Altered visual function in monocarboxylate transporter 3 (Slc16a8) knockout mice

Impact of SLC16A8 on tumor microenvironment and angiogenesis in colorectal cancer: New therapeutic target insights

BACKGROUND

SLC16A8, a lactate efflux transporter, is upregulated in various cancers, but its effects on tumor microenvironments remain understudied. This research explores its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) and the impact on the associated microenvironment consisting of vascular endothelial cells.

AIM

To explore the role in CRC and the impact on the associated microenvironment consisting of vascular endothelial cells.

METHODS

Hypoxic conditions prompted examination of SLC16A8 expression, glycolysis, lactate efflux, and Warburg effect correlations in CRC cell lines. Co-culture with HUVEC allowed for endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) characterization, revealing lactate efflux's influence. Knockdown of SLC16A8 in CRC cells enabled relevant phenotype tests and tumorigenesis experiments, investigating tumor growth, blood vessel distribution, and signaling pathway alterations.

RESULTS

SLC16A8 expression was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues and correlated with disease progression (P < 0.05). Under hypoxic conditions, HIF-1α induced SLC16A8 expression, leading to enhanced metabolic reprogramming and increased lactate production. siRNA-mediated SLC16A8 knockdown effectively reversed hypoxia-induced changes, including reduced glucose consumption and lactate production. Co-culture experiments revealed that SLC16A8 knockdown significantly inhibited hypoxia-induced EndMT in HUVEC cells. In vivo studies demonstrated that SLC16A8 knockdown suppressed tumor growth, reduced Ki67 expression, and decreased HIF-1α levels. Furthermore, SLC16A8 silencing led to decreased expression of key metabolic enzymes PKM2 and LDHA, indicating its role in glycolytic regulation.

CONCLUSION

Our findings reveal that SLC16A8 functions as a critical mediator of hypoxia-induced metabolic reprogramming in CRC progression.

RPE-specific MCT2 expression promotes cone survival in models of retinitis pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common cause of inherited retinal degeneration worldwide. It is characterized by the sequential death of rod and cone photoreceptors, the cells responsible for night and daylight vision, respectively. Although the expression of most RP genes occurs only in rods, there is a secondary degeneration of cones. One possible mechanism of cone death is metabolic dysregulation. Photoreceptors are highly metabolically active, consuming large quantities of glucose and producing substantial amounts of lactate. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) mediates the transport of glucose from the blood to photoreceptors and, in turn, removes lactate, which can influence the rate of consumption of glucose by the RPE. One model for metabolic dysregulation in RP suggests that following the death of rods, lactate levels are substantially diminished causing the RPE to withhold glucose, resulting in nutrient deprivation for cones. Here, we present adeno-associated viral vector-mediated delivery of monocarboxylate transporter 2 (MCT2, Slc16a7) into the eye, with expression limited to RPE cells, with the aim of promoting lactate uptake from the blood and encouraging the passage of glucose to cones. We demonstrate prolonged survival and function of cones in rat and mouse RP models, revealing a possible gene-agnostic therapy for preserving vision in RP. We also present the use of fluorescence lifetime imaging-based biosensors for lactate and glucose within the eye. Using this technology, we show changes to lactate and glucose levels within MCT2-expressing RPE, suggesting that cone survival is impacted by changes in RPE metabolism.

Dicer Loss in Müller Glia Leads to a Defined Sequence of Pathological Events Beginning With Cone Dysfunction

Purpose

The loss of Dicer in Müller glia (MG) results in severe photoreceptor degeneration, as it occurs in retinitis pigmentosa or age-related macular degeneration; however, the sequence of events leading to this severe degenerative state is unknown. The aim of this study was to conduct a chronological functional and structural characterization of the pathological events in MG-specific Dicer-conditional knockout (cKO) mice in vivo and histologically.

Methods

To delete Dicer and mature microRNAs (miRNAs) in MG, two conditional Dicer1 knockout mouse strains (Rlbp-CreER:tdTomato:Dicer-cKOMG and Glast-CreER:tdTomato:Dicer-cKOMG) were created. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), electroretinograms (ERGs), and histological analyses were conducted to investigate structural and functional changes up to 6 months after Dicer deletion.

Results

Dicer/miRNA loss in MG leads to (1) impairments of the area spanning from the external limiting membrane (ELM) to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), (2) cone photoreceptor dysfunction, and (3) retinal remodeling and functional loss of the inner retina at 1, 3, and 6 months after Dicer loss, respectively, in both of the knockout mouse strains. Furthermore, in the Rlbp-CreER:tdTomato:Dicer-cKOMG strain, rod photoreceptor impairment was found 4 months after Dicer depletion (4) accompanied by alteration of RPE integrity (5).

Conclusions

MG Dicer loss in the adult mouse retina impacts cone function prior to any measurable changes in rod function, suggesting a pivotal role for MG Dicer and miRNAs in supporting cone health. A partially impaired RPE, however, seems to accelerate rod degeneration and overall degenerative events.

Dicer loss in Müller glia leads to a defined sequence of pathological events beginning with cone dysfunction

Purpose

The loss of Dicer in Müller glia (MG) results in severe photoreceptor degeneration as it occurs in retinitis pigmentosa or AMD. However, the sequence of events leading to this severe degenerative state is unknown. The aim of this study was to conduct a chronological functional and structural characterization of the pathological events in MG-specific Dicer-cKO mice in vivo and histologically.

Methods

To delete Dicer and mature microRNAs (miRNAs) in MG, two conditional Dicer1 knock-out mouse strains namely RlbpCre:Dicer-cKO MG and GlastCre:Dicer-cKO MG, were created. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), electroretinograms (ERGs) as well as histological analyses were conducted to investigate structural and functional changes up to six months after Dicer deletion.

Results

Dicer/miRNA loss in MG leads to 1) impairments of the external limiting membrane (ELM) - retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), 2) cone photoreceptor dysfunction and 3) retinal remodeling and functional loss of the inner retina, 1, 3 and 6 months after Dicer loss, respectively, in both strains. Furthermore, in the Rlbp:Dicer-cKO MG strain, rod photoreceptor impairment was found 4 months after Dicer depletion (4) accompanied by alteration of RPE integrity (5).

Conclusions

MG Dicer loss in the adult mouse retina impacts cone function prior to any measurable changes in rod function, suggesting a pivotal role for MG Dicer and miRNAs in supporting cone health. A partially impaired RPE however seems to accelerate rod degeneration and overall degenerative events.

Eye on the horizon: The metabolic landscape of the RPE in aging and disease

To meet the prodigious bioenergetic demands of the photoreceptors, glucose and other nutrients must traverse the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a polarised monolayer of cells that lie at the interface between the outer retina and the choroid, the principal vascular layer of the eye. Recent investigations have revealed a metabolic ecosystem in the outer retina where the photoreceptors and RPE engage in a complex exchange of sugars, amino acids, and other metabolites. Perturbation of this delicate metabolic balance has been identified in the aging retina, as well as in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in the Western world. Also common in the aging and diseased retina are elevated levels of cytokines, oxidative stress, advanced glycation end-products, increased growth factor signalling, and biomechanical stress - all of which have been associated with metabolic dysregulation in non-retinal cell types and tissues. Herein, we outline the role of these factors in retinal homeostasis, aging, and disease. We discuss their effects on glucose, mitochondrial, lipid, and amino acid metabolism in tissues and cell types outside the retina, highlighting the signalling pathways through which they induce these changes. Lastly, we discuss promising avenues for future research investigating the roles of these pathological conditions on retinal metabolism, potentially offering novel therapeutic approaches to combat age-related retinal disease.

SLC16A8 is a causal contributor to age-related macular degeneration risk

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a complex neurodegenerative disease, is a leading cause of visual impairment worldwide with a strong genetic component. Genetic studies have identified several loci, but few causal genes with functional characterization. Here we highlight multiple lines of evidence which show a causal role in AMD for SLC16A8, which encodes MCT3, a retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) specific lactate transporter. First, in an unbiased, genome-wide analysis of rare coding variants we show multiple SLC16A8 rare variants are associated with AMD risk, corroborating previous borderline significant reports from AMD rare variant studies. Second, we report a novel SLC16A8 mutation in a three-generation family with early onset macular degeneration. Finally, mis-expression in multiple model organisms shows functional and anatomic retinal consequences. This study highlights the important role for SLC16A8 and lactate regulation towards outer retina/RPE health and highlights a potential new therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of AMD.

