1
|
Hultgren NW, Zhou T, Williams DS. Machine learning-based 3D segmentation of mitochondria in polarized epithelial cells. Mitochondrion 2024; 76:101882. [PMID: 38599302 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2024.101882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that alter their morphological characteristics in response to functional needs. Therefore, mitochondrial morphology is an important indicator of mitochondrial function and cellular health. Reliable segmentation of mitochondrial networks in microscopy images is a crucial initial step for further quantitative evaluation of their morphology. However, 3D mitochondrial segmentation, especially in cells with complex network morphology, such as in highly polarized cells, remains challenging. To improve the quality of 3D segmentation of mitochondria in super-resolution microscopy images, we took a machine learning approach, using 3D Trainable Weka, an ImageJ plugin. We demonstrated that, compared with other commonly used methods, our approach segmented mitochondrial networks effectively, with improved accuracy in different polarized epithelial cell models, including differentiated human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Furthermore, using several tools for quantitative analysis following segmentation, we revealed mitochondrial fragmentation in bafilomycin-treated RPE cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan W Hultgren
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Tianli Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - David S Williams
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Faura G, Studenovska H, Sekac D, Ellederova Z, Petrovski G, Eide L. The Effects of the Coating and Aging of Biodegradable Polylactic Acid Membranes on In Vitro Primary Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells. Biomedicines 2024; 12:966. [PMID: 38790928 PMCID: PMC11117638 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12050966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most frequent cause of blindness in developed countries. The replacement of dysfunctional human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE) cells by the transplantation of in vitro-cultivated hRPE cells to the affected area emerges as a feasible strategy for regenerative therapy. Synthetic biomimetic membranes arise as powerful hRPE cell carriers, but as biodegradability is a requirement, it also poses a challenge due to its limited durability. hRPE cells exhibit several characteristics that putatively respond to the type of membrane carrier, and they can be used as biomarkers to evaluate and further optimize such membranes. Here, we analyze the pigmentation, transepithelial resistance, genome integrity, and maturation markers of hRPE cells plated on commercial polycarbonate (PC) versus in-house electrospun polylactide-based (PLA) membranes, both enabling separate apical/basolateral compartments. Our results show that PLA is superior to PC-based membranes for the cultivation of hRPEs, and the BEST1/RPE65 maturation markers emerge as the best biomarkers for addressing the quality of hRPE cultivated in vitro. The stability of the cultures was observed to be affected by PLA aging, which is an effect that could be partially palliated by the coating of the PLA membranes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Faura
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- CIDETEC, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Hana Studenovska
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 162 00 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - David Sekac
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic; (D.S.); (Z.E.)
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenka Ellederova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic; (D.S.); (Z.E.)
| | - Goran Petrovski
- Center for Eye Research and Innovative Diagnostics, Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital and Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0424 Oslo, Norway;
- Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Centre, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
- UKLO Network, University St. Kliment Ohridski, 7000 Bitola, North Macedonia
| | - Lars Eide
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Imakiire A, Morimoto H, Suzuki H, Masuda T, Yoden E, Inoue A, Morioka H, Konaka T, Mori A, Shirasaka R, Kato R, Hirato T, Sonoda H, Minami K. Transferrin Receptor-Targeted Iduronate-2-sulfatase Penetrates the Blood-Retinal Barrier and Improves Retinopathy in Mucopolysaccharidosis II Mice. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:5901-5909. [PMID: 37860991 PMCID: PMC10630942 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) make up a group of lysosomal storage diseases characterized by the aberrant accumulation of glycosaminoglycans throughout the body. Patients with MPSs display various signs and symptoms, such as retinopathy, which is also observed in patients with MPS II. Unfortunately, retinal disorders in MPS II are resistant to conventional intravenous enzyme-replacement therapy because the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) impedes drug penetration. In this study, we show that a fusion protein, designated pabinafusp alfa, consisting of an antihuman transferrin receptor antibody and iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS), crosses the BRB and reaches the retina in a murine model of MPS II. We found that retinal function, as assessed by electroretinography (ERG) in MPS II mice, deteriorated with age. Early intervention with repeated intravenous treatment of pabinafusp alfa decreased heparan sulfate deposition in the retina, optic nerve, and visual cortex, thus preserving or even improving the ERG response in MPS II mice. Histological analysis further revealed that pabinafusp alfa mitigated the loss of the photoreceptor layer observed in diseased mice. In contrast, recombinant nonfused IDS failed to reach the retina and hardly affected the retinal disease. These results support the hypothesis that transferrin receptor-targeted IDS can penetrate the BRB, thereby ameliorating retinal dysfunction in MPS II.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Imakiire
