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Yang X, Zeng Q, İnam MG, İnam O, Lin CS, Tezel G. cFLIP in the molecular regulation of astroglia-driven neuroinflammation in experimental glaucoma. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:145. [PMID: 38824526 PMCID: PMC11143607 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03141-4] [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: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent experimental studies of neuroinflammation in glaucoma pointed to cFLIP as a molecular switch for cell fate decisions, mainly regulating cell type-specific caspase-8 functions in cell death and inflammation. This study aimed to determine the importance of cFLIP for regulating astroglia-driven neuroinflammation in experimental glaucoma by analyzing the outcomes of astroglia-targeted transgenic deletion of cFLIP or cFLIPL. METHODS Glaucoma was modeled by anterior chamber microbead injections to induce ocular hypertension in mouse lines with or without conditional deletion of cFLIP or cFLIPL in astroglia. Morphological analysis of astroglia responses assessed quantitative parameters in retinal whole mounts immunolabeled for GFAP and inflammatory molecules or assayed for TUNEL. The molecular analysis included 36-plexed immunoassays of the retina and optic nerve cytokines and chemokines, NanoString-based profiling of inflammation-related gene expression, and Western blot analysis of selected proteins in freshly isolated samples of astroglia. RESULTS Immunoassays and immunolabeling of retina and optic nerve tissues presented reduced production of various proinflammatory cytokines, including TNFα, in GFAP/cFLIP and GFAP/cFLIPL relative to controls at 12 weeks of ocular hypertension with no detectable alteration in TUNEL. Besides presenting a similar trend of the proinflammatory versus anti-inflammatory molecules displayed by immunoassays, NanoString-based molecular profiling detected downregulated NF-κB/RelA and upregulated RelB expression of astroglia in ocular hypertensive samples of GFAP/cFLIP compared to ocular hypertensive controls. Analysis of protein expression also revealed decreased phospho-RelA and increased phospho-RelB in parallel with an increase in caspase-8 cleavage products. CONCLUSIONS A prominent response limiting neuroinflammation in ocular hypertensive eyes with cFLIP-deletion in astroglia values the role of cFLIP in the molecular regulation of glia-driven neuroinflammation during glaucomatous neurodegeneration. The molecular responses accompanying the lessening of neurodegenerative inflammation also seem to maintain astroglia survival despite increased caspase-8 cleavage with cFLIP deletion. A transcriptional autoregulatory response, dampening RelA but boosting RelB for selective expression of NF-κB target genes, might reinforce cell survival in cFLIP-deleted astroglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjun Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Qun Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Maide Gözde İnam
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Onur İnam
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Chyuan-Sheng Lin
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gülgün Tezel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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2
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Beiter RM, Sheehan PW, Schafer DP. Microglia phagocytic mechanisms: Development informing disease. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2024; 86:102877. [PMID: 38631077 PMCID: PMC11162951 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2024.102877] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Microglia are tissue-resident macrophages and professional phagocytes of the central nervous system (CNS). In development, microglia-mediated phagocytosis is important for sculpting the cellular architecture. This includes the engulfment of dead/dying cells, pruning extranumerary synapses and axons, and phagocytosing fragments of myelin sheaths. Intriguingly, these developmental phagocytic mechanisms by which microglia sculpt the CNS are now appreciated as important for eliminating synapses, myelin, and proteins during neurodegeneration. Here, we discuss parallels between neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration, which highlights how development is informing disease. We further discuss recent advances and challenges towards therapeutically targeting these phagocytic pathways and how we can leverage development to overcome these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Beiter
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Patrick W Sheehan
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Dorothy P Schafer
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
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3
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Wilke GA, Apte RS. Complement regulation in the eye: implications for age-related macular degeneration. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e178296. [PMID: 38690727 PMCID: PMC11060743 DOI: 10.1172/jci178296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Careful regulation of the complement system is critical for enabling complement proteins to titrate immune defense while also preventing collateral tissue damage from poorly controlled inflammation. In the eye, this balance between complement activity and inhibition is crucial, as a low level of basal complement activity is necessary to support ocular immune privilege, a prerequisite for maintaining vision. Dysregulated complement activation contributes to parainflammation, a low level of inflammation triggered by cellular damage that functions to reestablish homeostasis, or outright inflammation that disrupts the visual axis. Complement dysregulation has been implicated in many ocular diseases, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In the last two decades, complement activity has been the focus of intense investigation in AMD pathogenesis, leading to the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of atrophic AMD. This Review outlines recent advances and challenges, highlighting therapeutic approaches that have advanced to clinical trials, as well as providing a general overview of the complement system in the posterior segment of the eye and selected ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia A. Wilke
- John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
| | - Rajendra S. Apte
- John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
- Department of Medicine, and
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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4
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Ciociola EC, Fernandez E, Kaufmann M, Klifto MR. Future directions of glaucoma treatment: emerging gene, neuroprotection, nanomedicine, stem cell, and vascular therapies. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2024; 35:89-96. [PMID: 37910173 DOI: 10.1097/icu.0000000000001016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this article is to summarize current research on novel gene, stem cell, neuroprotective, nanomedicine, and vascular therapies for glaucoma. RECENT FINDINGS Gene therapy using viral vectors and siRNA have been shown to reduce intraocular pressure by altering outflow and production of aqueous humor, to reduce postsurgical fibrosis with few adverse effects, and to increase retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival in animal studies. Stem cells may treat glaucoma by replacing or stimulating proliferation of trabecular meshwork cells, thus restoring outflow facility. Stem cells can also serve a neuroprotective effect by differentiating into RGCs or preventing RGC loss via secretion of growth factors. Other developing neuroprotective glaucoma treatments which can prevent RGC death include nicotinamide, the NT-501 implant which secretes ciliary neurotrophic factor, and a Fas-L inhibitor which are now being tested in clinical trials. Recent studies on vascular therapy for glaucoma have focused on the ability of Rho Kinase inhibitors and dronabinol to increase ocular blood flow. SUMMARY Many novel stem cell, gene, neuroprotective, nanomedicine, and vascular therapies have shown promise in preclinical studies, but further clinical trials are needed to demonstrate safety and efficacy in human glaucomatous eyes. Although likely many years off, future glaucoma therapy may take a multifaceted approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Meredith R Klifto
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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5
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Borrás T, Stepankoff M, Danias J. Genes as drugs for glaucoma: latest advances. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2024; 35:131-137. [PMID: 38117663 DOI: 10.1097/icu.0000000000001025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To provide the latest advances on the future use of gene therapy for the treatment of glaucoma. RECENT FINDINGS In preclinical studies, a number of genes have been shown to be able to reduce elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), and to exert neuroprotection of the retinal ganglion cells. These genes target various mechanisms of action and include among others: MMP3 , PLAT, IκB, GLIS, SIRT, Tie-2, AQP1. Some of these as well as some previously identified genes ( MMP3, PLAT, BDNF, C3, TGFβ, MYOC, ANGPTL7 ) are starting to move onto drug development. At the same time, progress has been made in the methods to deliver and control gene therapeutics (advances in these areas are not covered in this review). SUMMARY While preclinical efforts continue in several laboratories, an increasing number of start-up and large pharmaceutical companies are working on developing gene therapeutics for glaucoma ( Sylentis, Quetera/Astellas, Exhaura, Ikarovec, Genentech, Regeneron, Isarna, Diorasis Therapeutics ). Despite the presence of generic medications to treat glaucoma, given the size of the potential world-wide market (∼$7B), it is likely that the number of companies developing glaucoma gene therapies will increase further in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Borrás
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | - John Danias
- Downstate Health Science University, SUNY, New York, USA
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6
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Hoppe C, Gregory-Ksander M. The Role of Complement Dysregulation in Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2307. [PMID: 38396986 PMCID: PMC10888626 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042307] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by damage to the optic nerve that results in irreversible vision loss. While the exact pathology of glaucoma is not well understood, emerging evidence suggests that dysregulation of the complement system, a key component of innate immunity, plays a crucial role. In glaucoma, dysregulation of the complement cascade and impaired regulation of complement factors contribute to chronic inflammation and neurodegeneration. Complement components such as C1Q, C3, and the membrane attack complex have been implicated in glaucomatous neuroinflammation and retinal ganglion cell death. This review will provide a summary of human and experimental studies that document the dysregulation of the complement system observed in glaucoma patients and animal models of glaucoma driving chronic inflammation and neurodegeneration. Understanding how complement-mediated damage contributes to glaucoma will provide opportunities for new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Hoppe
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
- Animal Physiology/Neurobiology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Meredith Gregory-Ksander
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
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Fernández-Albarral JA, Ramírez AI, de Hoz R, Matamoros JA, Salobrar-García E, Elvira-Hurtado L, López-Cuenca I, Sánchez-Puebla L, Salazar JJ, Ramírez JM. Glaucoma: from pathogenic mechanisms to retinal glial cell response to damage. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1354569. [PMID: 38333055 PMCID: PMC10850296 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1354569] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease of the retina characterized by the irreversible loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) leading to visual loss. Degeneration of RGCs and loss of their axons, as well as damage and remodeling of the lamina cribrosa are the main events in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Different molecular pathways are involved in RGC death, which are triggered and exacerbated as a consequence of a number of risk factors such as elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), age, ocular biomechanics, or low ocular perfusion pressure. Increased IOP is one of the most important risk factors associated with this pathology and the only one for which treatment is currently available, nevertheless, on many cases the progression of the disease continues, despite IOP control. Thus, the IOP elevation is not the only trigger of glaucomatous damage, showing the evidence that other factors can induce RGCs death in this pathology, would be involved in the advance of glaucomatous neurodegeneration. The underlying mechanisms driving the neurodegenerative process in glaucoma include ischemia/hypoxia, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. In glaucoma, like as other neurodegenerative disorders, the immune system is involved and immunoregulation is conducted mainly by glial cells, microglia, astrocytes, and Müller cells. The increase in IOP produces the activation of glial cells in the retinal tissue. Chronic activation of glial cells in glaucoma may provoke a proinflammatory state at the retinal level inducing blood retinal barrier disruption and RGCs death. The modulation of the immune response in glaucoma as well as the activation of glial cells constitute an interesting new approach in the treatment of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose A. Fernández-Albarral
