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Lee K, Ku J, Ku D, Kim Y. Inverted Alu repeats: friends or foes in the human transcriptome. Exp Mol Med 2024:10.1038/s12276-024-01177-3. [PMID: 38871814 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01177-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Alu elements are highly abundant primate-specific short interspersed nuclear elements that account for ~10% of the human genome. Due to their preferential location in gene-rich regions, especially in introns and 3' UTRs, Alu elements can exert regulatory effects on the expression of both host and neighboring genes. When two Alu elements with inverse orientations are positioned in close proximity, their transcription results in the generation of distinct double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs), known as inverted Alu repeats (IRAlus). IRAlus are key immunogenic self-dsRNAs and post-transcriptional cis-regulatory elements that play a role in circular RNA biogenesis, as well as RNA transport and stability. Recently, IRAlus dsRNAs have emerged as regulators of transcription and activators of Z-DNA-binding proteins. The formation and activity of IRAlus can be modulated through RNA editing and interactions with RNA-binding proteins, and misregulation of IRAlus has been implicated in several immune-associated disorders. In this review, we summarize the emerging functions of IRAlus dsRNAs, the regulatory mechanisms governing IRAlus activity, and their relevance in the pathogenesis of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keonyong Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jayoung Ku
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Doyeong Ku
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoosik Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- Graduate School of Engineering Biology, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- KAIST Institute for BioCentury (KIB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology (KIHST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- BioProcess Engineering Research Center and BioInformatics Research Center, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Zehrbach NM, Oh N, Ishak CA. Insights into LINE-1 reverse transcription guide therapy development. Trends Cancer 2024; 10:286-288. [PMID: 38499453 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Subsets of long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE-1) retrotransposons can 'retrotranspose' throughout the human genome at a cost to host cell fitness, as observed in some cancers. Pharmacological inhibition of LINE-1 retrotransposition requires a comprehensive understanding of the LINE-1 ORF2p reverse transcriptase. Two recent publications, by Thawani et al. and Baldwin et al., report structures of LINE-1 ORF2p and address long-standing mechanistic gaps regarding LINE-1 retrotransposition. Both studies will be critical to design new specific inhibitors of the LINE-1 ORF2p reverse transcriptase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M Zehrbach
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nakyung Oh
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Charles A Ishak
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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3
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Abcouwer SF, Miglioranza Scavuzzi B, Kish PE, Kong D, Shanmugam S, Le XA, Yao J, Hager H, Zacks DN. The mouse retinal pigment epithelium mounts an innate immune defense response following retinal detachment. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:74. [PMID: 38528525 PMCID: PMC10964713 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03062-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) maintains photoreceptor viability and function, completes the visual cycle, and forms the outer blood-retinal barrier (oBRB). Loss of RPE function gives rise to several monogenic retinal dystrophies and contributes to age-related macular degeneration. Retinal detachment (RD) causes separation of the neurosensory retina from the underlying RPE, disrupting the functional and metabolic relationships between these layers. Although the retinal response to RD is highly studied, little is known about how the RPE responds to loss of this interaction. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was used to compare normal and detached RPE in the C57BL6/J mouse. The naïve mouse RPE transcriptome was compared to previously published RPE signature gene lists and from the union of these 14 genes (Bmp4, Crim1, Degs1, Gja1, Itgav, Mfap3l, Pdpn, Ptgds, Rbp1, Rnf13, Rpe65, Slc4a2, Sulf1 and Ttr) representing a core signature gene set applicable across rodent and human RPE was derived. Gene ontology enrichment analysis (GOEA) of the mouse RPE transcriptome identified expected RPE features and functions, such as pigmentation, phagocytosis, lysosomal and proteasomal degradation of proteins, and barrier function. Differentially expressed genes (DEG) at 1 and 7 days post retinal detachment (dprd) were defined as mRNA with a significant (padj≤0.05) fold change (FC) of 0.67 ≥ FC ≥ 1.5 in detached versus naïve RPE. The RPE transcriptome exhibited dramatic changes at 1 dprd, with 2297 DEG identified. The KEGG pathways and biological process GO groups related to innate immune responses were significantly enriched. Lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) and several chemokines were upregulated, while numerous genes related to RPE functions, such as pigment synthesis, visual cycle, phagocytosis, and tight junctions were downregulated at 1 dprd. The response was largely transient, with only 18 significant DEG identified at 7 dprd, including upregulation of complement gene C4b. Validation studies confirmed RNA-Seq results. Thus, the RPE quickly downregulates cell-specific functions and mounts an innate immune defense response following RD. Our data demonstrate that the RPE contributes to the inflammatory response to RD and may play a role in attraction of immune cells to the subretinal space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven F Abcouwer
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA.