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Hideto Morimoto
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Hidehiko Suzuki
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Tomomi Masuda
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Eiji Yoden
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Asuka Inoue
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Hiroki Morioka
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Takashi Konaka
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Ayaka Mori
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Ryoji Shirasaka
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Ryo Kato
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Tohru Hirato
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Sonoda
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Kohtaro Minami
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ramsay E, Lajunen T, Bhattacharya M, Reinisalo M, Rilla K, Kidron H, Terasaki T, Urtti A. Selective drug delivery to the retinal cells: Biological barriers and avenues. J Control Release 2023; 361:1-19. [PMID: 37481214 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.07.028] [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: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Retinal drug delivery is a challenging, but important task, because most retinal diseases are still without any proper therapy. Drug delivery to the retina is hampered by the anatomical and physiological barriers resulting in minimal bioavailability after topical ocular and systemic administrations. Intravitreal injections are current method-of-choice in retinal delivery, but these injections show short duration of action for small molecules and low target bioavailability for many protein, gene based drugs and nanomedicines. State-of-art delivery systems are based on prolonged retention, controlled drug release and physical features (e.g. size and charge). However, drug delivery to the retina is not cell-specific and these approaches do not facilitate intracellular delivery of modern biological drugs (e.g. intracellular proteins, RNA based medicines, gene editing). In this focused review we highlight biological factors and mechanisms that form the basis for the selective retinal drug delivery systems in the future. Therefore, we are presenting current knowledge related to retinal membrane transporters, receptors and targeting ligands in relation to nanomedicines, conjugates, extracellular vesicles, and melanin binding. These issues are discussed in the light of retinal structure and cell types as well as future prospects in the field. Unlike in some other fields of targeted drug delivery (e.g. cancer research), selective delivery technologies have been rarely studied, even though cell targeted delivery may be even more feasible after local administration into the eye.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Ramsay
- Drug Research Programme, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tatu Lajunen
- Drug Research Programme, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Madhushree Bhattacharya
- Drug Research Programme, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mika Reinisalo
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kirsi Rilla
- School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Heidi Kidron
- Drug Research Programme, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tetsuya Terasaki
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Arto Urtti
- Drug Research Programme, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Christensen G, Chen Y, Urimi D, Zizmare L, Trautwein C, Schipper N, Paquet-Durand F. Pyruvate-conjugation of PEGylated liposomes for targeted drug delivery to retinal photoreceptors. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114717. [PMID: 37435722 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite several promising candidates, there is a paucity of drug treatments available for patients suffering from retinal diseases. An important reason for this is the lack of suitable delivery systems that can achieve sufficiently high drug uptake in the retina and its photoreceptors. A promising and versatile method for drug delivery to specific cell types involves transporter-targeted liposomes, i.e., liposomes surface-coated with substrates for transporter proteins highly expressed on the target cell. We identified strong lactate transporter (monocarboxylate transporter, MCT) expression on photoreceptors as a potential target for drug delivery vehicles. To evaluate MCT suitability for drug targeting, we used PEG-coated liposomes and conjugated these with different monocarboxylates, including lactate, pyruvate, and cysteine. Monocarboxylate-conjugated and dye-loaded liposomes were tested on both human-derived cell-lines and murine retinal explant cultures. We found that liposomes conjugated with pyruvate consistently displayed higher cell uptake than unconjugated liposomes or liposomes conjugated with lactate or cysteine. Pharmacological inhibition of MCT1 and MCT2 reduced internalization, suggesting an MCT-dependent uptake mechanism. Notably, pyruvate-conjugated liposomes loaded with the drug candidate CN04 reduced photoreceptor cell death in the murine rd1 retinal degeneration model while free drug solutions could not achieve the same therapeutic effect. Our study thus highlights pyruvate-conjugated liposomes as a promising system for drug delivery to retinal photoreceptors, as well as other neuronal cell types displaying high expression of MCT-type proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gustav Christensen
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn Straße 5-7, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Yiyi Chen
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn Straße 5-7, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Dileep Urimi
- Division Bioeconomy and Health, Chemical Process and Pharmaceutical Development, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Forskargatan 18, Södertälje 15136, Sweden
