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Wu D, Khan FA, Zhang K, Pandupuspitasari NS, Negara W, Guan K, Sun F, Huang C. Retinoic acid signaling in development and differentiation commitment and its regulatory topology. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 387:110773. [PMID: 37977248 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110773] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA), the derivative of vitamin A/retinol, is a signaling molecule with important implications in health and disease. It is a well-known developmental morphogen that functions mainly through the transcriptional activity of nuclear RA receptors (RARs) and, uncommonly, through other nuclear receptors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. Intracellular RA is under spatiotemporally fine-tuned regulation by synthesis and degradation processes catalyzed by retinaldehyde dehydrogenases and P450 family enzymes, respectively. In addition to dictating the transcription architecture, RA also impinges on cell functioning through non-genomic mechanisms independent of RAR transcriptional activity. Although RA-based differentiation therapy has achieved impressive success in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, RA also has pro-tumor activity. Here, we highlight the relevance of RA signaling in cell-fate determination, neurogenesis, visual function, inflammatory responses and gametogenesis commitment. Genetic and post-translational modifications of RAR are also discussed. A better understanding of RA signaling will foster the development of precision medicine to improve the defects caused by deregulated RA signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Faheem Ahmed Khan
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta Pusat, 10340, Indonesia
| | - Kejia Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | | | - Windu Negara
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta Pusat, 10340, Indonesia
| | - Kaifeng Guan
- School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Chunjie Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
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2
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Primary aphakia: clinical recognition is the key to diagnosis. J AAPOS 2022; 26:298.e1-298.e5. [PMID: 36183996 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2022.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the presentation and treatment outcomes of a cohort of children with primary aphakia (PA). METHODS Clinical photographs and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) images of children presenting with sclerocornea and undetermined anterior segment dysgenesis between July 2017 and December 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. Children who had no crystalline lens visible on UBM were included. RESULTS A total of 124 UBM images were captured for 124 children with cloudy corneas. Twelve children were identified with congenital primary aphakia: 5 had bilateral buphthalmos, 2 had buphthalmos in one eye and microphthalmos in the other, and 5 had bilateral sclerocornea-microphthalmia complex. All patients had a peculiar silvery-blue corneal appearance, with fine vascularization on the corneal surface. The overall corneal thickness was 409.1 ± 8.7 μm. The intraocular pressure (IOP) in eyes with glaucoma was 24.5 ± 7.3 mm Hg; in microphthalmic eyes, 11.4 ± 3.4 mm Hg (P <0.001). The raised IOP was treated with limited trans-scleral cyclophotocoagulation under transillumination and topical antiglaucoma medications. Children with glaucoma gained ambulatory vision with spectacles. CONCLUSIONS Congenital primary aphakia has a characteristic clinical appearance and may present as buphthalmos or microphthalmos, depending on the extent of dysgenesis. Incisional surgery may result in phthisis because of ciliary body dysgenesis and unpredictable aqueous production.
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Cvekl A, Camerino MJ. Generation of Lens Progenitor Cells and Lentoid Bodies from Pluripotent Stem Cells: Novel Tools for Human Lens Development and Ocular Disease Etiology. Cells 2022; 11:cells11213516. [PMID: 36359912 PMCID: PMC9658148 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into specialized tissues and organs represents a powerful approach to gain insight into those cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating human development. Although normal embryonic eye development is a complex process, generation of ocular organoids and specific ocular tissues from pluripotent stem cells has provided invaluable insights into the formation of lineage-committed progenitor cell populations, signal transduction pathways, and self-organization principles. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent advances in generation of adenohypophyseal, olfactory, and lens placodes, lens progenitor cells and three-dimensional (3D) primitive lenses, "lentoid bodies", and "micro-lenses". These cells are produced alone or "community-grown" with other ocular tissues. Lentoid bodies/micro-lenses generated from human patients carrying mutations in crystallin genes demonstrate proof-of-principle that these cells are suitable for mechanistic studies of cataractogenesis. Taken together, current and emerging advanced in vitro differentiation methods pave the road to understand molecular mechanisms of cataract formation caused by the entire spectrum of mutations in DNA-binding regulatory genes, such as PAX6, SOX2, FOXE3, MAF, PITX3, and HSF4, individual crystallins, and other genes such as BFSP1, BFSP2, EPHA2, GJA3, GJA8, LIM2, MIP, and TDRD7 represented in human cataract patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleš Cvekl
