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Filip A, Cozar BI, Floare CG, Pȋrnau A, Mic M, Gronenborn AM, Matei E. Aggregation inhibitory effect of vitamin C on cataract-associated P23T γD-crystallin. Int J Biol Macromol 2025; 302:140579. [PMID: 39900151 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.140579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2024] [Revised: 01/28/2025] [Accepted: 01/31/2025] [Indexed: 02/05/2025]
Abstract
Cataract is a progressive loss of eye lens transparency, as a result of age-related chemical modifications or due to congenital mutations in crystallins. A vital antioxidant in the aqueous humor, the vitamin C, has been suggested to hold potential for the prophylaxis of age-related cataract. However, the effect of vitamin C on congenital cataract has not yet been investigated. Here, we explored the aggregation inhibitory effect of vitamin C on the P23T human γD-crystallin mutant, associated with congenital cataract. The effect of vitamin C on the aggregation propensity of P23T human γD-crystallin was investigated by solution NMR, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and other biophysical techniques. We found that vitamin C is able to prevent and reverse P23T human γD-crystallin aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. In particular, NMR data suggest that the inhibitory effect of vitamin C on P23T human γD-crystallin phase-separation is probably mediated by interacting with aggregation prone regions. AFM images of P23T human γD-crystallin under native aggregating conditions revealed the appearance of amorphous aggregates, that disassemble into monomers in the presence of vitamin C. The current study highlights and confirms the possibility that vitamin C is able to dissolve crystallin aggregates, potentially slowing the onset or reversing cataract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Filip
- Enzymology and Applied Biocatalysis Research Center, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Babeş-Bolyai University, Arany János Str. 11, 400028 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Bogdan I Cozar
- National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Calin G Floare
- National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Adrian Pȋrnau
- National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihaela Mic
- National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Angela M Gronenborn
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Elena Matei
- National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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Wang Y, Cao K, Guo ZX, Wan XH. Effect of lens crystallins aggregation on cataract formation. Exp Eye Res 2025; 253:110288. [PMID: 39955021 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2025.110288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2025] [Accepted: 02/12/2025] [Indexed: 02/17/2025]
Abstract
Cataracts represent one of the leading causes of blindness globally. The World Health Organization's 2019World Report on Vision indicates that approximately 65.2 million individuals worldwide experience varying degrees of visual impairment or blindness attributable to cataracts. The prevalence of this condition is significantly increasing, largely due to the accelerated aging of the global population. The lens of the eye is primarily composed of crystallins, which are categorized into three families: α-, β-, and γ-crystallins. The highly ordered structure and interactions among these crystallins are crucial for maintaining lens transparency. Disruptions in the interactions within or between crystallins can compromise this delicate architecture, exposing hydrophobic surfaces that lead to crystallin aggregation and subsequent cataract formation. Currently, surgical intervention is the sole treatment for cataracts, and the cataract surgery rate in China remains considerably lower than that of developed nations. Investigating the mechanisms of crystallins interaction and aggregation is essential for understanding the molecular pathogenesis of cataract formation, which may inform the development of targeted therapies and preventative strategies. This paper reviews recent scientific advancements in the research field of lens crystallins aggregation and cataract formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Cao
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao-Xing Guo
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiu-Hua Wan
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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3
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Rossen JL, Williams AL, Bohnsack BL. Zebrafish as a model for crystallin-associated congenital cataracts in humans. Front Cell Dev Biol 2025; 13:1552988. [PMID: 40206405 PMCID: PMC11979377 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2025.1552988] [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: 12/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2025] [Indexed: 04/11/2025] Open
Abstract
Congenital cataracts are a leading cause of vision loss in children and can be an isolated finding or associated with systemic abnormalities. Isolated congenital cataracts are most commonly associated with pathogenic variants in one of the Crystallin genes. The α-Crystallins are small heat shock proteins that act as chaperones in the lens and other organs throughout the body to prevent protein aggregation and maintain tissue function. In contrast, the ß- and γ-Crystallins are structural proteins that are predominantly expressed in the mature lens and regulate its refractive index. However, the role of the Crystallins during lens development such that pathogenic variants result in inherited cataracts is less well-defined. As zebrafish allow real-time visualization of lens development, genetic manipulation of both the endogenous Crystallin genes as well as the use of transgenic overexpression of identified pathogenic variants yields important insight into the pathogenesis of congenital cataracts. Herein, we review the similarities and differences between human and zebrafish Crystallin genes. Further, we discuss the use of zebrafish as a model for congenital cataracts and explore the mechanisms that underlie the role of Crystallins in lens development. A better understanding of the genetic causes of congenital cataracts will lead to breakthroughs in preventing blindness from congenital cataracts and associated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Rossen
- Division of Ophthalmology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago , Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Antionette L. Williams
- Division of Ophthalmology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago , Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Brenda L. Bohnsack
- Division of Ophthalmology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago , Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
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Yang Y, Capapelo JJ, Wang Y, Wu Y, Zhu Y, Shi L, Sun X, Chen P, Li J. Time trends in disability-adjusted life years for cataracts attributable to indoor air pollution across 17 low- and middle-income countries. Medicine (Baltimore) 2025; 104:e41914. [PMID: 40128084 PMCID: PMC11936558 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000041914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2025] [Indexed: 03/26/2025] Open
Abstract
Indoor air pollution (IAP) is a risk factor leading to cataracts. The disease burden of cataracts due to IAP is currently greater in low- and middle-income countries, an in-depth analysis is necessary to track the current time trend of cataracts caused by IAP in low- and middle-income countries. Our data from the global burden of disease 2021 study. In our study, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and DALYs rate were used to assess the disease burden of cataracts due to IAP across 17 low- and middle-income countries. The contribution of IAP exposure to the associated burden of cataracts was quantified by using population attribution fractions. Additionally, the estimated annual percentage change was calculated to quantify the long-term trend in the burden of cataracts due to IAP from 1990 to 2021. An age-period-cohort model was used to estimate the effects of age, period, and cohort on time trend of disease burden. In 2021, age-standardized DALY rates (ASDR) values varied widely across the 17 countries. Pakistan had the highest ASDR 122.5 (-35.3 to 247.4). ASDR declined in all 17 countries. For all countries, the age effect increases rapidly after about age 55. South Africa, Brazil, and Mexico have made great progress in the period and cohort effects. The situation of burden for IAP-related cataracts varies across countries, and it is necessary to set targeted public health strategies and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Justino Jose Capapelo
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yanrong Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yueping Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yongbin Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Liping Shi
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xian Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ping Chen
- Medical Experiment Center, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Clinical and Pathogenic Microbiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jiangping Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
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Sun HS, Huang T, Liu ZX, Xu YT, Wang YQ, Wang MC, Zhang SR, Xu JL, Zhu KY, Huang WK, Huang XF, Li J. Identification of mutations associated with congenital cataracts in nineteen Chinese families. BMC Ophthalmol 2025; 25:94. [PMID: 39994538 PMCID: PMC11853334 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-025-03920-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2025] [Indexed: 02/26/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital cataracts (CC) are one of the leading causes of impaired vision or blindness in children, with approximately 8.3-25% being inherited. The aim of this study is to investigate the mutation spectrum and frequency of 9 cataract-associated genes in 19 Chinese families with congenital cataracts. PURPOSE To identify the gene variants associated with congenital cataracts. METHODS This study included a total of 58 patients from 19 pedigrees with congenital cataracts. All probands were initially screened by whole-exome sequencing(WES), and then validated by co-segregation analysis using Sanger sequencing. RESULTS Likely pathogenic variants were detected in 8 families, with a positivity rate of 42.1%. Variants in various genes were identified, including GJA3, CRYGD, CRYBA4, BFSP2, IARS2, CRYAA, CRYBA1, ARL2 and CRYBB3. Importantly, this study identified compound heterozygous variants of IARS2 in one family. CONCLUSIONS Our research findings have revealed multiple gene variants associated with cataracts, providing clinical guidance for improved molecular diagnosis of congenital cataracts in the era of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Sen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Teng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhe-Xuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yi-Tong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ya-Qi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | | | - Shen-Rong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jia-Lin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Kai-Yi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wen-Kai Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiu-Feng Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
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Shah MH, Vendra VPR, Ostrowski C, Ma Z, Hejtmancik JF. The c.119-123dup5bp mutation in human γC-crystallin destabilizes the protein and activates the unfolded protein response to cause highly variable cataracts. Sci Rep 2025; 15:6542. [PMID: 39994382 PMCID: PMC11850903 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-90977-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2025] [Indexed: 02/26/2025] Open
Abstract
Ordered cellular architecture and high concentrations of stable crystallins are required for the lens to maintain transparency. Here we investigate the molecular mechanism of cataractogenesis of the CRYGC c.119-123dupGCGGC (p.Cys42AlafsX63) (CRYGC5bpdup) mutation. Lenses were extracted from wild type and transgenic mice carrying the CRYGC5bpdup minigene and RNA was isolated and converted into cDNA. Expression of genes in the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathways was estimated by qRT-PCR and RNA seq and pathway analysis was carried out using the Qiagen IPA website. Postnatal 3 weeks (P3W) Transgenic mice exhibited phenotypic diversity with a dimorphic population of severe and clear lenses. PCA of RNA seq data showed separate clustering of wild-type, clear CRYGC5bpdup, and severe CRYGC5bpdup lenses. Transgenic mice showed differential upregulation in Master regulator Grp78 (Hspa5) and downstream targets in the PERK-dependent UPR pathway including Atf4 and Chop (Ddit3), but not GADD34 (Ppp1r15a). Thus, high levels of CRYGC5bpdup transgene expression in severely affected lenses induces UPRer and UPRmt stress responses primarily through the PERK-dependent and Atf4/Atf5/Ddit3 pathways respectively, inducing autophagy and apoptosis and thence congenital nuclear cataracts. This effect is correlated to CRYGC5bpdup transgene expression, offering insight into cataract pathogenic pathways and recapitulating the variation in cataract severity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Hussain Shah
- Ophthalmic Molecular Genetics Section, Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Venkata Pulla Rao Vendra
- Ophthalmic Molecular Genetics Section, Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christian Ostrowski
- Ophthalmic Molecular Genetics Section, Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zhiwei Ma
- Ophthalmic Molecular Genetics Section, Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - J Fielding Hejtmancik
- Ophthalmic Molecular Genetics Section, Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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7
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Huang F, Chen Y, Wu J, Zheng S, Huang R, Wan W, Hu K. Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of metabolism‑related microRNAs in high myopia in young and old adults with age‑related cataracts. Mol Med Rep 2025; 31:46. [PMID: 39635836 PMCID: PMC11638740 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2024.13411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 12/07/2024] Open
Abstract
High myopia and age‑related cataracts are prevalent ocular disorders that compromise visual acuity. The molecular mechanisms underlying these conditions remain largely unclear. Here, microRNA (miRNA or miR) sequencing was performed on aqueous humor samples obtained from individuals with age‑related cataracts and high myopia (AH, n=9), young patients with high myopia (YH, n=9) and a control group of elderly patients with age‑related cataracts, matched in terms of sex and age (AN, n=9). miRNA sequencing and differential expression were performed. Intersecting miRNAs were identified, as well as metabolism‑related genes from MsigDB were intersected with miRNA target genes. Functional enrichment was performed and disease targets predicted using DisGeNET. A protein‑protein interaction network was built with STRING, and hub genes were identified via Cytoscape. GeneMANIA analyzed hub genes, while drug predictions were made using Comparative Toxicogenomics Database. Long non‑coding RNAs and transcription factors were predicted via mirNet and ChEA3. Results were validated by RT‑qPCR. A total of 18 miRNAs were significantly differential expressed between AH and AN group, of which eight were up‑ and 10 were downregulated. A total of 23 miRNAs were significantly differential expressed between the YH and AN group, of which six were up‑ and 17 were downregulated. hsa‑miR‑490‑3p, hsa‑miR‑4423‑3p and hsa‑miR‑4485‑3p may serve as characteristic miRNAs. A total of 289 target genes were predicted. Functional enrichment analysis yielded 169 terms, with 'herpes simplex virus 1 infection' the most significantly enriched. There were 19 metabolism‑associated target genes linked with these miRNAs, suggesting a potential role of metabolic processes in pathogenesis of these conditions. The biosynthetic process of carbohydrate derivatives may serve a key role during the development of high myopia. There were 10 hub genes and Propionyl‑CoA Carboxylase Subunit β could potentially serve as a biomarker. Drugs that could modulate their function were predicted; cyclosporine, tretinoin and acetaminophen may exert a broad influence on these hub genes. Hub gene networks based on the miRNAs were constructed to predict 44 associated long non‑coding RNAs and 98 transcription factors. The present findings offer novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of age‑related cataracts and high myopia and propose potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanfan Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment on Major Blinding Diseases, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Yanyi Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment on Major Blinding Diseases, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Jiaxue Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment on Major Blinding Diseases, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Shijie Zheng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment on Major Blinding Diseases, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Rongxi Huang
- Department of Endocrinology, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing 401147, P.R. China
| | - Wenjuan Wan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment on Major Blinding Diseases, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Ke Hu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment on Major Blinding Diseases, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