| | - Bruna Miglioranza Scavuzzi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Phillip E Kish
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Dejuan Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Sumathi Shanmugam
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Xuan An Le
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Jingyu Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Heather Hager
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - David N Zacks
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
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4
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Zhang J, Yu S, Peng Q, Wang P, Fang L. Emerging mechanisms and implications of cGAS-STING signaling in cancer immunotherapy strategies. Cancer Biol Med 2024; 21:j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0440. [PMID: 38172538 PMCID: PMC10875285 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0440] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The intricate interplay between the human immune system and cancer development underscores the central role of immunotherapy in cancer treatment. Within this landscape, the innate immune system, a critical sentinel protecting against tumor incursion, is a key player. The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway has been found to be a linchpin of innate immunity: activation of this signaling pathway orchestrates the production of type I interferon (IFN-α/β), thus fostering the maturation, differentiation, and mobilization of immune effectors in the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, STING activation facilitates the release and presentation of tumor antigens, and therefore is an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. Current strategies to activate the STING pathway, including use of pharmacological agonists, have made substantial advancements, particularly when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors. These approaches have shown promise in preclinical and clinical settings, by enhancing patient survival rates. This review describes the evolving understanding of the cGAS-STING pathway's involvement in tumor biology and therapy. Moreover, this review explores classical and non-classical STING agonists, providing insights into their mechanisms of action and potential for optimizing immunotherapy strategies. Despite challenges and complexities, the cGAS-STING pathway, a promising avenue for enhancing cancer treatment efficacy, has the potential to revolutionize patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Zhang
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Sihui Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qiao Peng
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Lan Fang
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
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5
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Mendez-Dorantes C, Burns KH. LINE-1 retrotransposition and its deregulation in cancers: implications for therapeutic opportunities. Genes Dev 2023; 37:948-967. [PMID: 38092519 PMCID: PMC10760644 DOI: 10.1101/gad.351051.123] [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] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Long interspersed element 1 (LINE-1) is the only protein-coding transposon that is active in humans. LINE-1 propagates in the genome using RNA intermediates via retrotransposition. This activity has resulted in LINE-1 sequences occupying approximately one-fifth of our genome. Although most copies of LINE-1 are immobile, ∼100 copies are retrotransposition-competent. Retrotransposition is normally limited via epigenetic silencing, DNA repair, and other host defense mechanisms. In contrast, LINE-1 overexpression and retrotransposition are hallmarks of cancers. Here, we review mechanisms of LINE-1 regulation and how LINE-1 may promote genetic heterogeneity in tumors. Finally, we discuss therapeutic strategies to exploit LINE-1 biology in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Mendez-Dorantes
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA;
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Kathleen H Burns
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA;
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
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Brochard T, McIntyre RL, Houtkooper RH, Seluanov A, Gorbunova V, Janssens GE. Repurposing nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) to slow aging. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 92:102132. [PMID: 37984625 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Repurposing drugs already approved in the clinic to be used off-label as geroprotectors, compounds that combat mechanisms of aging, are a promising way to rapidly reduce age-related disease incidence in society. Several recent studies have found that a class of drugs-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)-originally developed as treatments for cancers and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, could be repurposed to slow the aging process. Interestingly, these studies propose complementary mechanisms that target multiple hallmarks of aging. At the molecular level, NRTIs repress LINE-1 elements, reducing DNA damage, benefiting the hallmark of aging of 'Genomic Instability'. At the organellar level, NRTIs inhibit mitochondrial translation, activate ATF-4, suppress cytosolic translation, and extend lifespan in worms in a manner related to the 'Loss of Proteostasis' hallmark of aging. Meanwhile, at the cellular level, NRTIs inhibit the P2X7-mediated activation of the inflammasome, reducing inflammation and improving the hallmark of aging of 'Altered Intercellular Communication'. Future development of NRTIs for human aging health will need to balance out toxic side effects with the beneficial effects, which may occur in part through hormesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Brochard
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rebecca L McIntyre
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Riekelt H Houtkooper
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Andrei Seluanov
- Departments of Biology and Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Vera Gorbunova
- Departments of Biology and Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Georges E Janssens
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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7