- Departments Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-718-430-3217; Fax: +1-718-430-8778
| | - Michael John Camerino
- Departments Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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4
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Williams AL, Bohnsack BL. Zebrafish Model of Stickler Syndrome Suggests a Role for Col2a1a in the Neural Crest during Early Eye Development. J Dev Biol 2022; 10:jdb10040042. [PMID: 36278547 PMCID: PMC9589970 DOI: 10.3390/jdb10040042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Most cases of Stickler syndrome are due to autosomal-dominant COL2A1 gene mutations leading to abnormal type II collagen. Ocular findings include axial eye lengthening with vitreal degeneration and early-onset glaucoma, which can result in vision loss. Although COL2A1 is a major player in cartilage and bone formation, its specific role in eye development remains elusive. We investigated the role of Col2a1a in neural crest migration and differentiation during early zebrafish eye development. In situ hybridization, immunofluorescence, live imaging, exogenous treatments [10 μM diethylaminobenzaldehyde (DEAB), 100 nM all-trans retinoic acid (RA) and 1-3% ethanol (ETOH)] and morpholino oligonucleotide (MO) injections were used to analyze wildtype Casper (roy-/-;nacre-/-), TgBAC(col2a1a::EGFP), Tg(sox10::EGFP) and Tg(foxd3::EGFP) embryos. Col2a1a colocalized with Foxd3- and Sox10-positive cells in the anterior segment and neural crest-derived jaw. Col2a1a expression was regulated by RA and inhibited by 3% ETOH. Furthermore, MO knockdown of Col2a1a delayed jaw formation and disrupted the ocular anterior segment neural crest migration of Sox10-positive cells. Interestingly, human COL2A1 protein rescued the MO effects. Altogether, these results suggest that Col2a1a is a downstream target of RA in the cranial neural crest and is required for both craniofacial and eye development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antionette L. Williams
- Division of Ophthalmology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, 225 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 645 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Correspondence: (A.L.W.); (B.L.B.); Tel.: +1-312-503-4706 (A.L.W.); +1-312-227-6180 (B.L.B.)
| | - Brenda L. Bohnsack
- Division of Ophthalmology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, 225 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 645 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Correspondence: (A.L.W.); (B.L.B.); Tel.: +1-312-503-4706 (A.L.W.); +1-312-227-6180 (B.L.B.)
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5
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Self-Organization of the Retina during Eye Development, Retinal Regeneration In Vivo, and in Retinal 3D Organoids In Vitro. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061458. [PMID: 35740479 PMCID: PMC9221005 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-organization is a process that ensures histogenesis of the eye retina. This highly intricate phenomenon is not sufficiently studied due to its biological complexity and genetic heterogeneity. The review aims to summarize the existing central theories and ideas for a better understanding of retinal self-organization, as well as to address various practical problems of retinal biomedicine. The phenomenon of self-organization is discussed in the spatiotemporal context and illustrated by key findings during vertebrate retina development in vivo and retinal regeneration in amphibians in situ. Described also are histotypic 3D structures obtained from the disaggregated retinal progenitor cells of birds and retinal 3D organoids derived from the mouse and human pluripotent stem cells. The review highlights integral parts of retinal development in these conditions. On the cellular level, these include competence, differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, cooperative movements, and migration. On the physical level, the focus is on the mechanical properties of cell- and cell layer-derived forces and on the molecular level on factors responsible for gene regulation, such as transcription factors, signaling molecules, and epigenetic changes. Finally, the self-organization phenomenon is discussed as a basis for the production of retinal organoids, a promising model for a wide range of basic scientific and medical applications.
