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Ponce-Mora A, Yuste A, Perini-Villanueva G, Miranda M, Bejarano E. Connexins Biology in the Pathophysiology of Retinal Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1415:229-234. [PMID: 37440038 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-27681-1_33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Connexins (Cx) are a family of transmembrane proteins that form gap junction intercellular channels that connect neighboring cells. These channels allow the passage of ions and other biomolecules smaller than 1 kDa, thereby synchronizing the cells both electrically and metabolically. Cxs are expressed in all retinal cell types and the diversity of Cx isoforms involved in the assembly of the channels provides a functional syncytium required for visual transduction. In this chapter, we summarize the status of current knowledge regarding Cx biology in retinal tissues and discuss how Cx dysfunction is associated with retinal disease pathophysiology. Although the contribution of Cx deficiency to retinal degeneration is not well understood, recent findings present Cx as a potential therapeutic target. Therefore, we will briefly discuss pharmacological approaches and gene therapies that are being explored to modulate Cx function and fight sight-threatening eye diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Ponce-Mora
- School of Health Sciences and Veterinary School, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Andrea Yuste
- School of Health Sciences and Veterinary School, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Giuliana Perini-Villanueva
- Laboratory for Nutrition and Vision Research, USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - María Miranda
- School of Health Sciences and Veterinary School, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Eloy Bejarano
- School of Health Sciences and Veterinary School, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain.
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Kunceviciene E, Muskieta T, Sriubiene M, Liutkeviciene R, Smalinskiene A, Grabauskyte I, Insodaite R, Juoceviciute D, Kucinskas L. Association of CX36 Protein Encoding Gene GJD2 with Refractive Errors. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13071166. [PMID: 35885949 PMCID: PMC9319995 DOI: 10.3390/genes13071166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the associations of GJD2 (rs634990, rs524952) and RASGRF1 (rs8027411, rs4778879, rs28412916) gene polymorphisms with refractive errors. Methods: The study included 373 subjects with refractive errors (48 myopia, 239 myopia with astigmatism, 14 hyperopia, and 72 hyperopia with astigmatism patients) and 104 ophthalmologically healthy subjects in the control group. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method was chosen for genotyping. Statistical calculations and analysis of results were performed with IBM SPSS Statistics 27 software. Results: The correlations in monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs were higher compared to DZ pairs, indicating genetic effects on hyperopia and astigmatism. The heritability (h2) of hyperopia and astigmatism was 0.654 for the right eye and 0.492 for the left eye. The GJD2 rs634990 TT genotype increased the incidence of hyperopia with astigmatism by 2.4-fold and the CT genotype decreased the incidence of hyperopia with astigmatism by 0.51-fold (p < 0.05). The GJD2 rs524952 AT genotype reduced the incidence of hyperopia with astigmatism by 0.53-fold (p < 0.05). Haplotype analysis of SNPs in the GJD2 gene revealed two statistically significant haplotypes: ACTAGG for rs634990 and TTTAGA for rs524952, which statistically significantly reduced the incidence of hyperopia and hyperopia with astigmatism by 0.41-fold (95% CI: 0.220−0.765) and 0.383-fold (95% CI: 0.199−0.737), respectively (p < 0.05). It was also found that, in the presence of haplotypes ACTAGG for rs634990 and TATAGA for rs524952, the possibility of hyperopia was reduced by 0.4-fold (p < 0.05). Conclusions: the heritability of hyperopia and hyperopia with astigmatism was 0.654−0.492, according to different eyes in patients between 20 and 40 years. The GJD2 rs634990 was identified as an SNP, which has significant associations with the co-occurrence of hyperopia and astigmatism. Patients with the GJD2 gene rs634990 TT genotype were found to have a 2.4-fold higher risk of develop hyperopia with astigmatism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edita Kunceviciene
- Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (T.M.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (R.I.); (D.J.); (L.K.)
