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Ruggeri F, Ciancimino C, Guillot A, Fumi D, Tizio FD, Fragiotta S, Abdolrahimzadeh S. Posterior Polar Annular Choroidal Dystrophy: Genetic Insights and Differential Diagnosis in Inherited Retinal Diseases. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:1383-1397. [PMID: 38392207 PMCID: PMC10887594 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46020089] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Posterior polar annular choroidal dystrophy (PPACD) is a rare ocular disorder and presents as symmetric degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the underlying choriocapillaris, encircling the retinal vascular arcades and optic disc. This condition distinctively preserves the foveal region, optic disc, and the outermost regions of the retina. Despite its distinct clinical presentation, due to the infrequency of its occurrence and the limited number of reported cases, the pathophysiology, and the genetic foundations of PPACD are still largely uncharted. This review aims to bridge this knowledge gap by investigating potential genetic contributors to PPACD, assessing current findings, and identifying genes that warrant further study. Emphasis is also placed on the crucial role of multimodal imaging in diagnosing PPACD, highlighting its importance in understanding disease pathophysiology. By analyzing existing case reports and drawing comparisons with similar retinal disorders, this paper endeavors to delineate the possible genetic correlations in PPACD, providing a foundation for future genetic research and the development of targeted diagnostic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ruggeri
- Ophthalmology Unit, Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sense Organs (NESMOS) Department, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Chiara Ciancimino
- Ophthalmology Unit, Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sense Organs (NESMOS) Department, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Guillot
- Ophthalmology Unit, Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sense Organs (NESMOS) Department, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Daniele Fumi
- Ophthalmology Unit, Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sense Organs (NESMOS) Department, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Federico Di Tizio
- St. Andrea Hospital, Via di Grottarossa 1035/1039, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Fragiotta
- UOC Ophthalmology, Department of Surgical Areas, S.M. Goretti Hospital, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Solmaz Abdolrahimzadeh
- Ophthalmology Unit, Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sense Organs (NESMOS) Department, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Roma, Italy
- St. Andrea Hospital, Via di Grottarossa 1035/1039, 00189 Rome, Italy
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Xie S, Hu Y, Jin J, Fu L, Zhang C, Yang Q, Niu Y, Sheng Z. Regulation of the stem‑like properties of estrogen receptor‑positive breast cancer cells through NR2E3/NR2C2 signaling. Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:474. [PMID: 37664670 PMCID: PMC10469576 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12173] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are major drivers of metastasis, drug resistance and recurrence in numerous cancers. However, critical factors that can modulate CSC stemness have not been clearly identified. Nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group E member 3 (nr2e3) expression has been previously reported to be positively associated with drug sensitivity and favorable clinical outcomes in patients with estrogen receptor (ER)+ breast cancer. This suggests that nr2e3 expression may be inversely associated with CSC stemness in this type of tumor cells. The present study aimed to investigate the regulatory roles of NR2E3 in the stem-like properties of ER+ breast cancer cells and to identify the underlying mechanisms. Bioinformatics analysis was performed using the data derived from the Cancer Genome Atlas database. Nr2e3-specific shRNA and nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group C member 2 (nr2c2) overexpressed plasmids were constructed to silence and enhance the expression of nr2e3 and nr2c2, respectively. Transwell and wound healing experiments were conducted to evaluate the migration and invasion ability of MCF7 cells, while colony formation tests were used to evaluate the clonality. Flow cytometry was used to detect the percentage of CD44+CD24-/low cells. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting were performed to detect expression at the mRNA and protein levels. The results showed that compared with normal breast tissues and MCF10A cells, the expression of nr2e3 was increased in ER+ breast tumor tissues and cell lines. Nr2e3 silencing promoted the migration, invasion and colony-forming ability of the ER+ MCF7 cells. It also increased the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers and stem cell-related transcription factors, in addition to the percentage of CD44+CD24-/low cells. The expression of nr2e3 and nr2c2 was found to be positively correlated. Nr2e3 knockdown decreased the mRNA and protein expression levels of nr2c2, whereas nr2c2 overexpression reversed the elevated CD44+CD24-/low cell ratio and the increased migratory activity caused by nr2e3 silencing. The results of the present study suggest that NR2E3 may serve an important role in modulating the stem-like properties of ER+ breast cancer cells, where NR2E3/NR2C2 signaling may be a therapeutic target in ER+ breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanglun Xie
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, P.R. China
| | - Yaru Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fuyang People's Hospital, Fuyang, Anhui 236000, P.R. China
| | - Jiacheng Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, P.R. China
| | - Lingzhi Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233099, P.R. China
| | - Cong Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, P.R. China
| | - Qing Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233099, P.R. China
| | - Yaxin Niu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233099, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyong Sheng
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, P.R. China
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Wong NK, Yip SP, Huang CL. Establishing Functional Retina in a Dish: Progress and Promises of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Retinal Neuron Differentiation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13652. [PMID: 37686457 PMCID: PMC10487913 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713652] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The human eye plays a critical role in vision perception, but various retinal degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can lead to vision loss or blindness. Although progress has been made in understanding retinal development and in clinical research, current treatments remain inadequate for curing or reversing these degenerative conditions. Animal models have limited relevance to humans, and obtaining human eye tissue samples is challenging due to ethical and legal considerations. Consequently, researchers have turned to stem cell-based approaches, specifically induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), to generate distinct retinal cell populations and develop cell replacement therapies. iPSCs offer a novel platform for studying the key stages of human retinogenesis and disease-specific mechanisms. Stem cell technology has facilitated the production of diverse retinal cell types, including retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and photoreceptors, and the development of retinal organoids has emerged as a valuable in vitro tool for investigating retinal neuron differentiation and modeling retinal diseases. This review focuses on the protocols, culture conditions, and techniques employed in differentiating retinal neurons from iPSCs. Furthermore, it emphasizes the significance of molecular and functional validation of the differentiated cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nonthaphat Kent Wong
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shea Ping Yip
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chien-Ling Huang
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
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4
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Chang J, Jiao M, Zhang Z, Liu W, Li W, Xu P, Wan B. Mechanistic insight into the adverse outcome of tire wear and road particle leachate exposure in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:108053. [PMID: 37356306 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Tire wear particles (TWP) have become the major microplastic pollution in China. Road runoff containing TWP leachate can decrease the eye size and even induced mortality in the aquatic organisms. However, the toxic mechanism of TWP and road particles (RP) leachate on aquatic organisms is still unclear. In this study, the zebrafish embryos were exposed to TWP or RP leachate for 5 days at both environmental relevant and high concentrations. The adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) were screened from individual to molecular levels. The morphological and behavioral analysis demonstrated that the leachate exposure mainly impaired the eye development of zebrafish larvae and inhibited the larval swim behavior and phototactic response, which are the adverse outcomes. The phototransduction modulated by zebrafish retina was significantly down-regulated through transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis. The eye histopathological analysis showed that the decreased thickness of the retinal outer nuclear layer (ONL) and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) after leachate exposure were caused by the decreased photoreceptor cells. Moreover, the expression of NR2E3 and TPO genes showed concentration-dependent down-regulation after leachate exposure. The inhibition of photoreceptor cell proliferation was identified as the main reason for photoreceptor cell decrease in zebrafish larval eye. This study, for the first time, uncovered the underlying toxic mechanism of TWP and RP on zebrafish larval eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shuangqing RD 18, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Meng Jiao
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shuangqing RD 18, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuquan RD 19 a, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhaoguang Zhang
- Tongzhou Asphalt Factory, Beijing Municipal Road and Bridge Building Material Group Co. LTD, Beijing 101108, China
| | - Wentao Liu
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shuangqing RD 18, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuquan RD 19 a, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei Li
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shuangqing RD 18, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shuangqing RD 18, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Bin Wan
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shuangqing RD 18, Beijing 100085, China.
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5
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Toms M, Ward N, Moosajee M. Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 2 Group E Member 3 (NR2E3): Role in Retinal Development and Disease. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1325. [PMID: 37510230 PMCID: PMC10379133 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
NR2E3 is a nuclear hormone receptor gene required for the correct development of the retinal rod photoreceptors. Expression of NR2E3 protein in rod cell precursors suppresses cone-specific gene expression and, in concert with other transcription factors including NRL, activates the expression of rod-specific genes. Pathogenic variants involving NR2E3 cause a spectrum of retinopathies, including enhanced S-cone syndrome, Goldmann-Favre syndrome, retinitis pigmentosa, and clumped pigmentary retinal degeneration, with limited evidence of genotype-phenotype correlations. A common feature of NR2E3-related disease is an abnormally high number of cone photoreceptors that are sensitive to short wavelength light, the S-cones. This characteristic has been supported by mouse studies, which have also revealed that loss of Nr2e3 function causes photoreceptors to develop as cells that are intermediate between rods and cones. While there is currently no available cure for NR2E3-related retinopathies, there are a number of emerging therapeutic strategies under investigation, including the use of viral gene therapy and gene editing, that have shown promise for the future treatment of patients with NR2E3 variants and other inherited retinal diseases. This review provides a detailed overview of the current understanding of the role of NR2E3 in normal development and disease, and the associated clinical phenotypes, animal models, and therapeutic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Toms
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
- Ocular Genomics and Therapeutics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Natasha Ward
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
- Ocular Genomics and Therapeutics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Genetics, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, UK
- Department of Ophthalmology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
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Navarro-Calvo J, Esquiva G, Gómez-Vicente V, Valor LM. MicroRNAs in the Mouse Developing Retina. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032992. [PMID: 36769311 PMCID: PMC9918188 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The retina is among the highest organized tissues of the central nervous system. To achieve such organization, a finely tuned regulation of developmental processes is required to form the retinal layers that contain the specialized neurons and supporting glial cells to allow precise phototransduction. MicroRNAs are a class of small RNAs with undoubtful roles in fundamental biological processes, including neurodevelopment of the brain and the retina. This review provides a short overview of the most important findings regarding microRNAs in the regulation of retinal development, from the developmental-dependent rearrangement of the microRNA expression program to the key roles of particular microRNAs in the differentiation and maintenance of retinal cell subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Navarro-Calvo
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, ISABIAL, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Gema Esquiva
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Violeta Gómez-Vicente
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Luis M. Valor
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, ISABIAL, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-965-913-988
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Zebrafish and inherited photoreceptor disease: Models and insights. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 91:101096. [PMID: 35811244 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101096] [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: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Photoreceptor dysfunctions and degenerative diseases are significant causes of vision loss in patients, with few effective treatments available. Targeted interventions to prevent or reverse photoreceptor-related vision loss are not possible without a thorough understanding of the underlying mechanism leading to disease, which is exceedingly difficult to accomplish in the human system. Cone diseases are particularly challenging to model, as some popular genetically modifiable model animals are nocturnal with a rod-dominant visual system and cones that have dissimilarities to human cones. As a result, cone diseases, which affect visual acuity, colour perception, and central vision in patients, are generally poorly understood in terms of pathology and mechanism. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) provide the opportunity to model photoreceptor diseases in a diurnal vertebrate with a cone-rich retina which develops many macular degeneration-like pathologies. Zebrafish undergo external development, allowing early-onset retinal diseases to be detected and studied, and many ophthalmic tools are available for zebrafish visual assessment during development and adulthood. There are numerous zebrafish models of photoreceptor disease, spanning the various types of photoreceptor disease (developmental, rod, cone, and mixed photoreceptor diseases) and genetic/molecular cause. In this review, we explore the features of zebrafish that make them uniquely poised to model cone diseases, summarize the established zebrafish models of inherited photoreceptor disease, and discuss how disease in these models compares to the human presentation, where applicable. Further, we highlight the contributions of these zebrafish models to our understanding of photoreceptor biology and disease, and discuss future directions for utilising and investigating these diverse models.