| | - Laimdota Zizmare
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, University Hospital Tübingen, Röntgenweg 13, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Christoph Trautwein
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, University Hospital Tübingen, Röntgenweg 13, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Nicolaas Schipper
- Division Bioeconomy and Health, Chemical Process and Pharmaceutical Development, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Forskargatan 18, Södertälje 15136, Sweden
| | - François Paquet-Durand
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn Straße 5-7, Tübingen 72076, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bellingrath JS, McClements ME, Fischer MD, MacLaren RE. Programmable RNA editing with endogenous ADAR enzymes - a feasible option for the treatment of inherited retinal disease? Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1092913. [PMID: 37293541 PMCID: PMC10244592 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1092913] [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: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA editing holds great promise for the therapeutic correction of pathogenic, single nucleotide variants (SNV) in the human transcriptome since it does not risk creating permanent off-targets edits in the genome and has the potential for innovative delivery options. Adenine deaminases acting on RNA (ADAR) enzymes catalyse the most widespread form of posttranscriptional RNA editing in humans and their ability to hydrolytically deaminate adenosine to inosine in double stranded RNA (dsRNA) has been harnessed to change pathogenic single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in the human genome on a transcriptional level. Until now, the most promising target editing rates have been achieved by exogenous delivery of the catalytically active ADAR deaminase domain (ADARDD) fused to an RNA binding protein. While it has been shown that endogenous ADARs can be recruited to a defined target site with the sole help of an ADAR-recruiting guide RNA, thus freeing up packaging space, decreasing the chance of an immune response against a foreign protein, and decreasing transcriptome-wide off-target effects, this approach has been limited by a low editing efficiency. Through the recent development of novel circular ADAR-recruiting guide RNAs as well as the optimisation of ADAR-recruiting antisense oligonucleotides, RNA editing with endogenous ADAR is now showing promising target editing efficiency in vitro and in vivo. A target editing efficiency comparable to RNA editing with exogenous ADAR was shown both in wild-type and disease mouse models as well as in wild-type non-human primates (NHP) immediately following and up to 6 weeks after application. With these encouraging results, RNA editing with endogenous ADAR has the potential to present an attractive option for the treatment of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), a field where gene replacement therapy has been established as safe and efficacious, but where an unmet need still exists for genes that exceed the packaging capacity of an adeno associated virus (AAV) or are expressed in more than one retinal isoform. This review aims to give an overview of the recent developments in the field of RNA editing with endogenous ADAR and assess its applicability for the field of treatment of IRD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia-Sophia Bellingrath
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle E. McClements
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - M. Dominik Fischer
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robert E. MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ahmad S, Wright KN, VonCannon JL, Ferrario CM, Ola MS, Choudhary M, Malek G, Gustafson JR, Sappington RM. Internalization of Angiotensin-(1-12) in Adult Retinal Pigment Epithelial-19 Cells. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2023; 39:290-299. [PMID: 36944130 PMCID: PMC10178934 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2022.0139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Angiotensin-(1-12) [Ang-(1-12)] serves as a primary substrate to generate angiotensin II (Ang II) by angiotensin-converting enzyme and/or chymase suggests it may be an unrecognized source of Ang II-mediated microvascular complication in hypertension-mediated retinopathy. We investigated Ang-(1-12) expression and internalization in adult retinal pigment epithelial-19 (ARPE-19) cultured cells. We performed the internalization of Ang-(1-12) in ARPE-19 cells in the presence of a highly specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) developed against the C-terminal end of the Ang-(1-12) sequence. Methods: All experiments were performed in confluent ARPE-19 cells (passage 28-35). We employed high-performance liquid chromatography to purify radiolabeled, 125I-Ang-(1-12) and immuno-neutralization with Ang-(1-12) mAb to demonstrate Ang-(1-12)'s internalization in ARPE-19 cells. Internalization was also demonstrated by immunofluorescence (IF) method. Results: These procedures revealed internalization of an intact 125I-Ang-(1-12) in ARPE-19 cells. A significant reduction (∼53%, P < 0.0001) in 125I-Ang-(1-12) internalization was detected in APRE-19 cells in the presence of the mAb. IF staining experiments further confirms internalization of Ang-(1-12) into the cells from the extracellular culture medium. No endogenous expression was detected in the ARPE-19 cells. An increased intensity of IF staining was detected in cells exposed to 1.0 μM Ang-(1-12) compared with 0.1 μM. Furthermore, we found hydrolysis of Ang-(1-12) into Ang II by ARPE-19 cells' plasma membranes. Conclusions: Intact Ang-(1-12) peptide is internalized from the extracellular spaces in ARPE-19 cells and metabolized into Ang II. The finding that a selective mAb blocks cellular internalization of Ang-(1-12) suggests alternate therapeutic approaches to prevent/reduce the RPE cells Ang II burden.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarfaraz Ahmad
