differentiated tumor cells. REEP6-knocked-down TSCC cells showed diminished colony/tumorsphere formation, and they also caused G1 arrest and decreased migration, drug resistance and cancer stemness. A high co-expression of REEP6/epithelial-mesenchymal transition or cancer stemness markers also resulted in poor DFS in oral cancer patients. Thus, REEP6 is involved in the malignancy of TSCC and might serve as a potential diagnostic/prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for TSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Chih Tseng
- Institute of Medical Science and Technology, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
- Department of Dentistry, Zuoying Branch of Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81342, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Ching Hung
- Department of Otolaryngology, Zuoying Branch of Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81342, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wen Shu
- Institute of BioPharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsin Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Feng Chen
- Department of Stomatology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Shu Kuo
- Department of Biotechnology, Chia Nan University, Tainan 71710, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ying Kao
- Department of Biotechnology, Chia Nan University, Tainan 71710, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Lin Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
| | - Luo-Ping Ger
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Feng Liu
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
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7
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Shen W, Shao A, Zhou W, Lou L, Grzybowski A, Jin K, Ye J. Retinogenesis in a Dish: Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization of Retinal Organoids From 2011 to 2022. Cell Transplant 2023; 32:9636897231214321. [PMID: 38044501 PMCID: PMC10695087 DOI: 10.1177/09636897231214321] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal organoid (RO) is the three-dimensional (3D) retinal culture derived from pluripotent or embryonic stem cells which recapitulates organ functions, which was a revolutionary milestone in stem cell technology. The purpose of this study is to explore the hotspots and future directions on ROs, as well as to better understand the fields of greatest research opportunities. Eligible publications related to RO from 2011 to 2022 were acquired from the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection database. Bibliometric analysis was performed by using software including VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and ArcGIS. A total of 520 articles were included, and the number of annual publications showed a rapid increase with an average rate of 40.86%. The United States published the most articles (241/520, 46.35%) with highest total citation frequencies (5,344). University College London (UK) contributed the largest publication output (40/520, 7.69%) and received highest total citation frequencies. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science was the most productive journal with 129 articles. Majlinda Lako contributed the most research with 32 articles, while Olivier Goureau has the strongest collaboration work. Research could be subdivided into four keyword clusters: "culture and differentiation," "morphogenesis and modeling," "gene therapy," and "transplantation and visual restoration," and evolution of keywords was identified. Last decade has witnessed the huge progress in the field of RO, which is a young and promising research area with extensive and in-depth studies. More attention should be paid to RO-related models and therapies based on specific retinal diseases, especially inherited retinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyue Shen
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - An Shao
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wuyuan Zhou
- Zhejiang Academy of Science and Technology Information, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lixia Lou
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Andrzej Grzybowski
- Institute for Research in Ophthalmology, Foundation for Ophthalmology Development, Poznan, Poland
| | - Kai Jin
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Juan Ye
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, China
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8
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Sun Y, Chen L, Xu T, Gou B, Mai JW, Luo DX, Xin WJ, Wu JY. MiR-672-5p-Mediated Upregulation of REEP6 in Spinal Dorsal Horn Participates in Bortezomib-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Rats. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:229-237. [PMID: 36064821 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03741-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Evidence shows that miRNAs are deeply involved in nervous system diseases, but whether miRNAs contribute to the bortezomib (BTZ)-induced neuropathic pain remains unclear. We aimed to investigate whether miRNAs contribute to bortezomib (BTZ)-induced neuropathic pain and explore the related downstream cascades. The level of miRNAs in the spinal dorsal horn was explored using miRNA microarray and PCR. MiR-672-5p was significantly downregulated in dorsal horn neurons in the rats with BTZ treatment. Intrathecal injection of miR-672-5p agomir blunted the increase of the amplitude and frequency of sEPSCs in dorsal horn neurons and mechanical allodynia induced by BTZ. In addition, the knockdown of miR-672-5p by intrathecal injection of antagomir increased the amplitude and frequency of sEPSCs in dorsal horn neurons and decreased the mechanical withdrawal threshold in naïve rats. Furthermore, silico analysis and the data from subsequent assays indicated that REEP6, a potential miR-672-5p-regulating molecule, was increased in the spinal dorsal horn of rats with BTZ-induced neuropathic pain. Blocking REEP6 alleviated the mechanical pain behavior induced by BTZ, whereas overexpressing REEP6 induced pain hypersensitivity in naïve rats. Importantly, we further found that miR-672-5p was expressed in the REEP6-positive cells, and overexpression or knockdown of miR-672-5p reversely regulated the REEP6 expression. Bioinformatics analysis and double-luciferase reporter assay showed the existence of interaction sites between REEP6 mRNA and miR-672-5p. Overall, our study demonstrated that miR-672-5p directly regulated the expression of REEP6, which participated in the neuronal hyperexcitability in the spinal dorsal horn and neuropathic pain following BTZ treatment. This signaling pathway may potentially serve as a novel therapeutic avenue for chemotherapeutic-induced mechanical hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Sun
- Graduate Department, Department of Sport Medicine, Xi'an Physical Education University, Xi'an, 710068, Shanxi, China.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shanxi, China
| | - Li Chen
- Zhongshan School of Medicine and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Sun Yat-Sen University, 74 Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Zhongshan School of Medicine and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Sun Yat-Sen University, 74 Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Bo Gou
- Graduate Department, Department of Sport Medicine, Xi'an Physical Education University, Xi'an, 710068, Shanxi, China
| | - Jing-Wen Mai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huizhou Central People's Hospital, Huizhou, 516001, Guangdong, China
| | - De-Xing Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huizhou Central People's Hospital, Huizhou, 516001, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen-Jun Xin
- Zhongshan School of Medicine and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Sun Yat-Sen University, 74 Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jia-Yan Wu
- Zhongshan School of Medicine and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Sun Yat-Sen University, 74 Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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9
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Leong YC, Sowden JC. Modeling Retinitis Pigmentosa with Patient-Derived iPSCs. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1415:555-563. [PMID: 37440086 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-27681-1_81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) causes blindness in 1 out of 3000-4000 individuals worldwide. Understanding the disease mechanism underlying the death of photoreceptors in RP patient is crucial for the discovery and development of therapies to prevent and stop the progression of retinal degeneration. Despite having provided valuable insight into RP pathology, several shortcomings of animal models warrant the need for a better modeling system. This review discusses the current use of patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to model RP and its advantages over animal models. Further improvement to enhance the representativeness of iPSC RP models is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeh Chwan Leong
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Jane C Sowden
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.
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10
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Generation of Human iPSC-Derived Retinal Organoids for Assessment of AAV-Mediated Gene Delivery. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2560:287-302. [PMID: 36481905 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2651-1_27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human retinal organoids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) serve as a promising preclinical model for testing the safety and efficacy of viral gene therapy. Retinal organoids recapitulate the stratified multilayered epithelium structure of the developing and maturating human retina. As such, retinal organoids are unique tools to model retinal disease and to test therapeutic interventions toward their amelioration. Here, we describe a method for the generation of human iPSC-derived retinal organoids and how they can be utilized for the assessment of recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV)-mediated gene delivery.
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11
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CRISPR-Cas9 Technology for the Creation of Biological Avatars Capable of Modeling and Treating Pathologies: From Discovery to the Latest Improvements. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223615. [PMID: 36429042 PMCID: PMC9688409 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This is a spectacular moment for genetics to evolve in genome editing, which encompasses the precise alteration of the cellular DNA sequences within various species. One of the most fascinating genome-editing technologies currently available is Clustered Regularly Interspaced Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and its associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9), which have integrated deeply into the research field within a short period due to its effectiveness. It became a standard tool utilized in a broad spectrum of biological and therapeutic applications. Furthermore, reliable disease models are required to improve the quality of healthcare. CRISPR-Cas9 has the potential to diversify our knowledge in genetics by generating cellular models, which can mimic various human diseases to better understand the disease consequences and develop new treatments. Precision in genome editing offered by CRISPR-Cas9 is now paving the way for gene therapy to expand in clinical trials to treat several genetic diseases in a wide range of species. This review article will discuss genome-editing tools: CRISPR-Cas9, Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs), and Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALENs). It will also encompass the importance of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in generating cellular disease models for novel therapeutics, its applications in gene therapy, and challenges with novel strategies to enhance its specificity.
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12
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Clinical variant interpretation and biologically relevant reference transcripts. NPJ Genom Med 2022; 7:59. [PMID: 36257961 PMCID: PMC9579139 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-022-00329-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical variant interpretation is highly dependent on the choice of reference transcript. Although the longest transcript has traditionally been chosen as the reference, APPRIS principal and MANE Select transcripts, biologically supported reference sequences, are now available. In this study, we show that MANE Select and APPRIS principal transcripts are the best reference transcripts for clinical variation. APPRIS principal and MANE Select transcripts capture almost all ClinVar pathogenic variants, and they are particularly powerful over the 94% of coding genes in which they agree. We find that a vanishingly small number of ClinVar pathogenic variants affect alternative protein products. Alternative isoforms that are likely to be clinically relevant can be predicted using TRIFID scores, the highest scoring alternative transcripts are almost 700 times more likely to house pathogenic variants. We believe that APPRIS, MANE and TRIFID are essential tools for clinical variant interpretation.