Photoreceptor deficits appear at eye opening in Rs1 mutant mouse models of X-linked retinoschisis

X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) is an early onset degenerative retinal disease characterized by cystic lesions in the middle layers of the retina. These structural changes are accompanied by a loss of visual acuity and decreased contrast sensitivity. XLRS is caused by mutations in the gene Rs1 which encodes the secreted protein Retinoschisin 1. Young Rs1-mutant mouse models develop key hallmarks of XLRS including intraretinal schisis and abnormal electroretinograms. The electroretinogram (ERG) comprises activity of multiple cellular generators, and it is not known how and when each of these is impacted in Rs1 mutant mice. Here we use an ex vivo ERG system and pharmacological blockade to determine how ERG components generated by photoreceptors, ON-bipolar, and Müller glial cells are impacted in Rs1 mutants and to determine the time course of these changes. We report that ERG abnormalities begin near eye-opening and that all ERG components are involved.

Association between lactate metabolism‑related molecules and venous thromboembolism: A study based on bioinformatics and an in vitro model

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is characterized by a high recurrence rate and adverse consequences, including high mortality. Damage to vascular endothelial cells (VECs) serves a key role in VTE and lactate (LA) metabolism is associated with VEC damage. However, the pathogenesis of VTE and the role of lactate metabolism-related molecules (LMRMs) remain unclear. Based on the GSE48000 dataset, the present study identified differentially expressed (DE-)LMRMs between healthy individuals and those with VTE. Thereafter, LMRMs were used to establish four machine learning models, namely, the random forest, support vector machine and generalized linear model (GLM) and eXtreme gradient boosting. To verify disease prediction efficiency of the models, nomograms, calibration curves, decision curve analyses and external datasets were used. The optimal machine learning model was used to predict genes involved in disease and an in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model was used to detect the survival rate, LA levels and LMRM expression levels of VECs. A total of four DE-LMRMs, solute carrier family 16 member 1 (SLC16A1), SLC16A7, SLC16A8 and SLC5A12 were obtained and GLM was identified as the best performing model based on its ability to predict differential expression of the embigin, lactate dehydrogenase B, SLC16A1, SLC5A12 and SLC16A8 genes. Additionally, SLC16A1, SLC16A7 and SLC16A8 served key roles in VTE and the OGD model demonstrated a significant decrease in VEC survival rate as well as a significant increase and decrease in intracellular LA and SLC16A1 expression levels in VECs, respectively. Thus, LMRMs may be involved in VTE pathogenesis and be used to build accurate VTE prediction models. Further, it was hypothesized that the observed increase in intracellular LA levels in VECS was associated with the decrease in SLC16A1 expression. Therefore, SLC16A1 expression may be an essential target for VTE treatment.

Influence of Genetic Polymorphisms on the Short-Term Response to Ranibizumab in Patients With Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Purpose

To determine whether genetic risk single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) influence short-term response to intravitreal ranibizumab treatment.

Methods

Forty-four treatment-naive AMD patients were included in a prospective observational study. They underwent three monthly injections of intravitreal ranibizumab for neovascular AMD. After an initial clinical examination (baseline measurement), a follow-up visit was performed to determine treatment response one month after the third injection (treatment evaluation). Patients were evaluated based on ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCT angiography. Peripheral venous blood was collected for DNA analysis at baseline visit. Patients were genotyped for single-nucleotide polymorphisms within AMD-relevant genes and classified on good or poor responders based on visual acuity, central retinal thickness, intraretinal fluid, and subretinal fluid.

Results

One hundred ten AMD-associated SNPs have been analyzed. Six were found to be relevant when associated to ranibizumab treatment response. The genetic variants rs890293 (CYP2J2), rs11200638 (HTRA1), rs405509 (APOE), rs9513070 (FLT1), and rs8135665 (SLC16A8) predisposed patients to a good response, whereas rs3093077 (CRP) was associated with a poor response. FTL1, SLC16A8, and APOE were the SNPs that showed significance (P < 0.05) but did not pass Bonferroni correction.

Conclusions

This is the first study that links novel polymorphisms in genes such as CRP, SCL16A8, or CYP2J2 to treatment response to ranibizumab therapy. On the other hand, HTRA1, FLT1, and APOE are linked to a good ranibizumab response. These SNPs may be good candidates for short-term treatment response biomarkers in AMD patients. However, further studies will be necessary to confirm our findings.

IKKβ Inhibition Attenuates Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition of Human Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is well known for its role in embryonic development, malignant transformation, and tumor progression, has also been implicated in a variety of retinal diseases, including proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy. EMT of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), although important in the pathogenesis of these retinal conditions, is not well understood at the molecular level. We and others have shown that a variety of molecules, including the co-treatment of human stem cell-derived RPE monolayer cultures with transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), can induce RPE-EMT; however, small molecule inhibitors of RPE-EMT have been less well studied. Here, we demonstrate that BAY651942, a small molecule inhibitor of nuclear factor kapa-B kinase subunit beta (IKKβ) that selectively targets NF-κB signaling, can modulate TGF-β/TNF-α-induced RPE-EMT. Next, we performed RNA-seq studies on BAY651942 treated hRPE monolayers to dissect altered biological pathways and signaling events. Further, we validated the effect of IKKβ inhibition on RPE-EMT-associated factors using a second IKKβ inhibitor, BMS345541, with RPE monolayers derived from an independent stem cell line. Our data highlights the fact that pharmacological inhibition of RPE-EMT restores RPE identity and may provide a promising approach for treating retinal diseases that involve RPE dedifferentiation and EMT.

Transcriptomic Changes Predict Metabolic Alterations in LC3 Associated Phagocytosis in Aged Mice

LC3b (Map1lc3b) plays an essential role in canonical autophagy and is one of several components of the autophagy machinery that mediates non-canonical autophagic functions. Phagosomes are often associated with lipidated LC3b to promote phagosome maturation in a process called LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP). Specialized phagocytes, such as mammary epithelial cells, retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, and sertoli cells, utilize LAP for optimal degradation of phagocytosed material, including debris. In the visual system, LAP is critical to maintain retinal function, lipid homeostasis, and neuroprotection. In a mouse model of retinal lipid steatosis-mice lacking LC3b (LC3b-/-), we observed increased lipid deposition, metabolic dysregulation, and enhanced inflammation. Herein, we present a non-biased approach to determine if loss of LAP mediated processes modulate the expression of various genes related to metabolic homeostasis, lipid handling, and inflammation. A comparison of the RPE transcriptome of WT and LC3b-/- mice revealed 1533 DEGs, with ~73% upregulated and 27% downregulated. Enriched gene ontology (GO) terms included inflammatory response (upregulated DEGs), fatty acid metabolism, and vascular transport (downregulated DEGs). Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) identified 34 pathways; 28 were upregulated (dominated by inflammation/related pathways) and 6 were downregulated (dominated by metabolic pathways). Analysis of additional gene families identified significant differences for genes in the solute carrier family, RPE signature genes, and genes with a potential role in age-related macular degeneration. These data indicate that loss of LC3b induces robust changes in the RPE transcriptome contributing to lipid dysregulation and metabolic imbalance, RPE atrophy, inflammation, and disease pathophysiology.