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Connor B, Titialii-Torres K, Rockenhaus AE, Passamonte S, Morris AC, Lee YS. Biliverdin regulates NR2E3 and zebrafish retinal photoreceptor development. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7310. [PMID: 35508617 PMCID: PMC9068610 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11502-3] [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: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
NR2E3 is an orphan nuclear receptor whose loss-of-function causes abnormal retinal photoreceptor development and degeneration. However, despite that many nuclear receptors are regulated by binding of small molecule ligands, biological small molecule ligands regulating NR2E3 have not been identified. Identification of an endogenous NR2E3 ligand might reveal a previously unrecognized component contributing to retinal development and maintenance. Here we report that biliverdin, a conserved green pigment from heme catabolism, regulates NR2E3 and is necessary for zebrafish retinal photoreceptor development. Biliverdin from retinal extracts specifically bound to NR2E3’s ligand-binding domain and induced NR2E3-dependent reporter gene expression. Inhibition of biliverdin synthesis decreased photoreceptor cell populations in zebrafish larvae, and this phenotype was alleviated by exogenously supplied biliverdin. Thus, biliverdin is an endogenous small molecule ligand for NR2E3 and a component necessary for the proper development of photoreceptor cells. This result suggests a possible role of heme metabolism in the regulation of retinal photoreceptor cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blaine Connor
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | | | - Abigail E Rockenhaus
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Samuel Passamonte
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Ann C Morris
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Young-Sam Lee
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
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Karademir D, Todorova V, Ebner LJA, Samardzija M, Grimm C. Single-cell RNA sequencing of the retina in a model of retinitis pigmentosa reveals early responses to degeneration in rods and cones. BMC Biol 2022; 20:86. [PMID: 35413909 PMCID: PMC9006580 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01280-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In inherited retinal disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), rod photoreceptor-specific mutations cause primary rod degeneration that is followed by secondary cone death and loss of high-acuity vision. Mechanistic studies of retinal degeneration are challenging because of retinal heterogeneity. Moreover, the detection of early cone responses to rod death is especially difficult due to the paucity of cones in the retina. To resolve heterogeneity in the degenerating retina and investigate events in both types of photoreceptors during primary rod degeneration, we utilized droplet-based single-cell RNA sequencing in an RP mouse model, rd10. Results Using trajectory analysis, we defined two consecutive phases of rod degeneration at P21, characterized by the early transient upregulation of Egr1 and the later induction of Cebpd. EGR1 was the transcription factor most significantly associated with the promoters of differentially regulated genes in Egr1-positive rods in silico. Silencing Egr1 affected the expression levels of two of these genes in vitro. Degenerating rods exhibited changes associated with metabolism, neuroprotection, and modifications to synapses and microtubules. Egr1 was also the most strongly upregulated transcript in cones. Its upregulation in cones accompanied potential early respiratory dysfunction and changes in signaling pathways. The expression pattern of EGR1 in the retina was dynamic during degeneration, with a transient increase of EGR1 immunoreactivity in both rods and cones during the early stages of their degenerative processes. Conclusion Our results identify early and late changes in degenerating rd10 rod photoreceptors and reveal early responses to rod degeneration in cones not expressing the disease-causing mutation, pointing to mechanisms relevant for secondary cone degeneration. In addition, our data implicate EGR1 as a potential key regulator of early degenerative events in rods and cones, providing a potential broad target for modulating photoreceptor degeneration. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-022-01280-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duygu Karademir
- Laboratory for Retinal Cell Biology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Vyara Todorova
- Laboratory for Retinal Cell Biology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lynn J A Ebner
- Laboratory for Retinal Cell Biology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marijana Samardzija
- Laboratory for Retinal Cell Biology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Grimm
- Laboratory for Retinal Cell Biology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Bery A, Bagchi U, Bergen AA, Felder-Schmittbuhl MP. Circadian clocks, retinogenesis and ocular health in vertebrates: new molecular insights. Dev Biol 2022; 484:40-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Ortega JT, Jastrzebska B. Rhodopsin as a Molecular Target to Mitigate Retinitis Pigmentosa. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1371:61-77. [PMID: 34962636 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2021_682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of hereditary degenerative diseases affecting 1 of 4000 people worldwide and being the most prevalent cause of visual handicap among working populations in developed countries. These disorders are mainly related to the abnormalities in the rod G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), rhodopsin reflected in the dysregulated membrane trafficking, stability and phototransduction processes that lead to progressive loss of retina function and eventually blindness. Currently, there is no cure for RP, and the therapeutic options are limited. Targeting rhodopsin with small molecule chaperones to improve the folding and stability of the mutant receptor is one of the most promising pharmacological approaches to alleviate the pathology of RP. This review provides an update on the current knowledge regarding small molecule compounds that have been evaluated as rhodopsin modulators to be considered as leads for the development of novel therapies for RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph T Ortega
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Beata Jastrzebska
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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12
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de Carvalho ER, Robson AG, Arno G, Boon CJF, Webster AA, Michaelides M. Enhanced S-Cone Syndrome: Spectrum of Clinical, Imaging, Electrophysiologic, and Genetic Findings in a Retrospective Case Series of 56 Patients. Ophthalmol Retina 2021; 5:195-214. [PMID: 32679203 PMCID: PMC7861019 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2020.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the detailed phenotype, long-term clinical course, clinical variability, and genotype of patients with enhanced S-cone syndrome (ESCS). DESIGN Retrospective case series. PARTICIPANTS Fifty-six patients with ESCS. METHODS Clinical history, examination, imaging, and electrophysiologic findings of 56 patients (age range, 1-75 years) diagnosed with ESCS were reviewed. Diagnosis was established by molecular confirmation of disease-causing variants in the NR2E3 gene (n = 38) or by diagnostic full-field electroretinography findings (n = 18). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Age at onset of visual symptoms, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), quantitative age-related electrophysiologic decline, and imaging findings. RESULTS Mean age at onset of visual symptoms was 4.0 years, and median age at presentation was 20.5 years, with mean follow-up interval being 6.1 years. Six patients were assessed once. Disease-causing variants in NR2E3 were identified in 38 patients. Mean BCVA of the better-seeing eye was 0.32 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) at baseline and 0.39 logMAR at follow-up. In most eyes (76% [76/100]), BCVA remained stable, with a mean BCVA change of 0.07 logMAR during follow-up. Nyctalopia was the most common initial symptom, reported in 92.9% of patients (52/56). Clinical findings were highly variable and included foveomacular schisis (41.1% [26/56]), yellow-white dots (57.1% [32/56]), nummular pigmentation (85.7% [48/56]), torpedo-like lesions (10.7% [6/56]), and circumferential subretinal fibrosis (7.1% [4/56]). Macular and peripheral patterns of autofluorescence were classified as (1) minimal change, (2) hypoautofluorescent (mild diffuse, moderate speckled, moderate diffuse, or advanced), or (3) hyperautofluorescent flecks. One patient showed undetectable electroretinography findings; quantification of main electroretinography components in all other patients revealed amplitude and peak time variability but with pathognomonic electroretinography features. The main electroretinography components showed evidence of age-related worsening over 6.7 decades, at a rate indistinguishable from that seen in unaffected control participants. Eighteen sequence variants in NR2E3 were identified, including 4 novel missense changes. CONCLUSIONS Enhanced S-cone syndrome has a highly variable phenotype with relative clinical and imaging stability over time. Most electroretinography findings have pathognomonic features, but quantitative assessment reveals variability and a normal mean rate of age-related decline, consistent with largely nonprogressive peripheral retinal dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel R de Carvalho
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anthony G Robson
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gavin Arno
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Camiel J F Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Andrew A Webster
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michel Michaelides
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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13
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Iannaccone A, Brabbit E, Lopez-Miro C, Love Z, Griffiths V, Kedrov M, Haider NB. Interspecies Correlations between Human and Mouse NR2E3-Associated Recessive Disease. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10030475. [PMID: 33513943 PMCID: PMC7865474 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10030475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
NR2E3-associated recessive disease in humans is historically defined by congenital night blinding retinopathy, characterized by an initial increase in short-wavelength (S)-cone sensitivity and progressive loss of rod and cone function. The retinal degeneration 7 (rd7) murine model, harboring a recessive mutation in the mouse ortholog of NR2E3, has been a well-studied disease model and recently evaluated as a therapeutic model for NR2E3-associated retinal degenerations. This study aims to draw parallels between human and mouse NR2E3-related disease through examination of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging between different stage of human disease and its murine counterpart. We propose that SD-OCT is a useful non-invasive diagnostic tool to compare human clinical dystrophy presentation with that of the rd7 mouse and make inference that may be of therapeutically relevance. Additionally, a longitudinal assessment of rd7 disease progression, utilizing available clinical data from our patients as well as extensive retrospective analysis of visual acuity data from published cases of human NR2E3-related disease, was curated to identify further valuable correlates between human and mouse Nr2e3 disease. Results of this study validate the slow progression of NR2E3-associated disease in humans and the rd7 mice and identify SD-OCT characteristics in patients at or near the vascular arcades that correlate well with the whorls and rosettes that are seen also in the rd7 mouse and point to imaging features that appear to be associated with better preserved S-cone mediated retinal function. The correlation of histological findings between rd7 mice and human imaging provides a solid foundation for diagnostic use of pathophysiological and prognostic information to further define characteristics and a relevant timeline for therapeutic intervention in the field of NR2E3-associated retinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Iannaccone
- Center for Retinal Degenerations and Ophthalmic Genetic Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (C.L.-M.); (V.G.); (M.K.)
- Correspondence: (A.I.); (N.B.H.)
| | - Emily Brabbit
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (E.B.); (Z.L.)
| | - Christiaan Lopez-Miro
- Center for Retinal Degenerations and Ophthalmic Genetic Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (C.L.-M.); (V.G.); (M.K.)
| | - Zoe Love
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (E.B.); (Z.L.)
| | - Victoria Griffiths
- Center for Retinal Degenerations and Ophthalmic Genetic Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (C.L.-M.); (V.G.); (M.K.)
| | - Marina Kedrov
- Center for Retinal Degenerations and Ophthalmic Genetic Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (C.L.-M.); (V.G.); (M.K.)
| | - Neena B. Haider
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (E.B.); (Z.L.)
