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Abokyi S, Tse DYY. Age-related driving mechanisms of retinal diseases and neuroprotection by transcription factor EB-targeted therapy. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:366-377. [PMID: 38819040 PMCID: PMC11317960 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-02033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinal aging has been recognized as a significant risk factor for various retinal disorders, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma, following a growing understanding of the molecular underpinnings of their development. This comprehensive review explores the mechanisms of retinal aging and investigates potential neuroprotective approaches, focusing on the activation of transcription factor EB. Recent meta-analyses have demonstrated promising outcomes of transcription factor EB-targeted strategies, such as exercise, calorie restriction, rapamycin, and metformin, in patients and animal models of these common retinal diseases. The review critically assesses the role of transcription factor EB in retinal biology during aging, its neuroprotective effects, and its therapeutic potential for retinal disorders. The impact of transcription factor EB on retinal aging is cell-specific, influencing metabolic reprogramming and energy homeostasis in retinal neurons through the regulation of mitochondrial quality control and nutrient-sensing pathways. In vascular endothelial cells, transcription factor EB controls important processes, including endothelial cell proliferation, endothelial tube formation, and nitric oxide levels, thereby influencing the inner blood-retinal barrier, angiogenesis, and retinal microvasculature. Additionally, transcription factor EB affects vascular smooth muscle cells, inhibiting vascular calcification and atherogenesis. In retinal pigment epithelial cells, transcription factor EB modulates functions such as autophagy, lysosomal dynamics, and clearance of the aging pigment lipofuscin, thereby promoting photoreceptor survival and regulating vascular endothelial growth factor A expression involved in neovascularization. These cell-specific functions of transcription factor EB significantly impact retinal aging mechanisms encompassing proteostasis, neuronal synapse plasticity, energy metabolism, microvasculature, and inflammation, ultimately offering protection against retinal aging and diseases. The review emphasizes transcription factor EB as a potential therapeutic target for retinal diseases. Therefore, it is imperative to obtain well-controlled direct experimental evidence to confirm the efficacy of transcription factor EB modulation in retinal diseases while minimizing its risk of adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Abokyi
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Research Center for SHARP Vision, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Dennis Yan-yin Tse
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Research Center for SHARP Vision, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Center for Eye and Vision Research, Sha Tin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
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2
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Grenell A, Singh C, Raju M, Wolk A, Dalvi S, Jang GF, Crabb JS, Hershberger CE, Manian KV, Hernandez K, Crabb JW, Singh R, Du J, Anand-Apte B. Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3) mutations increase glycolytic activity and dysregulate glutamine metabolism in RPE cells. Mol Metab 2024; 88:101995. [PMID: 39047907 PMCID: PMC11344013 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mutations in Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases 3 (TIMP3) cause Sorsby's Fundus Dystrophy (SFD), a dominantly inherited, rare form of macular degeneration that results in vision loss. TIMP3 is synthesized primarily by retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, which constitute the outer blood-retinal barrier. One major function of RPE is the synthesis and transport of vital nutrients, such as glucose, to the retina. Recently, metabolic dysfunction in RPE cells has emerged as an important contributing factor in retinal degenerations. We set out to determine if RPE metabolic dysfunction was contributing to SFD pathogenesis. METHODS Quantitative proteomics was conducted on RPE of mice expressing the S179C variant of TIMP3, known to be causative of SFD in humans. Proteins found to be differentially expressed (P < 0.05) were analyzed using statistical overrepresentation analysis to determine enriched pathways, processes, and protein classes using g:profiler and PANTHER Gene Ontology. We examined the effects of mutant TIMP3 on RPE metabolism using human ARPE-19 cells expressing mutant S179C TIMP3 and patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE (iRPE) carrying the S204C TIMP3 mutation. RPE metabolism was directly probed using isotopic tracing coupled with GC/MS analysis. Steady state [U-13C6] glucose isotopic tracing was preliminarily conducted on S179C ARPE-19 followed by [U-13C6] glucose and [U-13C5] glutamine isotopic tracing in SFD iRPE cells. RESULTS Quantitative proteomics and enrichment analysis conducted on RPE of mice expressing mutant S179C TIMP3 identified differentially expressed proteins that were enriched for metabolism-related pathways and processes. Notably these results highlighted dysregulated glycolysis and glucose metabolism. Stable isotope tracing experiments with [U-13C6] glucose demonstrated enhanced glucose utilization and glycolytic activity in S179C TIMP3 APRE-19 cells. Similarly, [U-13C6] glucose tracing in SFD iRPE revealed increased glucose contribution to glycolysis and the TCA cycle. Additionally, [U-13C5] glutamine tracing found evidence of altered malic enzyme activity. CONCLUSIONS This study provides important information on the dysregulation of RPE glucose metabolism in SFD and implicates a potential commonality with other retinal degenerative diseases, emphasizing RPE cellular metabolism as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Grenell
- Case Western Reserve University, Department of Pharmacology, Cleveland, OH, USA; Cole Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | | | - Monisha Raju
- Cole Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Alyson Wolk
- Cole Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sonal Dalvi
- University of Rochester, Department of Ophthalmology, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Geeng-Fu Jang
- Cole Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - John S Crabb
- Cole Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Courtney E Hershberger
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, USA
| | - Kannan V Manian
- University of Rochester, Department of Ophthalmology, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Karen Hernandez
- Case Western Reserve University, Department of Pharmacology, Cleveland, OH, USA; Cole Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - John W Crabb
- Cole Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ruchira Singh
- University of Rochester, Department of Ophthalmology, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jianhai Du
- West Virginia University, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Bela Anand-Apte
- Cole Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, Dept. of Ophthalmology, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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DeVine T, Elizondo G, Gaston G, Babcock SJ, Matern D, Shchepinov MS, Pennesi ME, Harding CO, Gillingham MB. iPSC-Derived LCHADD Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Are Susceptible to Lipid Peroxidation and Rescued by Transfection of a Wildtype AAV-HADHA Vector. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:22. [PMID: 39283617 PMCID: PMC11407479 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.11.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Progressive choroid and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) degeneration causing vision loss is a unique characteristic of long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (LCHADD), a fatty acid oxidation disorder caused by a common c.1528G>C pathogenic variant in HADHA, the α subunit of the mitochondrial trifunctional protein (TFP). We established and characterized an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived RPE cell model from cultured skin fibroblasts of patients with LCHADD and tested whether addition of wildtype (WT) HAHDA could rescue the phenotypes identified in LCHADD-RPE. Methods We constructed an rAAV expression vector containing 3' 3xFLAG-tagged human HADHA cDNA under the transcriptional control of the cytomegalovirus (CMV) enhancer-chicken beta actin (CAG) promoter (CAG-HADHA-3XFLAG). LCHADD-RPE were cultured, matured, and transduced with either AAV-GFP (control) or AAV-HADHA-3XFLAG. Results LCHADD-RPE express TFP subunits and accumulate 3-hydroxy-acylcarnitines, cannot oxidize palmitate, and release fewer ketones than WT-RPE. When LCHADD-RPE are exposed to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), they have increased oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, decreased viability, and are rescued by antioxidant agents potentially explaining the pathologic mechanism of RPE loss in LCHADD. Transduced LCHADD-RPE expressing a WT copy of TFPα incorporated TFPα-FLAG into the TFP complex in the mitochondria and accumulated significantly less 3-hydroxy-acylcarnitines, released more ketones in response to palmitate, and were more resistant to oxidative stress following DHA exposure than control. Conclusions iPSC-derived LCHADD-RPE are susceptible to lipid peroxidation mediated cell death and are rescued by exogenous HADHA delivered with rAAV. These results are promising for AAV-HADHA gene addition therapy as a possible treatment for chorioretinopathy in patients with LCHADD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany DeVine
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Gabriela Elizondo
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Garen Gaston
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Shannon J Babcock
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Dietrich Matern
- Biochemical Genetics Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Mikhail S Shchepinov
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mark E Pennesi
- Ophthalmic Genetics Service, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
- Retina Foundation of the Southwest, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - Cary O Harding
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Melanie B Gillingham
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
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Voisin A, Pénaguin A, Gaillard A, Leveziel N. RNASeq profiling of retinal pigment epithelial cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells revealed 3 genes involved in lipid homeostasis in age-related macular degeneration. Exp Eye Res 2024; 246:109999. [PMID: 38996902 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is characterized by visual impairment observed in elderly population. Two forms of the disease are generally described, the atrophic (AMDa) and exudative forms (AMDe). Up until now, no curative treatment is available for this disease. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays a central role in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration. Here, involvement of RPE dysfunction in AMD onset and progression was analyzed by a comparison of transcriptome profiles of hiPSC-RPE derived from healthy individuals or individuals affected by AMDa or AMDe. The analysis highlighted almost 1000 genes differentially expressed between the three comparison groups. Among these genes, 33 genes were already known to be involved in AMD pathogenesis. To establish an AMD genetic signature, we focused on genes differentially expressed in both AMDa/e cell lines compared to control cells and focused on the three genes (ABCA1, RPN2, RB1CC1) that were related to lipidic homeostasis. Differences in level expression of these three genes are found not only in control and AMDa/e cell lines, but also between AMDa and AMDe populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Voisin
- University of Poitiers, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Equipe Thérapie cellulaire dans les pathologies cérébrales, Poitiers, F-86073, France; INSERM, U1084, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Equipe Thérapie cellulaire dans les pathologies cérébrales, Poitiers, F-86022, France; CHU Poitiers, Poitiers, F-86021, France.
| | - Amaury Pénaguin
- University of Poitiers, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Equipe Thérapie cellulaire dans les pathologies cérébrales, Poitiers, F-86073, France; INSERM, U1084, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Equipe Thérapie cellulaire dans les pathologies cérébrales, Poitiers, F-86022, France; Laboratoires THEA, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Afsaneh Gaillard
- University of Poitiers, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Equipe Thérapie cellulaire dans les pathologies cérébrales, Poitiers, F-86073, France; INSERM, U1084, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Equipe Thérapie cellulaire dans les pathologies cérébrales, Poitiers, F-86022, France
| | - Nicolas Leveziel
- University of Poitiers, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Equipe Thérapie cellulaire dans les pathologies cérébrales, Poitiers, F-86073, France; INSERM, U1084, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Equipe Thérapie cellulaire dans les pathologies cérébrales, Poitiers, F-86022, France; CHU Poitiers, Poitiers, F-86021, France
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Tian Z, Liu Q, Lin HY, Zhu YR, Ling L, Sung TC, Wang T, Li W, Gao M, Cheng S, Renuka RR, Subbiah SK, Fan G, Wu GJ, Higuchi A. Effects of ECM protein-coated surfaces on the generation of retinal pigment epithelium cells differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells. Regen Biomater 2024; 11:rbae091. [PMID: 39233867 PMCID: PMC11374035 DOI: 10.1093/rb/rbae091] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP), initially manifest as dysfunction or death of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Subretinal transplantation of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived RPE cells has emerged as a potential therapy for retinal degeneration. However, RPE cells differentiated from hPSCs using current protocols are xeno-containing and are rarely applied in clinical trials. The development of hPSC-derived RPE cell differentiation protocols using xeno-free biomaterials is urgently needed for clinical applications. In this study, two protocols (the activin A and NIC84 protocols) were selected for modification and use in the differentiation of hiPSCs into RPE cells; the chetomin concentration was gradually increased to achieve high differentiation efficiency of RPE cells. The xeno-free extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, laminin-511, laminin-521 and recombinant vitronectin, were selected as plate-coating substrates, and a Matrigel (xeno-containing ECM)-coated surface was used as a positive control. Healthy, mature hPSC-derived RPE cells were transplanted into 21-day-old Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats, a model of retinal degeneration disease. The visual function of RCS rats was evaluated by optomotor response (qOMR) and electroretinography after transplantation of hPSC-derived RPE cells. Our study demonstrated that hPSCs can be efficiently differentiated into RPE cells on LN521-coated dishes using the NIC84 protocol, and that subretinal transplantation of the cell suspensions can delay the progression of vision loss in RCS rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Hui-Yu Lin
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan, China
| | - Yu-Ru Zhu
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan, China
| | - Ling Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Tzu-Cheng Sung
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Ting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Wanqi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Min Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Sitian Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Remya Rajan Renuka
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 602105, India
| | - Suresh Kumar Subbiah
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 602105, India
| | - Guoping Fan
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Gwo-Jang Wu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences and Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan, China
| | - Akon Higuchi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan, China
- R&D Center for Membrane Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chungli, Taoyuan 320, Taiwan, China
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Han J, Chear S, Talbot J, Swier V, Booth C, Reuben-Thomas C, Dalvi S, Weimer JM, Hewitt AW, Cook AL, Singh R. Genetic and cellular basis of impaired phagocytosis and photoreceptor degeneration in CLN3 disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.09.597388. [PMID: 38895469 PMCID: PMC11185776 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.09.597388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Purpose CLN3 Batten disease (also known as Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis; JNCL) is a lysosomal storage disorder that typically initiates with retinal degeneration but is followed by seizure onset, motor decline and premature death. Patient-derived CLN3 disease iPSC-RPE cells show defective phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segments (POSs). Because modifier genes are implicated in CLN3 disease, our goal here was to investigate a direct link between CLN3 mutation and POS phagocytosis defect. Methods Isogenic control and CLN3 mutant stem cell lines were generated by CRISPR-Cas9-mediated biallelic deletion of exons 7 and 8. A transgenic CLN3 Δ 7-8/ Δ 7-8 ( CLN3 ) Yucatan miniswine was also used to study the impact of CLN3 Δ 7-8/ Δ 7-8 mutation on POS phagocytosis. POS phagocytosis by cultured RPE cells was analyzed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Electroretinogram, optical coherence tomography and histological analysis of CLN3 Δ 7/8 and wild-type miniswine eyes were carried out at 6-, 36-, or 48-month age. Results CLN3 Δ 7-8/ Δ 7-8 RPE ( CLN3 RPE) displayed reduced POS binding and consequently decreased uptake of POS compared to isogenic control RPE cells. Furthermore, wild-type miniswine RPE cells phagocytosed CLN3 Δ 7-8/ Δ 7-8 POS less efficiently than wild-type POS. Consistent with decreased POS phagocytosis, lipofuscin/autofluorescence was decreased in CLN3 miniswine RPE at 36 months-of-age and was followed by almost complete loss of photoreceptors at 48 months of age. Conclusions CLN3 Δ 7-8/ Δ 7-8 mutation (that affects up to 85% patients) affects both RPE and POSs and leads to photoreceptor cell loss in CLN3 disease. Furthermore, both primary RPE dysfunction and mutant POS independently contribute to impaired POS phagocytosis in CLN3 disease.