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Wang L, Li X, Men X, Liu X, Luo J. Research progress on antioxidants and protein aggregation inhibitors in cataract prevention and therapy (Review). Mol Med Rep 2025; 31:22. [PMID: 39513587 PMCID: PMC11574704 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2024.13387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 10/10/2024] [Indexed: 11/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Cataracts are primarily caused by aging or gene mutations and are the leading cause of blindness globally. As the older population increases, the number of patients with a cataract is expected to grow rapidly. At present, cataract surgery to replace the lens with an artificial intraocular lens is the principal treatment method. However, surgery has several drawbacks, including economic burdens and complications such as inflammation, xerophthalmia, macular edema and posterior capsular opacification. Thus, developing an effective non‑surgical treatment strategy is beneficial to both patients and public health. Mechanistically, cataract formation may be due to various reasons but is primarily initiated and promoted by oxidative stress and is closely associated with crystallin aggregation. In the present review, the current research progress on anti‑cataract drugs, including antioxidants and protein aggregation inhibitors is examined. It summarizes strategies for preventing and treating cataract through cell apoptosis and protein aggregation inhibition while discussing their limitations and further prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of the Research and Development of Novel Pharmaceutical Preparations, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, Hunan 410219, P.R. China
| | - Xin Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of the Research and Development of Novel Pharmaceutical Preparations, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, Hunan 410219, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoju Men
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of the Research and Development of Novel Pharmaceutical Preparations, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, Hunan 410219, P.R. China
| | - Xiangyi Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of the Research and Development of Novel Pharmaceutical Preparations, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, Hunan 410219, P.R. China
| | - Jinque Luo
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of the Research and Development of Novel Pharmaceutical Preparations, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, Hunan 410219, P.R. China
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9
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Berry V, Ponnekanti MB, Pontikos N, Quinlan RA, Michaelides M. A novel frameshift variant in BCOR causes congenital nuclear cataract. Ophthalmic Genet 2024; 45:591-595. [PMID: 38957147 PMCID: PMC11614040 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2024.2373248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND BCL6 co-repressor (BCOR) gene variants are involved in oculofaciocardiodental (OFCD) syndrome, acute myeloid leukaemia, renal tumours, and photoreceptor degenerative diseases. Here, we describe a British family with a pathogenic heterozygous variant in the BCOR gene causing congenital nuclear cataract. METHODS Whole-exome sequencing was conducted on an individual affected by X-linked dominant congenital cataract in a three-generation family to establish the underlying genetic basis. Bioinformatics analysis confirmed the variants with damaging pathogenicity scores. RESULTS A novel likely pathogenic frameshift variant BCOR NM_001123385.1: c.3621del; p.Lys1207AsnfsTer31, was identified and found to co-segregate with the disease in this family. CONCLUSIONS This is apparently the first report of a variant in BCOR causing X-linked dominant congenital cataract which is potentially isolated or presenting with a remarkably mild systemic phenotype. Our findings extend the genetic basis for congenital cataract and add to the phenotypic spectrum of BCOR variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanita Berry
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Nikolas Pontikos
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Roy A. Quinlan
- Department of Biosciences, University of Durham, Durham, UK
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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10
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Li B, Hou X, Ning B, Li X, Zhang M, Wang J, Liu M, Shi Y, Kang Z. Predictive role of the peripheral blood inflammation indices neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immunoinflammatory index (SII) for age-related cataract risk. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0313503. [PMID: 39556543 PMCID: PMC11573120 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0313503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 10/24/2024] [Indexed: 11/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The novel inflammatory markers neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immunoinflammatory index (SII) have not yet been used in the study of age-related cataracts. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relationships between the NLR, PLR, and SII and age-related cataracts. In the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cross-sectional surveys, we collected complete information on blood counts, whether cataract surgery had been performed, and baseline information for adults. We investigated the independent interactions between the inflammatory markers NLR, PLR, and SII and age-related cataracts via weighted multivariate regression analyses and subgroup analyses. Smoothed curve fitting was performed to identify nonlinear associations and saturation effects between inflammation indices and cataract risk. Finally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted for factors significantly associated with the development of cataracts to identify the optimal diagnostic inflammation index. This study included 8887 participants without cataracts and 935 participants with cataracts. Multivariate logistic regression analyses after adjusting for covariates revealed that a high SII (OR = 1.000, 95% CI = 1.000-1.000; P = 0.017) and high NLR (OR = 1.065, 95% CI = 1.000-1.134; P = 0.048) were independent risk factors for cataracts. Subgroup analyses did not reveal interactions between the SII, NLR, or cataract and covariates. Smoothed curve fits of the relationships between the SII or NLR and cataracts did not show positive significant saturating effect values for any of the variables. The ROC curve revealed some diagnostic value for cataracts for both the SII (AUC = 0.549, P < 0.001) and the NLR (AUC = 0.603, P < 0.001), but both had weak diagnostic value. Our study suggests that the SII and NLR are independent risk factors for cataracts in U.S. adults, but no such associations was identified between the PLR and cataracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohua Li
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Eye Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyue Hou
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Eye Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bobiao Ning
- Department of Dermatology, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Guang’anmen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Li
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - MingMing Zhang
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Eye Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jianquan Wang
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Eye Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mengyu Liu
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Eye Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yipeng Shi
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Eye Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zefeng Kang
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Eye Hospital, Beijing, China
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11
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Hejtmancik JF. Oxidative Stress in Genetic Cataract Formation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:1315. [PMID: 39594457 PMCID: PMC11591473 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13111315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2024] [Revised: 10/22/2024] [Accepted: 10/25/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide, and age-related cataracts are the result of environmental insults that largely lead to oxidative stress imposed on a genetic background that determines susceptibility to these stresses. METHODS A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify GWAS, targeted association studies, and TWAS that identified genes associated with age-related cataract. Additional genes associated with age-related cataracts were identified through the CAT-MAP online database. Pathway analysis was performed using Qiagen Ingenuity Pathway Analysis and pathways related to oxidative stress were analyzed using the same program. RESULTS A large number of genes have been identified as causes of both Mendelian and complex cataracts. Of these, 10 genes related to oxidative stress were identified, and all were associated with age-related cataracts. These genes fall into seven canonical pathways primarily related to glutathione metabolism and other pathways related to detoxifying reactive oxygen species. CONCLUSIONS While a relatively small number of antioxidant related genes were identified as being associated with cataracts, they allow the identification of redox pathways important for lens metabolism and homeostasis. These are largely related to glutathione and its metabolism, other pathways for detoxification of reactive oxygen species, and the transcriptional systems that control their expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Fielding Hejtmancik
- Ophthalmic Molecular Genetics Section, Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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12
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Horner JL, Vu MP, Clark JT, Innis IJ, Cheng C. Canonical ligand-dependent and non-canonical ligand-independent EphA2 signaling in the eye lens of wild-type, knockout, and aging mice. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:13039-13075. [PMID: 39466050 PMCID: PMC11552635 DOI: 10.18632/aging.206144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 10/29/2024]
Abstract
Disruption of Eph-ephrin bidirectional signaling leads to human congenital and age-related cataracts, but the mechanisms for these opacities in the eye lens remain unclear. Eph receptors bind to ephrin ligands on neighboring cells to induce canonical ligand-mediated signaling. The EphA2 receptor also signals non-canonically without ligand binding in cancerous cells, leading to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We have previously shown that the receptor EphA2 and the ligand ephrin-A5 have diverse functions in maintaining lens transparency in mice. Loss of ephrin-A5 leads to anterior cataracts due to EMT. Surprisingly, both canonical and non-canonical EphA2 activation are present in normal wild-type lenses and in the ephrin-A5 knockout lenses. Canonical EphA2 signaling is localized exclusively to lens epithelial cells and does not change with age. Non-canonical EphA2 signaling is in both epithelial and fiber cells and increases significantly with age. We hypothesize that canonical ligand-dependent EphA2 signaling is required for the morphogenesis and organization of hexagonal equatorial epithelial cells while non-canonical ligand-independent EphA2 signaling is needed for complex membrane interdigitations that change during fiber cell differentiation and maturation. This is the first demonstration of non-canonical EphA2 activation in a non-cancerous tissue or cell and suggests a possible physiological function for ligand-independent EphA2 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna L. Horner
- School of Optometry and Vision Science Program, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Michael P. Vu
- School of Optometry and Vision Science Program, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Jackson T. Clark
- School of Optometry and Vision Science Program, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Isaiah J. Innis
- School of Optometry and Vision Science Program, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Catherine Cheng
- School of Optometry and Vision Science Program, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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13
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Novo SG, Faranda AP, D'Antin JC, Wang Y, Shihan M, Barraquer RI, Michael R, Duncan MK. Human lens epithelial cells induce the inflammatory response when placed into the lens capsular bag model of posterior capsular opacification. Mol Vis 2024; 30:348-367. [PMID: 39959166 PMCID: PMC11829793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 10/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2025] Open
Abstract
Purpose Cataracts are typically treated by phacoemulsification followed by intraocular lens implantation. Studies of mouse models of cataract surgery have revealed that lens epithelial cells rapidly remodel their transcriptome to express proinflammatory cytokines after lens fiber cell removal, but it is currently unknown whether this response is conserved in human lenses. This study seeks to fill this knowledge gap. Methods Human cadaver eyes from 70 to 89 year old individuals were prepared for the human capsular bag model of cataract surgery. The central epithelium was preserved in RNAlater during culture preparation, then the equatorial epithelium was either immediately preserved in RNAlater after the culture was created, or 24 h later. Gene expression profiles were generated by bulk sequencing of RNA isolated from these tissue samples. The transcriptomic response of human cadaver-derived lens epithelial cells to culture in this "capsular bag" model was characterized by bioinformatic analysis. The human response was directly compared to that of 24-month-old mouse lens epithelial cells subjected to fiber cell removal surgery. Results Human lens epithelial cells remodel approximately a third of their transcriptome by 24 h after surgery, and like mice, this response consists of induction of proinflammatory cytokine genes, upregulation of fibrotic markers and downregulation of genes controlling the lens epithelial phenotype. Conclusions These observations demonstrate that humans and mice have similar responses to cataract surgery and support the use of mice to study the response of lens epithelial cells to cataract surgery, suggesting that identified injury response mechanisms can be leveraged to elucidate new approaches to improve the outcomes of cataract surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel G Novo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | - Adam P Faranda
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | - Justin C D'Antin
- Centro de Oftalmología Barraquer, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Universitari Barraquer, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | - Mahbubul Shihan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | - Rafael I Barraquer
- Centro de Oftalmología Barraquer, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Universitari Barraquer, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ralph Michael
- Centro de Oftalmología Barraquer, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, University Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Melinda K Duncan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
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14
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Lin N, Song H, Zhang Y, Chen F, Xu J, Wu W, Tian Q, Luo C, Yao K, Hu L, Chen X. Truncation mutations of CRYGD gene in congenital cataracts cause protein aggregation by disrupting the structural stability of γD-crystallin. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 277:134292. [PMID: 39084439 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Congenital cataracts, a prevalent cause of blindness in children, are associated with protein aggregation. γD-crystallin, essential for sustaining lens transparency, exists as a monomer and exhibits excellent structural stability. In our cohort, we identified a nonsense mutation (c.451_452insGACT, p.Y151X) in the CRYGD gene. To explore the effect of truncation mutations on the structure of γD-crystallin, we examined the Y151X and T160RfsX8 mutations, both located in the Greek key motif 4 at the cellular and protein level in this study. Both truncation mutations induced protein misfolding and resulted in the formation of insoluble aggregates when overexpressed in HLE B3 and HEK 293T cells. Moreover, heat, UV irradiation, and oxidative stress increased the proportion of aggregates of mutants in the cells. We next purified γD-crystallin to estimate its structural changes. Truncation mutations led to conformational disruption and a concomitant decrease in protein solubility. Molecular dynamics simulations further demonstrated that partial deletion of the conserved domain within the Greek key motif 4 markedly compromised the overall stability of the protein structure. Finally, co-expression of α-crystallins facilitated the proper folding of truncated mutants and mitigated protein aggregation. In summary, the structural integrity of the Greek key motif 4 in γD-crystallin is crucial for overall structural stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningqin Lin
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 268 Kaixuan Road, Hangzhou 310020, China
| | - Hang Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 268 Kaixuan Road, Hangzhou 310020, China
| | - Fanrui Chen
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jingjie Xu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Qing Tian
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 268 Kaixuan Road, Hangzhou 310020, China
| | - Chenqi Luo
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Lidan Hu
- The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, 3333 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou 310052, China.
| | - Xiangjun Chen
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 268 Kaixuan Road, Hangzhou 310020, China.