- Correspondence: (A.I.); (N.B.H.)
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14
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Al-khuzaei S, Broadgate S, Halford S, Jolly JK, Shanks M, Clouston P, Downes SM. Novel Pathogenic Sequence Variants in NR2E3 and Clinical Findings in Three Patients. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11111288. [PMID: 33138239 PMCID: PMC7716234 DOI: 10.3390/genes11111288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A retrospective review of the clinical records of patients seen at the Oxford Eye Hospital identified as having NR2E3 mutations was performed. The data included symptoms, best-corrected visual acuity, multimodal retinal imaging, visual fields and electrophysiology testing. Three participants were identified with biallelic NR2E3 pathogenic sequence variants detected using a targeted NGS gene panel, two of which were novel. Participant I was a Nepalese male aged 68 years, and participants II and III were white Caucasian females aged 69 and 10 years old, respectively. All three had childhood onset nyctalopia, a progressive decrease in central vision, and visual field loss. Patients I and III had photopsia, patient II had photosensitivity and patient III also had photophobia. Visual acuities in patients I and II were preserved even into the seventh decade, with the worst visual acuity measured at 6/36. Visual field constriction was severe in participant I, less so in II, and fields were full to bright targets targets in participant III. Electrophysiology testing in all three demonstrated loss of rod function. The three patients share some of the typical distinctive features of NR2E3 retinopathies, as well as a novel clinical observation of foveal ellipsoid thickening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saoud Al-khuzaei
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (S.A.-k.); (J.K.J.)
| | - Suzanne Broadgate
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford, Level 6 John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (S.B.); (S.H.)
| | - Stephanie Halford
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford, Level 6 John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (S.B.); (S.H.)
| | - Jasleen K. Jolly
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (S.A.-k.); (J.K.J.)
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford, Level 6 John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (S.B.); (S.H.)
| | - Morag Shanks
- Oxford Medical Genetics Laboratory, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK; (M.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Penny Clouston
- Oxford Medical Genetics Laboratory, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK; (M.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Susan M. Downes
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (S.A.-k.); (J.K.J.)
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford, Level 6 John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; (S.B.); (S.H.)
- Correspondence:
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15
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Core-clock genes Period 1 and 2 regulate visual cascade and cell cycle components during mouse eye development. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2020; 1863:194623. [PMID: 32795630 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2020.194623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The retinas from Period 1 (Per1) and Period 2 (Per2) double-mutant mice (Per1-/-Per2Brdm1) display abnormal blue-cone distribution associated with a reduction in cone opsin mRNA and protein levels, up to 1 year of age. To reveal the molecular mechanisms by which Per1 and Per2 control retina development, we analyzed genome-wide gene expression differences between wild-type (WT) and Per1-/-Per2Brdm1 mice across ocular developmental stages (E15, E18 and P3). All clock genes displayed changes in transcript levels along with normal eye development. RNA-Seq data show major gene expression changes between WT and mutant eyes, with the number of differentially expressed genes (DEG) increasing with developmental age. Functional annotation of the genes showed that the most significant changes in expression levels in mutant mice involve molecular pathways relating to circadian rhythm signaling at E15 and E18. At P3, the visual cascade and the cell cycle were respectively higher and lower expressed compared to WT eyes. Overall, our study provides new insights into signaling pathways -phototransduction and cell cycle- controlled by the circadian clock in the eye during development.
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16
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Targeting of the NRL Pathway as a Therapeutic Strategy to Treat Retinitis Pigmentosa. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9072224. [PMID: 32668775 PMCID: PMC7408925 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9072224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal dystrophy (IRD) with a prevalence of 1:4000, characterized by initial rod photoreceptor loss and subsequent cone photoreceptor loss with accompanying nyctalopia, visual field deficits, and visual acuity loss. A diversity of causative mutations have been described with autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and X-linked inheritance and sporadic mutations. The diversity of mutations makes gene therapy challenging, highlighting the need for mutation-agnostic treatments. Neural leucine zipper (NRL) and NR2E3 are factors important for rod photoreceptor cell differentiation and homeostasis. Germline mutations in NRL or NR2E3 leads to a loss of rods and an increased number of cones with short wavelength opsin in both rodents and humans. Multiple groups have demonstrated that inhibition of NRL or NR2E3 activity in the mature retina could endow rods with certain properties of cones, which prevents cell death in multiple rodent RP models with diverse mutations. In this review, we summarize the literature on NRL and NR2E3, therapeutic strategies of NRL/NR2E3 modulation in preclinical RP models, as well as future directions of research. In summary, inhibition of the NRL/NR2E3 pathway represents an intriguing mutation agnostic and disease-modifying target for the treatment of RP.
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17
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Xu B, Tang X, Jin M, Zhang H, Du L, Yu S, He J. Unifying developmental programs for embryonic and postembryonic neurogenesis in the zebrafish retina. Development 2020; 147:dev.185660. [PMID: 32467236 DOI: 10.1242/dev.185660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The zebrafish retina grows for a lifetime. Whether embryonic and postembryonic retinogenesis conform to the same developmental program is an outstanding question that remains under debate. Using single-cell RNA sequencing of ∼20,000 cells of the developing zebrafish retina at four different stages, we identified seven distinct developmental states. Each state explicitly expresses a gene set. Disruption of individual state-specific marker genes results in various defects ranging from small eyes to the loss of distinct retinal cell types. Using a similar approach, we further characterized the developmental states of postembryonic retinal stem cells (RSCs) and their progeny in the ciliary marginal zone. Expression pattern analysis of state-specific marker genes showed that the developmental states of postembryonic RSCs largely recapitulated those of their embryonic counterparts, except for some differences in rod photoreceptor genesis. Thus, our findings reveal the unifying developmental program used by the embryonic and postembryonic retinogenesis in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baijie Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xia Tang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China .,Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Mengmeng Jin
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Lei Du
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Shuguang Yu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jie He
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China .,Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 201210, China
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18
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Li S, Datta S, Brabbit E, Love Z, Woytowicz V, Flattery K, Capri J, Yao K, Wu S, Imboden M, Upadhyay A, Arumugham R, Thoreson WB, DeAngelis MM, Haider NB. Nr2e3 is a genetic modifier that rescues retinal degeneration and promotes homeostasis in multiple models of retinitis pigmentosa. Gene Ther 2020; 28:223-241. [PMID: 32123325 PMCID: PMC7483267 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-020-0134-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in viral vector engineering, as well as an increased understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanism of retinal diseases, have led to the development of novel gene therapy approaches. Furthermore, ease of accessibility and ocular immune privilege makes the retina an ideal target for gene therapies. In this study, the nuclear hormone receptor gene Nr2e3 was evaluated for efficacy as broad-spectrum therapy to attenuate early to intermediate stages of retinal degeneration in five unique mouse models of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). RP is a group of heterogenic inherited retinal diseases associated with over 150 gene mutations, affecting over 1.5 million individuals worldwide. RP varies in age of onset, severity, and rate of progression. In addition, ~40% of RP patients cannot be genetically diagnosed, confounding the ability to develop personalized RP therapies. Remarkably, Nr2e3 administered therapy resulted in reduced retinal degeneration as observed by increase in photoreceptor cells, improved electroretinogram, and a dramatic molecular reset of key transcription factors and associated gene networks. These therapeutic effects improved retinal homeostasis in diseased tissue. Results of this study provide evidence that Nr2e3 can serve as a broad-spectrum therapy to treat multiple forms of RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shyamtanu Datta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily Brabbit
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zoe Love
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Victoria Woytowicz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kyle Flattery
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica Capri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katie Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Siqi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Wallace B Thoreson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | | | - Neena B Haider
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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19
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Petrov AM, Astafev AA, Mast N, Saadane A, El-Darzi N, Pikuleva IA. The Interplay between Retinal Pathways of Cholesterol Output and Its Effects on Mouse Retina. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9120867. [PMID: 31842366 PMCID: PMC6995521 DOI: 10.3390/biom9120867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammalian retina, cholesterol excess is mainly metabolized to oxysterols by cytochromes P450 27A1 (CYP27A1) and 46A1 (CYP46A1) or removed on lipoprotein particles containing apolipoprotein E (APOE). In contrast, esterification by sterol-O-acyltransferase 1 (SOAT) plays only a minor role in this process. Accordingly, retinal cholesterol levels are unchanged in Soat1-/- mice but are increased in Cyp27a1-/-Cyp46a1-/- and Apoe-/- mice. Herein, we characterized Cyp27a1-/-Cyp46a1-/-Soat1-/- and Cyp27a1-/-Cyp46a1-/-Apoe-/- mice. In the former, retinal cholesterol levels, anatomical gross structure, and vasculature were normal, yet the electroretinographic responses were impaired. Conversely, in Cyp27a1-/-Cyp46a1-/-Apoe-/- mice, retinal cholesterol levels were increased while anatomical structure and vasculature were unaffected with only male mice showing a decrease in electroretinographic responses. Sterol profiling, qRT-PCR, proteomics, and transmission electron microscopy mapped potential compensatory mechanisms in the Cyp27a1-/-Cyp46a1-/-Soat1-/- and Cyp27a1-/-Cyp46a1-/-Apoe-/- retina. These included decreased cholesterol biosynthesis along with enhanced formation of intra- and extracellular vesicles, possibly a reserve mechanism for lowering retinal cholesterol. In addition, there was altered abundance of proteins in Cyp27a1-/-Cyp46a1-/-Soat1-/- mice that can affect photoreceptor function, survival, and retinal energy homeostasis (glucose and fatty acid metabolism). Therefore, the levels of retinal cholesterol do not seem to predict retinal abnormalities, and it is rather the network of compensatory mechanisms that appears to determine retinal phenotype.
