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Zhou Y, Huang L, Xie Y, Liu W, Zhang S, Liu L, Lin P, Li N. Clinical and genetic studies for a cohort of patients with Leber congenital amaurosis. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024:10.1007/s00417-024-06450-9. [PMID: 38662103 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-024-06450-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is a group of early-onset retinal degenerative disorders, resulting in blindness in children. This study aimed to describe the clinical and genetic characteristics of a cohort of patients with LCA and to investigate the retinal vascular characteristics in LCA patients. METHODS Fifty-two children with LCA were included in the study. All patients underwent detailed ocular examinations. Electroretinography (ERG) was used to evaluate the retinal function. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to assess the structure change of the retina for those patients who were able to cooperate very well. Panel-based next-generation sequencing was performed to identify pathogenic variants in genes associated with LCA. Diameters of the retinal vessels were measured using the EVision AI screening system with an artificial intelligence (AI) technique. An ultrasound Doppler was used to evaluate hemodynamic parameters, including peak systolic velocity (PSV), resistive index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI), in the ophthalmic, central retinal, posterior ciliary, carotid, and internal carotid as well as external carotid arteries in 12 patients aged from 3 to 14 years. RESULTS We detected 75 pathogenic variants from ten genes of RPGRIP1, CEP290, GUCY2D, LCA5, AIPL1, CRB1, RPE65, CRX, RDH12, and TULP1, including 29 novel and 36 previously reported variants in 52 affected children with LCA, with the highest detective rate in RPGRIP1 (26.9%). Fundus appearance is diverse in patients with LCA, ranging from normal to severe peripheral or central retinopathy. Retinal vasculature was evaluated in 12 patients with different gene variants, showing narrowed arteries with an average diameter of 43.6 ± 3.8 μm compared to that of 51.7 ± 2.6 μm in the normal controls (P < 0.001, n = 12). Meanwhile, their hemodynamic parameters were changed as well in the ophthalmic artery (OA), with a decreased PSV (P = 0.0132, n = 12) and slightly increased PI (P = 0.0488, n = 12) compared to the normal controls. However, the hemodynamic parameters did not change significantly in the other vessels. CONCLUSIONS Blood supply to the eyeball is predicted to be reduced in patients with LCA, presumably due to photoreceptor cell degeneration. The novel identified variants will expand the spectrum of variants in LCA-related genes and be useful for studying the molecular mechanisms of LCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyu Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Lijuan Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100045, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, China
| | - Yan Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Wen Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Shasha Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, 710002, China
| | - Lili Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Ping Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, 710002, China.
| | - Ningdong Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100045, China.
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, China.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, 710002, China.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200940, China.
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German RJ, Vuocolo B, Vossaert L, Owen N, Lewis RA, Saba L, Wangler MF, Nagamani S. Novel hemizygous single-nucleotide duplication in RPGR in a patient with retinal dystrophy and sensorineural hearing loss. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2024; 12:e2404. [PMID: 38404254 PMCID: PMC10895382 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2404] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The RPGR gene has been associated with X-linked cone-rod dystrophy. This report describes a variant in RPGR detected with exome sequencing (ES). Genes like RPGR have not always been included in panel-based testing and thus genome-wide tests such as ES may be required for accurate diagnosis. METHODS The Texome Project is studying the impact of ES in medically underserved patients who are in need of genomic testing to guide diagnosis and medical management. The hypothesis is that ES could uncover diagnoses not made by standard medical care. RESULTS A 58-year-old male presented with retinitis pigmentosa, sensorineural hearing loss, and a family history of retinal diseases. A previous targeted gene panel for retinal disorders had not identified a molecular cause. ES through the Texome Project identified a novel, hemizygous variant in RPGR (NM_000328.3: c.1302dup, p.L435Sfs*18) that explained the ocular phenotype. CONCLUSIONS Continued genetics evaluation can help to end diagnostic odysseys of patients. Careful consideration of genes represented when utilizing gene panels is crucial to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Medically underserved populations are less likely to receive comprehensive genetic testing in their diagnostic workup. Our report is an example of the medical impact of genomic medicine implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J. German
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research InstituteTexas Children's HospitalHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Blake Vuocolo
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research InstituteTexas Children's HospitalHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Liesbeth Vossaert
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Baylor Genetics LaboratoriesHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Nichole Owen
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Baylor Genetics LaboratoriesHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Richard A. Lewis
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Department of MedicineBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Department of OphthalmologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Lisa Saba
- Department of PathologyTexas Children's HospitalHoustonTexasUSA
| | | | - Michael F. Wangler
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research InstituteTexas Children's HospitalHoustonTexasUSA
- Texas Children's HospitalHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Sandesh Nagamani
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Department of MedicineBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Texas Children's HospitalHoustonTexasUSA
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3
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Han RC, Taylor LJ, Martinez-Fernandez de la Camara C, Henderson RH, Thompson DA, Cehajic-Kapetanovic J, MacLaren RE. Is RPGR-related retinal dystrophy associated with systemic disease? A case series. Ophthalmic Genet 2023; 44:577-584. [PMID: 36602268 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2022.2163405] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ciliopathies responsible for retinitis pigmentosa can also cause systemic manifestations. RPGR is a ciliary gene and pathogenic variants in RPGR cause a retinal ciliopathy, the commonest cause of X-linked recessive retinitis pigmentosa. The RPGR protein interacts with numerous other ciliary proteins present in the transition zone of both motile and sensory cilia, and may play an important role in regulating ciliary protein transport. There has been a growing, putative association of RPGR variants with systemic ciliopathies: mainly sino-respiratory infections and primary ciliary dyskinesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective case series of patients with RPGR-RP presenting to Oxford Eye Hospital with systemic disease. RESULTS We report three children with RPGR-related rod-cone dystrophy, all of whom have mutations in the N-terminus of RPGR. Two cases co-presented with confirmed diagnoses of primary ciliary dyskinesia and one case with multiple sino-respiratory symptoms strongly suggestive of primary ciliary dyskinesia. These and all previously reported RPGR co-pathologies relate to ciliopathies and have no other systemic associations. CONCLUSIONS The link between RPGR variants and a systemic ciliopathy remains plausible, but currently unproven.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruofan Connie Han
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Laura J Taylor
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Robert H Henderson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Dorothy A Thompson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, London, UK
- Clinical and Academic Department of Ophthalmology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Jasmina Cehajic-Kapetanovic
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Awadh Hashem S, Georgiou M, Ali RR, Michaelides M. RPGR-Related Retinopathy: Clinical Features, Molecular Genetics, and Gene Replacement Therapy. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2023; 13:a041280. [PMID: 37188525 PMCID: PMC10626266 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene variants are the predominant cause of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) and a common cause of cone-rod dystrophy (CORD). XLRP presents as early as the first decade of life, with impaired night vision and constriction of peripheral visual field and rapid progression, eventually leading to blindness. In this review, we present RPGR gene structure and function, molecular genetics, animal models, RPGR-associated phenotypes and highlight emerging potential treatments such as gene-replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaima Awadh Hashem
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, United Kingdom
| | - Michalis Georgiou
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, United Kingdom
- Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, USA
| | - Robin R Ali
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, United Kingdom
- Centre for Cell and Gene Therapy, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, United Kingdom
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Hadalin V, Buscarino M, Sajovic J, Meglič A, Jarc-Vidmar M, Hawlina M, Volk M, Fakin A. Genetic Characteristics and Long-Term Follow-Up of Slovenian Patients with RPGR Retinal Dystrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043840. [PMID: 36835250 PMCID: PMC9958649 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043840] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic characteristics and a long-term clinical follow-up of 18 Slovenian retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) patients from 10 families with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) or cone/cone-rod dystrophy (COD/CORD) are reported. RP (eight families) was associated with two already known (p.(Ser407Ilefs*46) and p.(Glu746Argfs*23)) and five novel variants (c.1245+704_1415-2286del, p.(Glu660*), p.(Ala153Thr), c.1506+1G>T, and p.(Arg780Serfs*54)). COD (two families) was associated with p.(Ter1153Lysext*38). The median age of onset in males with RP (N = 9) was 6 years. At the first examination (median age of 32 years), the median best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.30 logMAR, and all patients had a hyperautofluorescent ring on fundus autofluorescence (FAF) encircling preserved photoreceptors. At the last follow-up (median age of 39 years), the median BCVA was 0.48 logMAR, and FAF showed ring constriction transitioning to patch in 2/9. Among females (N = 6; median age of 40 years), two had normal/near-normal FAF, one had unilateral RP (male pattern), and three had a radial and/or focal pattern of retinal degeneration. After a median of 4 years (4-21) of follow-up, 2/6 exhibited disease progression. The median age of onset in males with COD was 25 years. At first examination (median age of 35 years), the median BCVA was 1.00 logMAR, and all patients had a hyperautofluorescent FAF ring encircling foveal photoreceptor loss. At the last follow-up (median age of 42 years), the median BCVA was 1.30 logMAR, and FAF showed ring enlargement. The majority of the identified variants (75%; 6/8) had not been previously reported in other RPGR cohorts, which suggested the presence of distinct RPGR alleles in the Slovenian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vlasta Hadalin
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Grablovičeva 46, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maša Buscarino
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Grablovičeva 46, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jana Sajovic
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Grablovičeva 46, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andrej Meglič
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Grablovičeva 46, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Martina Jarc-Vidmar
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Grablovičeva 46, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Hawlina
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Grablovičeva 46, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marija Volk
- Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Šlajmerjeva 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ana Fakin
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Grablovičeva 46, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence:
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Martinez-Fernandez de la Camara C, Cehajic-Kapetanovic J, MacLaren RE. Emerging gene therapy products for RPGR-associated X-linked retinitis pigmentosa. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2022; 27:431-443. [PMID: 36562395 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2022.2152003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mutations in the RPGR gene are responsible for one of the most prevalent and severe types of retinitis pigmentosa. Gene therapy has shown great promise to treat inherited retinal diseases, and currently, four RPGR gene therapy vectors are being evaluated in clinical trials. AREAS COVERED This manuscript reviews the gene therapy products that are in development for X-linked retinitis pigmentosa caused by mutations in RPGR, and the challenges that scientists and clinicians have faced. EXPERT OPINION The development of a gene therapy product for RPGR-associated retinal degeneration has been a great challenge due to the incomplete understanding of the underlying genetics and mechanism of action of RPGR, and on the other hand, due to the instability of the RPGR gene. Three of the four gene therapy vectors currently in clinical trials include a codon-optimized version of the human RPGR sequence, and the other vector contains a shortened version of the human RPGR. To date, the only Phase I/II results published in a peer-reviewed journal demonstrate a good safety profile and an improvement in the visual field using a codon optimized version of RPGRORF15.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Martinez-Fernandez de la Camara
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Level 5 & 6, West Wing, Headley Way, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, West Wing, Headley Way, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK
| | - Jasmina Cehajic-Kapetanovic
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Level 5 & 6, West Wing, Headley Way, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, West Wing, Headley Way, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Level 5 & 6, West Wing, Headley Way, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, West Wing, Headley Way, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK
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Chahine Karam F, Loi TH, Ma A, Nash BM, Grigg JR, Parekh D, Riley LG, Farnsworth E, Bennetts B, Gonzalez-Cordero A, Jamieson RV. Human iPSC-Derived Retinal Organoids and Retinal Pigment Epithelium for Novel Intronic RPGR Variant Assessment for Therapy Suitability. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12030502. [PMID: 35330501 PMCID: PMC8951517 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12030502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The RPGR gene encodes Retinitis Pigmentosa GTPase Regulator, a known interactor with ciliary proteins, which is involved in maintaining healthy photoreceptor cells. Variants in RPGR are the main contributor to X-linked rod-cone dystrophy (RCD), and RPGR gene therapy approaches are in clinical trials. Hence, elucidation of the pathogenicity of novel RPGR variants is important for a patient therapy opportunity. Here, we describe a novel intronic RPGR variant, c.1415 − 9A>G, in a patient with RCD, which was classified as a variant of uncertain significance according to current clinical diagnostic criteria. The variant lay several base pairs intronic to the canonical splice acceptor site, raising suspicion of an RPGR RNA splicing abnormality and consequent protein dysfunction. To investigate disease causation in an appropriate disease model, induced pluripotent stem cells were generated from patient fibroblasts and differentiated to retinal pigment epithelium (iPSC-RPE) and retinal organoids (iPSC-RO). Abnormal RNA splicing of RPGR was demonstrated in patient fibroblasts, iPSC-RPE and iPSC-ROs, leading to a predicted frameshift and premature stop codon. Decreased RPGR expression was demonstrated in these cell types, with a striking loss of RPGR localization at the ciliary transitional zone, critically in the photoreceptor cilium of the patient iPSC-ROs. Mislocalisation of rhodopsin staining was present in the patient’s iPSC-RO rod photoreceptor cells, along with an abnormality of L/M opsin staining affecting cone photoreceptor cells and increased photoreceptor apoptosis. Additionally, patient iPSC-ROs displayed an increase in F-actin expression that was consistent with an abnormal actin regulation phenotype. Collectively, these studies indicate that the splicing abnormality caused by the c.1415 − 9A>G variant has an impact on RPGR function. This work has enabled the reclassification of this variant to pathogenic, allowing the consideration of patients with this variant having access to gene therapy clinical trials. In addition, we have identified biomarkers of disease suitable for the interrogation of other RPGR variants of uncertain significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fidelle Chahine Karam
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, Sydney 2145, Australia; (F.C.K.); (T.H.L.); (A.M.); (B.M.N.); (J.R.G.)