- Department of Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kendra N. Wright
- Department of Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jessica L. VonCannon
- Department of Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Carlos M. Ferrario
- Department of Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mohammad S. Ola
- Department of Biochemistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mayur Choudhary
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Goldis Malek
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jenna R. Gustafson
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rebecca M. Sappington
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Staurenghi F, McClements ME, Salman A, MacLaren RE. Minicircle Delivery to the Neural Retina as a Gene Therapy Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:11673. [PMID: 36232975 PMCID: PMC9569440 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-viral gene therapy has the potential to overcome several shortcomings in viral vector-based therapeutics. Methods of in vivo plasmid delivery have developed over recent years to increase the efficiency of non-viral gene transfer, yet further improvements still need to be made to improve their translational capacity. Gene therapy advances for inherited retinal disease have been particularly prominent over the recent decade but overcoming physical and physiological barriers present in the eye remains a key obstacle in the field of non-viral ocular drug delivery. Minicircles are circular double-stranded DNA vectors that contain expression cassettes devoid of bacterial DNA, thereby limiting the risks of innate immune responses induced by such elements. To date, they have not been extensively used in pre-clinical studies yet remain a viable vector option for the treatment of inherited retinal disease. Here, we explore the potential of minicircle DNA delivery to the neural retina as a gene therapy approach. We consider the advantages of minicircles as gene therapy vectors as well as review the challenges involved in optimising their delivery to the neural retina.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Staurenghi
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Michelle E. McClements
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Ahmed Salman
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Robert E. MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford University Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jiang Y, Duan LJ, Pi J, Le YZ, Fong GH. Dependence of Retinal Pigment Epithelium Integrity on the NRF2-Heme Oxygenase-1 Axis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:30. [PMID: 36036912 PMCID: PMC9434985 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.9.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Tight junctions (TJs) form the structural basis of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) barrier functions. Although oxidative stress contributes to age-related macular degeneration, it is unclear how RPE TJ integrity is controlled by redox balance. In this study, we investigated the protective roles of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (NRF2), a transcription factor, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO1), a heme-degrading enzyme encoded by the NRF2 target gene HMOX1. Methods ARPE19 cell cultures and mice, including wild-type, Nrf2−/−, and RPE-specific NRF2-deficient mice, were treated with chemicals that impose oxidative stress or impact heme metabolism. In addition, NRF2 and HO1 expression in ARPE19 cells was knocked down by siRNA. TJ integrity was examined by anti–zonula occludens-1 staining of cultured cells or flatmount RPE tissues from mice. RPE barrier functions were evaluated by transepithelium electrical resistance in ARPE19 cells and immunofluorescence staining for albumin or dextran in eye histological sections. Results TJ structures and RPE barrier functions were compromised due to oxidant exposure and NRF2 deficiency but were rescued by HO1 inducer. Furthermore, treatment with HO1 inhibitor or heme precursor is destructive to TJ structures and RPE barrier properties. Interestingly, both NRF2 and HO1 were upregulated under oxidative stress, probably as an adaptive response to mitigate oxidant-inflicted damages. Conclusions Our data indicate that the NRF2–HO1 axis protects TJ integrity and RPE barrier functions by driving heme degradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yida Jiang
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, United States.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, United States
| | - Li-Juan Duan
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, United States
| | - Jingbo Pi
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yun-Zheng Le
- Departments of Medicine, Cell Biology, and Ophthalmology and Harold Hamm Oklahoma Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Guo-Hua Fong
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, United States.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bohley M, Dillinger AE, Tamm ER, Goepferich A. Targeted drug delivery to the retinal pigment epithelium: Untapped therapeutic potential for retinal diseases. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:2497-2509. [PMID: 35654389 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays a crucial part in sight-threatening diseases. In this review, we shed light on the pivotal implication of the RPE in age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity; and explain why a paradigm shift toward targeted RPE therapy is needed to efficiently fight these retinal diseases. We provide guidance for the development of RPE-specific nanotherapeutics by giving a comprehensive overview of the possibilities and challenges of drug delivery to the RPE and highlight successful nanotherapeutic approaches targeting the RPE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marilena Bohley
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Andrea E Dillinger