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Hall J, Daniszewski M, Cheung S, Shobhana K, Kumar H, Liang HH, Beetham H, Cho E, Abbott C, Hewitt AW, Simpson KJ, Guymer RH, Paull D, Pébay A, Lidgerwood GE. A semi-automated pipeline for quantifying drusen-like deposits in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium cells. SLAS Technol 2024; 29:100106. [PMID: 37657710 DOI: 10.1016/j.slast.2023.08.006] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a highly prevalent form of retinal disease amongst Western communities over 50 years of age. A hallmark of AMD pathogenesis is the accumulation of drusen underneath the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a biological process also observable in vitro. The accumulation of drusen has been shown to predict the progression to advanced AMD, making accurate characterisation of drusen in vitro models valuable in disease modelling and drug development. More recently, deposits above the RPE in the subretinal space, called reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) have been recognized as a sub-phenotype of AMD. While in vitro imaging techniques allow for the immunostaining of drusen-like deposits, quantification of these deposits often requires slow, low throughput manual counting of images. This further lends itself to issues including sampling biases, while ignoring critical data parameters including volume and precise localization. To overcome these issues, we developed a semi-automated pipeline for quantifying the presence of drusen-like deposits in vitro, using RPE cultures derived from patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Using high-throughput confocal microscopy, together with three-dimensional reconstruction, we developed an imaging and analysis pipeline that quantifies the number of drusen-like deposits, and accurately and reproducibly provides the location and composition of these deposits. Extending its utility, this pipeline can determine whether the drusen-like deposits locate to the apical or basal surface of RPE cells. Here, we validate the utility of this pipeline in the quantification of drusen-like deposits in six iPSCs lines derived from patients with AMD, following their differentiation into RPE cells. This pipeline provides a valuable tool for the in vitro modelling of AMD and other retinal disease, and is amenable to mid and high throughput screenings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Hall
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Maciej Daniszewski
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Shane Cheung
- Biological Optical Microscopy Platform, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kalyan Shobhana
- Biological Optical Microscopy Platform, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Himeesh Kumar
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, VIC, Australia; Department of Surgery, Ophthalmology, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Helena H Liang
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, VIC, Australia
| | - Henry Beetham
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC, Australia
| | - Ellie Cho
- Biological Optical Microscopy Platform, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Carla Abbott
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, VIC, Australia; Department of Surgery, Ophthalmology, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alex W Hewitt
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, VIC, Australia; Department of Surgery, Ophthalmology, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kaylene J Simpson
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Robyn H Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, VIC, Australia; Department of Surgery, Ophthalmology, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniel Paull
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, New York, United States
| | - Alice Pébay
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Grace E Lidgerwood
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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8
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Georgiou M, Robson AG, Fujinami K, de Guimarães TAC, Fujinami-Yokokawa Y, Daich Varela M, Pontikos N, Kalitzeos A, Mahroo OA, Webster AR, Michaelides M. Phenotyping and genotyping inherited retinal diseases: Molecular genetics, clinical and imaging features, and therapeutics of macular dystrophies, cone and cone-rod dystrophies, rod-cone dystrophies, Leber congenital amaurosis, and cone dysfunction syndromes. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 100:101244. [PMID: 38278208 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101244] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRD) are a leading cause of blindness in the working age population and in children. The scope of this review is to familiarise clinicians and scientists with the current landscape of molecular genetics, clinical phenotype, retinal imaging and therapeutic prospects/completed trials in IRD. Herein we present in a comprehensive and concise manner: (i) macular dystrophies (Stargardt disease (ABCA4), X-linked retinoschisis (RS1), Best disease (BEST1), PRPH2-associated pattern dystrophy, Sorsby fundus dystrophy (TIMP3), and autosomal dominant drusen (EFEMP1)), (ii) cone and cone-rod dystrophies (GUCA1A, PRPH2, ABCA4, KCNV2 and RPGR), (iii) predominant rod or rod-cone dystrophies (retinitis pigmentosa, enhanced S-Cone syndrome (NR2E3), Bietti crystalline corneoretinal dystrophy (CYP4V2)), (iv) Leber congenital amaurosis/early-onset severe retinal dystrophy (GUCY2D, CEP290, CRB1, RDH12, RPE65, TULP1, AIPL1 and NMNAT1), (v) cone dysfunction syndromes (achromatopsia (CNGA3, CNGB3, PDE6C, PDE6H, GNAT2, ATF6), X-linked cone dysfunction with myopia and dichromacy (Bornholm Eye disease; OPN1LW/OPN1MW array), oligocone trichromacy, and blue-cone monochromatism (OPN1LW/OPN1MW array)). Whilst we use the aforementioned classical phenotypic groupings, a key feature of IRD is that it is characterised by tremendous heterogeneity and variable expressivity, with several of the above genes associated with a range of phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalis Georgiou
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
| | - Anthony G Robson
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Kaoru Fujinami
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Thales A C de Guimarães
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Yu Fujinami-Yokokawa
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Health Policy and Management, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Malena Daich Varela
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Nikolas Pontikos
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Angelos Kalitzeos
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Omar A Mahroo
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Section of Ophthalmology, King s College London, St Thomas Hospital Campus, London, United Kingdom; Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Department of Translational Ophthalmology, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Andrew R Webster
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Michel Michaelides
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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9
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Lim RR, Shirali S, Rowlan J, Engel AL, Nazario, M, Gonzalez K, Tong A, Neitz J, Neitz M, Chao JR. CFH Haploinsufficiency and Complement Alterations in Early-Onset Macular Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:43. [PMID: 38683564 PMCID: PMC11059804 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.4.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Complement dysregulation is a key component in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and related diseases such as early-onset macular drusen (EOMD). Although genetic variants of complement factor H (CFH) are associated with AMD risk, the impact of CFH and factor H-like protein 1 (FHL-1) expression on local complement activity in human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) remains unclear. Methods We identified a novel CFH variant in a family with EOMD and generated patient induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived RPE cells. We assessed CFH and FHL-1 co-factor activity through C3b breakdown assays and measured complement activation by immunostaining for membrane attack complex (MAC) formation. Expression of CFH, FHL-1, local alternative pathway (AP) components, and regulators of complement activation (RCA) in EOMD RPE cells was determined by quantitative PCR, western blot, and immunostaining. Isogenic EOMD (cEOMD) RPE was generated using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Results The CFH variant (c.351-2A>G) resulted in loss of CFH and FHL-1 expression and significantly reduced CFH and FHL-1 protein expression (∼50%) in EOMD iPSC RPE cells. These cells exhibited increased MAC deposition upon exposure to normal human serum. Under inflammatory or oxidative stress conditions, CFH and FHL-1 expression in EOMD RPE cells paralleled that of controls, whereas RCA expression, including MAC formation inhibitors, was elevated. CRISPR/Cas9 correction restored CFH/FHL-1 expression and mitigated alternative pathway complement activity in cEOMD RPE cells. Conclusions Identification of a novel CFH variant in patients with EOMD resulting in reduced CFH and FHL-1 and increased local complement activity in EOMD iPSC RPE supports the involvement of CFH haploinsufficiency in EOMD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayne R. Lim
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Sharlene Shirali
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Jessica Rowlan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Abbi L. Engel
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Marcos Nazario,
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Kelie Gonzalez
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Aspen Tong
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Jay Neitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Maureen Neitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Jennifer R. Chao
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
- Roger and Angie Karalis Johnson Retina Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States
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10
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Betts JHJ, Troeberg L. Review: Mechanisms of TIMP-3 accumulation and pathogenesis in Sorsby fundus dystrophy. Mol Vis 2024; 30:74-91. [PMID: 38601018 PMCID: PMC11006011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Sorsby fundus dystrophy (SFD) is a rare, inherited form of macular degeneration caused by mutations in the gene encoding tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 3 (TIMP-3). There are 21 mutations currently associated with SFD, with some variants (e.g., Ser179Cys, Tyr191Cys, and Ser204Cys) having been studied much more than others. We review what is currently known about the identified SFD variants in terms of their dimerization, metalloproteinase inhibition, and impact on angiogenesis, with a focus on disparities between reports and areas requiring further study. We also explore the potential molecular mechanisms leading to the accumulation of extracellular TIMP-3 in SFD and consider how accumulated TIMP-3 causes macular damage. Recent reports have identified extraocular pathologies in a small number of SFD patients. We discuss these intriguing findings and consider the apparent discrepancy between the widespread expression of TIMP-3 and the primarily retinal manifestations of SFD. The potential benefits of novel experimental approaches (e.g., metabolomics and stem cell models) in terms of investigating SFD pathology are presented. The review thus highlights gaps in our current molecular understanding of SFD and suggests ways to support the development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob H J Betts
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Rosalind Franklin Road, Norwich, UK
| | - Linda Troeberg
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Rosalind Franklin Road, Norwich, UK
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11
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Chen J, Zhao L, Zhang L, Luo Y, Jiang Y, H P. The identification of signature genes and their relationship with immune cell infiltration in age-related macular degeneration. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:339. [PMID: 38393419 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08969-2] [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: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a prevalent source of visual impairment among the elderly population, and its incidence has risen in tandem with the increasing longevity of humans. Despite the progress made with anti-VEGF therapy, clinical outcomes have proven to be unsatisfactory. METHOD We obtained differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of AMD patients and healthy controls from the GEO database. GO and KEGG analyses were used to enrich the DEGs. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify modules related to AMD. SVM, random forest, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were employed to screen hub genes. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to explore the pathways in which these hub genes were enriched. CIBERSORT was utilized to analyze the relationship between the hub genes and immune cell infiltration. Finally, Western blotting and RT‒PCR were used to explore the expression of hub genes in AMD mice. RESULTS We screened 1084 DEGs in GSE29801, of which 496 genes were upregulated. These 1084 DEGs were introduced into the WGCNA, and 94 genes related to AMD were obtained. Seventy-nine overlapping genes were obtained by the Venn plot. These 79 genes were introduced into three machine-learning methods to screen the hub genes, and the genes identified by the three methods were TNC, FAP, SREBF1, and TGF-β2. We verified their diagnostic function in the GSE29801 and GSE103060 datasets. Then, the hub gene co-enrichment pathways were obtained by GO and KEGG analyses. CIBERSORT analysis showed that these hub genes were associated with immune cell infiltration. Finally, we found increased expression of TNC, FAP, SREBF1, and TGF-β2 mRNA and protein in the retinas of AMD mice. CONCLUSION We found that four hub genes, namely, FAP, TGF-β2, SREBF1, and TNC, have diagnostic significance in patients with AMD and are related to immune cell infiltration. Finally, we determined that the mRNA and protein expression of these hub genes was upregulated in the retinas of AMD mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinquan Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Tongnan District People's Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Long Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Longbin Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Tongnan District People's Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Yiling Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Tongnan District People's Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuling Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Tongnan District People's Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng H
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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12
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Dujardin C, Habeler W, Monville C, Letourneur D, Simon-Yarza T. Advances in the engineering of the outer blood-retina barrier: From in-vitro modelling to cellular therapy. Bioact Mater 2024; 31:151-177. [PMID: 37637086 PMCID: PMC10448242 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.08.003] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The outer blood-retina barrier (oBRB), crucial for the survival and the proper functioning of the overlying retinal layers, is disrupted in numerous diseases affecting the retina, leading to the loss of the photoreceptors and ultimately of vision. To study the oBRB and/or its degeneration, many in vitro oBRB models have been developed, notably to investigate potential therapeutic strategies against retinal diseases. Indeed, to this day, most of these pathologies are untreatable, especially once the first signs of degeneration are observed. To cure those patients, a current strategy is to cultivate in vitro a mature oBRB epithelium on a custom membrane that is further implanted to replace the damaged native tissue. After a description of the oBRB and the related diseases, this review presents an overview of the oBRB models, from the simplest to the most complex. Then, we propose a discussion over the used cell types, for their relevance to study or treat the oBRB. Models designed for in vitro applications are then examined, by paying particular attention to the design evolution in the last years, the development of pathological models and the benefits of co-culture models, including both the retinal pigment epithelium and the choroid. Lastly, this review focuses on the models developed for in vivo implantation, with special emphasis on the choice of the material, its processing and its characterization, before discussing the reported pre-clinical and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Dujardin
- Université Paris Cité, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science (LVTS) INSERM-U1148, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Walter Habeler