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Zhou L, Ho BM, Chan HYE, Tong Y, Du L, He JN, Ng DSC, Tham CC, Pang CP, Chu WK. Emerging Roles of cGAS-STING Signaling in Mediating Ocular Inflammation. J Innate Immun 2023; 15:739-750. [PMID: 37778330 PMCID: PMC10616671 DOI: 10.1159/000533897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS), a sensor of cytosolic DNA, recognizes cytoplasmic nucleic acids to activate the innate immune responses via generation of the second messenger cGAMP and subsequent activation of the stimulator of interferon genes (STINGs). The cGAS-STING signaling has multiple immunologic and physiological functions in all human vital organs. It mediates protective innate immune defense against DNA-containing pathogen infection, confers intrinsic antitumor immunity via detecting tumor-derived DNA, and gives rise to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases upon aberrant activation by cytosolic leakage of self-genomic and mitochondrial DNA. Disruptions in these functions are associated with the pathophysiology of various immunologic and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent evidence indicates important roles of the cGAS-STING signaling in mediating inflammatory responses in ocular inflammatory and inflammation-associated diseases, such as keratitis, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and uveitis. In this review, we summarize the recently emerging evidence of cGAS-STING signaling in mediating ocular inflammatory responses and affecting pathogenesis of these complex eye diseases. We attempt to provide insightful perspectives on future directions of investigating cGAS-STING signaling in ocular inflammation. Understanding how cGAS-STING signaling is modulated to mediate ocular inflammatory responses would allow future development of novel therapeutic strategies to treat ocular inflammation and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linbin Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Bo Man Ho
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Hoi Ying Emily Chan
- Medicine Programme Global Physician-Leadership Stream, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Yan Tong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Lin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Jing Na He
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Danny Siu-Chun Ng
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Clement C. Tham
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Chi Pui Pang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Wai Kit Chu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, China
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Abstract
According to the endosymbiotic theory, most of the DNA of the original bacterial endosymbiont has been lost or transferred to the nucleus, leaving a much smaller (∼16 kb in mammals), circular molecule that is the present-day mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The ability of mtDNA to escape mitochondria and integrate into the nuclear genome was discovered in budding yeast, along with genes that regulate this process. Mitochondria have emerged as key regulators of innate immunity, and it is now recognized that mtDNA released into the cytoplasm, outside of the cell, or into circulation activates multiple innate immune signaling pathways. Here, we first review the mechanisms through which mtDNA is released into the cytoplasm, including several inducible mitochondrial pores and defective mitophagy or autophagy. Next, we cover how the different forms of released mtDNA activate specific innate immune nucleic acid sensors and inflammasomes. Finally, we discuss how intracellular and extracellular mtDNA release, including circulating cell-free mtDNA that promotes systemic inflammation, are implicated in human diseases, bacterial and viral infections, senescence and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Newman
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, USA;
| | - Gerald S Shadel
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, USA;
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Magagnoli J, Pereira F, Narendran S, Huang P, Cummings T, Hardin JW, Nguyen J, Sutton SS, Ambati J. Anti-HIV Drugs Reduce Risk of Prediabetes and Progression to Type 2 Diabetes in HIV-Infected Patients. MEDCOMM - FUTURE MEDICINE 2023; 2:e37. [PMID: 37692282 PMCID: PMC10489210 DOI: 10.1002/mef2.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) impacts the incidence of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or the progression from prediabetes to T2DM in people living with HIV (PLWH). We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the U.S. Veterans Health Administration database among adult patients with an HIV diagnosis from the year 2000 until 2021 to determine the incidence of prediabetes and further progression to T2DM among NRTI exposed and unexposed patients. A multistate model was used to evaluate progression from normoglycemia to prediabetes and then to T2DM, and covariate adjustment with the Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the hazard ratios. Among 32,240 veterans diagnosed with HIV, prediabetes and T2DM were observed among 20.2% and 20.7% of patients, respectively. Among those diagnosed with prediabetes, 31.8% progressed to T2DM. Patients exposed to NRTIs at any time (86.6%), had a reduced risk of prediabetes [HR 0.50 (0.47-0.53 95% CI)] and among prediabetics, a lower risk of progression to T2DM [HR 0.73 (0.63-0.85 95% CI)] when compared to patients who never used NRTIs. In summary, NRTIs may reduce the risk of developing prediabetes and the progression from prediabetes to T2DM in PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Magagnoli
- Dorn Research Institute, Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC 29209
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208
| | - Felipe Pereira
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Departamento de Oftalmologia e Ciências Visuais, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Siddharth Narendran
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Aravind Eye Hospital System, Madurai 625020, India
| | - Peirong Huang
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Tammy Cummings
- Dorn Research Institute, Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC 29209
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208
| | - James W. Hardin
- Dorn Research Institute, Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC 29209
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208
| | - Joseph Nguyen
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - S. Scott Sutton
- Dorn Research Institute, Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC 29209