Transcriptomic changes predict metabolic alterations in LC3 associated phagocytosis in aged mice

LC3b ( Map1lc3b ) plays an essential role in canonical autophagy and is one of several components of the autophagy machinery that mediates non-canonical autophagic functions. Phagosomes are often associated with lipidated LC3b, to pro-mote phagosome maturation in a process called LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP). Specialized phagocytes such as mammary epithelial cells, retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, and sertoli cells utilize LAP for optimal degradation of phagocytosed material, including debris. In the visual system, LAP is critical to maintain retinal function, lipid homeostasis and neuroprotection. In a mouse model of retinal lipid steatosis - mice lacking LC3b ( LC3b ^-/- ), we observed increased lipid deposition, metabolic dysregulation and enhanced inflammation. Herein we present a non-biased approach to determine if loss of LAP mediated processes modulate the expression of various genes related to metabolic homeostasis, lipid handling, and inflammation. A comparison of the RPE transcriptome of WT and LC3b ^-/- mice revealed 1533 DEGs, with ~73% upregulated and 27% down-regulated. Enriched gene ontology (GO) terms included inflammatory response (upregulated DEGs), fatty acid metabolism and vascular transport (downregulated DEGs). Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) identified 34 pathways; 28 were upregulated (dominated by inflammation/related pathways) and 6 were downregulated (dominated by metabolic pathways). Analysis of additional gene families identified significant differences for genes in the solute carrier family, RPE signature genes, and genes with potential role in age-related macular degeneration. These data indicate that loss of LC3b induces robust changes in the RPE transcriptome contributing to lipid dysregulation and metabolic imbalance, RPE atrophy, inflammation, and disease pathophysiology.

A mathematical model of GLUT1 modulation in rods and RPE and its differential impact in cell metabolism

We present a mathematical model of key glucose metabolic pathways in two cells of the human retina: the rods and the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE). Computational simulations of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) inhibition in the model accurately reproduce experimental data from conditional knockout mice and reveal that modification of GLUT1 expression levels of both cells differentially impacts their metabolism. We hypothesize that, under glucose scarcity, the RPE's energy producing pathways are altered in order to preserve its functionality, impacting the photoreceptors' outer segment renewal. On the other hand, when glucose is limited in the rods, aerobic glycolysis is preserved, which maintains the lactate contribution to the RPE.

Increased/Targeted Brain (Pro)Drug Delivery via Utilization of Solute Carriers (SLCs)

Membrane transporters have a crucial role in compounds’ brain drug delivery. They allow not only the penetration of a wide variety of different compounds to cross the endothelial cells of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), but also the accumulation of them into the brain parenchymal cells. Solute carriers (SLCs), with nearly 500 family members, are the largest group of membrane transporters. Unfortunately, not all SLCs are fully characterized and used in rational drug design. However, if the structural features for transporter interactions (binding and translocation) are known, a prodrug approach can be utilized to temporarily change the pharmacokinetics and brain delivery properties of almost any compound. In this review, main transporter subtypes that are participating in brain drug disposition or have been used to improve brain drug delivery across the BBB via the prodrug approach, are introduced. Moreover, the ability of selected transporters to be utilized in intrabrain drug delivery is discussed. Thus, this comprehensive review will give insights into the methods, such as computational drug design, that should be utilized more effectively to understand the detailed transport mechanisms. Moreover, factors, such as transporter expression modulation pathways in diseases that should be taken into account in rational (pro)drug development, are considered to achieve successful clinical applications in the future.

Knockdown of Astrocytic Monocarboxylate Transporter 4 in the Motor Cortex Leads to Loss of Dendritic Spines and a Deficit in Motor Learning

Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) shuttle molecules, including L-lactate, involved in metabolism and cell signaling of the central nervous system. Astrocyte-specific MCT4 is a key component of the astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle (ANLS) and is important for neuroplasticity and learning of the hippocampus. However, the importance of astrocyte-specific MCT4 in neuroplasticity of the M1 primary motor cortex remains unknown. In this study, we investigated astrocyte-specific MCT4 in motor learning and neuroplasticity of the M1 primary motor cortex using a cell-type specific shRNA knockdown of MCT4. Knockdown of astrocyte-specific MCT4 resulted in impaired motor performance and learning on the accelerating rotarod. In addition, MCT4 knockdown was associated with a reduction of neuronal dendritic spine density and spine width and decreased protein expression of PSD95, Arc, and cFos. Using near-infrared-conjugated 2-deoxyglucose uptake as a surrogate marker for neuronal activity, MCT4 knockdown was also associated with decreased neuronal activity in the M1 primary motor cortex and associated motor regions including the dorsal striatum and ventral thalamus. Our study supports a potential role for astrocyte-specific MCT4 and the ANLS in the neuroplasticity of the M1 primary motor cortex. Targeting MCT4 may serve to enhance neuroplasticity and motor repair in several neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease and stroke.

Proteome Landscape of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) of Retinal Pigment Epithelium Shares Commonalities With Malignancy-Associated EMT

Stress and injury to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) often lead to dedifferentiation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). These processes have been implicated in several retinal diseases, including proliferative vitreoretinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. Despite the importance of RPE-EMT and the large body of data characterizing malignancy-related EMT, comprehensive proteomic studies to define the protein changes and pathways underlying RPE-EMT have not been reported. This study sought to investigate the temporal protein expression changes that occur in a human-induced pluripotent stem cell–based RPE-EMT model. We utilized multiplexed isobaric tandem mass tag labeling followed by high-resolution tandem MS for precise and in-depth quantification of the RPE-EMT proteome. We have identified and quantified 7937 protein groups in our tandem mass tag–based MS analysis. We observed a total of 532 proteins that are differentially regulated during RPE-EMT. Furthermore, we integrated our proteomic data with prior transcriptomic (RNA-Seq) data to provide additional insights into RPE-EMT mechanisms. To validate these results, we have performed a label-free single-shot data-independent acquisition MS study. Our integrated analysis indicates both the commonality and uniqueness of RPE-EMT compared with malignancy-associated EMT. Our comparative analysis also revealed that multiple age-related macular degeneration–associated risk factors are differentially regulated during RPE-EMT. Together, our integrated dataset provides a comprehensive RPE-EMT atlas and resource for understanding the molecular signaling events and associated biological pathways that underlie RPE-EMT onset. This resource has already facilitated the identification of chemical modulators that could inhibit RPE-EMT, and it will hopefully aid in ongoing efforts to develop EMT inhibition as an approach for the treatment of retinal disease.

•

Proteomics data were integrated with prior transcriptomic (RNA-Seq) data on RPE-EMT.

•

Dysregulated RPE-EMT proteome shares commonality with malignancy-associated EMT.

•

Altered RPE-EMT proteome signatures correlated with known AMD-associated risk factors.

•

Protein kinases and phosphatases crosstalk modulate RPE-EMT.

A guide to plasma membrane solute carrier proteins

This review aims to serve as an introduction to the solute carrier proteins (SLC) superfamily of transporter proteins and their roles in human cells. The SLC superfamily currently includes 458 transport proteins in 65 families that carry a wide variety of substances across cellular membranes. While members of this superfamily are found throughout cellular organelles, this review focuses on transporters expressed at the plasma membrane. At the cell surface, SLC proteins may be viewed as gatekeepers of the cellular milieu, dynamically responding to different metabolic states. With altered metabolism being one of the hallmarks of cancer, we also briefly review the roles that surface SLC proteins play in the development and progression of cancer through their influence on regulating metabolism and environmental conditions.

Suppression of PGC-1α Drives Metabolic Dysfunction in TGFβ2-Induced EMT of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

PGC-1α, a key orchestrator of mitochondrial metabolism, plays a crucial role in governing the energetically demanding needs of retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE). We previously showed that silencing PGC-1α induced RPE to undergo an epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT). Here, we show that induction of EMT in RPE using transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGFβ2) suppressed PGC-1α expression. Correspondingly, TGFβ2 induced defects in mitochondrial network integrity with increased sphericity and fragmentation. TGFβ2 reduced expression of genes regulating mitochondrial dynamics, reduced citrate synthase activity and intracellular ATP content. High-resolution respirometry showed that TGFβ2 reduced mitochondrial OXPHOS levels consistent with reduced expression of NDUFB5. The reduced mitochondrial respiration was associated with a compensatory increase in glycolytic reserve, glucose uptake and gene expression of glycolytic enzymes (PFKFB3, PKM2, LDHA). Treatment with ZLN005, a selective small molecule activator of PGC-1α, blocked TGFβ2-induced upregulation of mesenchymal genes (αSMA, Snai1, CTGF, COL1A1) and TGFβ2-induced migration using the scratch wound assay. Our data show that EMT is accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction and a metabolic shift towards reduced OXPHOS and increased glycolysis that may be driven by PGC-1α suppression. ZLN005 effectively blocks EMT in RPE and thus serves as a novel therapeutic avenue for treatment of subretinal fibrosis.