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13
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Fan S, Liu H, Li L. The REEP family of proteins: molecular targets and role in pathophysiology. Pharmacol Res 2022; 185:106477. [PMID: 36191880 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Receptor expression-enhancing proteins (REEPs) are an evolutionarily conserved protein family that is pivotal to the structure and function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The REEP family can be classified into two major subfamilies in higher species, the REEP1-4 and REEP5-6 subfamilies. Within the REEP1-4 subfamily, REEP1 and REEP2 are closely related, and REEP3 and REEP4 are similarly related. The REEP family is widely distributed in various tissues. Recent studies indicate that the REEP family is involved in many pathological and physiological processes, such as ER morphogenesis and remodeling, microtubule cytoskeleton regulation, and the trafficking and expression of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Moreover, the REEP family plays crucial roles in the occurrence and development of many diseases, including neurological diseases, diabetes, retinal diseases, cardiac diseases, infertility, obesity, oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (OJIA), COVID-19, and cancer. In the present review, we describe the distribution and structure of the REEP family. Furthermore, we summarize the functions and the associated diseases of this family. Based on the pleiotropic actions of the REEP family, the study of its family members is crucial to understanding the relevant pathophysiological processes and developing strategies to modulate and control these related diseases. AVAILABILITY OF DATA AND MATERIAL: The datasets used or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Fan
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of tumor microenvironment responsive drug research, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Huimei Liu
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of tumor microenvironment responsive drug research, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Lanfang Li
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of tumor microenvironment responsive drug research, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China.
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14
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Zhou W, Yang J, Zhang Y, Hu X, Wang W. Current landscape of gene-editing technology in biomedicine: Applications, advantages, challenges, and perspectives. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e155. [PMID: 35845351 PMCID: PMC9283854 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The expanding genome editing toolbox has revolutionized life science research ranging from the bench to the bedside. These “molecular scissors” have offered us unprecedented abilities to manipulate nucleic acid sequences precisely in living cells from diverse species. Continued advances in genome editing exponentially broaden our knowledge of human genetics, epigenetics, molecular biology, and pathology. Currently, gene editing‐mediated therapies have led to impressive responses in patients with hematological diseases, including sickle cell disease and thalassemia. With the discovery of more efficient, precise and sophisticated gene‐editing tools, more therapeutic gene‐editing approaches will enter the clinic to treat various diseases, such as acquired immunodeficiency sydrome (AIDS), hematologic malignancies, and even severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. These initial successes have spurred the further innovation and development of gene‐editing technology. In this review, we will introduce the architecture and mechanism of the current gene‐editing tools, including clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR‐associated nuclease‐based tools and other protein‐based DNA targeting systems, and we summarize the meaningful applications of diverse technologies in preclinical studies, focusing on the establishment of disease models and diagnostic techniques. Finally, we provide a comprehensive overview of clinical information using gene‐editing therapeutics for treating various human diseases and emphasize the opportunities and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilin Zhou
- Department of Biotherapyy State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu People's Republic of China
| | - Jinrong Yang
- Department of Biotherapyy State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu People's Republic of China.,Department of Hematology Hematology Research Laboratory State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan P. R. China
| | - Yalan Zhang
- Department of Biotherapyy State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyi Hu
- Department of Biotherapyy State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu People's Republic of China.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children Ministry of Education West China Second Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu P. R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Biotherapyy State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu People's Republic of China
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15
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Angelotti T. Exploring the eukaryotic Yip and REEP/Yop superfamily of membrane-shaping adapter proteins (MSAPs): A cacophony or harmony of structure and function? Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:912848. [PMID: 36060263 PMCID: PMC9437294 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.912848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polytopic cargo proteins are synthesized and exported along the secretory pathway from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), through the Golgi apparatus, with eventual insertion into the plasma membrane (PM). While searching for proteins that could enhance cell surface expression of olfactory receptors, a new family of proteins termed “receptor expression-enhancing proteins” or REEPs were identified. These membrane-shaping hairpin proteins serve as adapters, interacting with intracellular transport machinery, to regulate cargo protein trafficking. However, REEPs belong to a larger family of proteins, the Yip (Ypt-interacting protein) family, conserved in yeast and higher eukaryotes. To date, eighteen mammalian Yip family members, divided into four subfamilies (Yipf, REEP, Yif, and PRAF), have been identified. Yeast research has revealed many intriguing aspects of yeast Yip function, functions that have not completely been explored with mammalian Yip family members. This review and analysis will clarify the different Yip family nomenclature that have encumbered prior comparisons between yeast, plants, and eukaryotic family members, to provide a more complete understanding of their interacting proteins, membrane topology, organelle localization, and role as regulators of cargo trafficking and localization. In addition, the biological role of membrane shaping and sensing hairpin and amphipathic helical domains of various Yip proteins and their potential cellular functions will be described. Lastly, this review will discuss the concept of Yip proteins as members of a larger superfamily of membrane-shaping adapter proteins (MSAPs), proteins that both shape membranes via membrane-sensing and hairpin insertion, and well as act as adapters for protein-protein interactions. MSAPs are defined by their localization to specific membranes, ability to alter membrane structure, interactions with other proteins via specific domains, and specific interactions/effects on cargo proteins.
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16
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Panikker P, Roy S, Ghosh A, Poornachandra B, Ghosh A. Advancing precision medicines for ocular disorders: Diagnostic genomics to tailored therapies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:906482. [PMID: 35911417 PMCID: PMC9334564 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.906482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful sequencing of the human genome and evolving functional knowledge of gene products has taken genomic medicine to the forefront, soon combining broadly with traditional diagnostics, therapeutics, and prognostics in patients. Recent years have witnessed an extraordinary leap in our understanding of ocular diseases and their respective genetic underpinnings. As we are entering the age of genomic medicine, rapid advances in genome sequencing, gene delivery, genome surgery, and computational genomics enable an ever-increasing capacity to provide a precise and robust diagnosis of diseases and the development of targeted treatment strategies. Inherited retinal diseases are a major source of blindness around the world where a large number of causative genes have been identified, paving the way for personalized diagnostics in the clinic. Developments in functional genetics and gene transfer techniques has also led to the first FDA approval of gene therapy for LCA, a childhood blindness. Many such retinal diseases are the focus of various clinical trials, making clinical diagnoses of retinal diseases, their underlying genetics and the studies of natural history important. Here, we review methodologies for identifying new genes and variants associated with various ocular disorders and the complexities associated with them. Thereafter we discuss briefly, various retinal diseases and the application of genomic technologies in their diagnosis. We also discuss the strategies, challenges, and potential of gene therapy for the treatment of inherited and acquired retinal diseases. Additionally, we discuss the translational aspects of gene therapy, the important vector types and considerations for human trials that may help advance personalized therapeutics in ophthalmology. Retinal disease research has led the application of precision diagnostics and precision therapies; therefore, this review provides a general understanding of the current status of precision medicine in ophthalmology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shomereeta Roy
- Grow Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bengaluru, India
| | - Anuprita Ghosh
- Grow Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Arkasubhra Ghosh
- Grow Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bengaluru, India
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17
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Bhardwaj A, Yadav A, Yadav M, Tanwar M. Genetic dissection of non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa. Indian J Ophthalmol 2022; 70:2355-2385. [PMID: 35791117 PMCID: PMC9426071 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_46_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) belongs to a group of pigmentary retinopathies. It is the most common form of inherited retinal dystrophy, characterized by progressive degradation of photoreceptors that leads to nyctalopia, and ultimately, complete vision loss. RP is distinguished by the continuous retinal degeneration that progresses from the mid-periphery to the central and peripheral retina. RP was first described and named by Franciscus Cornelius Donders in the year 1857. It is one of the leading causes of bilateral blindness in adults, with an incidence of 1 in 3000 people worldwide. In this review, we are going to focus on the genetic heterogeneity of this disease, which is provided by various inheritance patterns, numerosity of variations and inter-/intra-familial variations based upon penetrance and expressivity. Although over 90 genes have been identified in RP patients, the genetic cause of approximately 50% of RP cases remains unknown. Heterogeneity of RP makes it an extremely complicated ocular impairment. It is so complicated that it is known as “fever of unknown origin”. For prognosis and proper management of the disease, it is necessary to understand its genetic heterogeneity so that each phenotype related to the various genetic variations could be treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Bhardwaj
- Department of Genetics, M. D. University, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Anshu Yadav
- Department of Genetics, M. D. University, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Manoj Yadav
- Department of Genetics, M. D. University, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Mukesh Tanwar
- Department of Genetics, M. D. University, Rohtak, Haryana, India
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18
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Daniszewski M, Senabouth A, Liang HH, Han X, Lidgerwood GE, Hernández D, Sivakumaran P, Clarke JE, Lim SY, Lees JG, Rooney L, Gulluyan L, Souzeau E, Graham SL, Chan CL, Nguyen U, Farbehi N, Gnanasambandapillai V, McCloy RA, Clarke L, Kearns LS, Mackey DA, Craig JE, MacGregor S, Powell JE, Pébay A, Hewitt AW. Retinal ganglion cell-specific genetic regulation in primary open-angle glaucoma. CELL GENOMICS 2022; 2:100142. [PMID: 36778138 PMCID: PMC9903700 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2022.100142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