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20
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Murphy DP, Hughes AEO, Lawrence KA, Myers CA, Corbo JC. Cis-regulatory basis of sister cell type divergence in the vertebrate retina. eLife 2019; 8:e48216. [PMID: 31633482 PMCID: PMC6802965 DOI: 10.7554/elife.48216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Multicellular organisms evolved via repeated functional divergence of transcriptionally related sister cell types, but the mechanisms underlying sister cell type divergence are not well understood. Here, we study a canonical pair of sister cell types, retinal photoreceptors and bipolar cells, to identify the key cis-regulatory features that distinguish them. By comparing open chromatin maps and transcriptomic profiles, we found that while photoreceptor and bipolar cells have divergent transcriptomes, they share remarkably similar cis-regulatory grammars, marked by enrichment of K50 homeodomain binding sites. However, cell class-specific enhancers are distinguished by enrichment of E-box motifs in bipolar cells, and Q50 homeodomain motifs in photoreceptors. We show that converting K50 motifs to Q50 motifs represses reporter expression in bipolar cells, while photoreceptor expression is maintained. These findings suggest that partitioning of Q50 motifs within cell type-specific cis-regulatory elements was a critical step in the evolutionary divergence of the bipolar transcriptome from that of photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Murphy
- Department of Pathology and ImmunologyWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Andrew EO Hughes
- Department of Pathology and ImmunologyWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Karen A Lawrence
- Department of Pathology and ImmunologyWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Connie A Myers
- Department of Pathology and ImmunologyWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Joseph C Corbo
- Department of Pathology and ImmunologyWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
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21
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Liu F, Wang L, Fu JL, Xiao Y, Gong X, Liu Y, Nie Q, Xiang JW, Yang L, Chen Z, Liu Y, Li DWC. Analysis of Non-Sumoylated and Sumoylated Isoforms of Pax-6, the Master Regulator for Eye and Brain Development in Ocular Cell Lines. Curr Mol Med 2019; 18:566-573. [PMID: 30636604 DOI: 10.2174/1566524019666190111153310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pax-6 is a master regulator for eye and brain development. Previous studies including ours have shown that Pax-6 exists in 4 major isoforms. According to their sizes, they are named p48, p46, p43 and p32 with the corresponding molecular weight of 48, 46, 43 and 32 kd, respectively. While p48 and p46 is derived from alternative splicing, p32 Pax-6 is generated through an internal translation initiation site. As for 43 kd Pax-6, two resources have been reported. In bird, it was found that an alternative splicing can generate a p43 Pax-6. In human and mouse, we reported that the p43 kd Pax-6 is derived from sumoylation: addition of a 11 kd polypeptide SUMO1 into the p32 Pax-6 at the K91 residue. Whether other Pax-6 isoforms can be sumoylated or not remains to be explored. METHODS The 5 major ocular cell lines were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) containing fetal bovine serum (FBS) or rabbit serum (RBS) and 1% Penicillin- Streptomycin. The mRNA levels were analysed with qRT-PCR. The protein levels were determined with western blot analysis and quantitated with Image J. RESULTS Both non-sumoylated and sumoylated isoforms of Pax-6 exist in 6 major types of ocular cells among which five are lens epithelial cells, and one is retinal pigment epithelial cell. Our results revealed that the most abundant isoforms of Pax-6 are the p32 and p46 Pax-6. These two major isoforms can be sumoylated to generate p43 (mono-sumoylated p32 Pax-6), p57 and p68 Pax-6 (mono- and di-sumoylated p46 Pax-6). In addition, the splicing-generated p48 Pax-6 is also readily detected. CONCLUSION Our results for the first time, have determined the relative isoform abundance and also the sumoylation patterns of pax-6 in 6 major ocular cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510230, China
| | - Ling Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510230, China
| | - Jia-Ling Fu
- The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510230, China
| | - Yuan Xiao
- The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510230, China
| | - Xiaodong Gong
- The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510230, China
| | - Yunfei Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510230, China
| | - Qian Nie
- The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510230, China
| | - Jia-Wen Xiang
- The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510230, China
| | - Lan Yang
- The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510230, China
| | - Zhigang Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510230, China
| | - Yizhi Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510230, China
| | - David Wan-Cheng Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510230, China
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22
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Roman AJ, Powers CA, Semenov EP, Sheplock R, Aksianiuk V, Russell RC, Sumaroka A, Garafalo AV, Cideciyan AV, Jacobson SG. Short-Wavelength Sensitive Cone (S-cone) Testing as an Outcome Measure for NR2E3 Clinical Treatment Trials. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102497. [PMID: 31117170 PMCID: PMC6566804 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recessively-inherited NR2E3 gene mutations cause an unusual retinopathy with abnormally-increased short-wavelength sensitive cone (S-cone) function, in addition to reduced rod and long/middle-wavelength sensitive cone (L/M-cone) function. Progress toward clinical trials to treat patients with this otherwise incurable retinal degeneration prompted the need to determine efficacy outcome measures. Comparisons were made between three computerized perimeters available in the clinic. These perimeters could deliver short-wavelength stimuli on longer-wavelength adapting backgrounds to measure whether S-cone vision can be quantified. Results from a cohort of normal subjects were compared across the three perimeters to determine S-cone isolation and test-retest variability. S-cone perimetry data from NR2E3-ESCS (enhanced S-cone syndrome) patients were examined and determined to have five stages of disease severity. Using these stages, strategies were proposed for monitoring efficacy of either a focal or retina-wide intervention. This work sets the stage for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro J Roman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA.
| | - Christian A Powers
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA.
| | - Evelyn P Semenov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA.
| | - Rebecca Sheplock
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA.
| | - Valeryia Aksianiuk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA.
| | - Robert C Russell
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA.
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA.
| | - Alexandra V Garafalo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA.
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA.
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA.
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Correction of NR2E3 Associated Enhanced S-cone Syndrome Patient-specific iPSCs using CRISPR-Cas9. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10040278. [PMID: 30959774 PMCID: PMC6523438 DOI: 10.3390/genes10040278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhanced S-cone syndrome (ESCS) is caused by recessive mutations in the photoreceptor cell transcription factor NR2E3. Loss of NR2E3 is characterized by repression of rod photoreceptor cell gene expression, over-expansion of the S-cone photoreceptor cell population, and varying degrees of M- and L-cone photoreceptor cell development. In this study, we developed a CRISPR-based homology-directed repair strategy and corrected two different disease-causing NR2E3 mutations in patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) generated from two affected individuals. In addition, one patient’s iPSCs were differentiated into retinal cells and NR2E3 transcription was evaluated in CRISPR corrected and uncorrected clones. The patient’s c.119-2A>C mutation caused the inclusion of a portion of intron 1, the creation of a frame shift, and generation of a premature stop codon. In summary, we used a single set of CRISPR reagents to correct different mutations in iPSCs generated from two individuals with ESCS. In doing so we demonstrate the advantage of using retinal cells derived from affected patients over artificial in vitro model systems when attempting to demonstrate pathophysiologic mechanisms of specific mutations.
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Garafalo AV, Calzetti G, Cideciyan AV, Roman AJ, Saxena S, Sumaroka A, Choi W, Wright AF, Jacobson SG. Cone Vision Changes in the Enhanced S-Cone Syndrome Caused by NR2E3 Gene Mutations. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:3209-3219. [PMID: 29971438 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine the progression of cone vision loss in patients with recessive disease from NR2E3 gene mutations. Methods Patients with NR2E3 mutations (n = 37) were studied as a retrospective observational case series clinically and with chromatic static perimetry. Patients were investigated cross-sectionally, and a subset was followed longitudinally. Results Patients showed a range of visual acuities; there was no clear relationship to age. With kinetic perimetry (V4e target), a full field could be retained over many years. Other patients showed progression from a full field, with or without pericentral scotomas, to a small central island. Three patterns of S-cone function were defined, based on percentage of hypersensitive S-cone loci in the field. From occupying most of the visual field, hyperfunctioning S-cone loci could diminish in percent, remaining largely in the periphery. Normal S-cone functioning then dominates, followed by the appearance of an annular region of abnormal S-cone loci approximately 10° to 40° from the fovea. Overall, S-cone sensitivity declined 2.6 times faster than L/M-cone sensitivity. Conclusions Murine proof-of-concept studies suggest that clinical trials of patients with NR2E3 mutations may be forthcoming. Patterns of S-cone hyperfunction across the field would serve as a means to categorize patients as entry criteria or cohort selection in clinical trials. S-cone perimetry can be measured in the clinic and would be the logical efficacy monitor for therapeutic strategies. Given further understanding of the natural history of the disease, targeting the annular region of S-cone dysfunction for a focal therapy or for monitoring in a retina-wide intervention warrants consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra V Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Giacomo Calzetti
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alejandro J Roman
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Supna Saxena
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Windy Choi
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alan F Wright
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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Cehajic-Kapetanovic J, Cottriall CL, Jolly JK, Shanks M, Clouston P, Charbel Issa P, MacLaren RE. Electrophysiological verification of enhanced S-cone syndrome caused by a novel c.755T>C NR2E3 missense variant. Ophthalmic Genet 2019; 40:29-33. [PMID: 30466340 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2018.1547912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nuclear hormone receptor gene, NR2E3, plays a critical role in retinogenesis and determination of the rod photoreceptor phenotype. Mutations in NR2E3 typically lead to recessive enhanced S-cone syndrome (ESCS), where affected individuals show higher sensitivity to short wavelength light and early onset rod dysfunction. Patients with ESCS present in early childhood with nyctalopia, enhanced sensitivity to blue light and display a very heterogeneic retinal phenotype with varying degrees of clumped pigmentation and occasional retinoschisis. PURPOSE To confirm the pathogenicity of a novel mutation in NR2E3 using electrophysiological studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patient underwent detailed clinical evaluation and ophthalmic imaging followed by next generation sequencing analysis and electrophysiological studies. RESULTS We describe a case of a young man of Greek descent with a family history of retinal degeneration. His fundal features at presentation were atypical of ESCS, with striking macular involvement in both eyes, including fibrotic subretinal material overlying the pigment epithelial detachment in one eye and schisis in the other. Genetic testing revealed a novel homozygous variant in NR2E3 gene of uncertain pathogenicity. Instead of performing further genetic analyses, electrophysiological studies showed pathognomonic changes in the S-cone response. CONCLUSIONS With the recent clinical endorsement of a gene therapy for RPE65 related-inherited retinal degeneration it is of paramount importance to correctly identify the pathogenic genetic mutation. In this particular syndrome, we highlight the value of electrophysiology to confirm the pathogenicity of a novel mutation in NR2E3 and aid the diagnosis of ESCS, with potential for gene therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmina Cehajic-Kapetanovic
- a Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences , Oxford University , Oxford , UK
- b Oxford Eye Hospital , Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , Oxford , UK
| | - Charles L Cottriall
- a Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences , Oxford University , Oxford , UK
- b Oxford Eye Hospital , Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , Oxford , UK
| | - Jasleen K Jolly
- a Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences , Oxford University , Oxford , UK
- b Oxford Eye Hospital , Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , Oxford , UK
| | - Morag Shanks
- c Oxford Medical Genetics Laboratories , Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , Oxford , UK
| | - Penny Clouston
- c Oxford Medical Genetics Laboratories , Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , Oxford , UK
| | - Peter Charbel Issa
- a Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences , Oxford University , Oxford , UK
- b Oxford Eye Hospital , Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , Oxford , UK
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- a Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences , Oxford University , Oxford , UK
- b Oxford Eye Hospital , Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , Oxford , UK
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Xie S, Han S, Qu Z, Liu F, Li J, Yu S, Reilly J, Tu J, Liu X, Lu Z, Hu X, Yimer TA, Qin Y, Huang Y, Lv Y, Jiang T, Shu X, Tang Z, Jia H, Wong F, Liu M. Knockout of Nr2e3 prevents rod photoreceptor differentiation and leads to selective L-/M-cone photoreceptor degeneration in zebrafish. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1865:1273-1283. [PMID: 30684641 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the photoreceptor cell-specific nuclear receptor gene Nr2e3 increased the number of S-cone photoreceptors in human and murine retinas and led to retinal degeneration that involved photoreceptor and non-photoreceptor cells. The mechanisms underlying these complex phenotypes remain unclear. In the hope of understanding the precise role of Nr2e3 in photoreceptor cell fate determination and differentiation, we generated a line of Nr2e3 knockout zebrafish using CRISPR technology. In these Nr2e3-null animals, rod precursors undergo terminal mitoses but fail to differentiate as rods. Rod-specific genes are not expressed and the outer segment (OS) fails to form. Formation and differentiation of cone photoreceptors is normal. Specifically, there is no increase in the number of UV-cone or S-cone photoreceptors. Laminated retinal structure is maintained. After normal development, L-/M-cones selectively degenerate, with progressive shortening of OS that starts at age 1 month. The amount of cone phototransduction proteins is concomitantly reduced, whereas UV- and S-cones have normal OS lengths even at age 10 months. In vitro studies show Nr2e3 synergizes with Crx and Nrl to enhance rhodopsin gene expression. Nr2e3 does not affect cone opsin expression. Our results extend the knowledge of Nr2e3's roles and have specific implications for the interpretation of the phenotypes observed in human and murine retinas. Furthermore, our model may offer new opportunities in finding treatments for enhanced S-cone syndrome (ESCS) and other retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanglun Xie
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, PR China
| | - Shanshan Han
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, PR China
| | - Zhen Qu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, PR China
| | - Fei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, PR China
| | - Jingzhen Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, PR China
| | - Shanshan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, PR China
| | - James Reilly
- Department of Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, Scotland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Jiayi Tu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, PR China
| | - Xiliang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, PR China
| | - Zhaojing Lu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, PR China
| | - Xuebin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, PR China
| | - Tinsae Assefa Yimer
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, PR China
| | - Yayun Qin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, PR China
| | - Yuwen Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, PR China
| | - Yuexia Lv
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, PR China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, PR China
| | - Xinhua Shu
- Department of Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, Scotland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Zhaohui Tang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, PR China
| | - Haibo Jia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, PR China.