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208
| | - Jayakrishna Ambati
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
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10
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Huang P, Thomas CC, Ambati K, Dholkawala R, Nagasaka A, Yerramothu P, Narendran S, Pereira F, Nagasaka Y, Apicella I, Cai X, Makin RD, Magagnoli J, Stains CI, Yin R, Wang SB, Gelfand BD, Ambati J. Kamuvudine-9 Protects Retinal Structure and Function in a Novel Model of Experimental Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:3. [PMID: 37129905 PMCID: PMC10158986 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.5.3] [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: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is a vision-threatening event that benefits from surgical intervention. While awaiting surgical reattachment, irreversible hypoxic and inflammatory damage to the retina often occurs. An interim therapy protecting photoreceptors could improve functional outcomes. We sought to determine whether Kamuvudine-9 (K-9), a derivative of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) that inhibits inflammasome activation, and the NRTIs lamivudine (3TC) and azidothymidine (AZT) could protect the retina following RRD. Methods RRD was induced in mice via subretinal injection (SRI) of 1% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). To simulate outcomes following the clinical management of RRD, we determined the optimal conditions by which SRI of CMC induced spontaneous retinal reattachment (SRR) occurs over 10 days (RRD/SRR). K-9, 3TC, or AZT was administered via intraperitoneal injection. Inflammasome activation pathways were monitored by abundance of cleaved caspase-1, IL-18, and cleaved caspase-8, and photoreceptor death was assessed by TUNEL staining. Retinal function was assessed by full-field scotopic electroretinography. Results RRD induced retinal inflammasome activation and photoreceptor death in mice. Systemic administration of K-9, 3TC, or AZT inhibited retinal inflammasome activation and photoreceptor death. In the RRD/SRR model, K-9 protected retinal electrical function during the time of RRD and induced an improvement following retinal reattachment. Conclusions K-9 and NRTIs exhibit anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities in experimental RRD. Given its capacity to protect photoreceptor function during the period of RRD and enhance retinal function following reattachment, K-9 shows promise as a retinal neuroprotectant and warrants study in RRD. Further, this novel RRD/SRR model may facilitate experimental evaluation of functional outcomes relevant to RRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peirong Huang
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Claire C. Thomas
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
| | - Kameshwari Ambati
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
| | - Roshni Dholkawala
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
| | - Ayami Nagasaka
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
| | - Praveen Yerramothu
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
| | - Siddharth Narendran
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
- Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai, India
| | - Felipe Pereira
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
- Departamento de Oftalmologia e Ciências Visuais, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Yosuke Nagasaka
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
| | - Ivana Apicella
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
| | - Xiaoyu Cai
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
| | - Ryan D. Makin
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
| | - Joseph Magagnoli
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States
| | - Cliff I. Stains
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
- Virginia Drug Discovery Consortium, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States
| | - Ruwen Yin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
| | - Shao-bin Wang
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
| | - Bradley D. Gelfand
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
| | - Jayakrishna Ambati
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
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11
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Hu B, Ma JX, Duerfeldt AS. The cGAS-STING pathway in diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Future Med Chem 2023; 15:717-729. [PMID: 37166075 PMCID: PMC10194038 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2022-0301] [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: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration are common retinal diseases with shared pathophysiology, including oxidative stress-induced inflammation. Cellular mechanisms responsible for converting oxidative stress into retinal damage are ill-defined but have begun to clarify. One common outcome of retinal oxidative stress is mitochondrial damage and subsequent release of mitochondrial DNA into the cytosol. This leads to activation of the cGAS-STING pathway, resulting in interferon release and disease-amplifying inflammation. This review summarizes the evolving link between aberrant cGAS-STING signaling and inflammation in common retinal diseases and provides prospective for targeting this system in diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Further defining the roles of this system in the retina is expected to reveal new disease pathology and novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Adam S Duerfeldt
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
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12
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Magagnoli J, Yerramothu P, Ambati K, Cummings T, Nguyen J, Thomas CC, Wang SB, Cheng K, Juraev M, Dholkawala R, Nagasaka A, Ambati M, Nagasaka Y, Ban A, Ambati VL, Sutton SS, Gelfand BD, Ambati J. Reduction of human Alzheimer's disease risk and reversal of mouse model cognitive deficit with nucleoside analog use. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.03.17.23287375. [PMID: 36993694 PMCID: PMC10055589 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.17.23287375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Innate immune signaling through the NLRP3 inflammasome has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most prevalent form of dementia. We previously demonstrated that nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), drugs approved to treat HIV and hepatitis B infections, also inhibit inflammasome activation. Here we report that in humans, NRTI exposure was associated with a significantly lower incidence of AD in two of the largest health insurance databases in the United States. Treatment of aged 5xFAD mice (a mouse model of amyloid-β deposition that expresses five mutations found in familial AD) with Kamuvudine-9 (K-9), an NRTI-derivative with enhanced safety profile, reduced Aβ deposition and reversed their cognitive deficit by improving their spatial memory and learning performance to that of young wild-type mice. These findings support the concept that inflammasome inhibition could benefit AD and provide a rationale for prospective clinical testing of NRTIs or K-9 in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Magagnoli