To assess the transcriptomic profile of disease-specific cell populations, fibroblasts from patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) were reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) before being differentiated into retinal organoids and compared with those from healthy individuals. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing of a total of 247,520 cells and identified cluster-specific molecular signatures. Comparing the gene expression profile between cases and controls, we identified novel genetic associations for this blinding disease. Expression quantitative trait mapping identified a total of 4,443 significant loci across all cell types, 312 of which are specific to the retinal ganglion cell subpopulations, which ultimately degenerate in POAG. Transcriptome-wide association analysis identified genes at loci previously associated with POAG, and analysis, conditional on disease status, implicated 97 statistically significant retinal ganglion cell-specific expression quantitative trait loci. This work highlights the power of large-scale iPSC studies to uncover context-specific profiles for a genetically complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Daniszewski
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Anne Senabouth
- Garvan Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Helena H. Liang
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Xikun Han
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Grace E. Lidgerwood
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Damián Hernández
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Priyadharshini Sivakumaran
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Jordan E. Clarke
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Shiang Y. Lim
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,O’Brien Institute Department of St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Jarmon G. Lees
- O’Brien Institute Department of St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia,Department of Medicine, St Vincent’s Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Louise Rooney
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Lerna Gulluyan
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Emmanuelle Souzeau
- Department of Ophthalmology, Flinders University, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Stuart L. Graham
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Chia-Ling Chan
- Garvan Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Uyen Nguyen
- Garvan Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Nona Farbehi
- Garvan Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Vikkitharan Gnanasambandapillai
- Garvan Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Rachael A. McCloy
- Garvan Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Linda Clarke
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Lisa S. Kearns
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
| | - David A. Mackey
- Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Vision Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia,School of Medicine, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia
| | - Jamie E. Craig
- Department of Ophthalmology, Flinders University, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Stuart MacGregor
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Joseph E. Powell
- Garvan Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia,UNSW Cellular Genomics Futures Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia,Corresponding author
| | - Alice Pébay
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia,Corresponding author
| | - Alex W. Hewitt
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia,School of Medicine, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia,Corresponding author
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19
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Son Y, Choi C, Saha A, Park JH, Im H, Cho YK, Seong JK, Burl RB, Rondini EA, Granneman JG, Lee YH. REEP6 knockout leads to defective β-adrenergic signaling in adipocytes and promotes obesity-related metabolic dysfunction. Metabolism 2022; 130:155159. [PMID: 35150731 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2022.155159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The mobilization and catabolism of lipid energy is a central function of adipocytes that is under the control of the β-adrenergic signaling pathway, and defects in β-adrenergic signaling in adipocytes have been linked to obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases. Receptor expression-enhancing proteins (REEPs) are endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteins that play critical roles in subcellular targeting of receptor signaling complexes. Examination of gene expression profiles indicates that, among REEPs expressed in adipocytes, REEP6 expression is uniquely upregulated by sympathetic nervous system activation, suggesting involvement in regulating adrenergic signal transduction. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of REEP6 to the thermogenic activation of adipocytes and characterize the metabolic consequences of REEP6 deficiency in vivo. METHODS Expression levels of Reep6 in adipose tissue were examined by using public transcriptomic data and validated by Western blot and qPCR analyses. Adipocyte-specific regulatory roles of REEP6 were investigated in vitro in C3H10T1/2 adipocytes and in primary adipocytes obtained from REEP6 KO mice. Effects of in vivo REEP6 deficiency on energy expenditure were measured by indirect calorimetry. Mitochondrial content in adipose tissue was accessed by immunoblot, mitochondrial DNA analysis, and confocal and electron microscopy. Effects of REEP6 KO on obesity-induced metabolic dysfunction were tested in a high-fat diet-induced obesity mouse model by glucose tolerance test, Western blot, and histological analyses. RESULTS REEP6 expression is highly enriched in murine adipocytes and is sharply upregulated upon adipocyte differentiation and by cold exposure. Inactivation of REEP6 in mice increased adiposity, and reduced energy expenditure and cold tolerance. REEP6 KO severely reduced protein kinase A-mediated signaling in BAT and greatly reduced mitochondrial mass. The effect of REEP6 inactivation on diminished β-adrenergic signaling was reproduced in cultured adipocytes, indicating that this effect is cell-autonomous. REEP6 KO also suppressed expression of adenylate cyclase 3 (Adcy3) in brown adipose tissue and knockdown of REEP6 in adipocytes reduced targeting of ADCY3 to the plasma membrane. Lastly, REEP6 KO exacerbated high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance and inflammation in adipose tissue. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that REEP6 plays an important role in β-adrenergic signal transduction in adipocytes involving the expression and trafficking of Adcy3. Genetic inactivation of REEP6 reduces energy expenditure, increases adiposity, and the susceptibility to obesity-related metabolic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeonho Son
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheoljun Choi
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Abhirup Saha
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hyun Park
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonyeong Im
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Keun Cho
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Je Kyung Seong
- Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center (KMPC), and Laboratory of Developmental Biology and Genomics, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Rayanne B Burl
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, and Center for Integrative Metabolic and Endocrine Research, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Rondini
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, and Center for Integrative Metabolic and Endocrine Research, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - James G Granneman
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, and Center for Integrative Metabolic and Endocrine Research, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yun-Hee Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
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20
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McLaughlin T, Medina A, Perkins J, Yera M, Wang JJ, Zhang SX. Cellular stress signaling and the unfolded protein response in retinal degeneration: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Mol Neurodegener 2022; 17:25. [PMID: 35346303 PMCID: PMC8962104 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-022-00528-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The retina, as part of the central nervous system (CNS) with limited capacity for self-reparation and regeneration in mammals, is under cumulative environmental stress due to high-energy demands and rapid protein turnover. These stressors disrupt the cellular protein and metabolic homeostasis, which, if not alleviated, can lead to dysfunction and cell death of retinal neurons. One primary cellular stress response is the highly conserved unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR acts through three main signaling pathways in an attempt to restore the protein homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by various means, including but not limited to, reducing protein translation, increasing protein-folding capacity, and promoting misfolded protein degradation. Moreover, recent work has identified a novel function of the UPR in regulation of cellular metabolism and mitochondrial function, disturbance of which contributes to neuronal degeneration and dysfunction. The role of the UPR in retinal neurons during aging and under disease conditions in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy (DR) has been explored over the past two decades. Each of the disease conditions and their corresponding animal models provide distinct challenges and unique opportunities to gain a better understanding of the role of the UPR in the maintenance of retinal health and function. Method We performed an extensive literature search on PubMed and Google Scholar using the following keywords: unfolded protein response, metabolism, ER stress, retinal degeneration, aging, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy. Results and conclusion We summarize recent advances in understanding cellular stress response, in particular the UPR, in retinal diseases, highlighting the potential roles of UPR pathways in regulation of cellular metabolism and mitochondrial function in retinal neurons. Further, we provide perspective on the promise and challenges for targeting the UPR pathways as a new therapeutic approach in age- and disease-related retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd McLaughlin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ira G. Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Andy Medina
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ira G. Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Jacob Perkins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ira G. Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Maria Yera
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ira G. Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.,Neuroscience Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Joshua J Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ira G. Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.,Neuroscience Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Sarah X Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ira G. Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA. .,Neuroscience Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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21
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A comprehensive WGS-based pipeline for the identification of new candidate genes in inherited retinal dystrophies. NPJ Genom Med 2022; 7:17. [PMID: 35246562 PMCID: PMC8897414 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-022-00286-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
To enhance the use of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) in clinical practice, it is still necessary to standardize data analysis pipelines. Herein, we aimed to define a WGS-based algorithm for the accurate interpretation of variants in inherited retinal dystrophies (IRD). This study comprised 429 phenotyped individuals divided into three cohorts. A comparison of 14 pathogenicity predictors, and the re-definition of its cutoffs, were performed using panel-sequencing curated data from 209 genetically diagnosed individuals with IRD (training cohort). The optimal tool combinations, previously validated in 50 additional IRD individuals, were also tested in patients with hereditary cancer (n = 109), and with neurological diseases (n = 47) to evaluate the translational value of this approach (validation cohort). Then, our workflow was applied for the WGS-data analysis of 14 individuals from genetically undiagnosed IRD families (discovery cohort). The statistical analysis showed that the optimal filtering combination included CADDv1.6, MAPP, Grantham, and SIFT tools. Our pipeline allowed the identification of one homozygous variant in the candidate gene CFAP20 (c.337 C > T; p.Arg113Trp), a conserved ciliary gene, which was abundantly expressed in human retina and was located in the photoreceptors layer. Although further studies are needed, we propose CFAP20 as a candidate gene for autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa. Moreover, we offer a translational strategy for accurate WGS-data prioritization, which is essential for the advancement of personalized medicine.
