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Manai F, Smedowski A, Kaarniranta K, Comincini S, Amadio M. Extracellular vesicles in degenerative retinal diseases: A new therapeutic paradigm. J Control Release 2024; 365:448-468. [PMID: 38013069 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Nanoscale extracellular vesicles (EVs), consisting of exomers, exosomes and microvesicles/ectosomes, have been extensively investigated in the last 20 years, although their biological role is still something of a mystery. EVs are involved in the transfer of lipids, nucleic acids and proteins from donor to recipient cells or distant organs as well as regulating cell-cell communication and signaling. Thus, EVs are important in intercellular communication and this is not limited to sister cells, but may also mediate the crosstalk between different cell types even over long distances. EVs play crucial functions in both cellular homeostasis and the pathogenesis of diseases, and since their contents reflect the status of the donor cell, they represent an additional valuable source of information for characterizing complex biological processes. Recent advances in isolation and analytical methods have led to substantial improvements in both characterizing and engineering EVs, leading to their use either as novel biomarkers for disease diagnosis/prognosis or even as novel therapies. Due to their capacity to carry biomolecules, various EV-based therapeutic applications have been devised for several pathological conditions, including eye diseases. In the eye, EVs have been detected in the retina, aqueous humor, vitreous body and also in tears. Experiences with other forms of intraocular drug applications have opened new ways to use EVs in the treatment of retinal diseases. We here provide a comprehensive summary of the main in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo literature-based studies on EVs' role in ocular physiological and pathological conditions. We have focused on age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, which are common eye diseases leading to permanent blindness, if not treated properly. In addition, the putative use of EVs in retinitis pigmentosa and other retinopathies is discussed. Finally, we have reviewed the potential of EVs as therapeutic tools and/or biomarkers in the above-mentioned retinal disorders. Evidence emerging from experimental disease models and human material strongly suggests future diagnostic and/or therapeutic exploitation of these biological agents in various ocular disorders with a good possibility to improve the patient's quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Manai
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Adrian Smedowski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland; GlaucoTech Co., Katowice, Poland
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Sergio Comincini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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2
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Siddiq MM, Johnson NP, Zorina Y, Yadaw AS, Toro CA, Hansen J, Rabinovich V, Gregorich SM, Xiong Y, Tolentino RE, Hannila SS, Kaplan E, Blitzer RD, Filbin MT, Cardozo CP, Passaglia CL, Iyengar R. A spatially specified systems pharmacology therapy for axonal recovery after injury. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1225759. [PMID: 37799971 PMCID: PMC10547904 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1225759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There are no known drugs or drug combinations that promote substantial central nervous system axonal regeneration after injury. We used systems pharmacology approaches to model pathways underlying axonal growth and identify a four-drug combination that regulates multiple subcellular processes in the cell body and axons using the optic nerve crush model in rats. We intravitreally injected agonists HU-210 (cannabinoid receptor-1) and IL-6 (interleukin 6 receptor) to stimulate retinal ganglion cells for axonal growth. We applied, in gel foam at the site of nerve injury, Taxol to stabilize growing microtubules, and activated protein C to clear the debris field since computational models predicted that this drug combination regulating two subcellular processes at the growth cone produces synergistic growth. Physiologically, drug treatment restored or preserved pattern electroretinograms and some of the animals had detectable visual evoked potentials in the brain and behavioral optokinetic responses. Morphology experiments show that the four-drug combination protects axons or promotes axonal regrowth to the optic chiasm and beyond. We conclude that spatially targeted drug treatment is therapeutically relevant and can restore limited functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa M. Siddiq
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Mount Sinai Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nicholas P. Johnson
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Mount Sinai Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Departments of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