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana I. Ramírez
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa de Hoz
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José A. Matamoros
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Salobrar-García
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lorena Elvira-Hurtado
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés López-Cuenca
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidia Sánchez-Puebla
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan J. Salazar
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José M. Ramírez
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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8
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Sulak R, Liu X, Smedowski A. The concept of gene therapy for glaucoma: the dream that has not come true yet. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:92-99. [PMID: 37488850 PMCID: PMC10479832 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.375319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapies, despite of being a relatively new therapeutic approach, have a potential to become an important alternative to current treatment strategies in glaucoma. Since glaucoma is not considered a single gene disease, the identified goals of gene therapy would be rather to provide neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells, especially, in intraocular-pressure-independent manner. The most commonly reported type of vector for gene delivery in glaucoma studies is adeno-associated virus serotype 2 that has a high tropism to retinal ganglion cells, resulting in long-term expression and low immunogenic profile. The gene therapy studies recruit inducible and genetic animal models of optic neuropathy, like DBA/2J mice model of high-tension glaucoma and the optic nerve crush-model. Reported gene therapy-based neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells is targeting specific genes translating to growth factors (i.e., brain derived neurotrophic factor, and its receptor TrkB), regulation of apoptosis and neurodegeneration (i.e., Bcl-xl, Xiap, FAS system, nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyl transferase 2, Digit3 and Sarm1), immunomodulation (i.e., Crry, C3 complement), modulation of neuroinflammation (i.e., erythropoietin), reduction of excitotoxicity (i.e., CamKIIα) and transcription regulation (i.e., Max, Nrf2). On the other hand, some of gene therapy studies focus on lowering intraocular pressure, by impacting genes involved in both, decreasing aqueous humor production (i.e., aquaporin 1), and increasing outflow facility (i.e., COX2, prostaglandin F2α receptor, RhoA/RhoA kinase signaling pathway, MMP1, Myocilin). The goal of this review is to summarize the current state-of-art and the direction of development of gene therapy strategies for glaucomatous neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Sulak
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Xiaonan Liu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Adrian Smedowski
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
- GlaucoTech Co., Katowice, Poland
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Feng KM, Tsung TH, Chen YH, Lu DW. The Role of Retinal Ganglion Cell Structure and Function in Glaucoma. Cells 2023; 12:2797. [PMID: 38132117 PMCID: PMC10741833 DOI: 10.3390/cells12242797] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally, primarily affects retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). This review dives into the anatomy of RGC subtypes, covering the different underlying theoretical mechanisms that lead to RGC susceptibility in glaucoma, including mechanical, vascular, excitotoxicity, and neurotrophic factor deficiency, as well as oxidative stress and inflammation. Furthermore, we examined numerous imaging methods and functional assessments to gain insight into RGC health. Finally, we investigated the current possible neuroprotective targets for RGCs that could help with future glaucoma research and management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Da-Wen Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan; (K.M.F.); (T.-H.T.); (Y.-H.C.)
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10
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Zuo Z, Zhang Z, Zhang S, Fan B, Li G. The Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Axonal Degeneration and Retrograde Retinal Ganglion Cell Death. DNA Cell Biol 2023; 42:653-667. [PMID: 37819746 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2023.0180] [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: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Axonal degeneration is a pathologic change common to multiple retinopathies and optic neuropathies. Various pathologic factors, such as mechanical injury, inflammation, and ischemia, can damage retinal ganglion cell (RGC) somas and axons, eventually triggering axonal degeneration and RGC death. The molecular mechanisms of somal and axonal degeneration are distinct but also overlap, and axonal degeneration can result in retrograde somal degeneration. While the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway acts as a central node in RGC axon degeneration, several newly discovered molecules, such as sterile alpha and Toll/interleukin-1 receptor motif-containing protein 1 and nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 2, also play a critical role in this pathological process following different types of injury. Therefore, we summarize the types of injury that cause RGC axon degeneration and retrograde RGC death and important underlying molecular mechanisms, providing a reference for the identification of targets for protecting axons and RGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyang Zuo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ziyuan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Siming Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bin Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guangyu Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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11
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Lin D, Wu S, Cheng Y, Yan X, Liu Q, Ren T, Zhang J, Wang N. Early Proteomic Characteristics and Changes in the Optic Nerve Head, Optic Nerve, and Retina in a Rat Model of Ocular Hypertension. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100654. [PMID: 37793503 PMCID: PMC10665672 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100654] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of glaucoma is still unknown. There are few studies on the dynamic change of tissue-specific and time-specific molecular pathophysiology caused by ocular hypertension (OHT). This study aimed to identify the early proteomic alterations in the retina, optic nerve head (ONH), and optic nerve (ON). After establishing a rat model of OHT, we harvested the tissues from control and glaucomatous eyes and analyzed the changes in protein expression using a multiplexed quantitative proteomics approach (TMT-MS3). Our study identified 6403 proteins after 1-day OHT and 4399 proteins after 7-days OHT in the retina, 5493 proteins after 1-day OHT and 4544 proteins after 7-days OHT in ONH, and 5455 proteins after 1-day OHT and 3835 proteins after 7-days OHT in the ON. Of these, 560 and 489 differential proteins were identified on day 1 and 7 after OHT in the retina, 428 and 761 differential proteins were identified on day 1 and 7 after OHT in the ONH, and 257 and 205 differential proteins on days 1 and 7 after OHT in the ON. Computational analysis on day 1 and 7 of OHT revealed that alpha-2 macroglobulin was upregulated across two time points and three tissues stably. The differentially expressed proteins between day 1 and 7 after OHT in the retina, ONH, and ON were associated with glutathione metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction/oxidative phosphorylation, oxidative stress, microtubule, and crystallin. And the most significant change in retina are crystallins. We validated this proteomic result with the Western blot of crystallin proteins and found that upregulated on day 1 but recovered on day 7 after OHT, which are promising as therapeutic targets. These findings provide insights into the time- and region-order mechanisms that are specifically affected in the retina, ONH, and ON in response to elevated IOP during the early stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danting Lin
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Shen Wu
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Cheng
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Xuejing Yan
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Tianmin Ren
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Jingxue Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing, China; Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Ningli Wang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing, China; Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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12
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Rathi S, Hasan R, Ueffing M, Clark SJ. Therapeutic targeting of the complement system in ocular disease. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103757. [PMID: 37657753 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
The complement system is involved in the pathogenesis of several ocular diseases, providing a rationale for the investigation of complement-targeting therapeutics for these conditions. Dry age-related macular degeneration, as characterised by geographic atrophy (GA), is currently the most active area of research for complement-targeting therapeutics, with a complement C3 inhibitor approved in the United States earlier this year marking the first approved therapy for GA. This review discusses the role of complement in ocular disease, provides an overview of the complement-targeting agents currently under development for ocular conditions, and reflects on the lessons that can be learned from the preclinical investigations and clinical trials conducted in this field to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonika Rathi
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Marius Ueffing
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Simon J Clark
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; University Eye Clinic, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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13
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Benowitz LI, Xie L, Yin Y. Inflammatory Mediators of Axon Regeneration in the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15359. [PMID: 37895039 PMCID: PMC10607492 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although most pathways in the mature central nervous system cannot regenerate when injured, research beginning in the late 20th century has led to discoveries that may help reverse this situation. Here, we highlight research in recent years from our laboratory identifying oncomodulin (Ocm), stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1, and chemokine CCL5 as growth factors expressed by cells of the innate immune system that promote axon regeneration in the injured optic nerve and elsewhere in the central and peripheral nervous systems. We also review the role of ArmC10, a newly discovered Ocm receptor, in mediating many of these effects, and the synergy between inflammation-derived growth factors and complementary strategies to promote regeneration, including deleting genes encoding cell-intrinsic suppressors of axon growth, manipulating transcription factors that suppress or promote the expression of growth-related genes, and manipulating cell-extrinsic suppressors of axon growth. In some cases, combinatorial strategies have led to unprecedented levels of nerve regeneration. The identification of some similar mechanisms in human neurons offers hope that key discoveries made in animal models may eventually lead to treatments to improve outcomes after neurological damage in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larry I. Benowitz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (L.X.); (Y.Y.)