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22
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Chang KC. Influence of Sox protein SUMOylation on neural development and regeneration. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:477-481. [PMID: 34380874 PMCID: PMC8504373 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.320968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
SRY-related HMG-box (Sox) transcription factors are known to regulate central nervous system development and are involved in several neurological diseases. Post-translational modification of Sox proteins is known to alter their functions in the central nervous system. Among the different types of post-translational modification, small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) modification of Sox proteins has been shown to modify their transcriptional activity. Here, we review the mechanisms of three Sox proteins in neuronal development and disease, along with their transcriptional changes under SUMOylation. Across three species, lysine is the conserved residue for SUMOylation. In Drosophila, SUMOylation of SoxN plays a repressive role in transcriptional activity, which impairs central nervous system development. However, deSUMOylation of SoxE and Sox11 plays neuroprotective roles, which promote neural crest precursor formation in Xenopus and retinal ganglion cell differentiation as well as axon regeneration in the rodent. We further discuss a potential translational therapy by SUMO site modification using AAV gene transduction and Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-Cas9 technology. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of Sox SUMOylation, especially in the rodent system, may provide a therapeutic strategy to address issues associated with neuronal development and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Che Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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23
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Schneider N, Sundaresan Y, Gopalakrishnan P, Beryozkin A, Hanany M, Levanon EY, Banin E, Ben-Aroya S, Sharon D. Inherited retinal diseases: Linking genes, disease-causing variants, and relevant therapeutic modalities. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 89:101029. [PMID: 34839010 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.101029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a clinically complex and heterogenous group of visual impairment phenotypes caused by pathogenic variants in at least 277 nuclear and mitochondrial genes, affecting different retinal regions, and depleting the vision of affected individuals. Genes that cause IRDs when mutated are unique by possessing differing genotype-phenotype correlations, varying inheritance patterns, hypomorphic alleles, and modifier genes thus complicating genetic interpretation. Next-generation sequencing has greatly advanced the identification of novel IRD-related genes and pathogenic variants in the last decade. For this review, we performed an in-depth literature search which allowed for compilation of the Global Retinal Inherited Disease (GRID) dataset containing 4,798 discrete variants and 17,299 alleles published in 31 papers, showing a wide range of frequencies and complexities among the 194 genes reported in GRID, with 65% of pathogenic variants being unique to a single individual. A better understanding of IRD-related gene distribution, gene complexity, and variant types allow for improved genetic testing and therapies. Current genetic therapeutic methods are also quite diverse and rely on variant identification, and range from whole gene replacement to single nucleotide editing at the DNA or RNA levels. IRDs and their suitable therapies thus require a range of effective disease modelling in human cells, granting insight into disease mechanisms and testing of possible treatments. This review summarizes genetic and therapeutic modalities of IRDs, provides new analyses of IRD-related genes (GRID and complexity scores), and provides information to match genetic-based therapies such as gene-specific and variant-specific therapies to the appropriate individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Schneider
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Yogapriya Sundaresan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Prakadeeswari Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Avigail Beryozkin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Mor Hanany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Erez Y Levanon
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Eyal Banin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Shay Ben-Aroya
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Dror Sharon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Israel.
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24
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Afanasyeva TAV, Corral-Serrano JC, Garanto A, Roepman R, Cheetham ME, Collin RWJ. A look into retinal organoids: methods, analytical techniques, and applications. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:6505-6532. [PMID: 34420069 PMCID: PMC8558279 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03917-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) cause progressive loss of light-sensitive photoreceptors in the eye and can lead to blindness. Gene-based therapies for IRDs have shown remarkable progress in the past decade, but the vast majority of forms remain untreatable. In the era of personalised medicine, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) emerge as a valuable system for cell replacement and to model IRD because they retain the specific patient genome and can differentiate into any adult cell type. Three-dimensional (3D) iPSCs-derived retina-like tissue called retinal organoid contains all major retina-specific cell types: amacrine, bipolar, horizontal, retinal ganglion cells, Müller glia, as well as rod and cone photoreceptors. Here, we describe the main applications of retinal organoids and provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-art analysis methods that apply to this model system. Finally, we will discuss the outlook for improvements that would bring the cellular model a step closer to become an established system in research and treatment development of IRDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess A V Afanasyeva
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Alejandro Garanto
- Department of Pediatrics, Amalia Children's Hospital and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald Roepman
- Department of Human Genetics and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Michael E Cheetham
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.
| | - Rob W J Collin
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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25
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Andreazzoli M, Barravecchia I, De Cesari C, Angeloni D, Demontis GC. Inducible Pluripotent Stem Cells to Model and Treat Inherited Degenerative Diseases of the Outer Retina: 3D-Organoids Limitations and Bioengineering Solutions. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092489. [PMID: 34572137 PMCID: PMC8471616 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal degenerations (IRD) affecting either photoreceptors or pigment epithelial cells cause progressive visual loss and severe disability, up to complete blindness. Retinal organoids (ROs) technologies opened up the development of human inducible pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) for disease modeling and replacement therapies. However, hiPSC-derived ROs applications to IRD presently display limited maturation and functionality, with most photoreceptors lacking well-developed outer segments (OS) and light responsiveness comparable to their adult retinal counterparts. In this review, we address for the first time the microenvironment where OS mature, i.e., the subretinal space (SRS), and discuss SRS role in photoreceptors metabolic reprogramming required for OS generation. We also address bioengineering issues to improve culture systems proficiency to promote OS maturation in hiPSC-derived ROs. This issue is crucial, as satisfying the demanding metabolic needs of photoreceptors may unleash hiPSC-derived ROs full potential for disease modeling, drug development, and replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ivana Barravecchia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | | | - Debora Angeloni
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Gian Carlo Demontis
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Correspondence: (M.A.); (G.C.D.)
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26
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Ahmed I, Johnston RJ, Singh MS. Pluripotent stem cell therapy for retinal diseases. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1279. [PMID: 34532416 PMCID: PMC8421932 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-4747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), which include human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC), have been used to study development of disease processes, and as potential therapies in multiple organ systems. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the use of PSC-based transplantation to treat disorders of the retina in which retinal cells have been functionally damaged or lost through degeneration. The retina, which consists of neuronal tissue, provides an excellent system to test the therapeutic utility of PSC-based transplantation due to its accessibility and the availability of high-resolution imaging technology to evaluate effects. Preclinical trials in animal models of retinal diseases have shown improvement in visual outcomes following subretinal transplantation of PSC-derived photoreceptors or retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. This review focuses on preclinical studies and clinical trials exploring the use of PSCs for retinal diseases. To date, several phase I/II clinical trials in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Stargardt disease (STGD1) have demonstrated the safety and feasibility of PSC-derived RPE transplantation. Additional phase I/II clinical trials using PSC-derived RPE or photoreceptor cells for the treatment of AMD, STGD1, and also retinitis pigmentosa (RP) are currently in the pipeline. As this field continues to evolve, additional technologies may enhance PSC-derived cell transplantation through gene-editing of autologous cells, transplantation of more complex cellular structures such as organoids, and monitoring of transplanted cells through novel imaging technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishrat Ahmed
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Mandeep S Singh
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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27
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Rasoulinejad SA, Maroufi F. CRISPR-Based Genome Editing as a New Therapeutic Tool in Retinal Diseases. Mol Biotechnol 2021; 63:768-779. [PMID: 34057656 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-021-00345-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Retinal diseases are the primary reasons for severe visual defects and irreversible blindness. Retinal diseases are also inherited and acquired. Both of them are caused by mutations in genes or disruptions in specific gene expression, which can be treated by gene-editing therapy. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR-Cas9) system is a frontier of gene-editing tools with great potential for therapeutic applications in the ophthalmology field to modify abnormal genes and treat the genome or epigenome-related retinal diseases. The CRISPR system is able to edit and trim the gene include deletion, insertion, inhibition, activation, replacing, remodeling, epigenetic alteration, and modify the gene expression. CRISPR-based genome editing techniques have indicated the enormous potential to treat retinal diseases that previous treatment was not available for them. Also, recent CRISPR genome surgery experiments have shown the improvement of patient's vision who suffered from severe visual loss. In this article, we review the applications of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in human or animal models for treating retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), then we survey limitations of CRISPR system for clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Ahmad Rasoulinejad
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | - Faezeh Maroufi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
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28
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Torun FM, Bilgin HI, Kaplan OI. MSABrowser: dynamic and fast visualization of sequence alignments, variations and annotations. BIOINFORMATICS ADVANCES 2021; 1:vbab009. [PMID: 36700112 PMCID: PMC9710668 DOI: 10.1093/bioadv/vbab009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Summary Sequence alignment is an excellent way to visualize the similarities and differences between DNA, RNA or protein sequences, yet it is currently difficult to jointly view sequence alignment data with genetic variations, modifications such as post-translational modifications and annotations (i.e. protein domains). Here, we present the MSABrowser tool that makes it easy to co-visualize genetic variations, modifications and annotations on the respective positions of amino acids or nucleotides in pairwise or multiple sequence alignments. MSABrowser is developed entirely in JavaScript and works on any modern web browser at any platform, including Linux, Mac OS X and Windows systems without any installation. MSABrowser is also freely available for the benefit of the scientific community. Availability and implementation MSABrowser is released as open-source and web-based software under MIT License. The visualizer, documentation, all source codes and examples are available at https://thekaplanlab.github.io/ and GitHub repository https://github.com/thekaplanlab/msabrowser. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics Advances online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furkan M Torun
- Rare Disease Laboratory, School of Life and Natural Sciences, Abdullah Gul University, Kayseri 38080, Turkey
| | - Halil I Bilgin
- Department of Computer Engineering, Abdullah Gul University, Kayseri 38080, Turkey
| | - Oktay I Kaplan
- Rare Disease Laboratory, School of Life and Natural Sciences, Abdullah Gul University, Kayseri 38080, Turkey,To whom correspondence should be addressed.
