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Rueda-García V, Rondón-Barragán IS. Molecular Characterization of Neurogranin (NRGN) Gene from Red‑Bellied Pacu (Piaractus brachypomus). Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:2620-2630. [PMID: 37922064 PMCID: PMC11043121 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03700-5] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
Neurogranin (NRGN) is a small brain protein expressed in various telencephalic areas and plays an essential role in synaptic plasticity by regulating the availability of calmodulin (CaM). The study aims to characterize the neurogranin gene in Colombian native fish, red-bellied pacu, Piaractus brachypomus, its basal tissue expression and differential expression in brain injury and sublethal toxicity by organophosphates. NRGN gene contains an open reading frame of 183 nucleotides encoding for 60 amino acids. Bioinformatics analysis showed an IQ motif necessary in the interaction with CaM. NRGN mRNA was detected in tissues with higher expression in brain, gills, and head kidney. In brain regions, NRGN showed high expression in the telencephalon (TE) and olfactory bulb (OB). In the sublethal toxicity experiment, NRGN mRNA was upregulated in individuals under organophosphate exposure in the OB and optic chiasm (OC). In brain injury experiment, NRGN showed upregulation at 14 days in OC and at 24 h and 7 days in TE. These findings demonstrate the differential expression of NRGN under different experimental conditions which make it a candidate for a biomarker in the brain of P. brachypomus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Rueda-García
- Research Group in Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad del Tolima, Building 33 L105, 730002, Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia
| | - Iang Schroniltgen Rondón-Barragán
- Research Group in Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad del Tolima, Building 33 L105, 730002, Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia.
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2
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Chaqour B, Duong TT, Yue J, Liu T, Camacho D, Dine KE, Esteve-Rudd J, Ellis S, Bennett J, Shindler KS, Ross AG. AAV2 vector optimization for retinal ganglion cell-targeted delivery of therapeutic genes. Gene Ther 2024; 31:175-186. [PMID: 38200264 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00436-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV)-2 has significant potential as a delivery vehicle of therapeutic genes to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which are key interventional targets in optic neuropathies. Here we show that when injected intravitreally, AAV2 engineered with a reporter gene driven by cytomegalovirus (CMV) enhancer and chicken β-actin (CBA) promoters, displays ubiquitous and high RGC expression, similar to its synthetic derivative AAV8BP2. A novel AAV2 vector combining the promoter of the human RGC-selective γ-synuclein (hSNCG) gene and woodchuck hepatitis post-transcriptional regulatory element (WPRE) inserted upstream and downstream of a reporter gene, respectively, induces widespread transduction and strong transgene expression in RGCs. High transduction efficiency and selectivity to RGCs is further achieved by incorporating in the vector backbone a leading CMV enhancer and an SV40 intron at the 5' and 3' ends, respectively, of the reporter gene. As a delivery vehicle of hSIRT1, a 2.2-kb therapeutic gene with anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress properties, this recombinant vector displayed improved transduction efficiency, a strong, widespread and selective RGC expression of hSIRT1, and increased RGC survival following optic nerve crush. Thus, AAV2 vector carrying hSNCG promoter with additional regulatory sequences may offer strong potential for enhanced effects of candidate gene therapies targeting RGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brahim Chaqour
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Thu T Duong
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, 19426, USA
| | - Jipeng Yue
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Tehui Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - David Camacho
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kimberly E Dine
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | | | - Scott Ellis
- Gyroscope Therapeutics Limited, a Novartis Company, London, N7 9AS, UK
| | - Jean Bennett
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kenneth S Shindler
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Ahmara G Ross
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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3
