1
|
Whalen M, Akula M, McNamee SM, DeAngelis MM, Haider NB. Seeing the Future: A Review of Ocular Therapy. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:179. [PMID: 38391665 PMCID: PMC10886198 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11020179] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Ocular diseases present a unique challenge and opportunity for therapeutic development. The eye has distinct advantages as a therapy target given its accessibility, compartmentalization, immune privilege, and size. Various methodologies for therapeutic delivery in ocular diseases are under investigation that impact long-term efficacy, toxicity, invasiveness, and delivery range. While gene, cell, and antibody therapy and nanoparticle delivery directly treat regions that have been damaged by disease, they can be limited in the duration of the therapeutic delivery and have a focal effect. In contrast, contact lenses and ocular implants can more effectively achieve sustained and widespread delivery of therapies; however, they can increase dilution of therapeutics, which may result in reduced effectiveness. Current therapies either offer a sustained release or a broad therapeutic effect, and future directions should aim toward achieving both. This review discusses current ocular therapy delivery systems and their applications, mechanisms for delivering therapeutic products to ocular tissues, advantages and challenges associated with each delivery system, current approved therapies, and clinical trials. Future directions for the improvement in existing ocular therapies include combination therapies, such as combined cell and gene therapies, as well as AI-driven devices, such as cortical implants that directly transmit visual information to the cortex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maiya Whalen
- Department of Biology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA
| | | | | | - Margaret M DeAngelis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Neena B Haider
- Shifa Precision, Boston, MA 02138, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02138, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lohia A, Sahel DK, Salman M, Singh V, Mariappan I, Mittal A, Chitkara D. Delivery Strategies for CRISPR/Cas Genome editing tool for Retinal Dystrophies: challenges and opportunities. Asian J Pharm Sci 2022; 17:153-176. [PMID: 36320315 PMCID: PMC9614410 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas, an adaptive immune system in bacteria, has been adopted as an efficient and precise tool for site-specific gene editing with potential therapeutic opportunities. It has been explored for a variety of applications, including gene modulation, epigenome editing, diagnosis, mRNA editing, etc. It has found applications in retinal dystrophic conditions including progressive cone and cone-rod dystrophies, congenital stationary night blindness, X-linked juvenile retinoschisis, retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, leber's congenital amaurosis, etc. Most of the therapies for retinal dystrophic conditions work by regressing symptoms instead of reversing the gene mutations. CRISPR/Cas9 through indel could impart beneficial effects in the reversal of gene mutations in dystrophic conditions. Recent research has also consolidated on the approaches of using CRISPR systems for retinal dystrophies but their delivery to the posterior part of the eye is a major concern due to high molecular weight, negative charge, and in vivo stability of CRISPR components. Recently, non-viral vectors have gained interest due to their potential in tissue-specific nucleic acid (miRNA/siRNA/CRISPR) delivery. This review highlights the opportunities of retinal dystrophies management using CRISPR/Cas nanomedicine.