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29
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Wagstaff EL, Heredero Berzal A, Boon CJF, Quinn PMJ, ten Asbroek ALMA, Bergen AA. The Role of Small Molecules and Their Effect on the Molecular Mechanisms of Early Retinal Organoid Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7081. [PMID: 34209272 PMCID: PMC8268497 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Early in vivo embryonic retinal development is a well-documented and evolutionary conserved process. The specification towards eye development is temporally controlled by consecutive activation or inhibition of multiple key signaling pathways, such as the Wnt and hedgehog signaling pathways. Recently, with the use of retinal organoids, researchers aim to manipulate these pathways to achieve better human representative models for retinal development and disease. To achieve this, a plethora of different small molecules and signaling factors have been used at various time points and concentrations in retinal organoid differentiations, with varying success. Additions differ from protocol to protocol, but their usefulness or efficiency has not yet been systematically reviewed. Interestingly, many of these small molecules affect the same and/or multiple pathways, leading to reduced reproducibility and high variability between studies. In this review, we make an inventory of the key signaling pathways involved in early retinogenesis and their effect on the development of the early retina in vitro. Further, we provide a comprehensive overview of the small molecules and signaling factors that are added to retinal organoid differentiation protocols, documenting the molecular and functional effects of these additions. Lastly, we comparatively evaluate several of these factors using our established retinal organoid methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie L. Wagstaff
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Andrea Heredero Berzal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.H.B.); (C.J.F.B.)
| | - Camiel J. F. Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.H.B.); (C.J.F.B.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter M. J. Quinn
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology & Cell Biology, Institute of Human Nutrition, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center—New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | | | - Arthur A. Bergen
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.H.B.); (C.J.F.B.)
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN-KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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30
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Liang Q, Wu N, Zaneveld S, Liu H, Fu S, Wang K, Bertrand R, Wang J, Li Y, Chen R. Transcript isoforms of Reep6 have distinct functions in the retina. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:1907-1918. [PMID: 34104971 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Much of the complexity of the eukaryotic cell transcriptome is due to the alternative splicing of mRNA. However, knowledge on how transcriptome complexity is translated into functional complexity remains limited. For example, although different isoforms of a gene may show distinct temporal and spatial expression patterns, it is largely unknown whether these isoforms encode proteins with distinct functions matching their expression pattern. In this report, we investigated the function and relationship of the two isoforms of Reep6, namely Reep6.1 and Reep6.2, in rod photoreceptor cells. These two isoforms result from the alternative splicing of exon 5 and show mutually exclusive expression patterns. Reep6.2 is the canonical isoform that is expressed in non-retinal tissues while Reep6.1 is the only expressed isoform in the adult retina. The Reep6.1 isoform-specific knockout mouse, Reep6E5/E5, is generated by deleting exon 5 and a homozygous deletion phenotypically displayed a rod degeneration phenotype comparable to a Reep6 full knockout mouse, indicating that the Reep6.1 isoform is essential for the rod photoreceptor cell survival. Consistent with the results obtained from a loss-of-function experiment, overexpression of Reep6.2 failed to rescue the rod degeneration phenotype of Reep6 knockout mice while overexpression of Reep6.1 does lead to rescue. These results demonstrate that, consistent with the expression pattern of the isoform, Reep6.1 has rod-specific functions that cannot be substituted by its canonical isoform. Our findings suggested that a strict regulation of splicing is required for the maintenance of photoreceptor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingnan Liang
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA.,Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Nathaniel Wu
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Smriti Zaneveld
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Hehe Liu
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Shangyi Fu
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Keqing Wang
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Renae Bertrand
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA.,Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Jun Wang
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Yumei Li
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Rui Chen
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA.,Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
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31
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Singh D, Chen X, Xia T, Ghiassi-Nejad M, Tainsh L, Adelman RA, Rizzolo LJ. Partially Differentiated Neuroretinal Cells Promote Maturation of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:9. [PMID: 33151282 PMCID: PMC7671856 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.13.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Many studies have demonstrated the ability of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to foster the maturation of the developing retina. Few studies have examined the reciprocal effects of developing retina on the RPE. Methods RPE isolated from human fetal RPE or differentiated from human stem cells was cultured on Transwell filter inserts. Retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) were differentiated from human stem cells and cultured on a planar scaffold composed of gelatin, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and laminin-521. Cultures were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, and transepithelial electrical resistance (TER). Results RPCs initially differentiated into several retina-like cell types that segregated from one another and formed loosely organized layers or zones. With time, the presumptive photoreceptor and ganglion cell layers persisted, but the intervening zone became dominated by cells that expressed glial markers with no evidence of bipolar cells or interneurons. Co-culture of this underdeveloped retinoid with the RPE resulted in a thickened layer of recoverin-positive cells but did not prevent the loss of interneuron markers in the intervening zone. Although photoreceptor inner and outer segments were not observed, immunoblots revealed that co-culture increased expression of rhodopsin and red/green opsin. Co-culture of the RPE with this underdeveloped retinal culture increased the TER of the RPE and the expression of RPE signature genes. Conclusions These studies indicated that an immature neurosensory retina can foster maturation of the RPE; however, the ability of RPE alone to foster maturation of the neurosensory retina is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Singh
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tina Xia
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Maryam Ghiassi-Nejad
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Laurel Tainsh
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Ron A Adelman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Lawrence J Rizzolo
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
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32
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Zhang L, Li Y, Qin L, Wu Y, Lei B. Autosomal Recessive Retinitis Pigmentosa Associated with Three Novel REEP6 Variants in Chinese Population. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12040537. [PMID: 33917198 PMCID: PMC8068040 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa 77 is caused by mutations of REEP6 (MIM: 609346), which encodes a protein for the development of photoreceptors. Our study was to identify disease-causing variants in three Chinese families using targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS). Multiple lines of computational predictions combined with in vitro cellular experiments were applied to evaluate the pathogenicity of the newly found variants. Three novel variants in REEP6, including one missense variant, c.268G>C, one frameshift variant, c.468delC, and one splicing variant, c.598+1G>C, were found, while c.268G>C was detected in all probands. The three variants were classified as likely pathogenic by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). REEP6 variant proteins c.268G>C and c.468delC in cultured cells destabilized the REEP6 protein and induced intracellular inclusions. Our data suggested that REEP6 c.268G>C may be a recurrent causative variant in Chinese autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lujia Zhang
- Graduate School, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China;
- Henan Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Diseases, Henan Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China;
| | - Ya Li
- Henan Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Diseases, Henan Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China;
| | - Litao Qin
- Henan Medical Genetics Institute, Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic Diseases and Functional Genomics, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China;
| | - Yu Wu
- Shanghai Flash Interpretation Biotechnology, Shanghai 201615, China;
| | - Bo Lei
- Henan Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Diseases, Henan Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China;
- Correspondence:
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Genetic characteristics and epidemiology of inherited retinal degeneration in Taiwan. NPJ Genom Med 2021; 6:16. [PMID: 33608557 PMCID: PMC7896090 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-021-00180-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) are a group of phenotypically and genotypically heterogeneous disorders with substantial socioeconomic impact. In this cohort study, we tried to address the genetic characteristics and epidemiology of IRDs in Taiwan. Totally, 312 families with IRDs were identified and recruited and genetic testing was performed via probe capture-based NGS targeting 212 IRD-related genes. Statistical analysis was based on the proband of each affected family. Disease-causing genotypes were identified in 178 families (57.1%). ABCA4 variants were the most common cause of disease in this cohort (27 families, 15.2%), whereas CYP4V2 variants were the most common cause for the single phenotype—Bietti’s crystalline dystrophy (12 families, 3.8%). Some variants such as ABCA4:c.1804C>T, CYP4V2:c.802-8_810delinsGC, and EYS:c6416G>A were population-specific disease-causing hotspots. Probands affected by ABCA4, RPGR, RP1L1, and CEP290 sought medical help earlier while patients affected by EYS and CYP4V2 visited our clinic at an older age. To evaluate the representativeness of our cohort in the genetic epidemiology of IRDs in Taiwan, our demographic data were compared with that of the total IRD population in Taiwan, obtained from the National Health Insurance Research Database. This is currently the largest-scale, comprehensive study investigating the genetic characteristics and epidemiology of IRD in Taiwan. These data could help patients and caregivers to adopt precision genomic medicine and novel gene therapies in near future.