| | - To Ha Loi
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, Sydney 2145, Australia; (F.C.K.); (T.H.L.); (A.M.); (B.M.N.); (J.R.G.)
| | - Alan Ma
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, Sydney 2145, Australia; (F.C.K.); (T.H.L.); (A.M.); (B.M.N.); (J.R.G.)
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Western Sydney Genetics Program, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Westmead, Sydney 2145, Australia
- Specialty of Genomic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, Sydney 2145, Australia; (E.F.); (B.B.)
| | - Benjamin M. Nash
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, Sydney 2145, Australia; (F.C.K.); (T.H.L.); (A.M.); (B.M.N.); (J.R.G.)
- Specialty of Genomic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, Sydney 2145, Australia; (E.F.); (B.B.)
- Sydney Genome Diagnostics, Western Sydney Genetics Program, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Westmead, Sydney 2145, Australia
| | - John R. Grigg
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, Sydney 2145, Australia; (F.C.K.); (T.H.L.); (A.M.); (B.M.N.); (J.R.G.)
- Specialty of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Darshan Parekh
- Rare Diseases Functional Genomics Laboratory, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and Children’s Medical Research Institute, Westmead, Sydney 2145, Australia; (D.P.); (L.G.R.)
| | - Lisa G. Riley
- Rare Diseases Functional Genomics Laboratory, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and Children’s Medical Research Institute, Westmead, Sydney 2145, Australia; (D.P.); (L.G.R.)
- Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, Sydney 2145, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Farnsworth
- Specialty of Genomic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, Sydney 2145, Australia; (E.F.); (B.B.)
- Sydney Genome Diagnostics, Western Sydney Genetics Program, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Westmead, Sydney 2145, Australia
| | - Bruce Bennetts
- Specialty of Genomic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, Sydney 2145, Australia; (E.F.); (B.B.)
- Sydney Genome Diagnostics, Western Sydney Genetics Program, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Westmead, Sydney 2145, Australia
| | - Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children’s Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, Sydney 2145, Australia;
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Robyn V. Jamieson
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, Sydney 2145, Australia; (F.C.K.); (T.H.L.); (A.M.); (B.M.N.); (J.R.G.)
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Western Sydney Genetics Program, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Westmead, Sydney 2145, Australia
- Specialty of Genomic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, Sydney 2145, Australia; (E.F.); (B.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-9687-2800; Fax: +61-2-9687-2120
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Wang Y, Liu S, Zhai Y, Liu Y, Wan X, Wang W, Wang F, Sun X. Identification of a novel RPGR mutation associated with X-linked cone-rod dystrophy in a Chinese family. BMC Ophthalmol 2021; 21:401. [PMID: 34800980 PMCID: PMC8605601 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-021-02166-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cone-rod dystrophy (CORD) is a group of inherited retinal dystrophies, characterized by decreased visual acuity, color vision defects, photophobia, and decreased sensitivity in the central visual field. Our study has identified a novel pathogenic variant associated with X-linked cone-rod dystrophy (XLCORD) in a Chinese family. Methods All six family members, including the proband, affected siblings, cousins and female carriers, have underwent thorough ophthalmic examinations. The whole exome sequencing was performed for the proband, followed by Sanger sequencing for spilt-sample validation. A mammalian expression vector (AAV-MCS) with mutated retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) sequence was expressed in HEK293 T cells. The mutated protein was verified by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Results A novel mutation in the RPGR gene (c.2383G > T, p.E795X) is identified to be responsible for CORD pathogenesis. Conclusions Our findings have expanded the spectrum of CORD-associated mutations in RPGR gene and serve as a basis for genetic diagnosis for X-linked CORD. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12886-021-02166-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Shu Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yuanqi Zhai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Xiaoling Wan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Wenqiu Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China.
| | - Fenghua Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
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Beryozkin A, Aweidah H, Carrero Valenzuela RD, Berman M, Iguzquiza O, Cremers FPM, Khan MI, Swaroop A, Amer R, Khateb S, Ben-Yosef T, Sharon D, Banin E. Retinal Degeneration Associated With RPGRIP1: A Review of Natural History, Mutation Spectrum, and Genotype-Phenotype Correlation in 228 Patients. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:746781. [PMID: 34722527 PMCID: PMC8551679 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.746781] [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: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose:RPGRIP1 encodes a ciliary protein expressed in the photoreceptor connecting cilium. Mutations in this gene cause ∼5% of Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) worldwide, but are also associated with cone–rod dystrophy (CRD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP) phenotypes. Our purpose was to clinically characterize RPGRIP1 patients from our cohort, collect clinical data of additional RPGRIP1 patients reported previously in the literature, identify common clinical features, and seek genotype–phenotype correlations. Methods: Clinical data were collected from 16 patients of our cohort and 212 previously reported RPGRIP1 patients and included (when available) family history, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refraction, comprehensive ocular examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging, visual fields (VF), and full-field electroretinography (ffERG). Results: Out of 228 patients, the majority (197, 86%) were diagnosed with LCA, 18 (7%) with RP, and 13 (5%) with CRD. Age of onset was during early childhood (n = 133, average of 1.7 years). All patients but 6 had moderate hyperopia (n = 59, mean of 4.8D), and average BCVA was 0.06 Snellen (n = 124; only 10 patients had visual acuity [VA] > 0.10 Snellen). On funduscopy, narrowing of blood vessels was noted early in life. Most patients had mild bone spicule-like pigmentation starting in the midperiphery and later encroaching upon the posterior pole. OCT showed thinning of the outer nuclear layer (ONL), while cystoid changes and edema were relatively rare. VF were usually very constricted from early on. ffERG responses were non-detectable in the vast majority of cases. Most of the mutations are predicted to be null (363 alleles), and 93 alleles harbored missense mutations. Missense mutations were identified only in two regions: the RPGR-interacting domain and the C2 domains. Biallelic null mutations are mostly associated with a severe form of the disease, whereas biallelic missense mutations usually cause a milder disease (mostly CRD). Conclusion: Our results indicate that RPGRIP1 biallelic mutations usually cause severe retinal degeneration at an early age with a cone–rod pattern. However, most of the patients exhibit preservation of some (usually low) BCVA for a long period and can potentially benefit from gene therapy. Missense changes appear only in the conserved domains and are associated with a milder phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avigail Beryozkin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hamzah Aweidah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Myriam Berman
- Ophthalmology, Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Oscar Iguzquiza
- Neurology, Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Frans P M Cremers
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Muhammad Imran Khan
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Radgonde Amer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Samer Khateb
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tamar Ben-Yosef
- The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Dror Sharon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Eyal Banin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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10
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Potter VL, Moye AR, Robichaux MA, Wensel TG. Super-resolution microscopy reveals photoreceptor-specific subciliary location and function of ciliopathy-associated protein CEP290. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e145256. [PMID: 34520396 PMCID: PMC8564900 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.145256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the cilium-associated protein CEP290 cause retinal degeneration as part of multiorgan ciliopathies or as retina-specific diseases. The precise location and the functional roles of CEP290 within cilia and, specifically, the connecting cilia (CC) of photoreceptors, remain unclear. We used super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy to localize CEP290 in the CC and in the primary cilia of cultured cells with subdiffraction resolution and to determine effects of CEP290 deficiency in 3 mutant models. Radially, CEP290 localizes in close proximity to the microtubule doublets in the region between the doublets and the ciliary membrane. Longitudinally, it is distributed throughout the length of the CC whereas it is confined to the very base of primary cilia in human retinal pigment epithelium-1 cells. We found Y-shaped links, ciliary substructures between microtubules and membrane, throughout the length of the CC. Severe CEP290 deficiencies in mouse models did not prevent assembly of cilia or cause obvious mislocalization of ciliary components in early stages of degeneration. There were fewer cilia and no normal outer segments in the mutants, but the Y-shaped links were clearly present. These results point to photoreceptor-specific functions of CEP290 essential for CC maturation and stability following the earliest stages of ciliogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valencia L Potter
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.,Program in Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and.,Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Abigail R Moye
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
| | - Michael A Robichaux
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.,Departments of Ophthalmology and Biochemistry, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Theodore G Wensel
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
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11
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Appelbaum T, Murgiano L, Becker D, Santana E, Aguirre GD. Candidate Genetic Modifiers for RPGR Retinal Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:20. [PMID: 33326016 PMCID: PMC7745631 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.14.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To define genetic variants associated with variable severity of X-linked progressive retinal atrophy 1 (XLPRA1) caused by a five-nucleotide deletion in canine RPGR exon ORF15. Methods A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed in XLPRA1 phenotype informative pedigree. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used for mutational analysis of genes within the candidate genomic region. Retinas of normal and mutant dogs were used for gene expression, gene structure, and RNA duplex analyses. Results GWAS followed by haplotype phasing identified an approximately 4.6 Mb candidate genomic interval on CFA31 containing seven protein-coding genes expressed in retina (ROBO1, ROBO2, RBM11, NRIP1, HSPA13, SAMSN1, and USP25). Furthermore, we identified and characterized two novel lncRNAs, ROBO1-AS and ROBO2-AS, that display overlapping gene organization with axon guidance pathway genes ROBO1 and ROBO2, respectively, producing sense-antisense gene pairs. Notably, ROBO1-AS and ROBO2-AS act in cis to form lncRNA/mRNA duplexes with ROBO1 and ROBO2, respectively, suggesting important roles for these lncRNAs in the ROBO regulatory network. A subsequent WGS identified candidate genes within the genomic region on CFA31 that might be implicated in modifying severity of XLPRA1. This approach led to discovery of genetic variants in ROBO1, ROBO1-AS, ROBO2-AS, and USP25 that are strongly associated with the XLPRA1 moderate phenotype. Conclusions The study provides new insights into the genetic basis of phenotypic variation in severity of RPGRorf15-associated retinal degeneration. Our findings suggest an important role for ROBO pathways in disease progression further expanding on our previously reported changes of ROBO1 expression in XLPRA1 retinas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Appelbaum
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Leonardo Murgiano
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Doreen Becker
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.,Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Genome Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Evelyn Santana
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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12