| | - Fulton Wong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Mugen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, PR China.
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Özateş S, Tekin K, Teke MY. Goldmann-Favre Syndrome: Case Series. Turk J Ophthalmol 2018; 48:47-51. [PMID: 29576899 PMCID: PMC5854860 DOI: 10.4274/tjo.76158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Goldmann-Favre syndrome, which is caused by mutation of the NR2E3 gene, is a retinal degenerative disease with a wide spectrum of phenotypic properties. Variations in clinical presentation result in difficulties in differential diagnosis. In this article, Goldmann-Favre syndrome cases with different clinical findings are presented. Clinical characteristics of our cases were reviewed and discussed in light of the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serdar Özateş
- University of Health Sciences, Dr. Sami Ulus Maternity and Children Training and Research Hospital, Ophthalmology Clinic, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kemal Tekin
- Kars Harakani State Hospital, Ophthalmology Clinic, Kars, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Yasin Teke
- University of Health Sciences, Ulucanlar Eye Training and Research Hospital, Ophthalmology Clinic, Ankara, Turkey
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Nakamura PA, Shimchuk AA, Tang S, Wang Z, DeGolier K, Ding S, Reh TA. Small molecule Photoregulin3 prevents retinal degeneration in the RhoP23H mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 29148976 PMCID: PMC5693111 DOI: 10.7554/elife.30577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of rod gene expression has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy to treat retinal degenerative diseases like retinitis pigmentosa (RP). We previously reported on a small molecule modulator of the rod transcription factor Nr2e3, Photoregulin1 (PR1), that regulates the expression of photoreceptor-specific genes. Although PR1 slows the progression of retinal degeneration in models of RP in vitro, in vivo analyses were not possible with PR1. We now report a structurally unrelated compound, Photoregulin3 (PR3) that also inhibits rod photoreceptor gene expression, potentially though Nr2e3 modulation. To determine the effectiveness of PR3 as a potential therapy for RP, we treated RhoP23H mice with PR3 and assessed retinal structure and function. PR3-treated RhoP23H mice showed significant structural and functional photoreceptor rescue compared with vehicle-treated littermate control mice. These results provide further support that pharmacological modulation of rod gene expression provides a potential strategy for the treatment of RP. There are several diseases that cause people to lose their eyesight and become blind. One of these diseases, called retinitis pigmentosa, kills cells at the back of the eye known as rod cells. At first, it affects vision in low light and peripheral vision, but later it affects vision during the daytime as well. There are no effective treatments for patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Yet previous genetic studies have shown that disrupting the activity of genes in rod cells can slow the progression of the disease and preserve vision in mice. As for all genes, proteins called transcription factors regulate the activity of rod cell genes. Nakamura et al. now report the discovery of a small drug-like molecule, that they name Photoregulin3, which alters the activity of a transcription factor that regulates rod genes. In follow-up experiments, mice with a mutation that replicates many of the features of retinitis pigmentosa were given Photoregulin3 to see if it could slow the progression of the disease. Indeed, Photoregulin3 could stop many of the rod cells from degenerating in the treated mice. At the end of the experiment, the mice treated with this small molecule had about twice as many rods as the control mice. The treated mice also responded better to flashes of light. Nakamura et al. hope that the findings will one day benefit patients with retinitis pigmentosa. But first more research needs to be done before testing Photoregulin3 in humans. For example, the drug-like molecule needs to be made more potent, and if possible adapted to work when given orally, meaning patients could take it as a pill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Nakamura
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, United States
| | - Andy A Shimchuk
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, United States
| | - Shibing Tang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, UCSF School of Pharmacy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Zhizhi Wang
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, United States
| | - Kole DeGolier
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, United States
| | - Sheng Ding
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, UCSF School of Pharmacy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, United States
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The nuclear hormone receptor gene Nr2c1 (Tr2) is a critical regulator of early retina cell patterning. Dev Biol 2017; 429:343-355. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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30
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Nakamura PA, Tang S, Shimchuk AA, Ding S, Reh TA. Potential of Small Molecule-Mediated Reprogramming of Rod Photoreceptors to Treat Retinitis Pigmentosa. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 57:6407-6415. [PMID: 27893103 PMCID: PMC5134355 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-20177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Mutations in rod photoreceptor genes can cause retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Rod gene expression is regulated by the nuclear hormone receptor, Nr2e3. Genetic deletion of Nr2e3 reprograms rods into cells that resemble cone photoreceptors, and might therefore prevent their death from some forms of RP. There are no identified ligands for Nr2e3; however, reverse agonists might mimic the genetic rescue effect and may be therapeutically useful for the treatment of RP. Methods We screened for small molecule modulators of Nr2e3 using primary retinal cell cultures and characterized the most potent, which we have named photoregulin1 (PR1), in vitro and in vivo. We also tested the ability of PR1 to slow the progression of photoreceptor degeneration in two common mouse models of autosomal dominant RP, the RhoP23H and the Pde6brd1 mutations. Results In developing retina, PR1 causes a decrease in rod gene expression and an increase in S opsin+ cones. Photoregulin1 continues to inhibit rod gene expression in adult mice. When applied to two mouse models of RP, PR1 slows the degeneration of photoreceptors. Conclusions Chemical compounds identified as modulators of Nr2e3 activity may be useful for the treatment of RP through their effects on expression of disease-causing mutant genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Nakamura
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Shibing Tang
- University of California-San Francisco, UCSF School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, San Francisco California, United States
| | - Andy A Shimchuk
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Sheng Ding
- University of California-San Francisco, UCSF School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, San Francisco California, United States
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States
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Olivares AM, Jelcick AS, Reinecke J, Leehy B, Haider A, Morrison MA, Cheng L, Chen DF, DeAngelis MM, Haider NB. Multimodal Regulation Orchestrates Normal and Complex Disease States in the Retina. Sci Rep 2017; 7:690. [PMID: 28386079 PMCID: PMC5429617 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00788-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of biological processes occurs through complex, synergistic mechanisms. In this study, we discovered the synergistic orchestration of multiple mechanisms regulating the normal and diseased state (age related macular degeneration, AMD) in the retina. We uncovered gene networks with overlapping feedback loops that are modulated by nuclear hormone receptors (NHR), miRNAs, and epigenetic factors. We utilized a comprehensive filtering and pathway analysis strategy comparing miRNA and microarray data between three mouse models and human donor eyes (normal and AMD). The mouse models lack key NHRS (Nr2e3, RORA) or epigenetic (Ezh2) factors. Fifty-four total miRNAs were differentially expressed, potentially targeting over 150 genes in 18 major representative networks including angiogenesis, metabolism, and immunity. We identified sixty-eight genes and 5 miRNAS directly regulated by NR2E3 and/or RORA. After a comprehensive analysis, we discovered multimodal regulation by miRNA, NHRs, and epigenetic factors of three miRNAs (miR-466, miR1187, and miR-710) and two genes (Ell2 and Entpd1) that are also associated with AMD. These studies provide insight into the complex, dynamic modulation of gene networks as well as their impact on human disease, and provide novel data for the development of innovative and more effective therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Olivares
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - A S Jelcick
- Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - J Reinecke
- Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - B Leehy
- Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - A Haider
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - M A Morrison
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - L Cheng
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - D F Chen
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - M M DeAngelis
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - N B Haider
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America.