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Vig A, Poulter JA, Ottaviani D, Tavares E, Toropova K, Tracewska AM, Mollica A, Kang J, Kehelwathugoda O, Paton T, Maynes JT, Wheway G, Arno G, Khan KN, McKibbin M, Toomes C, Ali M, Di Scipio M, Li S, Ellingford J, Black G, Webster A, Rydzanicz M, Stawiński P, Płoski R, Vincent A, Cheetham ME, Inglehearn CF, Roberts A, Heon E. DYNC2H1 hypomorphic or retina-predominant variants cause nonsyndromic retinal degeneration. Genet Med 2020; 22:2041-2051. [PMID: 32753734 PMCID: PMC7708302 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-020-0915-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Determining the role of DYNC2H1 variants in nonsyndromic inherited retinal disease (IRD). METHODS Genome and exome sequencing were performed for five unrelated cases of IRD with no identified variant. In vitro assays were developed to validate the variants identified (fibroblast assay, induced pluripotent stem cell [iPSC] derived retinal organoids, and a dynein motility assay). RESULTS Four novel DYNC2H1 variants (V1, g.103327020_103327021dup; V2, g.103055779A>T; V3, g.103112272C>G; V4, g.103070104A>C) and one previously reported variant (V5, g.103339363T>G) were identified. In proband 1 (V1/V2), V1 was predicted to introduce a premature termination codon (PTC), whereas V2 disrupted the exon 41 splice donor site causing incomplete skipping of exon 41. V1 and V2 impaired dynein-2 motility in vitro and perturbed IFT88 distribution within cilia. V3, homozygous in probands 2-4, is predicted to cause a PTC in a retina-predominant transcript. Analysis of retinal organoids showed that this new transcript expression increased with organoid differentiation. V4, a novel missense variant, was in trans with V5, previously associated with Jeune asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy (JATD). CONCLUSION The DYNC2H1 variants discussed herein were either hypomorphic or affecting a retina-predominant transcript and caused nonsyndromic IRD. Dynein variants, specifically DYNC2H1 variants are reported as a cause of non syndromic IRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Vig
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - James A Poulter
- Department of Ophthalmology, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Erika Tavares
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Katerina Toropova
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Anna Maria Tracewska
- DNA Analysis Unit, ŁUKASIEWICZ Research Network-PORT Polish Center for Technology Development, Wrocław, Poland
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Antonio Mollica
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jasmine Kang
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Tara Paton
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jason T Maynes
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Gavin Arno
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Kamron N Khan
- Department of Ophthalmology, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Martin McKibbin
- Department of Ophthalmology, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Carmel Toomes
- Department of Ophthalmology, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Manir Ali
- Department of Ophthalmology, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Matteo Di Scipio
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Shuning Li
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jamie Ellingford
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicines and health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC), University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Graeme Black
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicines and health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew Webster
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Piotr Stawiński
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Płoski
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ajoy Vincent
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | - Anthony Roberts
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birbeck, University of London, London, UK.
| | - Elise Heon
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Science, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.
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Ran J, Zhou J. Targeting the photoreceptor cilium for the treatment of retinal diseases. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2020; 41:1410-1415. [PMID: 32753732 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-0486-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptors, as polarised sensory neurons, are essential for light sensation and phototransduction, which are highly dependent on the photoreceptor cilium. Structural defects and/or dysfunction of the photoreceptor cilium caused by mutations in photoreceptor-specific genes or common ciliary genes can lead to retinal diseases, including syndromic and nonsyndromic diseases. In this review, we describe the structure and function of the photoreceptor cilium. We also discuss recent findings that underscore the dysregulation of the photoreceptor cilium in various retinal diseases and the therapeutic potential of targeting ciliary genes in these diseases.
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36
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Chen L, Zheng S. Understand variability of COVID-19 through population and tissue variations in expression of SARS-CoV-2 host genes. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2020; 21:100443. [PMID: 33072849 PMCID: PMC7550072 DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2020.100443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
An urgent question of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is population variation in susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptom severity. We explore the expression profiles of SARS-CoV-2 host genes, their population variations, associated genetic variants, age- and sex-dependency in normal individuals. SARS-CoV-2 host genes are provisionally defined as the human genes that are experimentally validated or bioinformatically predicted to interact with SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Genes exhibiting most variable expression include ACE2, CLEC4G, CLEC4M, CD209 (interact with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein); REEP6 (a receptor accessory protein expressed in the olfactory epithelium); SLC27A2 and PKP2 (inhibit virus replication); and PTGS2 (mediates fever response). SNP rs4804803, associated with SARS severity, affects expression of CLEC4G and CD209. Genetic variants of proteases associated with SARS-CoV-2 entry (TMPRSS2, CTSB, and CTSL) are strongly associated with their expression variation, suggesting a genetic contribution to phenotypic variations in multiple organs upon virus attack. The most significant age-dependent gene is ACE2, the cellular receptor of SARS-CoV-2. Others include TGF-β family member GDF15, mediating inflammation, and VKORC1, possibly explaining vitamin K deficiency in COVID-19. TIMM10 and ERGIC1 exhibit significant sex differences. In summary, our results show genetic and multiple biological variables may underlie the population variation in SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptom severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Chen
- Quantitative and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, 1050 Childs Way, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, United States
| | - Sika Zheng
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA, 92521, United States
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37
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Newton F, Megaw R. Mechanisms of Photoreceptor Death in Retinitis Pigmentosa. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11101120. [PMID: 32987769 PMCID: PMC7598671 DOI: 10.3390/genes11101120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common cause of inherited blindness and is characterised by the progressive loss of retinal photoreceptors. However, RP is a highly heterogeneous disease and, while much progress has been made in developing gene replacement and gene editing treatments for RP, it is also necessary to develop treatments that are applicable to all causative mutations. Further understanding of the mechanisms leading to photoreceptor death is essential for the development of these treatments. Recent work has therefore focused on the role of apoptotic and non-apoptotic cell death pathways in RP and the various mechanisms that trigger these pathways in degenerating photoreceptors. In particular, several recent studies have begun to elucidate the role of microglia and innate immune response in the progression of RP. Here, we discuss some of the recent progress in understanding mechanisms of rod and cone photoreceptor death in RP and summarise recent clinical trials targeting these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fay Newton
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK;
- Correspondence:
| | - Roly Megaw
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK;
- Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh EH3 9HA, UK
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38
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Walter MA, Rezaie T, Hufnagel RB, Arno G. Ocular genetics in the genomics age. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2020; 184:860-868. [PMID: 32896097 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Current genetic screening methods for inherited eye diseases are concentrated on the coding exons of known disease genes (gene panels, clinical exome). These tests have a variable and often limited diagnostic rate depending on the clinical presentation, size of the gene panel and our understanding of the inheritance of the disorder (with examples described in this issue). There are numerous possible explanations for the missing heritability of these cases including undetected variants within the relevant gene (intronic, up/down-stream and structural variants), variants harbored in genes outside the targeted panel, intergenic variants, variants undetectable by the applied technology, complex/non-Mendelian inheritance, and nongenetic phenocopies. In this article we further explore and review methods to investigate these sources of missing heritability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Walter
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tayebeh Rezaie
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert B Hufnagel
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Gavin Arno
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
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39