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Hadalin V, Šuštar M, Volk M, Maver A, Sajovic J, Jarc-Vidmar M, Peterlin B, Hawlina M, Fakin A. Cone Dystrophy Associated with a Novel Variant in the Terminal Codon of the RPGR- ORF15. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12040499. [PMID: 33805381 PMCID: PMC8066792 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in RPGRORF15 are associated with rod-cone or cone/cone-rod dystrophy, the latter associated with mutations at the distal end. We describe the phenotype associated with a novel variant in the terminal codon of the RPGRORF15 c.3457T>A (Ter1153Lysext*38), which results in a C-terminal extension. Three male patients from two families were recruited, aged 31, 35, and 38 years. Genetic testing was performed by whole exome sequencing. Filtered variants were analysed according to the population frequency, ClinVar database, the variant’s putative impact, and predicted pathogenicity; and were classified according to the ACMG guidelines. Examination included visual acuity (Snellen), colour vision (Ishihara), visual field, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and electrophysiology. All patients were myopic, and had central scotoma and reduced colour vision. Visual acuities on better eyes were counting fingers, 0.3 and 0.05. Electrophysiology showed severely reduced cone-specific responses and macular dysfunction, while the rod-specific response was normal. FAF showed hyperautofluorescent ring centred at the fovea encompassing an area of photoreceptor loss approximately two optic discs in diameter (3462–6342 μm). Follow up after 2–11 years showed enlargement of the diameter (avg. 100 μm/year). The novel c.3457T>A (Ter1153Lysext*38) mutation in the terminal RPGRORF15 codon is associated with cone dystrophy, which corresponds to the previously described phenotypes associated with mutations in the distal end of the RPGRORF15. Minimal progression during follow-up years suggests a relatively stable disease after the initial loss of the central cones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vlasta Hadalin
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Grablovičeva 46, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.H.); (M.Š.); (J.S.); (M.J.-V.); (M.H.)
| | - Maja Šuštar
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Grablovičeva 46, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.H.); (M.Š.); (J.S.); (M.J.-V.); (M.H.)
| | - Marija Volk
- Clinical Institute of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Šlajmerjeva ulica 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.V.); (A.M.); (B.P.)
| | - Aleš Maver
- Clinical Institute of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Šlajmerjeva ulica 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.V.); (A.M.); (B.P.)
| | - Jana Sajovic
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Grablovičeva 46, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.H.); (M.Š.); (J.S.); (M.J.-V.); (M.H.)
| | - Martina Jarc-Vidmar
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Grablovičeva 46, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.H.); (M.Š.); (J.S.); (M.J.-V.); (M.H.)
| | - Borut Peterlin
- Clinical Institute of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Šlajmerjeva ulica 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.V.); (A.M.); (B.P.)
| | - Marko Hawlina
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Grablovičeva 46, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.H.); (M.Š.); (J.S.); (M.J.-V.); (M.H.)
| | - Ana Fakin
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Grablovičeva 46, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.H.); (M.Š.); (J.S.); (M.J.-V.); (M.H.)
- Correspondence:
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13
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Chen HY, Kelley RA, Li T, Swaroop A. Primary cilia biogenesis and associated retinal ciliopathies. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 110:70-88. [PMID: 32747192 PMCID: PMC7855621 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The primary cilium is a ubiquitous microtubule-based organelle that senses external environment and modulates diverse signaling pathways in different cell types and tissues. The cilium originates from the mother centriole through a complex set of cellular events requiring hundreds of distinct components. Aberrant ciliogenesis or ciliary transport leads to a broad spectrum of clinical entities with overlapping yet highly variable phenotypes, collectively called ciliopathies, which include sensory defects and syndromic disorders with multi-organ pathologies. For efficient light detection, photoreceptors in the retina elaborate a modified cilium known as the outer segment, which is packed with membranous discs enriched for components of the phototransduction machinery. Retinopathy phenotype involves dysfunction and/or degeneration of the light sensing photoreceptors and is highly penetrant in ciliopathies. This review will discuss primary cilia biogenesis and ciliopathies, with a focus on the retina, and the role of CP110-CEP290-CC2D2A network. We will also explore how recent technologies can advance our understanding of cilia biology and discuss new paradigms for developing potential therapies of retinal ciliopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Y Chen
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, MSC0610, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Ryan A Kelley
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, MSC0610, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Tiansen Li
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, MSC0610, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, MSC0610, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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14
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Giacalone JC, Andorf JL, Zhang Q, Burnight ER, Ochoa D, Reutzel AJ, Collins MM, Sheffield VC, Mullins RF, Han IC, Stone EM, Tucker BA. Development of a Molecularly Stable Gene Therapy Vector for the Treatment of RPGR-Associated X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 30:967-974. [PMID: 31106594 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In a screen of 1,000 consecutively ascertained families, we recently found that mutations in the gene RPGR are the third most common cause of all inherited retinal disease. As the two most frequent disease-causing genes, ABCA4 and USH2A, are far too large to fit into clinically relevant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, RPGR is an obvious early target for AAV-based ocular gene therapy. In generating plasmids for this application, we discovered that those containing wild-type RPGR sequence, which includes the highly repetitive low complexity region ORF15, were extremely unstable (i.e., they showed consistent accumulation of genomic changes during plasmid propagation). To develop a stable RPGR gene transfer vector, we used a bioinformatics approach to identify predicted regions of genomic instability within ORF15 (i.e., potential non-B DNA conformations). Synonymous substitutions were made in these regions to reduce the repetitiveness and increase the molecular stability while leaving the encoded amino acid sequence unchanged. The resulting construct was subsequently packaged into AAV serotype 5, and the ability to drive transcript expression and functional protein production was demonstrated via subretinal injection in rat and pull-down assays, respectively. By making synonymous substitutions within the repetitive region of RPGR, we were able to stabilize the plasmid and subsequently generate a clinical-grade gene transfer vector (IA-RPGR). Following subretinal injection in rat, we demonstrated that the augmented transcript was expressed at levels similar to wild-type constructs. By performing in vitro pull-down experiments, we were able to show that IA-RPGR protein product retained normal protein binding properties (i.e., analysis revealed normal binding to PDE6D, INPP5E, and RPGRIP1L). In summary, we have generated a stable RPGR gene transfer vector capable of producing functional RPGR protein, which will facilitate safety and toxicity studies required for progression to an Investigational New Drug application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph C Giacalone
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Jeaneen L Andorf
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Qihong Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Erin R Burnight
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Dalyz Ochoa
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Austin J Reutzel
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Malia M Collins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Val C Sheffield
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Robert F Mullins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Ian C Han
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Edwin M Stone
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Budd A Tucker
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
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15
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De La Camara CMF, Cehajic-Kapetanovic J, MacLaren RE. RPGR gene therapy presents challenges in cloning the coding sequence. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 20:63-71. [PMID: 31612744 PMCID: PMC7104355 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2020.1680635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Currently, there are three Phase I/II clinical trials based on gene therapy ongoing to test different AAV.RPGR or deleted RPGR vectors on patients affected by X-linked retinitis pigmentosa. These three vectors differ in the adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector capsid used, and the coding sequences: two contain codon optimized versions of RPGR which give the full-length protein, whilst the third uses a wild-type sequence that contains a large deletion encoding part of the functional domain of the RPGR protein.Areas covered: This review approaches the different studies that have led to the initiation of three different clinical trials for RPGR related X-linked retinitis pigmentosa.Expert opinion: The development of a gene therapy vector to deliver a normal copy of the RPGR gene into the photoreceptors has presented a challenge for the scientific community. The instability of its sequence and the fact that its function is not well understood can lead to the production of a nonfunctional or deleterious protein for the human retina. Since the RPGR protein undergoes post-translational glutamylation in the protein domain that may be particularly affected by gene instability, a functional assay of glutamylation is essential to verify the correct coding sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Martinez-Fernandez De La Camara
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, UK
| | - Jasmina Cehajic-Kapetanovic
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, UK
| | - Robert E. MacLaren
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, UK
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16
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Mawatari G, Fujinami K, Liu X, Yang L, Yokokawa YF, Komori S, Ueno S, Terasaki H, Katagiri S, Hayashi T, Kuniyoshi K, Miyake Y, Tsunoda K, Yoshitake K, Iwata T, Nao-i N. Clinical and genetic characteristics of 14 patients from 13 Japanese families with RPGR-associated retinal disorder: report of eight novel variants. Hum Genome Var 2019; 6:34. [PMID: 31645972 PMCID: PMC6804603 DOI: 10.1038/s41439-019-0065-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Variants in the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene are a major cause of X-linked inherited retinal disorder (IRD). We herein describe the clinical and genetic features of 14 patients from 13 Japanese families harboring RPGR variants in a nationwide cohort. Comprehensive ophthalmological examinations were performed to classify the patients into one of the phenotype subgroups: retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and cone rod dystrophy (CORD). The mean age of onset/at examination was 13.8/38.1 years (range, 0-50/11-72), respectively. The mean visual acuity in the right/left eye was 0.43/0.43 (range, 0.1-1.7/-0.08-1.52) LogMAR unit. Eight patients had RP, and six had CORD. Whole-exome sequencing with target analyses identified 13 RPGR variants in 730 families with IRD, including 8 novel variants. An association between the phenotype subgroup and the position of variants (cutoff of amino acid 950) was revealed. To conclude, the clinical and genetic spectrum of RPGR-associated retinal disorder was first illustrated in a Japanese population, with a high proportion of novel variants. These results suggest the distinct genetic background of RPGR in the Japanese population, in which the genotype-phenotype association was affirmed. This evidence should be helpful monitoring and counseling patients and in selecting patients for future therapeutic trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Go Mawatari
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Kiyotake, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Kaoru Fujinami
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Xiao Liu
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lizhu Yang
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yu-Fujinami Yokokawa
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Health Management, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Public Health, Yokokawa Clinic, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shiori Komori
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Japan
| | - Shinji Ueno
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Japan
| | - Hiroko Terasaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Japan
| | - Satoshi Katagiri
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takaaki Hayashi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuki Kuniyoshi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kinki University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama City, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yozo Miyake
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Kobe Eye Center, Next Vision, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Kazushige Tsunoda