Identification of genetic factors influencing metabolic dysregulation and retinal support for MacTel, a retinal disorder

Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 (MacTel) is a rare degenerative retinal disease with complex genetic architecture. We performed a genome-wide association study on 1,067 MacTel patients and 3,799 controls, which identified eight novel genome-wide significant loci (p < 5 × 10^-8), and confirmed all three previously reported loci. Using MAGMA, eQTL and transcriptome-wide association analysis, we prioritised 48 genes implicated in serine-glycine biosynthesis, metabolite transport, and retinal vasculature and thickness. Mendelian randomization indicated a likely causative role of serine (FDR = 3.9 × 10^-47) and glycine depletion (FDR = 0.006) as well as alanine abundance (FDR = 0.009). Polygenic risk scoring achieved an accuracy of 0.74 and was associated in UKBiobank with retinal damage (p = 0.009). This represents the largest genetic study on MacTel to date and further highlights genetically-induced systemic and tissue-specific metabolic dysregulation in MacTel patients, which impinges on retinal health.

Photoreceptor metabolic reprogramming: current understanding and therapeutic implications

Acquired and inherited retinal disorders are responsible for vision loss in an increasing proportion of individuals worldwide. Photoreceptor (PR) death is central to the vision loss individuals experience in these various retinal diseases. Unfortunately, there is a lack of treatment options to prevent PR loss, so an urgent unmet need exists for therapies that improve PR survival and ultimately, vision. The retina is one of the most energy demanding tissues in the body, and this is driven in large part by the metabolic needs of PRs. Recent studies suggest that disruption of nutrient availability and regulation of cell metabolism may be a unifying mechanism in PR death. Understanding retinal cell metabolism and how it is altered in disease has been identified as a priority area of research. The focus of this review is on the recent advances in the understanding of PR metabolism and how it is critical to reduction-oxidation (redox) balance, the outer retinal metabolic ecosystem, and retinal disease. The importance of these metabolic processes is just beginning to be realized and unraveling the metabolic and redox pathways integral to PR health may identify novel targets for neuroprotective strategies that prevent blindness in the heterogenous group of retinal disorders.

A Splice Variant in SLC16A8 Gene Leads to Lactate Transport Deficit in Human iPS Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a blinding disease for which most of the patients remain untreatable. Since the disease affects the macula at the center of the retina, a structure specific to the primate lineage, rodent models to study the pathophysiology of AMD and to develop therapies are very limited. Consequently, our understanding relies mostly on genetic studies highlighting risk alleles at many loci. We are studying the possible implication of a metabolic imbalance associated with risk alleles within the SLC16A8 gene that encodes for a retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-specific lactate transporter MCT3 and its consequences for vision. As a first approach, we report here the deficit in transepithelial lactate transport of a rare SLC16A8 allele identified during a genome-wide association study. We produced induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from the unique patient in our cohort that carries two copies of this allele. After in vitro differentiation of the iPSCs into RPE cells and their characterization, we demonstrate that the rare allele results in the retention of intron 2 of the SLC16A8 gene leading to the absence of MCT3 protein. We show using a biochemical assay that these cells have a deficit in transepithelial lactate transport.

Further understanding of epigenetic dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium in AMD

Introduction

Modulation of epigenetic mechanisms that contribute to retinal development may render the eye susceptible to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Progression of AMD involves alterations of epigenome such as CpG methylation and histone modifications, and study of the epigenetic regulation of molecular/ cellular pathways associated with AMD might identify target epigenetic markers for treatment of AMD.

Areas covered

In this review, we provide an overview of the influence of epigenetic factors on signaling pathways/ related genes associated with AMD, mainly hypoxia, angiogenesis, inflammation, complement, and oxidative stress; and discuss the critical role of microRNAs in AMD.

Expert Opinion

Better understanding of epigenetic-mediated and microRNA-mediated regulation of the AMD disease-related pathways would help to assess the risk of developing AMD besides providing valuable insight on potential target candidates for AMD therapy.

Monocarboxylate Transporters (SLC16): Function, Regulation, and Role in Health and Disease

The solute carrier family 16 (SLC16) is comprised of 14 members of the monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) family that play an essential role in the transport of important cell nutrients and for cellular metabolism and pH regulation. MCTs 1-4 have been extensively studied and are involved in the proton-dependent transport of L-lactate, pyruvate, short-chain fatty acids, and monocarboxylate drugs in a wide variety of tissues. MCTs 1 and 4 are overexpressed in a number of cancers, and current investigations have focused on transporter inhibition as a novel therapeutic strategy in cancers. MCT1 has also been used in strategies aimed at enhancing drug absorption due to its high expression in the intestine. Other MCT isoforms are less well characterized, but ongoing studies indicate that MCT6 transports xenobiotics such as bumetanide, nateglinide, and probenecid, whereas MCT7 has been characterized as a transporter of ketone bodies. MCT8 and MCT10 transport thyroid hormones, and recently, MCT9 has been characterized as a carnitine efflux transporter and MCT12 as a creatine transporter. Expressed at the blood brain barrier, MCT8 mutations have been associated with an X-linked intellectual disability, known as Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome. Many MCT isoforms are associated with hormone, lipid, and glucose homeostasis, and recent research has focused on their potential roles in disease, with MCTs representing promising novel therapeutic targets. This review will provide a summary of the current literature focusing on the characterization, function, and regulation of the MCT family isoforms and on their roles in drug disposition and in health and disease. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The 14-member solute carrier family 16 of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) plays a fundamental role in maintaining intracellular concentrations of a broad range of important endogenous molecules in health and disease. MCTs 1, 2, and 4 (L-lactate transporters) are overexpressed in cancers and represent a novel therapeutic target in cancer. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of MCTs in glucose, lipid, and hormone homeostasis, including MCT8 in thyroid hormone brain uptake, MCT12 in carnitine transport, and MCT11 in type 2 diabetes.

Role of monocarboxylate transporters in regulating metabolic homeostasis in the outer retina: Insight gained from cell-specific Bsg deletion

The neural retina metabolizes glucose through aerobic glycolysis generating large amounts of lactate. Lactate flux into and out of cells is regulated by proton-coupled monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs), which are encoded by members of the Slc16a family. MCT1, MCT3, and MCT4 are expressed in the retina and require association with the accessory protein basigin, encoded by Bsg, for maturation and trafficking to the plasma membrane. Bsg^-/- mice have severely reduced electroretinograms (ERGs) and progressive photoreceptor degeneration, which is presumed to be driven by metabolic dysfunction resulting from loss of MCTs. To understand the basis of the Bsg^-/- phenotype, we generated mice with conditional deletion of Bsg in rods (RodΔBsg), cones (Cone∆Bsg), or retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPEΔBsg). RodΔBsg mice showed a progressive loss of photoreceptors, while ConeΔBsg mice did not display a degenerative phenotype. The RPEΔBsg mice developed a distinct phenotype characterized by severely reduced ERG responses as early as 4 weeks of age. The loss of lactate transporters from the RPE most closely resembled the phenotype of the Bsg^-/- mouse, suggesting that the regulation of lactate levels in the RPE and the subretinal space is essential for the viability and function of photoreceptors.