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Lili Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (L.X.); (Y.Y.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Yuqin Yin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (L.X.); (Y.Y.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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14
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Abstract
Because the central nervous system is largely nonrenewing, neurons and their synapses must be maintained over the lifetime of an individual to ensure circuit function. Age is a dominant risk factor for neural diseases, and declines in nervous system function are a common feature of aging even in the absence of disease. These alterations extend to the visual system and, in particular, to the retina. The retina is a site of clinically relevant age-related alterations but has also proven to be a uniquely approachable system for discovering principles that govern neural aging because it is well mapped, contains diverse neuron types, and is experimentally accessible. In this article, we review the structural and molecular impacts of aging on neurons within the inner and outer retina circuits. We further discuss the contribution of non-neuronal cell types and systems to retinal aging outcomes. Understanding how and why the retina ages is critical to efforts aimed at preventing age-related neural decline and restoring neural function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Zhu
- Department of Neuroscience, Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA;
| | - Sharma Pooja Tarachand
- Department of Neuroscience, Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA;
| | - Qudrat Abdulwahab
- Department of Neuroscience, Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA;
| | - Melanie A Samuel
- Department of Neuroscience, Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA;
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15
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Xu L, Xu H, Chen S, Jiang W, Afridi SK, Wang Y, Ren X, Zhao Y, Lai S, Qiu X, Alvin Huang YW, Cui Y, Yang H, Qiu W, Tang C. Inhibition of complement C3 signaling ameliorates locomotor and visual dysfunction in autoimmune inflammatory diseases. Mol Ther 2023; 31:2715-2733. [PMID: 37481702 PMCID: PMC10492028 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by transverse myelitis and optic neuritis. The pathogenic serum IgG antibody against the aquaporin-4 (AQP4) on astrocytes triggers the activation of the complement cascade, causing astrocyte injury, followed by oligodendrocyte injury, demyelination, and neuronal loss. Complement C3 is positioned as a central player that relays upstream initiation signals to activate downstream effectors, potentially stimulating and amplifying host immune and inflammatory responses. However, whether targeting the inhibition of C3 signaling could ameliorate tissue injury, locomotor defects, and visual impairments in NMO remains to be investigated. In this study, using the targeted C3 inhibitor CR2-Crry led to a significant decrease in complement deposition and demyelination in both slice cultures and focal intracerebral injection models. Moreover, the treatment downregulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines and improved motor dysfunction in a systemic NMO mouse model. Similarly, employing serotype 2/9 adeno-associated virus (AAV2/9) to induce permanent expression of CR2-Crry resulted in a reduction in visual dysfunction by attenuating NMO-like lesions. Our findings reveal the therapeutic value of inhibiting the complement C3 signaling pathway in NMO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510630, China
| | - Huiming Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510630, China
| | - Siqi Chen
- Department of Medical Retina and Neuro-Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510060, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510630, China
| | - Shabbir Khan Afridi
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Yuge Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510630, China
| | - Xin Ren
- Department of Medical Retina and Neuro-Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510060, China
| | - Yipeng Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510630, China
| | - Shuiqing Lai
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy 19 of Medical Sciences, 106 Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510080, China
| | - Xiusheng Qiu
- Vaccine Research Institute, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 21 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510630, China
| | - Yu-Wen Alvin Huang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, 70 Ship 15 Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Yaxiong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Medical Retina and Neuro-Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510060, China
| | - Wei Qiu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510630, China.
| | - Changyong Tang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510630, China.
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16
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Buonfiglio F, Pfeiffer N, Gericke A. Immunomodulatory and Antioxidant Drugs in Glaucoma Treatment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1193. [PMID: 37765001 PMCID: PMC10535738 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091193] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma, a group of diseases characterized by progressive retinal ganglion cell loss, cupping of the optic disc, and a typical pattern of visual field defects, is a leading cause of severe visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the leading risk factor for glaucoma development. However, glaucoma can also develop at normal pressure levels. An increased susceptibility of retinal ganglion cells to IOP, systemic vascular dysregulation, endothelial dysfunction, and autoimmune imbalances have been suggested as playing a role in the pathophysiology of normal-tension glaucoma. Since inflammation and oxidative stress play a role in all forms of glaucoma, the goal of this review article is to present an overview of the inflammatory and pro-oxidant mechanisms in the pathophysiology of glaucoma and to discuss immunomodulatory and antioxidant treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Buonfiglio
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
| | | | - Adrian Gericke
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
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17
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Chan ASY, Tun SBB, Lynn MN, Ho C, Tun TA, Girard MJA, Sultana R, Barathi VA, Aung T, Aihara M. Intravitreal Neuroglobin Mitigates Primate Experimental Glaucomatous Structural Damage in Association with Reduced Optic Nerve Microglial and Complement 3-Astrocyte Activation. Biomolecules 2023; 13:961. [PMID: 37371541 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Current management of glaucomatous optic neuropathy is limited to intraocular pressure control. Neuroglobin (Ngb) is an endogenous neuroprotectant expressed in neurons and astrocytes. We recently showed that exogenous intravitreal Ngb reduced inflammatory cytokines and microglial activation in a rodent model of hypoxia. We thus hypothesised that IVT-Ngb may also be neuroprotective in experimental glaucoma (EG) by mitigating optic nerve (ON) astrogliosis and microgliosis as well as structural damage. In this study using a microbead-induced model of EG in six Cynomolgus primates, optical coherence imaging showed that Ngb-treated EG eyes had significantly less thinning of the peripapillary minimum rim width, retinal nerve fibre layer thickness, and ON head cupping than untreated EG eyes. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that ON astrocytes overexpressed Ngb following Ngb treatment. A reduction in complement 3 and cleaved-caspase 3 activated microglia and astrocytes was also noted. Our findings in higher-order primates recapitulate the effects of neuroprotection by Ngb treatment in rodent EG studies and suggest that Ngb may be a potential candidate for glaucoma neuroprotection in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita S Y Chan
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Sai B B Tun
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Myoe N Lynn
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Candice Ho
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Tin A Tun
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Michaël J A Girard
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Ophthalmic Engineering & Innovation Laboratory (OEIL), Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | | | - Veluchamy A Barathi
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Tin Aung
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Makoto Aihara
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
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18
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Dreismann AK, Hallam TM, Tam LC, Nguyen CV, Hughes JP, Ellis S, Harris CL. Gene targeting as a therapeutic avenue in diseases mediated by the complement alternative pathway. Immunol Rev 2023; 313:402-419. [PMID: 36369963 PMCID: PMC10099504 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The complement alternative pathway (AP) is implicated in numerous diseases affecting many organs, ranging from the rare hematological disease paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), to the common blinding disease age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Critically, the AP amplifies any activating trigger driving a downstream inflammatory response; thus, components of the pathway have become targets for drugs of varying modality. Recent validation from clinical trials using drug modalities such as inhibitory antibodies has paved the path for gene targeting of the AP or downstream effectors. Gene targeting in the complement field currently focuses on supplementation or suppression of complement regulators in AMD and PNH, largely because the eye and liver are highly amenable to drug delivery through local (eye) or systemic (liver) routes. Targeting the liver could facilitate treatment of numerous diseases as this organ generates most of the systemic complement pool. This review explains key concepts of RNA and DNA targeting and discusses assets in clinical development for the treatment of diseases driven by the alternative pathway, including the RNA-targeting therapeutics ALN-CC5, ARO-C3, and IONIS-FB-LRX, and the gene therapies GT005 and HMR59. These therapies are but the spearhead of potential drug candidates that might revolutionize the field in coming years.
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19
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Shen WC, Huang BQ, Yang J. Regulatory mechanisms of retinal ganglion cell death in normal tension glaucoma and potential therapies. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:87-93. [PMID: 35799514 PMCID: PMC9241424 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.344831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal tension glaucoma (NTG) is a multifactorial optic neuropathy characterized by normal intraocular pressure, progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death, and glaucomatous visual field loss. Recent studies have described the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of NTG. In addition to controlling intraocular pressure, neuroprotection and reduction of RGC degeneration may be beneficial therapies for NTG. In this review, we summarized the main regulatory mechanisms of RGC death in NTG, including autophagy, glutamate neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, immunity, and vasoconstriction. Autophagy can be induced by retinal hypoxia and axonal damage. In this process, ischemia can cause mutations of optineurin and activate the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway. Glutamate neurotoxicity is induced by the over-stimulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate membrane receptors by glutamate, which occurs in RGCs and induces progressive glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Oxidative stress also participates in NTG-related glaucomatous optic neuropathy. It impairs the mitochondrial and DNA function of RGCs through the apoptosis signal-regulating kinase-JUN N-terminal kinase pathway. Moreover, it increases inflammation and the immune response of RGCs. Endothelin 1 causes endothelial dysfunction and impairment of ocular blood flow, promoting vasospasm and glaucomatous optic neuropathy, as a result of NTG. In conclusion, we discussed research progress on potential options for the protection of RGCs, including TANK binding kinase 1 inhibitors regulating autophagy, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists inhibiting glutamate toxicity, ASK1 inhibitors regulating mitochondrial function, and antioxidants inhibiting oxidative stress. In NTG, RGC death is regulated by a network of mechanisms, while various potential targets protect RGCs. Collectively, these findings provide insight into the pathogenesis of NTG and potential therapeutic strategies.