- The Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu 17, 50157 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Correspondence:
| | - Tomas Muskieta
- Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (T.M.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (R.I.); (D.J.); (L.K.)
| | - Margarita Sriubiene
- Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (T.M.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (R.I.); (D.J.); (L.K.)
| | - Rasa Liutkeviciene
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 2, 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania;
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Alina Smalinskiene
- Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (T.M.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (R.I.); (D.J.); (L.K.)
| | - Ingrida Grabauskyte
- Department of Physics, Mathematics and Biophysics, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Ruta Insodaite
- Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (T.M.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (R.I.); (D.J.); (L.K.)
| | - Dovile Juoceviciute
- Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (T.M.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (R.I.); (D.J.); (L.K.)
| | - Laimutis Kucinskas
- Institute of Biology Systems and Genetic Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (T.M.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (R.I.); (D.J.); (L.K.)
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Yang J, Ouyang X, Fu H, Hou X, Liu Y, Xie Y, Yu H, Wang G. Advances in biomedical study of the myopia-related signaling pathways and mechanisms. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 145:112472. [PMID: 34861634 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Myopia has become one of the most critical health problems in the world with the increasing time spent indoors and increasing close work. Pathological myopia may have multiple complications, such as myopic macular degeneration, retinal detachment, cataracts, open-angle glaucoma, and severe cases that can cause blindness. Mounting evidence suggests that the cause of myopia can be attributed to the complex interaction of environmental exposure and genetic susceptibility. An increasing number of researchers have focused on the genetic pathogenesis of myopia in recent years. Scleral remodeling and excessive axial elongating induced retina thinning and even retinal detachment are myopia's most important pathological manifestations. The related signaling pathways are indispensable in myopia occurrence and development, such as dopamine, nitric oxide, TGF-β, HIF-1α, etc. We review the current major and recent progress of biomedicine on myopia-related signaling pathways and mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Xinli Ouyang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Hong Fu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Xinyu Hou
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China
| | - Yongfang Xie
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China.
| | - Haiqun Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China.
| | - Guohui Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China.
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Szarka G, Balogh M, Tengölics ÁJ, Ganczer A, Völgyi B, Kovács-Öller T. The role of gap junctions in cell death and neuromodulation in the retina. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1911-1920. [PMID: 33642359 PMCID: PMC8343308 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.308069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Vision altering diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, myopia, retinal vascular disease, traumatic brain injuries and others cripple many lives and are projected to continue to cause anguish in the foreseeable future. Gap junctions serve as an emerging target for neuromodulation and possible regeneration as they directly connect healthy and/or diseased cells, thereby playing a crucial role in pathophysiology. Since they are permeable for macromolecules, able to cross the cellular barriers, they show duality in illness as a cause and as a therapeutic target. In this review, we take recent advancements in gap junction neuromodulation (pharmacological blockade, gene therapy, electrical and light stimulation) into account, to show the gap junction's role in neuronal cell death and the possible routes of rescuing neuronal and glial cells in the retina succeeding illness or injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely Szarka
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Retinal Electrical Synapses Research Group, National Brain Research Program (NAP 2.0), Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Márton Balogh
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Retinal Electrical Synapses Research Group, National Brain Research Program (NAP 2.0), Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ádám J. Tengölics
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Retinal Electrical Synapses Research Group, National Brain Research Program (NAP 2.0), Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Alma Ganczer
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Retinal Electrical Synapses Research Group, National Brain Research Program (NAP 2.0), Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Béla Völgyi
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Retinal Electrical Synapses Research Group, National Brain Research Program (NAP 2.0), Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Kovács-Öller