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Witczyńska A, Alaburda A, Grześk G, Nowaczyk J, Nowaczyk A. Unveiling the Multifaceted Problems Associated with Dysrhythmia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:263. [PMID: 38203440 PMCID: PMC10778936 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010263] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Dysrhythmia is a term referring to the occurrence of spontaneous and repetitive changes in potentials with parameters deviating from those considered normal. The term refers to heart anomalies but has a broader meaning. Dysrhythmias may concern the heart, neurological system, digestive system, and sensory organs. Ion currents conducted through ion channels are a universal phenomenon. The occurrence of channel abnormalities will therefore result in disorders with clinical manifestations depending on the affected tissue, but phenomena from other tissues and organs may also manifest themselves. A similar problem concerns the implementation of pharmacotherapy, the mechanism of which is related to the impact on various ion currents. Treatment in this case may cause unfavorable effects on other tissues and organs. Drugs acting through the modulation of ion currents are characterized by relatively low tissue specificity. To assess a therapy's efficacy and safety, the risk of occurrences in other tissues with similar mechanisms of action must be considered. In the present review, the focus is shifted prominently onto a comparison of abnormal electrical activity within different tissues and organs. This review includes an overview of the types of dysrhythmias and the basic techniques of clinical examination of electrophysiological disorders. It also presents a concise overview of the available pharmacotherapy in particular diseases. In addition, the authors review the relevant ion channels and their research technique based on patch clumping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianna Witczyńska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Toruń, Poland;
| | - Aidas Alaburda
- Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Institute of Bioscience, Vilnius University Saulėtekio Ave. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Grzegorz Grześk
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Toruń, Poland;
| | - Jacek Nowaczyk
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Physicochemistry of Polymers, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 7 Gagarina St., 87-100 Toruń, Poland;
| | - Alicja Nowaczyk
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Toruń, Poland;
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Basakis P, Khaderi A, Lom B. Xenopus retinal ganglion cell axon extension is unaffected by 5-HT 1B/D receptor activation during visual system development. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2023; 2023:10.17912/micropub.biology.001076. [PMID: 38116474 PMCID: PMC10728752 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.001076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Activating 5-HT 1B/D receptors with the agonist Zolmitriptan was previously shown to facilitate Xenopus retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axon extension from ectopic eye primordia transplanted to the ventral fin. To determine if 5-HT 1B/D receptor activation influenced entopic RGC axonal outgrowth toward the optic tectum during typical visual system development, we reared embryos in 50 μΜ Zolmitriptan then visualized optic tracts with anterograde HRP labeling. Zolmitriptan did not significantly alter entopic RGC extension in the contralateral brain. Consequently, RGC axon extension in ectopic but not entopic locations is influenced by altering serotonergic signaling .
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros Basakis
- Biology & Neuroscience, Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina, United States
| | - Aalim Khaderi
- Biology & Neuroscience, Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina, United States
- Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Barbara Lom
- Biology & Neuroscience, Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina, United States
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5
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Jayaram H, Kolko M, Friedman DS, Gazzard G. Glaucoma: now and beyond. Lancet 2023; 402:1788-1801. [PMID: 37742700 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01289-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The glaucomas are a group of conditions leading to irreversible sight loss and characterised by progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells. Although not always elevated, intraocular pressure is the only modifiable risk factor demonstrated by large clinical trials. It remains the leading cause of irreversible blindness, but timely treatment to lower intraocular pressure is effective at slowing the rate of vision loss from glaucoma. Methods for lowering intraocular pressure include laser treatments, topical medications, and surgery. Although modern surgical innovations aim to be less invasive, many have been introduced with little supporting evidence from randomised controlled trials. Many cases remain undiagnosed until the advanced stages of disease due to the limitations of screening and poor access to opportunistic case finding. Future research aims to generate evidence for intraocular pressure-independent neuroprotective treatments, personalised treatment through genetic risk profiling, and exploration of potential advanced cellular and gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Jayaram
- Glaucoma Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK; National Institute for Health and Care Research Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Miriam Kolko
- Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark; University of Copenhagen, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David S Friedman
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital, Glaucoma Center of Excellence, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gus Gazzard
- Glaucoma Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK; National Institute for Health and Care Research Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.