- Dorn Research Institute, Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC 29209
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208
| | - Praveen Yerramothu
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Kameshwari Ambati
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Tammy Cummings
- Dorn Research Institute, Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC 29209
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208
| | - Joseph Nguyen
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Claire C. Thomas
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Shao-bin Wang
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Kaitlyn Cheng
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Maksud Juraev
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Roshni Dholkawala
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Ayami Nagasaka
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Meenakshi Ambati
- Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Digital Image Evaluation, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Yosuke Nagasaka
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Ashley Ban
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Vidya L. Ambati
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Center for Digital Image Evaluation, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - S. Scott Sutton
- Dorn Research Institute, Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC 29209
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208
| | - Bradley D. Gelfand
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Jayakrishna Ambati
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
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13
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LINE1-Mediated Reverse Transcription and Genomic Integration of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Detected in Virus-Infected but Not in Viral mRNA-Transfected Cells. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030629. [PMID: 36992338 PMCID: PMC10057545 DOI: 10.3390/v15030629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 sequences can be reverse-transcribed and integrated into the genomes of virus-infected cells by a LINE1-mediated retrotransposition mechanism. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) methods detected retrotransposed SARS-CoV-2 subgenomic sequences in virus-infected cells overexpressing LINE1, while an enrichment method (TagMap) identified retrotranspositions in cells that did not overexpress LINE1. LINE1 overexpression increased retrotranspositions about 1000-fold as compared to non-overexpressing cells. Nanopore WGS can directly recover retrotransposed viral and flanking host sequences, but its sensitivity depends on the depth of sequencing (a typical 20-fold sequencing depth would only examine 10 diploid cell equivalents). In contrast, TagMap enriches the host–virus junctions and can interrogate up to 20,000 cells and is able to detect rare viral retrotranspositions in LINE1 non-overexpressing cells. Although Nanopore WGS is 10–20-fold more sensitive per tested cell, TagMap can interrogate 1000–2000-fold more cells and, therefore, can identify infrequent retrotranspositions. When comparing SARS-CoV-2 infection and viral nucleocapsid mRNA transfection by TagMap, retrotransposed SARS-CoV-2 sequences were only detected in infected but not in transfected cells. Retrotransposition in virus-infected cells, in contrast to transfected cells, may be facilitated because virus infection, in contrast to viral RNA transfection, results in significantly higher viral RNA levels and stimulates LINE1 expression by causing cellular stress.
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14
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Zhang L, Bisht P, Flamier A, Barrasa MI, Richards A, Hughes SH, Jaenisch R. LINE1-mediated reverse transcription and genomic integration of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA detected in virus-infected but not in viral mRNA-transfected cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.10.527906. [PMID: 37293025 PMCID: PMC10245962 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.10.527906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 sequences can be reverse-transcribed and integrated into the genomes of virus-infected cells by a LINE1-mediated retrotransposition mechanism. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) methods detected retrotransposed SARS-CoV-2 subgenomic sequences in virus-infected cells overexpressing LINE1, while an enrichment method (TagMap) identified retrotranspositions in cells that did not overexpress LINE1. LINE1 overexpression increased retrotranspositions about 1,000-fold as compared to non-overexpressing cells. Nanopore WGS can directly recover retrotransposed viral and flanking host sequences but its sensitivity depends on the depth of sequencing (a typical 20-fold sequencing depth would only examine 10 diploid cell equivalents). In contrast, TagMap enriches for the host-virus junctions and can interrogate up to 20,000 cells and is able to detect rare viral retrotranspositions in LINE1 non-overexpressing cells. Although Nanopore WGS is 10 - 20-fold more sensitive per tested cell, TagMap can interrogate 1,000 - 2,000-fold more cells and therefore can identify infrequent retrotranspositions. When comparing SARS-CoV-2 infection and viral nucleocapsid mRNA transfection by TagMap, retrotransposed SARS-CoV-2 sequences were only detected in infected but not in transfected cells. Retrotransposition in virus-infected in contrast to transfected cells may be facilitated because virus infection in contrast to viral RNA transfection results in significantly higher viral RNA levels and stimulates LINE1-expression which causes cellular stress.