- INSERM U861, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100, Corbeil-Essonnes, France
- U861, I-Stem, AFM, Université Paris-Saclay, Université D’Evry, 91100, Corbeil-Essonnes, France
- CECS, Centre D’étude des Cellules Souches, 91100, Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Christelle Monville
- INSERM U861, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100, Corbeil-Essonnes, France
- U861, I-Stem, AFM, Université Paris-Saclay, Université D’Evry, 91100, Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Didier Letourneur
- Université Paris Cité, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science (LVTS) INSERM-U1148, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Teresa Simon-Yarza
- Université Paris Cité, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science (LVTS) INSERM-U1148, 75018 Paris, France
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13
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Hass DT, Zhang Q, Autterson GA, Bryan RA, Hurley JB, Miller JML. Medium Depth Influences O2 Availability and Metabolism in Human RPE Cultures. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:4. [PMID: 37922158 PMCID: PMC10629522 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.14.4] [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: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) oxidative metabolism is critical for normal retinal function and is often studied in cell culture systems. Here, we show that conventional culture media volumes dramatically impact O2 availability, limiting oxidative metabolism. We suggest optimal conditions to ensure cultured RPE is in a normoxic environment permissive to oxidative metabolism. Methods We altered the availability of O2 to human primary and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE cultures directly via a hypoxia chamber or indirectly via the amount of medium over cells. We measured oxygen consumption rates (OCRs), glucose consumption, lactate production, 13C6-glucose and 13C5-glutamine flux, hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) stability, intracellular lipid droplets after a lipid challenge, transepithelial electrical resistance, cell morphology, and pigmentation. Results Medium volumes commonly employed during RPE culture limit diffusion of O2 to cells, triggering hypoxia, activating HIF-1α, limiting OCR, and dramatically altering cell metabolism, with only minor effects on typical markers of RPE health. Media volume effects on O2 availability decrease acetyl-CoA utilization, increase glycolysis and reductive carboxylation, and alter the size and number of intracellular lipid droplets under lipid-rich conditions. Conclusions Despite having little impact on visible and typical markers of RPE culture health, media volume dramatically affects RPE physiology "under the hood." As RPE-centric diseases like age-related macular degeneration involve oxidative metabolism, RPE cultures need to be optimized to study such diseases. We provide guidelines for optimal RPE culture volumes that balance ample nutrient availability from larger media volumes with adequate O2 availability seen with smaller media volumes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T. Hass
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Qitao Zhang
- Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | | | | | - James B. Hurley
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Jason M. L. Miller
- Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
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14
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Xu L, Ruddick WN, Bolch SN, Klingeborn M, Dyka FM, Kulkarni MM, Simpson CP, Beltran WA, Bowes Rickman C, Smith WC, Dinculescu A. Distinct Phenotypic Consequences of Pathogenic Mutants Associated with Late-Onset Retinal Degeneration. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:1706-1720. [PMID: 36328299 PMCID: PMC10726427 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A pathologic feature of late-onset retinal degeneration caused by the S163R mutation in C1q-tumor necrosis factor-5 (C1QTNF5) is the presence of unusually thick deposits between the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) and the vascular choroid, considered a hallmark of this disease. Following its specific expression in mouse RPE, the S163R mutant exhibits a reversed polarized distribution relative to the apically secreted wild-type C1QTNF5, and forms widespread, prominent deposits that gradually increase in size with aging. The current study shows that S163R deposits expand to a considerable thickness through a progressive increase in the basolateral RPE membrane, substantially raising the total RPE height, and enabling their clear imaging as a distinct hyporeflective layer by noninvasive optical coherence tomography in advanced age animals. This phenotype bears a striking resemblance to ocular pathology previously documented in patients harboring the S163R mutation. Therefore, a similar viral vector-based gene delivery approach was used to also investigate the behavior of P188T and G216C, two novel pathogenic C1QTNF5 mutants recently reported in patients for which histopathologic data are lacking. Both mutants primarily impacted the RPE/photoreceptor interface and did not generate basal laminar deposits. Distinct distribution patterns and phenotypic consequences of C1QTNF5 mutants were observed in vivo, which suggested that multiple pathobiological mechanisms contribute to RPE dysfunction and vision loss in this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - William N Ruddick
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Susan N Bolch
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Mikael Klingeborn
- McLaughlin Research Institute, Great Falls, Montana; Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, Berkeley, California
| | - Frank M Dyka
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Manoj M Kulkarni
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Chiab P Simpson
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - William A Beltran
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Catherine Bowes Rickman
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, Berkeley, California; Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - W Clay Smith
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Astra Dinculescu
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
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15
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Ren C, Cui H, Bao X, Huang L, He S, Fong HKW, Zhao M. Proteopathy Linked to Exon-Skipping Isoform of RGR-Opsin Contributes to the Pathogenesis of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:41. [PMID: 37883094 PMCID: PMC10615142 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.13.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Proteopathy is believed to contribute to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Much research indicates that AMD begins in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which is associated with formation of extracellular drusen, a clinical hallmark of AMD. Human RPE produces a drusen-associated abnormal protein, the exon Ⅵ-skipping splice isoform of retinal G protein-coupled receptor (RGR-d). In this study, we investigate the detrimental effects of RGR-d on cultured cells and mouse retina. Methods ARPE-19 cells were stably infected by lentivirus overexpressing RGR or RGR-d and were treated with MG132, sometimes combined with or without endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inducer, tunicamycin. RGR and RGR-d protein expression, degeneration pathway, and potential cytotoxicity were explored. Homozygous RGR-d mice aged 8 or 14 months were fed with a high-fat diet for 3 months and then subjected to ocular examination and histopathology experiments. Results We confirm that RGR-d is proteotoxic under various conditions. In ARPE-19 cells, RGR-d is misfolded and almost completely degraded via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Unlike normal RGR, RGR-d increases ER stress, triggers the unfolded protein response, and exerts potent cytotoxicity. Aged RGR-d mice manifest disrupted RPE cell integrity, apoptotic photoreceptors, choroidal deposition of complement C3, and CD86+CD32+ proinflammatory cell infiltration into retina and RPE-choroid. Furthermore, the AMD-like phenotype of RGR-d mice can be aggravated by a high-fat diet. Conclusions Our study confirmed the pathogenicity of the RGR splice isoform and corroborated a significant role of proteopathy in AMD. These findings may contribute to greater comprehension of the multifactorial causes of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Ren
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Disease and Optometry Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Haoran Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Disease and Optometry Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Bao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Disease and Optometry Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, China
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Lvzhen Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Disease and Optometry Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Shikun He
- Department of Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Henry K. W. Fong
- Department of Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Mingwei Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Disease and Optometry Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, China
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16
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Kalaw FGP, Ignacio JCI, Wu CY, Ferreyra H, Nudleman E, Baxter SL, Freeman WR, Borooah S. PENTOSAN POLYSULFATE SODIUM (ELMIRON) MACULOPATHY: A Genetic Perspective. Retina 2023; 43:1174-1181. [PMID: 36996461 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000003794] [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: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess genetic associations for pentosan polysufate sodium maculopathy. METHODS Genetic testing for inherited retinal dystrophy genes using exome testing and for 14 age-related macular degeneration-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using panel testing were performed. In addition, full-field electroretinograms (ffERG) were obtained to identify any cone-rod dystrophy. RESULTS Eleven of 15 patients were women, with a mean age of 69 (range 46-85). Inherited retinal dystrophy exome testing in five patients revealed six pathogenic variants, but failed to confirm inherited retinal dystrophy in any patient genetically. FfERG performed in 12 patients demonstrated only nonspecific a- and b-wave abnormalities in 11 cases and was normal in one case. For age-related macular degeneration single nucleotide polymorphisms, CFH rs3766405 ( P = 0.003) and CETP ( P = 0.027) were found to be statistically significantly associated with pentosan polysulfate maculopathy phenotype compared with the control population. CONCLUSION Pentosan polysulfate maculopathy is not associated with Mendelian inherited retinal dystrophy genes. However, several age-related macular degeneration risk alleles were identified to be associated with maculopathy compared with their frequency in the normal population. This suggests a role for genes in disease pathology, particularly the alternative complement pathway. These findings would benefit from further investigation to understand the risk of developing maculopathy in taking pentosan polysulfate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fritz Gerald P Kalaw
- Jacobs Retina Center, University of California San Diego, California
- The Viterbi Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley, Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, California
| | - John Carlos I Ignacio
- Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, Ohio Agriculture Research and Development Center, The Ohio State University, Wooster, Ohio
| | - Chris Y Wu
- Jacobs Retina Center, University of California San Diego, California
- The Viterbi Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley, Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, California
- California Retina Consultants, Santa Barbara, California; and
| | - Henry Ferreyra
- Jacobs Retina Center, University of California San Diego, California
- The Viterbi Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley, Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, California
| | - Eric Nudleman
- Jacobs Retina Center, University of California San Diego, California
- The Viterbi Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley, Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, California
| | - Sally L Baxter
- The Viterbi Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley, Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, California
- Health Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - William R Freeman
- Jacobs Retina Center, University of California San Diego, California
- The Viterbi Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley, Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, California
| | - Shyamanga Borooah
- Jacobs Retina Center, University of California San Diego, California
- The Viterbi Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley, Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, California
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17
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Lenin RR, Koh YH, Zhang Z, Yeo YZ, Parikh BH, Seah I, Wong W, Su X. Dysfunctional Autophagy, Proteostasis, and Mitochondria as a Prelude to Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108763. [PMID: 37240109 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108763] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell dysfunction is a key driving force of AMD. RPE cells form a metabolic interface between photoreceptors and choriocapillaris, performing essential functions for retinal homeostasis. Through their multiple functions, RPE cells are constantly exposed to oxidative stress, which leads to the accumulation of damaged proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and cellular organelles, including mitochondria. As miniature chemical engines of the cell, self-replicating mitochondria are heavily implicated in the aging process through a variety of mechanisms. In the eye, mitochondrial dysfunction is strongly associated with several diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in millions of people globally. Aged mitochondria exhibit decreased rates of oxidative phosphorylation, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and increased numbers of mitochondrial DNA mutations. Mitochondrial bioenergetics and autophagy decline during aging because of insufficient free radical scavenger systems, the impairment of DNA repair mechanisms, and reductions in mitochondrial turnover. Recent research has uncovered a much more complex role of mitochondrial function and cytosolic protein translation and proteostasis in AMD pathogenesis. The coupling of autophagy and mitochondrial apoptosis modulates the proteostasis and aging processes. This review aims to summarise and provide a perspective on (i) the current evidence of autophagy, proteostasis, and mitochondrial dysfunction in dry AMD; (ii) current in vitro and in vivo disease models relevant to assessing mitochondrial dysfunction in AMD, and their utility in drug screening; and (iii) ongoing clinical trials targeting mitochondrial dysfunction for AMD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raji Rajesh Lenin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Department of Medical Research, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Yi Hui Koh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Zheting Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 11 Mandalay Road, Experimental Medicine Building, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Yan Zhuang Yeo
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Bhav Harshad Parikh
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Ivan Seah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Wendy Wong
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital (NUH), 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Xinyi Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital (NUH), 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), The Academia, 20 College Road, Level 6 Discovery Tower, Singapore 169856, Singapore
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18
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Chatterjee A, Singh R. Extracellular vesicles: an emerging player in retinal homeostasis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1059141. [PMID: 37181750 PMCID: PMC10166895 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1059141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) encompass secreted membrane vesicles of varied sizes, including exosomes (-30-200 nm) and microvesicles (MVs) that are ∼100-1,000 nm in size. EVs play an important role in autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine signaling and are implicated in myriad human disorders including prominent retinal degenerative diseases, like age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Studies of EVs in vitro using transformed cell lines, primary cultures, and more recently, induced pluripotent stem cell derived retinal cell type(s) (e.g., retinal pigment epithelium) have provided insights into the composition and function of EVs in the retina. Furthermore, consistent with a causal role of EVs in retinal degenerative diseases, altering EV composition has promoted pro-retinopathy cellular and molecular events in both in vitro and in vivo models. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the role of EVs in retinal (patho)physiology. Specifically, we will focus on disease-associated EV alterations in specific retinal diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the potential utility of EVs in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for targeting retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Chatterjee