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6
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Cho K, Lee SM, Heo J, Kwon YM, Chung D, Yu WJ, Bae SS, Choi G, Lee DS, Kim Y. Retinaldehyde Dehydrogenase Inhibition-Related Adverse Outcome Pathway: Potential Risk of Retinoic Acid Synthesis Inhibition during Embryogenesis. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13110739. [PMID: 34822523 PMCID: PMC8623920 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13110739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) is one of the factors crucial for cell growth, differentiation, and embryogenesis; it interacts with the retinoic acid receptor and retinoic acid X receptor to eventually regulate target gene expression in chordates. RA is transformed from retinaldehyde via oxidization by retinaldehyde dehydrogenase (RALDH), which belongs to the family of oxidoreductases. Several chemicals, including disulphiram, diethylaminobenzaldehyde, and SB-210661, can effectively inhibit RALDH activity, potentially causing reproductive and developmental toxicity. The modes of action can be sequentially explained based on the molecular initiating event toward key events, and finally the adverse outcomes. Adverse outcome pathway (AOP) is a conceptual and theoretical framework that describes the sequential chain of casually liked events at different biological levels from molecular events to adverse effects. In the present review, we discussed a recently registered AOP (AOP297; inhibition of retinaldehyde dehydrogenase leads to population decline) to explain and support the weight of evidence for RALDH inhibition-related developmental toxicity using the existing knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kichul Cho
- Department of Genetic Resources Research, National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea (MABIK), Seocheon 33662, Korea; (K.C.); (Y.M.K.); (D.C.); (W.-J.Y.); (S.S.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Sang-Moo Lee
- Department of Applied Bioscience, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea;
| | - Jina Heo
- Department of Growth Engine Research, Chungbuk Research Institute (CRI), Chungju 28517, Korea;
| | - Yong Min Kwon
- Department of Genetic Resources Research, National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea (MABIK), Seocheon 33662, Korea; (K.C.); (Y.M.K.); (D.C.); (W.-J.Y.); (S.S.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Dawoon Chung
- Department of Genetic Resources Research, National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea (MABIK), Seocheon 33662, Korea; (K.C.); (Y.M.K.); (D.C.); (W.-J.Y.); (S.S.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Woon-Jong Yu
- Department of Genetic Resources Research, National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea (MABIK), Seocheon 33662, Korea; (K.C.); (Y.M.K.); (D.C.); (W.-J.Y.); (S.S.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Seung Seob Bae
- Department of Genetic Resources Research, National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea (MABIK), Seocheon 33662, Korea; (K.C.); (Y.M.K.); (D.C.); (W.-J.Y.); (S.S.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Grace Choi
- Department of Genetic Resources Research, National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea (MABIK), Seocheon 33662, Korea; (K.C.); (Y.M.K.); (D.C.); (W.-J.Y.); (S.S.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Dae-Sung Lee
- Department of Genetic Resources Research, National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea (MABIK), Seocheon 33662, Korea; (K.C.); (Y.M.K.); (D.C.); (W.-J.Y.); (S.S.B.); (G.C.)
- Correspondence: (D.-S.L.); (Y.K.)
| | - Youngjun Kim
- Environmental Safety Group, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Europe, Campus E 7.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Correspondence: (D.-S.L.); (Y.K.)
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7
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Latta L, Figueiredo FC, Ashery-Padan R, Collinson JM, Daniels J, Ferrari S, Szentmáry N, Solá S, Shalom-Feuerstein R, Lako M, Xapelli S, Aberdam D, Lagali N. Pathophysiology of aniridia-associated keratopathy: Developmental aspects and unanswered questions. Ocul Surf 2021; 22:245-266. [PMID: 34520870 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aniridia, a rare congenital disease, is often characterized by a progressive, pronounced limbal insufficiency and ocular surface pathology termed aniridia-associated keratopathy (AAK). Due to the characteristics of AAK and its bilateral nature, clinical management is challenging and complicated by the multiple coexisting ocular and systemic morbidities in aniridia. Although it is primarily assumed that AAK originates from a congenital limbal stem cell deficiency, in recent years AAK and its pathogenesis has been questioned in the light of new evidence and a refined understanding of ocular development and the biology of limbal stem cells (LSCs) and their niche. Here, by consolidating and comparing the latest clinical and preclinical evidence, we discuss key unanswered questions regarding ocular developmental aspects crucial to AAK. We also highlight hypotheses on the potential role of LSCs and the ocular surface microenvironment in AAK. The insights thus gained lead to a greater appreciation for the role of developmental and cellular processes in the emergence of AAK. They also highlight areas for future research to enable a deeper understanding of aniridia, and thereby the potential to develop new treatments for this rare but blinding ocular surface disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Latta
- Dr. Rolf. M. Schwiete Center for Limbal Stem Cell and Aniridia Research, Saarland University, Homburg, Saar, Germany; Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Saar, Germany.