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ernst R Tamm
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Achim Goepferich
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bindewald-Wittich A, Holz FG, Ach T, Fiorentzis M, Bechrakis NE, Willerding GD. Fundus Autofluorescence Imaging in Patients with Choroidal Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071809. [PMID: 35406581 PMCID: PMC8997882 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The ocular fundus contains molecules that emit fluorescence when excited with light of an appropriate wavelength. Fundus autofluorescence imaging is based on the in vivo detection of intrinsic fluorescence and results in topographic autofluorescence mapping of the ocular fundus. In contrast to fluorescence angiography, where the fluorescing agents need to be administered intravenously, autofluorescence imaging is a non-invasive technique. Even though choroidal melanomas do not contain significant autofluorescent molecules themselves, they may lead to secondary alterations in neighbouring tissues with an impact on the autofluorescence signal recording. Fundus autofluorescence imaging in the context of choroidal melanoma is helpful for differential diagnosis and for monitoring variations over time in affected patients before and after treatment. Abstract Choroidal melanocytic lesions require reliable and precise clinical examination and diagnosis to differentiate benign choroidal nevi from choroidal melanoma, as the latter may become life-threatening through metastatic disease. To come to an accurate diagnosis, as well as for monitoring, and to assess the efficacy of therapy, various imaging modalities may be used, one of which is non-invasive fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging using novel high-resolution digital imaging technology. FAF imaging is based on the visualization of intrinsic fluorophores in the ocular fundus. Lipofuscin and melanolipofuscin within the postmitotic retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells represent the major fluorophores that contribute to the FAF signal. In addition, the presence or loss of absorbing molecular constituents may have an impact on the FAF signal. A choroidal melanoma can cause secondary retinal and RPE alterations that affect the FAF signal (e.g., occurrence of orange pigment). Therefore, FAF imaging supports multimodal imaging and gives additional information over and above conventional imaging modalities regarding retinal metabolism and RPE health status. This article summarises the features of FAF imaging and the role of FAF imaging in the context of choroidal melanoma, both before and following therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Almut Bindewald-Wittich
- Augenkompetenz Zentren Heidenheim, 89518 Heidenheim, Germany
- Augenkompetenz Zentren Bopfingen, 73441 Bopfingen, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (F.G.H.); (T.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Frank G. Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (F.G.H.); (T.A.)
| | - Thomas Ach
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (F.G.H.); (T.A.)
| | - Miltiadis Fiorentzis
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (M.F.); (N.E.B.)
| | - Nikolaos E. Bechrakis
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (M.F.); (N.E.B.)
| | - Gregor D. Willerding
- Department of Ophthalmology, DRK Kliniken Berlin Westend, 14050 Berlin, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Alvarez-Dominguez JR, Melton DA. Cell maturation: Hallmarks, triggers, and manipulation. Cell 2022; 185:235-249. [PMID: 34995481 PMCID: PMC8792364 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
How cells become specialized, or "mature," is important for cell and developmental biology. While maturity is usually deemed a terminal fate, it may be more helpful to consider maturation not as a switch but as a dynamic continuum of adaptive phenotypic states set by genetic and environment programing. The hallmarks of maturity comprise changes in anatomy (form, gene circuitry, and interconnectivity) and physiology (function, rhythms, and proliferation) that confer adaptive behavior. We discuss efforts to harness their chemical (nutrients, oxygen, and growth factors) and physical (mechanical, spatial, and electrical) triggers in vitro and in vivo and how maturation strategies may support disease research and regenerative medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan R. Alvarez-Dominguez
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Douglas A. Melton
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Asatryan A, Calandria JM, Kautzmann MAI, Jun B, Gordon WC, Do KV, Bhattacharjee S, Pham TL, Bermúdez V, Mateos MV, Heap J, Bazan NG. New Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Model to Unravel Neuroprotection Sensors of Neurodegeneration in Retinal Disease. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:926629. [PMID: 35873810 PMCID: PMC9301569 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.926629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells sustain photoreceptor integrity, and when this function is disrupted, retinal degenerations ensue. Herein, we characterize a new cell line from human RPE that we termed ABC. These cells remarkably recapitulate human eye native cells. Distinctive from other epithelia, RPE cells originate from the neural crest and follow a neural development but are terminally differentiated into "epithelial" type, thus sharing characteristics with their neuronal lineages counterparts. Additionally, they form microvilli, tight junctions, and honeycomb packing and express distinctive markers. In these cells, outer segment phagocytosis, phagolysosome fate, phospholipid metabolism, and lipid mediator release can be studied. ABC cells display higher resistance to oxidative stress and are protected from senescence through mTOR inhibition, making them more stable in culture. The cells are responsive to Neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1), which downregulates inflammasomes and upregulates antioxidant and anti-inflammatory genes. ABC gene expression profile displays close proximity to native RPE lineage, making them a reliable cell system to unravel signaling in uncompensated oxidative stress (UOS) and retinal degenerative disease to define neuroprotection sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aram Asatryan