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Ruchira Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- UR Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
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19
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Hass DT, Zhang Q, Autterson G, Bryan R, Hurley JB, Miller JM. Medium depth influences O 2 availability and metabolism in cultured RPE cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.01.530623. [PMID: 36909658 PMCID: PMC10002737 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.01.530623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE RPE oxidative metabolism is critical for normal retinal function and is often studied in cell culture systems. Here, we show that conventional culture media volumes dramatically impact O 2 availability, limiting oxidative metabolism. We suggest optimal conditions to ensure cultured RPE is in a normoxic environment permissive to oxidative metabolism. METHODS We altered the availability of O 2 to human primary RPE cultures directly via a hypoxia chamber or indirectly via the amount of medium over cells. We measured oxygen consumption rates (OCR), glucose consumption, lactate production, 13 C-glucose flux, hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1α) stability, intracellular lipid droplets after a lipid challenge, trans-epithelial electrical resistance, cell morphology, and pigmentation. RESULTS Medium volumes commonly employed during RPE culture limit diffusion of O 2 to cells, triggering hypoxia, activating HIF-1α, limiting OCR, and dramatically altering cell metabolism, with only minor effects on typical markers of RPE health. Media volume effects on O 2 availability decrease acetyl-CoA utilization, increase glycolysis, and alter the size and number of intracellular lipid droplets under lipid-rich conditions. CONCLUSIONS Despite having little impact on visible and typical markers of RPE culture health, media volume dramatically affects RPE physiology ″under the hood″. As RPE-centric diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) involve oxidative metabolism, RPE cultures need to be optimized to study such diseases. We provide guidelines for optimal RPE culture volumes that balance ample nutrient availability from larger media volumes with adequate O 2 availability seen with smaller media volumes.
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20
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Dalvi S, Chatterjee A, Singh R. AMD recapitulated in a 3D biomimetic: A breakthrough in retina tissue engineering. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:243-245. [PMID: 36868191 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Song et al. (Nature Methods, 2022) engineered a 3D model of the human outer blood-retina barrier (oBRB) that recapitulates key features of healthy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD)-affected eyes.1 We shine a spotlight on this tissue-engineering triumph that has the potential to transform preclinical studies of AMD and other eye diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonal Dalvi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
| | - Amit Chatterjee
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
| | - Ruchira Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; UR Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Rochester, NY 14620, USA.
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21
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Biasella F, Plössl K, Baird PN, Weber BHF. The extracellular microenvironment in immune dysregulation and inflammation in retinal disorders. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1147037. [PMID: 36936905 PMCID: PMC10014728 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1147037] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) as well as genetically complex retinal phenotypes represent a heterogenous group of ocular diseases, both on account of their phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. Therefore, overlaps in clinical features often complicate or even impede their correct clinical diagnosis. Deciphering the molecular basis of retinal diseases has not only aided in their disease classification but also helped in our understanding of how different molecular pathologies may share common pathomechanisms. In particular, these relate to dysregulation of two key processes that contribute to cellular integrity, namely extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis and inflammation. Pathological changes in the ECM of Bruch's membrane have been described in both monogenic IRDs, such as Sorsby fundus dystrophy (SFD) and Doyne honeycomb retinal dystrophy (DHRD), as well as in the genetically complex age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetic retinopathy (DR). Additionally, complement system dysfunction and distorted immune regulation may also represent a common connection between some IRDs and complex retinal degenerations. Through highlighting such overlaps in molecular pathology, this review aims to illuminate how inflammatory processes and ECM homeostasis are linked in the healthy retina and how their interplay may be disturbed in aging as well as in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Biasella
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Karolina Plössl
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Paul N. Baird
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Department of Surgery, Ophthalmology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Paul N. Baird, ; Bernhard H. F. Weber,
| | - Bernhard H. F. Weber
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Human Genetics, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Paul N. Baird, ; Bernhard H. F. Weber,
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22
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Song MJ, Quinn R, Nguyen E, Hampton C, Sharma R, Park TS, Koster C, Voss T, Tristan C, Weber C, Singh A, Dejene R, Bose D, Chen YC, Derr P, Derr K, Michael S, Barone F, Chen G, Boehm M, Maminishkis A, Singec I, Ferrer M, Bharti K. Bioprinted 3D outer retina barrier uncovers RPE-dependent choroidal phenotype in advanced macular degeneration. Nat Methods 2023; 20:149-161. [PMID: 36550275 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-022-01701-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness, initiates in the outer-blood-retina-barrier (oBRB) formed by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), Bruch's membrane, and choriocapillaris. The mechanisms of AMD initiation and progression remain poorly understood owing to the lack of physiologically relevant human oBRB models. To this end, we engineered a native-like three-dimensional (3D) oBRB tissue (3D-oBRB) by bioprinting endothelial cells, pericytes, and fibroblasts on the basal side of a biodegradable scaffold and establishing an RPE monolayer on top. In this 3D-oBRB model, a fully-polarized RPE monolayer provides barrier resistance, induces choriocapillaris fenestration, and supports the formation of Bruch's-membrane-like structure by inducing changes in gene expression in cells of the choroid. Complement activation in the 3D-oBRB triggers dry AMD phenotypes (including subRPE lipid-rich deposits called drusen and choriocapillaris degeneration), and HIF-α stabilization or STAT3 overactivation induce choriocapillaris neovascularization and type-I wet AMD phenotype. The 3D-oBRB provides a physiologically relevant model to studying RPE-choriocapillaris interactions under healthy and diseased conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jae Song
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Russ Quinn
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Eric Nguyen
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | | | - Ruchi Sharma
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Tea Soon Park
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Céline Koster
- Department of Human Genetics Amsterdam, Section of Ophthalmogenetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ty Voss
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Carlos Tristan
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Claire Weber
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Anju Singh
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Roba Dejene
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Devika Bose
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Yu-Chi Chen
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Paige Derr
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Kristy Derr
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Sam Michael
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Francesca Barone
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Guibin Chen
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Manfred Boehm
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Ilyas Singec
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Marc Ferrer
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Kapil Bharti
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA.
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA.
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23
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den Hollander AI, Mullins RF, Orozco LD, Voigt AP, Chen HH, Strunz T, Grassmann F, Haines JL, Kuiper JJW, Tumminia SJ, Allikmets R, Hageman GS, Stambolian D, Klaver CCW, Boeke JD, Chen H, Honigberg L, Katti S, Frazer KA, Weber BHF, Gorin MB. Systems genomics in age-related macular degeneration. Exp Eye Res 2022; 225:109248. [PMID: 36108770 PMCID: PMC10150562 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Genomic studies in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have identified genetic variants that account for the majority of AMD risk. An important next step is to understand the functional consequences and downstream effects of the identified AMD-associated genetic variants. Instrumental for this next step are 'omics' technologies, which enable high-throughput characterization and quantification of biological molecules, and subsequent integration of genomics with these omics datasets, a field referred to as systems genomics. Single cell sequencing studies of the retina and choroid demonstrated that the majority of candidate AMD genes identified through genomic studies are expressed in non-neuronal cells, such as the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), glia, myeloid and choroidal cells, highlighting that many different retinal and choroidal cell types contribute to the pathogenesis of AMD. Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) studies in retinal tissue have identified putative causal genes by demonstrating a genetic overlap between gene regulation and AMD risk. Linking genetic data to complement measurements in the systemic circulation has aided in understanding the effect of AMD-associated genetic variants in the complement system, and supports that protein QTL (pQTL) studies in plasma or serum samples may aid in understanding the effect of genetic variants and pinpointing causal genes in AMD. A recent epigenomic study fine-mapped AMD causal variants by determing regulatory regions in RPE cells differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC-RPE). Another approach that is being employed to pinpoint causal AMD genes is to produce synthetic DNA assemblons representing risk and protective haplotypes, which are then delivered to cellular or animal model systems. Pinpointing causal genes and understanding disease mechanisms is crucial for the next step towards clinical translation. Clinical trials targeting proteins encoded by the AMD-associated genomic loci C3, CFB, CFI, CFH, and ARMS2/HTRA1 are currently ongoing, and a phase III clinical trial for C3 inhibition recently showed a modest reduction of lesion growth in geographic atrophy. The EYERISK consortium recently developed a genetic test for AMD that allows genotyping of common and rare variants in AMD-associated genes. Polygenic risk scores (PRS) were applied to quantify AMD genetic risk, and may aid in predicting AMD progression. In conclusion, genomic studies represent a turning point in our exploration of AMD. The results of those studies now serve as a driving force for several clinical trials. Expanding to omics and systems genomics will further decipher function and causality from the associations that have been reported, and will enable the development of therapies that will lessen the burden of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneke I den Hollander
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; AbbVie, Genomics Research Center, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Robert F Mullins
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Andrew P Voigt
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Tobias Strunz
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Jonathan L Haines
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Institute for Computational Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jonas J W Kuiper
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Center of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Rando Allikmets
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, NY, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, NY, USA
| | - Gregory S Hageman
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Dwight Stambolian
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Human Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Caroline C W Klaver
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Departments of Ophthalmology and Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jef D Boeke
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Langone Health, NY, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, NY, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Hao Chen
- Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Kelly A Frazer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA; Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Bernhard H F Weber
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany; Institute of Clinical Human Genetics, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael B Gorin
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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24
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Yang YP, Hsiao YJ, Chang KJ, Foustine S, Ko YL, Tsai YC, Tai HY, Ko YC, Chiou SH, Lin TC, Chen SJ, Chien Y, Hwang DK. Pluripotent Stem Cells in Clinical Cell Transplantation: Focusing on Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived RPE Cell Therapy in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213794. [PMID: 36430270 PMCID: PMC9696562 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), including both embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), represent valuable cell sources to replace diseased or injured tissues in regenerative medicine. iPSCs exhibit the potential for indefinite self-renewal and differentiation into various cell types and can be reprogrammed from somatic tissue that can be easily obtained, paving the way for cell therapy, regenerative medicine, and personalized medicine. Cell therapies using various iPSC-derived cell types are now evolving rapidly for the treatment of clinical diseases, including Parkinson's disease, hematological diseases, cardiomyopathy, osteoarthritis, and retinal diseases. Since the first interventional clinical trial with autologous iPSC-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPEs) for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was accomplished in Japan, several preclinical trials using iPSC suspensions or monolayers have been launched, or are ongoing or completed. The evolution and generation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-universal iPSCs may facilitate the clinical application of iPSC-based therapies. Thus, iPSCs hold great promise in the treatment of multiple retinal diseases. The efficacy and adverse effects of iPSC-based retinal therapies should be carefully assessed in ongoing and further clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ping Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jer Hsiao
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Kao-Jung Chang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Shania Foustine
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ling Ko
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Tsai
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Yun Tai
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chieh Ko
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hwa Chiou
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Chi Lin
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jen Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
| | - Yueh Chien
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (D.-K.H.); Tel.: +886-2-2875-2121 (D.-K.H.)
| | - De-Kuang Hwang
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (D.-K.H.); Tel.: +886-2-2875-2121 (D.-K.H.)