- National Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yana Zorina
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Mount Sinai Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Arjun Singh Yadaw
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Mount Sinai Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Carlos A. Toro
- National Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jens Hansen
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Mount Sinai Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Vera Rabinovich
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Mount Sinai Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sarah M. Gregorich
- Departments of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Yuguang Xiong
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Mount Sinai Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Rosa E. Tolentino
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Mount Sinai Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sari S. Hannila
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Basic Medical Sciences Building, Winnipeg, NM, United States
| | - Ehud Kaplan
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Mount Sinai Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Philosophy of Science, Prague and the National Institute of Mental Health, Charles University, Prague, CZ, United States
| | - Robert D. Blitzer
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Mount Sinai Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Marie T. Filbin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Christopher P. Cardozo
- National Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Christopher L. Passaglia
- Departments of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Ravi Iyengar
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Mount Sinai Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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Nordahl KML, Fedulov V, Holm A, Haanes KA. Intraocular Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated Transgene Endothelin-1 Delivery to the Rat Eye Induces Functional Changes Indicative of Retinal Ischemia-A Potential Chronic Glaucoma Model. Cells 2023; 12:1987. [PMID: 37566067 PMCID: PMC10417058 DOI: 10.3390/cells12151987] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelin-1 (ET-1) overactivity has been implicated as a factor contributing to glaucomatous neuropathy, and it has been utilized in animal models of retinal ischemia. The functional effects of long-term ET-1 exposure and possible compensatory mechanisms have, however, not been investigated. This was therefore the purpose of our study. ET-1 was delivered into rat eyes via a single intravitreal injection of 500 µM or via transgene delivery using an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector. Retinal function was assessed using electroretinography (ERG) and the retinal expression of potentially compensatory genes was evaluated by means of qRT-PCR. Acute ET-1 delivery led to vasoconstriction and a significant reduction in the ERG response. AAV-ET-1 resulted in substantial transgene expression and ERG results similar to the acute ET-1 injections and comparable to other models of retinal ischemia. Compensatory changes were observed, including an increase in calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) gene expression, which may both counterbalance the vasoconstrictive effects of ET-1 and provide neuroprotection. This chronic ET-1 ischemia model might be especially relevant to glaucoma research, mimicking the mild and repeated ischemic events in patients with long-term vascular dysfunction. The compensatory mechanisms, and particularly the role of vasodilatory CGRP in mitigating the retinal damage, warrant further investigation with the aim of evaluating new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin M. L. Nordahl
- Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Rigshospitalet, 2600 Glostrup, Denmark; (A.H.); (K.A.H.)
| | - Vadim Fedulov
- Clinical and Medical Affairs, Radiometer, 2700 Brønshøj, Denmark;
| | - Anja Holm
- Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Rigshospitalet, 2600 Glostrup, Denmark; (A.H.); (K.A.H.)
- Center for RNA Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, 2450 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian A. Haanes
- Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Rigshospitalet, 2600 Glostrup, Denmark; (A.H.); (K.A.H.)