Collapse
|
3
|
Meyer KJ, Pellack D, Hedberg-Buenz A, Pomernackas N, Soukup D, Wang K, Fingert JH, Anderson MG. Recombinant adenovirus causes prolonged mobilization of macrophages in the anterior chambers of mice. Mol Vis 2021; 27:741-756. [PMID: 35136346 PMCID: PMC8763664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Ocular tissues of mice have been studied in many ways using replication-deficient species C type 5 adenovirus (Ad5) as a tool for manipulating gene expression. Whereas refinements to injection protocols and tropism have led to several advances in targeting cells of interest, there remains a relative lack of information concerning how Ad5 may influence other ocular cell types capable of confounding experimental interpretation. Here, a slit lamp is used to thoroughly photodocument the sequelae of intraocular Ad5 injections over time in mice, with attention to potentially confounding indices of inflammation. METHODS A cohort of C57BL/6J mice was randomly split into three groups (Virus, receiving unilateral intracameral injection with 5×107 plaque-forming units (pfu) of a cargo-less Ad5 construct; Saline, receiving unilateral balanced salt solution injection; and Naïve, receiving no injections). From this initial experiment, a total of 52 eyes from 26 mice were photodocumented via slit lamp at four time points (baseline and 1, 3, and 10 weeks following initiation of the experiment) by an observer masked to treatments and other parameters of the experimental design. Following the last in vivo exam, tissues were collected. Based on the slit-lamp data, tissues were studied via immunostaining with the macrophage marker F4/80. Subsequently, three iterations of the original experiment were performed with otherwise identical experimental parameters testing the effect of age, intravitreal injection, and A195 buffer, adding slit-lamp photodocumentation of an additional 32 eyes from 16 mice. RESULTS The masked investigator could use the sequential images from each mouse in the initial experiment to assign each mouse to its correct treatment group with near perfect fidelity. Virus-injected eyes were characterized by corneal damage indicative of intraocular injection and a prolonged mobilization of clump cells on the surface of the iris. Saline-injected eyes had only transient corneal opacities indicative of intraocular injections, and Naïve eyes remained normal. Immunostaining with F4/80 was consistent with ascribing the clump cells visualized via slit-lamp imaging as a type of macrophage. Experimental iterations using Ad5 indicate that all virus-injected eyes had the distinguishing feature of a prolonged presence of clump cells on the surface of the iris regardless of injection site. Mice receiving an intraocular injection of Ad5 at an advanced age displayed a protracted course of corneal cloudiness that prevented detailed visualization of the iris at the last time point. CONCLUSIONS Because the eye is often considered an "immune privileged site," we suspect that several studies have neglected to consider that the presence of Ad5 in the eye might evoke strong reactions from the innate immune system. Ad5 injection caused a sustained mobilization of clump cells-that is, macrophages. This change is likely a consequence of either direct macrophage transduction or a secondary response to cytokines produced locally by other transduced cells. Regardless of how these cells were altered, the important implication is that the adenovirus led to long-lasting changes in the environment of the anterior chamber. Thus, these findings describe a caveat of Ad5-mediated studies involving macrophage mobilization, which we encourage groups to use as a bioassay in their experiments and consider in interpretation of their ongoing experiments using adenoviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kacie J. Meyer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Danielle Pellack
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Adam Hedberg-Buenz
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
- VA Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IA
| | - Nicholas Pomernackas
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Dana Soukup
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - John H. Fingert
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Michael G. Anderson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
- VA Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Koponen S, Kokki E, Kinnunen K, Ylä-Herttuala S. Viral-Vector-Delivered Anti-Angiogenic Therapies to the Eye. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13020219. [PMID: 33562561 PMCID: PMC7915489 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13020219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathological vessel growth harms vision and may finally lead to vision loss. Anti-angiogenic gene therapy with viral vectors for ocular neovascularization has shown great promise in preclinical studies. Most of the studies have been conducted with different adeno-associated serotype vectors. In addition, adeno- and lentivirus vectors have been used. Therapy has been targeted towards blocking vascular endothelial growth factors or other pro-angiogenic factors. Clinical trials of intraocular gene therapy for neovascularization have shown the treatment to be safe without severe adverse events or systemic effects. Nevertheless, clinical studies have not proceeded further than Phase 2 trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanna Koponen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (S.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Emmi Kokki
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (S.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Kati Kinnunen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, 70211 Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (S.K.); (E.K.)
- Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +358-403-552-075
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pascual-Pasto G, Bazan-Peregrino M, Olaciregui NG, Restrepo-Perdomo CA, Mato-Berciano A, Ottaviani D, Weber K, Correa G, Paco S, Vila-Ubach M, Cuadrado-Vilanova M, Castillo-Ecija H, Botteri G, Garcia-Gerique L, Moreno-Gilabert H, Gimenez-Alejandre M, Alonso-Lopez P, Farrera-Sal M, Torres-Manjon S, Ramos-Lozano D, Moreno R, Aerts I, Doz F, Cassoux N, Chapeaublanc E, Torrebadell M, Roldan M, König A, Suñol M, Claverol J, Lavarino C, Carmen de T, Fu L, Radvanyi F, Munier FL, Catalá-Mora J, Mora J, Alemany R, Cascalló M, Chantada GL, Carcaboso AM. Therapeutic targeting of the RB1 pathway in retinoblastoma with the oncolytic adenovirus VCN-01. Sci Transl Med 2020; 11:11/476/eaat9321. [PMID: 30674657 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aat9321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Retinoblastoma is a pediatric solid tumor of the retina activated upon homozygous inactivation of the tumor suppressor RB1 VCN-01 is an oncolytic adenovirus designed to replicate selectively in tumor cells with high abundance of free E2F-1, a consequence of a dysfunctional RB1 pathway. Thus, we reasoned that VCN-01 could provide targeted therapeutic activity against even chemoresistant retinoblastoma. In vitro, VCN-01 effectively killed patient-derived retinoblastoma models. In mice, intravitreous administration of VCN-01 in retinoblastoma xenografts induced tumor necrosis, improved ocular survival compared with standard-of-care chemotherapy, and prevented micrometastatic dissemination into the brain. In juvenile immunocompetent rabbits, VCN-01 did not replicate in retinas, induced minor local side effects, and only leaked slightly and for a short time into the blood. Initial phase 1 data in patients showed the feasibility of the administration of intravitreous VCN-01 and resulted in antitumor activity in retinoblastoma vitreous seeds and evidence of viral replication markers in tumor cells. The treatment caused local vitreous inflammation but no systemic complications. Thus, oncolytic adenoviruses targeting RB1 might provide a tumor-selective and chemotherapy-independent treatment option for retinoblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillem Pascual-Pasto
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain.,Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain
| | | | - Nagore G Olaciregui
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain.,Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain
| | | | | | - Daniela Ottaviani
- Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR144, SIREDO Oncology Center, 75248 Paris, France.,Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75248 Paris, France
| | - Klaus Weber
- AnaPath GmbH, Oberbuchsiten 4625, Switzerland
| | - Genoveva Correa
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain.,Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain
| | - Sonia Paco
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain.,Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain
| | - Monica Vila-Ubach
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain.,Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain
| | - Maria Cuadrado-Vilanova
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain.,Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain
| | - Helena Castillo-Ecija
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain.,Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain
| | - Gaia Botteri
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain.,Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain
| | - Laura Garcia-Gerique
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain.,Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain
| | - Helena Moreno-Gilabert
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain.,Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Silvia Torres-Manjon
- Translational Research Laboratory, IDIBELL-Institut Catala d'Oncologia, 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dolores Ramos-Lozano
- Translational Research Laboratory, IDIBELL-Institut Catala d'Oncologia, 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Moreno
- Translational Research Laboratory, IDIBELL-Institut Catala d'Oncologia, 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabelle Aerts
- Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR144, SIREDO Oncology Center, 75248 Paris, France.,Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75248 Paris, France
| | - François Doz
- Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR144, SIREDO Oncology Center, 75248 Paris, France.,Paris Descartes University, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Cassoux
- Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR144, SIREDO Oncology Center, 75248 Paris, France.,Paris Descartes University, 75006 Paris, France.,Institut Curie, Ophthalmic Oncology, 75248 Paris, France
| | - Elodie Chapeaublanc
- Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR144, SIREDO Oncology Center, 75248 Paris, France.,Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75248 Paris, France
| | - Montserrat Torrebadell
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain.,Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain
| | - Monica Roldan
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain.,Pathology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain
| | - Andrés König
- Vivotecnia Research S.L., Tres Cantos, Madrid 28760, Spain
| | - Mariona Suñol
- Pathology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain
| | - Joana Claverol