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25
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Yeo NJY, Wazny V, Nguyen NLU, Ng CY, Wu KX, Fan Q, Cheung CMG, Cheung C. Single-Cell Transcriptome of Wet AMD Patient-Derived Endothelial Cells in Angiogenic Sprouting. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012549. [PMID: 36293401 PMCID: PMC9604336 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a global leading cause of visual impairment in older populations. ‘Wet’ AMD, the most common subtype of this disease, occurs when pathological angiogenesis infiltrates the subretinal space (choroidal neovascularization), causing hemorrhage and retinal damage. Gold standard anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment is an effective therapy, but the long-term prevention of visual decline has not been as successful. This warrants the need to elucidate potential VEGF-independent pathways. We generated blood out-growth endothelial cells (BOECs) from wet AMD and normal control subjects, then induced angiogenic sprouting of BOECs using a fibrin gel bead assay. To deconvolute endothelial heterogeneity, we performed single-cell transcriptomic analysis on the sprouting BOECs, revealing a spectrum of cell states. Our wet AMD BOECs share common pathways with choroidal neovascularization such as extracellular matrix remodeling that promoted proangiogenic phenotype, and our ‘activated’ BOEC subpopulation demonstrated proinflammatory hallmarks, resembling the tip-like cells in vivo. We uncovered new molecular insights that pathological angiogenesis in wet AMD BOECs could also be driven by interleukin signaling and amino acid metabolism. A web-based visualization of the sprouting BOEC single-cell transcriptome has been created to facilitate further discovery research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Jia Ying Yeo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Vanessa Wazny
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Nhi Le Uyen Nguyen
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Chun-Yi Ng
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Kan Xing Wu
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Qiao Fan
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program (Eye ACP), Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Chui Ming Gemmy Cheung
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Correspondence: (C.M.G.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Christine Cheung
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138673, Singapore
- Correspondence: (C.M.G.C.); (C.C.)
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26
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Yefimova MG. Myelinosome organelles in pathological retinas: ubiquitous presence and dual role in ocular proteostasis maintenance. Neural Regen Res 2022; 18:1009-1016. [PMID: 36254982 PMCID: PMC9827766 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.355753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The timely and efficient elimination of aberrant proteins and damaged organelles, formed in response to various genetic and environmental stressors, is a vital need for all cells of the body. Recent lines of evidence point out several non-classical strategies employed by ocular tissues to cope with aberrant constituents generated in the retina and in the retinal pigmented epithelium cells exposed to various stressors. Along with conventional strategies relying upon the intracellular degradation of aberrant constituents through ubiquitin-proteasome and/or lysosome-dependent autophagy proteolysis, two non-conventional mechanisms also contribute to proteostasis maintenance in ocular tissues. An exosome-mediated clearing and a myelinosome-driven secretion mechanism do not require intracellular degradation but provide the export of aberrant constituents and "waste proteins" outside of the cells. The current review is centered on the non-degradative myelinosome-driven secretion mechanism, which operates in the retina of transgenic Huntington's disease R6/1 model mice. Myelinosome-driven secretion is supported by rare organelles myelinosomes that are detected not only in degenerative Huntington's disease R6/1 retina but also in various pathological states of the retina and of the retinal pigmented epithelium. The intra-retinal traffic and inter-cellular exchange of myelinosomes was discussed in the context of a dual role of the myelinosome-driven secretion mechanism for proteostasis maintenance in different ocular compartments. Special focus was made on the interplay between degradative and non-degradative strategies in ocular pathophysiology, to delineate potential therapeutic approaches to counteract several vision diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina G. Yefimova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St-Petersburg, Russia,Laboratoire STIM CNRS ERL 7003, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France,Correspondence to: Marina G. Yefimova, .
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27
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Bharti K, den Hollander AI, Lakkaraju A, Sinha D, Williams DS, Finnemann SC, Bowes-Rickman C, Malek G, D'Amore PA. Cell culture models to study retinal pigment epithelium-related pathogenesis in age-related macular degeneration. Exp Eye Res 2022; 222:109170. [PMID: 35835183 PMCID: PMC9444976 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that affects the macula - the central part of the retina. It is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the elderly. AMD onset is marked by the presence of lipid- and protein-rich extracellular deposits beneath the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a monolayer of polarized, pigmented epithelial cells located between the photoreceptors and the choroidal blood supply. Progression of AMD to the late nonexudative "dry" stage of AMD, also called geographic atrophy, is linked to progressive loss of areas of the RPE, photoreceptors, and underlying choriocapillaris leading to a severe decline in patients' vision. Differential susceptibility of macular RPE in AMD and the lack of an anatomical macula in most lab animal models has promoted the use of in vitro models of the RPE. In addition, the need for high throughput platforms to test potential therapies has driven the creation and characterization of in vitro model systems that recapitulate morphologic and functional abnormalities associated with human AMD. These models range from spontaneously formed cell line ARPE19, immortalized cell lines such as hTERT-RPE1, RPE-J, and D407, to primary human (fetal or adult) or animal (mouse and pig) RPE cells, and embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived RPE. Hallmark RPE phenotypes, such as cobblestone morphology, pigmentation, and polarization, vary significantly betweendifferent models and culture conditions used in different labs, which would directly impact their usability for investigating different aspects of AMD biology. Here the AMD Disease Models task group of the Ryan Initiative for Macular Research (RIMR) provides a summary of several currently used in vitro RPE models, historical aspects of their development, RPE phenotypes that are attainable in these models, their ability to model different aspects of AMD pathophysiology, and pros/cons for their use in the RPE and AMD fields. In addition, due to the burgeoning use of iPSC derived RPE cells, the critical need for developing standards for differentiating and rigorously characterizing RPE cell appearance, morphology, and function are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kapil Bharti
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Anneke I den Hollander
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; AbbVie, Genomics Research Center, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Aparna Lakkaraju
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
| | - Debasish Sinha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cell Biology and Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - David S Williams
- Stein Eye Institute, Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Silvia C Finnemann
- Center of Cancer, Genetic Diseases, and Gene Regulation, Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Catherine Bowes-Rickman
- Duke Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Goldis Malek
- Duke Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Patricia A D'Amore
- Mass Eye and Ear, Departments of Ophthalmology and Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Zhang S, Ye K, Gao G, Song X, Xu P, Zeng J, Xie B, Zheng D, He L, Ji J, Zhong X. Amniotic Membrane Enhances the Characteristics and Function of Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium Sheets by Inhibiting the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Acta Biomater 2022; 151:183-196. [PMID: 35933105 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.07.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (iRPE) is an attractive cell source for disease modeling and cell replacement therapy of retinal disorders with RPE defects. However, there are still challenges to develop appropriate culture conditions close to in vivo microenvironment to generate iRPE sheets, which mimic more faithfully the characteristics and functions of the human RPE cells. Here, we developed a simple, novel platform to construct authentic iRPE sheets using human amniotic membrane (hAM) as a natural scaffold. The decellularized hAM (dAM) provided a Bruch's membrane (BM)-like bioscaffold, supported the iRPE growth and enhanced the epithelial features, polarity distribution and functional features of iRPE cells. Importantly, RNA-seq analysis was performed to compare the transcriptomes of iRPE cells cultured on different substrates, which revealed the potential mechanism that dAM supported and promoted iRPE growth was the inhibition of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). The tissue-engineered iRPE sheets survived and kept monolayer when transplanted into the subretinal space of rabbits. All together, our results indicate that the dAM imitating the natural BM allows for engineering authentic human RPE sheets, which will provide valuable biomaterials for disease modeling, drug screening and cell replacement therapy of retinal degenerative diseases. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: : Engineered RPE sheets have a great advantage over RPE cell suspension for transplantation as they support RPE growth in an intact monolayer which RPE functions are dependent on. The substrates for RPE culture play a critical role to maintain the physiological functions of the RPE in stem cell therapies for patients with retinal degeneration. In this study, we constructed engineered iRPE sheets on the decellularized human amniotic membrane (dAM) scaffolds, which contributed to enhancing epithelial features, polarity distribution and functional features of iRPE. dAM exhibited the ability of anti-epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) to support iRPE growth. Furtherly, the results of transplanted in vivo demonstrated the feasibility of iRPE sheets in retina regenerative therapy. Engineering RPE sheets on dAM is a promising strategy to facilitate the development of iRPE replacement therapy and retinal disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanjie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojing Song
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingrong Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bingbing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liwen He
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jianping Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xiufeng Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China.
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29
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Hall JC, Paull D, Pébay A, Lidgerwood GE. Human pluripotent stem cells for the modelling of retinal pigment epithelium homeostasis and disease: A review. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 50:667-677. [PMID: 35739648 PMCID: PMC9546239 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), which include induced pluripotent stem cells and embryonic stem cells, are powerful tools for studying human development, physiology and disease, including those affecting the retina. Cells from selected individuals, or specific genetic backgrounds, can be differentiated into distinct cell types allowing the modelling of diseases in a dish for therapeutic development. hPSC‐derived retinal cultures have already been used to successfully model retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration for various retinal diseases including monogenic conditions and complex disease such as age‐related macular degeneration. Here, we will review the current knowledge gained in understanding the molecular events involved in retinal disease using hPSC‐derived retinal models, in particular RPE models. We will provide examples of various conditions to illustrate the scope of applications associated with the use of hPSC‐derived RPE models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna C Hall
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Daniel Paull
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute New York New York USA
| | - Alice Pébay
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Grace E. Lidgerwood
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
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30
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Senabouth A, Daniszewski M, Lidgerwood GE, Liang HH, Hernández D, Mirzaei M, Keenan SN, Zhang R, Han X, Neavin D, Rooney L, Lopez Sanchez MIG, Gulluyan L, Paulo JA, Clarke L, Kearns LS, Gnanasambandapillai V, Chan CL, Nguyen U, Steinmann AM, McCloy RA, Farbehi N, Gupta VK, Mackey DA, Bylsma G, Verma N, MacGregor S, Watt MJ, Guymer RH, Powell JE, Hewitt AW, Pébay A. Transcriptomic and proteomic retinal pigment epithelium signatures of age-related macular degeneration. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4233. [PMID: 35882847 PMCID: PMC9325891 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31707-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
There are currently no treatments for geographic atrophy, the advanced form of age-related macular degeneration. Hence, innovative studies are needed to model this condition and prevent or delay its progression. Induced pluripotent stem cells generated from patients with geographic atrophy and healthy individuals were differentiated to retinal pigment epithelium. Integrating transcriptional profiles of 127,659 retinal pigment epithelium cells generated from 43 individuals with geographic atrophy and 36 controls with genotype data, we identify 445 expression quantitative trait loci in cis that are asssociated with disease status and specific to retinal pigment epithelium subpopulations. Transcriptomics and proteomics approaches identify molecular pathways significantly upregulated in geographic atrophy, including in mitochondrial functions, metabolic pathways and extracellular cellular matrix reorganization. Five significant protein quantitative trait loci that regulate protein expression in the retinal pigment epithelium and in geographic atrophy are identified - two of which share variants with cis- expression quantitative trait loci, including proteins involved in mitochondrial biology and neurodegeneration. Investigation of mitochondrial metabolism confirms mitochondrial dysfunction as a core constitutive difference of the retinal pigment epithelium from patients with geographic atrophy. This study uncovers important differences in retinal pigment epithelium homeostasis associated with geographic atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Senabouth
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Maciej Daniszewski
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Grace E Lidgerwood
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Helena H Liang
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Damián Hernández
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Stacey N Keenan
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Ran Zhang
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Xikun Han
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Drew Neavin
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Louise Rooney
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | | | - Lerna Gulluyan
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Joao A Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Linda Clarke
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Lisa S Kearns
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | | | - Chia-Ling Chan
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Uyen Nguyen
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Angela M Steinmann
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Rachael A McCloy
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Nona Farbehi
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Vivek K Gupta
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - David A Mackey
- Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Vision Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7005, Australia
| | - Guy Bylsma
- Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Vision Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Nitin Verma
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7005, Australia
| | - Stuart MacGregor
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Matthew J Watt
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Robyn H Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Ophthalmology, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, The University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Joseph E Powell
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.