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15
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Zhao Y, Simon M, Seluanov A, Gorbunova V. DNA damage and repair in age-related inflammation. Nat Rev Immunol 2023; 23:75-89. [PMID: 35831609 PMCID: PMC10106081 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-022-00751-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Genomic instability is an important driver of ageing. The accumulation of DNA damage is believed to contribute to ageing by inducing cell death, senescence and tissue dysfunction. However, emerging evidence shows that inflammation is another major consequence of DNA damage. Inflammation is a hallmark of ageing and the driver of multiple age-related diseases. Here, we review the evidence linking DNA damage, inflammation and ageing, highlighting how premature ageing syndromes are associated with inflammation. We discuss the mechanisms by which DNA damage induces inflammation, such as through activation of the cGAS-STING axis and NF-κB activation by ATM. The triggers for activation of these signalling cascades are the age-related accumulation of DNA damage, activation of transposons, cellular senescence and the accumulation of persistent R-loops. We also discuss how epigenetic changes triggered by DNA damage can lead to inflammation and ageing via redistribution of heterochromatin factors. Finally, we discuss potential interventions against age-related inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Physiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Matthew Simon
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Andrei Seluanov
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA. .,Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Vera Gorbunova
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA. .,Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
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16
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Hyttinen JMT, Blasiak J, Kaarniranta K. Non-Coding RNAs Regulating Mitochondrial Functions and the Oxidative Stress Response as Putative Targets against Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032636. [PMID: 36768958 PMCID: PMC9917342 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032636] [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: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an ever-increasing, insidious disease which reduces the quality of life of millions of elderly people around the world. AMD is characterised by damage to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the macula region of the retina. The origins of this multi-factorial disease are complex and still not fully understood. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial imbalance in the RPE are believed to be important factors in the development of AMD. In this review, the regulation of the mitochondrial function and antioxidant stress response by non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), newly emerged epigenetic factors, is discussed. These molecules include microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular non-coding RNAs. They act mainly as mRNA suppressors, controllers of other ncRNAs, or by interacting with proteins. We include here examples of these RNA molecules which affect various mitochondrial processes and antioxidant signaling of the cell. As a future prospect, the possibility to manipulate these ncRNAs to strengthen mitochondrial and antioxidant response functions is discussed. Non-coding RNAs could be used as potential diagnostic markers for AMD, and in the future, also as therapeutic targets, either by suppressing or increasing their expression. In addition to AMD, it is possible that non-coding RNAs could be regulators in other oxidative stress-related degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juha M. T. Hyttinen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
- Correspondence:
| | - Janusz Blasiak
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 100, FI-70029 Kuopio, Finland
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17
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RNA-targeting strategies as a platform for ocular gene therapy. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 92:101110. [PMID: 35840489 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Genetic medicine is offering hope as new therapies are emerging for many previously untreatable diseases. The eye is at the forefront of these advances, as exemplified by the approval of Luxturna® by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) in 2017 for the treatment of one form of Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), an inherited blindness. Luxturna® was also the first in vivo human gene therapy to gain US FDA approval. Numerous gene therapy clinical trials are ongoing for other eye diseases, and novel delivery systems, discovery of new drug targets and emerging technologies are currently driving the field forward. Targeting RNA, in particular, is an attractive therapeutic strategy for genetic disease that may have safety advantages over alternative approaches by avoiding permanent changes in the genome. In this regard, antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) and RNA interference (RNAi) are the currently popular strategies for developing RNA-targeted therapeutics. Enthusiasm has been further fuelled by the emergence of clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR associated (Cas) systems that allow targeted manipulation of nucleic acids. RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas systems now provide a novel way to develop RNA-targeted therapeutics and may provide superior efficiency and specificity to existing technologies. In addition, RNA base editing technologies using CRISPR-Cas and other modalities also enable precise alteration of single nucleotides. In this review, we showcase advances made by RNA-targeting systems for ocular disease, discuss applications of ASO and RNAi technologies, highlight emerging CRISPR-Cas systems and consider the implications of RNA-targeting therapeutics in the development of future drugs to treat eye disease.