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Lucas-Ruiz F, Galindo-Romero C, Albaladejo-García V, Vidal-Sanz M, Agudo-Barriuso M. Mechanisms implicated in the contralateral effect in the central nervous system after unilateral injury: focus on the visual system. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:2125-2131. [PMID: 33818483 PMCID: PMC8354113 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.310670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The retina, as part of the central nervous system is an ideal model to study the response of neurons to injury and disease and to test new treatments. During the last decade is becoming clear that unilateral lesions in bilateral areas of the central nervous system trigger an inflammatory response in the contralateral uninjured site. This effect has been better studied in the visual system where, as a rule, one retina is used as experimental and the other as control. Contralateral retinas in unilateral models of retinal injury show neuronal degeneration and glial activation. The mechanisms by which this adverse response in the central nervous system occurs are discussed in this review, focusing primarily on the visual system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Lucas-Ruiz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIBArrixaca) Murcia, Spain
| | - Caridad Galindo-Romero
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIBArrixaca) Murcia, Spain
| | - Virginia Albaladejo-García
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIBArrixaca) Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIBArrixaca) Murcia, Spain
| | - Marta Agudo-Barriuso
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIBArrixaca) Murcia, Spain
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Dependence of visual and cognitive outcomes on animal holder configuration in a rodent model of blast overpressure exposure. Vision Res 2021; 188:162-173. [PMID: 34333201 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2021.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Blast-induced traumatic brain injury is the signature injury of modern military conflicts. To more fully understand the effects of blast exposure, we placed rats in different holder configurations, exposed them to blast overpressure, and assessed the degree of eye and brain injury. Anesthetized Long-Evans rats received blast exposures directed at the head (63 kPa, 195 dB-SPL) in either an "open holder" (head and neck exposed; n = 7), or an "enclosed holder" (window for blast exposure to eye; n = 15) and were compared to non-blast exposed (control) rats (n = 22). Outcomes included optomotor response (OMR), electroretinography (ERG), and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) at 2, 4, and 6 months post-blast, and cognitive function (Y-maze) at 3 months. Spatial frequency and contrast sensitivity were reduced in ipsilateral blast-exposed eyes in both holders (p < 0.01), while contralateral eyes showed greater deficits with the enclosed holder (p < 0.05). Thinner retinas (p < 0.001) and reduced ERG a- and b- wave amplitudes (p < 0.05) were observed for both ipsilateral and contralateral eyes with the enclosed, but not the open, holder. Rats in the open holder showed cognitive deficits compared to rats in the enclosed holder (p < 0.05). Overall, the animal holder configuration used in blast exposure studies can significantly affect outcomes. Enclosed holders may cause secondary damage to the contralateral eye by concussive injury or blast wave reflection off the holder wall. Open holders may damage the brain via rapid head movement (contrecoup injury). These results highlight additional factors to be considered when evaluating patients with blast exposure or developing models of blast injury.
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Isolated-check visual evoked potential: a more sensitive tool to detect traumatic optic neuropathy after orbital fracture. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2021; 259:547-555. [PMID: 32902756 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-020-04895-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To establish a more sensitive diagnostic tool for traumatic optic neuropathy (TON), we explored the diagnostic efficacy of isolated-check visual evoked potential (ic-VEP) for TON in orbital fracture and compared ic-VEP with pattern-reversal visual evoked potential (P-VEP) testing. METHODS This was a prospective single-center study. A total of 137 eyes from 131 patients diagnosed between December 2016 and October 2019 with orbital fractures were included in the study. Injury history, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual field, computed tomography (CT), P-VEP, and ic-VEP data were collected. Parameters of ic-VEP (signal-to-noise ratio [SNR]) and P-VEP (peak latency and amplitude of P100) were compared and diagnostic accuracy was analyzed. RESULTS TON was associated with worse BCVA than non-TON (median 0.52 versus 0.10 logMAR, P < 0.001). SNRs were negatively associated with the P100 peak latency while positively associated with the P100 amplitude. The sensitivity of ic-VEP for TON (79.6%) was higher than that of P-VEP (61.2%, P = 0.049), although this difference was not statistically significant after Bonferroni correction. Using ic-VEP and P-VEP together could increase sensitivity (87.8%). Maximum areas under curve were obtained using the SNR criteria of 1.3, 1.47, and 1.54 at 8%, 16%, and 32% depth of modulation, respectively. CONCLUSION ic-VEP was more sensitive than P-VEP in diagnosing TON, and a combination of the two examination tests was recommended. The use of ic-VEP as the new diagnostic standard technique for TON should be considered.