- UNSW Cellular Genomics Futures Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Alex W Hewitt
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia.
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7005, Australia.
- Department of Surgery, Ophthalmology, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, The University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia.
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Alice Pébay
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia.
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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31
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Molins B, Mesquida M, Adan A. Bioengineering approaches for modelling retinal pathologies of the outer blood-retinal barrier. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022:101097. [PMID: 35840488 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101097] [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: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Alterations of the junctional complex of the outer blood-retinal barrier (oBRB), which is integrated by the close interaction of the retinal pigment epithelium, the Bruch's membrane, and the choriocapillaris, contribute to the loss of neuronal signalling and subsequent vision impairment in several retinal inflammatory disorders such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Reductionist approaches into the mechanisms that underlie such diseases have been hindered by the absence of adequate in vitro models using human cells to provide the 3D dynamic architecture that enables expression of the in vivo phenotype of the oBRB. Conventional in vitro cell models are based on 2D monolayer cellular cultures, unable to properly recapitulate the complexity of living systems. The main drawbacks of conventional oBRB models also emerge from the cell sourcing, the lack of an appropriate Bruch's membrane analogue, and the lack of choroidal microvasculature with flow. In the last years, the advent of organ-on-a-chip, bioengineering, and stem cell technologies is providing more advanced 3D models with flow, multicellularity, and external control over microenvironmental properties. By incorporating additional biological complexity, organ-on-a-chip devices can mirror physiologically relevant properties of the native tissue while offering additional set ups to model and study disease. In this review we first examine the current understanding of oBRB biology as a functional unit, highlighting the coordinated contribution of the different components to barrier function in health and disease. Then we describe recent advances in the use of pluripotent stem cells-derived retinal cells, Bruch's membrane analogues, and co-culture techniques to recapitulate the oBRB. We finally discuss current advances and challenges of oBRB-on-a-chip technologies for disease modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Molins
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marina Mesquida
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alfredo Adan
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Instituto Clínic de Oftalmología, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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32
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Keeling E, Lynn SA, Koh YM, Scott JA, Kendall A, Gatherer M, Page A, Cagampang FR, Lotery AJ, Ratnayaka JA. A High Fat "Western-style" Diet Induces AMD-Like Features in Wildtype Mice. Mol Nutr Food Res 2022; 66:e2100823. [PMID: 35306732 PMCID: PMC9287010 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202100823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Scope The intake of a “Western‐style” diet rich in fats is linked with developing retinopathies including age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Wildtype mice are given a high fat diet (HFD) to determine how unhealthy foods can bring about retinal degeneration. Methods and results Following weaning, female C57BL/6 mice are maintained on standard chow (7% kcal fat, n = 29) or a HFD (45% kcal fat, n = 27) for 12 months. Animals were sacrificed following electroretinography (ERG) and their eyes analyzed by histology, confocal immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. HFD mice become obese, but showed normal retinal function compared to chow‐fed controls. However, diminished β3tubulin labeling of retinal cross‐sections indicated fewer/damaged neuronal processes in the inner plexiform layer. AMD‐linked proteins clusterin and TIMP3 accumulated in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Bruch's membrane (BrM). Neutral lipids also deposited in the outer retinae of HFD mice. Ultrastructural analysis revealed disorganized photoreceptor outer segments, collapsed/misaligned RPE microvilli, vacuoles, convoluted basolateral RPE infolds and BrM changes. Basal laminar‐like deposits were also present alongside abnormal choroidal endothelial cells. Conclusions We show that prolonged exposure to an unhealthy “Western‐style” diet alone can recapitulate early‐intermediate AMD‐like features in wildtype mice, highlighting the importance of diet and nutrition in the etiology of sight‐loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloise Keeling
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Savannah A Lynn
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Yen Min Koh
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Jenny A Scott
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Aaron Kendall
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Maureen Gatherer
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Anton Page
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, University of Southampton, MP12, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Felino R Cagampang
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Andrew J Lotery
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.,Eye Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - J Arjuna Ratnayaka
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP806, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
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33
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CLEC3B is a novel causative gene for macular-retinal dystrophy. Genet Med 2022; 24:1249-1260. [PMID: 35331648 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2022.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. In this study, we aimed to define a new subtype of macular-retinal dystrophy and its genetic predisposition in 5 families. METHODS Exome sequencing was performed to determine the putative disease-causing genes in patients with inherited macular disorders confirmed through comprehensive ophthalmic examinations. To validate its functional consequence, adeno-associated virus-mediated mutant gene was delivered into the murine retina, and both structural and functional tests were performed to investigate its pathological effects in vivo. RESULTS In total, 5 multigenerational families diagnosed with autosomal dominant maculoretinopathy were found to carry a pathogenic variant in a new gene, CLEC3B, which encodes tetranectin, a plasminogen kringle-4 binding protein. Consistent with the disease phenotypes of patients, mice that received subretinal injections with the CLEC3B variant displayed multiple subretinal hyperreflective deposits, reduced retinal thickness, and decreased electroretinographic responses. Moreover, the optokinetic tracking response indicated that spatial frequency was significantly lower (P < .05), implying impaired visual function in these mice. CONCLUSION We have presented a new subtype of macular-retinal dystrophy in 5 families as well as a new pathogenic gene, CLEC3B, providing new insights into maculoretinopathy etiology.
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Ortolan D, Sharma R, Volkov A, Maminishkis A, Hotaling NA, Huryn LA, Cukras C, Di Marco S, Bisti S, Bharti K. Single-cell-resolution map of human retinal pigment epithelium helps discover subpopulations with differential disease sensitivity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2117553119. [PMID: 35522714 PMCID: PMC9171647 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2117553119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Regional phenotypic and functional differences in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) monolayer have been suggested to account for regional susceptibility in ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), late-onset retinal degeneration (L-ORD), and choroideremia (CHM). However, a comprehensive description of human topographical RPE diversity is not yet available, thus limiting the understanding of regional RPE diversity and degenerative disease sensitivity in the eye. To develop a complete morphometric RPE map of the human eye, artificial intelligence–based software was trained to recognize, segment, and analyze RPE borders. Five statistically different, concentric RPE subpopulations (P1 to P5) were identified using cell area as a parameter, including a subpopulation (P4) with cell area comparable to that of macular cells in the far periphery of the eye. This work provides a complete reference map of human RPE subpopulations and their location in the eye. In addition, the analysis of cadaver non-AMD and AMD eyes and ultra-widefield fundus images of patients revealed differential vulnerability of the five RPE subpopulations to different retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Ortolan
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Ruchi Sharma
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Andrei Volkov
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Arvydas Maminishkis
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Nathan A. Hotaling
- Information Resources Technology Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Laryssa A. Huryn
- Ophthalmic Clinical Genetics Section, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Catherine Cukras
- Unit on Clinical Investigation of Retinal Disease, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Stefano Di Marco
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Silvia Bisti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute, 00136 Roma, Italy
| | - Kapil Bharti
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
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35
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Rizzolo LJ, Nasonkin IO, Adelman RA. Retinal Cell Transplantation, Biomaterials, and In Vitro Models for Developing Next-generation Therapies of Age-related Macular Degeneration. Stem Cells Transl Med 2022; 11:269-281. [PMID: 35356975 PMCID: PMC8968686 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells grown on a scaffold, an RPE patch, have potential to ameliorate visual impairment in a limited number of retinal degenerative conditions. This tissue-replacement therapy is suited for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and related diseases. RPE cells must be transplanted before the disease reaches a point of no return, represented by the loss of photoreceptors. Photoreceptors are specialized, terminally differentiated neurosensory cells that must interact with RPE's apical processes to be functional. Human photoreceptors are not known to regenerate. On the RPE's basal side, the RPE transplant must induce the reformation of the choriocapillaris, thereby re-establishing the outer blood-retinal barrier. Because the scaffold is positioned between the RPE and choriocapillaris, it should ideally degrade and be replaced by the natural extracellular matrix that separates these tissues. Besides biodegradable, the scaffolds need to be nontoxic, thin enough to not affect the focal length of the eye, strong enough to survive the transplant procedure, yet flexible enough to conform to the curvature of the retina. The challenge is patients with progressing AMD treasure their remaining vision and fear that a risky surgical procedure will further degrade their vision. Accordingly, clinical trials only treat eyes with severe impairment that have few photoreceptors to interact with the transplanted patch. Although safety has been demonstrated, the cell-replacement mechanism and efficacy remain difficult to validate. This review covers the structure of the retina, the pathology of AMD, the limitations of cell therapy approaches, and the recent progress in developing retinal therapies using biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence J Rizzolo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Surgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Ron A Adelman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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36
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Human iPSC- and Primary-Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells for Modeling Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11040605. [PMID: 35453289 PMCID: PMC9025527 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11040605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary cultures of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) from human adult donors (haRPE) and induced pluripotent stem cell derived-RPE (iPSC-RPE) are valuable model systems for gaining mechanistic insight and for testing potential therapies for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study evaluated the treatment response of haRPE and iPSC-RPE to oxidative stress and potential therapeutics addressing mitochondrial defects. haRPE and iSPC-RPE were derived from donors with or without AMD. Mitochondrial function was measured after treatment with menadione, AICAR, or trehalose and the response to treatment was compared between cell models and by disease status. In a subset of samples, haRPE and iPSC-RPE were generated from the same human donor to make a side-by-side comparison of the two cell models' response to treatment. Disease-specific responses to all three treatments was observed in the haRPE. In contrast, iPSC-RPE had a similar response to all treatments irrespective of disease status. Analysis of haRPE and iPSC-RPE generated from the same human donor showed a similar response for donors without AMD, but there were significant differences in treatment response between cell models generated from AMD donors. These results support the use of iPSC-RPE and haRPE when investigating AMD mechanisms and new therapeutics but indicates that attention to experimental conditions is required.