| | - F C Figueiredo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - R Ashery-Padan
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - J M Collinson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom
| | - J Daniels
- Cells for Sight, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - S Ferrari
- The Veneto Eye Bank Foundation, Venice, Italy
| | - N Szentmáry
- Dr. Rolf. M. Schwiete Center for Limbal Stem Cell and Aniridia Research, Saarland University, Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - S Solá
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - R Shalom-Feuerstein
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - M Lako
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - S Xapelli
- Instituto Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - D Aberdam
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM U1138, Team 17, France; Université de Paris, 75006, Paris, France.
| | - N Lagali
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Ophthalmology, Sørlandet Hospital Arendal, Arendal, Norway.
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8
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Yu Q, Biswas S, Ma G, Zhao P, Li B, Li J. Canonical NF-κB signaling maintains corneal epithelial integrity and prevents corneal aging via retinoic acid. eLife 2021; 10:e67315. [PMID: 34085926 PMCID: PMC8192125 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Disorders of the transparent cornea affect millions of people worldwide. However, how to maintain and/or regenerate this organ remains unclear. Here, we show that Rela (encoding a canonical NF-κB subunit) ablation in K14+ corneal epithelial stem cells not only disrupts corneal regeneration but also results in age-dependent epithelial deterioration, which triggers aberrant wound-healing processes including stromal remodeling, neovascularization, epithelial metaplasia, and plaque formation at the central cornea. These anomalies are largely recapitulated in normal mice that age naturally. Mechanistically, Rela deletion suppresses expression of Aldh1a1, an enzyme required for retinoic acid synthesis from vitamin A. Retinoic acid administration blocks development of ocular anomalies in Krt14-Cre; Relaf/f mice and naturally aged mice. Moreover, epithelial metaplasia and plaque formation are preventable by inhibition of angiogenesis. This study thus uncovers the major mechanisms governing corneal maintenance, regeneration, and aging and identifies the NF-κB-retinoic acid pathway as a therapeutic target for corneal disorders.
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MESH Headings
- Age Factors
- Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family/genetics
- Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family/metabolism
- Animals
- Burns, Chemical/drug therapy
- Burns, Chemical/etiology
- Burns, Chemical/metabolism
- Burns, Chemical/pathology
- Cell Differentiation/drug effects
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cells, Cultured
- Cellular Senescence/drug effects
- Corneal Neovascularization/metabolism
- Corneal Neovascularization/pathology
- Corneal Neovascularization/prevention & control
- Corneal Stroma/drug effects
- Corneal Stroma/metabolism
- Corneal Stroma/pathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Epithelium, Corneal/drug effects
- Epithelium, Corneal/metabolism
- Epithelium, Corneal/pathology
- Eye Burns/chemically induced
- Eye Burns/drug therapy
- Eye Burns/metabolism
- Eye Burns/pathology
- Mice, Knockout
- Regeneration/drug effects
- Retinal Dehydrogenase/genetics
- Retinal Dehydrogenase/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Stem Cells/drug effects
- Stem Cells/metabolism
- Stem Cells/pathology
- Transcription Factor RelA/genetics
- Transcription Factor RelA/metabolism
- Tretinoin/pharmacology
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Soma Biswas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Gang Ma
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Peiquan Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Baojie Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
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9
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Abstract
The vertebrate eye is derived from the neuroepithelium, surface ectoderm, and extracellular mesenchyme. The neuroepithelium forms an optic cup in which the spatial separation of three domains is established, namely, the region of multipotent retinal progenitor cells (RPCs), the ciliary margin zone (CMZ)-which possesses both a neurogenic and nonneurogenic potential-and the optic disk (OD), the interface between the optic stalk and the neuroretina. Here, we show by genetic ablation in the developing optic cup that Meis1 and Meis2 homeobox genes function redundantly to maintain the retinal progenitor pool while they simultaneously suppress the expression of genes characteristic of CMZ and OD fates. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Meis transcription factors bind regulatory regions of RPC-, CMZ-, and OD-specific genes, thus providing a mechanistic insight into the Meis-dependent gene regulatory network. Our work uncovers the essential role of Meis1 and Meis2 as regulators of cell fate competence, which organize spatial territories in the vertebrate eye.