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6
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Irshad K, Huang YK, Rodriguez P, Lo J, Aghoghovwia BE, Pan Y, Chang KC. The Neuroimmune Regulation and Potential Therapeutic Strategies of Optic Pathway Glioma. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1424. [PMID: 37891793 PMCID: PMC10605541 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13101424] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Optic pathway glioma (OPG) is one of the causes of pediatric visual impairment. Unfortunately, there is as yet no cure for such a disease. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and the potential therapeutic strategies may help to delay the progression of OPG and rescue the visual morbidities. Here, we provide an overview of preclinical OPG studies and the regulatory pathways controlling OPG pathophysiology. We next discuss the role of microenvironmental cells (neurons, T cells, and tumor-associated microglia and macrophages) in OPG development. Last, we provide insight into potential therapeutic strategies for treating OPG and promoting axon regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khushboo Irshad
- Department of Symptom Research, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (K.I.); (B.E.A.)
| | - Yu-Kai Huang
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Paul Rodriguez
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
| | - Jung Lo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan;
| | - Benjamin E. Aghoghovwia
- Department of Symptom Research, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (K.I.); (B.E.A.)
| | - Yuan Pan
- Department of Symptom Research, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (K.I.); (B.E.A.)
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kun-Che Chang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
- Department of Neurobiology, Center of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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7
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Soucy JR, Aguzzi EA, Cho J, Gilhooley MJ, Keuthan C, Luo Z, Monavarfeshani A, Saleem MA, Wang XW, Wohlschlegel J, Baranov P, Di Polo A, Fortune B, Gokoffski KK, Goldberg JL, Guido W, Kolodkin AL, Mason CA, Ou Y, Reh TA, Ross AG, Samuels BC, Welsbie D, Zack DJ, Johnson TV. Retinal ganglion cell repopulation for vision restoration in optic neuropathy: a roadmap from the RReSTORe Consortium. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:64. [PMID: 37735444 PMCID: PMC10514988 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00655-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death in glaucoma and other optic neuropathies results in irreversible vision loss due to the mammalian central nervous system's limited regenerative capacity. RGC repopulation is a promising therapeutic approach to reverse vision loss from optic neuropathies if the newly introduced neurons can reestablish functional retinal and thalamic circuits. In theory, RGCs might be repopulated through the transplantation of stem cell-derived neurons or via the induction of endogenous transdifferentiation. The RGC Repopulation, Stem Cell Transplantation, and Optic Nerve Regeneration (RReSTORe) Consortium was established to address the challenges associated with the therapeutic repair of the visual pathway in optic neuropathy. In 2022, the RReSTORe Consortium initiated ongoing international collaborative discussions to advance the RGC repopulation field and has identified five critical areas of focus: (1) RGC development and differentiation, (2) Transplantation methods and models, (3) RGC survival, maturation, and host interactions, (4) Inner retinal wiring, and (5) Eye-to-brain connectivity. Here, we discuss the most pertinent questions and challenges that exist on the path to clinical translation and suggest experimental directions to propel this work going forward. Using these five subtopic discussion groups (SDGs) as a framework, we suggest multidisciplinary approaches to restore the diseased visual pathway by leveraging groundbreaking insights from developmental neuroscience, stem cell biology, molecular biology, optical imaging, animal models of optic neuropathy, immunology & immunotolerance, neuropathology & neuroprotection, materials science & biomedical engineering, and regenerative neuroscience. While significant hurdles remain, the RReSTORe Consortium's efforts provide a comprehensive roadmap for advancing the RGC repopulation field and hold potential for transformative progress in restoring vision in patients suffering from optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Soucy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass. Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erika A Aguzzi
- The Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, England, UK
| | - Julie Cho
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Michael James Gilhooley
- The Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, England, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Casey Keuthan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ziming Luo
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Aboozar Monavarfeshani
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Meher A Saleem
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Health System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Xue-Wei Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Petr Baranov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass. Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Brad Fortune
- Discoveries in Sight Research Laboratories, Devers Eye Institute and Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Health, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kimberly K Gokoffski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - William Guido
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Alex L Kolodkin
- The Solomon H Snyder, Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carol A Mason
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Ophthalmology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yvonne Ou
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ahmara G Ross
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brian C Samuels
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Callahan Eye Hospital, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Derek Welsbie
- Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Donald J Zack
- Glaucoma Center of Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21287 MD, USA
- Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology & Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas V Johnson
- Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology & Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21287 MD, USA.