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Eintracht J, Toms M, Moosajee M. The Use of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells as a Model for Developmental Eye Disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:265. [PMID: 32973457 PMCID: PMC7468397 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately one-third of childhood blindness is attributed to developmental eye disorders, of which 80% have a genetic cause. Eye morphogenesis is tightly regulated by a highly conserved network of transcription factors when disrupted by genetic mutations can result in severe ocular malformation. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are an attractive tool to study early eye development as they are more physiologically relevant than animal models, can be patient-specific and their use does not elicit the ethical concerns associated with human embryonic stem cells. The generation of self-organizing hiPSC-derived optic cups is a major advancement to understanding mechanisms of ocular development and disease. Their development in vitro has been found to mirror that of the human eye and these early organoids have been used to effectively model microphthalmia caused by a VSX2 variant. hiPSC-derived optic cups, retina, and cornea organoids are powerful tools for future modeling of disease phenotypes and will enable a greater understanding of the pathophysiology of many other developmental eye disorders. These models will also provide an effective platform for identifying molecular therapeutic targets and for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Toms
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.,The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.,The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.,Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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40
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Talib M, Boon CJF. Retinal Dystrophies and the Road to Treatment: Clinical Requirements and Considerations. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2020; 9:159-179. [PMID: 32511120 PMCID: PMC7299224 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
: Retinal dystrophies (RDs) comprise relatively rare but devastating causes of progressive vision loss. They represent a spectrum of diseases with marked genetic and clinical heterogeneity. Mutations in the same gene may lead to different diagnoses, for example, retinitis pigmentosa or cone dystrophy. Conversely, mutations in different genes may lead to the same phenotype. The age at symptom onset, and the rate and characteristics of peripheral and central vision decline, may vary widely per disease group and even within families. For most RD cases, no effective treatment is currently available. However, preclinical studies and phase I/II/III gene therapy trials are ongoing for several RD subtypes, and recently the first retinal gene therapy has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for RPE65-associated RDs: voretigene neparvovec-rzyl (Luxturna). With the rapid advances in gene therapy studies, insight into the phenotypic spectrum and long-term disease course is crucial information for several RD types. The vast clinical heterogeneity presents another important challenge in the evaluation of potential efficacy in future treatment trials, and in establishing treatment candidacy criteria. This perspective describes these challenges, providing detailed clinical descriptions of several forms of RD that are caused by genes of interest for ongoing and future gene or cell-based therapy trials. Several ongoing and future treatment options will be described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mays Talib
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Camiel J F Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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41
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Application of CRISPR Tools for Variant Interpretation and Disease Modeling in Inherited Retinal Dystrophies. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11050473. [PMID: 32349249 PMCID: PMC7290804 DOI: 10.3390/genes11050473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies are an assorted group of rare diseases that collectively account for the major cause of visual impairment of genetic origin worldwide. Besides clinically, these vision loss disorders present a high genetic and allelic heterogeneity. To date, over 250 genes have been associated to retinal dystrophies with reported causative variants of every nature (nonsense, missense, frameshift, splice-site, large rearrangements, and so forth). Except for a fistful of mutations, most of them are private and affect one or few families, making it a challenge to ratify the newly identified candidate genes or the pathogenicity of dubious variants in disease-associated loci. A recurrent option involves altering the gene in in vitro or in vivo systems to contrast the resulting phenotype and molecular imprint. To validate specific mutations, the process must rely on simulating the precise genetic change, which, until recently, proved to be a difficult endeavor. The rise of the CRISPR/Cas9 technology and its adaptation for genetic engineering now offers a resourceful suite of tools to alleviate the process of functional studies. Here we review the implementation of these RNA-programmable Cas9 nucleases in culture-based and animal models to elucidate the role of novel genes and variants in retinal dystrophies.
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42
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Pontikos N, Murphy C, Moghul I, Arno G, Fujinami K, Fujinami Y, Sumodhee D, Downes S, Webster A, Yu J. Phenogenon: Gene to phenotype associations for rare genetic diseases. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230587. [PMID: 32271766 PMCID: PMC7144978 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
As high-throughput sequencing is increasingly applied to the molecular diagnosis of rare Mendelian disorders, a large number of patients with diverse phenotypes have their genetic and phenotypic data pooled together to uncover new gene-phenotype relations. We introduce Phenogenon, a statistical tool that combines, Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) annotated patient phenotypes, gnomAD allele population frequency, and Combined Annotation Dependent Depletion (CADD) score for variant pathogenicity, in order to jointly predict the mode of inheritance and gene-phenotype associations. We ran Phenogenon on our cohort of 3,290 patients who had undergone whole exome sequencing. Among the top associations, we recapitulated previously known, such as "SRD5A3—Abnormal full-field electroretinogram—recessive" and "GRHL2 –Nail dystrophy—recessive", and discovered one potentially novel, “RRAGA–Abnormality of the skin—dominant”. We also developed an interactive web interface available at https://phenogenon.phenopolis.org to visualise and explore the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolas Pontikos
- UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cian Murphy
- UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Ismail Moghul
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin Arno
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaoru Fujinami
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yu Fujinami
- Graduate School of Health Management, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Public Health, Yokokawa Clinic, Osaka, Japan
| | - Dayyanah Sumodhee
- Queen Mary University, Mile End Road, Bethnal Green, London, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Downes
- Oxford Eye Hospital, West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Webster
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jing Yu
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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43
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Devlin DJ, Agrawal Zaneveld S, Nozawa K, Han X, Moye AR, Liang Q, Harnish JM, Matzuk MM, Chen R. Knockout of mouse receptor accessory protein 6 leads to sperm function and morphology defects†. Biol Reprod 2020; 102:1234-1247. [PMID: 32101290 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Receptor accessory protein 6 (REEP6) is a member of the REEP/Ypt-interacting protein family that we recently identified as essential for normal endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis and protein trafficking in the retina of mice and humans. Interestingly, in addition to the loss of REEP6 in our knockout (KO) mouse model recapitulating the retinal degeneration of humans with REEP6 mutations causing retinitis pigmentosa (RP), we also found that male mice are sterile. Herein, we characterize the infertility caused by loss of Reep6. Expression of both Reep6 mRNA transcripts is present in the testis; however, isoform 1 becomes overexpressed during spermiogenesis. In vitro fertilization assays reveal that Reep6 KO spermatozoa are able to bind the zona pellucida but are only able to fertilize oocytes lacking the zona pellucida. Although spermatogenesis appears normal in KO mice, cauda epididymal spermatozoa have severe motility defects and variable morphological abnormalities, including bent or absent tails. Immunofluorescent staining reveals that REEP6 expression first appears in stage IV tubules within step 15 spermatids, and REEP6 localizes to the connecting piece, midpiece, and annulus of mature spermatozoa. These data reveal an important role for REEP6 in sperm motility and morphology and is the first reported function for a REEP protein in reproductive processes. Additionally, this work identifies a new gene potentially responsible for human infertility and has implications for patients with RP harboring mutations in REEP6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius J Devlin
- Interdepartmental Program in Translational Biology & Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Smriti Agrawal Zaneveld
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kaori Nozawa
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiao Han
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Reproductive Medical Center, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Abigail R Moye
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qingnan Liang
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jacob Michael Harnish
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Martin M Matzuk
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rui Chen
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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44
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REEP5 depletion causes sarco-endoplasmic reticulum vacuolization and cardiac functional defects. Nat Commun 2020; 11:965. [PMID: 32075961 PMCID: PMC7031342 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-14143-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The sarco-endoplasmic reticulum (SR/ER) plays an important role in the development and progression of many heart diseases. However, many aspects of its structural organization remain largely unknown, particularly in cells with a highly differentiated SR/ER network. Here, we report a cardiac enriched, SR/ER membrane protein, REEP5 that is centrally involved in regulating SR/ER organization and cellular stress responses in cardiac myocytes. In vitro REEP5 depletion in mouse cardiac myocytes results in SR/ER membrane destabilization and luminal vacuolization along with decreased myocyte contractility and disrupted Ca2+ cycling. Further, in vivo CRISPR/Cas9-mediated REEP5 loss-of-function zebrafish mutants show sensitized cardiac dysfunction upon short-term verapamil treatment. Additionally, in vivo adeno-associated viral (AAV9)-induced REEP5 depletion in the mouse demonstrates cardiac dysfunction. These results demonstrate the critical role of REEP5 in SR/ER organization and function as well as normal heart function and development. The sarcoplasmic (SR) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are involved in heart development but how this arises is unclear. Here, the authors show that loss of a SR/ER protein REEP5 causes membrane destabilization and decreased cardiac myocyte contractility, with cardiac dysfunction in mutant mouse and zebrafish models.