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32
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Choudhary M, Malek G. Rethinking Nuclear Receptors as Potential Therapeutic Targets for Retinal Diseases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 21:1007-1018. [PMID: 27455994 DOI: 10.1177/1087057116659856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Collectively, retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and diabetic retinopathy, result in severe vision impairment worldwide. The absence and/or limited availability of successful drug therapies for these blinding disorders necessitates further understanding their pathobiology and identifying new targetable signaling pathways. Nuclear receptors are transcription regulators of many key aspects of human physiology, as well as pathophysiology, with reported roles in development, aging, and disease. Some of the pathways regulated by nuclear receptors include, but are not limited to, angiogenesis, inflammation, and lipid metabolic dysregulation, mechanisms also important in the initiation and development of several retinal diseases. Herein, we present an overview of the biology of three diseases affecting the posterior eye, summarize a growing body of evidence that suggests direct or indirect involvement of nuclear receptors in disease progression, and discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting nuclear receptors for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayur Choudhary
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Goldis Malek
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.,2 Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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33
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Ait-Hmyed Hakkari O, Acar N, Savier E, Spinnhirny P, Bennis M, Felder-Schmittbuhl MP, Mendoza J, Hicks D. Rev-Erbα modulates retinal visual processing and behavioral responses to light. FASEB J 2016; 30:3690-3701. [PMID: 27440795 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201600414r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The circadian clock is thought to adjust retinal sensitivity to ambient light levels, yet the involvement of specific clock genes is poorly understood. We explored the potential role of the nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group D, member 1 (REV-ERBα; or NR1D1) in this respect. In light-evoked behavioral tests, compared with wild-type littermates, Rev-Erbα-/- mice showed enhanced negative masking at low light levels (0.1 lx). Rev-Erbα-/- mouse retinas displayed significantly higher numbers of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs; 62% more compared with wild-type) and more intense melanopsin immunostaining of individual ipRGCs. In agreement with a pivotal role for melanopsin, negative masking at low light intensities was abolished in Rev-Erbα-/- Opn4-/- (melanopsin gene) double-null mice. Rev-Erbα-/- mice showed shortened latencies of both a and b electroretinogram waves, modified scotopic and photopic b-wave and scotopic threshold responses, and increased pupillary constriction, all of which suggested increased light sensitivity. However, wild-type and Rev-Erbα-/- mice displayed no detectable differences by in vivo fundus imaging, retinal histology, or expression of cell type-specific markers for major retinal cell populations. We conclude that REV-ERBα plays a major role in retinal information processing, and we speculate that REV-ERBα and melanopsin set sensitivity levels of the rod-mediated ipRGC pathway to coordinate activity with ambient light.-Ait-Hmyed Hakkari, O., Acar, N., Savier, E., Spinnhirny, P., Bennis, M., Felder-Schmittbuhl, M.-P., Mendoza, J., Hicks, D. Rev-Erbα modulates retinal visual processing and behavioral responses to light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ouafa Ait-Hmyed Hakkari
- Department of Neurobiology of Rhythms, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unités Propres de Recherche 3212, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France.,Université Cadi Ayad, Département de Biologie, Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Neurobiologie et Comportement, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Niyazi Acar
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unités Mixtes de Recherche 6265, Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, Dijon, France.,Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Unités Mixtes de Recherche 324, Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, Dijon, France.,Université de Bourgogne, Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, Dijon, France
| | - Elise Savier
- Department of Neurobiology of Rhythms, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unités Propres de Recherche 3212, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France
| | - Perrine Spinnhirny
- Department of Neurobiology of Rhythms, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unités Propres de Recherche 3212, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mohammed Bennis
- Université Cadi Ayad, Département de Biologie, Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Neurobiologie et Comportement, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Marie-Paule Felder-Schmittbuhl
- Department of Neurobiology of Rhythms, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unités Propres de Recherche 3212, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jorge Mendoza
- Department of Neurobiology of Rhythms, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unités Propres de Recherche 3212, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France
| | - David Hicks
- Department of Neurobiology of Rhythms, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unités Propres de Recherche 3212, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France;
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Olivares AM, Moreno-Ramos OA, Haider NB. Role of Nuclear Receptors in Central Nervous System Development and Associated Diseases. J Exp Neurosci 2016; 9:93-121. [PMID: 27168725 PMCID: PMC4859451 DOI: 10.4137/jen.s25480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The nuclear hormone receptor (NHR) superfamily is composed of a wide range of receptors involved in a myriad of important biological processes, including development, growth, metabolism, and maintenance. Regulation of such wide variety of functions requires a complex system of gene regulation that includes interaction with transcription factors, chromatin-modifying complex, and the proper recognition of ligands. NHRs are able to coordinate the expression of genes in numerous pathways simultaneously. This review focuses on the role of nuclear receptors in the central nervous system and, in particular, their role in regulating the proper development and function of the brain and the eye. In addition, the review highlights the impact of mutations in NHRs on a spectrum of human diseases from autism to retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Olivares
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Oscar Andrés Moreno-Ramos
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Neena B Haider
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Collison FT, Park JC, Fishman GA, Stone EM, McAnany JJ. Two-color pupillometry in enhanced S-cone syndrome caused by NR2E3 mutations. Doc Ophthalmol 2016; 132:157-66. [PMID: 27033713 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-016-9535-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate pupillary light reflexes (PLRs) mediated by rod, cone, and intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell pathways as indices of outer- and inner-retinal function in patients who have enhanced S-cone syndrome (ESCS) due to NR2E3 mutations. METHODS Four patients with ESCS (ages 16-23 years) participated in the study. Subjects were tested with long- and short-wavelength single-flash full-field ERG stimuli under light-adapted conditions. They were also tested with an established pupillometry protocol involving 1-s duration, long- and short-wavelength stimuli under dark- and light-adapted conditions. The PLR was measured as a function of stimulus luminance. Transient PLRs were measured under all conditions, and sustained PLRs were measured under the highest luminance dark-adapted condition. RESULTS Two-color light-adapted full-field ERGs demonstrated larger amplitude responses for short-wavelength stimuli relative to long-wavelength stimuli of the same photopic luminance, with three of four ESCS patients having super-normal a-wave amplitudes to the short-wavelength stimulus. b/a wave ratios were reduced in all four cases. Transient PLRs elicited by low-luminance stimuli under dark-adapted conditions (rod-mediated) were unrecordable, whereas the sustained PLRs elicited by high-luminance stimuli (melanopsin-mediated) were normal. Cone-mediated PLRs were recordable for all four patients, but generally lower than normal in amplitude. However, the cone-mediated PLR was larger for the short-wavelength stimulus compared to the photopically matched long-wavelength stimulus at high luminances, a pattern that was not observed for control subjects. None of the PLR conditions demonstrated "super-normal" responses. CONCLUSION ESCS patients appear to have generally well-preserved cone- and melanopsin-mediated PLRs, indicating intact inner-retinal function. Two-color pupillometry demonstrates greater sensitivity to short-wavelength light under higher-luminance conditions and could complement the ERG as a tool for evaluating retinal function in ESCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick T Collison
- The Pangere Center for Hereditary Retinal Diseases, The Chicago Lighthouse, 1850 West Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, IL, 60608, USA
| | - Jason C Park
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, 1905 West Taylor St., Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Gerald A Fishman
- The Pangere Center for Hereditary Retinal Diseases, The Chicago Lighthouse, 1850 West Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, IL, 60608, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, 1905 West Taylor St., Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | - Edwin M Stone
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Rd. 4111 MERF, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - J Jason McAnany
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, 1905 West Taylor St., Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
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Identification of an Alternative Splicing Product of the Otx2 Gene Expressed in the Neural Retina and Retinal Pigmented Epithelial Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150758. [PMID: 26985665 PMCID: PMC4795653 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the complexity of alternative splicing in the retina, we sequenced and analyzed a total of 115,706 clones from normalized cDNA libraries from mouse neural retina (66,217) and rat retinal pigmented epithelium (49,489). Based upon clustering the cDNAs and mapping them with their respective genomes, the estimated numbers of genes were 9,134 for the mouse neural retina and 12,050 for the rat retinal pigmented epithelium libraries. This unique collection of retinal of messenger RNAs is maintained and accessible through a web-base server to the whole community of retinal biologists for further functional characterization. The analysis revealed 3,248 and 3,202 alternative splice events for mouse neural retina and rat retinal pigmented epithelium, respectively. We focused on transcription factors involved in vision. Among the six candidates suitable for functional analysis, we selected Otx2S, a novel variant of the Otx2 gene with a deletion within the homeodomain sequence. Otx2S is expressed in both the neural retina and retinal pigmented epithelium, and encodes a protein that is targeted to the nucleus. OTX2S exerts transdominant activity on the tyrosinase promoter when tested in the physiological environment of primary RPE cells. By overexpressing OTX2S in primary RPE cells using an adeno associated viral vector, we identified 10 genes whose expression is positively regulated by OTX2S. We find that OTX2S is able to bind to the chromatin at the promoter of the retinal dehydrogenase 10 (RDH10) gene.
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Kunst S, Wolloscheck T, Kelleher DK, Wolfrum U, Sargsyan SA, Iuvone PM, Baba K, Tosini G, Spessert R. Pgc-1α and Nr4a1 Are Target Genes of Circadian Melatonin and Dopamine Release in Murine Retina. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2016; 56:6084-94. [PMID: 26393668 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.15-17503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The neurohormones melatonin and dopamine mediate clock-dependent/circadian regulation of inner retinal neurons and photoreceptor cells and in this way promote their functional adaptation to time of day and their survival. To fulfill this function they act on melatonin receptor type 1 (MT1 receptors) and dopamine D4 receptors (D4 receptors), respectively. The aim of the present study was to screen transcriptional regulators important for retinal physiology and/or pathology (Dbp, Egr-1, Fos, Nr1d1, Nr2e3, Nr4a1, Pgc-1α, Rorβ) for circadian regulation and dependence on melatonin signaling/MT1 receptors or dopamine signaling/D4 receptors. METHODS This was done by gene profiling using quantitative polymerase chain reaction in mice deficient in MT1 or D4 receptors. RESULTS The data obtained determined Pgc-1α and Nr4a1 as transcriptional targets of circadian melatonin and dopamine signaling, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that Pgc-1α and Nr4a1 represent candidate genes for linking circadian neurohormone release with functional adaptation and healthiness of retina and photoreceptor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Kunst
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany 2Department of Cell and Matrix Biology, Institute of Zoology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tanja Wolloscheck
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Debra K Kelleher
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Uwe Wolfrum
- Department of Cell and Matrix Biology, Institute of Zoology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - S Anna Sargsyan
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - P Michael Iuvone
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Kenkichi Baba
- Neuroscience Institute and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Gianluca Tosini
- Neuroscience Institute and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Rainer Spessert
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Abstract
Photoreceptors have been the most intensively studied retinal cell type. Early lineage studies showed that photoreceptors are produced by retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) that produce only photoreceptor cells and by RPCs that produce both photoreceptor cells and other retinal cell types. More recent lineage studies have shown that there are intrinsic, molecular differences among these RPCs and that these molecular differences operate in gene regulatory networks (GRNs) that lead to the choice of the rod versus the cone fate. In addition, there are GRNs that lead to the choice of a photoreceptor fate and that of another retinal cell type. An example of such a GRN is one that drives the binary fate choice between a rod photoreceptor and bipolar cell. This GRN has many elements, including both feedforward and feedback regulatory loops, highlighting the complexity of such networks. This and other examples of retinal cell fate determination are reviewed here, focusing on the events that direct the choice of rod and cone photoreceptor fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance L Cepko