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Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) serve as a crucial communication channel from the retina to the brain. In the adult, these cells receive input from defined sets of presynaptic partners and communicate with postsynaptic brain regions to convey features of the visual scene. However, in the developing visual system, RGC interactions extend beyond their synaptic partners such that they guide development before the onset of vision. In this Review, we summarize our current understanding of how interactions between RGCs and their environment influence cellular targeting, migration and circuit maturation during visual system development. We describe the roles of RGC subclasses in shaping unique developmental responses within the retina and at central targets. Finally, we highlight the utility of RNA sequencing and genetic tools in uncovering RGC type-specific roles during the development of the visual system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane D'Souza
- The Visual Systems Group, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Center for Chronobiology, Abrahamson Pediatric Eye Institute, Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Molecular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Richard A Lang
- The Visual Systems Group, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Center for Chronobiology, Abrahamson Pediatric Eye Institute, Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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Wang X, Yu C, Tzekov RT, Zhu Y, Li W. The effect of human gene therapy for RPE65-associated Leber's congenital amaurosis on visual function: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2020; 15:49. [PMID: 32059734 PMCID: PMC7023818 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-020-1304-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background RPE65-associated LCA (RPE65-LCA) is an inherited retinal degeneration caused by the mutations of RPE65 gene and gene therapy has been developed to be a promising treatment. This study aims to evaluate the association between changes in visual function and application of gene therapy in patients with RPE65-LCA. Methods Several databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) were searched for results of studies describing efficacy of gene therapy in patients with RPE65-LCA. Six studies, which included one randomized and five prospective non-randomized clinical trials, 164 eyes met our search criteria and were assessed. Results The BCVA significantly improved in treated eyes at 1 yr post treatment by − 0.10 logMAR (95% CI, − 0.17 - -0.04; p = 0·002), while there was no significant difference at 2–3 years post treatment (WMD: 0.01; 95% CI, − 0.00 - 0.02; p = 0·15). FST sensitivity to blue flashes also improved by 1.60 log (95% CI, 0.66–2.55; p = 0.0009), but no significant difference to red flashes (WMD: 0.86; 95% CI, − 0·29–2.01; p = 0.14) at 1 yr. There was no significant difference in central retinal thickness at 1 yr, but central retina in treated eyes appeared thinner at 2–3 years post treatment by 19.21 μm (95% CI, − 34.22 - -4.20; p = 0.01). Conclusions Human gene therapy is a pioneering treatment option for RPE65-LCA. Although its efficacy appears to be limited to less than 2 yrs after treatment, it carries the potential for further improvement and prolongation of efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Wang
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaofeng Yu
- Shanghai Aier Eye Hospital, 1286 Hongqiao Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Radouil T Tzekov
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Yihua Zhu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Wensheng Li
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China. .,Shanghai Aier Eye Hospital, 1286 Hongqiao Road, Shanghai, China.
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Neuronal Death in the Contralateral Un-Injured Retina after Unilateral Axotomy: Role of Microglial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225733. [PMID: 31731684 PMCID: PMC6888632 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
For years it has been known that unilateral optic nerve lesions induce a bilateral response that causes an inflammatory and microglial response in the contralateral un-injured retinas. Whether this contralateral response involves retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss is still unknown. We have analyzed the population of RGCs and the expression of several genes in both retinas of pigmented mice after a unilateral axotomy performed close to the optic nerve head (0.5 mm), or the furthest away that the optic nerve can be accessed intraorbitally in mice (2 mm). In both retinas, RGC-specific genes were down-regulated, whereas caspase 3 was up-regulated. In the contralateral retinas, there was a significant loss of 15% of RGCs that did not progress further and that occurred earlier when the axotomy was performed at 2 mm, that is, closer to the contralateral retina. Finally, the systemic treatment with minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic that selectively inhibits microglial cells, or with meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, rescued RGCs in the contralateral but not in the injured retina. In conclusion, a unilateral optic nerve axotomy triggers a bilateral response that kills RGCs in the un-injured retina, a death that is controlled by anti-inflammatory and anti-microglial treatments. Thus, contralateral retinas should not be used as controls.