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Yoshitake
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Iwata
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuhisa Nao-i
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Kiyotake, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - on behalf of the JEGC study group
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Kiyotake, Miyazaki, Japan
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Graduate School of Health Management, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Public Health, Yokokawa Clinic, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kinki University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama City, Osaka, Japan
- Kobe Eye Center, Next Vision, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Zhang X, Shahani U, Reilly J, Shu X. Disease mechanisms and neuroprotection by tauroursodeoxycholic acid in Rpgr knockout mice. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:18801-18812. [PMID: 30924157 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene are the predominant cause of retinitis pigmentosa. RPGR plays a critical role as a scaffold protein in the regulation of protein trafficking from the basal body to the axoneme, where the cargoes are transported to the outer segments (OSs) of photoreceptors. This trafficking process is controlled directly by intraflagellar transport complexes and regulated by the RPGR protein complex, although the precise mechanisms have yet to be defined. We used an Rpgr conditional knockout (cko) mouse model to investigate the disease mechanisms during retinal degeneration and to evaluate the protective effects of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA). Rhodopsin, cone opsins and transducin were mislocalized in Rpgr cko photoreceptors, while localization of NPHP4 to connecting cilia was absent, suggesting that RPGR is required for ciliary protein trafficking. Microglia were activated in advance of retinal degeneration in Rpgr cko mouse retinas. TUDCA treatment suppressed microglial activation and inflammation and prevented photoreceptor degeneration in Rpgr cko mice. Our data demonstrated that TUDCA has therapeutic potential for RPGR-associated RP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Zhang
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Uma Shahani
- Department of Vision Science, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - James Reilly
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Xinhua Shu
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland.,Department of Vision Science, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland
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18
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Disruption of RPGR protein interaction network is the common feature of RPGR missense variations that cause XLRP. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:1353-1360. [PMID: 30622176 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1817639116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal degenerative disease with severe vision impairment leading to blindness. About 10-15% of RP cases are caused by mutations in the RPGR gene, with RPGR mutations accounting for 70% of X-linked RP cases. The mechanism by which RPGR mutations cause photoreceptor cell dysfunction is not well understood. In this study, we show that the two isoforms of RPGR (RPGR1-19 and RPGRORF15) interact with endogenous PDE6D, INPP5E, and RPGRIP1L. The RPGR1-19 isoform contains two PDE6D binding sites with the C-terminal prenylation site being the predominant PDE6D binding site. The C terminus of RPGR1-19 that contains the prenylation site regulates its interaction with PDE6D, INPP5E, and RPGRIP1L. Only the RPGR1-19 isoform localizes to cilia in cultured RPE1 cells. Missense variations found in RPGR patients disrupt the interaction between RPGR isoforms and their endogenous interactors INPP5E, PDE6D, and RPGRIP1L. We evaluated a RPGR missense variation (M58K) found in a family with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) and show that this missense variation disrupts the interaction of RPGR isoforms with their endogenous interactors. The M58K variation also disrupts the ciliary localization of the RPGR1-19 isoform. Using this assay, we also show that some of the RPGR missense variants reported in the literature might not actually be disease causing. Our data establishes an in vitro assay that can be used to validate the potential pathogenicity of RPGR missense variants.
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19
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Dharmat R, Eblimit A, Robichaux MA, Zhang Z, Nguyen TMT, Jung SY, He F, Jain A, Li Y, Qin J, Overbeek P, Roepman R, Mardon G, Wensel TG, Chen R. SPATA7 maintains a novel photoreceptor-specific zone in the distal connecting cilium. J Cell Biol 2018; 217:2851-2865. [PMID: 29899041 PMCID: PMC6080925 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201712117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptor-specific ciliopathies often affect a structure that is considered functionally homologous to the ciliary transition zone (TZ) called the connecting cilium (CC). However, it is unclear how mutations in certain ciliary genes disrupt the photoreceptor CC without impacting the primary cilia systemically. By applying stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy technology in different genetic models, we show that the CC can be partitioned into two regions: the proximal CC (PCC), which is homologous to the TZ of primary cilia, and the distal CC (DCC), a photoreceptor-specific extension of the ciliary TZ. This specialized distal zone of the CC in photoreceptors is maintained by SPATA7, which interacts with other photoreceptor-specific ciliary proteins such as RPGR and RPGRIP1. The absence of Spata7 results in the mislocalization of DCC proteins without affecting the PCC protein complexes. This collapse results in destabilization of the axonemal microtubules, which consequently results in photoreceptor degeneration. These data provide a novel mechanism to explain how genetic disruption of ubiquitously present ciliary proteins exerts tissue-specific ciliopathy phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachayata Dharmat
- Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Aiden Eblimit
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Michael A Robichaux
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Zhixian Zhang
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Thanh-Minh T Nguyen
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Sung Yun Jung
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Feng He
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Antrix Jain
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Yumei Li
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Jun Qin
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Paul Overbeek
- Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Ronald Roepman
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Graeme Mardon
- Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Theodore G Wensel
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Rui Chen
- Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
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20
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Patnaik SR, Zhang X, Biswas L, Akhtar S, Zhou X, Kusuluri DK, Reilly J, May-Simera H, Chalmers S, McCarron JG, Shu X. RPGR protein complex regulates proteasome activity and mediates store-operated calcium entry. Oncotarget 2018; 9:23183-23197. [PMID: 29796181 PMCID: PMC5955404 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ciliopathies are a group of genetically heterogeneous disorders, characterized by defects in cilia genesis or maintenance. Mutations in the RPGR gene and its interacting partners, RPGRIP1 and RPGRIP1L, cause ciliopathies, but the function of their proteins remains unclear. Here we show that knockdown (KD) of RPGR, RPGRIP1 or RPGRIP1L in hTERT-RPE1 cells results in abnormal actin cytoskeleton organization. The actin cytoskeleton rearrangement is regulated by the small GTPase RhoA via the planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway. RhoA activity was upregulated in the absence of RPGR, RPGRIP1 or RPGRIP1L proteins. In RPGR, RPGRIP1 or RPGRIP1L KD cells, we observed increased levels of DVl2 and DVl3 proteins, the core components of the PCP pathway, due to impaired proteasomal activity. RPGR, RPGRIP1 or RPGRIP1L KD cells treated with thapsigargin (TG), an inhibitor of sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca2+- ATPases, showed impaired store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), which is mediated by STIM1 and Orai1 proteins. STIM1 was not localized to the ER-PM junction upon ER store depletion in RPGR, RPGRIP1 or RPGRIP1L KD cells. Our results demonstrate that the RPGR protein complex is required for regulating proteasomal activity and for modulating SOCE, which may contribute to the ciliopathy phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarita Rani Patnaik
- Department of Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, Scotland
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Xun Zhang
- Department of Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, Scotland
| | - Lincoln Biswas
- Department of Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, Scotland
| | - Saeed Akhtar
- Cornea Research Chair, Department of Optometry, King Saud University, Riyadh 11433, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Xinzhi Zhou
- Department of Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, Scotland
| | - Deva Krupakar Kusuluri
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - James Reilly
- Department of Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, Scotland
| | - Helen May-Simera
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Susan Chalmers
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, Scotland
| | - John G. McCarron
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, Scotland
| | - Xinhua Shu
- Department of Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, Scotland
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Martinez-Fernandez De La Camara C, Nanda A, Salvetti AP, Fischer MD, MacLaren RE. Gene therapy for the treatment of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2018; 6:167-177. [PMID: 30057863 PMCID: PMC6059358 DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2018.1444476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION X-linked retinitis pigmentosa caused by mutations in the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene is the most common form of recessive RP. The phenotype is characterised by its severity and rapid disease progression. Gene therapy using adeno-associated viral vectors is currently the most promising therapeutic approach. However, the construction of a stable vector encoding the full-length RPGR transcript has previously proven to be a limiting step towards gene therapy clinical trials. Recently however, a codon optimised version of RPGR has been shown to increase the stability and fidelity of the sequence, conferring a therapeutic effect in murine and canine animal models. AREAS COVERED This manuscript reviews the natural history of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa and the research performed from the discovery of the causative gene, RPGR, to the preclinical testing of potential therapies that have led to the initiation of three clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION X-linked retinitis pigmentosa is an amenable disease to be treated by gene therapy. Codon optimisation has overcome the challenge of designing an RPGR vector without mutations, and with a therapeutic effect in different animal models. With the RPGR gene therapy clinical trials still in the early stages, the confirmation of the safety, tolerability and potency of the therapy is still ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anika Nanda
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Anna Paola Salvetti
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco”, Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - M. Dominik Fischer
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Ophthalmology Tübingen, University Eye Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Robert E. MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
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22
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Rpgrip1 is required for rod outer segment development and ciliary protein trafficking in zebrafish. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16881. [PMID: 29203866 PMCID: PMC5715152 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12838-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the RPGR-interacting protein 1 (RPGRIP1) gene cause recessive Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), juvenile retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and cone-rod dystrophy. RPGRIP1 interacts with other retinal disease-causing proteins and has been proposed to have a role in ciliary protein transport; however, its function remains elusive. Here, we describe a new zebrafish model carrying a nonsense mutation in the rpgrip1 gene. Rpgrip1homozygous mutants do not form rod outer segments and display mislocalization of rhodopsin, suggesting a role for RPGRIP1 in rhodopsin-bearing vesicle trafficking. Furthermore, Rab8, the key regulator of rhodopsin ciliary trafficking, was mislocalized in photoreceptor cells of rpgrip1 mutants. The degeneration of rod cells is early onset, followed by the death of cone cells. These phenotypes are similar to that observed in LCA and juvenile RP patients. Our data indicate RPGRIP1 is necessary for rod outer segment development through regulating ciliary protein trafficking. The rpgrip1 mutant zebrafish may provide a platform for developing therapeutic treatments for RP patients.
