1
|
Su J, She K, Song L, Jin X, Li R, Zhao Q, Xiao J, Chen D, Cheng H, Lu F, Wei Y, Yang Y. In vivo base editing rescues photoreceptors in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 31:596-609. [PMID: 36910709 PMCID: PMC9996133 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of retinal diseases that cause the progressive death of retinal photoreceptor cells and eventually blindness. Mutations in the β-domain of the phosphodiesterase 6 (Pde6b) gene are the most identified causes of autosomal recessive RP. Clinically, there is no effective treatment so far that can stop the progression of RP and restore the vision. Here, we report a base editing approach in which adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated adenine base editor (ABE) delivering to postmitotic photoreceptors was conducted to correct the Pde6b mutation in a retinal degeneration 10 (rd10) mouse model of RP. Subretinal delivery of AAV8-ABE corrected Pde6b mutation with averaging up to 20.79% efficiency at the DNA level and 54.97% efficiency at the cDNA level without bystanders, restored PDE6B expression, preserved photoreceptors, and rescued visual function. RNA-seq revealed the preservation of genes associated with phototransduction and photoreceptor survival. Our data have demonstrated that base editing is a potential gene therapy that could provide durable protection against RP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kaiqin She
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Song
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiu Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ruiting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qinyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianlu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Danian Chen
- Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Cheng
- Institute of Rare Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fang Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mavlyutov TA, Li J, Liu X, Shen H, Yang H, McCurdy CR, Pattnaik B, Guo LW. Retinal Photoreceptor Protection in an AMD-Related Mouse Model by Selective Sigma-1 or Sigma-2 Receptor Modulation. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:2386. [PMID: 36553653 PMCID: PMC9778362 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The structurally and genetically distinct sigma-1 receptor (S1R) and sigma-2 receptor (S2R) comprise a unique class of drug binding sites. Their alleles are associated with human diseases involving neuronal systems, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) characterized by photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy. Previous studies have suggested neuroprotective benefits for the brain and retina from pharmacological modulation of S1R and/or S2R. However, the effect of such modulation on AMD pathology remains underexplored. Here, we evaluated S1R- or S2R-selective modulation in an AMD-related model of Abca4-/-Rdh8-/- mice with a disrupted visual cycle that predisposes RPE and photoreceptors to illumination-induced damage. For S1R modulation, we used (+)-pentazocine, which is a high-affinity S1R-selective drug. For S2R modulation, we chose CM398, a high-affinity and highly S2R-selective ligand with drug-like properties. Abca4-/-Rdh8-/- mice received a single i.p. injection of (+)-pentazocine or CM398 or vehicle 30 min before illumination. Pretreatment with (+)-pentazocine improved electroretinogram a- and b-waves compared to that with vehicle. Consistently, in another AMD-related mouse model induced by tail-vein injected NaIO3, S1R genetic ablation aggravated photoreceptor loss. In Abca4-/-Rdh8-/- mice, pretreatment with CM398 appeared to partially avert illumination-induced photoreceptor loss and autofluorescent granule formation that signals RPE damage, as revealed by optical coherence tomography. Thus, this study using AMD-related models provides evidence of photoreceptor protection afforded by selective modulation of S1R or S2R.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Xinying Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Hongtao Shen
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Christopher R. McCurdy
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Bikash Pattnaik
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Lian-Wang Guo
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xu Z, Lei Y, Qin H, Zhang S, Li P, Yao K. Sigma-1 Receptor in Retina: Neuroprotective Effects and Potential Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147572. [PMID: 35886921 PMCID: PMC9321618 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases are the major factors leading to severe visual impairment and even irreversible blindness worldwide. The therapeutic approach for retinal degenerative diseases is one extremely urgent and hot spot in science research. The sigma-1 receptor is a novel, multifunctional ligand-mediated molecular chaperone residing in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes and the ER-associated mitochondrial membrane (ER-MAM); it is widely distributed in numerous organs and tissues of various species, providing protective effects on a variety of degenerative diseases. Over three decades, considerable research has manifested the neuroprotective function of sigma-1 receptor in the retina and has attempted to explore the molecular mechanism of action. In the present review, we will discuss neuroprotective effects of the sigma-1 receptor in retinal degenerative diseases, mainly in aspects of the following: the localization in different types of retinal neurons, the interactions of sigma-1 receptors with other molecules, the correlated signaling pathways, the influence of sigma-1 receptors to cellular functions, and the potential therapeutic effects on retinal degenerative diseases.