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Engel AL, Wang Y, Khuu TH, Worrall E, Manson MA, Lim RR, Knight K, Yanagida A, Qi JH, Ramakrishnan A, Weleber RG, Klein ML, Wilson DJ, Anand-Apte B, Hurley JB, Du J, Chao JR. Extracellular matrix dysfunction in Sorsby patient-derived retinal pigment epithelium. Exp Eye Res 2022; 215:108899. [PMID: 34929159 PMCID: PMC8923943 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Sorsby Fundus Dystrophy (SFD) is a rare form of macular degeneration that is clinically similar to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and a histologic hallmark of SFD is a thick layer of extracellular deposits beneath the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Previous studies of SFD patient-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived RPE differ as to whether these cultures recapitulate this key clinical feature by forming increased drusenoid deposits. The primary purpose of this study is to examine whether SFD patient-derived iPSC-RPE form basal deposits similar to what is found in affected family member SFD globes and to determine whether SFD iPSC RPE may be more oxidatively stressed. We performed a careful comparison of iPSC RPE from three control individuals, multiple iPSC clones from two SFD patients' iPSC RPE, and post-mortem eyes of affected SFD family members. We also examined the effect of CRISPR-Cas9 gene correction of the S204C TIMP3 mutation on RPE phenotype. Finally, targeted metabolomics with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis and stable isotope-labeled metabolite analysis were performed to determine whether SFD RPE are more oxidatively stressed. We found that SFD iPSC-RPE formed significantly more sub-RPE deposits (∼6-90 μm in height) compared to control RPE at 8 weeks. These deposits were similar in composition to the thick layer of sub-RPE deposits found in SFD family member globes by immunofluorescence staining and TEM imaging. S204C TIMP3 correction by CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in SFD iPSC RPE cells resulted in significantly reduced basal laminar and sub-RPE calcium deposits. We detected a ∼18-fold increase in TIMP3 accumulation in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of SFD RPE, and targeted metabolomics showed that intracellular 4-hydroxyproline, a major breakdown product of collagen, is significantly elevated in SFD RPE, suggesting increased ECM turnover. Finally, SFD RPE cells have decreased intracellular reduced glutathione and were found to be more vulnerable to oxidative stress. Our findings suggest that elements of SFD pathology can be demonstrated in culture which may lead to insights into disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbi L. Engel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - YeKai Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506,Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506
| | - Thomas H. Khuu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Emily Worrall
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Megan A. Manson
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Rayne R. Lim
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Kaitlen Knight
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Aya Yanagida
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Jian Hua Qi
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Aravind Ramakrishnan
- Center for Blood Cancers and Oncology, St. David’s South Austin Medical Center, Austin, TX 78704
| | - Richard G Weleber
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201
| | - Michael L. Klein
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201
| | - David J. Wilson
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201
| | - Bela Anand-Apte
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - James B. Hurley
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109,Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Jianhai Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506,Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506,Corresponding authors: , 750 Republican Street, Box 358058, Seattle WA 98109 (206) 221-0594; or , One Medical Center Dr., PO Box 9193, WVU Eye Institute, Morgantown, WV 26505; Phone: (304)-598-6903; Fax: (304)-598- 6928
| | - Jennifer R. Chao
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109,Corresponding authors: , 750 Republican Street, Box 358058, Seattle WA 98109 (206) 221-0594; or , One Medical Center Dr., PO Box 9193, WVU Eye Institute, Morgantown, WV 26505; Phone: (304)-598-6903; Fax: (304)-598- 6928
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Testing Mitochondrial-Targeted Drugs in iPSC-RPE from Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15010062. [PMID: 35056119 PMCID: PMC8781759 DOI: 10.3390/ph15010062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. No universally effective treatments exist for atrophic or “dry” AMD, which results from loss of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors and accounts for ≈80% of all AMD patients. Prior studies provide evidence for the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in AMD pathology. This study used induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) RPE derived from five AMD patients to test the efficacy of three drugs (AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide), Metformin, trehalose) that target key processes in maintaining optimal mitochondrial function. The patient iPSC-RPE lines were used in a proof-of-concept drug screen, utilizing an analysis of RPE mitochondrial function following acute and extended drug exposure. Results show considerable variability in drug response across patient cell lines, supporting the need for a personalized medicine approach for treating AMD. Furthermore, our results demonstrate the feasibility of using iPSC-RPE from AMD patients to develop a personalized drug treatment regime and provide a roadmap for the future clinical management of AMD.
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Flores‐Bellver M, Mighty J, Aparicio‐Domingo S, Li KV, Shi C, Zhou J, Cobb H, McGrath P, Michelis G, Lenhart P, Bilousova G, Heissel S, Rudy MJ, Coughlan C, Goodspeed AE, Becerra SP, Redenti S, Canto‐Soler MV. Extracellular vesicles released by human retinal pigment epithelium mediate increased polarised secretion of drusen proteins in response to AMD stressors. J Extracell Vesicles 2021; 10:e12165. [PMID: 34750957 PMCID: PMC8575963 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Drusen are key contributors to the etiology of AMD and the ability to modulate drusen biogenesis could lead to therapeutic strategies to slow or halt AMD progression. The mechanisms underlying drusen biogenesis, however, remain mostly unknown. Here we demonstrate that under homeostatic conditions extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells are enriched in proteins associated with mechanisms involved in AMD pathophysiology, including oxidative stress, immune response, inflammation, complement system and drusen composition. Furthermore, we provide first evidence that drusen-associated proteins are released as cargo of extracellular vesicles secreted by RPE cells in a polarised apical:basal mode. Notably, drusen-associated proteins exhibited distinctive directional secretion modes in homeostatic conditions and, differential modulation of this directional secretion in response to AMD stressors. These observations underpin the existence of a finely-tuned mechanism regulating directional apical:basal sorting and secretion of drusen-associated proteins via EVs, and its modulation in response to mechanisms involved in AMD pathophysiology. Collectively, our results strongly support an active role of RPE-derived EVs as a key source of drusen proteins and important contributors to drusen development and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Flores‐Bellver
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration ProgramDepartment of OphthalmologySue Anschutz‐Rodgers Eye CenterUniversity of Colorado, School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Jason Mighty
- Lehman CollegeBronxNew YorkUSA
- Biology Doctoral ProgramThe Graduate School and University CenterCity University of New YorkNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Silvia Aparicio‐Domingo
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration ProgramDepartment of OphthalmologySue Anschutz‐Rodgers Eye CenterUniversity of Colorado, School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Kang V. Li
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration ProgramDepartment of OphthalmologySue Anschutz‐Rodgers Eye CenterUniversity of Colorado, School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Cui Shi
- Lehman CollegeBronxNew YorkUSA
- Biology Doctoral ProgramThe Graduate School and University CenterCity University of New YorkNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Hannah Cobb
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration ProgramDepartment of OphthalmologySue Anschutz‐Rodgers Eye CenterUniversity of Colorado, School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Patrick McGrath
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - German Michelis
- Section of Protein Structure and FunctionNEINIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Patricia Lenhart
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration ProgramDepartment of OphthalmologySue Anschutz‐Rodgers Eye CenterUniversity of Colorado, School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Ganna Bilousova
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
- Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down SyndromeUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Søren Heissel
- Proteomics Resource CenterThe Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Michael J. Rudy
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Christina Coughlan
- University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition CenterDepartment of NeurologyLinda Crnic Institute for Down SyndromeUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Andrew E. Goodspeed
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraColoradoUSA
- University of Colorado Cancer CenterUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraColoradoUSA
| | | | - Stephen Redenti
- Lehman CollegeBronxNew YorkUSA
- Biology Doctoral ProgramThe Graduate School and University CenterCity University of New YorkNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Biochemistry Doctoral ProgramThe Graduate SchoolCity University of New YorkNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - M. Valeria Canto‐Soler
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration ProgramDepartment of OphthalmologySue Anschutz‐Rodgers Eye CenterUniversity of Colorado, School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
- Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
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40
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Image-Based Quantitation of Kainic Acid-Induced Excitotoxicity as a Model of Neurodegeneration in Human iPSC-Derived Neurons. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2021; 2549:187-207. [PMID: 34505266 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2021_421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Excitotoxicity is a feature of many neurodegenerative diseases and acquired forms of neural injury that is characterized by disruption of neuronal morphology. This is typically seen as beading and fragmentation of neurites when exposed to excitotoxins such as the AMPA receptor agonist kainic acid, with the extent to which these occur used to quantitate neurodegeneration. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide a means to generate human neurons in vitro for mechanistic studies and can thereby be used to investigate how cells respond to excitotoxicity and to identify or test potential neuroprotective agents. To facilitate such studies, we have optimized a protocol for human iPSC differentiation to mature neurons in a 96-well plate format that enables image-based quantitation of changes to neuron morphology when exposed to kainic acid. Our protocol assays neuron morphology across seven excitotoxin concentrations with multiple control conditions and is ideally suited to comparison of neurons generated through differentiation of two isogenic iPSC lines in a single plate. We have included detailed step-by-step protocols for neural stem cell differentiation, neuronal maturation and exposure to kainic acid treatment, as well as different approaches to image-based quantitation that involve immunofluorescence or phase-contrast microscopy.
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41
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Stellon D, Tran MTN, Talbot J, Chear S, Khalid MKNM, Pébay A, Vickers JC, King AE, Hewitt AW, Cook AL. CRISPR/Cas-Mediated Knock-in of Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Biosensors into the AAVS1 Locus of Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2021; 2549:379-398. [PMID: 34505269 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2021_422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors (GEFBs) enable researchers to visualize and quantify cellular processes in live cells. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be genetically engineered to express GEFBs via integration into the Adeno-Associated Virus Integration Site 1 (AAVS1) safe harbor locus. This can be achieved using CRISPR/Cas ribonucleoprotein targeting to cause a double-strand break at the AAVS1 locus, which subsequently undergoes homology-directed repair (HDR) in the presence of a donor plasmid containing the GEFB sequence. We describe an optimized protocol for CRISPR/Cas-mediated knock-in of GEFBs into the AAVS1 locus of human iPSCs that allows puromycin selection and which exhibits negligible off-target editing. The resulting iPSC lines can be differentiated into cells of different lineages while retaining expression of the GEFB, enabling live-cell interrogation of cell pathway activities across a diversity of disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Stellon
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia.
| | | | - Jana Talbot
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Sueanne Chear
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | | | - Alice Pébay
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - James C Vickers
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Anna E King
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Alex W Hewitt
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Anthony L Cook
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia.
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Chinchilla B, Fernandez-Godino R. AMD-Like Substrate Causes Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in iPSC-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Wild Type but Not C3-Knockout. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158183. [PMID: 34360950 PMCID: PMC8348968 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Bruch's membrane (BrM) is a five-layered extracellular matrix (ECM) that supports the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Normal age-related changes in the BrM may lead to RPE cell damage and ultimately to the onset and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the most common cause of visual loss among the elderly. A role for the complement system in AMD pathology has been established, but the disease mechanisms are poorly understood, which hampers the design of efficient therapies to treat millions of patients. In an effort to identify the mechanisms that lead from normal aging to pathology, we have developed a cell-based model using complement deficient human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived RPE cells cultured on an AMD-like ECM that mimics BrM. The data present evidence that changes in the ECM result in loss of differentiation and promote epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of healthy RPE cells. This pathological process is mediated by complement activation and involves the formation of a randomly oriented collagen meshwork that drives the dedifferentiation of the RPE monolayer. Genetic ablation of complement component 3 has a protective effect against EMT but does not prevent the abnormal deposition of collagens. These findings offer new insights into the sequence of events that initiate AMD and may guide the design of efficient therapies to treat this disease with unmet medical needs.
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43
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Chung YS, Jin HL, Jeong KW. Cell-specific expression of ENACα gene by FOXA1 in the glucocorticoid receptor pathway. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2021; 34:2058738420946192. [PMID: 32838581 PMCID: PMC7450284 DOI: 10.1177/2058738420946192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is one of the most widely studied
ligand-dependent nuclear receptors. The combination of transcriptional
regulatory factors required for the expression of individual genes targeted
by GR varies across cell types; however, the mechanisms underlying this cell
type–specific regulation of gene expression are not yet clear. Methods: Here, we investigated genes regulated by GR in two different cell lines, A549
and ARPE-19, and examined how gene expression varied according to the effect
of pioneer factors using RNA-seq and RT-qPCR. Results: Our RNA-seq results identified 19 and 63 genes regulated by GR that are
ARPE-19-specific and A549-specific, respectively, suggesting that GR induces
the expression of different sets of genes in a cell type–specific manner.