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23
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Disease mechanisms of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa due to RP2 and RPGR mutations. Biochem Soc Trans 2017; 44:1235-1244. [PMID: 27911705 DOI: 10.1042/bst20160148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Photoreceptor degeneration is the prominent characteristic of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a heterogeneous group of inherited retinal dystrophies resulting in blindness. Although abnormalities in many pathways can cause photoreceptor degeneration, one of the most important causes is defective protein transport through the connecting cilium, the structure that connects the biosynthetic inner segment with the photosensitive outer segment of the photoreceptors. The majority of patients with X-linked RP have mutations in the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) or RP2 genes, the protein products of which are both components of the connecting cilium and associated with distinct mechanisms of protein delivery to the outer segment. RP2 and RPGR proteins are associated with severe diseases ranging from classic RP to atypical forms. In this short review, we will summarise current knowledge generated by experimental studies and knockout animal models, compare and discuss the prominent hypotheses about the two proteins' functions in retinal cell biology.
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24
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Gonçalves J, Pelletier L. The Ciliary Transition Zone: Finding the Pieces and Assembling the Gate. Mol Cells 2017; 40:243-253. [PMID: 28401750 PMCID: PMC5424270 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2017.0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic cilia are organelles that project from the surface of cells to fulfill motility and sensory functions. In vertebrates, the functions of both motile and immotile cilia are critical for embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. Importantly, a multitude of human diseases is caused by abnormal cilia biogenesis and functions which rely on the compartmentalization of the cilium and the maintenance of its protein composition. The transition zone (TZ) is a specialized ciliary domain present at the base of the cilium and is part of a gate that controls protein entry and exit from this organelle. The relevance of the TZ is highlighted by the fact that several of its components are coded by ciliopathy genes. Here we review recent developments in the study of TZ proteomes, the mapping of individual components to the TZ structure and the establishment of the TZ as a lipid gate.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Gonçalves
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5,
Canada
| | - Laurence Pelletier
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5,
Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8,
Canada
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25
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Charng J, Cideciyan AV, Jacobson SG, Sumaroka A, Schwartz SB, Swider M, Roman AJ, Sheplock R, Anand M, Peden MC, Khanna H, Heon E, Wright AF, Swaroop A. Variegated yet non-random rod and cone photoreceptor disease patterns in RPGR-ORF15-associated retinal degeneration. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:5444-5459. [PMID: 27798110 PMCID: PMC6078602 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 10/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the ORF15 exon of the RPGR gene cause a common form of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, which often results in severe loss of vision. In dogs and mice, gene augmentation therapy has been shown to arrest the progressive degeneration of rod and cone photoreceptors. However, the distribution of potentially treatable photoreceptors across the human retinas and the rate of degeneration are not known. Here, we have defined structural and functional features of the disease in 70 individuals with ORF15 mutations. We also correlated the features observed in patients with those of three Rpgr-mutant (Rpgr-ko, Rd9, and Rpgr-cko) mice. In patients, there was pronounced macular disease. Across the retina, rod and cone dysfunction showed a range of patterns and a spectrum of severity between individuals, but a high symmetry was observed between eyes of each individual. Genotype was not related to disease expression. In the Rpgr-ko mice, there were intra-retinal differences in rhodopsin and cone opsin trafficking. In Rd9 and Rpgr-cko mice, retinal degeneration showed inter-ocular symmetry. Longitudinal results in patients revealed localized rod and cone dysfunction with progression rates of 0.8 to 1.3 log per decade in sensitivity loss. Relatively retained rod and cone photoreceptors in mid- and far-peripheral temporal-inferior and nasal-inferior visual field regions should be good targets for future localized gene therapies in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Charng
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Artur V. Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Samuel G. Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Sharon B. Schwartz
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Alejandro J. Roman
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Rebecca Sheplock
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Manisha Anand
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, MA, USA
| | - Marc C. Peden
- Retina Associates of Florida, Tampa, Florida, FL, USA
| | - Hemant Khanna
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, MA, USA
| | - Elise Heon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Alan F. Wright
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, MD, USA
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26
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Loss of RPGR glutamylation underlies the pathogenic mechanism of retinal dystrophy caused by TTLL5 mutations. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E2925-34. [PMID: 27162334 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1523201113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the X-linked retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene are a major cause of retinitis pigmentosa, a blinding retinal disease resulting from photoreceptor degeneration. A photoreceptor specific ORF15 variant of RPGR (RPGR(ORF15)), carrying multiple Glu-Gly tandem repeats and a C-terminal basic domain of unknown function, localizes to the connecting cilium where it is thought to regulate cargo trafficking. Here we show that tubulin tyrosine ligase like-5 (TTLL5) glutamylates RPGR(ORF15) in its Glu-Gly-rich repetitive region containing motifs homologous to the α-tubulin C-terminal tail. The RPGR(ORF15) C-terminal basic domain binds to the noncatalytic cofactor interaction domain unique to TTLL5 among TTLL family glutamylases and targets TTLL5 to glutamylate RPGR. Only TTLL5 and not other TTLL family glutamylases interacts with RPGR(ORF15) when expressed transiently in cells. Consistent with this, a Ttll5 mutant mouse displays a complete loss of RPGR glutamylation without marked changes in tubulin glutamylation levels. The Ttll5 mutant mouse develops slow photoreceptor degeneration with early mislocalization of cone opsins, features resembling those of Rpgr-null mice. Moreover TTLL5 disease mutants that cause human retinal dystrophy show impaired glutamylation of RPGR(ORF15) Thus, RPGR(ORF15) is a novel glutamylation substrate, and this posttranslational modification is critical for its function in photoreceptors. Our study uncovers the pathogenic mechanism whereby absence of RPGR(ORF15) glutamylation leads to retinal pathology in patients with TTLL5 gene mutations and connects these two genes into a common disease pathway.
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27
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Forman OP, Hitti RJ, Boursnell M, Miyadera K, Sargan D, Mellersh C. Canine genome assembly correction facilitates identification of a MAP9 deletion as a potential age of onset modifier for RPGRIP1-associated canine retinal degeneration. Mamm Genome 2016; 27:237-45. [PMID: 27017229 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-016-9627-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Retinal degeneration (RD) in the Miniature Long Haired Dachshund (MLHD) is a cone-rod dystrophy resulting in eventual blindness in affected individuals. In a previous study, a 44-nucleotide insertion (ins44) in exon 2 of RPGRIP1 was associated with RD. However, results on an extended population of MLHD revealed a variable RD onset age for ins44 homozygous dogs. Further investigations using a genome-wide association study comparing early onset and late onset RD cases identified an age of onset modifying locus for RD, approximately 30 Mb upstream of RPGRIP1 on chr15. In this investigation, target enriched sequencing identified a MAP9 deletion spanning approximately 22 kb associated with early RD onset. Identification of the deletion required correction to the CanFam3.1 genome build as canine MAP9 is part of a historic tandem duplication, resulting in incomplete assembly of this genome region. The deletion breakpoints were identified in MAP9 intron 10 and in a downstream partial MAP9 pseudogene. The fusion of these two genes, which we have called MAP9 EORD (microtubule-associated protein, early onset retinal degeneration), is in frame and is expressed at the RNA level, with the 3' region containing several predicted deleterious variants. We speculate that MAP9 associates with α-tubulin in the basal body of the cilium. RPGRIP1 is also known to locate to the cilium, where it is closely associated with RPGR. RPGRIP1 mutations also cause redistribution of α-tubulin away from the ciliary region in photoreceptors. Hence, a MAP9 partial deficit is a particularly attractive candidate to synergise with a partial RPGRIP1 deficit to cause a more serious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver P Forman
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, UK
| | - Rebekkah J Hitti
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, UK.
| | - Mike Boursnell
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, UK
| | - Keiko Miyadera
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3900 Delancey St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - David Sargan
- Comparative Genetics Group, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Rd., Cambridge, CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Cathryn Mellersh
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, UK
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28
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Tee JJL, Smith AJ, Hardcastle AJ, Michaelides M. RPGR-associated retinopathy: clinical features, molecular genetics, animal models and therapeutic options. Br J Ophthalmol 2016; 100:1022-7. [PMID: 26843488 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2015-307698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene sequence variants account for the vast majority of X linked retinitis pigmentosa (RP), which is one of the most severe forms of RP. Symptoms of nyctalopia typically begin in childhood, with increasing loss of peripheral visual field during teenage years, and progressive central visual loss during the second to fourth decade of life. There is however marked intrafamilial and interfamilial phenotypic heterogeneity in affected males and carrier females. There is now a far greater understanding of the range of phenotypes associated with variants in this gene; including rod-cone dystrophy, cone-rod dystrophy, cone dystrophy, macular dystrophy and non-ocular phenotypes. There are also increasingly established genotype-phenotype associations and structure-function correlations. RPGR is involved in ciliary function, with ciliary dysfunction now recognised as the mechanism underlying a large proportion of inherited retinal disease. There has been significant progress in identifying naturally occurring animal models and developing novel models to define the underlying disease mechanisms and to test gene replacement therapy, in addition to advances in human retinal imaging, culminating in completed and planned clinical trials. These significant developments will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J L Tee
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Alexander J Smith
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Alison J Hardcastle
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
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Raghupathy RK, Gautier P, Soares DC, Wright AF, Shu X. Evolutionary Characterization of the Retinitis Pigmentosa GTPase Regulator Gene. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2015; 56:6255-64. [PMID: 26431479 PMCID: PMC5841567 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.15-17726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The evolutionary conservation of the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene was examined across vertebrate and invertebrate lineages to elucidate its function. METHODS Orthologous RPGR sequences from vertebrates and invertebrates were selected. Multiple sequence alignments, phylogenetic analyses, synteny, and gene structure comparisons were carried out. Expression of the alternatively spliced constitutive (RPGR(const) or RPGR(ex1-19)) and RPGR(ORF15) isoforms was examined in developing and adult zebrafish. RESULTS Phylogenetic analyses and syntenic relationships were consistent with the selected sequences being true orthologues, although whole genome duplications in teleost fish resulted in a more complex picture. The splice form RPGR(const) was present in all vertebrate and invertebrate species but the defining carboxyl (C)-terminal exon of RPGR(ORF15) was absent from all invertebrates. The regulator of chromosome condensation (RCC1)-like domain adopts a seven-bladed β-propeller structure, which was present in both major splice forms and strongly conserved across evolution. The repetitive acidic region of RPGR(ORF15) showed a high rate of in-frame deletions/insertions across nine primate species, compared with flanking sequences, consistent with an unstable and rapidly evolving region. In zebrafish, RPGR(const) transcripts were most strongly expressed in early development, while the RPGR(ORF15) isoform showed highest expression in adult eye. CONCLUSIONS The regulator of chromosome condensation 1-like domain of RPGR was conserved in vertebrates and invertebrates, but RPGR(ORF15) was unique to vertebrates, consistent with a proposed role in the ciliary-based transport of cargoes such as rhodopsin, which is ∼10 times more abundant in vertebrate than invertebrate photoreceptors. The repetitive acidic region of RPGR(ORF15) shows a rapid rate of evolution, consistent with a mutation "hot spot."