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Murcia-Belmonte V, Coca Y, Vegar C, Negueruela S, de Juan Romero C, Valiño AJ, Sala S, DaSilva R, Kania A, Borrell V, Martinez LM, Erskine L, Herrera E. A Retino-retinal Projection Guided by Unc5c Emerged in Species with Retinal Waves. Curr Biol 2019; 29:1149-1160.e4. [PMID: 30905607 PMCID: PMC6453780 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.02.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The existence of axons extending from one retina to the other has been reported during perinatal development in different vertebrates. However, it has been thought that these axons are either a labeling artifact or misprojections. Here, we show unequivocally that a small subset of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) project to the opposite retina and that the guidance receptor Unc5c, expressed in the retinal region where the retinal-retinal (R-R) RGCs are located, is necessary and sufficient to guide axons to the opposite retina. In addition, Netrin1, an Unc5c ligand, is expressed in the ventral diencephalon in a pattern that is consistent with impeding the growth of Unc5c-positive retinal axons into the brain. We also have generated a mathematical model to explore the formation of retinotopic maps in the presence and absence of a functional connection between both eyes. This model predicts that an R-R connection is required for the bilateral coordination of axonal refinement in species where refinement depends upon spontaneous retinal waves. Consistent with this idea, the retinal expression of Unc5c correlates with the existence and size of an R-R projection in different species and with the extent of axonal refinement in visual targets. These findings demonstrate that active guidance drives the formation of the R-R projection and suggest an important role for these projections in visual mapping to ensure congruent bilateral refinement. A subset of retinal ganglion cells project to the contralateral retina Unc5c mediates the formation of the retina-retina projection Unc5c retinal expression correlates with extent of refinement in visual targets Congruency of visual maps in species with retinal waves may rely on R-R axons
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Murcia-Belmonte
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Miguel Hernández, CSIC-UMH, Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n, Sant Joan d'Alacant 03550, Alicante, Spain
| | - Yaiza Coca
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Miguel Hernández, CSIC-UMH, Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n, Sant Joan d'Alacant 03550, Alicante, Spain
| | - Celia Vegar
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Miguel Hernández, CSIC-UMH, Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n, Sant Joan d'Alacant 03550, Alicante, Spain
| | - Santiago Negueruela
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Miguel Hernández, CSIC-UMH, Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n, Sant Joan d'Alacant 03550, Alicante, Spain
| | - Camino de Juan Romero
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Miguel Hernández, CSIC-UMH, Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n, Sant Joan d'Alacant 03550, Alicante, Spain
| | - Arturo José Valiño
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Miguel Hernández, CSIC-UMH, Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n, Sant Joan d'Alacant 03550, Alicante, Spain
| | - Salvador Sala
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Miguel Hernández, CSIC-UMH, Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n, Sant Joan d'Alacant 03550, Alicante, Spain
| | - Ronan DaSilva
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), 110, ave. des Pins Ouest, Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Artur Kania
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), 110, ave. des Pins Ouest, Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B2, Canada
| | - Víctor Borrell
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Miguel Hernández, CSIC-UMH, Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n, Sant Joan d'Alacant 03550, Alicante, Spain
| | - Luis M Martinez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Miguel Hernández, CSIC-UMH, Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n, Sant Joan d'Alacant 03550, Alicante, Spain
| | - Lynda Erskine
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK
| | - Eloísa Herrera
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Miguel Hernández, CSIC-UMH, Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n, Sant Joan d'Alacant 03550, Alicante, Spain.
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11