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20
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Lambuk L, Suhaimi NAA, Sadikan MZ, Jafri AJA, Ahmad S, Nasir NAA, Uskoković V, Kadir R, Mohamud R. Nanoparticles for the treatment of glaucoma-associated neuroinflammation. EYE AND VISION 2022; 9:26. [PMID: 35778750 PMCID: PMC9250254 DOI: 10.1186/s40662-022-00298-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Recently, a considerable amount of literature has emerged around the theme of neuroinflammation linked to neurodegeneration. Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by visual impairment. Understanding the complex neuroinflammatory processes underlying retinal ganglion cell loss has the potential to improve conventional therapeutic approaches in glaucoma. Due to the presence of multiple barriers that a systemically administered drug has to cross to reach the intraocular space, ocular drug delivery has always been a challenge. Nowadays, studies are focused on improving the current therapies for glaucoma by utilizing nanoparticles as the modes of drug transport across the ocular anatomical and physiological barriers. This review offers some important insights on the therapeutic advancements made in this direction, focusing on the use of nanoparticles loaded with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agents in the treatment of glaucoma. The prospect of these novel therapies is discussed in relation to the current therapies to alleviate inflammation in glaucoma, which are being reviewed as well, along with the detailed molecular and cellular mechanisms governing the onset and the progression of the disease.
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21
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Murenu E, Gerhardt MJ, Biel M, Michalakis S. More than meets the eye: The role of microglia in healthy and diseased retina. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1006897. [PMID: 36524119 PMCID: PMC9745050 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1006897] [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: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are the main resident immune cells of the nervous system and as such they are involved in multiple roles ranging from tissue homeostasis to response to insults and circuit refinement. While most knowledge about microglia comes from brain studies, some mechanisms have been confirmed for microglia cells in the retina, the light-sensing compartment of the eye responsible for initial processing of visual information. However, several key pieces of this puzzle are still unaccounted for, as the characterization of retinal microglia has long been hindered by the reduced population size within the retina as well as the previous lack of technologies enabling single-cell analyses. Accumulating evidence indicates that the same cell type may harbor a high degree of transcriptional, morphological and functional differences depending on its location within the central nervous system. Thus, studying the roles and signatures adopted specifically by microglia in the retina has become increasingly important. Here, we review the current understanding of retinal microglia cells in physiology and in disease, with particular emphasis on newly discovered mechanisms and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Murenu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany,*Correspondence: Elisa Murenu, ; ; Stylianos Michalakis,
| | | | - Martin Biel
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Stylianos Michalakis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany,*Correspondence: Elisa Murenu, ; ; Stylianos Michalakis,
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22
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Tang Y, Chen Y, Chen D. The heterogeneity of astrocytes in glaucoma. Front Neuroanat 2022; 16:995369. [PMID: 36466782 PMCID: PMC9714578 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2022.995369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness with progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells. Aging and increased intraocular pressure (IOP) are major risk factors. Lowering IOP does not always stop the disease progression. Alternative ways of protecting the optic nerve are intensively studied in glaucoma. Astrocytes are macroglia residing in the retina, optic nerve head (ONH), and visual brain, which keep neuronal homeostasis, regulate neuronal activities and are part of the immune responses to the retina and brain insults. In this brief review, we discuss the activation and heterogeneity of astrocytes in the retina, optic nerve head, and visual brain of glaucoma patients and animal models. We also discuss some recent transgenic and gene knockout studies using glaucoma mouse models to clarify the role of astrocytes in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Astrocytes are heterogeneous and play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of glaucoma, especially in the process of neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. In astrocytes, overexpression of Stat3 or knockdown of IκKβ/p65, caspase-8, and mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (Ucp2) can reduce ganglion cell loss in glaucoma mouse models. Based on these studies, therapeutic strategies targeting the heterogeneity of reactive astrocytes by enhancing their beneficial reactivity or suppressing their detrimental reactivity are alternative options for glaucoma treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjing Tang
- Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yongjiang Chen
- The School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Danian Chen
- Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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23
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Pitts KM, Neeson CE, Hall NE, Lin JB, Falah HK, Wang SL, Lo KT, Song CE, Margeta MA, Solá-Del Valle DA. Neurodegeneration Markers Galectin-3 and Apolipoprotein E Are Elevated in the Aqueous Humor of Eyes With Glaucoma. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:1. [DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.11.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M. Pitts
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cameron E. Neeson
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nathan E. Hall
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan B. Lin
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Henisk K. Falah
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Silas L. Wang
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kristine T. Lo
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christian E. Song
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Milica A. Margeta
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David A. Solá-Del Valle
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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24
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Xuejiao Y, Junwei Y. New strategies for neuro protection in glaucoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:983195. [PMID: 36187483 PMCID: PMC9520966 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.983195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a progressive, irreversible loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and axons that results in characteristic optic atrophy and corresponding progressive visual field defect. The exact mechanisms underlying glaucomatous neuron loss are not clear. The main risk factor for glaucoma onset and development is high intraocular pressure (IOP), however traditional IOP-lowering therapies are often not sufficient to prevent degeneration of RGCs and the vision loss may progress, indicating the need for complementary neuroprotective therapy. This review summarizes the progress for neuro protection in glaucoma in recent 5 years, including modulation of neuroinflammation, gene and cell therapy, dietary supplementation, and sustained-release system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xuejiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Yang Xuejiao,
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25
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Margeta MA, Yin Z, Madore C, Pitts KM, Letcher SM, Tang J, Jiang S, Gauthier CD, Silveira SR, Schroeder CM, Lad EM, Proia AD, Tanzi RE, Holtzman DM, Krasemann S, Chen DF, Butovsky O. Apolipoprotein E4 impairs the response of neurodegenerative retinal microglia and prevents neuronal loss in glaucoma. Immunity 2022; 55:1627-1644.e7. [PMID: 35977543 PMCID: PMC9488669 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2022.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) allele is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer disease and a decreased risk of glaucoma, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we found that in two mouse glaucoma models, microglia transitioned to a neurodegenerative phenotype characterized by upregulation of Apoe and Lgals3 (Galectin-3), which were also upregulated in human glaucomatous retinas. Mice with targeted deletion of Apoe in microglia or carrying the human APOE4 allele were protected from retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss, despite elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Similarly to Apoe-/- retinal microglia, APOE4-expressing microglia did not upregulate neurodegeneration-associated genes, including Lgals3, following IOP elevation. Genetic and pharmacologic targeting of Galectin-3 ameliorated RGC degeneration, and Galectin-3 expression was attenuated in human APOE4 glaucoma samples. These results demonstrate that impaired activation of APOE4 microglia is protective in glaucoma and that the APOE-Galectin-3 signaling can be targeted to treat this blinding disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica A Margeta
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zhuoran Yin
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Charlotte Madore
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Univ. Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Kristen M Pitts
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sophia M Letcher
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jing Tang
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuhong Jiang
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christian D Gauthier
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sebastian R Silveira
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Caitlin M Schroeder
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eleonora M Lad
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Alan D Proia
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Pathology, Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lillington, NC, USA
| | - Rudolph E Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - David M Holtzman
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Susanne Krasemann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dong Feng Chen
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Oleg Butovsky
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Johnson TV, Polo AD, Sahel JA, Schuman JS. Neuroprotection, Neuroenhancement, and Neuroregeneration of the Retina and Optic Nerve. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2022; 2:100216. [PMID: 36245765 PMCID: PMC9559091 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2022.100216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Sharif NA. Degeneration of retina-brain components and connections in glaucoma: Disease causation and treatment options for eyesight preservation. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 3:100037. [PMID: 36685768 PMCID: PMC9846481 DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2022.100037] [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: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Eyesight is the most important of our sensory systems for optimal daily activities and overall survival. Patients who experience visual impairment due to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) are often those afflicted with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) which slowly robs them of their vision unless treatment is administered soon after diagnosis. The hallmark features of POAG and other forms of glaucoma are damaged optic nerve, retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss and atrophied RGC axons connecting to various brain regions associated with receipt of visual input from the eyes and eventual decoding and perception of images in the visual cortex. Even though increased IOP is the major risk factor for POAG, the disease is caused by many injurious chemicals and events that progress slowly within all components of the eye-brain visual axis. Lowering of IOP mitigates the damage to some extent with existing drugs, surgical and device implantation therapeutic interventions. However, since multifactorial degenerative processes occur during aging and with glaucomatous optic neuropathy, different forms of neuroprotective, nutraceutical and electroceutical regenerative and revitalizing agents and processes are being considered to combat these eye-brain disorders. These aspects form the basis of this short review article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najam A. Sharif
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore,Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), Singapore,Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX, USA,Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College of Science and Technology, St. Mary's Campus, London, UK,Department of Pharmacy Sciences, School of School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA,Ophthalmology Innovation Center, Santen Incorporated, 6401 Hollis Street (Suite #125), Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA,Ophthalmology Innovation Center, Santen Incorporated, 6401 Hollis Street (Suite #125), Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA.
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Molecular regulation of neuroinflammation in glaucoma: Current knowledge and the ongoing search for new treatment targets. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 87:100998. [PMID: 34348167 PMCID: PMC8803988 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation relying on the inflammatory responses of glial cells has emerged as an impactful component of the multifactorial etiology of neurodegeneration in glaucoma. It has become increasingly evident that despite early adaptive and reparative features of glial responses, prolonged reactivity of the resident glia, along with the peripheral immune cells, create widespread toxicity to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons, somas, and synapses. As much as the synchronized responses of astrocytes and microglia to glaucoma-related stress or neuron injury, their bi-directional interactions are critical to build and amplify neuroinflammation and to dictate the neurodegenerative outcome. Although distinct molecular programs regulate somatic and axonal degeneration in glaucoma, inhibition of neurodegenerative inflammation can provide a broadly beneficial treatment strategy to rescue RGC integrity and function. Since inflammatory toxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction are converging etiological paths that can boost each other and feed into a vicious cycle, anti-inflammatory treatments may also offer a multi-target potential. This review presents an overview of the current knowledge on neuroinflammation in glaucoma with particular emphasis on the cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic factors involved in the reciprocal regulation of glial responses, the interdependence between inflammatory and mitochondrial routes of neurodegeneration, and the research aspects inspiring for prospective immunomodulatory treatments. With the advent of powerful technologies, ongoing research on molecular and functional characteristics of glial responses is expected to accumulate more comprehensive and complementary information and to rapidly move the field forward to safe and effective modulation of the glial pro-inflammatory activities, while restoring or augmenting the glial immune-regulatory and neurosupport functions.