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8
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Pyka-Fościak G, Fościak M, Pabijan J, Lis GJ, Litwin JA, Lekka M. Changes in stiffness of the optic nerve and involvement of neurofilament light chains in the course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model of multiple sclerosis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023:166796. [PMID: 37400000 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), are often accompanied by optic neuritis associated with neurofilament disruption. In this study, the stiffness of the optic nerve was investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) in mice with induced EAE in the successive phases of the disease: onset, peak, and chronic. AFM results were compared with the intensity of the main pathological processes in the optic nerve: inflammation, demyelination, and axonal loss, as well as with the density of astrocytes, assessed by quantitative histology and immunohistochemistry. Optic nerve tissue and serum levels of neurofilament light chain protein (NEFL) were also examined by immunostaining and ELISA, respectively. The stiffness of the optic nerve in EAE mice was lower than that in control and naïve animals. It increased in the onset and peak phases and sharply decreased in the chronic phase. Serum NEFL level showed similar dynamics, while tissue NEFL level decreased in the onset and peak phases, indicating a leak of NEFL from the optic nerve to body fluids. Inflammation and demyelination gradually increased to reach the maximum in the peak phase of EAE, and inflammation slightly declined in the chronic phase, while demyelination did not. The axonal loss also gradually increased and had the highest level in the chronic phase. Among these processes, demyelination and especially axonal loss most effectively decrease the stiffness of the optic nerve. NEFL level in serum can be regarded as an early indicator of EAE, as it rapidly grows in the onset phase of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Pyka-Fościak
- Department of Histology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika 7, 31-034 Krakow, Poland.
| | - M Fościak
- Medical Department, Novartis Poland Sp. z o.o., Marynarska 15, 02-674 Warszawa, Poland
| | - J Pabijan
- Department of Biophysical Microstructures, Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342 Krakow, Poland
| | - G J Lis
- Department of Histology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika 7, 31-034 Krakow, Poland
| | - J A Litwin
- Department of Histology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika 7, 31-034 Krakow, Poland
| | - M Lekka
- Department of Biophysical Microstructures, Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342 Krakow, Poland
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9
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Zhou LY, Chen D, Guo XR, Niu YQ, Xu YS, Feng DF, Li TC. Intravitreal injection of Huperzine A promotes retinal ganglion cells survival and axonal regeneration after optic nerve crush. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1145574. [PMID: 37293627 PMCID: PMC10244636 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1145574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) is a condition that causes massive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axonal fibers, leading to visual insufficiency. Several intrinsic and external factors can limit the regenerative ability of RGC after TON, subsequently resulting in RGC death. Hence, it is important to investigate a potential drug that can protect RGC after TON and enhance its regenerative capacity. Herein, we investigated whether Huperzine A (HupA), extracted from a Chinese herb, has neuroprotective effects and may enhance neuronal regeneration following the optic nerve crush (ONC) model. We compared the three modes of drug delivery and found that intravitreal injection of HupA could promote RGC survival and axonal regeneration after ONC. Mechanistically, HupA exerted its neuroprotective and axonal regenerative effects through the mTOR pathway; these effects could be blocked by rapamycin. To sum up, our findings suggest a promising application of HupA in the clinical treatment of traumatic optic nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lai-Yang Zhou
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital South Campus, Shanghai, China
| | - Di Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xin-Ran Guo
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Yu-Qian Niu
- Fengxian District Central Hospital Graduate Student Training Base, Jinzhou Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Sai Xu
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Dong-Fu Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital South Campus, Shanghai, China
| | - Tie-Chen Li
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
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10
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Fague L, Marsh-Armstrong N. Dual leucine zipper kinase is necessary for retinal ganglion cell axonal regeneration in Xenopus laevis. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad109. [PMID: 37152673 PMCID: PMC10162689 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons of the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, unlike those of mammals, are capable of regeneration and functional reinnervation of central brain targets following injury. Here, we describe a tadpole optic nerve crush (ONC) procedure and assessments of brain reinnervation based on live imaging of RGC-specific transgenes which, when paired with CRISPR/Cas9 injections at the one-cell stage, can be used to assess the function of regeneration-associated genes in vivo in F0 animals. Using this assay, we find that map3k12, also known as dual leucine zipper kinase (Dlk), is necessary for RGC axonal regeneration and acts in a dose-dependent manner. Loss of Dlk does not affect RGC innervation of the brain during development or visually driven behavior but does block both axonal regeneration and functional vision restoration after ONC. Dlk loss does not alter the acute changes in mitochondrial movement that occur within RGC axons hours after ONC but does completely block the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of the transcription factor Jun within RGCs days after ONC; yet, Jun is dispensable for reinnervation. These results demonstrate that in a species fully capable of regenerating its RGC axons, Dlk is essential for the axonal injury signal to reach the nucleus but may affect regeneration through a different pathway than by which it signals in mammalian RGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Fague