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Blixt FW, Haanes KA, Ohlsson L, Dreisig K, Fedulov V, Warfvinge K, Edvinsson L. MEK/ERK/1/2 sensitive vascular changes coincide with retinal functional deficit, following transient ophthalmic artery occlusion. Exp Eye Res 2018; 179:142-149. [PMID: 30439349 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Retinal ischemia remains a major cause of blindness in the world with few acute treatments available. Recent emphasis on retinal vasculature and the ophthalmic artery's vascular properties after ischemia has shown an increase in vasoconstrictive functionality, as previously observed in cerebral arteries following stroke. Specifically, endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptor-mediated vasoconstriction regulated by the MEK/ERK1/2 pathway. In this study, the ophthalmic artery of rats was occluded for 2 h with the middle cerebral artery occlusion model. MEK/ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 was administered at 0, 6, and 24 h following reperfusion and the functional properties of the ophthalmic artery were evaluated at 48 h post reperfusion. Additionally, retinal function was evaluated at day 1, 4, and 7 after reperfusion. Occlusion of the ophthalmic artery led to a significant increase of endothelin-1 mediated vasoconstriction which can be attenuated by U0126 treatment, most evident at higher ET-1 concentrations of 10-7 M (Emax151.0 ± 22.0% of 60 mM K+), vs non-treated ischemic arteries Emax 212.1 ± 14.7% of 60 mM K+). Retinal function also deteriorated following ischemia and was improved with treatment with a-wave amplitudes of 725 ± 36 μV in control, 560 ± 21 μV in non-treated, and 668 ± 73 μV in U0126 treated at 2 log cd*s/m2 luminance in the acute stages (1 days post-ischemia). Full spontaneous retinal recovery was observed at day 7 regardless of treatment. In conclusion, this is the first study to show a beneficial in vivo effect of U0126 on vascular contractility following ischemia in the ophthalmic artery. Coupled with the knowledge obtained from cerebral vasculature, these results point towards a novel therapeutic approach following ischemia-related injuries to the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank W Blixt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Experimental Vascular Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Kristian Agmund Haanes
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Lena Ohlsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Experimental Vascular Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Karin Dreisig
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Vadim Fedulov
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Karin Warfvinge
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Experimental Vascular Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Lars Edvinsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Experimental Vascular Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
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Autophosphorylated CaMKII Facilitates Spike Propagation in Rat Optic Nerve. J Neurosci 2018; 38:8087-8105. [PMID: 30076212 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0078-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeated spike firing can transmit information at synapses and modulate spike timing, shape, and conduction velocity. These latter effects have been found to result from voltage-induced changes in ion currents and could alter the signals carried by axons. Here, we test whether Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) regulates spike propagation in adult rat optic nerve. We find that small-, medium-, and large-diameter axons bind anti-Thr286-phosphorylated CaMKII (pT286) antibodies and that, in isolated optic nerves, electrical stimulation reduces pT286 levels, spike propagation is hastened by CaMKII autophosphorylation and slowed by CaMKII dephosphorylation, single and multiple spikes slow propagation of subsequently activated spikes, and more frequent stimulation produces greater slowing. Likewise, exposing freely moving animals to flickering illumination reduces pT286 levels in optic nerves and electrically eliciting spikes in vivo in either the optic nerve or optic chiasm slows subsequent spike propagation in the optic nerve. By increasing the time that elapses between successive spikes as they propagate, pT286 dephosphorylation and activity-induced spike slowing reduce the frequency of propagated spikes below the frequency at which they were elicited and would thus limit the frequency at which axons synaptically drive target neurons. Consistent with this, the ability of retinal ganglion cells to drive at least some lateral geniculate neurons has been found to increase when presented with light flashes at low and moderate temporal frequencies but less so at high frequencies. Activity-induced decreases in spike frequency may also reduce the energy required to maintain normal intracellular Na+ and Ca2+ levels.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT By propagating along axons at constant velocities, spikes could drive synapses as frequently as they are initiated. However, the onset of spiking has been found to alter the conduction velocity of subsequent ("follower") spikes in various preparations. Here, we find that spikes reduce spike frequency in rat optic nerve by slowing follower spike propagation and that electrically stimulated spiking ex vivo and spike-generating flickering illumination in vivo produce net decreases in axonal Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) autophosphorylation. Consistent with these effects, propagation speed increases and decreases, respectively, with CaMKII autophosphorylation and dephosphorylation. Lowering spike frequency by CaMKII dephosphorylation is a novel consequence of axonal spiking and light adaptation that could decrease synaptic gain as stimulus frequency increases and may also reduce energy use.