RT-qPCR confirmed that the epithelial sodium channel
(ENACα) gene is an ARPE-19 cell-specific GR target gene,
whereas the FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP5) gene was A549
cell-specific. There was a significant decrease in ENACα
expression in FOXA1-deficient ARPE-19 cells, suggesting that FOXA1 might
function as a pioneer factor enabling the selective expression of
ENACα in ARPE-19 cells but not in A549 cells. Conclusion: These findings indicate that ENACα expression in ARPE-19
cells is regulated by FOXA1 and provide insights into the molecular
mechanisms of cell type–specific expression of GR-regulated genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Sun Chung
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Lan Jin
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, People's Republic of China
| | - Kwang Won Jeong
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
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Bao X, Zhang Z, Guo Y, Buser C, Kochounian H, Wu N, Li X, He S, Sun B, Ross-Cisneros FN, Sadun AA, Huang L, Zhao M, Fong HKW. Human RGR Gene and Associated Features of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Models of Retina-Choriocapillaris Atrophy. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2021; 191:1454-1473. [PMID: 34022179 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye disease and the most common cause of blindness among the elderly. AMD is characterized by early atrophy of the choriocapillaris and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Although AMD is a multifactorial disease with many environmental and genetic risk factors, a hallmark of the disease is the origination of extracellular deposits, or drusen, between the RPE and Bruch membrane. Human retinal G-protein-coupled receptor (RGR) gene generates an exon-skipping splice variant of RGR-opsin (RGR-d; NP_001012740) that is a persistent component of small and large drusen. Herein, the findings show that abnormal RGR proteins, including RGR-d, are pathogenic in an animal retina with degeneration of the choriocapillaris, RPE, and photoreceptors. A frameshift truncating mutation resulted in severe retinal degeneration with a continuous band of basal deposits along the Bruch membrane. RGR-d produced less severe disease with choriocapillaris and RPE atrophy, including focal accumulation of abnormal RGR-d protein at the basal boundary of the RPE. Degeneration of the choriocapillaris was marked by a decrease in endothelial CD31 protein and choriocapillaris breakdown at the ultrastructural level. Fundus lesions with patchy depigmentation were characteristic of old RGR-d mice. RGR-d was mislocalized in cultured cells and caused a strong cell growth defect. These results uphold the notion of a potential hidden link between AMD and a high-frequency RGR allele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Bao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California
| | - Zhaoxia Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California; Shanxi Eye Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yanjiang Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | | | - Nancy Wu
- Norris Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Xiaohua Li
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan, China
| | - Shikun He
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California
| | - Bin Sun
- Shanxi Eye Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | | | - Alfredo A Sadun
- Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California; Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Lvzhen Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mingwei Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Henry K W Fong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California; University of Southern California Roski Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California; Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
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45
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Nolan ND, Quinn PMJ, Tsang SH. Overcoming translational barriers in modeling macular degenerations. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:781-783. [PMID: 33961756 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Advances in tissue mimetics are paving the way for interrogating both the pathobiology of human disease and innovative therapeutic paradigms. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Manian et al. (2021) develop a novel iPSC-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-choriocapillaris (CC) complex that recapitulates key features of macular degenerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas David Nolan
- Jonas Children's Vision Care, Department of Ophthalmology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter M J Quinn
- Jonas Children's Vision Care, Department of Ophthalmology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Jonas Children's Vision Care, Department of Ophthalmology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Institute of Human Nutrition, and Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, New York, NY, USA.
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46
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Sura AA, Chen L, Messinger JD, Swain TA, McGwin G, Freund KB, Curcio CA. Measuring the Contributions of Basal Laminar Deposit and Bruch's Membrane in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:19. [PMID: 33186466 PMCID: PMC7671869 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.13.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Basal laminar deposit (BLamD) is a consistent finding in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We quantified BLamD thickness, appearance, and topography in eyes of aged donors with and without AMD and evaluated its relationship to other components of the retinal pigment epithelium-basal lamina/Bruch's membrane (RPE-BL-BrM) complex. Methods Donor eyes (n = 132) were classified as normal (n = 54), early to intermediate AMD (n = 24), geographic atrophy (GA; n = 13), and neovascular AMD (NV; n = 41). In high-resolution histology, we assessed RPE, BLamD, and BrM thicknesses and phenotypes at 3309 predefined locations in the central (foveal and perifovea) and superior (perifoveal) sections. Pre-mortem optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of a 90-year-old woman was compared to postmortem histopathology. Results In non-atrophic areas of AMD eyes, the RPE-BLamD is thick (normal = 13.7 µm, early-intermediate = 16.8 µm, GA = 17.4 µm, NV = 18.7 µm), because the BLamD is thick (normal = 0.3 µm, early-intermediate = 5.5 µm, GA = 4.1 µm, NV = 5.3 µm). RPE layer thickness is similar across these stages. Disease-associated variants of BLamD (thick, late, basal mounds) cluster subfoveally. A thick BLamD is visible on OCT as a hyporeflective split in the RPE-BL-BrM complex. BrM is thin (3.5 µm) in NV (normal = 4.2 µm, early to intermediate = 4.4 µm, and GA = 4.2 µm). Conclusions The RPE-BL-BrM complex is thick in AMD, driven by the accumulation and expansion of BLamD rather than expansion of either three-layer BrM, RPE-BL, or RPE. BLamD is clinically appreciable by OCT in some patients as a non-neovascular "split RPE-BL-BrM complex" or "double-layer sign." BLamD may contribute toward the formation and progression of high-risk drusen yet also exhibit protective properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amol A Sura
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, United States.,The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, and Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China
| | - Jeffrey D Messinger
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Thomas A Swain
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Gerald McGwin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - K Bailey Freund
- Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York, New York, New York, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.,LuEsther T. Mertz Retinal Research Center, Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital, New York, New York, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Langone School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States.,Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Harkness Eye Institute, New York, New York, United States
| | - Christine A Curcio
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
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Tsai YT, Li Y, Ryu J, Su PY, Cheng CH, Wu WH, Li YS, Quinn PMJ, Leong KW, Tsang SH. Impaired cholesterol efflux in retinal pigment epithelium of individuals with juvenile macular degeneration. Am J Hum Genet 2021; 108:903-918. [PMID: 33909993 PMCID: PMC8206198 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2021.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Macular degeneration (MD) is characterized by the progressive deterioration of the macula and represents one of the most prevalent causes of blindness worldwide. Abnormal intracellular accumulation of lipid droplets and pericellular deposits of lipid-rich material in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) called drusen are clinical hallmarks of different forms of MD including Doyne honeycomb retinal dystrophy (DHRD) and age-related MD (AMD). However, the appropriate molecular therapeutic target underlying these disorder phenotypes remains elusive. Here, we address this knowledge gap by comparing the proteomic profiles of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived RPEs (iRPE) from individuals with DHRD and their isogenic controls. Our analysis and follow-up studies elucidated the mechanism of lipid accumulation in DHRD iRPE cells. Specifically, we detected significant downregulation of carboxylesterase 1 (CES1), an enzyme that converts cholesteryl ester to free cholesterol, an indispensable process in cholesterol export. CES1 knockdown or overexpression of EFEMP1R345W, a variant of EGF-containing fibulin extracellular matrix protein 1 that is associated with DHRD and attenuated cholesterol efflux and led to lipid droplet accumulation. In iRPE cells, we also found that EFEMP1R345W has a hyper-inhibitory effect on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling when compared to EFEMP1WT and may suppress CES1 expression via the downregulation of transcription factor SP1. Taken together, these results highlight the homeostatic role of cholesterol efflux in iRPE cells and identify CES1 as a mediator of cholesterol efflux in MD.
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Key Words
- age-related macular degeneration, Doyne honeycomb destrophy, DHRD, cholesterol efflux, drusen, RPE, CRISPR, isogenic, EGFR signaling, unfolded protein response, lipid accumulation
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ting Tsai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yao Li
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and the Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Joseph Ryu
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and the Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Pei-Yin Su
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and the Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Chia-Hua Cheng
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and the Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Wen-Hsuan Wu
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and the Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yong-Shi Li
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and the Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Peter M J Quinn
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and the Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Kam W Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and the Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Institute of Human Nutrition, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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48
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Armento A, Ueffing M, Clark SJ. The complement system in age-related macular degeneration. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4487-4505. [PMID: 33751148 PMCID: PMC8195907 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03796-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic and progressive degenerative disease of the retina, which culminates in blindness and affects mainly the elderly population. AMD pathogenesis and pathophysiology are incredibly complex due to the structural and cellular complexity of the retina, and the variety of risk factors and molecular mechanisms that contribute to disease onset and progression. AMD is driven by a combination of genetic predisposition, natural ageing changes and lifestyle factors, such as smoking or nutritional intake. The mechanism by which these risk factors interact and converge towards AMD are not fully understood and therefore drug discovery is challenging, where no therapeutic attempt has been fully effective thus far. Genetic and molecular studies have identified the complement system as an important player in AMD. Indeed, many of the genetic risk variants cluster in genes of the alternative pathway of the complement system and complement activation products are elevated in AMD patients. Nevertheless, attempts in treating AMD via complement regulators have not yet been successful, suggesting a level of complexity that could not be predicted only from a genetic point of view. In this review, we will explore the role of complement system in AMD development and in the main molecular and cellular features of AMD, including complement activation itself, inflammation, ECM stability, energy metabolism and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Armento
- Department for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Department for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Department for Ophthalmology, University Eye Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Simon J Clark
- Department for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Department for Ophthalmology, University Eye Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of 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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Cai H, Gong J, Noggle S, Paull D, Rizzolo LJ, Del Priore LV, Fields MA. Altered transcriptome and disease-related phenotype emerge only after fibroblasts harvested from patients with age-related macular degeneration are differentiated into retinal pigment epithelium. Exp Eye Res 2021; 207:108576. [PMID: 33895162 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108576] [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: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We have reported previously that retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) generated from fibroblasts of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) exhibit a retinal degenerative disease phenotype and a distinct transcriptome compared to age-matched controls. Since the genetic composition of the iPSC and RPE are inherited from fibroblasts, we investigated whether differential behavior was present in the parental fibroblasts and iPSC prior to differentiation of the cell lines into RPE. Principal component analyses revealed significant overlap (essentially no differences) in the transcriptome of fibroblasts between AMD and controls. After reprogramming, there was no significant difference in the transcriptome of iPSC generated from AMD versus normal donors. In contrast, the transcriptome of RPE derived from iPSC segregated into two distinct clusters of AMD-derived cells versus controls. Interestingly, mitochondrial dysfunction in AMD-derived RPE was evident after approximately two months in culture. Moreover, these differences in mitochondrial dysfunction were not evident in the parental fibroblasts and iPSC. This study demonstrates an altered transcriptome and impaired mitochondrial function in RPE derived from AMD patients versus controls, and demonstrates these differences are not present in the original fibroblasts or iPSC. These results suggest that pathology in AMD is triggered upon differentiation of parent cells into RPE. More study of this phenomenon could advance the current understandings of the etiology of AMD and the development of novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Cai
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George St., Suite 8100, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Jie Gong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George St., Suite 8100, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
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- The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Research Institute, 619 West 54th St., New York, NY, 10019, USA
| | - Scott Noggle
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Research Institute, 619 West 54th St., New York, NY, 10019, USA
| | - Daniel Paull
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Research Institute, 619 West 54th St., New York, NY, 10019, USA
| | - Lawrence J Rizzolo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George St., Suite 8100, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA; Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, PO Box 208062, New Haven, CT, 06520-8062, USA
| | - Lucian V Del Priore
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George St., Suite 8100, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Mark A Fields
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George St., Suite 8100, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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50
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Antonetti DA, Silva PS, Stitt AW. Current understanding of the molecular and cellular pathology of diabetic retinopathy. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2021; 17:195-206. [PMID: 33469209 PMCID: PMC9053333 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-020-00451-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus has profound effects on multiple organ systems; however, the loss of vision caused by diabetic retinopathy might be one of the most impactful in a patient's life. The retina is a highly metabolically active tissue that requires a complex interaction of cells, spanning light sensing photoreceptors to neurons that transfer the electrochemical signal to the brain with support by glia and vascular tissue. Neuronal function depends on a complex inter-dependency of retinal cells that includes the formation of a blood-retinal barrier. This dynamic system is negatively affected by diabetes mellitus, which alters normal cell-cell interactions and leads to profound vascular abnormalities, loss of the blood-retinal barrier and impaired neuronal function. Understanding the normal cell signalling interactions and how they are altered by diabetes mellitus has already led to novel therapies that have improved visual outcomes in many patients. Research highlighted in this Review has led to a new understanding of retinal pathophysiology during diabetes mellitus and has uncovered potential new therapeutic avenues to treat this debilitating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Antonetti
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Paolo S Silva
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Beetham Eye Institute, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alan W Stitt
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
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