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10
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Li Z, Gu S, Quan Y, Varadaraj K, Jiang JX. Development of a potent embryonic chick lens model for studying congenital cataracts in vivo. Commun Biol 2021; 4:325. [PMID: 33707565 PMCID: PMC7952907 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01849-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital cataracts are associated with gene mutations, yet the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Here we reported an embryonic chick lens model that closely recapitulates the process of cataract formation. We adopted dominant-negative site mutations that cause congenital cataracts, connexin, Cx50E48K, aquaporin 0, AQP0R33C, αA-crystallin, CRYAA R12C and R54C. The recombinant retroviruses containing these mutants were microinjected into the occlusive lumen of chick lenses at early embryonic development. Cx50E48K expression developed cataracts associated with disorganized nuclei and enlarged extracellular spaces. Expression of AQP0R33C resulted in cortical cataracts, enlarged extracellular spaces and distorted fiber cell organization. αA crystallin mutations distorted lens light transmission and increased crystalline protein aggregation. Together, retroviral expression of congenital mutant genes in embryonic chick lenses closely mimics characteristics of human congenital cataracts. This model will provide an effective, reliable in vivo system to investigate the development and underlying mechanism of cataracts and other genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Li
- grid.267309.90000 0001 0629 5880Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX USA
| | - Sumin Gu
- grid.267309.90000 0001 0629 5880Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX USA
| | - Yumeng Quan
- grid.267309.90000 0001 0629 5880Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX USA
| | - Kulandaiappan Varadaraj
- grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University, New York, NY USA
| | - Jean X. Jiang
- grid.267309.90000 0001 0629 5880Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX USA
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11
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Singh RK, Nasonkin IO. Limitations and Promise of Retinal Tissue From Human Pluripotent Stem Cells for Developing Therapies of Blindness. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:179. [PMID: 33132839 PMCID: PMC7513806 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The self-formation of retinal tissue from pluripotent stem cells generated a tremendous promise for developing new therapies of retinal degenerative diseases, which previously seemed unattainable. Together with use of induced pluripotent stem cells or/and CRISPR-based recombineering the retinal organoid technology provided an avenue for developing models of human retinal degenerative diseases "in a dish" for studying the pathology, delineating the mechanisms and also establishing a platform for large-scale drug screening. At the same time, retinal organoids, highly resembling developing human fetal retinal tissue, are viewed as source of multipotential retinal progenitors, young photoreceptors and just the whole retinal tissue, which may be transplanted into the subretinal space with a goal of replacing patient's degenerated retina with a new retinal "patch." Both approaches (transplantation and modeling/drug screening) were projected when Yoshiki Sasai demonstrated the feasibility of deriving mammalian retinal tissue from pluripotent stem cells, and generated a lot of excitement. With further work and testing of both approaches in vitro and in vivo, a major implicit limitation has become apparent pretty quickly: the absence of the uniform layer of Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) cells, which is normally present in mammalian retina, surrounds photoreceptor layer and develops and matures first. The RPE layer polarize into apical and basal sides during development and establish microvilli on the apical side, interacting with photoreceptors, nurturing photoreceptor outer segments and participating in the visual cycle by recycling 11-trans retinal (bleached pigment) back to 11-cis retinal. Retinal organoids, however, either do not have RPE layer or carry patches of RPE mostly on one side, thus directly exposing most photoreceptors in the developing organoids to neural medium. Recreation of the critical retinal niche between the apical RPE and photoreceptors, where many retinal disease mechanisms originate, is so far unattainable, imposes clear limitations on both modeling/drug screening and transplantation approaches and is a focus of investigation in many labs. Here we dissect different retinal degenerative diseases and analyze how and where retinal organoid technology can contribute the most to developing therapies even with a current limitation and absence of long and functional outer segments, supported by RPE.