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Rohowetz LJ, Mardelli ME, Duncan RS, Riordan SM, Koulen P. The Contribution of Anterior Segment Abnormalities to Changes in Intraocular Pressure in the DBA/2J Mouse Model of Glaucoma: DBA/2J-Gpnmb+/SjJ Mice as Critical Controls. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:801184. [PMID: 35185449 PMCID: PMC8850401 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.801184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The contributions of anterior segment abnormalities to the development of ocular hypertension was determined in the DBA/2J mouse model of glaucoma. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured non-invasively. Iris pigment dispersion (IPD) and corneal calcification were measured weekly starting at 20 weeks of age in DBA/2J and DBA/2J-Gpnmb+/SjJ mice. Thickness, surface area, auto-fluorescence intensity, and perimeter length of calcified regions were measured in postmortem corneas using confocal microscopy. DBA/2J mice developed elevated IOP between 9 and 12 months of age, but DBA/2J-Gpnmb+/SjJ mice did not. Corneal calcification was found at all ages observed and at similar frequencies in both strains with 83.3% of DBA/2J eyes and 60.0% of DBA/2J-Gpnmb+/SjJ eyes affected at 12 months (P = 0.11). Calcification increased with age in both DBA/2J (P = 0.049) and DBA/2J-Gpnmb+/SjJ mice (P = 0.04) when assessed qualitatively and based on mixed-effects analysis. No differences in the four objective measures of calcification were observed between strains or ages. At 12 months of age, DBA/2J mice with corneal calcification had greater mean IOP than DBA/2J mice without corneal calcification. IOP was not correlated with the qualitatively assessed measures of calcification. For the subset of eyes with ocular hypertension, which were only found in DBA/2J mice, IOP was negatively correlated with the qualitative degree of calcification, but was not correlated with the four quantitative measures of calcification. Differences in IOP were not observed between DBA/2J-Gpnmb+/SjJ mice with and without calcification at any age. IPD increased with age and demonstrated a moderate correlation with IOP in DBA/2J mice, but was not observed in DBA/2J-Gpnmb+/SjJ mice. In the DBA/2J mouse model of glaucoma, increased IPD is positively correlated with an increase in IOP and corneal calcification is present in the majority of eyes at and after age 9 months. However, while IPD causes ocular hypertension, corneal calcification does not appear to contribute to the elevation of IOP, as the control strain DBA/2J-Gpnmb+/SjJ exhibits corneal calcification similar to DBA/2J mice, but does not develop ocular hypertension. Corneal calcification, therefore, does not appear to be a contributing factor to the development of elevated IOP in DBA/2J mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Landon J. Rohowetz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vision Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Missouri – Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Marc E. Mardelli
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vision Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Missouri – Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - R. Scott Duncan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vision Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Missouri – Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Sean M. Riordan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vision Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Missouri – Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Peter Koulen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vision Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Missouri – Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Missouri—Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Peter Koulen,
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Lani-Louzada R, Marra C, Dias MS, de Araújo VG, Abreu CA, Ribas VT, Adesse D, Allodi S, Chiodo V, Hauswirth W, Petrs-Silva H, Linden R. Neuroprotective Gene Therapy by Overexpression of the Transcription Factor MAX in Rat Models of Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:5. [PMID: 35103748 PMCID: PMC8819487 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.2.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Based on our preview evidence that reduced nuclear content of the transcription factor Myc-associated protein X (MAX) is an early event associated with degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), in the present study, our purpose was to test whether the overexpression of human MAX had a neuroprotective effect against RGC injury. Methods Overexpression of either MAX or green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the retina was achieved by intravitreal injections of recombinant adenovirus-associated viruses (rAAVs). Lister Hooded rats were used in three models of RGC degeneration: (1) cultures of retinal explants for 30 hours ex vivo from the eyes of 14-day-old rats that had received intravitreal injections of rAAV2-MAX or the control vector rAAV2-GFP at birth; (2) an optic nerve crush model, in which 1-month-old rats received intravitreal injection of either rAAV2-MAX or rAAV2-GFP and, 4 weeks later, were operated on; and (3) an ocular hypertension (OHT) glaucoma model, in which 1-month-old rats received intravitreal injection of either rAAV2-MAX or rAAV2-GFP and, 4 weeks later, were subject to cauterization of the limbal plexus. Cell death was estimated by detection of pyknotic nuclei and TUNEL technique and correlated with MAX immunocontent in an ex vivo model of retinal explants. MAX expression was detected by quantitative RT-PCR. In the OHT model, survival of RGCs was quantified by retrograde labeling with DiI or immunostaining for BRN3a at 14 days after in vivo injury. Functional integrity of RGCs was analyzed through pattern electroretinography, and damage to the optic nerve was examined in semithin sections. Results In all three models of RGC insult, gene therapy by overexpression of MAX prevented RGC death. Also, ON degeneration and electrophysiologic deficits were prevented in the OHT model. Conclusions Our experiments offer proof of concept for a novel neuroprotective gene therapy for glaucomatous neurodegeneration based on overexpression of MAX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Lani-Louzada
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Camila Marra
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mariana Santana Dias
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Victor Guedes de Araújo
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carla Andreia Abreu
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Toledo Ribas
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daniel Adesse
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Silvana Allodi
- Laboratory of Comparative and Developmental Neurobiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vince Chiodo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - William Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Hilda Petrs-Silva
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rafael Linden
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Age of Rats Affects the Degree of Retinal Neuroinflammatory Response Induced by High Acute Intraocular Pressure. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:9404977. [PMID: 35132339 PMCID: PMC8817888 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9404977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To investigate whether retinal neuroinflammatory response was affected by aging in a rat model of acute glaucoma. Methods Young adult and aged rats were randomly assigned into normal control, 45 mmHg, 60 mmHg, and 90 mmHg groups. Intraocular pressure (IOP) of rats was acutely elevated to 45 mmHg, 60 mmHg, and 90 mmHg, respectively. Three days after high IOP treatment, loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), formation of proinflammatory microglia/macrophages and neurotoxic astrocytes, and deposition of complement C3 in the retina were detected by immunofluorescence. ELISA was used to assess the protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF and IL-1β in the retina. Results Compared with young adult retinae, (1) loss of RGCs was more severe in aged retinae under the same IOP treatment, (2) microglia/macrophages were more prone to adopt proinflammatory phenotype in aged retinae in response to elevated IOP, (3) high IOP treatment induced astrogliosis, formation of neurotoxic astrocytes, and deposition of complement C3 more easily in aged retinae, and (4) aged retinae induced higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF and IL-1β under the same IOP treatment. Conclusion Our data indicated that aging affects the degree of retinal neuroinflammatory response initiated by ocular hypertension, which may contribute to the age-related susceptibility of RGCs to elevated IOP.
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Li S, Qiu Y, Yu J, Shao M, Li Y, Cao W, Sun X. Serum complement component 3, complement component 4 and complement component 1q levels predict progressive visual field loss in older women with primary angle closure glaucoma. Br J Ophthalmol 2022; 107:828-835. [PMID: 35017157 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2021-320541] [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: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the association between serum levels of complement component (C) 3, C4 and C1q and visual field (VF) loss in patients with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG). METHODS In this prospective cohort study, a total of 308 patients with PACG were included. The patients were followed up every 6 months (at least 2 years), with clinical examination and VF testing. Based on their sex and age, the subjects were stratified into male and female subgroups, and by age at <60 and ≥60 years per subgroup. RESULTS One hundred twenty-three (39.94%) patients showed glaucoma VF progression. The serum levels of C3, C4 and C1q were significantly lower (p<0.05) in the progression group compared with the non-progression group in the ≥60 years female subgroup. In female patients with age ≥60 years, (1) lower levels of baseline C3 (HR=0.98, p<0.001), C4 (HR=0.96, p=0.01) and C1q levels (HR=0.99, p=0.003) were associated with a greater risk of VF progression; (2) patients with lower C3 levels had significantly (p<0.05) higher rates of VF loss progression, similar to those with lower C4 and lower C1q levels; and (3) the generalised additive model revealed a negative correlation between baseline C3 (p<0.001), C4 (p<0.001) and C1q (p<0.001) levels with the risk of VF progression. No statistical significance was observed in the male (<60 and ≥60 years) and female (<60 years) subgroups. CONCLUSION Decreased C3, C4 and C1q levels at baseline were significantly associated with a greater risk of VF loss progression only in older women with PACG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengjie Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yichao Qiu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingxi Shao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingzhu Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjun Cao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinghuai Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Abstract
The eye presents a unique opportunity for complement component 3 (C3) therapeutics. Drugs can be delivered directly to specific parts of the eye, and growing evidence has established a pivotal role for C3 in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Emerging data show that C3 may be important to the pathophysiology of other eye diseases as well. This article will discuss the location of C3 expression in the eye as well as the preclinical and clinical data regarding C3's functions in AMD. We will provide a comprehensive review of developing C3 inhibitors for the eye, including the Phase 2 and 3 data for the C3 inhibitor pegcetacoplan as a treatment for the geographic atrophy of AMD. Developing evidence also points toward C3 as a therapeutic target for stages of AMD preceding geographic atrophy. We will also discuss data illuminating C3's relationship to other eye diseases, such as Stargardt disease, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. In addition to being a converging point and centerpiece of the complement cascade, C3 has broad effects as a multifaceted controller of opsonophagocytosis, microglia/macrophage recruitment, and downstream terminal pathway activity. C3 is a crucial player in the pathophysiology of AMD but also seems to have importance in other diseases that are major causes of blindness. Directions for further investigation will be highlighted, as culminating evidence suggests that we may be approaching an era of C3 therapeutics for the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Kim
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Tianyu Liu
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - John D Lambris
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Hypoxic Processes Induce Complement Activation via Classical Pathway in Porcine Neuroretinas. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123575. [PMID: 34944083 PMCID: PMC8700265 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering the fact that many retinal diseases are yet to be cured, the pathomechanisms of these multifactorial diseases need to be investigated in more detail. Among others, oxidative stress and hypoxia are pathomechanisms that take place in retinal diseases, such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy. In consideration of these diseases, it is also evidenced that the immune system, including the complement system and its activation, plays an important role. Suitable models to investigate neuroretinal diseases are organ cultures of porcine retina. Based on an established model, the role of the complement system was studied after the induction of oxidative stress or hypoxia. Both stressors led to a loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) accompanied by apoptosis. Hypoxia activated the complement system as noted by higher C3+ and MAC+ cell numbers. In this model, activation of the complement cascade occurred via the classical pathway and the number of C1q+ microglia was increased. In oxidative stressed retinas, the complement system had no consideration, but strong inflammation took place, with elevated TNF, IL6, and IL8 mRNA expression levels. Together, this study shows that hypoxia and oxidative stress induce different mechanisms in the porcine retina inducing either the immune response or an inflammation. Our findings support the thesis that the immune system is involved in the development of retinal diseases. Furthermore, this study is evidence that both approaches seem suitable models to investigate undergoing pathomechanisms of several neuroretinal diseases.