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, UC Davis Eye Center, University of California, Davis, 1275 Med Science Drive Rm. 3451, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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11
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Rao M, Huang YK, Liu CC, Meadows C, Cheng HC, Zhou M, Chen YC, Xia X, Goldberg JL, Williams AM, Kuwajima T, Chang KC. Aldose reductase inhibition decelerates optic nerve degeneration by alleviating retinal microglia activation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5592. [PMID: 37019993 PMCID: PMC10076364 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32702-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As part of the central nervous system (CNS), retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons are the only neurons in the retina that transmit visual signals from the eye to the brain via the optic nerve (ON). Unfortunately, they do not regenerate upon injury in mammals. In ON trauma, retinal microglia (RMG) become activated, inducing inflammatory responses and resulting in axon degeneration and RGC loss. Since aldose reductase (AR) is an inflammatory response mediator highly expressed in RMG, we investigated if pharmacological inhibition of AR can attenuate ocular inflammation and thereby promote RGC survival and axon regeneration after ON crush (ONC). In vitro, we discovered that Sorbinil, an AR inhibitor, attenuates BV2 microglia activation and migration in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) treatments. In vivo, Sorbinil suppressed ONC-induced Iba1 + microglia/macrophage infiltration in the retina and ON and promoted RGC survival. Moreover, Sorbinil restored RGC function and delayed axon degeneration one week after ONC. RNA sequencing data revealed that Sorbinil protects the retina from ONC-induced degeneration by suppressing inflammatory signaling. In summary, we report the first study demonstrating that AR inhibition transiently protects RGC and axon from degeneration, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mishal Rao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 203 Lothrop, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Yu-Kai Huang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung, 80145, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chun Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 203 Lothrop, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Chandler Meadows
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 203 Lothrop, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Hui-Chun Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 203 Lothrop, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Mengli Zhou
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, Hillman Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Yu-Chih Chen
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, Hillman Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Xin Xia
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Andrew M Williams
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 203 Lothrop, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Takaaki Kuwajima
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 203 Lothrop, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Kun-Che Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 203 Lothrop, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, Center of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan.
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12
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Laspro M, Chaya BF, Brydges HT, Dave N, Thys E, Onuh OC, Tran D, Kimberly LL, Ceradini DJ, Rodriguez ED. Technical Feasibility of Whole-eye Vascular Composite Allotransplantation: A Systematic Review. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2023; 11:e4946. [PMID: 37113307 PMCID: PMC10129168 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000004946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
There are over 43 million individuals in the world who are blind. As retinal ganglion cells are incapable of regeneration, treatment modalities for this condition are limited. Since first incepted in 1885, whole-eye transplantation (WET) has been proposed as the ultimate cure for blindness. As the field evolves, different aspects of the surgery have been individually explored, including allograft viability, retinal survival, and optic nerve regeneration. Due to the paucity in the WET literature, we aimed to systematically review proposed WET surgical techniques to assess surgical feasibility. Additionally, we hope to identify barriers to future clinical application and potential ethical concerns that could be raised with surgery. Methods We conducted a systematic review of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus from inception to June 10, 2022, to identify articles pertaining to WET. Data collection included model organisms studied, surgical techniques utilized, and postoperative functional outcomes. Results Our results yielded 33 articles, including 14 mammalian and 19 cold-blooded models. In studies performing microvascular anastomosis in mammals, 96% of allografts survived after surgery. With nervous coaptation, 82.9% of retinas had positive electroretinogram signals after surgery, indicating functional retinal cells after transplantation. Results on optic nerve function were inconclusive. Ocular-motor functionality was rarely addressed. Conclusions Regarding allograft survival, WET appears feasible with no complications to the recipient recorded in previous literature. Functional restoration is potentially achievable with a demonstrated positive retinal survival in live models. Nevertheless, the potential of optic nerve regeneration remains undetermined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Laspro