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12
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Sebag J. Vitreous and Vision Degrading Myodesopsia. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 79:100847. [PMID: 32151758 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Macromolecules comprise only 2% of vitreous, yet are responsible for its gel state, transparency, and physiologic function(s) within the eye. Myopia and aging alter collagen and hyaluronan association causing concurrent gel liquefaction and fibrous degeneration. The resulting vitreous opacities and collapse of the vitreous body during posterior vitreous detachment are the most common causes for the visual phenomenon of vitreous floaters. Previously considered innocuous, the vitreous opacities that cause floaters sometimes impact vision by profoundly degrading contrast sensitivity function and impairing quality-of-life. While many people adapt to vitreous floaters, clinically significant cases can be diagnosed with Vision Degrading Myodesopsia based upon echographic assessment of vitreous structure and by measuring contrast sensitivity function. Perhaps due to the ubiquity of floaters, the medical profession has to date largely ignored the plight of those with Vision Degrading Myodesopsia. Improved diagnostics will enable better disease staging and more accurate identification of severe cases that merit therapy. YAG laser treatments may occasionally be slightly effective, but vitrectomy is currently the definitive cure. Future developments will usher in more informative diagnostic approaches as well as safer and more effective therapeutic strategies. Improved laser treatments, new pharmacotherapies, and possibly non-invasive optical corrections are exciting new approaches to pursue. Ultimately, enhanced understanding of the underlying pathogenesis of Vision Degrading Myodesopsia should result in prevention, the ultimate goal of modern Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Sebag
- VMR Institute for Vitreous Macula Retina, Huntington Beach, CA, USA; Doheny Eye Institute, Pasadena, CA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Li J, Zhang JS, Zhao JY, Han GG. Role of Smad4 from ocular surface ectoderm in retinal vasculature development. Int J Ophthalmol 2020; 13:231-238. [PMID: 32090031 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2020.02.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate how signals from lens regulate retinal vascular development and neovascularization. METHODS Le-Cre transgenic mouse line was employed to inactivate Smad4 in the surface ectoderm selectively. Standard histological and whole-mount retina staining were employed to reveal morphological changes of retinal vasculature in Smad4 defective eye. cDNA microarray and subsequent analyses were conducted to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the vascular phenotype. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was carried out to verify the microarrays results. RESULTS We found that inactivation of Smad4 specifically on surface ectoderm leads to a variety of retinal vasculature anomalies. Microarray analyses and qPCR revealed that Sema3c, Sema3e, Nrp1, Tie1, Sox7, Sox17, and Sox18 are significantly affected in the knockout retinas at different developmental stages, suggesting that ocular surface ectoderm-derived Smad4 can signal to the retina and regulates various angiogenic signaling in the retina. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that the cross-talk between ocular surface ectoderm and retina is important for retinal vasculature development, and Smad4 regulates various signaling associated with sprouting angiogenesis, vascular remodeling and maturation in the retina of mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300000, China
| | - Jin-Song Zhang
- Shenyang Aier Excellence Eye Hospital, Shenyang 110000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jiang-Yue Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Eye Hospital of China Medical University, Key Lens Research Laboratory, Shenyang 110000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Guo-Ge Han
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300000, China
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Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Is Required for Cyp26 Expression during Embryonic Development. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20092275. [PMID: 31072004 PMCID: PMC6540044 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Deciphering how signaling pathways interact during development is necessary for understanding the etiopathogenesis of congenital malformations and disease. In several embryonic structures, components of the Hedgehog and retinoic acid pathways, two potent players in development and disease are expressed and operate in the same or adjacent tissues and cells. Yet whether and, if so, how these pathways interact during organogenesis is, to a large extent, unclear. Using genetic and experimental approaches in the mouse, we show that during development of ontogenetically different organs, including the tail, genital tubercle, and secondary palate, Sonic hedgehog (SHH) loss-of-function causes anomalies phenocopying those induced by enhanced retinoic acid signaling and that SHH is required to prevent supraphysiological activation of retinoic signaling through maintenance and reinforcement of expression of the Cyp26 genes. Furthermore, in other tissues and organs, disruptions of the Hedgehog or the retinoic acid pathways during development generate similar phenotypes. These findings reveal that rigidly calibrated Hedgehog and retinoic acid activities are required for normal organogenesis and tissue patterning.
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