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15
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Gowda DAA, Birappa G, Rajkumar S, Ajaykumar CB, Srikanth B, Kim SL, Singh V, Jayachandran A, Lee J, Ramakrishna S. Recent progress in CRISPR/Cas9 system for eye disorders. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 210:21-46. [PMID: 39824582 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2024.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2025]
Abstract
Ocular disorders encompass a broad spectrum of phenotypic and clinical symptoms resulting from several genetic variants and environmental factors. The unique anatomy and physiology of the eye facilitate validation of cutting-edge gene editing treatments. Genome editing developments have allowed researchers to treat a variety of diseases, including ocular disorders. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR/Cas9) system holds considerable promise for therapeutic applications in the field of ophthalmology, including repair of aberrant genes and treatment of retinal illnesses related to the genome or epigenome. Application of CRISPR/Cas9 systems to the study of ocular disease and visual sciences have yielded innovations including correction of harmful mutations in patient-derived cells and gene modifications in several mammalian models of eye development and disease. In this study, we discuss the generation of several ocular disease models in mammalian cell lines and in vivo systems using a CRISPR/Cas9 system. We also provide an overview of current uses of CRISPR/Cas9 technologies for the treatment of ocular pathologies, as well as future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Ayush Gowda
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Girish Birappa
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sripriya Rajkumar
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - C Bindu Ajaykumar
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Sammy L Kim
- Department of Biological Science, College of Sang-Huh Life Science, Department of Biological Science, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Vijai Singh
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana, Gujarat, India
| | - Aparna Jayachandran
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, VIC, Australia; Federation University, VIC, Australia.
| | - Junwon Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Vision Research, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Suresh Ramakrishna
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea; College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.
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16
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Cvekl A, Vijg J. Aging of the eye: Lessons from cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 99:102407. [PMID: 38977082 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Aging is the greatest risk factor for chronic human diseases, including many eye diseases. Geroscience aims to understand the effects of the aging process on these diseases, including the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms that underlie the increased risk of disease over the lifetime. Understanding of the aging eye increases general knowledge of the cellular physiology impacted by aging processes at various biological extremes. Two major diseases, age-related cataract and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are caused by dysfunction of the lens and retina, respectively. Lens transparency and light refraction are mediated by lens fiber cells lacking nuclei and other organelles, which provides a unique opportunity to study a single aging hallmark, i.e., loss of proteostasis, within an environment of limited metabolism. In AMD, local dysfunction of the photoreceptors/retinal pigmented epithelium/Bruch's membrane/choriocapillaris complex in the macula leads to the loss of photoreceptors and eventually loss of central vision, and is driven by nearly all the hallmarks of aging and shares features with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The aging eye can function as a model for studying basic mechanisms of aging and, vice versa, well-defined hallmarks of aging can be used as tools to understand age-related eye disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ales Cvekl
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
| | - Jan Vijg
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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17
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Yang X, Zhao Z, Wang C, Wang W, Zhang L. Four mutations identified in Chinese families with autosomal dominant congenital cataracts by next-generation sequencing. Genes Genomics 2024; 46:917-925. [PMID: 38869770 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-024-01525-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital cataracts, which can arise due to a combination of factors like environmental influences and genetic predisposition, significantly impact children's visual health globally. The occurrence rate of congenital cataracts varies from 0. 63 to 9.74 per 10,000 births. There are 7.4 instances per 10,000 children, with the highest occurrence seen in Asia. Symptoms of the disease include clouding of the lens and visual impairment. Timely identification of the condition plays a crucial role in the management and outlook of pediatric patients. OBJECTIVE This investigation aimed to discover causative mutations in four separate Chinese family lineages. METHODS The detailed clinical data and family history of four Chinese families with autosomal dominant congenital cataracts were carefully documented. Examination of the Whole Exome Sequencing was utilized to identify the genetic anomalies present in the familial cases. Subsequent validation of the identified mutations was carried out using PCR and Sanger sequencing. Following this, various computational predictive programs were utilized to evaluate how the mutations impact the structure and function of the protein. RESULTS The sequencing results reveal four potential disease-causing mutations: c.436G > A (p.V146M) of CRYBB2 Family 1, c.26G > T (p.R9I) of GJA3 in family 2, c.227G > A (p.R76H) of GJA8 in family 3, c.-168G > T of FTL in family 4. Among them, the causative mutation in Family GJA3 is novel, and Family FTL is a rare cataract syndrome. These familial mutations showed complete co-segregation with the affected individuals, with no presence in unaffected family members or the 100 controls. Several bioinformatic prediction tools also support the likely pathogenicity of these mutations. CONCLUSION Our findings expand the mutational and phenotypic spectrum of genes associated with congenital cataracts and provide clues to the pathogenesis of congenital cataracts. These data also demonstrate the importance of NGS technology for the molecular diagnosis of congenital cataract patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Yang
- Eye Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150000, China
| | - Zitong Zhao
- Eye Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150000, China
| | - Chun Wang
- Eye Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150000, China
| | - Wenxuan Wang
- Eye Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150000, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Eye Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150000, China.
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18
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Hao XD, Liu JX, Zhang JS. Longevity factor FOXO3a: A potential therapeutic target for age-related ocular diseases. Life Sci 2024; 350:122769. [PMID: 38848943 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
The forkhead box protein O3 (FOXO3a) belongs to the subgroup O of the forkhead transcription factor family and plays an important role in regulating the aging process by participating in the regulation of various life processes, including cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, autophagy, oxidative stress, and DNA repair. The eye is an organ that is affected by aging earlier. However, the functional role and potential clinical applications of FOXO3a in age-related eye diseases have not received widespread attention and lacked comprehensive and clear clarification. In this review, we demonstrated the relationship between FOXO3a and visual system health, summarized the functional roles of FOXO3a in various eye diseases, and potential ocular-related therapies and drugs targeting FOXO3a in visual system diseases through a review and summary of relevant literature. This review indicates that FOXO3a is an important factor in maintaining the normal function of various tissues in the eye, and is closely related to the occurrence and development of ophthalmic-related diseases. Based on its vital role in the normal function of the visual system, FOXO3a has potential clinical application value in related ophthalmic diseases. At present, multiple molecules and drugs targeting FOXO3a have been reported to have the potential for the treatment of related ophthalmic diseases, but further clinical trials are needed. In conclusion, this review can facilitate us to grasp the role of FOXO3a in the visual system and provide new views and bases for the treatment strategy research of age-related eye diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Dan Hao
- Institute for Translational Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China.
| | - Jin-Xiu Liu
- Institute for Translational Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Jing-Sai Zhang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
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19
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Shah DM, Xu EM, Gholap RS, Sallman ZF, Kolosky T, Levin MR, Vashist S, Alexander JL. Characterization of the anterior segment in Trisomy 21-associated cataract using ultrasound biomicroscopy. Heliyon 2024; 10:e34118. [PMID: 39091934 PMCID: PMC11292548 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Backgroundobjectives To compare the structural anatomy of the anterior segment in pediatric Trisomy 21 (T21) subjects with and without cataracts to age-matched controls. Design Prospective case-control study. Participants 40 subjects (57 eyes) age 0-25 years old (9.1 ± 10.6 years). Methods This prospective case-control study evaluated anterior segment measurements from ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) imaging on 342 images. Results Among persons with T21 cataract, the iris was significantly thinner than T21 individuals without cataract (0.28 vs 0.32 mm, p = 0.0181). T21/cataract subjects also had significantly thinner lenses than subjects without cataract, regardless of whether they have T21 or are controls (3.1 mm vs 3.5 mm, p = 0.0074).Thinner lens (<3.5 mm) was insignificantly associated with increased odds of cataract (OR = 9.5 [0.872,104], p = 0.065). Thinner iris (<0.32 mm) was associated with increased odds of cataract (OR = 8.4 [1.188, 59.273], p = 0.033). Conclusions These findings support the hypothesis that subtle quantitative anatomic variants are present in the anterior eye of individuals with T21. Specific anatomic variants are unique to the presence of cataract among subjects with T21.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhruv M. Shah
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 419 West Redwood Street, Suite 479, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Esther M. Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 419 West Redwood Street, Suite 479, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Radhika S. Gholap
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 419 West Redwood Street, Suite 479, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Zahur F. Sallman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 419 West Redwood Street, Suite 479, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Taylor Kolosky
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 419 West Redwood Street, Suite 479, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Moran R. Levin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 419 West Redwood Street, Suite 479, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Sudhir Vashist
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 South Greene Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Janet L. Alexander
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 419 West Redwood Street, Suite 479, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
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20
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Darvazi M, Ghorbani M, Ramazi S, Allahverdi A, Abdolmaleki P. A computational study of the R120G mutation in human αB-crystallin: implications for structural stability and functionality. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:5788-5798. [PMID: 37354135 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2229434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
The eye is a vital organ in the visual system, which is composed of transparent vascular tissue. αB-crystallin, a significant protein found in the lens, plays a crucial role in our understanding of lens diseases. Mutations in the αB-crystallin protein can cause lens diseases, such as cataracts and myopathy. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the R120G mutation is not fully understood. In this study, we utilized molecular dynamics simulations to illustrate, in atomic detail, how the R120G mutation leads to the aggregation of αB-crystallin and scattering of light in the lens. Our findings show that the R120G mutation alters the dynamic and structural properties of the αB-crystallin protein. Specifically, this mutation causes the angle of the hairpin at the C-terminal to increase from 80° to 150°, while reducing the distance between the hydrophobic patches around residues 10 and 44-55 from 1.5 nm to 1 nm. In addition, our results showed that the mutation could disrupt the IPI motif - β4/β8 interaction. The disruption of this interaction could affect the αB-crystallin oligomerization and the chaperone activity of αB-crystallin protein. The exposed hydrophobic area at the IPI motif - β4/β8 could become the primary site for interprotein interactions, which are responsible for large-scale aggregation. We have demonstrated that, in wild-type αB-crystallin protein, salt bridges R120 and D109, R107 and D80 are formed. However, in the case of the R120G mutation, the salt bridges R120 and R109 are disrupted, and a new salt bridge with a different pattern is formed. In our study, it has been found that all of the changes associated with the R120G mutation are located at the interface of chains A and B, which could impact the multimerization of the αB-crystallin. Previous research on the K92-E99 residue has shown that a salt bridge in the dimer I can reduce the chaperone activity of the protein. Furthermore, the salt bridges R120 and D109, as well as R107 and D80 in dimer II, induce changes in the hydrophobic envelope of β-sheets in the α-crystallin domain (ACD). These changes could have an impact on the multimerization of the αB-crystallin, leading to disruption of the oligomer structure and aggregation. Moreover, the changes in the αB-crystallin resulting from the R120G mutation can lead to faulty interactions with other proteins, which can cause the aggregation of αB-crystallin with other proteins, such as desmin. These findings may provide new insights into the development of treatments for lens diseases.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Darvazi