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain.,Clinical Trials Unit, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain
| | - Cinzia Lavarino
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain.,Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain
| | - Torres Carmen de
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain.,Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain
| | - Ligia Fu
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Hospital Escuela Universitario, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - François Radvanyi
- Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR144, SIREDO Oncology Center, 75248 Paris, France.,Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75248 Paris, France
| | | | | | - Jaume Mora
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain.,Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain
| | - Ramón Alemany
- Translational Research Laboratory, IDIBELL-Institut Catala d'Oncologia, 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manel Cascalló
- VCN Biosciences, Sant Cugat del Valles, Barcelona 08174, Spain
| | - Guillermo L Chantada
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain.,Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain.,Hospital de Pediatria JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires 1245, Argentina.,CONICET, Buenos Aires 1245, Argentina
| | - Angel M Carcaboso
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain. .,Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona 08950, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Human Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A 165 Expression Induces the Mouse Model of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9090438. [PMID: 30200369 PMCID: PMC6162490 DOI: 10.3390/genes9090438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression induces age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a common vision-threatening disease due to choroidal neovascularization and a fibrovascular membrane. We describe a mouse model of neovascular AMD with the local expression of human VEGF-A165 in the eye. We use a transgenic mouse in which human VEGF-A165 has been silenced with the loxP-STOP fragment. The choroidal neovascularization and human VEGF-A165 expression in the mouse are induced by subretinal adenoviral Cre gene delivery. Cre gene transfer is compared with adenoviral LacZ gene transfer control. We characterize the AMD phenotype and changes in the vasculature by using fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, and immunohistochemistry. At early time points, mice exhibit increases in retinal thickness (348 ± 114 µm vs. 231 ± 32 µm) and choroidal neovascularization area (12000 ± 15174 µm² vs. 2169 ± 3495 µm²) compared with the control. At later time points, choroidal neovascularization develops into subretinal fibrovascular membrane. Human VEGF-A165 expression lasts several weeks. In conclusion, the retinas display vascular abnormalities consistent with choroidal neovascularization. Together with immunohistochemical findings, these changes resemble clinical AMD-like ocular pathologies. We conclude that this mouse model of Cre-induced choroidal neovascularization is useful for mimicking the pathogenesis of AMD, studying the effects of human VEGF-A165 in the retina, and evaluating anti-VEGF treatments for choroidal neovascularization.
Collapse
|
7
|
DiCarlo JE, Mahajan VB, Tsang SH. Gene therapy and genome surgery in the retina. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:2177-2188. [PMID: 29856367 DOI: 10.1172/jci120429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Precision medicine seeks to treat disease with molecular specificity. Advances in genome sequence analysis, gene delivery, and genome surgery have allowed clinician-scientists to treat genetic conditions at the level of their pathology. As a result, progress in treating retinal disease using genetic tools has advanced tremendously over the past several decades. Breakthroughs in gene delivery vectors, both viral and nonviral, have allowed the delivery of genetic payloads in preclinical models of retinal disorders and have paved the way for numerous successful clinical trials. Moreover, the adaptation of CRISPR-Cas systems for genome engineering have enabled the correction of both recessive and dominant pathogenic alleles, expanding the disease-modifying power of gene therapies. Here, we highlight the translational progress of gene therapy and genome editing of several retinal disorders, including RPE65-, CEP290-, and GUY2D-associated Leber congenital amaurosis, as well as choroideremia, achromatopsia, Mer tyrosine kinase- (MERTK-) and RPGR X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, neovascular age-related macular degeneration, X-linked retinoschisis, Stargardt disease, and Leber hereditary optic neuropathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James E DiCarlo
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard and Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology and Cell Biology, Institute of Human Nutrition, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vinit B Mahajan