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Jorgelina M Calandria
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Marie-Audrey I Kautzmann
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Bokkyoo Jun
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - William C Gordon
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Khanh V Do
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Surjyadipta Bhattacharjee
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Thang L Pham
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Vicente Bermúdez
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Melina Valeria Mateos
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Jessica Heap
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Nicolas G Bazan
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Shang P, Stepicheva N, Teel K, McCauley A, Fitting CS, Hose S, Grebe R, Yazdankhah M, Ghosh S, Liu H, Strizhakova A, Weiss J, Bhutto IA, Lutty GA, Jayagopal A, Qian J, Sahel JA, Samuel Zigler J, Handa JT, Sergeev Y, Rajala RVS, Watkins S, Sinha D. βA3/A1-crystallin regulates apical polarity and EGFR endocytosis in retinal pigmented epithelial cells. Commun Biol 2021; 4:850. [PMID: 34239035 PMCID: PMC8266859 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02386-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) is a monolayer of multifunctional cells located at the back of the eye. High membrane turnover and polarization, including formation of actin-based apical microvilli, are essential for RPE function and retinal health. Herein, we demonstrate an important role for βA3/A1-crystallin in RPE. βA3/A1-crystallin deficiency leads to clathrin-mediated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) endocytosis abnormalities and actin network disruption at the apical side that result in RPE polarity disruption and degeneration. We found that βA3/A1-crystallin binds to phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (PITPβ) and that βA3/A1-crystallin deficiency diminishes phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate (PI(4,5)P2), thus probably decreasing ezrin phosphorylation, EGFR activation, internalization, and degradation. We propose that βA3/A1-crystallin acquired its RPE function before evolving as a structural element in the lens, and that in the RPE, it modulates the PI(4,5)P2 pool through PITPβ/PLC signaling axis, coordinates EGFR activation, regulates ezrin phosphorylation and ultimately the cell polarity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Shang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nadezda Stepicheva
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kenneth Teel
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Austin McCauley
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | | | - Stacey Hose
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rhonda Grebe
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Meysam Yazdankhah
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sayan Ghosh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Haitao Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anastasia Strizhakova
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Joseph Weiss
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Imran A Bhutto
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gerard A Lutty
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Jiang Qian
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Institut de la Vision, INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - J Samuel Zigler
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - James T Handa
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yuri Sergeev
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Raju V S Rajala
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Simon Watkins
- Department of Cell Biology and Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Debasish Sinha
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology and Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Fukuda M. Rab GTPases: Key players in melanosome biogenesis, transport, and transfer. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2020; 34:222-235. [PMID: 32997883 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Melanosomes are specialized intracellular organelles that produce and store melanin pigments in melanocytes, which are present in several mammalian tissues and organs, including the skin, hair, and eyes. Melanosomes form and mature stepwise (stages I-IV) in melanocytes and then are transported toward the plasma membrane along the cytoskeleton. They are subsequently transferred to neighboring keratinocytes by a largely unknown mechanism, and incorporated melanosomes are transported to the perinuclear region of the keratinocytes where they form melanin caps. Melanocytes also extend several dendrites that facilitate the efficient transfer of the melanosomes to the keratinocytes. Since the melanosome biogenesis, transport, and transfer steps require multiple membrane trafficking processes, Rab GTPases that are conserved key regulators of membrane traffic in all eukaryotes are crucial for skin and hair pigmentation. Dysfunctions of two Rab isoforms, Rab27A and Rab38, are known to cause a hypopigmentation phenotype in human type 2 Griscelli syndrome patients and in chocolate mice (related to Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome), respectively. In this review article, I review the literature on the functions of each Rab isoform and its upstream and downstream regulators in mammalian melanocytes and keratinocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mitsunori Fukuda
- Laboratory of Membrane Trafficking Mechanisms, Department of Integrative Life Sciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|