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13
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Mathew B, Poston JN, Dreixler JC, Torres L, Lopez J, Zelkha R, Balyasnikova I, Lesniak MS, Roth S. Bone-marrow mesenchymal stem-cell administration significantly improves outcome after retinal ischemia in rats. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2017; 255:1581-1592. [PMID: 28523456 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-017-3690-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Ischemia-associated retinal degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss, and to date, there are no effective treatment options. We hypothesized that delayed injection of bone-marrow stem cells (BMSCs) 24 h after the onset of ischemia could effectively rescue ischemic retina from its consequences, including apoptosis, inflammation, and increased vascular permeability, thereby preventing retinal cell loss. METHODS Retinal ischemia was induced in adult Wistar rats by increasing intraocular pressure (IOP) to 130-135 mmHg for 55 min. BMSCs harvested from rat femur were injected into the vitreous 24 h post-ischemia. Functional recovery was assessed 7 days later using electroretinography (ERG) measurements of the a-wave, b-wave, P2, scotopic threshold response (STR), and oscillatory potentials (OP). The retinal injury and anti-ischemic effects of BMSCs were quantitated by measuring apoptosis, autophagy, inflammatory markers, and retinal-blood barrier permeability. The distribution and fate of BMSC were qualitatively examined using real-time fundus imaging, and retinal flat mounts. RESULTS Intravitreal delivery of BMSCs significantly improved recovery of the ERG a- and b-waves, OP, negative STR, and P2, and attenuated apoptosis as evidenced by decreased TUNEL and caspase-3 protein levels. BMSCs significantly increased autophagy, decreased inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), and diminished retinal vascular permeability. BMSCs persisted in the vitreous and were also found within ischemic retina. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our results indicate that intravitreal injection of BMSCs rescued the retina from ischemic damage in a rat model. The mechanisms include suppression of apoptosis, attenuation of inflammation and vascular permeability, and preservation of autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biji Mathew
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois Medical Center, 1740 West Taylor Street, MC 515, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Jacqueline N Poston
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - John C Dreixler
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Leianne Torres
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois Medical Center, 1740 West Taylor Street, MC 515, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Jasmine Lopez
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois Medical Center, 1740 West Taylor Street, MC 515, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Ruth Zelkha
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Maciej S Lesniak
- Department of Neurosurgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Steven Roth
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois Medical Center, 1740 West Taylor Street, MC 515, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Ortiz G, Odom JV, Passaglia CL, Tzekov RT. Efferent influences on the bioelectrical activity of the retina in primates. Doc Ophthalmol 2016; 134:57-73. [PMID: 28032236 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-016-9567-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The existence of retinopetal (sometimes referred to as "efferent" or "centrifugal") axons in the mammalian optic nerve is a topic of long-standing debate. Opposition is fading as efferent innervation of the retina has now been widely documented in rodents and other animals. The existence and function of an efferent system in humans and non-human primates has not, though, been definitively established. Such a feedback pathway could have important functional, clinical, and experimental significance to the field of vision science and ophthalmology. METHODS Following a comprehensive literature review (PubMed and Google Scholar, until July 2016), we present evidence regarding a system that can influence the bioelectrical activity of the retina in primates. RESULTS Anatomical and physiological evidences are presented separately. Improvements in histological staining and the advent of retrograde nerve fiber tracers have allowed for more confidence in the identification of efferent optic nerve fibers, including back to their point of origin. CONCLUSION Even with the accumulation of more modern anatomical and physiological evidence, some limitations and uncertainties about crucial details regarding the origins and role of a top-down, efferent system still exist. However, the summary of the evidence from earlier and more modern studies makes a compelling case in support of such a system in humans and non-human primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Ortiz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 21, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - J Vernon Odom
- Department of Ophthalmology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Christopher L Passaglia
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 21, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.,Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Radouil T Tzekov
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 21, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA. .,The Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL, USA.
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Involvement of P2X7 receptor in neuronal degeneration triggered by traumatic injury. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38499. [PMID: 27929040 PMCID: PMC5144087 DOI: 10.1038/srep38499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Axonal injury is a common feature of central nervous system insults that culminates with the death of the affected neurons, and an irreversible loss of function. Inflammation is an important component of the neurodegenerative process, where the microglia plays an important role by releasing proinflammatory factors as well as clearing the death neurons by phagocytosis. Here we have identified the purinergic signaling through the P2X7 receptor as an important component for the neuronal death in a model of optic nerve axotomy. We have found that in P2X7 receptor deficient mice there is a delayed loss of retinal ganglion cells and a decrease of phagocytic microglia at early times points after axotomy. In contralateral to the axotomy retinas, P2X7 receptor controlled the numbers of phagocytic microglia, suggesting that extracellular ATP could act as a danger signal activating the P2X7 receptor in mediating the loss of neurons in contralateral retinas. Finally, we show that intravitreal administration of the selective P2X7 receptor antagonist A438079 also delays axotomy-induced retinal ganglion cell death in retinas from wild type mice. Thus, our work demonstrates that P2X7 receptor signaling is involved in neuronal cell death after axonal injury, being P2X7 receptor antagonism a potential therapeutic strategy.
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