- From the Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, N.Y
| | - Bachar F. Chaya
- From the Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, N.Y
| | - Hilliard T. Brydges
- From the Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, N.Y
| | - Nikhil Dave
- From the Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, N.Y
| | - Erika Thys
- From the Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, N.Y
| | - Ogechukwu C. Onuh
- From the Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, N.Y
| | - David Tran
- From the Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, N.Y
| | - Laura L. Kimberly
- From the Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, N.Y
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, N.Y
| | - Daniel J. Ceradini
- From the Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, N.Y
| | - Eduardo D. Rodriguez
- From the Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, N.Y
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13
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Specific Activation of Yamanaka Factors via HSF1 Signaling in the Early Stage of Zebrafish Optic Nerve Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043253. [PMID: 36834675 PMCID: PMC9961437 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In contrast to the case in mammals, the fish optic nerve can spontaneously regenerate and visual function can be fully restored 3-4 months after optic nerve injury (ONI). However, the regenerative mechanism behind this has remained unknown. This long process is reminiscent of the normal development of the visual system from immature neural cells to mature neurons. Here, we focused on the expression of three Yamanaka factors (Oct4, Sox2, and Klf4: OSK), which are well-known inducers of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells in the zebrafish retina after ONI. mRNA expression of OSK was rapidly induced in the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) 1-3 h after ONI. Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) mRNA was most rapidly induced in the RGCs at 0.5 h. The activation of OSK mRNA was completely suppressed by the intraocular injection of HSF1 morpholino prior to ONI. Furthermore, the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed the enrichment of OSK genomic DNA bound to HSF1. The present study clearly showed that the rapid activation of Yamanaka factors in the zebrafish retina was regulated by HSF1, and this sequential activation of HSF1 and OSK might provide a key to unlocking the regenerative mechanism of injured RGCs in fish.
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14
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Wu S, Mo X. Optic Nerve Regeneration in Diabetic Retinopathy: Potentials and Challenges Ahead. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021447. [PMID: 36674963 PMCID: PMC9865663 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), the most common microvascular compilation of diabetes, is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness worldwide. Recent studies indicate that retinal neuron impairment occurs before any noticeable vascular changes in DR, and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration is one of the earliest signs. Axons of RGCs have little capacity to regenerate after injury, clinically leading the visual functional defects to become irreversible. In the past two decades, tremendous progress has been achieved to enable RGC axon regeneration in animal models of optic nerve injury, which holds promise for neural repair and visual restoration in DR. This review summarizes these advances and discusses the potential and challenges for developing optic nerve regeneration strategies treating DR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaofen Mo
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-021-64377134
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15
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Huang Q, Liu B, Wu W. Biomaterial-Based bFGF Delivery for Nerve Repair. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2023; 2023:8003821. [PMID: 37077657 PMCID: PMC10110389 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8003821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Diseases in the nervous system are common in the human body. People have to suffer a great burden due to huge economic costs and poor prognosis of the diseases. Many treatment modalities are now available that can make recovery better. Managing nutritional factors is also helpful for such diseases. The basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is one of the major nutritional factors, which plays a crucial role in organogenesis and tissue homeostasis. It plays a role in cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation, thereby regulating angiogenesis and wound healing and repair of the muscle, bone, and nerve. The study on how to improve the stability of bFGF to increase the treatment effect for different diseases has garnered tremendous attention. Biomaterials are the popular methods to improve the stability of bFGF because they are safe for the living body as they are biocompatible. Biomaterials can be loaded with bFGF and delivered locally to achieve the goal of sustained bFGF release. In the present review, we report different types of biomaterials that are used for bFGF delivery for nerve repair and briefly report how the introduced bFGF can function in the nervous system. We aim to provide summative guidance for future studies about nerve injury using bFGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinying Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Wencan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, China
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16
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Park SS. Advantages of ocular regeneration research. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1269. [PMID: 34532406 PMCID: PMC8421954 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-1793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Susanna S Park
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California-Davis Eye Center, Sacramento, CA, USA.
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