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Shahin Ramazi
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdollah Allahverdi
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parviz Abdolmaleki
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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21
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Sun J, Morishima K, Inoue R, Sugiyama M, Takata T. Characterization of βB2-crystallin tryptophan mutants reveals two different folding states in solution. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e5092. [PMID: 38924206 PMCID: PMC11201810 DOI: 10.1002/pro.5092] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Conserved tryptophan residues are critical for the structure and the stability of β/γ-crystallin in the lenses of vertebrates. During aging, in which the lenses are continuously exposed to ultraviolet irradiation and other environmental stresses, oxidation of tryptophan residues in β/γ-crystallin is triggered and impacts the lens proteins to varying degrees. Kynurenine derivatives, formed by oxidation of tryptophan, accumulate, resulting in destabilization and insolubilization of β/γ-crystallin, which correlates with age-related cataract formation. To understand the contribution of tryptophan modification on the structure and stability of human βB2-crystallin, five tryptophan residues were mutated to phenylalanine considering its similarity in structure and hydrophilicity to kynurenine. Among all mutants, W59F and W151F altered the stability and homo-oligomerization of βB2-crystallin-W59F promoted tetramerization whereas W151F blocked oligomerization. Most W59F dimers transformed into tetramer in a month, and the separated dimer and tetramer of W59F demonstrated different structures and hydrophobicity, implying that the biochemical properties of βB2-crystallin vary over time. By using SAXS, we found that the dimer of βB2-crystallin in solution resembled the lattice βB1-crystallin dimer (face-en-face), whereas the tetramer of βB2-crystallin in solution resembled its lattice tetramer (domain-swapped). Our results suggest that homo-oligomerization of βB2-crystallin includes potential inter-subunit reactions, such as dissociation, unfolding, and re-formation of the dimers into a tetramer in solution. The W>F mutants are useful in studying different folding states of βB2-crystallin in lens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayue Sun
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of ScienceKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Ken Morishima
- Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear ScienceKyoto UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Rintaro Inoue
- Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear ScienceKyoto UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Masaaki Sugiyama
- Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear ScienceKyoto UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Takumi Takata
- Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear ScienceKyoto UniversityOsakaJapan
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Su Y, Sun D, Cao C, Wang Y. Lanosterol regulates abnormal amyloid accumulation in LECs through the mediation of cholesterol pathway metabolism. Biochem Biophys Rep 2024; 38:101679. [PMID: 38501050 PMCID: PMC10945048 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2024.101679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related cataract (ARC) is the predominant cause of global blindness, linked to the progressive aging of the lens, oxidative stress, perturbed calcium homeostasis, hydration irregularities, and modifications in crystallin proteins. Currently, surgical intervention remains the sole efficacious remedy, albeit carrying inherent risks of complications that may culminate in irreversible blindness. It is urgent to explore alternative, cost-effective, and uncomplicated treatment modalities for cataracts. Lanosterol has been widely reported to reverse cataracts, but the mechanism of action is not yet clear. In this study, we elucidated the mechanism through which lanosterol operates in the context of cataract reversal. Through the targeted suppression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) followed by lanosterol treatment, we observed the restoration of lipid metabolism disorders induced by SREBP2 knockdown in lens epithelial cells (LECs). Notably, lanosterol exhibited the ability to effectively counteract amyloid accumulation and cellular apoptosis triggered by lipid metabolism disorders. In summary, our findings suggest that lanosterol, a pivotal intermediate in lipid metabolism, may exert its therapeutic effects on cataracts by influencing lipid metabolism. This study shed light on the treatment and pharmaceutical development targeting Age-related Cataracts (ARC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxue Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Ophthalmic Drug Creation and Evaluation, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Danyuan Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Chen Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Ophthalmic Drug Creation and Evaluation, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yandong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Ophthalmic Drug Creation and Evaluation, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
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Shiels A. Through the Cat-Map Gateway: A Brief History of Cataract Genetics. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:785. [PMID: 38927721 PMCID: PMC11202810 DOI: 10.3390/genes15060785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Clouding of the transparent eye lens, or cataract(s), is a leading cause of visual impairment that requires surgical replacement with a synthetic intraocular lens to effectively restore clear vision. Most frequently, cataract is acquired with aging as a multifactorial or complex trait. Cataract may also be inherited as a classic Mendelian trait-often with an early or pediatric onset-with or without other ocular and/or systemic features. Since the early 1990s, over 85 genes and loci have been genetically associated with inherited and/or age-related forms of cataract. While many of these underlying genes-including those for lens crystallins, connexins, and transcription factors-recapitulate signature features of lens development and differentiation, an increasing cohort of unpredicted genes, including those involved in cell-signaling, membrane remodeling, and autophagy, has emerged-providing new insights regarding lens homeostasis and aging. This review provides a brief history of gene discovery for inherited and age-related forms of cataract compiled in the Cat-Map database and highlights potential gene-based therapeutic approaches to delay, reverse, or even prevent cataract formation that may help to reduce the increasing demand for cataract surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Shiels
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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24
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Zhao SH, Yap KL, Allegretti V, Drackley A, Ing A, Gordon A, Skol A, McMullen P, Bohnsack BL, Kurup SP, Ralay Ranaivo H, Rossen JL. A Case of Non-Syndromic Congenital Cataracts Caused by a Novel MAF Variant in the C-Terminal DNA-Binding Domain-Case Report and Literature Review. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:686. [PMID: 38927621 PMCID: PMC11203127 DOI: 10.3390/genes15060686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The MAF gene encodes a transcription factor in which pathogenic variants have been associated with both isolated and syndromic congenital cataracts. We aim to review the MAF variants in the C-terminal DNA-binding domain associated with non-syndromic congenital cataracts and describe a patient with a novel, disease-causing de novo missense variant. Published reports of C-terminal MAF variants and their associated congenital cataracts and ophthalmic findings were reviewed. The patient we present and his biological parents had genetic testing via a targeted gene panel followed by trio-based whole exome sequencing. A 4-year-old patient with a history of bilateral nuclear and cortical cataracts was found to have a novel, likely pathogenic de novo variant in MAF, NM_005360.5:c.922A>G (p.Lys308Glu). No syndromic findings or anterior segment abnormalities were identified. We report the novel missense variant, c.922A>G (p.Lys308Glu), in the C-terminal DNA-binding domain of MAF classified as likely pathogenic and associated with non-syndromic bilateral congenital cataracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon H. Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (S.H.Z.); (B.L.B.)
| | - Kai Lee Yap
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (K.L.Y.); (A.D.); (A.I.); (A.S.); (P.M.)
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Valerie Allegretti
- Division of Ophthalmology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (V.A.); (A.G.); (H.R.R.)
| | - Andy Drackley
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (K.L.Y.); (A.D.); (A.I.); (A.S.); (P.M.)
| | - Alexander Ing
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (K.L.Y.); (A.D.); (A.I.); (A.S.); (P.M.)
| | - Adam Gordon
- Division of Ophthalmology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (V.A.); (A.G.); (H.R.R.)
| | - Andrew Skol
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (K.L.Y.); (A.D.); (A.I.); (A.S.); (P.M.)
| | - Patrick McMullen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (K.L.Y.); (A.D.); (A.I.); (A.S.); (P.M.)
| | - Brenda L. Bohnsack
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (S.H.Z.); (B.L.B.)
- Division of Ophthalmology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (V.A.); (A.G.); (H.R.R.)
| | - Sudhi P. Kurup
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (S.H.Z.); (B.L.B.)
- Division of Ophthalmology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (V.A.); (A.G.); (H.R.R.)
| | - Hantamalala Ralay Ranaivo
- Division of Ophthalmology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (V.A.); (A.G.); (H.R.R.)
| | - Jennifer L. Rossen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (S.H.Z.); (B.L.B.)
- Division of Ophthalmology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (V.A.); (A.G.); (H.R.R.)
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He T, Zhou J, Wen Y, Liu Q, Zhi W, Yang W, He S, Ouyang L, Xia X, Zhou Z. Identification of spontaneous age-related cataract in Microtus fortis. ZHONG NAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2024; 49:553-561. [PMID: 39019784 PMCID: PMC11255186 DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2024.230534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Age-related cataract is the most common type of adult cataract and a leading cause of blindness. Currently, there are few reports on the establishment of animal models for age-related cataract. During the experimental breeding of Microtus fortis (M. fortis), we first observed that M. fortis aged 12 to 15 months could naturally develop cataracts. This study aims to explore the possibility of developing them as an animal model for age-related cataract via identifing and analyzing spontaneous cataract in M. fortis. METHODS The 12-month-old healthy M. fortis were served as a control group and 12-month-old cataractous M. fortis were served as an experimental group. The lens transparency was observed using the slit-lamp biomicroscope. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to detect pathological changes in the lens. Biochemical detection methods were applied to detect blood routine, blood glucose levels, the serum activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in both groups. Finally, real-time RT-PCR was used to detect the transcription levels of cataract-related genes in the lens of 2 groups. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the lens of cataract M. fortis showed severely visible opacity, the structure of lens was destroyed seriously, and some pathological damage, such as swelling, degeneration/necrosis, calcification, hyperplasia, and fiber liquefaction were found in lens epithelial cells (LECs). The fibrous structure was disorganized and irregularly distributed with morgagnian globules (MGs) aggregated in the degenerated lens fibers. There was no statistically significant difference in blood glucose levels between the experimental and control groups (P>0.05). However, white blood cell (WBC) count (P<0.05), lymphocyte count (P<0.01), and lymphocyte ratio (P<0.05) were significantly decreased, while neutrophil percentage (P<0.05) and monocyte ratio (P<0.01) were significantly increased. The serum activities of SOD and GSH-Px (both P<0.05) were both reduced. The mRNAs of cataract-related genes, including CRYAA, CRYBA1, CRYBB3, Bsfp1, GJA3, CRYBA2, MIP, HspB1, DNase2B, and GJA8, were significantly downregultaed in the lenses of the experimental group (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS There are significant differences in lens pathological changes, peroxidase levels, and cataract-related gene expression between cataract and healthy M. fortis. The developed cataract spontaneously in M. fortis is closely related to age, the cataract M. fortis might be an ideal animal model for the research of age-related cataract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianqiong He
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University; Changsha 410013.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Central South University, Changsha 410013.
| | - Junkang Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University; Changsha 410013
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Central South University, Changsha 410013
| | - Yixin Wen
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University; Changsha 410013
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Central South University, Changsha 410013
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University; Changsha 410013
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Central South University, Changsha 410013
| | - Wenling Zhi
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University; Changsha 410013
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Central South University, Changsha 410013
| | - Wenhao Yang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University; Changsha 410013
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Central South University, Changsha 410013
| | - Shuangyan He
- Laboratory Animal Center, AIER Eye Hospital, Changsha 410015
| | - Lingxuan Ouyang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University; Changsha 410013
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Central South University, Changsha 410013
| | - Xiaobo Xia
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410008
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Zhijun Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University; Changsha 410013.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Central South University, Changsha 410013.