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philippe Gautier
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Dinesh C. Soares
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Alan F. Wright
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Xinhua Shu
- Department of Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Deng WT, Dyka FM, Dinculescu A, Li J, Zhu P, Chiodo VA, Boye SL, Conlon TJ, Erger K, Cossette T, Hauswirth WW. Stability and Safety of an AAV Vector for Treating RPGR-ORF15 X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa. Hum Gene Ther 2015; 26:593-602. [PMID: 26076799 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2015.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Our collaborative successful gene replacement therapy using AAV vectors expressing a variant of human RPGR-ORF15 in two canine models provided therapeutic proof of concept for translation into human treatment. The ORF15 sequence contained within this AAV vector, however, has ORF15 DNA sequence variations compared to the published sequence that are likely due to its unusual composition of repetitive purine nucleotides. This mutability is a concern for AAV vector production and safety when contemplating a human trial. In this study, we establish the safety profile of AAV-hIRBP-hRPGR and AAV-hGRK1-hRPGR vectors used in the initial canine proof-of-principle experiments by demonstrating hRPGR-ORF15 sequence stability during all phases of manipulation, from plasmid propagation to vector production to its stability in vivo after subretinal administration to animals. We also evaluate potential toxicity in vivo by investigating protein expression, retinal structure and function, and vector biodistribution. Expression of hRPGR is detected in the inner segments and synaptic terminals of photoreceptors and is restricted to the connecting cilium when the vector is further diluted. Treated eyes exhibit no toxicity as assessed by retinal histopathology, immunocytochemistry, optical coherence tomography, fundoscopy, electroretinogram, and vector biodistribution. Therefore, the hRPGR-ORF15 variant in our AAV vectors appears to be a more stable form than the endogenous hRPGR cDNA when propagated in vitro. Its safety profile presented here in combination with its proven efficacy supports future gene therapy clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Tao Deng
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida
| | - Frank M Dyka
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida
| | - Astra Dinculescu
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jie Li
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida
| | - Ping Zhu
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida
| | - Vince A Chiodo
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida
| | - Sanford L Boye
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida
| | - Thomas J Conlon
- 2 Powell Gene Therapy Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida
| | - Kirsten Erger
- 2 Powell Gene Therapy Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida
| | - Travis Cossette
- 2 Powell Gene Therapy Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida
| | - William W Hauswirth
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida
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Megaw RD, Soares DC, Wright AF. RPGR: Its role in photoreceptor physiology, human disease, and future therapies. Exp Eye Res 2015; 138:32-41. [PMID: 26093275 PMCID: PMC4553903 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Revised: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian photoreceptors contain specialised connecting cilia that connect the inner (IS) to the outer segments (OS). Dysfunction of the connecting cilia due to mutations in ciliary proteins are a common cause of the inherited retinal dystrophy retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Mutations affecting the Retinitis Pigmentosa GTPase Regulator (RPGR) protein is one such cause, affecting 10-20% of all people with RP and the majority of those with X-linked RP. RPGR is located in photoreceptor connecting cilia. It interacts with a wide variety of ciliary proteins, but its exact function is unknown. Recently, there have been important advances both in our understanding of RPGR function and towards the development of a therapy. This review summarises the existing literature on human RPGR function and dysfunction, and suggests that RPGR plays a role in the function of the ciliary gate, which controls access of both membrane and soluble proteins to the photoreceptor outer segment. We discuss key models used to investigate and treat RPGR disease and suggest that gene augmentation therapy offers a realistic therapeutic approach, although important questions still remain to be answered, while cell replacement therapy based on retinal progenitor cells represents a more distant prospect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roly D Megaw
- Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, United Kingdom.
| | - Dinesh C Soares
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom.
| | - Alan F Wright
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom.
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Rao KN, Li L, Anand M, Khanna H. Ablation of retinal ciliopathy protein RPGR results in altered photoreceptor ciliary composition. Sci Rep 2015; 5:11137. [PMID: 26068394 PMCID: PMC4463945 DOI: 10.1038/srep11137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cilia regulate several developmental and homeostatic pathways that are critical to survival. Sensory cilia of photoreceptors regulate phototransduction cascade for visual processing. Mutations in the ciliary protein RPGR (retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator) are a prominent cause of severe blindness disorders due to degeneration of mature photoreceptors. However, precise function of RPGR is still unclear. Here we studied the involvement of RPGR in ciliary trafficking by analyzing the composition of photoreceptor sensory cilia (PSC) in Rpgrko retina. Using tandem mass spectrometry analysis followed by immunoblotting, we detected few alterations in levels of proteins involved in proteasomal function and vesicular trafficking in Rpgrko PSC, prior to onset of degeneration. We also found alterations in the levels of high molecular weight soluble proteins in Rpgrko PSC. Our data indicate RPGR regulates entry or retention of soluble proteins in photoreceptor cilia but spares the trafficking of key structural and phototransduction-associated proteins. Given a frequent occurrence of RPGR mutations in severe photoreceptor degeneration due to ciliary disorders, our results provide insights into pathways resulting in altered mature cilia function in ciliopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kollu N Rao
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Linjing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Manisha Anand
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Hemant Khanna
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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The Role of RPGR and Its Interacting Proteins in Ciliopathies. J Ophthalmol 2015; 2015:414781. [PMID: 26124960 PMCID: PMC4466403 DOI: 10.1155/2015/414781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2014] [Revised: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ciliopathies encompass a group of genetic disorders characterized by defects in the formation, maintenance, or function of cilia. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is frequently one of the clinical features presented in diverse ciliopathies. RP is a heterogeneous group of inherited retinal disorders, characterized by the death of photoreceptors and affecting more than one million individuals worldwide. The retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene is mutated in up to 20% of all RP patients. RPGR protein has different interacting partners to function in ciliary protein trafficking. In this review, we specifically focus on RPGR and its two interacting proteins: RPGRIP1 and RPGRIP1L. We summarize the function of the three proteins and highlight recent studies that provide insight into the cellular function of those proteins.
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Abstract
Centrosomes act as the main microtubule-organizing centre of animal cells and play critical roles in the cell, such as mitotic spindle organization, cell polarity, and motility. They are composed of two barrel-shaped structures, the centrioles, surrounded by the pericentriolar matrix. In mammalian cells, the two centrioles differ structurally due to generational difference, the oldest one bearing appendages which allow the transient docking of the centriole at the plasma membrane in order to grow a primary cilium. Centrosome components are highly conserved throughout evolution and several pathologies have been associated with centrosomal defects. The understanding of such a complex organelle has therefore been a challenge for many researchers and has led to the development of centrosomal purification procedures to assess molecular composition, biological function, and structural organization of centrosomes. In this paper, we detail a step-by-step procedure to generate high yield of purified centrosome obtained from various mammalian cell lines.
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Beltran WA, Cideciyan AV, Lewin AS, Hauswirth WW, Jacobson SG, Aguirre GD. Gene augmentation for X-linked retinitis pigmentosa caused by mutations in RPGR. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2014; 5:a017392. [PMID: 25301933 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a017392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) caused by mutations in the RPGR gene is a severe and early onset form of retinal degeneration, and no treatment is currently available. Recent evidence in two clinically relevant canine models shows that adeno-associated viral (AAV)-mediated RPGR gene transfer to rods and cones can prevent disease onset and rescue photoreceptors at early- and mid-stages of degeneration. There is thus a strong incentive for conducting long-term, preclinical efficacy and safety studies, while concomitantly pursuing the detailed phenotypic characterization of XLRP disease in patients that may benefit from such corrective therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A Beltran
- Section of Ophthalmology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Alfred S Lewin
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610
| | - William W Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Section of Ophthalmology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
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Satir BH, Wyroba E, Liu L, Lethan M, Satir P, Christensen ST. Evolutionary implications of localization of the signaling scaffold protein parafusin to both cilia and the nucleus. Cell Biol Int 2014; 39:136-45. [PMID: 25044011 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Parafusin (PFUS), a 63 kDa protein first discovered in the eukaryote Paramecium and known for its role in apicomplexan exocytosis, provides a model for the common origin of cellular systems employing scaffold proteins for targeting and signaling. PFUS is closely related to eubacterial rather than archeal phosphoglucomutases (PGM) - as we proved by comparison of their 88 sequences - but has no PGM activity. Immunofluorescence microscopy analysis with a PFUS-specific peptide antibody showed presence of this protein around the base region of primary cilia in a variety of mammalian cell types, including mouse embryonic (MEFs) and human foreskin fibroblasts (hFFs), human carcinoma stem cells (NT-2 cells), and human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Further, PFUS localized to the nucleus of fibroblasts, and prominently to nucleoli of MEFs. Localization studies were confirmed by Western blot analysis, showing that the PFUS antibody specifically recognizes a single protein of ca. 63 kDa in both cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions. Finally, immunofluorescence microscopy analysis showed that PFUS localized to nuclei and cilia in Paramecium. These results support the suggestion that PFUS plays a role in signaling between nucleus and cilia, and that the cilium and the nucleus both evolved around the time of eukaryotic emergence. We hypothesize that near the beginnings of eukaryotic cell evolution, scaffold proteins such as PFUS arose as peripheral membrane protein identifiers for cytoplasmic membrane trafficking and were employed similarly during the subsequent evolution of exocytic, nuclear transport, and ciliogenic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Hegner Satir
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Jack and Pearl Resnick Campus, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Forchheimer Building, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
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Raghupathy RK, McCulloch DL, Akhtar S, Al-Mubrad TM, Shu X. Pathogenesis of X-linked RP3: insights from animal models. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 801:477-85. [PMID: 24664734 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-3209-8_61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by rod and cone photoreceptor cell dysfunction. X-linked RP (XLRP) is one of the most severe forms of human retinal degeneration, as determined by age-of-set and progression, and accounts for six to 20 % of all RP cases. At least six XLRP loci have been identified, but RP3 is the major subtype of XLRP, accounting for 70 to 80 % of affected families. The RPGR gene is responsible for the RP3 form of XLRP and is mutated in 10-20 % of all RP patients. The pathogenesis of retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) mutant-causing RP is not clear, different animal models have been used to understand the pathogenesis of these diseases. In this brief review, we will summarize the functional characterization of RPGR and highlight recent studies in animal models, which will not only shed light on the disease mechanisms in XLRP but will also provide therapeutic strategies for RP treatment.