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Auler N, Tonner H, Pfeiffer N, Grus FH. Antibody and Protein Profiles in Glaucoma: Screening of Biomarkers and Identification of Signaling Pathways. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10121296. [PMID: 34943212 PMCID: PMC8698915 DOI: 10.3390/biology10121296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease that is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Currently, the only therapeutic option is to lower intraocular pressure. The onset of the disease is often delayed because patients do not notice visual impairment until very late, which is why glaucoma is also known as “the silent thief of sight”. Therefore, early detection and definition of specific markers, the so-called biomarkers, are immensely important. For the methodical implementation, high-throughput methods and omic-based methods came more and more into focus. Thus, interesting targets for possible biomarkers were already suggested by clinical research and basic research, respectively. This review article aims to join the findings of the two disciplines by collecting overlaps as well as differences in various clinical studies and to shed light on promising candidates concerning findings from basic research, facilitating conclusions on possible therapy options. Abstract Glaucoma represents a group of chronic neurodegenerative diseases, constituting the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. To date, chronically elevated intraocular pressure has been identified as the main risk factor and the only treatable symptom. However, there is increasing evidence in the recent literature that IOP-independent molecular mechanisms also play an important role in the progression of the disease. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that glaucoma has an autoimmune component. The main focus nowadays is elucidating glaucoma pathogenesis, finding early diagnostic options and new therapeutic approaches. This review article summarizes the impact of different antibodies and proteins associated with glaucoma that can be detected for example by microarray and mass spectrometric analyzes, which (i) provide information about expression profiles and associated molecular signaling pathways, (ii) can possibly be used as a diagnostic tool in future and, (iii) can identify possible targets for therapeutic approaches.
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Peterson SL, Li Y, Sun CJ, Wong KA, Leung KS, de Lima S, Hanovice NJ, Yuki K, Stevens B, Benowitz LI. Retinal Ganglion Cell Axon Regeneration Requires Complement and Myeloid Cell Activity within the Optic Nerve. J Neurosci 2021; 41:8508-8531. [PMID: 34417332 PMCID: PMC8513703 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0555-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Axon regenerative failure in the mature CNS contributes to functional deficits following many traumatic injuries, ischemic injuries, and neurodegenerative diseases. The complement cascade of the innate immune system responds to pathogen threat through inflammatory cell activation, pathogen opsonization, and pathogen lysis, and complement is also involved in CNS development, neuroplasticity, injury, and disease. Here, we investigated the involvement of the classical complement cascade and microglia/monocytes in CNS repair using the mouse optic nerve injury (ONI) model, in which axons arising from retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are disrupted. We report that central complement C3 protein and mRNA, classical complement C1q protein and mRNA, and microglia/monocyte phagocytic complement receptor CR3 all increase in response to ONI, especially within the optic nerve itself. Importantly, genetic deletion of C1q, C3, or CR3 attenuates RGC axon regeneration induced by several distinct methods, with minimal effects on RGC survival. Local injections of C1q function-blocking antibody revealed that complement acts primarily within the optic nerve, not retina, to support regeneration. Moreover, C1q opsonizes and CR3+ microglia/monocytes phagocytose growth-inhibitory myelin debris after ONI, a likely mechanism through which complement and myeloid cells support axon regeneration. Collectively, these results indicate that local optic nerve complement-myeloid phagocytic signaling is required for CNS axon regrowth, emphasizing the axonal compartment and highlighting a beneficial neuroimmune role for complement and microglia/monocytes in CNS repair.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Despite the importance of achieving axon regeneration after CNS injury and the inevitability of inflammation after such injury, the contributions of complement and microglia to CNS axon regeneration are largely unknown. Whereas inflammation is commonly thought to exacerbate the effects of CNS injury, we find that complement proteins C1q and C3 and microglia/monocyte phagocytic complement receptor CR3 are each required for retinal ganglion cell axon regeneration through the injured mouse optic nerve. Also, whereas studies of optic nerve regeneration generally focus on the retina, we show that the regeneration-relevant role of complement and microglia/monocytes likely involves myelin phagocytosis within the optic nerve. Thus, our results point to the importance of the innate immune response for CNS repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheri L Peterson
- Laboratories for Neuroscience Research in Neurosurgery
- Department of Neurosurgery
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, and
- Department of Neurosurgery and
| | - Yiqing Li
- Laboratories for Neuroscience Research in Neurosurgery
- Department of Neurosurgery
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, and
- Department of Neurosurgery and
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China, 510060
| | - Christina J Sun
- Laboratories for Neuroscience Research in Neurosurgery
- Department of Neurosurgery
| | - Kimberly A Wong
- Laboratories for Neuroscience Research in Neurosurgery
- Department of Neurosurgery
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, and
- Department of Neurosurgery and
| | - Kylie S Leung
- Laboratories for Neuroscience Research in Neurosurgery
- Department of Neurosurgery
| | - Silmara de Lima
- Laboratories for Neuroscience Research in Neurosurgery
- Department of Neurosurgery
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, and
- Department of Neurosurgery and
| | - Nicholas J Hanovice
- Laboratories for Neuroscience Research in Neurosurgery
- Department of Neurosurgery
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, and
- Department of Neurosurgery and
| | - Kenya Yuki
- Laboratories for Neuroscience Research in Neurosurgery
- Department of Neurosurgery
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, and
- Department of Neurosurgery and
| | - Beth Stevens
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, and
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142
| | - Larry I Benowitz
- Laboratories for Neuroscience Research in Neurosurgery
- Department of Neurosurgery
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, and
- Department of Neurosurgery and
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
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Yun S, Lee D, Kang S, Kim DW, Kim Y, Cho JY, Seo K. Proteomic analysis of aqueous humor in canine primary angle-closure glaucoma in American Cocker Spaniel dogs. Vet Ophthalmol 2021; 24:520-532. [PMID: 34558166 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze proteomic profiles of the aqueous humor (AH) of canines with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) and identify associated protein alterations. ANIMALS STUDIED Six American Cocker Spaniels with PACG and six American Cocker Spaniels without ocular diseases. METHODS Aqueous humor samples were collected from six American Cocker Spaniels with PACG at Seoul National University, VMTH, and six healthy Cocker Spaniels without ocular disease at Irion Animal Hospital. For the PACG group, AH samples were obtained by anterior chamber paracentesis prior to glaucoma treatment. For the AH control group, AH samples were collected from patients anesthetized for other reasons. Total AH protein concentration was determined by the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay. AH protein samples were quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Raw MS spectra were processed using MaxQuant software 30, and the Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was performed using ClueGO. RESULTS The AH protein concentration in the PACG group (10.49 ± 17.98 µg/µl) was significantly higher than that of the control group (0.45 ± 0.11 µg/µl; p < .05). A total of 758 proteins were identified in the AH. Several proteins both significantly increased (n = 69) and decreased (n = 252) in the PACG group compared to those in the control group. GO enrichment analysis showed that the "response to wounding," "negative regulation of endopeptidase activity," and "cell growth" pathways were the most enriched terms in the PACG group compared to the control group. The top 5 proteins that were significantly increased in the AH of the PACG group were secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), peptidoglycan recognition proteins 2 (PGLYRP2), tyrosine 3-monooxygenase (YWHAE), maltase-glucoamylase (MGAM), and vimentin (VIM). CONCLUSIONS Gene Ontology enrichment analysis using the proteomic data showed that proteins and pathways related to inflammation were significantly upregulated in the various stage of PACG. Proteomic analysis of the AH from the PACG may provide valuable insights into PACG pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seongjin Yun
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.,Irion animal hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dabin Lee
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seonmi Kang
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Wook Kim
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Youngsam Kim
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Je-Yoel Cho
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kangmoon Seo