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26
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Liu XM, Shi H, Li W. Review on the potential roles of traditional Chinese medicines in the prevention, treatment, and postoperative recovery of age-related cataract. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 324:117786. [PMID: 38253273 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
ETHNIC PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cataract is the most common cause of blindness worldwide, a visual disorder caused by a clouded lens that seriously affects People's Daily lives. Age-related cataract (ARC) is the most common type of cataract due to long-term combined effects of many factors, and its pathogenesis is varied. At present, the surgery is the main treatment for cataracts, but it is still limited to the prevention, treatment of early cataracts and the postoperative complications care. While, its drug treatments are still in the stage of exploration and research. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a unique resource in China, is conceived under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine theory and has little toxicity and side effects, but it has made great progress in the treatment and prevention of ARC. AIM OF THIS REVIEW This review presents an overview of the pathogenesis of ARC in both traditional and modern medicines and summarizes the history and therapeutic effect of TCM on ARC including their formula, crude drugs and active components, and also the other auxiliary methods. METHODS A number of recognized databases like SciFinder, PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were extensively explored by using keywords and phrases such as "cataract", "age-related cataract", "traditional medicine", "ethnopharmacology", "herbs", "medicinal plants", or other relevant terms, and the plants/phytoconstituents that are evaluated in the models of age-related cataract. As well as the current TCM adjuvant therapy used in the clinical treatment were summarized. RESULTS TCM revealed to plays an active role in treating age-related cataract, via multi-pathway and multi-target, and can treat or delay ARC by inhibiting abnormal glucose metabolism, antioxidant damage, inhibiting LEC apoptosis, and so on, which is in concordance with the good effects of the global use of TCM in clinical application. Concerning the early prevention and treatment of cataract and postoperative complications, TCM and auxiliary methods remain to achieve better clinical effects. CONCLUSION ARC belongs to the category of "Yuan Yi Nei Zhang" in TCM theory, showing that there are many causes of ARC including aging, and kidney-yang, spleen, sperm and blood deficiencies. At the same time, the viscera gradually decline, as well as yin or yang progressively become weak, especially in the elder people. So, TCM could be mainly based on liver, kidney, and spleen syndrome differentiation, personalizing diagnosis and treatment, following multiple targets, regulating fundamentally yin and yang, and thus justifying the advantages of Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of ARC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Min Liu
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China; College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China; Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center for the Development and Utilization of Authentic, China
| | - Hui Shi
- The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Wei Li
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China; College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China; Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center for the Development and Utilization of Authentic, China.
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Chen X, Su D, Sun Z, Fu Y, Hu Y, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Wei Q, Zhu W, Ma X, Hu S. Preliminary study on whole genome methylation and transcriptomics in age-related cataracts. Gene 2024; 898:148096. [PMID: 38128790 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.148096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation plays an important role in the occurrence and development of age-related cataracts (ARC). This study aims to reveal potential epigenetic biomarkers of ARC by detecting modifications to the DNA methylation patterns of genes shown to be related to ARC by transcriptomics. The MethylationEPIC BeadChip (850 K) was used to analyze the DNA methylation levels in ARC patients and unaffected controls, and the Pearson correlation test was used to perform genome-wide integration analysis of DNA methylation and transcriptome data. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases were used to perform functional analysis of the whole genome, promoter regions (TSS1500/TSS200), and the associated differentially methylated genes (DMG). Pyrosequencing was used to verify the methylation levels of the selected genes. The results showed that, compared with the control group, a total of 52,705 differentially methylated sites were detected in the ARC group, of which 13,858 were hypermethylated and 38,847 were hypomethylated. GO and KEGG analyses identified functions related to the cell membrane, the calcium signaling pathway, and their possible molecular mechanisms. Then, 57 DMGs with negative promoter methylation correlations were screened by association analysis. Pyrosequencing verified that the ARC group had higher methylation levels of C3 and CCKAR and lower methylation levels of NLRP3, LEFTY1, and GPR35 compared with the control group. In summary, our study reveals the whole-genome DNA methylation patterns and gene expression profiles in ARC, and the molecular markers of methylation identified herein may aid in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of ARC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoya Chen
- Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Dongmei Su
- Department of Genetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Engineering Technology Research, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Health Department, Beijing 100081, China; Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Zhaoyi Sun
- Hongqi Hospital of Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yanjiang Fu
- Daqing Eye Hospital, Daqing 163000, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yuzhu Hu
- Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qianqiu Wei
- Hongqi Hospital of Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wenna Zhu
- Hongqi Hospital of Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xu Ma
- Department of Genetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Engineering Technology Research, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Health Department, Beijing 100081, China; Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Shanshan Hu
- Hongqi Hospital of Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, Heilongjiang, China.
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Teng M, Wang J, Su X, Tian Y, Wang J, Zhang Y. Causal associations between rheumatoid arthritis, cataract and glaucoma in European and East Asian populations: A bidirectional two-sample mendelian randomization study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299192. [PMID: 38437213 PMCID: PMC10911615 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have indicated a heightened susceptibility to cataract and glaucoma among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, while it remains uncertain whether RA is causally associated with cataract and glaucoma. A two-sample mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to investigate the causal associations between RA, cataract and glaucoma in European and East Asian populations. METHODS In the European population, genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for cataract (372,386 individuals) and glaucoma (377,277 individuals) were obtained from the FinnGen consortium (R9), while RA summary data were derived from a meta-analysis of GWAS encompassing 97173 samples. In the East Asian population, summary data for cataract (212453 individuals), glaucoma (212453 individuals), and RA (22515 individuals) were sourced from the IEU Open GWAS project. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW, random-effects) method served as the primary analysis, complemented by MR‒Egger regression, weighted median, weighted mode and simple mode methods. Additionally, various sensitivity tests, including Cochran's Q test, MR‒Egger intercept, MR pleiotropy Residual Sum and Outlier test and leave-one-out test were performed to detect the heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy and stability of the analysis results. RESULTS Following stringent screening, the number of selected instrumental variables ranged from 8 to 56. The IVW results revealed that RA had an increased risk of cataract (OR = 1.041, 95% CI = 1.019-1.064; P = 2.08×10-4) and glaucoma (OR = 1.029, 95% CI = 1.003-1.057; P = 2.94×10-2) in European populations, and RA displayed a positive association with cataract (OR = 1.021, 95% CI = 1.004-1.039; P = 1.64×10-2) in East Asian populations. Other methods also supported those results by IVW, and sensitivity tests showed that our analysis results were credible and stable. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed a positive causality between RA and the increased risk of cataract and glaucoma, which provides guidance for the early prevention of cataracts and glaucoma in patients with RA and furnishes evidence for the impact of RA-induced inflammation on ophthalmic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghao Teng
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiachen Wang
- Department of Joint Surgery, HongHui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaochen Su
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ye Tian
- Healthy Food Evaluation Research Center, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiqing Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yingang Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
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29
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Chen S, Guo J, Xu W, Song H, Xu J, Luo C, Yao K, Hu L, Chen X, Yu Y. Cataract-related variant R114C increases βA3-crystallin susceptibility to environmental stresses by disrupting the protein senior structure. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 262:130191. [PMID: 38360245 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Congenital cataract is a major cause of childhood blindness worldwide, with crystallin mutations accounting for over 40 % of gene-mutation-related cases. Our research focused on a novel R114C mutation in a Chinese family, resulting in bilateral coronary cataract with blue punctate opacity. Spectroscopic experiments revealed that βA3-R114C significantly altered the senior structure, exhibiting aggregation, and reduced solubility at physiological temperature. The mutant also displayed decreased resistance and stability under environmental stresses such as UV irradiation, oxidative stress, and heat. Further, cellular models confirmed its heightened sensitivity to environmental stresses. These data suggest that the R114C mutation impairs the hydrogen bond network and structural stability of βA3-crystallin, particularly at the boundary of the second Greek-key motif. This study revealed the pathological mechanism of βA3-R114C and may help in the development of potential treatment strategies for related cataracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silong Chen
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Jiarui Guo
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Wanyue Xu
- Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Hang Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jingjie Xu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Chenqi Luo
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Lidan Hu
- The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310052, China.
| | - Xiangjun Chen
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 268 Kaixuan Road, Hangzhou 310020, China.
| | - Yibo Yu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China.
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Niazi S, Moshirfar M, Dastjerdi MH, Niazi F, Doroodgar F, Ambrósio R. Association between obesity and age-related cataract: an updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Front Nutr 2024; 10:1215212. [PMID: 38357464 PMCID: PMC10866009 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1215212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective There are inconsistent findings on the association between obesity and age-related cataract (ARC). This systematic review was done to summarize available findings on the association between obesity [defined by body mass index (BMI)] and ARC by performing a dose-response meta-analysis on eligible prospective cohort studies. Methods We performed a systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar until June 2022 to identify eligible publications. Results In total, 16 studies with a total sample size of 1,607,125 participants were included. Among all of these studies, there were 103,897 cases of ARC. In the follow-up periods ranging between 4 and 28 years, 4,870 cases of nuclear cataract, 1,611 cases of cortical cataract, and 1,603 cases of posterior subcapsular cataracts (PSC) were detected. By comparing the highest and lowest categories of BMI, we found that higher BMI was associated with an increased risk of ARC (RR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.09-1.28) and PSC (RR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.08-1.90). In the dose-response analysis, each 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI was associated with a 6 and 27% increased risk of ARC (RR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01-1.12) and PSC (RR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.14-1.41), respectively. In addition, we found a positive association for cortical cataract among high-quality studies, in which higher BMI was associated with a 20% increased risk of cortical cataract (RR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.02-1.42). In terms of nuclear cataract, we found no significant association either in the comparison between the highest and lowest categories of BMI or in the dose-response meta-analysis. Conclusion Obesity (defined by BMI) was associated with an increased risk of ARC, PSC, and cortical cataract in adults. However, such a positive association was not seen for nuclear cataract. PROSPERO registration CRD42022357132.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Niazi
- Translational Ophthalmology Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran, Iran
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Moshirfar
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Mohammad H. Dastjerdi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Feizollah Niazi
- Clinical Research Development Center, Shahid Modarres Educational Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farideh Doroodgar
- Translational Ophthalmology Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran, Iran
- Negah Specialty Ophthalmic Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Renato Ambrósio
- Instituto de Olhos Renato Ambrósio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Corneal Tomography and Biomechanics Study Group, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- BrAIN: Brazilian Artificial Intelligence Networking in Medicine, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Ophthalmology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Zhao Z, Chen J, Jiang Y, Lu Y. The E156K mutation in the CRYAA gene affects the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and migration of human lens epithelial cells. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23690. [PMID: 38187316 PMCID: PMC10770500 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigated the biological effects of E156K-mutated αA-crystallin (CRYAA) in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs). Methods FLAG-tagged, human, full-length, wild-type (WT), or E156K-mutated CRYAA was expressed in HLECs under CRYAA knockdown. CRYAA expression was determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting (WB). Rhodamine cytoskeleton staining was used to observe the changes in cell morphology following transfection with WT or E156K-mutated CRYAA plasmids. WB was performed to assess the expression of markers related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and migration. Results Rhodamine cytoskeleton staining revealed changes in the morphology of cells transfected with E156K-mutated CRYAA and opposite responses occurred after treatment with a β-catenin inhibitor. Cells transfected with E156K-mutated CRYAA expressed remarkably higher levels of the mesenchymal biomarkers N-cadherin and vimentin but decreased levels of the epithelial biomarker E-cadherin, whereas opposite trends were observed in cells treated with the β-catenin inhibitor, ICG001. The migratory capability of E156K-mutated CRYAA cells was significantly greater than that of WT cells (P < 0.001). This effect was accompanied by significantly increased expression levels of phosphorylated (p)-focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and p-Src. These changes were decreased significantly by treatment with FAK and Src inhibitors. Conclusion E156K-mutated CRYAA induced EMT, in which the HLECs lost cell polarity, and acquired a mesenchymal phenotype with greater migratory capability. These biological effects may be associated with activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin and FAK/Src signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhennan Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahui Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongxiang Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
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Goyal S, Singh R, Singh JR, Vanita V. Novel and known variants in GJA3 and LIM2 in congenital cataract families from North India. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:31. [PMID: 38178039 PMCID: PMC10765620 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09880-7] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To identify the underlying genetic defects in autosomal dominant (ADCC) and autosomal recessive (ARCC) congenital cataract families from North India. METHODS Detailed family histories were collected, pedigrees drawn followed by slit-lamp examination and lens photography. Mutation screening was performed using Sanger sequencing in the known candidate genes for crystallins, connexins, and membrane proteins. The pathogenicity of identified variants was assessed bioinformatically. RESULTS In two ADCC families (CC-281 and CC-3015) with posterior lenticonus cataract, a novel change c.263C > T (p.P88L) in GJA3 in CC-281 family and a previously reported substitution c.388C > T (p.R130C) in LIM2 in CC-3015 family was observed. In an ARCC family (CC-3005) having central pulverulent cataract, a novel frameshift deletion (c.764delT;p.L255R46fs) in GJA3 was detected. The observed variants segregated completely with phenotypes in the affected members and were neither present in unaffected family members nor in the ethnically matched 150 controls (tested for two novel variants), hence excluding these as polymorphisms. CONCLUSIONS Present study identified two novel mutations i.e., c.263C > T;p.P88L and c.764delT;p.L255R46fs in GJA3 in an ADCC and an ARCC family having posterior lenticonus and central pulverulent cataract, respectively. In another ADCC family with posterior lenticonus cataract, a previously reported mutation c.388C > T;p.R130C in LIM2 was observed. R130 may be a mutation hotspot as previously ADCC families from different ethnicities (UK/Czechia, China, Spain, Japan) also harbored the same substitution, however, with different phenotypes i.e., nuclear pulverulent, membranous, nuclear, lamellar, and sutural/lamellar. Findings in present study thus expand the mutation spectrum and phenotypic heterogeneity linked with GJA3 and LIM2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwali Goyal
- Department of Human Genetics, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, 143005, Punjab, India
| | - Ravijit Singh
- Dr. Daljit, Singh Eye Hospital, Amritsar, 143001, Punjab, India
| | - Jai Rup Singh
- Department of Human Genetics, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, 143005, Punjab, India
| | - Vanita Vanita
- Department of Human Genetics, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, 143005, Punjab, India.