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Retinal Electrical Synapses Research Group, National Brain Research Program (NAP 2.0), Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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A histological examination of corneal epithelium after iontophoresis with different riboflavin solutions. Chin Med J (Engl) 2021; 135:753-755. [PMID: 34310398 PMCID: PMC9276224 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000001579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Zhi Z, Xiang J, Fu Q, Pei X, Zhou D, Cao Y, Xie L, Zhang S, Chen S, Qu J, Zhou X. The Role of Retinal Connexins Cx36 and Horizontal Cell Coupling in Emmetropization in Guinea Pigs. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:27. [PMID: 34283211 PMCID: PMC8300059 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.9.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether retinal gap junctions (GJs) via connexin 36 (Cx36, mediating coupling of many retinal cell types) and horizontal cell (HC-HC) coupling, are involved in emmetropization. Methods Guinea pigs (3 weeks old) were monocularly form deprived (FD) or raised without FD (in normal visual [NV] environment) for 2 days or 4 weeks; alternatively, they wore a -4 D lens (hyperopic defocus [HD]) or 0 D lens for 2 days or 1 week. FD and NV eyes received daily subconjunctival injections of a nonspecific GJ-uncoupling agent, 18-β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid (18-β-GA). The amounts of total Cx36 and of phosphorylated Cx36 (P-Cx36; activated state that increases cell-cell coupling), in the inner and outer plexiform layers (IPLs and OPLs), were evaluated by quantitative immunofluorescence (IF), and HC-HC coupling was evaluated by cut-loading with neurobiotin. Results FD per se (excluding effect of light-attenuation) increased HC-HC coupling in OPL, whereas HD did not affect it. HD for 2 days or 1 week had no significant effect on retinal content of Cx36 or P-Cx36. FD for 4 weeks decreased the total amounts of Cx36 and P-Cx36, and the P-Cx36/Cx36 ratio, in the IPL. Subconjunctival 18-β-GA induced myopia in NV eyes and increased the myopic shifts in FD eyes, while reducing the amounts of Cx36 and P-Cx36 in both the IPL and OPL. Conclusions These results suggest that cell-cell coupling via GJs containing Cx36 (particularly those in the IPL) plays a role in emmetropization and form deprivation myopia (FDM) in mammals. Although both FD and 18-β-GA induced myopia, they had opposite effects on HC-HC coupling. These findings suggest that HC-HC coupling in the OPL might not play a significant role in emmetropization and myopia development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhina Zhi
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health People's Republic of China and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Xiang
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health People's Republic of China and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qian Fu
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health People's Republic of China and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaomeng Pei
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health People's Republic of China and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dengke Zhou
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health People's Republic of China and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuqing Cao
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health People's Republic of China and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liqin Xie
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health People's Republic of China and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sen Zhang
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health People's Republic of China and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Si Chen
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health People's Republic of China and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jia Qu
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health People's Republic of China and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiangtian Zhou
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health People's Republic of China and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Jong M, Jonas JB, Wolffsohn JS, Berntsen DA, Cho P, Clarkson-Townsend D, Flitcroft DI, Gifford KL, Haarman AEG, Pardue MT, Richdale K, Sankaridurg P, Tedja MS, Wildsoet CF, Bailey-Wilson JE, Guggenheim JA, Hammond CJ, Kaprio J, MacGregor S, Mackey DA, Musolf AM, Klaver CCW, Verhoeven VJM, Vitart V, Smith EL. IMI 2021 Yearly Digest. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:7. [PMID: 33909031 PMCID: PMC8088231 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.5.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The International Myopia Institute (IMI) Yearly Digest highlights new research considered to be of importance since the publication of the first series of IMI white papers. Methods A literature search was conducted for articles on myopia between 2019 and mid-2020 to inform definitions and classifications, experimental models, genetics, interventions, clinical trials, and clinical management. Conference abstracts from key meetings in the same period were also considered. Results One thousand articles on myopia have been published between 2019 and mid-2020. Key advances include the use of the definition of premyopia in studies currently under way to test interventions in myopia, new definitions in the field of pathologic myopia, the role of new pharmacologic treatments in experimental models such as intraocular pressure-lowering latanoprost, a large meta-analysis of refractive error identifying 336 new genetic loci, new clinical interventions such as the defocus incorporated multisegment spectacles and combination therapy with low-dose atropine and orthokeratology (OK), normative standards in refractive error, the ethical dilemma of a placebo control group when myopia control treatments are established, reporting the physical metric of myopia reduction versus a percentage reduction, comparison of the risk of pediatric OK wear with risk of vision impairment in myopia, the justification of preventing myopic and axial length increase versus quality of life, and future vision loss. Conclusions Large amounts of research in myopia have been published since the IMI 2019 white papers were released. The yearly digest serves to highlight the latest research and advances in myopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Jong