Energy Dynamics in the Brain: Contributions of Astrocytes to Metabolism and pH Homeostasis

Regulation of metabolism is complex and involves enzymes and membrane transporters, which form networks to support energy dynamics. Lactate, as a metabolic intermediate from glucose or glycogen breakdown, appears to play a major role as additional energetic substrate, which is shuttled between glycolytic and oxidative cells, both under hypoxic and normoxic conditions. Transport of lactate across the cell membrane is mediated by monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) in cotransport with H⁺, which is a substrate, a signal and a modulator of metabolic processes. MCTs form a “transport metabolon” with carbonic anhydrases (CAs), which not only provide a rapid equilibrium between CO₂, HCO₃^– and H⁺, but, in addition, enhances lactate transport, as found in Xenopus oocytes, employed as heterologous expression system, as well as in astrocytes and cancer cells. Functional interactions between different CA isoforms and MCTs have been found to be isoform-specific, independent of the enzyme’s catalytic activity, and they require physical interaction between the proteins. CAs mediate between different states of metabolic acidosis, induced by glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, and play a relay function in coupling pH regulation and metabolism. In the brain, metabolic processes in astrocytes appear to be linked to bicarbonate transport and to neuronal activity. Here, we focus on physiological processes of energy dynamics in astrocytes as well as on the transfer of energetic substrates to neurons.

Roles of Drug Transporters in Blood-Retinal Barrier

Blood-retinal barrier (BRB) includes inner BRB (iBRB) and outer BRB (oBRB), which are formed by retinal capillary endothelial (RCEC) cells and by retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in collaboration with Bruch's membrane and the choriocapillaris, respectively. Functions of the BRB are to regulate fluids and molecular movement between the ocular vascular beds and retinal tissues and to prevent leakage of macromolecules and other potentially harmful agents into the retina, keeping the microenvironment of the retina and retinal neurons. These functions are mainly attributed to absent fenestrations of RCECs, tight junctions, expression of a great diversity of transporters, and coverage of pericytes and glial cells. BRB existence also becomes a reason that systemic administration for some drugs is not suitable for the treatment of retinal diseases. Some diseases (such as diabetes and ischemia-reperfusion) impair BRB function via altering tight junctions, RCEC death, and transporter expression. This chapter will illustrate function of BRB, expressions and functions of these transporters, and their clinical significances.

Monocarboxylate transporters in cancer

Background

Tumors are highly plastic metabolic entities composed of cancer and host cells that can adopt different metabolic phenotypes. For energy production, cancer cells may use 4 main fuels that are shuttled in 5 different metabolic pathways. Glucose fuels glycolysis that can be coupled to the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in oxidative cancer cells or to lactic fermentation in proliferating and in hypoxic cancer cells. Lipids fuel lipolysis, glutamine fuels glutaminolysis, and lactate fuels the oxidative pathway of lactate, all of which are coupled to the TCA cycle and OXPHOS for energy production. This review focuses on the latter metabolic pathway.

Scope of review

Lactate, which is prominently produced by glycolytic cells in tumors, was only recently recognized as a major fuel for oxidative cancer cells and as a signaling agent. Its exchanges across membranes are gated by monocarboxylate transporters MCT1-4. This review summarizes the current knowledge about MCT structure, regulation and functions in cancer, with a specific focus on lactate metabolism, lactate-induced angiogenesis and MCT-dependent cancer metastasis. It also describes lactate signaling via cell surface lactate receptor GPR81.

Major conclusions

Lactate and MCTs, especially MCT1 and MCT4, are important contributors to tumor aggressiveness. Analyses of MCT-deficient (MCT^+/- and MCT^−/-) animals and (MCT-mutated) humans indicate that they are druggable, with MCT1 inhibitors being in advanced development phase and MCT4 inhibitors still in the discovery phase. Imaging lactate fluxes non-invasively using a lactate tracer for positron emission tomography would further help to identify responders to the treatments.

•

In cancer, hypoxia and cell proliferation are associated to lactic acid production.

•

Lactate exchanges are at the core of tumor metabolism.

•

Transmembrane lactate trafficking depends on monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs).

•

MCTs are implicated in tumor development and aggressiveness.

•

Targeting MCTs is a therapeutic option for cancer treatment.

Photoreceptors in a mouse model of Leigh syndrome are capable of normal light-evoked signaling

Mitochondrial dysfunction is an important cause of heritable vision loss. Mutations affecting mitochondrial bioenergetics may lead to isolated vision loss or life-threatening systemic disease, depending on a mutation's severity. Primary optic nerve atrophy resulting from death of retinal ganglion cells is the most prominent ocular manifestation of mitochondrial disease. However, dysfunction of other retinal cell types has also been described, sometimes leading to a loss of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium that manifests clinically as pigmentary retinopathy. A popular mouse model of mitochondrial disease that lacks NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S4 (NDUFS4), a subunit of mitochondrial complex I, phenocopies many traits of the human disease Leigh syndrome, including the development of optic atrophy. It has also been reported that ndufs4 ^-/- mice display diminished light responses at the level of photoreceptors or bipolar cells. By conducting electroretinography (ERG) recordings in live ndufs4 ^-/- mice, we now demonstrate that this defect occurs at the level of retinal photoreceptors. We found that this deficit does not arise from retinal developmental anomalies, photoreceptor degeneration, or impaired regeneration of visual pigment. Strikingly, the impairment of ndufs4 ^-/- photoreceptor function was not observed in ex vivo ERG recordings from isolated retinas, indicating that photoreceptors with complex I deficiency are intrinsically capable of normal signaling. The difference in electrophysiological phenotypes in vivo and ex vivo suggests that the energy deprivation associated with severe mitochondrial impairment in the outer retina renders ndufs4 ^-/- photoreceptors unable to maintain the homeostatic conditions required to operate at their normal capacity.

Is Retinal Metabolic Dysfunction at the Center of the Pathogenesis of Age-related Macular Degeneration?

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) forms the outer blood⁻retina barrier and facilitates the transepithelial transport of glucose into the outer retina via GLUT1. Glucose is metabolized in photoreceptors via the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) but also by aerobic glycolysis to generate glycerol for the synthesis of phospholipids for the renewal of their outer segments. Aerobic glycolysis in the photoreceptors also leads to a high rate of production of lactate which is transported out of the subretinal space to the choroidal circulation by the RPE. Lactate taken up by the RPE is converted to pyruvate and metabolized via OXPHOS. Excess lactate in the RPE is transported across the basolateral membrane to the choroid. The uptake of glucose by cone photoreceptor cells is enhanced by rod-derived cone viability factor (RdCVF) secreted by rods and by insulin signaling. Together, the three cells act as symbiotes: the RPE supplies the glucose from the choroidal circulation to the photoreceptors, the rods help the cones, and both produce lactate to feed the RPE. In age-related macular degeneration this delicate ménage à trois is disturbed by the chronic infiltration of inflammatory macrophages. These immune cells also rely on aerobic glycolysis and compete for glucose and produce lactate. We here review the glucose metabolism in the homeostasis of the outer retina and in macrophages and hypothesize what happens when the metabolism of photoreceptors and the RPE is disturbed by chronic inflammation.

Mechanisms Underlying the Visual Benefit of Cell Transplantation for the Treatment of Retinal Degenerations

The transplantation of retinal cells has been studied in animals to establish proof of its potential benefit for the treatment of blinding diseases. Photoreceptor precursors have been grafted in animal models of Mendelian-inherited retinal degenerations, and retinal pigmented epithelial cells have been used to restore visual function in animal models of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and recently in patients. Cell therapy over corrective gene therapy in inherited retinal degeneration can overcome the genetic heterogeneity by providing one treatment for all genetic forms of the diseases. In AMD, the existence of multiple risk alleles precludes a priori the use of corrective gene therapy. Mechanistically, the experiments of photoreceptor precursor transplantation reveal the importance of cytoplasmic material exchange between the grafted cells and the host cells for functional rescue, an unsuspected mechanism and novel concept. For transplantation of retinal pigmented epithelial cells, the mechanisms behind the therapeutic benefit are only partially understood, and clinical trials are ongoing. The fascinating studies that describe the development of methodologies to produce cells to be grafted and demonstrate the functional benefit for vision are reviewed.