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Zelentsov RN, Poskotinova LV, Sinayskaya MA, Turusheva AV, Kudryavtsev AV. [Assessment of visual functions within the sensory domain of intrinsic capacity in older adults]. Vestn Oftalmol 2024; 140:45-54. [PMID: 39731236 DOI: 10.17116/oftalma202414006145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2024]
Abstract
Intrinsic capacity and quality of life of older adults are determined by many factors, including the functional state of the organ of vision. PURPOSE This study assessed the visual functions of elderly residents of Northern European Russia and examined the relationship between visual impairment and sociodemographic characteristics, ophthalmic conditions, and preservation of work capacity and social functions. MATERIAL AND METHODS This cross-sectional study included a random population sample of older adults (ages 60-74) from Arkhangelsk, Russia (n=604). Standard ophthalmological examinations were performed, with diagnoses classified according to ICD-10. Data on participants' subjective assessment of visual function and sociodemographic characteristics were collected through standardized survey interviews. RESULTS The study found that visual acuity in the 60-74 age group is considered low if best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the better-seeing eye is 0.7 or lower (<10th percentile), below average at 0.8 (25th percentile), and average at 0.9-1.0 (>25th percentile). Only 33 participants (5.5%) had vision not requiring correction, defined as uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) ≥0.9 in both eyes. CONCLUSION Based on BCVA and UCVA data, a five-point Visual Function Scale (VFS) was proposed for this age group. The main contributor to visual decline among individuals aged 60-74 was age-related cataract. Low VFS scores were associated with reduced social functionality in older adults. The proposed VFS may serve as an objective tool in geriatric practice to assess the functional status of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- R N Zelentsov
- Northern State Medical University, Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - L V Poskotinova
- N. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research, Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | | | - A V Turusheva
- North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov, Saint Petersburg, Russia
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Jiang B, Wu T, Liu W, Liu G, Lu P. Changing Trends in the Global Burden of Cataract Over the Past 30 Years: Retrospective Data Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e47349. [PMID: 38051579 PMCID: PMC10731550 DOI: 10.2196/47349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cataracts now account for the largest proportion of the global burden of blindness and vision loss. Understanding the changing trends in the global burden of cataracts over the past 30 years and the next 15 years is of clear significance for the prevention and control of cataracts in key populations. As far as we know, research on the future burden of cataracts is lacking. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the global burden of cataracts over the past 30 years by using age-period-cohort modeling and to estimate trends in the next 15 years. METHODS Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, the United Nations Development Programme, and the WHO (World Health Organization) Global Health Observatory data repository. The assessment of trends and disparities in the number and rate of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for cataracts from 1990 to 2019 was conducted. The association between the age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) and the socio-demographic index (SDI), human development index (HDI), national levels of particulate matter <2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5), and ambient ultraviolet radiation (UVR) was determined using linear regression analysis. Additionally, we used the Nordpred (Harald Fekjær and Bjørn Møller) age-period-cohort model to predict the cataract burden from 2020 to 2034. RESULTS Globally, the number of DALYs due to cataract increased from 3,492,604 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 2,481,846-4,719,629) in 1990 to 6,676,281 (95% UI 4,761,210-9,006,193) in 2019. The ASDRs due to cataract decreased from 93.17 (95% UI 66.14-125.32) in 1990 to 82.94 (95% UI 59.06-111.75) in 2019, with an average annual percentage change of -0.37 (95% CI -0.44 to -0.3; P<.001). Age, female sex, air pollution, smoking, high fasting plasma glucose levels, and a high body mass index were risk factors for the burden of cataracts. SDI and HDI were negatively correlated with ASDRs of cataracts, while PM2.5 and UVR were positively associated with them. Higher DALY rates were also associated with lower SDI (R2=0.1939; P<.001), lower HDI (R2=0.2828; P<.001), national PM2.5 concentration (R2=0.1874; P<.001), and ambient UVR levels (R2=0.2354; P<.001). The prediction model suggested that the number of DALYs due to cataract will continue to rise globally, while the cataract DALY rate will continue to decrease. CONCLUSIONS While the ASDR of cataracts has decreased, there has been a notable increase in the number of DALYs over the past 30 years. Projections suggest that the global burden of cataracts will continue to rise over the next 15 years. To address this challenge, appropriate prevention and treatment policies must be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tianhong Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Weiming Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Gaoqin Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Peirong Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Bejarano E, Whitcomb EA, Pfeiffer RL, Rose KL, Asensio MJ, Rodríguez-Navarro JA, Ponce-Mora A, Canto A, Almansa I, Schey KL, Jones BW, Taylor A, Rowan S. Unbalanced redox status network as an early pathological event in congenital cataracts. Redox Biol 2023; 66:102869. [PMID: 37677999 PMCID: PMC10495660 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The lens proteome undergoes dramatic composition changes during development and maturation. A defective developmental process leads to congenital cataracts that account for about 30% of cases of childhood blindness. Gene mutations are associated with approximately 50% of early-onset forms of lens opacity, with the remainder being of unknown etiology. To gain a better understanding of cataractogenesis, we utilized a transgenic mouse model expressing a mutant ubiquitin protein in the lens (K6W-Ub) that recapitulates most of the early pathological changes seen in human congenital cataracts. We performed mass spectrometry-based tandem-mass-tag quantitative proteomics in E15, P1, and P30 control or K6W-Ub lenses. Our analysis identified targets that are required for early normal differentiation steps and altered in cataractous lenses, particularly metabolic pathways involving glutathione and amino acids. Computational molecular phenotyping revealed that glutathione and taurine were spatially altered in the K6W-Ub cataractous lens. High-performance liquid chromatography revealed that both taurine and the ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione, two indicators of redox status, were differentially compromised in lens biology. In sum, our research documents that dynamic proteome changes in a mouse model of congenital cataracts impact redox biology in lens. Our findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms associated with congenital cataracts and point out that unbalanced redox status due to reduced levels of taurine and glutathione, metabolites already linked to age-related cataract, could be a major underlying mechanism behind lens opacities that appear early in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloy Bejarano
- JM-USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA; School of Health Sciences and Veterinary School, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Elizabeth A Whitcomb
- JM-USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca L Pfeiffer
- Moran Eye Center, The University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Kristie L Rose
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Maria José Asensio
- Servicio de Neurobiología, Departamento de Investigación, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Antonio Rodríguez-Navarro
- Servicio de Neurobiología, Departamento de Investigación, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Ponce-Mora
- School of Health Sciences and Veterinary School, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antolín Canto
- School of Health Sciences and Veterinary School, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Inma Almansa
- School of Health Sciences and Veterinary School, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Kevin L Schey
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Bryan W Jones
- Moran Eye Center, The University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Allen Taylor
- JM-USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA; Friedman School of Nutrition and Science Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Sheldon Rowan
- JM-USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA; Friedman School of Nutrition and Science Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA.
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Guo D, Zhang Q. A case of LSS-associated congenital nuclear cataract with hypotrichosis and literature review. Am J Med Genet A 2023; 191:2398-2401. [PMID: 37455568 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Congenital cataract is the most common cause of lifelong visual loss in children worldwide, which has significant genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity. The LSS gene encodes lanosterol synthase (LSS), which acts on the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway by converting (S)-2,3-oxidosqualene to lanosterol. The biallelic pathogenic variants in the LSS gene were found in congenital cataract, Alopecia-intellectual disability syndrome, hypotrichosis simplex, and mutilating palmoplantar keratoderma. In this study, we reported the first congenital nuclear cataract combined with hypotrichosis in a 12-year-old boy with biallelic LSS variants (c.1025T>G; p.I342S and c.1531_1532insT; p.L511Ffs*17) by exome sequencing. Reviewing all reported patients with LSS variants indicated that p.W629 might be a hotspot for hypospadias and p.I342S was associated with congenital cataract. Patients with one or two truncation variants tend to have multisystem symptoms compared with those with two missense variants. These findings deepen the understanding of LSS variants and contribute to the genetic counseling of affected families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingjiong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
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Hussain M, Muhammad K, Khan M, Din AU. A Novel CRYBB2 Silent Variant in Autosomal Dominant Congenital Cataracts (ADCC) in Pakistani families. Pak J Med Sci 2023; 39:1399-1405. [PMID: 37680813 PMCID: PMC10480720 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.39.5.7061] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Congenital Cataract is a type of ophthalmic genetic disorder that appears at birth or in early childhood. Among 30 genes, CRYBB2 is one of the most common and a water-soluble protein of lens's that code for the βB2-crystallin. This study aimed to investigate the novel silent mutation in CRYBB2 of exon six in the Pakistani families of Autosomal Dominant Congenital Cataracts (ADCC). Methods It is a family-based study that presents three to five-generations of two Pakistani families. Data and blood samples from the families were collected from January to August 2019 from LRBT (Layton Rahmatullah Benevolent Trust) Hospital, Mansehra, Pakistan. We only included patients >15 years old. Before enrollment in the current study, each patient obtained a thorough optical examination. Samples were moved to the molecular lab using the collection and storage method. The phenol-chloroform technique was used to extract the DNA. The technique of Sanger sequencing was used to find any potential mutation in some of the selected families. Statistical and bioinformatics analysis were carried out. Results By using bioinformatics tools, the novel silent mutation was identified. Heterozygous silent mutation of CRYBB2 of exon 6 (c. 495G>A) was detected by the alignment of sequences. Computational prediction program did not predict the silent mutation. Conclusion This study investigated a novel important sequence variant in the beta-crystalline protein that causes autosomal dominant congenital cataract (ADCC) in Pakistani families. Thus, our study enlarges the CRYBB2 mutation spectrum and associated phenotypes to help clinical diagnosis of human genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Hussain
- Maryam Hussain, M.Phil. Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Hazara University Mansehra, 21120, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Khushi Muhammad
- Khushi Muhammad, PhD. Associate Professor, Department of Life Science, Imperial College London, Sir Alex Fleming Building South, Kensington Campus London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Muhammad Khan
- Muhammad Khan, PhD. Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Hazara University Mansehra, 21120, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Aziz Ud Din
- Aziz Ud Din, PhD. Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Hazara University Mansehra, 21120, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
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Liu H, Zhang D, Hu F, Xu P, Zhang S, Wu J. Mutational spectrum in a Chinese cohort with congenital cataracts. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2023; 11:e2196. [PMID: 37337769 PMCID: PMC10496047 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2196] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To identify the mutational spectrum in a Chinese cohort with congenital cataracts. METHODS Probands (n = 164) with congenital cataracts and their affected or unaffected available family members were recruited for clinical examinations and panel-based next-generation sequencing, then classified into a cohort for further mutational analysis. RESULTS After recruitment (n = 442; 228 males and 214 females), 49.32% (218/442) of subjects received a clinical diagnosis of congenital cataracts, and 56.88% (124/218) of patients received a molecular diagnosis. Eighty-four distinct variants distributed among 43 different genes, including 42 previously reported variants and 42 novel variants, were detected, and 49 gene variants were causally associated with patient phenotypes; 27.37% of variants (23/84) were commonly detected in PAX6, GJA8 and CRYGD, and the three genes covered 33.06% of cases (41/124) with molecular diagnosis. The majority of genes were classified as genes involved in nonsyndromic congenital cataracts (19/43, 44.19%) and were responsible for 56.45% of cases (70/124). The majority of functional and nucleotide changes were missense variants (53/84, 63.10%) and substitution variants (74/84, 88.10%), respectively. Nine de novo variants were identified. CONCLUSION This study provides a reference for individualized genetic counseling and further extends the mutational spectrum of congenital cataracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong‐Li Liu
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, College of MedicineFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and RestorationScience and Technology Commission of Shanghai MunicipalityShanghaiChina
- Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University)Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Health CommissionShanghaiChina
| | - Dao‐Wei Zhang
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, College of MedicineFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and RestorationScience and Technology Commission of Shanghai MunicipalityShanghaiChina
- Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University)Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Health CommissionShanghaiChina
| | - Fang‐Yuan Hu
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, College of MedicineFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and RestorationScience and Technology Commission of Shanghai MunicipalityShanghaiChina
- Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University)Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Health CommissionShanghaiChina
| | - Ping Xu
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, College of MedicineFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and RestorationScience and Technology Commission of Shanghai MunicipalityShanghaiChina
- Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University)Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Health CommissionShanghaiChina
| | - Sheng‐Hai Zhang
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, College of MedicineFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and RestorationScience and Technology Commission of Shanghai MunicipalityShanghaiChina
- Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University)Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Health CommissionShanghaiChina
| | - Ji‐Hong Wu
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, College of MedicineFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and RestorationScience and Technology Commission of Shanghai MunicipalityShanghaiChina
- Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University)Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Health CommissionShanghaiChina
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Jing X, Zhu M, Lu X, Wei P, Shi L, Zhang BY, Xu Y, Tang YP, Xiang DM, Gong P. Cataract-causing Y204X mutation of crystallin protein CRYβB1 promotes its C-terminal degradation and higher-order oligomerization. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104953. [PMID: 37356717 PMCID: PMC10382669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Crystallin proteins are a class of main structural proteins of the vertebrate eye lens, and their solubility and stability directly determine transparency and refractive power of the lens. Mutation in genes that encode these crystallin proteins is the most common cause for congenital cataracts. Despite extensive studies, the pathogenic and molecular mechanisms that effect congenital cataracts remain unclear. In this study, we identified a novel mutation in CRYBB1 from a congenital cataract family, and demonstrated that this mutation led to an early termination of mRNA translation, resulting in a 49-residue C-terminally truncated CRYβB1 protein. We show this mutant is susceptible to proteolysis, which allowed us to determine a 1.2-Å resolution crystal structure of CRYβB1 without the entire C-terminal domain. In this crystal lattice, we observed that two N-terminal domain monomers form a dimer that structurally resembles the WT monomer, but with different surface characteristics. Biochemical analyses and cell-based data also suggested that this mutant is significantly more liable to aggregate and degrade compared to WT CRYβB1. Taken together, our results provide an insight into the mechanism regarding how a mutant crystalin contributes to the development of congenital cataract possibly through alteration of inter-protein interactions that result in protein aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuping Jing
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Precision Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Joint Laboratory for Translational Precision Medicine, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mingwei Zhu
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Precision Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Joint Laboratory for Translational Precision Medicine, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaoyun Lu
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Precision Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Joint Laboratory for Translational Precision Medicine, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ping Wei
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Precision Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Joint Laboratory for Translational Precision Medicine, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lingyu Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bu-Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Precision Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Joint Laboratory for Translational Precision Medicine, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ya-Ping Tang
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Precision Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Joint Laboratory for Translational Precision Medicine, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Goungdong Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defects, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Department of Imaging, Affiliated Hospital 3, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Dao-Man Xiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Peng Gong
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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40
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Kong Y, Yi H, Li F, Duan X, Yang L, Fan X, Wu G, Ma M, Zha X, He Y. A novel missense mutation in the CRYBA2 caused autosomal dominant presenile cataract in a Chinese family. Mol Genet Genomics 2023:10.1007/s00438-023-02052-y. [PMID: 37438446 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-023-02052-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Presenile cataract is a relatively rare type of cataract, but its genetic mechanisms are currently not well understood. The precise identification of these causative genes is crucial for effective genetic counseling for patients and their families. The aim of our study was to identify the causative gene associated with presenile cataract in a Chinese family. In February 2020, a four-generation pedigree of presenile cataract patients was recruited at the 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University. One patient and her healthy husband from the family underwent whole exome sequencing. The variant was validated through sanger sequencing, and co-segregation analysis was conducted in all family members to assess its pathogenicity. Molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) was used to analyze the conformation of both the wild type and pathogenic mutant loci p.Y153H of CRYBA2. We identified presenile cataract in the pedigree, which follows an autosomal-dominant pattern of inheritance. The family includes five clinically affected patients who all developed presenile cataract between the ages from 24 to 30. We confirmed the pathogenicity of a heterozygous missense variant (NM_057093:c.457T >C) in CRYBA2 within this family. The affected amino acid demonstrates high conservation across species. Subsequent sanger sequencing confirmed co-segregation of the disease in all family members. MDS analysis revealed that the p.Y153H mutant disrupted hydrogen bond formation between Y153 and R193 within the two β-strands of the fourth Greek key domain, leading to destabilization of the βA2-crystallin. In conclusion, a novel causative mutation (NM_057093:c.457T>C) in CRYBA2 might contribute to autosomal dominant presenile cataract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbo Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Haoan Yi
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiu Duan
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Lipu Yang
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Xinyu Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Guojiu Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Minjun Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Xu Zha
- Department of Ophthalmology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China.
| | - Yongshu He
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China.
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Ma X, Nan Y, Huang C, Li X, Yang Y, Jiang W, Ye M, Liu Q, Niu Y, Yuan L. Expression of αA-crystallin (CRYAA) in vivo and in vitro models of age-related cataract and the effect of its silencing on HLEB3 cells. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:204754. [PMID: 37253645 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204754] [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: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the expression of αA-crystallin (CRYAA) in age-related cataract (ARC) models and its role in lens epithelial cells (LECs). METHODS We used Flow cytometry to detect the apoptosis and cell cycle in HLEB3 cells and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction to detect the expression of CRYAA mRNA in HLEB3 and in rabbit lens. The expression of CRYAA in HLEB3 cells and rabbit lenses as well as the proteins related to apoptosis and autophagy in transfected cells were detected by western blotting. The lens structure in rabbits was investigated using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Protein thermostability assay was performed to detect the thermal stability of rabbit lens proteins. CCK- 8 assay was used to detect the viability of transfected cells, and the transfection was recorded by fluorescence photography. RESULTS Hydrogen peroxide can promote apoptosis and arrest the cell cycle in HLEB3 cells, and naphthalene can cause cataract formation and damage the structure of the lens in rabbits. Both ARC models can reduce the expression of CRYAA. The expression of CRYAA silencing increased apoptosis and autophagy in HLEB3 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Ma
- Ningxia Medical University Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Yi Nan
- Ningxia Medical University Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Can Huang
- Ningxia Medical University Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Xiangyang Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Yifan Yang
- Ningxia Medical University Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Wenjie Jiang
- Ningxia Medical University Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Mengyi Ye
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Qian Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Yang Niu
- Ningxia Medical University Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia, China
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Ling Yuan
- Ningxia Medical University Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia, China
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
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42
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Theophanous CN, Wolfgeher DJ, Farooq AV, Hilkert Rodriguez S. Biomarkers of Pediatric Cataracts: A Proteomics Analysis of Aqueous Fluid. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24109040. [PMID: 37240389 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cataracts are among the most common causes of childhood vision loss worldwide. This study seeks to identify differentially expressed proteins in the aqueous humor of pediatric cataract patients. Samples of aqueous humor were collected from pediatric and adult cataract patients and subjected to mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis. Samples of pediatric cataracts were grouped by subtype and compared to adult samples. Differentially expressed proteins in each subtype were identified. Gene ontology analysis was performed using WikiPaths for each cataract subtype. Seven pediatric patients and ten adult patients were included in the study. Of the pediatric samples, all seven (100%) were male, three (43%) had traumatic cataracts, two (29%) had congenital cataracts, and two (29%) had posterior polar cataracts. Of the adult patients, seven (70%) were female and seven (70%) had predominantly nuclear sclerotic cataracts. A total of 128 proteins were upregulated in the pediatric samples, and 127 proteins were upregulated in the adult samples, with 75 proteins shared by both groups. Gene ontology analysis identified inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways as upregulated in pediatric cataracts. Inflammatory and oxidative stress mechanisms may be involved in pediatric cataract formation and warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos N Theophanous
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Donald J Wolfgeher
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Asim V Farooq
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Sarah Hilkert Rodriguez
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Wu J, Chen S, Xu J, Xu W, Zheng S, Tian Q, Luo C, Chen X, Shentu X. Insight into Pathogenic Mechanism Underlying the Hereditary Cataract Caused by βB2-G149V Mutation. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050864. [PMID: 37238733 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital cataracts account for approximately 5-20% of childhood blindness worldwide and 22-30% of childhood blindness in developing countries. Genetic disorders are the primary cause of congenital cataracts. In this work, we investigated the underlying molecular mechanism of G149V point missense mutation in βB2-crystallin, which was first identified in a three-generation Chinese family with two affected members diagnosed with congenital cataracts. Spectroscopic experiments were performed to determine the structural differences between the wild type (WT) and the G149V mutant of βB2-crystallin. The results showed that the G149V mutation significantly changed the secondary and tertiary structure of βB2-crystallin. The polarity of the tryptophan microenvironment and the hydrophobicity of the mutant protein increased. The G149V mutation made the protein structure loose and the interaction between oligomers was reduced, which decreased the stability of the protein. Furthermore, we compared βB2-crystallin WT and the G149V mutant with their biophysical properties under environmental stress. We found that the G149V mutation makes βB2-crystallin more sensitive to environmental stresses (oxidative stress, UV irradiation, and heat shock) and more likely to aggregate and form precipitation. These features might be important to the pathogenesis of βB2-crystallin G149V mutant related to congenital cataracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310030, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, 158 Shangtang Road, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Silong Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310030, China
| | - Jingjie Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310030, China
| | - Wanyue Xu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 268 Kaixuan Road, Hangzhou 310030, China
| | - Sifan Zheng
- GKT School of Medical Education, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Qing Tian
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 268 Kaixuan Road, Hangzhou 310030, China
| | - Chenqi Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310030, China
| | - Xiangjun Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310030, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 268 Kaixuan Road, Hangzhou 310030, China
| | - Xingchao Shentu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310030, China
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44
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Bennett TM, Zhou Y, Meyer KJ, Anderson MG, Shiels A. Whole-exome sequencing prioritizes candidate genes for hereditary cataract in the Emory mouse mutant. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2023; 13:jkad055. [PMID: 36891866 PMCID: PMC10151407 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
The Emory cataract (Em) mouse mutant has long been proposed as an animal model for age-related or senile cataract in humans-a leading cause of visual impairment. However, the genetic defect(s) underlying the autosomal dominant Em phenotype remains elusive. Here, we confirmed development of the cataract phenotype in commercially available Em/J mice [but not ancestral Carworth Farms White (CFW) mice] at 6-8 months of age and undertook whole-exome sequencing of candidate genes for Em. Analysis of coding and splice-site variants did not identify any disease-causing/associated mutations in over 450 genes known to underlie inherited and age-related forms of cataract and other lens disorders in humans and mice, including genes for lens crystallins, membrane/cytoskeleton proteins, DNA/RNA-binding proteins, and those associated with syndromic/systemic forms of cataract. However, we identified three cataract/lens-associated genes each with one novel homozygous variant including predicted missense substitutions in Prx (p.R167C) and Adamts10 (p.P761L) and a disruptive in-frame deletion variant (predicted missense) in Abhd12 (p.L30_A32delinsS) that were absent in CFW and over 35 other mouse strains. In silico analysis predicted that the missense substitutions in Prx and Adamts10 were borderline neutral/damaging and neutral, respectively, at the protein function level, whereas, that in Abhd12 was functionally damaging. Both the human counterparts of Adamts10 and Abhd12 are clinically associated with syndromic forms of cataract known as Weil-Marchesani syndrome 1 and polyneuropathy, hearing loss, ataxia, retinitis pigmentosa, and cataract syndrome, respectively. Overall, while we cannot exclude Prx and Adamts10, our data suggest that Abhd12 is a promising candidate gene for cataract in the Em/J mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Bennett