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Zahid S, Khan N, Branham K, Othman M, Karoukis AJ, Sharma N, Moncrief A, Mahmood MN, Sieving PA, Swaroop A, Heckenlively JR, Jayasundera T. Phenotypic conservation in patients with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa caused by RPGR mutations. JAMA Ophthalmol 2013; 131:1016-25. [PMID: 23681342 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2013.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE For patients with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa and clinicians alike, phenotypic variability can be challenging because it complicates counseling regarding patients' likely visual prognosis. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical findings from patients with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa with 13 distinct RPGR mutations and assess for phenotypic concordance or variability. DESIGN Retrospective medical record review of data collected from 1985 to 2011. SETTING Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan. PATIENTS A total of 42 patients with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa with mutations in RPGR. Age at first visit ranged from 4 to 53 years, with follow-up ranging from 1 to 11 visits (median follow-up time, 5.5 years; range, 1.4-32.7 years, for 23 patients with >1 visit). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Clinical data assessed for concordance included visual acuity (VA), Goldmann visual fields (GVFs), and full-field electroretinography (ERG). Electroretinography phenotype (cone-rod vs rod-cone dysfunction) was defined by the extent of photopic vs scotopic abnormality. Qualitative GVF phenotype was determined by the GVF pattern, where central or peripheral loss suggested cone or rod dysfunction, respectively. Goldmann visual fields were also quantified and compared among patients. RESULTS Each mutation was detected in 2 or more related or unrelated patients. Five mutations in 11 patients displayed strong concordance of VA, while 4 mutations in 16 patients revealed moderate concordance of VA. A definitive cone-rod or rod-cone ERG pattern consistent among patients was found in 6 of 13 mutations (46.2%); the remaining mutations were characterized by patients demonstrating both phenotypes or who had limited data or nonrecordable ERG values. Concordant GVF phenotypes (7 rod-cone pattern vs 4 cone-rod pattern) were seen in 11 of 13 mutations (84.6%). All 6 mutations displaying a constant ERG pattern within the mutation group revealed a GVF phenotype consistent with the ERG findings. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE While VA and ERG phenotypes are concordant in only some patients carrying identical mutations, assessment of GVF phenotypes revealed stronger phenotypic conservation. Phenotypic concordance is important for establishing proper counseling of patients diagnosed as having X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, as well as for establishing accurate patient selection and efficacy monitoring in therapeutic trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarwar Zahid
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
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Raghupathy RK, McCulloch DL, Akhtar S, Al-mubrad TM, Shu X. Zebrafish model for the genetic basis of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa. Zebrafish 2013; 10:62-9. [PMID: 23536988 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2012.0761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) affects 1/4000 individuals in most populations, and X-linked RP (XLRP) is one of the most severe forms of human retinal degeneration. Mutations in both the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene and retinitis pigmentosa 2 (RP2) gene account for almost all cases of XLRP. The functional roles of both RPGR and RP2 in the pathogenesis of XLRP are unclear. Due to the surprisingly high degree of functional conservation between human genes and their zebrafish orthologues, the zebrafish has become an important model for human retinal disorders. In this brief review, we summarize the functional characterization of XLRP-causing genes, RPGR and RP2, in zebrafish, and highlight recent studies that provide insight into the cellular functions of both genes. This will not only shed light on disease mechanisms in XLRP but will also provide a solid platform to test RP-causing mutants before proposing XLRP gene therapy trials.
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Davis EE, Katsanis N. The ciliopathies: a transitional model into systems biology of human genetic disease. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2012; 22:290-303. [PMID: 22632799 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2012.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2012] [Revised: 04/24/2012] [Accepted: 04/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The last decade has witnessed an explosion in the identification of genes, mutations in which appear sufficient to cause clinical phenotypes in humans. This is especially true for disorders of ciliary dysfunction in which an excess of 50 causal loci are now known; this discovery was driven partly by an improved understanding of the protein composition of the cilium and the co-occurrence of clinical phenotypes associated with ciliary dysfunction. Despite this progress, the fundamental challenge of predicting phenotype and or clinical progression based on single locus information remains unsolved. Here, we explore how the combinatorial knowledge of allele quality and quantity, an improved understanding of the biological composition of the primary cilium, and the expanded appreciation of the subcellular roles of this organelle can be synthesized to generate improved models that can explain both causality but also variable penetrance and expressivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica E Davis
- Center for Human Disease Modeling, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Anand M, Khanna H. Ciliary transition zone (TZ) proteins RPGR and CEP290: role in photoreceptor cilia and degenerative diseases. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2012; 16:541-51. [PMID: 22563985 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2012.680956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Primary cilia are microtubule-based extensions of the plasma membrane in nearly all cell types. In vertebrate photoreceptors, the sensory cilium develops as outer segment (OS) that contains the photopigment rhodopsin and other proteins necessary for phototransduction. The distinct composition of proteins and lipids in the OS membrane is maintained by the selective barrier located at the border between the basal body and the ciliary compartment, called the transition zone (TZ). AREAS COVERED In this review, we will discuss the identification and function of two ciliary TZ proteins, RPGR (retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator) and CEP290. Mutations in these proteins account for a majority of retinopathies due to ciliary dysfunction. We will also discuss the potential of such information in designing therapeutic approaches to treat cilia-dependent photoreceptor degenerative diseases. EXPERT OPINION RPGR and CEP290 perform overlapping yet distinct functions in regulating trafficking of cargo via the TZ of photoreceptors. While RPGR modulates the trafficking by acting as a GEF for the small GTPase RAB8A, CEP290 may be involved in maintaining the polarized distribution of proteins in the OS by modulating intracellular levels of selected proteins involved in inhibiting OS formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Anand
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Ophthalmology, 381 Plantation Street, Biotech 5, Suite 250, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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Thompson DA, Khan NW, Othman MI, Chang B, Jia L, Grahek G, Wu Z, Hiriyanna S, Nellissery J, Li T, Khanna H, Colosi P, Swaroop A, Heckenlively JR. Rd9 is a naturally occurring mouse model of a common form of retinitis pigmentosa caused by mutations in RPGR-ORF15. PLoS One 2012; 7:e35865. [PMID: 22563472 PMCID: PMC3341386 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0035865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2012] [Accepted: 03/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models of human disease are an invaluable component of studies aimed at understanding disease pathogenesis and therapeutic possibilities. Mutations in the gene encoding retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) are the most common cause of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) and are estimated to cause 20% of all retinal dystrophy cases. A majority of RPGR mutations are present in ORF15, the purine-rich terminal exon of the predominant splice-variant expressed in retina. Here we describe the genetic and phenotypic characterization of the retinal degeneration 9 (Rd9) strain of mice, a naturally occurring animal model of XLRP. Rd9 mice were found to carry a 32-base-pair duplication within ORF15 that causes a shift in the reading frame that introduces a premature-stop codon. Rpgr ORF15 transcripts, but not protein, were detected in retinas from Rd9/Y male mice that exhibited retinal pathology, including pigment loss and slowly progressing decrease in outer nuclear layer thickness. The levels of rhodopsin and transducin in rod outer segments were also decreased, and M-cone opsin appeared mislocalized within cone photoreceptors. In addition, electroretinogram (ERG) a- and b-wave amplitudes of both Rd9/Y male and Rd9/Rd9 female mice showed moderate gradual reduction that continued to 24 months of age. The presence of multiple retinal features that correlate with findings in individuals with XLRP identifies Rd9 as a valuable model for use in gaining insight into ORF15-associated disease progression and pathogenesis, as well as accelerating the development and testing of therapeutic strategies for this common form of retinal dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra A. Thompson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Naheed W. Khan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Mohammad I. Othman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Bo Chang
- Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, United States of America
| | - Lin Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Garrett Grahek
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Zhijian Wu
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration & Repair laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Suja Hiriyanna
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration & Repair laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jacob Nellissery
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration & Repair laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tiansen Li
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration & Repair laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Hemant Khanna
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Peter Colosi
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration & Repair laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration & Repair laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AS); (JRH)
| | - John R. Heckenlively
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AS); (JRH)
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Gene therapy rescues photoreceptor blindness in dogs and paves the way for treating human X-linked retinitis pigmentosa. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:2132-7. [PMID: 22308428 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1118847109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hereditary retinal blindness is caused by mutations in genes expressed in photoreceptors or retinal pigment epithelium. Gene therapy in mouse and dog models of a primary retinal pigment epithelium disease has already been translated to human clinical trials with encouraging results. Treatment for common primary photoreceptor blindness, however, has not yet moved from proof of concept to the clinic. We evaluated gene augmentation therapy in two blinding canine photoreceptor diseases that model the common X-linked form of retinitis pigmentosa caused by mutations in the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene, which encodes a photoreceptor ciliary protein, and provide evidence that the therapy is effective. After subretinal injections of adeno-associated virus-2/5-vectored human RPGR with human IRBP or GRK1 promoters, in vivo imaging showed preserved photoreceptor nuclei and inner/outer segments that were limited to treated areas. Both rod and cone photoreceptor function were greater in treated (three of four) than in control eyes. Histopathology indicated normal photoreceptor structure and reversal of opsin mislocalization in treated areas expressing human RPGR protein in rods and cones. Postreceptoral remodeling was also corrected: there was reversal of bipolar cell dendrite retraction evident with bipolar cell markers and preservation of outer plexiform layer thickness. Efficacy of gene therapy in these large animal models of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa provides a path for translation to human treatment.