Knockout of ush2a gene in zebrafish causes hearing impairment and late onset rod-cone dystrophy

Most cases of Usher syndrome type II (USH2) are due to mutations in the USH2A gene. There are no effective treatments or ideal animal models for this disease, and the pathological mechanisms of USH2 caused by USH2A mutations are still unknown. Here, we constructed a ush2a knockout (ush2a^-/-) zebrafish model using TALEN technology to investigate the molecular pathology of USH2. An early onset auditory disorder and abnormal morphology of inner ear stereocilia were identified in the ush2a^-/- zebrafish. Consequently, the disruption of Ush2a in zebrafish led to a hearing impairment, like that in mammals. Electroretinography (ERG) test indicated that deletion of Ush2a affected visual function at an early stage, and histological analysis revealed that the photoreceptors progressively degenerated. Rod degeneration occurred prior to cone degeneration in ush2a^-/- zebrafish, which is consistent with the classical description of the progression of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Destruction of the outer segments (OSs) of rods led to the down-regulation of phototransduction cascade proteins at late stage. The expression of Ush1b and Ush1c was up-regulated when Ush2a was null. We also found that disruption of fibronectin assembly at the retinal basement membrane weakened cell adhesion in ush2a^-/- mutants. In summary, for the first time, we generated a ush2a knockout zebrafish line with auditory disorder and retinal degeneration which mimicked the symptoms of patients, and revealed that disruption of fibronectin assembly may be one of the factors underlying RP. This model may help us to better understand the pathogenic mechanism and find treatment for USH2 in the future.

Otx2-Genetically Modified Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Rescue Photoreceptors after Transplantation

Inherited retinal degenerations are blinding diseases characterized by the loss of photoreceptors. Their extreme genetic heterogeneity complicates treatment by gene therapy. This has motivated broader strategies for transplantation of healthy retinal pigmented epithelium to protect photoreceptors independently of the gene causing the disease. The limited clinical benefit for visual function reported up to now is mainly due to dedifferentiation of the transplanted cells that undergo an epithelial-mesenchymal transition. We have studied this mechanism in vitro and revealed the role of the homeogene OTX2 in preventing dedifferentiation through the regulation of target genes. We have overexpressed OTX2 in retinal pigmented epithelial cells before their transplantation in the eye of a model of retinitis pigmentosa carrying a mutation in Mertk, a gene specifically expressed by retinal pigmented epithelial cells. OTX2 increases significantly the protection of photoreceptors as seen by histological and functional analyses. We observed that the beneficial effect of OTX2 is non-cell autonomous, and it is at least partly mediated by unidentified trophic factors. Transplantation of OTX2-genetically modified cells may be medically effective for other retinal diseases involving the retinal pigmented epithelium as age-related macular degeneration.

Serum Levels of TIMP-3, LIPC, IER3, and SLC16A8 in CFH-Negative AMD Cases

AMD is a complex eye disease predominantly occurring in aged population. Till now about 53 genetic loci have been found to be associated with the AMD pathology. AMD pathogenesis is being increasingly known to progress through mechanisms independent of the CFH mediated pathway. Therefore, our aim for current study was to examine the genes by analyzing their expression levels in AMD. We recruited about 50 AMD and same number of age matched controls. We analyzed the CFH duplication and deletion by multiplex ligation probe amplification (MLPA) and found no duplication and deletion in CFH gene in AMD patients. We also estimated the IER-3, SLC16A8, LIPC, and TIMP-3 expression levels in both CFH-negative AMD cases (i.e. no duplication and deletion in CFH gene) besides examining these in AMD and controls. We found that the expression level of LIPC, SLC16A8, and TIMP-3 was significantly associated with AMD pathology in both groups (LIPC: P = 0.008, SLC16A8: P < 0.001, TIMP-3: P < 0.001, respectively). However, we did not find any significant difference in IER-3 levels in AMD and controls. Therefore, the evidence from current study, suggests that AMD pathology may be mediated through mechanistic pathways linked to other genetic loci. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 2087-2095, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Bright flash response recovery of mammalian rods in vivo is rate limited by RGS9

Peinado Allina et al. measure rod responses in living mice across a wide range of flash strengths and find that responses are much faster in vivo than ex vivo, though the biochemical mechanisms underlying the kinetics appear to be the same in both cases. Although RGS9 overexpression sped recovery from bright flashes, faster rod recovery did not improve the temporal resolution of scotopic vision.

The temporal resolution of scotopic vision is thought to be constrained by the signaling kinetics of retinal rods, which use a highly amplified G-protein cascade to transduce absorbed photons into changes in membrane potential. Much is known about the biochemical mechanisms that determine the kinetics of rod responses ex vivo, but the rate-limiting mechanisms in vivo are unknown. Using paired flash electroretinograms with improved signal-to-noise, we have recorded the amplitude and kinetics of rod responses to a wide range of flash strengths from living mice. Bright rod responses in vivo recovered nearly twice as fast as all previous recordings, although the kinetic consequences of genetic perturbations previously studied ex vivo were qualitatively similar. In vivo, the dominant time constant of recovery from bright flashes was dramatically reduced by overexpression of the RGS9 complex, revealing G-protein deactivation to be rate limiting for recovery. However, unlike previous ex vivo recordings, dim flash responses in vivo were relatively unaffected by RGS9 overexpression, suggesting that other mechanisms, such as calcium feedback dynamics that are strongly regulated by the restricted subretinal microenvironment, act to determine rod dim flash kinetics. To assess the consequences for scotopic vision, we used a nocturnal wheel-running assay to measure the ability of wild-type and RGS9-overexpressing mice to detect dim flickering stimuli and found no improvement when rod recovery was speeded by RGS9 overexpression. These results are important for understanding retinal circuitry, in particular as modeled in the large literature that addresses the relationship between the kinetics and sensitivity of retinal responses and visual perception.

Deficient glucose and glutamine metabolism in Aralar/AGC1/Slc25a12 knockout mice contributes to altered visual function

PURPOSE

To characterize the vision phenotype of mice lacking Aralar/AGC1/Slc25a12, the mitochondrial aspartate-glutamate carrier mutated in global cerebral hypomyelination (OMIM 612949).

METHODS

We tested overnight dark-adapted control and aralar-deficient mice for the standard full electroretinogram (ERG) response. The metabolic stress of dark-adaptation was reduced by 5 min illumination after which the ERG response was monitored in darkness. We used the electrical response to two identical saturating light flashes (paired-flash stimulation) to isolate the inner retina and photoreceptor responses. Retinal morphology was examined with hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry of antibodies against retinal cells, and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) labeling.

RESULTS

Aralar plays a pivotal role in retina metabolism as aralar provides de novo synthesis pathway for glutamine, protects glutamate from oxidation, and is required for efficient glucose oxidative metabolism. Aralar-deficient mice are not blind as their retinas have light-evoked activity. However, we report an approximate 50% decrease in the ERG amplitude response in the light-evoked activity of dark-adapted retinas from aralar-deficient mice, in spite of normal retina histology. The defective response is partly reversed by exposure to a brief illumination period, which lowers the metabolic stress of dark-adaptation. The metabolic stress and ERG alteration takes place primarily in photoreceptors, but the response to two flashes applied in fast succession also revealed an alteration in synaptic transmission consistent with an imbalance of glutamate and an energy deficit in the inner retina neurons.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose that compromised glucose oxidation and altered glutamine and glutamate metabolism in the absence of aralar are responsible for the phenotype reported.

Monocarboxylate Transporters: Therapeutic Targets and Prognostic Factors in Disease

Solute carrier (SLC) transporters represent 52 families of membrane transport proteins that function in endogenous compound homeostasis and xenobiotic disposition, and have been exploited in drug delivery and therapeutic targeting strategies. In particular, the SLC16 family that encodes for the 14 isoforms of the monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) family plays a significant role in the absorption, tissue distribution, and clearance of both endogenous and exogenous compounds. MCTs are required for the transport of essential cell nutrients and for cellular metabolic and pH regulation. Recent publications have indicated their novel roles in disease, and thus their potential as biomarkers and new therapeutic targets in disease are under investigation. More research into MCT isoform function, specificity, expression, and regulation will allow researchers to exploit the potential utility of MCTs in the clinic as therapeutic targets and prognostic factors of disease.