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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Donahue RJ, Fehrman RL, Gustafson JR, Nickells RW. BCLX L gene therapy moderates neuropathology in the DBA/2J mouse model of inherited glaucoma. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:781. [PMID: 34376637 PMCID: PMC8355227 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04068-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Axonal degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) causes blindness in glaucoma. Currently, there are no therapies that target axons to prevent them from degenerating. Activation of the BAX protein has been shown to be the determining step in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway that causes RGCs to die in glaucoma. A putative role for BAX in axonal degeneration is less well elucidated. BCLXL (BCL2L1) is the primary antagonist of BAX in RGCs. We developed a mCherry-BCLXL fusion protein, which prevented BAX recruitment and activation to the mitochondria in tissue culture cells exposed to staurosporine. This fusion protein was then packaged into adeno-associated virus serotype 2, which was used to transduce RGCs after intravitreal injection and force its overexpression. Transduced RGCs express mCherry-BCLXL throughout their somas and axons along the entire optic tract. In a model of acute optic nerve crush, the transgene prevented the recruitment of a GFP-BAX fusion protein to mitochondria and provided long-term somal protection up to 12 weeks post injury. To test the efficacy in glaucoma, DBA/2J mice were transduced at 5 months of age, just prior to the time they begin to exhibit ocular hypertension. Gene therapy with mCherry-BCLXL did not affect the longitudinal history of intraocular pressure elevation compared to naive mice but did robustly attenuate both RGC soma pathology and axonal degeneration in the optic nerve at both 10.5 and 12 months of age. BCLXL gene therapy is a promising candidate for glaucoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Donahue
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Rachel L Fehrman
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jenna R Gustafson
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Robert W Nickells
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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Immune Responses in the Glaucomatous Retina: Regulation and Dynamics. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081973. [PMID: 34440742 PMCID: PMC8391899 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a multifactorial disease resulting in progressive vision loss due to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) dysfunction and death. Early events in the pathobiology of the disease include oxidative, metabolic, or mechanical stress that acts upon RGC, causing these to rapidly release danger signals, including extracellular ATP, resulting in micro- and macroglial activation and neuroinflammation. Danger signaling also leads to the formation of inflammasomes in the retina that enable maturation of proinflammatory cytokines such IL-1β and IL-18. Chronic neuroinflammation can have directly damaging effects on RGC, but it also creates a proinflammatory environment and compromises the immune privilege of the retina. In particular, continuous synthesis of proinflammatory mediators such as TNFα, IL-1β, and anaphylatoxins weakens the blood–retina barrier and recruits or activates T-cells. Recent data have demonstrated that adaptive immune responses strongly exacerbate RGC loss in animal models of the disease as T-cells appear to target heat shock proteins displayed on the surface of stressed RGC to cause their apoptotic death. It is possible that dysregulation of these immune responses contributes to the continued loss of RGC in some patients.
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40
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Kim BJ, Mastellos DC, Li Y, Dunaief JL, Lambris JD. Targeting complement components C3 and C5 for the retina: Key concepts and lingering questions. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 83:100936. [PMID: 33321207 PMCID: PMC8197769 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains a major cause of legal blindness, and treatment for the geographic atrophy form of AMD is a significant unmet need. Dysregulation of the complement cascade is thought to be instrumental for AMD pathophysiology. In particular, C3 and C5 are pivotal components of the complement cascade and have become leading therapeutic targets for AMD. In this article, we discuss C3 and C5 in detail, including their roles in AMD, biochemical and structural aspects, locations of expression, and the functions of C3 and C5 fragments. Further, the article critically reviews developing therapeutics aimed at C3 and C5, underscoring the potential effects of broad inhibition of complement at the level of C3 versus more specific inhibition at C5. The relationships of complement biology to the inflammasome and microglia/macrophage activity are highlighted. Concepts of C3 and C5 biology will be emphasized, while we point out questions that need to be settled and directions for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Kim
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | | | - Yafeng Li
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joshua L Dunaief
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John D Lambris
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Multifactorial Pathogenic Processes of Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration in Glaucoma towards Multi-Target Strategies for Broader Treatment Effects. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061372. [PMID: 34199494 PMCID: PMC8228726 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by apoptosis of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) somas, degeneration of axons, and loss of synapses at dendrites and axon terminals. Glaucomatous neurodegeneration encompasses multiple triggers, multiple cell types, and multiple molecular pathways through the etiological paths with biomechanical, vascular, metabolic, oxidative, and inflammatory components. As much as intrinsic responses of RGCs themselves, divergent responses and intricate interactions of the surrounding glia also play decisive roles for the cell fate. Seen from a broad perspective, multitarget treatment strategies have a compelling pathophysiological basis to more efficiently manipulate multiple pathogenic processes at multiple injury sites in such a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease. Despite distinct molecular programs for somatic and axonal degeneration, mitochondrial dysfunction and glia-driven neuroinflammation present interdependent processes with widespread impacts in the glaucomatous retina and optic nerve. Since dysfunctional mitochondria stimulate inflammatory responses and proinflammatory mediators impair mitochondria, mitochondrial restoration may be immunomodulatory, while anti-inflammatory treatments protect mitochondria. Manipulation of these converging routes may thus allow a unified treatment strategy to protect RGC axons, somas, and synapses. This review presents an overview of recent research advancements with emphasis on potential treatment targets to achieve the best treatment efficacy to preserve visual function in glaucoma.
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Wang J, Struebing FL, Geisert EE. Commonalities of optic nerve injury and glaucoma-induced neurodegeneration: Insights from transcriptome-wide studies. Exp Eye Res 2021; 207:108571. [PMID: 33844961 PMCID: PMC9890784 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a collection of diseases that lead to an irreversible vision loss due to damage of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Although the underlying events leading to RGC death are not fully understood, recent research efforts are beginning to define the genetic changes that play a critical role in the initiation and progression of glaucomatous injury and RGC death. Several genetic and experimental animal models have been developed to mimic glaucomatous neurodegeneration. These models differ in many respects but all result in the loss of RGCs. Assessing transcriptional changes across different models could provide a more complete perspective on the molecular drivers of RGC degeneration. For the past several decades, changes in the retinal transcriptome during neurodegeneration process were defined using microarray methods, RNA sequencing and now single cell RNA sequencing. It is understood that these methods have strengths and weaknesses due to technical differences and variations in the analytical tools used. In this review, we focus on the use of transcriptome-wide expression profiling of the changes occurring as RGCs are lost across different glaucoma models. Commonalities of optic nerve crush and glaucoma-induced neurodegeneration are identified and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing Wang
- Emory Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, 1365B Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Felix L. Struebing
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany,Department for Translational Brain Research, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
| | - Eldon E. Geisert
- Emory Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, 1365B Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA,Corresponding author: (E.E. Geisert)
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Neuroinflammatory Mechanisms of Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Neurodegeneration in Glaucoma. J Ophthalmol 2021; 2021:4581909. [PMID: 33953963 PMCID: PMC8064803 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4581909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The exact mechanism of retinal ganglion cell loss in the pathogenesis of glaucoma is yet to be understood. Mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction have been linked to Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy and autosomal dominant optic atrophy, as well as to brain neurodegenerative diseases. Recent evidence shows that, in conditions where mitochondria are damaged, a sustained inflammatory response and downstream pathological inflammation may ensue. Mitochondrial damage has been linked to the accumulation of age-related mitochondrial DNA mutations and mitochondrial dysfunction, possibly through aberrant reactive oxygen species production and defective mitophagy. The present review focuses on how mitochondrial dysfunction may overwhelm the ability of neurons and glial cells to adequately maintain homeostasis and how mitochondria-derived DAMPs trigger the immune system and induce neurodegeneration.