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Yuefang Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kacie J Meyer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Michael G Anderson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Alan Shiels
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Luoma-Overstreet GN, Kumar V, Lam K, Brown DD, Couser NL. The epidemiology of strabismus and cataracts within a pediatric population in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: an analysis of 201 consecutive cases. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GENETICS 2023; 14:11-18. [PMID: 37214589 PMCID: PMC10195391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Childhood cataracts and strabismus are among the most common causes of visual impairment in children worldwide, and prompt diagnosis and correction can significantly reduce disease burden. In certain regions, including the Eastern Caribbean, access to adequate treatment can be limited and epidemiological data scarce. This study aims to analyze the epidemiological data of pediatric strabismus and cataract cases in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. METHODS The setting of the study is a clinical practice including 201 patients between the age of 0 to 19 who received care with World Pediatric Project (WPP). Factors analyzed include patient age, sex, and type of cataract or strabismus. The findings were compared to publicly available demographic information. RESULTS The cases were divided into cataract (n=51), strabismus (n=134), and both strabismus and cataract (n=16). Mean ages (years) were 5.96, 5.54, and 4.50, respectively. The most frequent type of cataract and strabismus were congenital (n=25) and esotropia (n=95), respectively. The highest annual cumulative incidence was 31 and 49 cases per 100,000 people for cataracts and strabismus, respectively. CONCLUSION This study provides regional epidemiological data on pediatric strabismus and cataracts. Further studies can expand the patient population by increasing collaboration with local providers. Ultimately, these findings can offer a basis for which additional epidemiological studies can be performed and help guide public health efforts to prevent visual impairment in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Virang Kumar
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of MedicineRichmond, VA, USA
| | - Kevin Lam
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of MedicineRichmond, VA, USA
| | - Donna D Brown
- World Pediatric ProjectRichmond, VA, USA
- Virginia Eye InstituteRichmond, VA, USA
| | - Natario L Couser
- Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of MedicineRichmond, VA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCURichmond, VA, USA
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of MedicineRichmond, VA, USA
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Velasco-Bolom JL, Dominguez L. Conformational stability of the deamidated and mutated human βB2-crystallin. Biophys Chem 2023; 296:106986. [PMID: 36905841 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2023.106986] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies propose that genetic mutations and post-translational modifications in protein crystallins promote protein aggregation and are considered significant risk factors for cataract formation. The βB2-crystallin (HβB2C) forms a high proportion of proteins in the human eye lens. Different congenital mutations and post-translational deamidations in βB2-crystallin have been reported and linked to cataract formation. In this work, we employed extensive all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to evaluate the conformational stability of deamidated and mutated HβB2C. Our results show critical changes in the protein surface and its native contacts due to a modification in the conformational equilibrium of these proteins. The double deamidated (Q70E/Q162E) and single deamidated (Q70E) impact the well compact conformation of the HβB2C. These post-translational modifications allow the exposure of the protein hydrophobic interface, which lead to the exposure of electronegative residues. On the other hand, our mutational studies showed that the S143F mutation modifies the hydrogen-bond network of an antiparallel β-sheet, unfolding the C-terminal domain. Interestingly, the chain termination mutation (Q155X) does not unfold the N-terminal domain. However, the resultant conformation is more compact and avoids the exposure of the hydrophobic interface. Our results provide valuable information about the first steps of HβB2C unfolding in the presence of deamidated amino acids that have been reported to appear during aging. The findings reported in this work are essential for the general knowledge of the initial steps in the cataract formation mechanism, which may be helpful for the further development of molecules with pharmacological potential against cataract disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- José-Luis Velasco-Bolom
- Facultad de Química, Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Laura Dominguez
- Facultad de Química, Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico.
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Ma B, Zhang W, Wang X, Jiang H, Tang L, Yang W, Kang Q, Cao J. Polymorphisms in TRIB2 and CAPRIN2 Genes Contribute to the Susceptibility to High Myopia-Induced Cataract in Han Chinese Population. Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e937702. [PMID: 36710479 PMCID: PMC9896844 DOI: 10.12659/msm.937702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myopia has been shown to be associated with many pathological complications including cataracts, and previous evidence supported that high myopia facilitates the formation of cataracts. However, no studies have identified a link between the genetic susceptibility of high myopia-induced cataracts (HMC) and the underlying genetic mechanisms. Our study aimed to determine how the TRIB2 and CAPRIN2 genes correlate to the risk of HMC. MATERIAL AND METHODS In total, we successfully recruited 3162 participants, including 1026 participants with high myopia and cataracts and 2136 controls with high myopia only. For genotyping, 22 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TRIB2 and CAPRIN2 genes were chosen. Single marker association analysis and functional effects of significant SNPs were carried out. RESULTS Strong correlation signals were captured for SNP rs890069 (χ²=22.13, P=2.55×10-6) in TRIB2 and SNP rs17739338 (χ²=16.07, P=6.10×10-5) in CAPRIN2. In patients with high myopia, the C allele at SNP rs890069 was strongly linked to cataract risk (OR [95% CI]=1.36 [1.20-1.55]). In patients with high myopia, the T allele at SNP rs17739338 was significantly related to a lower risk of cataract (OR [95% CI]=0.54 [0.40-0.74]). In different types of human tissues, SNPs rs890069 and rs17739338 were found to be significantly correlated to the levels of TRIB2 and CAPRIN2 gene expression. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicated that both TRIB2 and CAPRIN2 genes conferred the susceptibility to cataract in patients with high myopia and Chinese Han ancestry. Future research remains necessary for fully understanding the pathogenic mechanisms and genetic characteristics of cataract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Wenpei Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine and Forensics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Xiaochen Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine and Forensics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Huili Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xi’an Fourth Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Li Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xi’an Fourth Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Wen Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xi’an Fourth Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Qianyan Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Juan Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xi’an Fourth Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, PR China
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Xu B, Liu Z, Zhao J, Yu Z. Selenium intake help prevent age-related cataract formation: Evidence from NHANES 2001-2008. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1042893. [PMID: 36776608 PMCID: PMC9912772 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1042893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cataract is one of the leading causes of blindness and visual impairment, about 16 million people around the world. Trace elements play an important role in a variety of the processes in human body. This study aimed to investigate the association between daily dietary intake of trace elements and age-related cataract incidence based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2008. Methods Iron, zinc, copper, and selenium were conducted in this study among subjects aged 50 years and older for African Americans and 55 and older in US adults. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used in different models to investigate the association of trace elements intake and cataract. Results After screening, 7,525 subjects were ultimately included in this study. A significant negative association was found between selenium intake and cataract incidence in adjusted models using multivariate logistic regression analysis (model 1: OR = 0.998, 95% CI = 0.997-1.000; model 2: OR = 0.997, 95% CI = 0.995-1.000; and model 3: OR = 0.998, 95% CI = 0.995-1.000). After dividing selenium intake into quintiles, significant negative associations between selenium intake and cataract were observed in the first quintile of model 3, the fourth and fifth quintiles of all models. In subgroup analyses adjusted for age and sex, a significant negative association was observed only in women aged 65-74 years. Discussion Our study points out that maintaining daily dietary selenium intake at higher levels is helpful for cataract prevention, and that increasing daily dietary selenium intake in American women aged 65-74 years may contribute to the prevention of age-related cataract. The intakes of iron, zinc, copper may not be associated with age-related cataract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiwei Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China,Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China,Key Lens Research Laboratory of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhongwei Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China,Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China,Key Lens Research Laboratory of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiangyue Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China,Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China,Key Lens Research Laboratory of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China,*Correspondence: Jiangyue Zhao,
| | - Ziyan Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China,Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China,Key Lens Research Laboratory of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China,Ziyan Yu,
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Zhu D, Li P, Wang L, He Y, Zhang HZ. Aberrant expression of COL4A1 in age-related cataract and its effect on cell proliferation, apoptosis and gene expression changes. Int J Ophthalmol 2023; 16:333-341. [PMID: 36935791 PMCID: PMC10009602 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2023.03.01] [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: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the regulation of the aberrant expression of collagen type IV alpha 1 chain (COL4A1) in the development of age-related cataract (ARC). METHODS Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis were employed to evaluate the expression of COL4A1 in ARC patients and healthy controls. The proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of human lens epithelial cell (HLE-B3) were further analyzed under the condition of COL4A1 gene silence. Alteration of gene expression at mRNA level after knockdown COL4A1 were also evaluated by qRT-PCR on HLE-B3 cells. RESULTS The aberrant expression of COL4A1 was identified a clinically associated with the ARC. Silencing of COL4A1 promoted the apoptosis and inhibited the proliferation of HLE-B3 by blocking the cell cycle. Moreover, COL4A1 gene silence didn't affect the cytoskeleton of HLE-B3 but down-regulated the Collagen type IV Alpha 2 Chain (COL4A2), paired box 6 (PAX6), procollagen-lysine 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenases 1 (PLOD1) and procollagen-lysine 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenases 2 (PLOD2) expression levels in HLE-B3 cells. Silencing the COL4A1 gene induced EMT of the HLE-B3 cells by promoting the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) expression. CONCLUSION Silencing of COL4A1 induces S-phase arrest, also inhibits the proliferation and enhance HLE-B3 apoptosis and EMT, and down-regulates the expression of COL4A2, PAX6, PLOD1 and PLOD2. Thus, the expression alteration of COL4A1 may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of ARC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhu
- Department of Optometry, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an 710021, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xijing 986 Hospital Department, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710054, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Optometry, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an 710021, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yuan He
- Department of Optometry, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an 710021, Shaanxi Province, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hui-Zi Zhang
- Department of Optometry, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an 710021, Shaanxi Province, China
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Li R, Zhu H, Li Q, Tang J, Jin Y, Cui H. METTL3-mediated m6A modification of has_circ_0007905 promotes age-related cataract progression through miR-6749-3p/EIF4EBP1. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14863. [PMID: 36908822 PMCID: PMC9997201 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Many cases of blindness are caused by age-related cataracts (ARCs). N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-modified circRNA widely participates in disease progression. However, the role of m6A modification of circRNA in ARC is unclear. We mined and elucidated the functions and mechanisms of key circRNAs with m6A modification involved in ARC progression. The GSE153722 dataset was used to mine m6A-mediated key circRNA. Loss-of-function assays and rescue assays were used to explore the effect and mechanism of circRNA on ARC cell proliferation and apoptosis. Has_circ_0007905 was a hypermethylated and upregulated expression in the ARC group relative to the control group both in vivo and in vitro. Silencing of has_circ_0007905 promoted proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of HLE-B3 cells. METTL3 was upregulated in HLE-B3 cells after ARC modeling and had four binding sites with has_circ_0007905 and a mediated m6A modification of has_circ_0007905. Proliferation was significantly inhibited and apoptosis of HLE-B3 cells was facilitated by METTL3 overexpression, whereas these effects were prevented by has_circ_0007905 silencing. Silencing of has_circ_0007905 led to an alteration in the transcriptome landscape. Differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in immune-related processes and pathways. EIF4EBP1 overexpression promoted apoptosis and suppressed proliferation, and also significantly reversed effects of has_circ_0007905 silencing. Moreover, miR-6749-3p significantly decreased the luciferase activities of wild type plasmids with both of has_circ_0007905 and EIF4EBP1. MiR-6749-3p inhibitor blocked elevation in proliferation and reduced EIF4EBP1 expression and apoptosis conferred by has_circ_0007905 silencing. We reveal for the first time that the commitment of ARC progression is guided by METTL3/has_circ_0007905/miR-6749-3p/EIF4EBP1 axis, and the results provide new insights into ARC pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haohao Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiancen Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiping Jin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongping Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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