AMD Genetics in India: The Missing Links

Age related macular degeneration is a disease which occurs in aged individuals. There are various changes that occur at the cellular, molecular and physiological level with advancing age (Samiec et al., 1988; Sharma K. et al., 2014). Drusen deposition between retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Bruch’s membrane (BM) is one of the key features in AMD patients (Mullins et al., 2000; Hageman et al., 2001) similar to Aβ/tau aggregates in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. The primary goal of this review is to discuss whether the various candidate genes and associated biomarkers, that are known to play an independent role in progression of AMD, exert deleterious effect on phenotype, alone or in combination, in Indian AMD patients from the same ethnic group and the significance of such research. A statistical model for probable interaction between genes could be derived from such analysis. Therefore, one can use multiple modalities to identify and enrol AMD patients based on established clinical criteria and examine the risk factors to determine if these genes are associated with risk factors, biomarkers or disease by Mendelian randomization. Similarly, there are large numbers of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified in human population. Even non-synonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) are believed to induce deleterious effects on the functionality of various proteins. The study of such snSNPs could provide a better genetic insight for diverse phenotypes of AMD patients, predicting significant risk factors for the disease in Indian population. Therefore, the prediction of biological effect of nsSNPs in the candidate genes and the associated grant applications in the subject are highly solicited.Therefore, genotyping and levels of protein expression of various genes would provide wider canvas in genetic complexity of AMD pathology which should be evaluated by valid statistical and bioinformatics’ tools. Longitudinal follow up of Indian AMD patients to evaluate the temporal effect of SNPs and biomarkers on progression of disease would provide a unique strategy in the field.

Risk factors and biomarkers of age-related macular degeneration

A biomarker can be a substance or structure measured in body parts, fluids or products that can affect or predict disease incidence. As age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the developed world, much research and effort has been invested in the identification of different biomarkers to predict disease incidence, identify at risk individuals, elucidate causative pathophysiological etiologies, guide screening, monitoring and treatment parameters, and predict disease outcomes. To date, a host of genetic, environmental, proteomic, and cellular targets have been identified as both risk factors and potential biomarkers for AMD. Despite this, their use has been confined to research settings and has not yet crossed into the clinical arena. A greater understanding of these factors and their use as potential biomarkers for AMD can guide future research and clinical practice. This article will discuss known risk factors and novel, potential biomarkers of AMD in addition to their application in both academic and clinical settings.

Rod-derived cone viability factor promotes cone survival by stimulating aerobic glycolysis

Rod-derived cone viability factor (RdCVF) is an inactive thioredoxin secreted by rod photoreceptors that protects cones from degeneration. Because the secondary loss of cones in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) leads to blindness, the administration of RdCVF is a promising therapy for this untreatable neurodegenerative disease. Here, we investigated the mechanism underlying the protective role of RdCVF in RP. We show that RdCVF acts through binding to Basigin-1 (BSG1), a transmembrane protein expressed specifically by photoreceptors. BSG1 binds to the glucose transporter GLUT1, resulting in increased glucose entry into cones. Increased glucose promotes cone survival by stimulation of aerobic glycolysis. Moreover, a missense mutation of RdCVF results in its inability to bind to BSG1, stimulate glucose uptake, and prevent secondary cone death in a model of RP. Our data uncover an entirely novel mechanism of neuroprotection through the stimulation of glucose metabolism.

A large genome-wide association study of age-related macular degeneration highlights contributions of rare and common variants

Advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly with limited therapeutic options. Here, we report on a study of >12 million variants including 163,714 directly genotyped, most rare, protein-altering variant. Analyzing 16,144 patients and 17,832 controls, we identify 52 independently associated common and rare variants (P < 5×10^–8) distributed across 34 loci. While wet and dry AMD subtypes exhibit predominantly shared genetics, we identify the first signal specific to wet AMD, near MMP9 (difference-P = 4.1×10^–10). Very rare coding variants (frequency < 0.1%) in CFH, CFI, and TIMP3 suggest causal roles for these genes, as does a splice variant in SLC16A8. Our results support the hypothesis that rare coding variants can pinpoint causal genes within known genetic loci and illustrate that applying the approach systematically to detect new loci requires extremely large sample sizes.

Berberine protects against light-induced photoreceptor degeneration in the mouse retina

Oxidative stress and inflammation play key roles in the light damage (LD) model of photoreceptor degeneration, as well as in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We sought to investigate whether Berberine (BBR), an antioxidant herb extract, would protect the retina against light-induced degeneration. To accomplish this, Balb/c mice were treated with BBR or PBS via gavage for 7 days, and then were placed in constant cool white light-emitting diode (LED) light (10,000 lux) for 4 h. Retinal function and degeneration were evaluated by histology, electroretinography (ERG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) at 7d after LD. Additionally, mRNA levels of cell-type specific, antioxidant, and inflammatory genes were compared 7d after LD. Photoreceptor DNA fragmentation was assessed via the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay. LD resulted in substantial photoreceptor-specific cell death. Histological analysis using plastic sections showed dosing with BBR preserved photoreceptors. The ERG analysis demonstrated functional protection by BBR in rod-b, -a, and cone-b waves. In OCT images, mice receiving PBS showed severe thinning and disorganization of the photoreceptor layer 7 days after LD, whereas mice treated with BBR had significantly less thinning and disorganization. Consistent with OCT results, the mRNA levels of Rho in the NSR, and Rpe65 and Mct3 in the RPE, were significantly higher in mice treated with BBR. The numbers of TUNEL-positive photoreceptors were significantly decreased in BBR-treated mice. The retinal mRNA levels of oxidative stress genes, the number of microglia/macrophages, and the malondialdehyde (MDA) immunolabeling were significantly lower in BBR-treated mice compared to controls 48 h after LD, which indicates oxidative stress was reduced by BBR in light-damaged eyes. In conclusion, systemic BBR is protective against light-induced retinal degeneration associated with diminished oxidative stress in the retina. These results suggest that BBR may be protective against retinal diseases involving oxidative stress.

Whole-Retina Reduced Electrophysiological Activity in Mice Bearing Retina-Specific Deletion of Vesicular Acetylcholine Transporter

BACKGROUND

Despite rigorous characterization of the role of acetylcholine in retinal development, long-term effects of its absence as a neurotransmitter are unknown. One of the unanswered questions is how acetylcholine contributes to the functional capacity of mature retinal circuits. The current study investigates the effects of disrupting cholinergic signalling in mice, through deletion of vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) in the developing retina, pigmented epithelium, optic nerve and optic stalk, on electrophysiology and structure of the mature retina.

METHODS & RESULTS

A combination of electroretinography, optical coherence tomography imaging and histological evaluation assessed retinal integrity in mice bearing retina- targeted (embryonic day 12.5) deletion of VAChT (VAChTSix3-Cre-flox/flox) and littermate controls at 5 and 12 months of age. VAChTSix3-Cre-flox/flox mice did not show any gross changes in nuclear layer cellularity or synaptic layer thickness. However, VAChTSix3-Cre-flox/flox mice showed reduced electrophysiological response of the retina to light stimulus under scotopic conditions at 5 and 12 months of age, including reduced a-wave, b-wave, and oscillatory potential (OP) amplitudes and decreased OP peak power and total energy. Reduced a-wave amplitude was proportional to the reduction in b-wave amplitude and not associated with altered a-wave 10%-90% rise time or inner and outer segment thicknesses.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study used a novel genetic model in the first examination of function and structure of the mature mouse retina with disruption of cholinergic signalling. Reduced amplitude across the electroretinogram wave form does not suggest dysfunction in specific retinal cell types and could reflect underlying changes in the retinal and/or extraretinal microenvironment. Our findings suggest that release of acetylcholine by VAChT is essential for the normal electrophysiological response of the mature mouse retina.