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115;
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Fant B, Samuel A, Audebert S, Couzon A, El Nagar S, Billon N, Lamonerie T. Comprehensive interactome of Otx2 in the adult mouse neural retina. Genesis 2015; 53:685-94. [PMID: 26426291 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.22903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The Otx2 homeodomain transcription factor exerts multiple functions in specific developmental contexts, probably through the regulation of different sets of genes. Protein partners of Otx2 have been shown to modulate its activity. Therefore, the Otx2 interactome may play a key role in selecting a precise target-gene repertoire, hence determining its function in a specific tissue. To address the nature of Otx2 interactome, we generated a new recombinant Otx2(CTAP-tag) mouse line, designed for protein complexes purification. We validated this mouse line by establishing the Otx2 interactome in the adult neural retina. In this tissue, Otx2 is thought to have overlapping function with its paralog Crx. Our analysis revealed that, in contrary to Crx, Otx2 did not develop interactions with proteins that are known to regulate phototransduction genes but showed specific partnership with factors associated with retinal development. The relationship between Otx2 and Crx in the neural retina should therefore be considered as complementarity rather than redundancy. Furthermore, study of the Otx2 interactome revealed strong associations with RNA processing and translation machineries, suggesting unexpected roles for Otx2 in the regulation of selected target genes all along the transcription/translation pathway. The Otx2(CTAP-tag) line, therefore, appears suitable for a systematic approach to Otx2 protein-protein interactions. genesis 53:685-694, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Fant
- Institut De Biologie Valrose, University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, UFR Sciences, CNRS, UMR7277, Inserm, U1091, Nice, F-06108, France
| | - Alexander Samuel
- Institut De Biologie Valrose, University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, UFR Sciences, CNRS, UMR7277, Inserm, U1091, Nice, F-06108, France
| | - Stéphane Audebert
- Centre De Recherche En Cancérologie De Marseille, INSERM U1068/Institut Paoli-Calmettes, 13273 Marseille CEDEX 9, France
| | - Agnès Couzon
- AniRA-PBES, SFR BioSciences Gerland, UMS3444/US8, ENS De Lyon, Lyon, 69007, France
| | - Salsabiel El Nagar
- Institut De Biologie Valrose, University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, UFR Sciences, CNRS, UMR7277, Inserm, U1091, Nice, F-06108, France
| | - Nathalie Billon
- Institut De Biologie Valrose, University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, UFR Sciences, CNRS, UMR7277, Inserm, U1091, Nice, F-06108, France
| | - Thomas Lamonerie
- Institut De Biologie Valrose, University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, UFR Sciences, CNRS, UMR7277, Inserm, U1091, Nice, F-06108, France
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Moreno-Ramos OA, Olivares AM, Haider NB, de Autismo LC, Lattig MC. Whole-Exome Sequencing in a South American Cohort Links ALDH1A3, FOXN1 and Retinoic Acid Regulation Pathways to Autism Spectrum Disorders. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135927. [PMID: 26352270 PMCID: PMC4564166 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a range of complex neurodevelopmental conditions principally characterized by dysfunctions linked to mental development. Previous studies have shown that there are more than 1000 genes likely involved in ASD, expressed mainly in brain and highly interconnected among them. We applied whole exome sequencing in Colombian—South American trios. Two missense novel SNVs were found in the same child: ALDH1A3 (RefSeq NM_000693: c.1514T>C (p.I505T)) and FOXN1 (RefSeq NM_003593: c.146C>T (p.S49L)). Gene expression studies reveal that Aldh1a3 and Foxn1 are expressed in ~E13.5 mouse embryonic brain, as well as in adult piriform cortex (PC; ~P30). Conserved Retinoic Acid Response Elements (RAREs) upstream of human ALDH1A3 and FOXN1 and in mouse Aldh1a3 and Foxn1 genes were revealed using bioinformatic approximation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay using Retinoid Acid Receptor B (Rarb) as the immunoprecipitation target suggests RA regulation of Aldh1a3 and Foxn1 in mice. Our results frame a possible link of RA regulation in brain to ASD etiology, and a feasible non-additive effect of two apparently unrelated variants in ALDH1A3 and FOXN1 recognizing that every result given by next generation sequencing should be cautiously analyzed, as it might be an incidental finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar A. Moreno-Ramos
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Ana María Olivares
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Neena B. Haider
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | | | - María Claudia Lattig
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
- * E-mail:
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Popova EY, Pinzon-Guzman C, Salzberg AC, Zhang SSM, Barnstable CJ. LSD1-Mediated Demethylation of H3K4me2 Is Required for the Transition from Late Progenitor to Differentiated Mouse Rod Photoreceptor. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:4563-81. [PMID: 26298666 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9395-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifiers can work in concert with transcription factors to control the transition of cells from proliferating progenitors into quiescent terminally differentiated cells. This transition involves changes in histone methylation and one of the key regulators of this is the H3K4me2/1 histone demethylase LSD1. Here, we show that the highest expression of LSD1 occurs in postmitotic retinal cells during the peak period of rod photoreceptor differentiation. Pharmacological inhibition of LSD1 in retinal explants cultured from PN1 to PN8 had three major effects. It prevented the normal decrease in expression of genes associated with progenitor function, it blocked rod photoreceptor development, and it increased expression of genes associated with other retinal cell types. The maintained expression of progenitor genes was associated with a maintained level of H3K4me2 over the gene and its promoter. Among the genes whose expression was maintained was Hes1, a repressor known to block rod photoreceptor development. The inhibition of rod photoreceptor gene expression occurred in spite of the normal expression of transcription factors CRX and NRL, and the normal accumulation of H3K4me2 marks over the promoter and gene body. We suggest that LSD1 acts in concert with a series of nuclear receptors to modify chromatin structure and repress progenitor genes as well as to inhibit ectopic patterns of gene expression in the differentiating postmitotic retinal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenya Y Popova
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Carolina Pinzon-Guzman
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Anna C Salzberg
- Bioinformatics Core, Penn State University College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Samuel Shao-Min Zhang
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA. .,Henan Eye Institute, 7 Weiwu Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450007, China.
| | - Colin J Barnstable
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA.
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Yang HJ, Ratnapriya R, Cogliati T, Kim JW, Swaroop A. Vision from next generation sequencing: multi-dimensional genome-wide analysis for producing gene regulatory networks underlying retinal development, aging and disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2015; 46:1-30. [PMID: 25668385 PMCID: PMC4402139 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2015.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 01/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Genomics and genetics have invaded all aspects of biology and medicine, opening uncharted territory for scientific exploration. The definition of "gene" itself has become ambiguous, and the central dogma is continuously being revised and expanded. Computational biology and computational medicine are no longer intellectual domains of the chosen few. Next generation sequencing (NGS) technology, together with novel methods of pattern recognition and network analyses, has revolutionized the way we think about fundamental biological mechanisms and cellular pathways. In this review, we discuss NGS-based genome-wide approaches that can provide deeper insights into retinal development, aging and disease pathogenesis. We first focus on gene regulatory networks (GRNs) that govern the differentiation of retinal photoreceptors and modulate adaptive response during aging. Then, we discuss NGS technology in the context of retinal disease and develop a vision for therapies based on network biology. We should emphasize that basic strategies for network construction and analyses can be transported to any tissue or cell type. We believe that specific and uniform guidelines are required for generation of genome, transcriptome and epigenome data to facilitate comparative analysis and integration of multi-dimensional data sets, and for constructing networks underlying complex biological processes. As cellular homeostasis and organismal survival are dependent on gene-gene and gene-environment interactions, we believe that network-based biology will provide the foundation for deciphering disease mechanisms and discovering novel drug targets for retinal neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Jin Yang
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-0610, USA
| | - Rinki Ratnapriya
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-0610, USA
| | - Tiziana Cogliati
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-0610, USA
| | - Jung-Woong Kim
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-0610, USA
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-0610, USA.
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Kunst S, Wolloscheck T, Grether M, Trunsch P, Wolfrum U, Spessert R. Photoreceptor cells display a daily rhythm in the orphan receptor Esrrβ. Mol Vis 2015; 21:173-84. [PMID: 25737630 PMCID: PMC4337357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Nuclear orphan receptors are critical for the development and long-term survival of photoreceptor cells. In the present study, the expression of the nuclear orphan receptor Esrrβ--a transcriptional regulator of energy metabolism that protects rod photoreceptors from dystrophy--was tested under daily regulation in the retina and photoreceptor cells. METHODS The daily transcript and protein amount profiles were recorded in preparations of the whole retina and microdissected photoreceptor cells using quantitative PCR (qPCR) and western blot analysis. RESULTS Esrrβ displayed a daily rhythm with elevated values at night in the whole retina and enriched photoreceptor cells. Daily regulation of Esrrβ mRNA depended on light input but not on melatonin, and evoked a corresponding rhythm in the Esrrβ protein. CONCLUSIONS The data presented in this study indicate that daily regulation of Esrrβ in photoreceptor cells may contribute to their adaptation to 24-h changes in metabolic demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Kunst
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany,Department of Cell and Matrix Biology, Institute of Zoology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tanja Wolloscheck
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Markus Grether
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Patricia Trunsch
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Uwe Wolfrum
- Department of Cell and Matrix Biology, Institute of Zoology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Rainer Spessert
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Fu Y, Liu H, Ng L, Kim JW, Hao H, Swaroop A, Forrest D. Feedback induction of a photoreceptor-specific isoform of retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptor β by the rod transcription factor NRL. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:32469-80. [PMID: 25296752 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.605774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Vision requires the generation of cone and rod photoreceptors that function in daylight and dim light, respectively. The neural retina leucine zipper factor (NRL) transcription factor critically controls photoreceptor fates as it stimulates rod differentiation and suppresses cone differentiation. However, the controls over NRL induction that balance rod and cone fates remain unclear. We have reported previously that the retinoid-related orphan receptor β gene (Rorb) is required for Nrl expression and other retinal functions. We show that Rorb differentially expresses two isoforms: RORβ2 in photoreceptors and RORβ1 in photoreceptors, progenitor cells, and other cell types. Deletion of RORβ2 or RORβ1 increased the cone:rod ratio ∼2-fold, whereas deletion of both isoforms in Rorb(-/-) mice produced almost exclusively cone-like cells at the expense of rods, suggesting that both isoforms induce Nrl. Electroporation of either RORβ isoform into retinal explants from Rorb(-/-) neonates reactivated Nrl and rod genes but, in Nrl(-/-) explants, failed to reactivate rod genes, indicating that NRL is the effector for both RORβ isoforms in rod differentiation. Unexpectedly, RORβ2 expression was lost in Nrl(-/-) mice. Moreover, NRL activated the RORβ2-specific promoter of Rorb, indicating that NRL activates Rorb, its own inducer gene. We suggest that feedback activation between Nrl and Rorb genes reinforces the commitment to rod differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulong Fu
- From the Laboratory of Endocrinology and Receptor Biology, NIDDK, and
| | - Hong Liu
- From the Laboratory of Endocrinology and Receptor Biology, NIDDK, and
| | - Lily Ng
- From the Laboratory of Endocrinology and Receptor Biology, NIDDK, and
| | - Jung-Woong Kim
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, NEI, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Hong Hao
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, NEI, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, NEI, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Douglas Forrest
- From the Laboratory of Endocrinology and Receptor Biology, NIDDK, and