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18
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Fan S, Yoo JH, Park G, Yeh S, Conrady CD. Type I Interferon Signaling Is Critical During the Innate Immune Response to HSV-1 Retinal Infection. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:28. [PMID: 36583876 PMCID: PMC9807183 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.13.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) is a herpesvirus infection of the retina with blinding complications. In this study, we sought to create a reproducible mouse model of ARN that mimics human disease to better understand innate immunity within the retina during virus infection. Methods C57Bl/6J wild type (WT) and type I interferon receptor-deficient (IFNAR-/-) mice were infected with varying amounts of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) via subretinal injection. Viral titers, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus photography, the development of encephalitis, and ocular histopathology were scored and compared between groups of WT and IFNAR-/- mice. Results The retina of WT mice could be readily infected with HSV-1 via subretinal injection resulting in retinal whitening and full-thickness necrosis as determined by in vivo imaging and histopathology. In IFNAR-/- mice, HSV-1-induced retinal pathology was significantly worse when compared with WT mice, and viral titers were significantly elevated within two days after infection and persisted to day 5 after infection within the retina. These results were also observed in the brain where there were significantly higher viral titers and frequency of encephalitis in IFNAR-/- when compared to WT mice. Conclusions Collectively, these findings show that our new mouse model of ARN mimics human disease and can be used to study innate immunity within the retina. We conclude that type I interferons are critical in containing HSV-1 locally within retinal tissues and prohibiting spread into the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Truhlsen Eye Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States
| | - Jae Hyuk Yoo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Truhlsen Eye Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States
| | - Garam Park
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Truhlsen Eye Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States
| | - Steven Yeh
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Truhlsen Eye Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States
| | - Christopher D. Conrady
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Truhlsen Eye Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States
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19
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Blasiak J, Kaarniranta K. Secretory autophagy: a turn key for understanding AMD pathology and developing new therapeutic targets? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:883-895. [PMID: 36529978 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2157260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease leading to vision loss with poorly known pathogenesis and limited therapeutic options. Degradative autophagy (DA) is impaired in AMD, but emerging evidence points to secretary autophagy (SA) as a key element in AMD pathogenesis. AREAS COVERED SA may cause the release of proteins and protein aggregates, lipofuscin, beta amyloid, faulty mitochondria, pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic factors from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) that may contribute to drusen formation and choroidal neovascularization. SA may replace DA, when formation of autolysosome is impaired, and then a harmful cargo, instead of being degraded, is extruded from the RPE contributing to drusen and/or angiogenic environment. Therefore, the interplay between DA and SA may be critical for drusen formation and choroidal neovascularization, so it can be a turn key to understand AMD pathogenesis. EXPERT OPINION Although SA fulfills some beneficial functions, it is detrimental for the retina in many cases. Therefore, inhibiting SA may be a therapeutic strategy in AMD, but it is challenged by the development of selective SA inhibitors that would not affect DA. The TRIM16, SEC22B and RAB8A proteins, specific for secretory autophagosome, may be primary candidates as therapeutic targets, but their action is not limited to autophagy and therefore requires further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janusz Blasiak
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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20
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Moos WH, Faller DV, Glavas IP, Harpp DN, Kamperi N, Kanara I, Kodukula K, Mavrakis AN, Pernokas J, Pernokas M, Pinkert CA, Powers WR, Sampani K, Steliou K, Tamvakopoulos C, Vavvas DG, Zamboni RJ, Chen X. Treatment and prevention of pathological mitochondrial dysfunction in retinal degeneration and in photoreceptor injury. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 203:115168. [PMID: 35835206 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Pathological deterioration of mitochondrial function is increasingly linked with multiple degenerative illnesses as a mediator of a wide range of neurologic and age-related chronic diseases, including those of genetic origin. Several of these diseases are rare, typically defined in the United States as an illness affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. population, or about one in 1600 individuals. Vision impairment due to mitochondrial dysfunction in the eye is a prominent feature evident in numerous primary mitochondrial diseases and is common to the pathophysiology of many of the familiar ophthalmic disorders, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and retinopathy of prematurity - a collection of syndromes, diseases and disorders with significant unmet medical needs. Focusing on metabolic mitochondrial pathway mechanisms, including the possible roles of cuproptosis and ferroptosis in retinal mitochondrial dysfunction, we shed light on the potential of α-lipoyl-L-carnitine in treating eye diseases. α-Lipoyl-L-carnitine is a bioavailable mitochondria-targeting lipoic acid prodrug that has shown potential in protecting against retinal degeneration and photoreceptor cell loss in ophthalmic indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter H Moos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Douglas V Faller
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Cancer Research Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ioannis P Glavas
- Department of Ophthalmology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - David N Harpp
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Natalia Kamperi
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research Pharmacology-Pharmacotechnology, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Anastasios N Mavrakis
- Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julie Pernokas
- Advanced Dental Associates of New England, Woburn, MA, USA
| | - Mark Pernokas
- Advanced Dental Associates of New England, Woburn, MA, USA
| | - Carl A Pinkert
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Whitney R Powers
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Anatomy, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Konstantina Sampani
- Beetham Eye Institute, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Kosta Steliou
- Cancer Research Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; PhenoMatriX, Inc., Natick, MA, USA
| | - Constantin Tamvakopoulos
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research Pharmacology-Pharmacotechnology, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Demetrios G Vavvas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Retina Service, Angiogenesis Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert J Zamboni
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Xiaohong Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Retina Service, Angiogenesis Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China.