- Omics Laboratory, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA.,Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard and Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology and Cell Biology, Institute of Human Nutrition, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hernandez H, Millar JC, Curry SM, Clark AF, McDowell CM. BMP and Activin Membrane Bound Inhibitor Regulates the Extracellular Matrix in the Trabecular Meshwork. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2018; 59:2154-2166. [PMID: 29801150 PMCID: PMC5915111 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-23282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The trabecular meshwork (TM) has an important role in the regulation of aqueous humor outflow and IOP. Regulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by TGFβ2 has been studied extensively. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and activin membrane-bound inhibitor (BAMBI) has been shown to inhibit or modulate TGFβ2 signaling. We investigate the role of TGFβ2 and BAMBI in the regulation of TM ECM and ocular hypertension. Methods Mouse TM (MTM) cells were isolated from B6;129S1-Bambitm1Jian/J flox mice, characterized for TGFβ2 and dexamethasone (DEX)-induced expression of fibronectin, collagen-1, collagen-4, laminin, α-smooth muscle actin, cross-linked actin networks (CLANs) formation, and DEX-induced myocilin (MYOC) expression. MTM cells were transduced with Ad5.GFP to identify transduction efficiency. MTM cells and mouse eyes were transduced with Ad5.Null, Ad5.Cre, Ad5.TGFβ2, or Ad5.TGFβ2 + Ad5.Cre to evaluate the effect on ECM production, IOP, and outflow facility. Results MTM cells express TM markers and respond to DEX and TGFβ2. Ad5.GFP at 100 MOI had the highest transduction efficiency. Bambi knockdown by Ad5.Cre and Ad5.TGFβ2 increased fibronectin, collagen-1, and collagen-4 in TM cells in culture and tissue. Ad5.Cre, Ad5.TGFβ2, and Ad5.TGFβ2 + Ad5.Cre each significantly induced ocular hypertension and lowered aqueous humor outflow facility in transduced eyes. Conclusions We show for the first time to our knowledge that knockdown of Bambi alters ECM expression in cultured cells and mouse TM, reduces outflow facility, and causes ocular hypertension. These data provide a novel insight into the development of glaucomatous TM damage and identify BAMBI as an important regulator of TM ECM and ocular hypertension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Humberto Hernandez
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - J. Cameron Millar
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Stacy M. Curry
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Abbot F. Clark
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Colleen M. McDowell
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jain A, Zode G, Kasetti RB, Ran FA, Yan W, Sharma TP, Bugge K, Searby CC, Fingert JH, Zhang F, Clark AF, Sheffield VC. CRISPR-Cas9-based treatment of myocilin-associated glaucoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:11199-11204. [PMID: 28973933 PMCID: PMC5651749 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1706193114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide, with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) a major risk factor. Myocilin (MYOC) dominant gain-of-function mutations have been reported in ∼4% of POAG cases. MYOC mutations result in protein misfolding, leading to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the trabecular meshwork (TM), the tissue that regulates IOP. We use CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing in cultured human TM cells and in a MYOC mouse model of POAG to knock down expression of mutant MYOC, resulting in relief of ER stress. In vivo genome editing results in lower IOP and prevents further glaucomatous damage. Importantly, using an ex vivo human organ culture system, we demonstrate the feasibility of human genome editing in the eye for this important disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ankur Jain
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Gulab Zode
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107;
| | - Ramesh B Kasetti
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107
| | - Fei A Ran
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Winston Yan
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Tasneem P Sharma
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Kevin Bugge
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Charles C Searby
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - John H Fingert
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Feng Zhang
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Abbot F Clark
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107
| | - Val C Sheffield
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242;
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bee YS, Tu L, Sheu SJ, Lin HC, Tang JH, Wang JH, Prea SM, Dusting GJ, Wu DC, Zhong J, Bui BV, Tai MH, Liu GS. Gene Delivery of Calreticulin Anti-Angiogenic Domain Attenuates the Development of Choroidal Neovascularization in Rats. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 28:403-414. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2016.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Youn-Shen Bee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Yuh-Ing Junior College of Health Care and Management, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Leilei Tu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shwu-Jiuan Sheu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Chen Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Hua Tang
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jiang-Hui Wang
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - Selwyn M. Prea
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gregory J. Dusting
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - Deng-Chyang Wu
- Center for Stem Cell Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jingxiang Zhong
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bang V. Bui
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ming-Hong Tai