MicroRNAs are essential for differentiation of the retinal pigmented epithelium and maturation of adjacent photoreceptors

Dysfunction of the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) results in degeneration of photoreceptors and vision loss and is correlated with common blinding disorders in humans. Although many protein-coding genes are known to be expressed in RPE and are important for its development and maintenance, virtually nothing is known about the in vivo roles of non-coding transcripts. The expression patterns of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been analyzed in a variety of ocular tissues, and a few were implicated to play role in RPE based on studies in cell lines. Here, through RPE-specific conditional mutagenesis of Dicer1 or Dgcr8 in mice, the importance of miRNAs for RPE differentiation was uncovered. miRNAs were found to be dispensable for maintaining RPE fate and survival, and yet they are essential for the acquisition of important RPE properties such as the expression of genes involved in the visual cycle pathway, pigmentation and cell adhesion. Importantly, miRNAs of the RPE are required for maturation of adjacent photoreceptors, specifically for the morphogenesis of the outer segments. The alterations in the miRNA and mRNA profiles in the Dicer1-deficient RPE point to a key role of miR-204 in regulation of the RPE differentiation program in vivo and uncover the importance of additional novel RPE miRNAs. This study reveals the combined regulatory activity of miRNAs that is required for RPE differentiation and for the development of the adjacent neuroretina.

NHE8 is essential for RPE cell polarity and photoreceptor survival

A new N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU)-induced mouse recessive mutation, identified by fundus examination of the eye, develops depigmented patches, indicating retinal disorder. Histology data show aberrant retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and late-onset photoreceptor cell loss in the mutant retina. Chromosomal mapping and DNA sequencing reveal a point mutation (T to A) of the Slc9a8 gene, resulting in mutant sodium/proton exchanger 8 (NHE8)-M120K protein. The lysine substitution decreases the probability of forming the 3(rd) transmembrane helix, which impairs the pore structure of the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger. Various RPE defects, including mislocalization of the apical marker ezrin, and disrupted apical microvilli and basal infoldings are observed in mutant mice. We have further generated NHE8 knockout mice and confirmed similar phenotypes, including abnormal RPE cells and late-onset photoreceptor cell loss. Both in vivo and in vitro data indicate that NHE8 co-localizes with ER, Golgi and intracellular vesicles in RPE cells. Thus, NHE8 function is necessary for the survival of photoreceptor cells and NHE8 is important for RPE cell polarity and function. Dysfunctional RPE may ultimately lead to photoreceptor cell death in the NHE8 mutants. Further studies will be needed to elucidate whether or not NHE8 regulates pH homeostasis in the protein secretory pathways of RPE.

Myosin 6 is required for iris development and normal function of the outer retina

PURPOSE

To determine the molecular basis and the pathologic consequences of a chemically induced mutation in the translational vision research models 89 (tvrm89) mouse model with ERG defects.

METHODS

Mice from a G3 N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea mutagenesis program were screened for behavioral abnormalities and defects in retinal function by ERGs. The chromosomal position for the recessive tvrm89 mutation was determined in a genome-wide linkage analysis. The critical region was refined, and candidate genes were screened by direct sequencing. The tvrm89 phenotype was characterized by circling behavior, in vivo ocular imaging, detailed ERG-based studies of the retina and RPE, and histological analysis of these structures.

RESULTS

The tvrm89 mutation was localized to a region on chromosome 9 containing Myo6. Sequencing identified a T→C point mutation in the codon for amino acid 480 in Myo6 that converts a leucine to a proline. This mutation does not confer a loss of protein expression levels; however, mice homozygous for the Myo6(tvrm89) mutation display an abnormal iris shape and attenuation of both strobe-flash ERGs and direct-current ERGs by 4 age weeks, neither of which is associated with photoreceptor loss.

CONCLUSIONS

The tvrm89 phenotype mimics that reported for Myosin6-null mice, suggesting that the mutation confers a loss of myosin 6 protein function. The observation that homozygous Myo6(tvrm89) mice display reduced ERG a-wave and b-wave components, as well as components of the ERG attributed to RPE function, indicates that myosin 6 is necessary for the generation of proper responses of the outer retina to light.

Loss of caveolin-1 impairs retinal function due to disturbance of subretinal microenvironment

Caveolin-1 (Cav-1), an integral component of caveolar membrane domains, is expressed in several retinal cell types, including photoreceptors, retinal vascular endothelial cells, Müller glia, and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. Recent evidence links Cav-1 to ocular diseases, including autoimmune uveitis, diabetic retinopathy, and primary open angle glaucoma, but its role in normal vision is largely undetermined. In this report, we show that ablation of Cav-1 results in reduced inner and outer retinal function as measured, in vivo, by electroretinography and manganese-enhanced MRI. Somewhat surprisingly, dark current and light sensitivity were normal in individual rods (recorded with suction electrode methods) from Cav-1 knock-out (KO) mice. Although photoreceptor function was largely normal, in vitro, the apparent K(+) affinity of the RPE-expressed α1-Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase was decreased in Cav-1 KO mice. Cav-1 KO retinas also displayed unusually tight adhesion with the RPE, which could be resolved by brief treatment with hyperosmotic medium, suggesting alterations in outer retinal fluid homeostasis. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that reduced retinal function resulting from Cav-1 ablation is not photoreceptor-intrinsic but rather involves impaired subretinal and/or RPE ion/fluid homeostasis.

Development and application of a next-generation-sequencing (NGS) approach to detect known and novel gene defects underlying retinal diseases

Background

Inherited retinal disorders are clinically and genetically heterogeneous with more than 150 gene defects accounting for the diversity of disease phenotypes. So far, mutation detection was mainly performed by APEX technology and direct Sanger sequencing of known genes. However, these methods are time consuming, expensive and unable to provide a result if the patient carries a new gene mutation. In addition, multiplicity of phenotypes associated with the same gene defect may be overlooked.

Methods

To overcome these challenges, we designed an exon sequencing array to target 254 known and candidate genes using Agilent capture. Subsequently, 20 DNA samples from 17 different families, including four patients with known mutations were sequenced using Illumina Genome Analyzer IIx next-generation-sequencing (NGS) platform. Different filtering approaches were applied to identify the genetic defect. The most likely disease causing variants were analyzed by Sanger sequencing. Co-segregation and sequencing analysis of control samples validated the pathogenicity of the observed variants.

Results

The phenotype of the patients included retinitis pigmentosa, congenital stationary night blindness, Best disease, early-onset cone dystrophy and Stargardt disease. In three of four control samples with known genotypes NGS detected the expected mutations. Three known and five novel mutations were identified in NR2E3, PRPF3, EYS, PRPF8, CRB1, TRPM1 and CACNA1F. One of the control samples with a known genotype belongs to a family with two clinical phenotypes (Best and CSNB), where a novel mutation was identified for CSNB. In six families the disease associated mutations were not found, indicating that novel gene defects remain to be identified.

Conclusions

In summary, this unbiased and time-efficient NGS approach allowed mutation detection in 75% of control cases and in 57% of test cases. Furthermore, it has the possibility of associating known gene defects with novel phenotypes and mode of inheritance.

The SLC16A family of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs)--physiology and function in cellular metabolism, pH homeostasis, and fluid transport

The SLC16A family of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) is composed of 14 members. MCT1 through MCT4 (MCTs 1-4) are H(+)-coupled monocarboxylate transporters, MCT8 and MCT10 transport thyroid hormone and aromatic amino acids, while the substrate specificity and function of other MCTs have yet to be determined. The focus of this review is on MCTs 1-4 because their role in lactate transport is intrinsically linked to cellular metabolism in various biological systems, including skeletal muscle, brain, retina, and testis. Although MCTs 1-4 all transport lactate, they differ in their transport kinetics and vary in tissue and subcellular distribution, where they facilitate "lactate-shuttling" between glycolytic and oxidative cells within tissues and across blood-tissue barriers. However, the role of MCTs 1-4 is not confined to cellular metabolism. By interacting with bicarbonate transport proteins and carbonic anhydrases, MCTs participate in the regulation of pH homeostasis and fluid transport in renal proximal tubule and corneal endothelium, respectively. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of MCTs 1-4, linking their cellular distribution to their functions in various parts of the human body, so that we can better understand the physiological roles of MCTs at the systemic level.