Collapse
|
4
|
Pinilla I, Maneu V, Campello L, Fernández-Sánchez L, Martínez-Gil N, Kutsyr O, Sánchez-Sáez X, Sánchez-Castillo C, Lax P, Cuenca N. Inherited Retinal Dystrophies: Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Their Physiopathology and Therapeutic Implications. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11061086. [PMID: 35739983 PMCID: PMC9219848 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11061086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a large group of genetically and clinically heterogeneous diseases characterized by the progressive degeneration of the retina, ultimately leading to loss of visual function. Oxidative stress and inflammation play fundamental roles in the physiopathology of these diseases. Photoreceptor cell death induces an inflammatory state in the retina. The activation of several molecular pathways triggers different cellular responses to injury, including the activation of microglia to eliminate debris and recruit inflammatory cells from circulation. Therapeutical options for IRDs are currently limited, although a small number of patients have been successfully treated by gene therapy. Many other therapeutic strategies are being pursued to mitigate the deleterious effects of IRDs associated with oxidative metabolism and/or inflammation, including inhibiting reactive oxygen species’ accumulation and inflammatory responses, and blocking autophagy. Several compounds are being tested in clinical trials, generating great expectations for their implementation. The present review discusses the main death mechanisms that occur in IRDs and the latest therapies that are under investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Pinilla
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lozano Blesa, University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Surgery, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Victoria Maneu
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain;
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (P.L.); (N.C.)
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Laura Campello
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Laura Fernández-Sánchez
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain;
| | - Natalia Martínez-Gil
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Oksana Kutsyr
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Xavier Sánchez-Sáez
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Carla Sánchez-Castillo
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Pedro Lax
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (P.L.); (N.C.)
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Nicolás Cuenca
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (P.L.); (N.C.)
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Telias M, Sit KK, Frozenfar D, Smith B, Misra A, Goard MJ, Kramer RH. Retinoic acid inhibitors mitigate vision loss in a mouse model of retinal degeneration. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm4643. [PMID: 35302843 PMCID: PMC8932665 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm4643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Rod and cone photoreceptors degenerate in retinitis pigmentosa (RP). While downstream neurons survive, they undergo physiological changes, including accelerated spontaneous firing in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Retinoic acid (RA) is the molecular trigger of RGC hyperactivity, but whether this interferes with visual perception is unknown. Here, we show that inhibiting RA synthesis with disulfiram, a deterrent of human alcohol abuse, improves behavioral image detection in vision-impaired mice. In vivo Ca2+ imaging shows that disulfiram sharpens orientation tuning of visual cortical neurons and strengthens fidelity of responses to natural scenes. An RA receptor inhibitor also reduces RGC hyperactivity, sharpens cortical representations, and improves image detection. These findings suggest that photoreceptor degeneration is not the only cause of vision loss in RP. RA-induced corruption of retinal information processing also degrades vision, pointing to RA synthesis and signaling inhibitors as potential therapeutic tools for improving sight in RP and other retinal degenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Telias
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Kevin K. Sit
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Frozenfar
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin Smith
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Arjit Misra
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Michael J. Goard
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Richard H. Kramer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhao J, Gonsalvez GB, Mysona BA, Smith SB, Bollinger KE. Sigma 1 Receptor Contributes to Astrocyte-Mediated Retinal Ganglion Cell Protection. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:1. [PMID: 35103752 PMCID: PMC8819349 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.2.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Sigma 1 receptor (S1R) is expressed in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and astrocytes, and its activation is neuroprotective. We evaluated the contribution of S1R within optic nerve head astrocytes (ONHAs) to growth and survival of RGCs in vitro. Methods Wild-type (WT) RGCs and WT or S1R knockout (S1R KO) ONHAs were cocultured for 2, 4, or 7 days. Total and maximal neurite length, neurite root, and extremity counts were measured. Cell death was measured using a TUNEL assay. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 phosphorylation levels were evaluated in ONHA-derived lysates by immunoblotting. Results The coculture of WT RGCs with WT or S1R KO ONHAs increased the total and maximal neurite length. Neurite root and extremity counts increased at 4 and 7 days when WT RGCs were cocultured with WT or S1R KO ONHAs. At all timepoints, the total and maximal neurite length decreased for WT RGCs in coculture with S1R KO ONHAs compared with WT ONHAs. Root and extremity counts decreased for WT RGCs in coculture with S1R KO ONHAs compared with WT ONHAs at 2 and 7, but not 4 days. RGC apoptosis increased in S1R KO ONHA coculture and S1R KO-conditioned medium, compared with WT ONHA coculture or WT-conditioned medium. S1R KO ONHA-derived lysates showed decreased phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 levels compared with WT ONHA-derived lysates. Conclusions The absence of S1R within ONHAs has a deleterious effect on RGC neurite growth and RGC survival, reflected in analysis of WT RGC + S1R KO ONHA indirect cocultures. The data suggest that S1R may enhance ganglion cell survival via glia-mediated mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United States