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45
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Fuster-García C, García-García G, Jaijo T, Blanco-Kelly F, Tian L, Hakonarson H, Ayuso C, Aller E, Millán JM. Expanding the Genetic Landscape of Usher-Like Phenotypes. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 60:4701-4710. [PMID: 31725169 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.19-27470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Usher syndrome (USH) is a rare disorder characterized by retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and sensorineural hearing loss. Several genes are responsible for the disease, but not all cases are explained by mutations in any of these, supporting the fact that there remain other unknown genes that have a role in the syndrome. We aimed to find the genetic cause of presumed USH patients lacking pathogenic mutations in the known USH genes. Methods Whole exome sequencing was performed on a priori USH-diagnosed subjects from nine unrelated families, which had shown negative results for an USH-targeted panel in a previous study. Results We identified possible pathogenic variants in six of the studied families. One patient harbored mutations in REEP6 and TECTA, each gene tentatively causative of one of the two main symptoms of the disease, mimicking the syndrome. In three patients, only the retinal degeneration causative mutations were detected (involving EYS, WDR19, and CNGB1 genes). Another family manifested a dementia-linked retinal dystrophy dependent on an allele dosage in the GRN gene. Last, another case presented a homozygous mutation in ASIC5, a gene not yet associated with USH. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that pending cases should be clinically and genetically carefully assessed, since more patients than expected may be either related phenocopies or affected by a more complex disease encompassing additional symptoms rather than classical USH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Fuster-García
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomedicina Molecular, Celular y Genómica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema García-García
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomedicina Molecular, Celular y Genómica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Jaijo
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomedicina Molecular, Celular y Genómica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Unidad de Genética y Diagnóstico Prenatal, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Fiona Blanco-Kelly
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Servicio de Genética, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, University Hospital, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz IIS-FJD, UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lifeng Tian
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Hakon Hakonarson
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Carmen Ayuso
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Servicio de Genética, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, University Hospital, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz IIS-FJD, UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Aller
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomedicina Molecular, Celular y Genómica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Unidad de Genética y Diagnóstico Prenatal, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - José M Millán
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomedicina Molecular, Celular y Genómica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
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46
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Cataloguing and Selection of mRNAs Localized to Dendrites in Neurons and Regulated by RNA-Binding Proteins in RNA Granules. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020167. [PMID: 31978946 PMCID: PMC7072219 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatiotemporal translational regulation plays a key role in determining cell fate and function. Specifically, in neurons, local translation in dendrites is essential for synaptic plasticity and long-term memory formation. To achieve local translation, RNA-binding proteins in RNA granules regulate target mRNA stability, localization, and translation. To date, mRNAs localized to dendrites have been identified by comprehensive analyses. In addition, mRNAs associated with and regulated by RNA-binding proteins have been identified using various methods in many studies. However, the results obtained from these numerous studies have not been compiled together. In this review, we have catalogued mRNAs that are localized to dendrites and are associated with and regulated by the RNA-binding proteins fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), RNA granule protein 105 (RNG105, also known as Caprin1), Ras-GAP SH3 domain binding protein (G3BP), cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 1 (CPEB1), and staufen double-stranded RNA binding proteins 1 and 2 (Stau1 and Stau2) in RNA granules. This review provides comprehensive information on dendritic mRNAs, the neuronal functions of mRNA-encoded proteins, the association of dendritic mRNAs with RNA-binding proteins in RNA granules, and the effects of RNA-binding proteins on mRNA regulation. These findings provide insights into the mechanistic basis of protein-synthesis-dependent synaptic plasticity and memory formation and contribute to future efforts to understand the physiological implications of local regulation of dendritic mRNAs in neurons.
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47
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Li H, Yang Y, Hong W, Huang M, Wu M, Zhao X. Applications of genome editing technology in the targeted therapy of human diseases: mechanisms, advances and prospects. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:1. [PMID: 32296011 PMCID: PMC6946647 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-019-0089-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 857] [Impact Index Per Article: 214.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on engineered or bacterial nucleases, the development of genome editing technologies has opened up the possibility of directly targeting and modifying genomic sequences in almost all eukaryotic cells. Genome editing has extended our ability to elucidate the contribution of genetics to disease by promoting the creation of more accurate cellular and animal models of pathological processes and has begun to show extraordinary potential in a variety of fields, ranging from basic research to applied biotechnology and biomedical research. Recent progress in developing programmable nucleases, such as zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-Cas-associated nucleases, has greatly expedited the progress of gene editing from concept to clinical practice. Here, we review recent advances of the three major genome editing technologies (ZFNs, TALENs, and CRISPR/Cas9) and discuss the applications of their derivative reagents as gene editing tools in various human diseases and potential future therapies, focusing on eukaryotic cells and animal models. Finally, we provide an overview of the clinical trials applying genome editing platforms for disease treatment and some of the challenges in the implementation of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyi Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Weiqi Hong
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Mengyuan Huang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA.
| | - Xia Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
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Méjécase C, Malka S, Guan Z, Slater A, Arno G, Moosajee M. Practical guide to genetic screening for inherited eye diseases. Ther Adv Ophthalmol 2020; 12:2515841420954592. [PMID: 33015543 PMCID: PMC7513416 DOI: 10.1177/2515841420954592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic eye diseases affect around one in 1000 people worldwide for which the molecular aetiology remains unknown in the majority. The identification of disease-causing gene variant(s) allows a better understanding of the disorder and its inheritance. There is now an approved retinal gene therapy for autosomal recessive RPE65-retinopathy, and numerous ocular gene/mutation-targeted clinical trials underway, highlighting the importance of establishing a genetic diagnosis so patients can fully access the latest research developments and treatment options. In this review, we will provide a practical guide to managing patients with these conditions including an overview of inheritance patterns, required pre- and post-test genetic counselling, different types of cytogenetic and genetic testing available, with a focus on next generation sequencing using targeted gene panels, whole exome and genome sequencing. We will expand on the pros and cons of each modality, variant interpretation and options for family planning for the patient and their family. With the advent of genomic medicine, genetic screening will soon become mainstream within all ophthalmology subspecialties for prevention of disease and provision of precision therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Méjécase
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College
London, London, UK
| | - Samantha Malka
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College
London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,
London, UK
| | - Zeyu Guan
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,
London, UK
| | - Amy Slater
- Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation
Trust, London, UK
| | - Gavin Arno
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College
London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,
London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS
Trust, London, UK
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- Professor, Institute of Ophthalmology,
University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,
London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS
Trust, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
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Blond F, Léveillard T. Functional Genomics of the Retina to Elucidate its Construction and Deconstruction. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4922. [PMID: 31590277 PMCID: PMC6801968 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The retina is the light sensitive part of the eye and nervous tissue that have been used extensively to characterize the function of the central nervous system. The retina has a central position both in fundamental biology and in the physiopathology of neurodegenerative diseases. We address the contribution of functional genomics to the understanding of retinal biology by reviewing key events in their historical perspective as an introduction to major findings that were obtained through the study of the retina using genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics. We illustrate our purpose by showing that most of the genes of interest for retinal development and those involved in inherited retinal degenerations have a restricted expression to the retina and most particularly to photoreceptors cells. We show that the exponential growth of data generated by functional genomics is a future challenge not only in terms of storage but also in terms of accessibility to the scientific community of retinal biologists in the future. Finally, we emphasize on novel perspectives that emerge from the development of redox-proteomics, the new frontier in retinal biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Blond
- Department of Genetics, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France.
| | - Thierry Léveillard
- Department of Genetics, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France.
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50
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Gamm DM, Clark E, Capowski EE, Singh R. The Role of FGF9 in the Production of Neural Retina and RPE in a Pluripotent Stem Cell Model of Early Human Retinal Development. Am J Ophthalmol 2019; 206:113-131. [PMID: 31078532 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2019.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the role of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) in the production of neural retina (NR) and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) in a human pluripotent stem cell model of early retinal development. METHODS Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines from an individual with microphthalmia caused by a functional null mutation (R200Q) in visual system homeobox 2 (VSX2), a transcription factor involved in early NR progenitor cell (NRPC) production, and a normal sibling were differentiated along the retinal and forebrain lineages using an established protocol. Quantitative and global gene expression analyses (microarray and RNAseq) were used to investigate endogenous FGF expression profiles in these cultures over time. Based on these results, mutant and control hiPSC cultures were treated exogenously with selected FGFs and subjected to gene and protein expression analyses to determine their effects on RPE and NR production. RESULTS We found that FGF9 and FGF19 were selectively increased in early hiPSC-derived optic vesicles (OVs) when compared to isogenic cultures of hiPSC-derived forebrain neurospheres. Furthermore, these same FGFs were downregulated over time in (R200Q)VSX2 hiPSC-OVs relative to sibling control hiPSC-OVs. Interestingly, long-term supplementation with FGF9, but not FGF19, partially rescued the mutant retinal phenotype of the (R200Q)VSX2 hiPSC-OV model. However, antagonizing FGF9 in wild-type control hiPSCs did not alter OV development. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that FGF9 acts in concert with VSX2 to promote NR differentiation in hiPSC-OVs and has potential to be used to manipulate early retinogenesis and mitigate ocular defects caused by functional loss of VSX2 activity. NOTE: Publication of this article is sponsored by the American Ophthalmological Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Gamm
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
| | - Eric Clark
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Ruchira Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
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