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21
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Huang P, Narendran S, Pereira F, Fukuda S, Nagasaka Y, Apicella I, Yerramothu P, Marion KM, Cai X, Sadda SR, Gelfand BD, Ambati J. Subretinal injection in mice to study retinal physiology and disease. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:1468-1485. [PMID: 35418688 PMCID: PMC11146522 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00689-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Subretinal injection (SRI) is a widely used technique in retinal research and can be used to deliver nucleic acids, small molecules, macromolecules, viruses, cells or biomaterials such as nanobeads. Here we describe how to undertake SRI of mice. This protocol was adapted from a technique initially described for larger animals. Although SRI is a common procedure in eye research laboratories, there is no published guidance on the best practices for determining what constitutes a 'successful' SRI. Optimal injections are required for reproducibility of the procedure and, when carried out suboptimally, can lead to erroneous conclusions. To address this issue, we propose a standardized protocol for SRI with 'procedure success' defined by follow-up examination of the retina and the retinal pigmented epithelium rather than solely via intraoperative endpoints. This protocol takes 7-14 d to complete, depending on the reagent delivered. We have found, by instituting a standardized training program, that trained ophthalmologists achieve reliable proficiency in this technique after ~350 practice injections. This technique can be used to gain insights into retinal physiology and disease pathogenesis and to test the efficacy of experimental compounds in the retina or retinal pigmented epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peirong Huang
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Siddharth Narendran
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai, India
| | - Felipe Pereira
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Departamento de Oftalmologia e Ciências Visuais, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Shinichi Fukuda
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yosuke Nagasaka
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ivana Apicella
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Praveen Yerramothu
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - Xiaoyu Cai
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Srinivas R Sadda
- Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bradley D Gelfand
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Jayakrishna Ambati
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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22
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Castillo EJ, Croft S, Jiron JM, Aguirre JI. Bone Structural, Biomechanical and Histomorphometric Characteristics of the Hindlimb Skeleton in the Marsh Rice Rat (Oryzomys palustris). Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2022; 305:3133-3149. [PMID: 35090092 PMCID: PMC10394686 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The rice rat (Oryzomys palustris) is a non-conventional laboratory rodent species used to model some human bone disorders. However, no studies have been conducted to characterize the postcranial skeleton. Therefore, we aimed to investigate age- and gender-related features of the hindlimb skeleton of this species. METHODS We used femurs and tibiae from 94 rats of both genders aged 4-28 wks. Bone mineral content (BMC), volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), and biomechanical properties were determined in femurs. In addition, bone histomorphometry of tibiae was conducted to assess bone cell activities and bone turnover over time. RESULTS Bone length, total metaphysis BMC and vBMD, mid-diaphyseal BMC and vBMD, cortical thickness, and cortical area progressively augmented with age. Whereas the increase in these parameters plateaued at age 16-22 wks in female rats, they continued to rise to age 28 wks in male rats. Furthermore, bone strength parameters increased with age, with few differences between genders. We also observed a rapid decrease in longitudinal growth between ages 4-16 wks. Whereas young rats had a greater bone formation rate and bone turnover, older rice rats had greater bone volume and trabecular thickness, with no differences between genders. CONCLUSIONS 1) Sexual dimorphism in the rice rat becomes grossly evident at age 16 wks; 2) the age-related increases in bone mass, structural cortical parameters, and in some biomechanical property parameters plateau at an older age in male than in female rats; and 3) bone growth and remodeling significantly decreased with age irrespective of the gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Castillo
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida (UF), Gainesville, FL
| | - S Croft
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida (UF), Gainesville, FL
| | - J M Jiron
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida (UF), Gainesville, FL
| | - J I Aguirre
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida (UF), Gainesville, FL
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