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Rhee J, Shih KC. Use of Gene Therapy in Retinal Ganglion Cell Neuroprotection: Current Concepts and Future Directions. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11040581. [PMID: 33920974 PMCID: PMC8071340 DOI: 10.3390/biom11040581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We systematically reviewed published translational research on gene-based therapy for retinal ganglion cell (RGC) neuroprotection. A search was conducted on Entrez PubMed on 23 December 2020 using the keywords "gene therapy", "retinal ganglion cell" and "neuroprotection". The initial search yielded 82 relevant articles. After restricting publications to those with full text available and in the English language, and then curating for only original articles on gene-based therapy, the final yield was 18 relevant articles. From the 18 papers, 17 of the papers utilized an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector for gene therapy encoding specific genes of interest. Specifically, six of the studies utilized an AAV vector encoding brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), two of the studies utilized an AAV vector encoding erythropoietin (EPO), the remaining 10 papers utilized AAV vectors encoding different genes and one microRNA study. Although the literature shows promising results in both in vivo and in vitro models, there is still a significant way to go before gene-based therapy for RGC neuroprotection can proceed to clinical trials. Namely, the models of injury in many of the studies were more acute in nature, unlike the more progressive and neurodegenerative pathophysiology of diseases, such as glaucoma. The regulation of gene expression is also highly unexplored despite the use of AAV vectors in the majority of the studies reviewed. It is also expected that with the successful launch of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)-based vaccinations in 2020, we will see a shift towards this technology for gene-based therapy in glaucoma neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jess Rhee
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A3K7, Canada;
| | - Kendrick Co Shih
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence:
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New perspectives of immunomodulation and neuroprotection in glaucoma. Cent Eur J Immunol 2021; 46:105-110. [PMID: 33897291 PMCID: PMC8056344 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2021.104329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is the neurodegenerative disease of retinal ganglion cells. The main risk factor for glaucoma is increased intraocular pressure. The processes leading to cell death due to presence of the injury factor comprise multiple molecular mechanisms, as well as the immunological response. The knowledge of immunological mechanisms occurring in glaucomatous degeneration makes it possible to introduce glaucoma treatment modulating the cellular degradation. The glaucoma treatment of the future will make it possible not only to lower the intraocular pressure, but also to moderate the intracellular mechanisms in order to prevent retinal cell degeneration. Citicoline is a drug modulating glutamate excitotoxicity that is already in use. Rho kinase inhibitors were found to stimulate neurite growth and axon regeneration apart from lowering intraocular pressure. The complementary action of brimonidine is to increase neurotrophic factor (NTF) concentrations and inhibit glutamate toxicity. Immunomodulatory therapies with antibodies and gene therapies show promising effects in the current studies. The supplementation of NTFs prevents glaucomatous damage. Resveratrol and other antioxidants inhibit reactive oxygen species formation. Cell transplantation of stem cells, Schwann cells and nerve extracts was reported to be successful so far. Our review presents the most promising new strategies of neuroprotection and immunomodulation in glaucoma.
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46
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Quaranta L, Bruttini C, Micheletti E, Konstas AGP, Michelessi M, Oddone F, Katsanos A, Sbardella D, De Angelis G, Riva I. Glaucoma and neuroinflammation: An overview. Surv Ophthalmol 2021; 66:693-713. [PMID: 33582161 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy characterized by well-defined optic disc morphological changes (i.e., cup enlargement, neuroretinal border thinning, and notching, papillary vessel modifications) consequent to retinal ganglion cell loss, axonal degeneration, and lamina cribrosa remodeling. These modifications tend to be progressive and are the main cause of functional damage in glaucoma. Despite the latest findings about the pathophysiology of the disease, the exact trigger mechanisms and the mechanism of degeneration of retinal ganglion cells and their axons have not been completely elucidated. Neuroinflammation may play a role in both the development and the progression of the disease as a result of its effects on retinal environment and retinal ganglion cells. We summarize the latest findings about neuroinflammation in glaucoma and examine the connection between risk factors, neuroinflammation, and retinal ganglion cell degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Quaranta
- Department of Surgical & Clinical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, Section of Ophthalmology, University of Pavia - IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Carlo Bruttini
- Department of Surgical & Clinical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, Section of Ophthalmology, University of Pavia - IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Micheletti
- Department of Surgical & Clinical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, Section of Ophthalmology, University of Pavia - IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anastasios G P Konstas
- 1st and 3rd University Departments of Ophthalmology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | | | - Andreas Katsanos
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - Giovanni De Angelis
- Department of Surgical & Clinical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, Section of Ophthalmology, University of Pavia - IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
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Hubens WHG, Beckers HJM, Gorgels TGMF, Webers CAB. Increased ratios of complement factors C3a to C3 in aqueous humor and serum mark glaucoma progression. Exp Eye Res 2021; 204:108460. [PMID: 33493474 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We recently performed a combined analysis of publicly available proteomic studies of aqueous humor (AH) of patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). This analysis revealed changes in complement protein concentrations in the AH of progressive POAG patients, which suggested that the complement system may play a role in POAG progression. As the proteomic studies could not provide information on the activity of the complement system, we addressed this question in the current study. METHODS Blood serum and AH were obtained from 30 patients: 10 progressive POAG, 10 stable POAG and, as controls, 10 cataract patients. Glaucoma patients with a visual field Mean Deviation (MD) change of at least 1.0 dB/year were considered progressive; a MD change of less than 0.5 dB/year was considered stable. The ratio between the levels of complement factors C3a and C3 was used as indicator for activation of the complement cascade. The factors were measured with commercially available ELISA kits. RESULTS AH levels of complement factors C3 and C3a did not significantly differ between groups. In serum, complement factor C3 did not differ between groups whereas C3a was significantly elevated in progressive POAG patients compared to controls (p < 0.05). The resulting complement C3a/C3 ratio was significantly higher in progressive POAG patients in both AH (p < 0.05) and serum (p < 0.01), and this ratio significantly correlated between the two body fluids (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a strong correlation between disease progression and C3a/C3 activation ratio both in AH (p < 0.01) and in serum (p < 0.001). The higher the complement C3a/C3 ratio, the faster the disease progression. CONCLUSION Significant increases in AH and serum complement C3a/C3 ratios were observed in progressive POAG patients but not in stable POAG patients. Furthermore, the complement C3a/C3 ratio correlated strongly with the rate of disease progression in both AH and serum. These findings suggest that activation of the complement system plays a role in glaucoma progression and that progressive glaucoma patients may have systemic changes in complement activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- W H G Hubens
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Research School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - H J M Beckers
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - T G M F Gorgels
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - C A B Webers
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Tribble JR, Kokkali E, Otmani A, Plastino F, Lardner E, Vohra R, Kolko M, André H, Morgan JE, Williams PA. When Is a Control Not a Control? Reactive Microglia Occur Throughout the Control Contralateral Pathway of Retinal Ganglion Cell Projections in Experimental Glaucoma. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:22. [PMID: 33510961 PMCID: PMC7804521 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.1.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Animal models show retinal ganglion cell (RGC) injuries that replicate features of glaucoma and the contralateral eye is commonly used as an internal control. There is significant crossover of RGC axons from the ipsilateral to the contralateral side at the level of the optic chiasm, which may confound findings when damage is restricted to one eye. The effect of unilateral glaucoma on neuroinflammatory damage to the contralateral pathway of RGC projections has largely been unexplored. Methods Ocular hypertensive glaucoma was induced unilaterally or bilaterally in the rat and RGC neurodegenerative events were assessed. Neuroinflammation was quantified in the retina, optic nerve head, optic nerve, lateral geniculate nucleus, and superior colliculus by high-resolution imaging, and in the retina by flow cytometry and protein arrays. Results After ocular hypertensive stress, peripheral monocytes enter the retina and microglia become reactive. This effect is more marked in animals with bilateral ocular hypertensive glaucoma. In rats where glaucoma was induced unilaterally, there was significant microglia activation in the contralateral (control) eye. Microglial activation extended into the optic nerve and terminal visual thalami, where it was similar across hemispheres in unilateral ocular hypertension. Conclusions These data suggest that caution is warranted when using the contralateral eye as a control and in comparing visual thalami in unilateral models of glaucoma. Translational Relevance The use of a contralateral eye as a control may confound the discovery of human-relevant mechanism and treatments in animal models. We also identify neuroinflammatory protein responses that warrant further investigation as potential disease-modifiable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R. Tribble
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eirini Kokkali
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Amin Otmani
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Flavia Plastino
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emma Lardner
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rupali Vohra
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pathobiological Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Miriam Kolko
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Helder André
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - James E. Morgan
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Pete A. Williams
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Shinozaki Y, Koizumi S. Potential roles of astrocytes and Müller cells in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. J Pharmacol Sci 2020; 145:262-267. [PMID: 33602506 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2020.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma, a progressive optic neuropathy and the leading cause of blindness, is characterized by impairment or degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which transmit visual information to the brain. Currently, 70 million people worldwide are affected by glaucoma. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), a major risk factor of glaucoma, directly damages RGCs. However, a substantial proportion of glaucoma patients have a normal IOP level. In particular, over 90% of Japanese glaucoma patients are reported to have normal IOP levels. Thus, a new focus for glaucoma pathology has emerged. Glial cells contribute to tissue homeostasis. Under pathological conditions, glial cells become reactive, lose their homeostatic functions, and gain neurotoxic functions, which trigger neurodegeneration in several diseases including glaucoma. Reactive glial cells have been identified in the eyes of glaucoma patients. In a glaucoma animal model, reactive glial cells are observed at early stages of the disease when RGCs are intact, indicating the possible role of glial cells in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. In this review, we introduce potential roles of glial cells in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. We focus on the roles of the ocular macroglial cells such as astrocytes and Müller cells, and discuss their roles in the pathogenesis of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youichi Shinozaki
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan; Interdisciplinary Brain-Immune Research Center, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Schuichi Koizumi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan; Interdisciplinary Brain-Immune Research Center, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan.
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Propson NE, Gedam M, Zheng H. Complement in Neurologic Disease. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2020; 16:277-298. [PMID: 33234021 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-031620-113409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Classic innate immune signaling pathways provide most of the immune response in the brain. This response activates many of the canonical signaling mechanisms identified in peripheral immune cells, despite their relative absence in this immune-privileged tissue. Studies over the past decade have strongly linked complement protein production and activation to age-related functional changes and neurodegeneration. The reactivation of the complement signaling pathway in aging and disease has opened new avenues for understanding brain aging and neurological disease pathogenesis and has implicated cell types such as astrocytes, microglia, endothelial cells, oligodendrocytes, neurons, and even peripheral immune cells in these processes. In this review, we aim to unravel the past decade of research related to complement activation and its numerous consequences in aging and neurological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E Propson
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Manasee Gedam
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,Interdepartmental Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Hui Zheng
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,Interdepartmental Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA;
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