- Center for Stem Cell Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Center for Neuroscience, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Guei-Sheung Liu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dang Y, Loewen R, Parikh HA, Roy P, Loewen NA. Gene transfer to the outflow tract. Exp Eye Res 2016; 158:73-84. [PMID: 27131906 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Elevated intraocular pressure is the primary cause of open angle glaucoma. Outflow resistance exists within the trabecular meshwork but also at the level of Schlemm's canal and further downstream within the outflow system. Viral vectors allow to take advantage of naturally evolved, highly efficient mechanisms of gene transfer, a process that is termed transduction. They can be produced at biosafety level 2 in the lab using protocols that have evolved considerably over the last 15-20 years. Applied by an intracameral bolus, vectors follow conventional as well as uveoscleral outflow pathways. They may affect other structures in the anterior chamber depending on their transduction kinetics which can vary among species when using the same vector. Not all vectors can express long-term, a desirable feature to address the chronicity of glaucoma. Vectors that integrate into the genome of the target cell can achieve transgene function for the life of the transduced cell but are mutagenic by definition. The most prominent long-term expressing vector systems are based on lentiviruses that are derived from HIV, FIV, or EIAV. Safety considerations make non-primate lentiviral vector systems easier to work with as they are not derived from human pathogens. Non-integrating vectors are subject to degradation and attritional dilution during cell division. Lentiviral vectors have to integrate in order to express while adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) often persist as intracellular concatemers but may also integrate. Adeno- and herpes viral vectors do not integrate and earlier generation systems might be relatively immunogenic. Nonviral methods of gene transfer are termed transfection with few restrictions of transgene size and type but often a much less efficient gene transfer that is also short-lived. Traditional gene transfer delivers exons while some vectors (lentiviral, herpes and adenoviral) allow transfer of entire genes that include introns. Recent insights have highlighted the role of non-coding RNA, most prominently, siRNA, miRNA and lncRNA. SiRNA is highly specific, miRNA is less specific, while lncRNA uses highly complex mechanisms that involve secondary structures and intergenic, intronic, overlapping, antisense, and bidirectional location. Several promising preclinical studies have targeted the RhoA or the prostaglandin pathway or modified the extracellular matrix. TGF-β and glaucoma myocilin mutants have been transduced to elevate the intraocular pressure in glaucoma models. Cell based therapies have started to show first promise. Past approaches have focused on the trabecular meshwork and the inner wall of Schlemm's canal while new strategies are concerned with modification of outflow tract elements that are downstream of the trabecular meshwork.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yalong Dang
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Ralitsa Loewen
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Hardik A Parikh
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA; New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Pritha Roy
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Nils A Loewen
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hennig R, Kuespert S, Haunberger A, Goepferich A, Fuchshofer R. Cyclic RGD peptides target human trabecular meshwork cells while ameliorating connective tissue growth factor-induced fibrosis. J Drug Target 2016; 24:952-959. [PMID: 26973018 DOI: 10.3109/1061186x.2016.1163709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The major risk factor for primary open-angle glaucoma is increased intraocular pressure stemming from elevated outflow resistance in the trabecular meshwork (TM) region. Integrins play a pivotal role in the TM by influencing its biological properties and growth factor signaling. Pathologic changes in the TM are partially mediated by growth factors like connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). Specific targeting of TM cells could play a critical clinical role by increasing the therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticles, e.g. for nonviral gene delivery. Quantum dots with cyclo(RGDfC) covalently immobilized to their surface effectively targeted cultured TM cells and were rapidly and efficiently endocytosed by binding to αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrins. Compared to the integrin-overexpressing U87-MG cell line, the association of RGD-modified nanoparticles with the TM cells was significantly higher. Binding and uptake into TM cells was receptor-mediated and suppressible with free peptide. Soluble cyclic RGD peptides effectively attenuated CTGF-mediated effects and inhibited CTGF signaling. Due to their antagonism for αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrins, these cyclic RGD pentapeptides effectively ameliorated the CTGF-induced effects and strongly promoted specific nanoparticle association. Thus, cyclic RGD peptides are powerful multifunctional ligands for both addressing nanomaterials to the TM and interfering with pathologic CTGF signaling upon arrival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Hennig
- a Department of Pharmaceutical Technology , University of Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany
| | - Sabrina Kuespert
- b Department for Human Anatomy and Embryology , University of Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany