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Kuznetsova T, Zangerl B, Aguirre GD. RPGRIP1 and cone-rod dystrophy in dogs. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2012; 723:321-8. [PMID: 22183349 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-0631-0_42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Kuznetsova
- Department of Clinical Studies, Section of Ophthalmology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Patil H, Guruju MR, Cho KI, Yi H, Orry A, Kim H, Ferreira PA. Structural and functional plasticity of subcellular tethering, targeting and processing of RPGRIP1 by RPGR isoforms. Biol Open 2011; 1:140-60. [PMID: 23213406 PMCID: PMC3507198 DOI: 10.1242/bio.2011489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations affecting the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator-interacting protein 1 (RPGRIP1) interactome cause syndromic retinal dystrophies. RPGRIP1 interacts with the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) through a domain homologous to RCC1 (RHD), a nucleotide exchange factor of Ran GTPase. However, functional relationships between RPGR and RPGRIP1 and their subcellular roles are lacking. We show by molecular modeling and analyses of RPGR disease-mutations that the RPGR-interacting domain (RID) of RPGRIP1 embraces multivalently the shared RHD of RPGR1–19 and RPGRORF15 isoforms and the mutations are non-overlapping with the interface found between RCC1 and Ran GTPase. RPGR disease-mutations grouped into six classes based on their structural locations and differential impairment with RPGRIP1 interaction. RPGRIP1α1 expression alone causes its profuse self-aggregation, an effect suppressed by co-expression of either RPGR isoform before and after RPGRIP1α1 self-aggregation ensue. RPGR1–19 localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum, whereas RPGRORF15 presents cytosolic distribution and they determine uniquely the subcellular co-localization of RPGRIP1α1. Disease mutations in RPGR1–19, RPGRORF15, or RID of RPGRIP1α1, singly or in combination, exert distinct effects on the subcellular targeting, co-localization or tethering of RPGRIP1α1 with RPGR1–19 or RPGRORF15 in kidney, photoreceptor and hepatocyte cell lines. Additionally, RPGRORF15, but not RPGR1–19, protects the RID of RPGRIP1α1 from limited proteolysis. These studies define RPGR- and cell-type-dependent targeting pathways with structural and functional plasticity modulating the expression of mutations in RPGR and RPGRIP1. Further, RPGR isoforms distinctively determine the subcellular targeting of RPGRIP1α1, with deficits in RPGRORF15-dependent intracellular localization of RPGRIP1α1 contributing to pathomechanisms shared by etiologically distinct syndromic retinal dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemangi Patil
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center , Durham, NC 27710 , USA
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Mühlhans J, Brandstätter JH, Gießl A. The centrosomal protein pericentrin identified at the basal body complex of the connecting cilium in mouse photoreceptors. PLoS One 2011; 6:e26496. [PMID: 22031837 PMCID: PMC3198765 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2011] [Accepted: 09/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pericentrin (Pcnt), a conserved protein of the pericentriolar material, serves as a multifunctional scaffold for numerous proteins and plays an important role in microtubule organization. Recent studies indicate that Pcnt mutations are associated with a range of diseases including primordial dwarfism and ciliopathies. To date, three Pcnt splice variants from orthologous genes in mice and humans are known. Principal Findings We generated a specific Pcnt antiserum detecting all known Pcnt splice variants and examined the cellular and subcellular distribution of Pcnt in ciliated tissues of the mouse, the olfactory epithelium and the retina. For the first time, we identified Pcnt and its centrosomal interaction partners at the basal body complex of mouse retinal photoreceptors. Photoreceptors are morphologically and functionally subdivided into the light sensitive outer segment and the inner segment comprising the metabolic function of the cell. The two compartments are linked via a modified, specialized, non-motile cilium, the connecting cilium. Here, Pcnt colocalized with the whole protein machinery responsible for transport processes between the two compartments. Surprisingly, photoreceptors expressed a small Pcnt splice transcript – most likely a modified variant of Pcnt S – which was not present in receptor neurons of the olfactory epithelium. Conclusions Our findings suggest distinct functional roles of several Pcnt variants in different ciliated tissues and sensory neurons, like the olfactory epithelium and the retina of the mouse. The individual patchwork of different Pcnt splice transcripts seems to reflect the complexity of Pcnt function, an assumption corroborated by the heterogeneous clinical manifestations associated with mutations in the Pcnt gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Mühlhans
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Gießl
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Gakovic M, Shu X, Kasioulis I, Carpanini S, Moraga I, Wright AF. The role of RPGR in cilia formation and actin stability. Hum Mol Genet 2011; 20:4840-50. [PMID: 21933838 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddr423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) protein cause one of the most common and severe forms of inherited retinal dystrophy. In spite of numerous studies, the precise function of RPGR remains unclear, as is the mechanism by which RPGR mutations cause retinal degeneration. We have analysed the function of RPGR by RNA interference-mediated translational suppression [knockdown (KD)] using a model cellular system for studying the formation, maintenance and function of primary cilia (human telomerase-immortalized retinal pigmented epithelium 1 cells). We observed that RPGR-deficient cells exhibited reduced numbers of cilia, slower cell cycle progression and impaired attachment to fibronectin, but showed no migration defects in a wound-healing assay. RPGR KD cells showed stronger actin filaments, associated with basal dysregulation of the Akt, Erk1/2, focal adhesion kinase and Src signalling pathways, as well as a 20% reduction in β1-integrin receptors at the cell surface and impaired fibronectin-induced signalling. Stronger actin filaments and impairment of the above signalling pathways suggest a common underlying mechanism for all of the cellular phenotypes observed in RPGR KD cells. Our data underline a novel function for RPGR in cilia formation and in the regulation of actin stress filaments, suggesting that, in the retina, it may regulate nascent photoreceptor disc formation by regulating actin-mediated membrane extension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Gakovic
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
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Kuznetsova T, Zangerl B, Goldstein O, Acland GM, Aguirre GD. Structural organization and expression pattern of the canine RPGRIP1 isoforms in retinal tissue. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2011; 52:2989-98. [PMID: 21282582 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.10-6094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the structure and expression of RPGRIP1 in dog retina. METHODS Determination of the structural analysis and expression pattern of canine RPGRIP1 (cRPGRIP1) was based on cDNA amplification. Absolute quantification of the expression level of cRPGRIP1 splice variants was determined by qRT-PCR. Regulatory structures were examined by computational analysis of comparative genomics. RESULTS cRPGRIP1 encompasses 25 exons that harbor a 3627-bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a 1209-amino-acid (aa)-predicted protein. In addition to the main transcript, five full-length and several partial cRPGRIP1 isoforms were identified revealing four alternative 3'-terminal exons--24, 19a, 19c, and 19d--three of which could potentially produce C-terminally truncated proteins that lack the RPGR-interacting domain. A complex organization of the 5'-UTR for the cRPGRIP1 splice products have been described, with a common promoter driving multiple isoforms, including four full-length transcripts using the 3'-terminal exon 24. In addition, a potential alternative internal promoter was revealed to initiate at least two cRPGRIP1 splice variants sharing the same 3'-terminal exon 19c. Transcription initiation sites were highly supported by conserved arrangements of cis-elements predicted in a bioinformatic analysis of orthologous RPGRIP1 promoter regions. CONCLUSIONS The use of alternative transcription start and termination sites results in substantial heterogeneity of cRPGRIP1 transcripts, many of which are likely to have tissue-specific expression. The identified exon-intron structure of cRPGRIP1 isoforms provides a basis for evaluating the gene defects underlying inherited retinal disorders in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Kuznetsova
- Section of Ophthalmology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Hosch J, Lorenz B, Stieger K. RPGR: role in the photoreceptor cilium, human retinal disease, and gene therapy. Ophthalmic Genet 2010; 32:1-11. [PMID: 21174525 DOI: 10.3109/13816810.2010.535889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cilia are specialized dynamic organelles extending from the surface of almost all mammalian cells. Since proteins and protein precursors are transported across the ciliary compartments via intraflagellar transport (IFT), mutations in genes encoding proteins that participate in IFT can cause a spectrum of different ciliopathies. Photoreceptors of the mammalian retina contain ciliary structures that connect the inner (IS) with the outer segments (OS). This structure, the connecting cilium (CC), serves as the only junction between OS and IS, the correct passage of proteins through the CC is crucial for the functioning and maintenance of the cells. Therefore, any impairment of the IFT leads to severe malfunction of photoreceptors, and may induce apoptosis ultimately leading to the degeneration of the retina. The Retinitis Pigmentosa GTPase Regulator (RPGR), which is located in the CC, participates in the IFT and interacts with a variety of proteins, including RPGRIP-1, CEP290, NPM, SMC1 and 3 and IFT88. However, the function of RPGR through its interaction with these proteins is not yet entirely understood. Mutations in the RPGR gene lead to X-linked Retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP), one of the most severe and early onset forms of RP. Gene therapy is considered a potential therapeutic option and is currently under investigation in several animal models of XLRP. However, some of the currently available mouse models are only partially suitable for the development of therapeutic strategies and the quest for more appropriate small animal models is still an issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jutta Hosch
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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NPM1/B23: A Multifunctional Chaperone in Ribosome Biogenesis and Chromatin Remodeling. Biochem Res Int 2010; 2011:195209. [PMID: 21152184 PMCID: PMC2989734 DOI: 10.1155/2011/195209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Accepted: 08/29/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
At a first glance, ribosome biogenesis and chromatin remodeling are quite different processes, but they share a common problem involving interactions between charged nucleic acids and small basic proteins that may result in unwanted intracellular aggregations. The multifunctional nuclear acidic chaperone NPM1 (B23/nucleophosmin) is active in several stages of ribosome biogenesis, chromatin remodeling, and mitosis as well as in DNA repair, replication and transcription. In addition, NPM1 plays an important role in the Myc-ARF-p53 pathway as well as in SUMO regulation. However, the relative importance of NPM1 in these processes remains unclear. Provided herein is an update on the expanding list of the diverse activities and interacting partners of NPM1. Mechanisms of NPM1 nuclear export functions of NPM1 in the nucleolus and at the mitotic spindle are discussed in relation to tumor development. It is argued that the suggested function of NPM1 as a histone chaperone could explain several, but not all, of the effects observed in cells following changes in NPM1 expression. A future challenge is to understand how NPM1 is activated, recruited, and controlled to carry out its functions.
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