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Bates KE, Molnar J, Robinow S. The unfulfilled gene and nervous system development in Drosophila. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2014; 1849:217-23. [PMID: 24953188 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2014.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Revised: 06/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The unfulfilled gene of Drosophila encodes a member of the NR2E subfamily of nuclear receptors. Like related members of the NR2E subfamily, UNFULFILLED is anticipated to function as a dimer, binding to DNA response elements and regulating the expression of target genes. The UNFULFILLED protein may be regulated by ligand-binding and may also be post-transcriptionally modified by sumoylation and phosphorylation. unfulfilled mutants display a range of aberrant phenotypes, problems with eclosion and post-eclosion behaviors, compromised fertility, arrhythmicity, and a lack of all adult mushroom body lobes. The locus of the fertility problem has not been determined. The behavioral arrhythmicity is due to the unfulfilled-dependent disruption of gene expression in a set of pacemaker neurons. The eclosion and the mushroom body lobe phenotypes of unfulfilled mutants are the result of developmental problems associated with failures in axon pathfinding or re-extension. Interest in genes that act downstream of unfulfilled has resulted in the identification of a growing number of unfulfilled interacting loci, providing the first glimpse into the composition of unfulfilled-dependent gene networks. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Nuclear receptors in animal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen E Bates
- Department of Biology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Janos Molnar
- Department of Biology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Steven Robinow
- Department of Biology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
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Owen LA, Morrison MA, Ahn J, Woo SJ, Sato H, Robinson R, Morgan DJ, Zacharaki F, Simeonova M, Uehara H, Chakravarthy U, Hogg RE, Ambati BK, Kotoula M, Baehr W, Haider NB, Silvestri G, Miller JW, Tsironi EE, Farrer LA, Kim IK, Park KH, DeAngelis MM. FLT1 genetic variation predisposes to neovascular AMD in ethnically diverse populations and alters systemic FLT1 expression. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2014; 55:3543-54. [PMID: 24812550 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.14-14047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Current understanding of the genetic risk factors for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is not sufficiently predictive of the clinical course. The VEGF pathway is a key therapeutic target for treatment of neovascular AMD; however, risk attributable to genetic variation within pathway genes is unclear. We sought to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with AMD within the VEGF pathway. METHODS Using a tagSNP, direct sequencing and meta-analysis approach within four ethnically diverse cohorts, we identified genetic risk present in FLT1, though not within other VEGF pathway genes KDR, VEGFA, or VASH1. We used ChIP and ELISA in functional analysis. RESULTS The FLT1 SNPs rs9943922, rs9508034, rs2281827, rs7324510, and rs9513115 were significantly associated with increased risk of neovascular AMD. Each association was more significant after meta-analysis than in any one of the four cohorts. All associations were novel, within noncoding regions of FLT1 that do not tag for coding variants in linkage disequilibrium. Analysis of soluble FLT1 demonstrated higher expression in unaffected individuals homozygous for the FLT1 risk alleles rs9943922 (P = 0.0086) and rs7324510 (P = 0.0057). In silico analysis suggests that these variants change predicted splice sites and RNA secondary structure, and have been identified in other neovascular pathologies. These data were supported further by murine chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrating that FLT1 is a target of Nr2e3, a nuclear receptor gene implicated in regulating an AMD pathway. CONCLUSIONS Although exact variant functions are not known, these data demonstrate relevancy across ethnically diverse genetic backgrounds within our study and, therefore, hold potential for global efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah A Owen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Margaux A Morrison
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Jeeyun Ahn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Joon Woo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hajime Sato
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Rosann Robinson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Denise J Morgan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Fani Zacharaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Thessaly, School of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Marina Simeonova
- Retina Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Hironori Uehara
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Usha Chakravarthy
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth E Hogg
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Balamurali K Ambati
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Maria Kotoula
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Thessaly, School of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Wolfgang Baehr
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Neena B Haider
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Giuliana Silvestri
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Joan W Miller
- Retina Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Evangelia E Tsironi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Thessaly, School of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Lindsay A Farrer
- Departments of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Ophthalmology, Neurology, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Ivana K Kim
- Retina Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Kyu Hyung Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Margaret M DeAngelis
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
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unfulfilled interacting genes display branch-specific roles in the development of mushroom body axons in Drosophila melanogaster. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2014; 4:693-706. [PMID: 24558265 PMCID: PMC4577660 DOI: 10.1534/g3.113.009829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The mushroom body (MB) of Drosophila melanogaster is an organized collection of interneurons that is required for learning and memory. Each of the three subtypes of MB neurons, γ, α´/β´, and α/β, branch at some point during their development, providing an excellent model in which to study the genetic regulation of axon branching. Given the sequential birth order and the unique patterning of MB neurons, it is likely that specific gene cascades are required for the different guidance events that form the characteristic lobes of the MB. The nuclear receptor UNFULFILLED (UNF), a transcription factor, is required for the differentiation of all MB neurons. We have developed and used a classical genetic suppressor screen that takes advantage of the fact that ectopic expression of unf causes lethality to identify candidate genes that act downstream of UNF. We hypothesized that reducing the copy number of unf-interacting genes will suppress the unf-induced lethality. We have identified 19 candidate genes that when mutated suppress the unf-induced lethality. To test whether candidate genes impact MB development, we performed a secondary phenotypic screen in which the morphologies of the MBs in animals heterozygous for unf and a specific candidate gene were analyzed. Medial MB lobes were thin, missing, or misguided dorsally in five double heterozygote combinations (;unf/+;axin/+, unf/+;Fps85D/+, ;unf/+;Tsc1/+, ;unf/+;Rheb/+, ;unf/+;msn/+). Dorsal MB lobes were missing in ;unf/+;DopR2/+ or misprojecting beyond the termination point in ;unf/+;Sytβ double heterozygotes. These data suggest that unf and unf-interacting genes play specific roles in axon development in a branch-specific manner.
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Modifier genes as therapeutics: the nuclear hormone receptor Rev Erb alpha (Nr1d1) rescues Nr2e3 associated retinal disease. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87942. [PMID: 24498227 PMCID: PMC3909326 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear hormone receptors play a major role in many important biological processes. Most nuclear hormone receptors are ubiquitously expressed and regulate processes such as metabolism, circadian function, and development. They function in these processes to maintain homeostasis through modulation of transcriptional gene networks. In this study we evaluate the effectiveness of a nuclear hormone receptor gene to modulate retinal degeneration and restore the integrity of the retina. Currently, there are no effective treatment options for retinal degenerative diseases leading to progressive and irreversible blindness. In this study we demonstrate that the nuclear hormone receptor gene Nr1d1 (Rev-Erbα) rescues Nr2e3-associated retinal degeneration in the rd7 mouse, which lacks a functional Nr2e3 gene. Mutations in human NR2E3 are associated with several retinal degenerations including enhanced S cone syndrome and retinitis pigmentosa. The rd7 mouse, lacking Nr2e3, exhibits an increase in S cones and slow, progressive retinal degeneration. A traditional genetic mapping approach previously identified candidate modifier loci. Here, we demonstrate that in vivo delivery of the candidate modifier gene, Nr1d1 rescues Nr2e3 associated retinal degeneration. We observed clinical, histological, functional, and molecular restoration of the rd7 retina. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the mechanism of rescue at the molecular and functional level is through the re-regulation of key genes within the Nr2e3-directed transcriptional network. Together, these findings reveal the potency of nuclear receptors as modulators of disease and specifically of NR1D1 as a novel therapeutic for retinal degenerations.
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Yzer S, Barbazetto I, Allikmets R, van Schooneveld MJ, Bergen A, Tsang SH, Jacobson SG, Yannuzzi LA. Expanded clinical spectrum of enhanced S-cone syndrome. JAMA Ophthalmol 2013; 131:1324-30. [PMID: 23989059 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2013.4349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE New funduscopic findings in patients with enhanced S-cone syndrome (ESCS) may help clinicians in diagnosing this rare autosomal recessive retinal dystrophy. OBJECTIVE To expand the clinical spectrum of ESCS due to mutations in the NR2E3 gene. DESIGN Retrospective, noncomparative case series of 31 patients examined between 1983 and 2012. SETTING Academic and private ophthalmology practices specialized in retinal dystrophies. PARTICIPANTS A cohort of patients diagnosed with ESCS and harboring known NR2E3 mutations. INTERVENTION Patients had ophthalmic examinations including visual function testing that led to the original diagnosis. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES New fundus features captured with imaging modalities. RESULTS New clinical observations in ESCS include (1) torpedo-like, deep atrophic lesions with a small hyperpigmented rim, variably sized and predominantly located along the arcades; (2) circumferential fibrotic scars in the posterior pole with a spared center and large fibrotic scars around the optic nerve head; and (3) yellow dots in areas of relatively normal-appearing retina. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Enhanced S-cone syndrome has more pleiotropy than previously appreciated. While the nummular type of pigmentation at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium and cystoid or schisis-like maculopathy with typical functional findings remain classic hallmarks of the disease, changes such as circumferential fibrosis of the macula or peripapillary area and "torpedo-like" lesions along the vascular arcades may also direct the clinical diagnosis and focus on screening the NR2E3 gene for a molecular diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Yzer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York2Rotterdam Eye Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Tan MHE, Zhou XE, Soon FF, Li X, Li J, Yong EL, Melcher K, Xu HE. The crystal structure of the orphan nuclear receptor NR2E3/PNR ligand binding domain reveals a dimeric auto-repressed conformation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e74359. [PMID: 24069298 PMCID: PMC3771917 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptor-specific nuclear receptor (PNR, NR2E3) is a key transcriptional regulator of human photoreceptor differentiation and maintenance. Mutations in the NR2E3-encoding gene cause various retinal degenerations, including Enhanced S-cone syndrome, retinitis pigmentosa, and Goldman-Favre disease. Although physiological ligands have not been identified, it is believed that binding of small molecule agonists, receptor desumoylation, and receptor heterodimerization may switch NR2E3 from a transcriptional repressor to an activator. While these features make NR2E3 a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of retinal diseases, there has been a clear lack of structural information for the receptor. Here, we report the crystal structure of the apo NR2E3 ligand binding domain (LBD) at 2.8 Å resolution. Apo NR2E3 functions as transcriptional repressor in cells and the structure of its LBD is in a dimeric auto-repressed conformation. In this conformation, the putative ligand binding pocket is filled with bulky hydrophobic residues and the activation-function-2 (AF2) helix occupies the canonical cofactor binding site. Mutations designed to disrupt either the AF2/cofactor-binding site interface or the dimer interface compromised the transcriptional repressor activity of this receptor. Together, these results reveal several conserved structural features shared by related orphan nuclear receptors, suggest that most disease-causing mutations affect the receptor's structural integrity, and allowed us to model a putative active conformation that can accommodate small ligands in its pocket.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. H. Eileen Tan
- Laboratory of Structural Sciences, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, National University Hospital, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - X. Edward Zhou
- Laboratory of Structural Sciences, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Fen-Fen Soon
- Laboratory of Structural Sciences, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, National University Hospital, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xiaodan Li
- Laboratory of Structural Sciences, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, National University Hospital, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eu-Leong Yong
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, National University Hospital, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Karsten Melcher
- Laboratory of Structural Sciences, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
| | - H. Eric Xu
- Laboratory of Structural Sciences, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
- Van Andel Research Institute/Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences-Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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