| | - Alexandra Haunberger
- a Department of Pharmaceutical Technology , University of Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany
| | - Achim Goepferich
- a Department of Pharmaceutical Technology , University of Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany
| | - Rudolf Fuchshofer
- b Department for Human Anatomy and Embryology , University of Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Liu GS, Wang JH, Lee JH, Tsai PJ, Tsai HE, Sheu SJ, Lin HC, Dusting GJ, Tai MH, Bee YS. Gene Delivery by Subconjunctival Injection of Adenovirus in Rats: A Study of Local Distribution, Transgene Duration and Safety. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143956. [PMID: 26642208 PMCID: PMC4671571 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Subconjunctival injection is a minimally invasive route for gene delivery to ocular tissues, but has traditionally been limited to use in the cornea. The accurate ocular distribution of virus has not, however, been previously investigated. Adenovirus is an attractive gene vector as it can deliver large genes and allow for short-term gene expression, but how safe it is when delivered via subconjunctival injection remains to be established. We have characterized the bio-distribution and safety of subconjunctivally administered adenovirus in Brown Norway rats. The bio-distribution and transgene duration of adenovirus carrying luciferase gene (Ad-Luci) at various time intervals were evaluated via bioluminescence imaging after subconjunctival injection. Adenovirus carrying a reporter gene, β-galactosidase (Ad-LacZ) or hrGFP (Ad-hrGFP) was administered subconjunctivally and the viral distribution in various ocular tissues was assessed by histological analysis and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Hepatic damage was assessed by biochemical and immunohistological analysis with TUNEL stain. Systemic immunogenicity was assessed by measuring serum level of TNF-α via ELISA, 2 hours and 14 days after administration of adenovirus. Retinal function was examined by electroretinography. Subconjunctival injection of Ad-Luci induced luciferase expression in the injected eyes within 24 hours, for at least 64 days. Histological analysis showed adenovirus distributed across anterior and posterior ocular tissues. qPCR demonstrated different amounts of adenovirus in different ocular tissues, with the highest amounts closest to the injection site Unlike the intravenous route, subconjunctivally delivered adenovirus did not elicit any detectable hepatic injury or systemic immunogenicity. Retinal function was unaffected by adenovirus irrespective of administration route. In conclusion, an adenoviral vector administered subconjunctivally can infiltrate into different ocular tissues and lead to short-term ocular transgene expression, without causing hepatic injury and immune activation. Therefore, subconjunctivally administered adenovirus may be a promising gene delivery approach for managing anterior and posterior segment eye diseases requiring short-term therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guei-Sheung Liu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jiang-Hui Wang
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jia Hui Lee
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pei-Jhen Tsai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Han-En Tsai
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shwu-Jiuan Sheu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Chen Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Gregory J. Dusting
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ming-Hong Tai
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Youn-Shen Bee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Yuh-Ing Junior College of Health Care & Management, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Elevation of intraocular pressure in rodents using viral vectors targeting the trabecular meshwork. Exp Eye Res 2015; 141:33-41. [PMID: 26025608 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Revised: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Rodents are increasingly being used as glaucoma models to study ocular hypertension, optic neuropathy, and retinopathy. A number of different techniques are used to elevate intraocular pressure in rodent eyes by artificially obstructing the aqueous outflow pathway. Another successful technique to induce ocular hypertension is to transduce the trabecular meshwork of rodent eyes with viral vectors expressing glaucoma associated transgenes to provide more relevant models of glaucomatous damage to the trabecular meshwork. This technique has been used to validate newly discovered glaucoma pathogenesis pathways as well as to develop rodent models of primary open angle glaucoma. Ocular hypertension has successfully been induced by adenovirus 5 mediated delivery of mutant MYOC, bioactivated TGFβ2, SFRP1, DKK1, GREM1, and CD44. Advantages of this approach are: selective tropism for the trabecular meshwork, the ability to use numerous mouse strains, and the relatively rapid onset of IOP elevation. Disadvantages include mild-to-moderate ocular inflammation induced by the Ad5 vector and sometimes transient transgene expression. Current efforts are focused at discovering less immunogenic viral vectors that have tropism for the trabecular meshwork and drive sufficient transgene expression to induce ocular hypertension. This viral vector approach allows rapid proof of concept studies to study glaucomatous damage to the trabecular meshwork without the expensive and time-consuming generation of transgenic mouse lines.
Collapse
|