- Discipline of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- Brien Holden Vision Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jost B. Jonas
- Department of Ophthalmology Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - James S. Wolffsohn
- Optometry and Vision Science Research Group, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - David A. Berntsen
- The Ocular Surface Institute, College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Pauline Cho
- Centre for Myopia Research, School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Danielle Clarkson-Townsend
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Healthcare System, Decatur, Georgia, United States
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Daniel I. Flitcroft
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kate L. Gifford
- Myopia Profile Pty Ltd, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT) School of Optometry and Vision Science, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Annechien E. G. Haarman
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Machelle T. Pardue
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Healthcare System, Decatur, Georgia, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Kathryn Richdale
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Padmaja Sankaridurg
- Brien Holden Vision Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Milly S. Tedja
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Joan E. Bailey-Wilson
- Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Jeremy A. Guggenheim
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J. Hammond
- Section of Academic Ophthalmology, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jaakko Kaprio
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Stuart MacGregor
- Statistical Genetics, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - David A. Mackey
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Menzies Institute of Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Lions Eye Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Anthony M. Musolf
- Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Caroline C. W. Klaver
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Virginie J. M. Verhoeven
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Veronique Vitart
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Earl L. Smith
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States
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Zhu Q, Yang G, Chen B, Liu F, Li X, Liu L. Altered Expression of GJD2 Messenger RNA and the Coded Protein Connexin 36 in Negative Lens-induced Myopia of Guinea Pigs. Optom Vis Sci 2020; 97:1080-1088. [PMID: 33278187 PMCID: PMC7742206 DOI: 10.1097/opx.0000000000001611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Decreased expression of the retinal GJD2 gene messenger RNA (mRNA) and connexin 36 (Cx36) protein in the guinea pig negative lens-induced myopia (LIM) model suggests their involvement in local retinal circuits regulating eye growth. PURPOSE Previous studies suggest that the GJD2 gene and Cx36 protein encoded by the GJD2 gene play important roles in retinal signaling pathways and eye development. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in GJD2 mRNA and Cx36 protein expression in the guinea pig lens-induced myopia model. METHODS Four-week-old guinea pigs were randomly divided into two groups. Animals in the experimental group were fitted with monocular -10 D lenses; and animals in the control group, with monocular plano lenses. Biometric measurements, including the spherical equivalent refractive error and axial length, were monitored. Animals were killed after 0, 1, 2, and 3 weeks of treatment, and their retinas were isolated. Retinal GJD2 mRNA and Cx36 protein expression levels were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis, respectively. RESULTS Spherical equivalent refractive error values indicated that negative lens-treated eyes became significantly more myopic than plano lens-treated eyes (P = .001), consistent with their longer axial lengths compared with those of control eyes. Both GJD2 mRNA and Cx36 protein expression levels were decreased in the retinas of negative lens-treated eyes compared with levels in the retinas of plano lens-treated eyes, although there were differences in the timing; GJD2 mRNA, levels were significantly decreased after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment (P = .01 and P = .004, respectively), whereas Cx36 protein expression was significantly decreased after only 1 week (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS That both retinal GJD2 mRNA and Cx36 protein expression levels were decreased after induction of myopia with negative lenses points to retinal circuits involving Cx36 in myopia development in the guinea pig.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiurong Zhu
- Department of Optometry and Visual Science, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Guoyuan Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bingjie Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fengyang Liu
- Department of Optometry, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Optometry and Visual Science, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Longqian Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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