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta, Georgia, United States
| | | | - Barbara A. Mysona
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United States
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Augusta, Georgia, United States
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta, Georgia, United States
| | - Sylvia B. Smith
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United States
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Augusta, Georgia, United States
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta, Georgia, United States
| | - Kathryn E. Bollinger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United States
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Augusta, Georgia, United States
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta, Georgia, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Effect of long-term chronic hyperhomocysteinemia on retinal structure and function in the cystathionine-β-synthase mutant mouse. Exp Eye Res 2022; 214:108894. [PMID: 34906600 PMCID: PMC9251730 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108894] [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: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Elevated levels of the excitatory amino acid homocysteine (Hcy) have been implicated in retinal diseases in humans including glaucoma and macular degeneration. It is not clear whether elevated Hcy levels are pathogenic. Models of hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy) have proven useful in addressing this including mice with deficiency in the enzyme cystathionine β-synthase (CBS). Cbs+/- mice have a ∼two-fold increase in plasma and retinal Hcy levels. Previous studies of visual function and structure in Cbs+/- mice during the first 10 months of life revealed mild ganglion cell loss, but minimal electrophysiological alterations. It is not clear whether extended, chronic exposure to moderate Hhcy elevation will lead to visual function loss and retinal pathology. The present study addressed this by performing comprehensive analyses of retinal function/structure in 20 month Cbs+/- and Cbs+/+ (WT) mice including IOP, SD-OCT, scotopic and photopic ERG, pattern ERG (pERG), and visual acuity. Eyes were harvested for histology and immunohistochemical analysis of Brn3a (ganglion cells), dihydroethidium (oxidative stress) and GFAP (gliosis). The analyses revealed no difference in IOP between groups for age/strain. Visual acuity measured ∼0.36c/d for mice at 20 months in Cbs+/- and WT mice; contrast sensitivity did not differ between groups at either age. Similarly SD-OCT, scotopic/photopic ERG and pERG revealed no differences between 20 month Cbs+/- and WT mice. There was minimal disruption in retinal structure when eyes were examined histologically. Morphometric analysis revealed no significant differences in retinal layers. Immunohistochemistry revealed ∼5 RGCs/100 μm retinal length in both Cbs+/- and WT mice at 20 months. While there was greater oxidative stress and gliosis in older (20 month) mice versus young (4 month) mice, there was no difference in these parameters between the 20 month Cbs+/- and WT mice. We conclude that chronic, moderate Hhcy (at least due to deficiency of Cbs) is not accompanied by retinal structural/functional changes that differ significantly from age-matched WT littermates. Despite considerable evidence that severe Hhcy is toxic to retina, moderate Hhcy appears tolerated by retina suggesting compensatory cellular survival mechanisms.
Collapse
|
8
|
Sałaciak K, Pytka K. Revisiting the sigma-1 receptor as a biological target to treat affective and cognitive disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 132:1114-1136. [PMID: 34736882 PMCID: PMC8559442 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Depression and cognitive disorders are diseases with complex and not-fully understood etiology. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically increased the prevalence of both conditions. Since the current treatments are inadequate in many patients, there is a constant need for discovering new compounds, which will be more effective in ameliorating depressive symptoms and treating cognitive decline. Proteins attracting much attention as potential targets for drugs treating these conditions are sigma-1 receptors. Sigma-1 receptors are multi-functional proteins localized in endoplasmic reticulum membranes, which play a crucial role in cellular signal transduction by interacting with receptors, ion channels, lipids, and kinases. Changes in their functions and expression may lead to various diseases, including depression or memory impairments. Thus, sigma-1 receptor modulation might be useful in treating these central nervous system diseases. Importantly, two sigma-1 receptor ligands entered clinical trials, showing that this compound group possesses therapeutic potential. Therefore, based on preclinical studies, this review discusses whether the sigma-1 receptor could be a promising target for drugs treating affective and cognitive disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Sałaciak
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Karolina Pytka
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|