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Zucco J, Baldan F, Allegri L, Bregant E, Passon N, Franzoni A, D'Elia AV, Faletra F, Damante G, Mio C. A bird's eye view on the use of whole exome sequencing in rare congenital ophthalmic diseases. J Hum Genet 2024; 69:271-282. [PMID: 38459225 PMCID: PMC11126393 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-024-01237-6] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity in congenital ocular diseases, especially in anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD), have created challenges for proper diagnosis and classification of diseases. Over the last decade, genomic research has indeed boosted our understanding in the molecular basis of ASD and genes associated with both autosomal dominant and recessive patterns of inheritance have been described with a wide range of expressivity. Here we describe the molecular characterization of a cohort of 162 patients displaying isolated or syndromic congenital ocular dysgenesis. Samples were analyzed with diverse techniques, such as direct sequencing, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, and whole exome sequencing (WES), over 20 years. Our data reiterate the notion that PAX6 alterations are primarily associated with ASD, mostly aniridia, since the majority of the cohort (66.7%) has a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in the PAX6 locus. Unexpectedly, a high fraction of positive samples (20.3%) displayed deletions involving the 11p13 locus, either partially/totally involving PAX6 coding region or abolishing its critical regulatory region, underlying its significance. Most importantly, the use of WES has allowed us to both assess variants in known ASD genes (i.e., CYP1B1, ITPR1, MAB21L1, PXDN, and PITX2) and to identify rarer phenotypes (i.e., MIDAS, oculogastrointestinal-neurodevelopmental syndrome and Jacobsen syndrome). Our data clearly suggest that WES allows expanding the analytical portfolio of ocular dysgenesis, both isolated and syndromic, and that is pivotal for the differential diagnosis of those conditions in which there may be phenotypic overlaps and in general in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Zucco
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASUFC), Udine, Italy
| | - Federica Baldan
- Department of Medicine (DMED), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Allegri
- Department of Medicine (DMED), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Elisa Bregant
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASUFC), Udine, Italy
| | - Nadia Passon
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASUFC), Udine, Italy
| | - Alessandra Franzoni
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASUFC), Udine, Italy
| | - Angela Valentina D'Elia
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASUFC), Udine, Italy
| | - Flavio Faletra
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASUFC), Udine, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Damante
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASUFC), Udine, Italy
- Department of Medicine (DMED), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Catia Mio
- Department of Medicine (DMED), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
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Al-Saei O, Malka S, Owen N, Aliyev E, Vempalli FR, Ocieczek P, Al-Khathlan B, Fakhro K, Moosajee M. Increasing the diagnostic yield of childhood glaucoma cases recruited into the 100,000 Genomes Project. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:484. [PMID: 38755526 PMCID: PMC11097485 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10353-8] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Childhood glaucoma (CG) encompasses a heterogeneous group of genetic eye disorders that is responsible for approximately 5% of childhood blindness worldwide. Understanding the molecular aetiology is key to improving diagnosis, prognosis and unlocking the potential for optimising clinical management. In this study, we investigated 86 CG cases from 78 unrelated families of diverse ethnic backgrounds, recruited into the Genomics England 100,000 Genomes Project (GE100KGP) rare disease cohort, to improve the genetic diagnostic yield. Using the Genomics England/Genomic Medicine Centres (GE/GMC) diagnostic pipeline, 13 unrelated families were solved (13/78, 17%). Further interrogation using an expanded gene panel yielded a molecular diagnosis in 7 more unrelated families (7/78, 9%). This analysis effectively raises the total number of solved CG families in the GE100KGP to 26% (20/78 families). Twenty-five percent (5/20) of the solved families had primary congenital glaucoma (PCG), while 75% (15/20) had secondary CG; 53% of this group had non-acquired ocular anomalies (including iris hypoplasia, megalocornea, ectopia pupillae, retinal dystrophy, and refractive errors) and 47% had non-acquired systemic diseases such as cardiac abnormalities, hearing impairment, and developmental delay. CYP1B1 was the most frequently implicated gene, accounting for 55% (11/20) of the solved families. We identified two novel likely pathogenic variants in the TEK gene, in addition to one novel pathogenic copy number variant (CNV) in FOXC1. Variants that passed undetected in the GE100KGP diagnostic pipeline were likely due to limitations of the tiering process, the use of smaller gene panels during analysis, and the prioritisation of coding SNVs and indels over larger structural variants, CNVs, and non-coding variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omayma Al-Saei
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
- Department of Human Genetics, Sidra Medicine, PO Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Samantha Malka
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Nicholas Owen
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Elbay Aliyev
- Department of Human Genetics, Sidra Medicine, PO Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Paulina Ocieczek
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
| | | | - Khalid Fakhro
- Department of Human Genetics, Sidra Medicine, PO Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, UK.
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
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Wang D, Pu Y, Tan S, Wang X, Zeng L, Lei J, Gao X, Li H. Identification of immune-related biomarkers for glaucoma using gene expression profiling. Front Genet 2024; 15:1366453. [PMID: 38694874 PMCID: PMC11062407 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1366453] [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: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Glaucoma, a principal cause of irreversible vision loss, is characterized by intricate optic neuropathy involving significant immune mechanisms. This study seeks to elucidate the molecular and immune complexities of glaucoma, aiming to improve our understanding of its pathogenesis. Methods: Gene expression profiles from glaucoma patients were analyzed to identify immune-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Techniques used were weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) for network building, machine learning algorithms for biomarker identification, establishment of subclusters related to immune reactions, and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) to explore hub genes' relationships with immune cell infiltration and immune pathway activation. Validation was performed using an NMDA-induced excitotoxicity model and RT-qPCR for hub gene expression measurement. Results: The study identified 409 DEGs differentiating healthy individuals from glaucoma patients, highlighting the immune response's significance in disease progression. Immune cell infiltration analysis revealed elevated levels of activated dendritic cells, natural killer cells, monocytes, and immature dendritic cells in glaucoma samples. Three hub genes, CD40LG, TEK, and MDK, were validated as potential diagnostic biomarkers for high-risk glaucoma patients, showing increased expression in the NMDA-induced excitotoxicity model. Discussion: The findings propose the three identified immune-related genes (IRGs) as novel diagnostic markers for glaucoma, offering new insights into the disease's pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets. The strong correlation between these IRGs and immune responses underscores the intricate role of immunity in glaucoma, suggesting a shift in the approach to its diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dangdang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Major Blinding Eye Diseases, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanyu Pu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Major Blinding Eye Diseases, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Sisi Tan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Major Blinding Eye Diseases, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaochen Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Major Blinding Eye Diseases, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Lihong Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Major Blinding Eye Diseases, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Junqin Lei
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Major Blinding Eye Diseases, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Xi Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Major Blinding Eye Diseases, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Major Blinding Eye Diseases, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
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Pan Y, Iwata T. Exploring the Genetic Landscape of Childhood Glaucoma. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:454. [PMID: 38671671 PMCID: PMC11048810 DOI: 10.3390/children11040454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Childhood glaucoma, a significant cause of global blindness, represents a heterogeneous group of disorders categorized into primary or secondary forms. Primary childhood glaucoma stands as the most prevalent subtype, comprising primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and juvenile open-angle glaucoma (JOAG). Presently, multiple genes are implicated in inherited forms of primary childhood glaucoma. This comprehensive review delves into genetic investigations into primary childhood glaucoma, with a focus on identifying causative genes, understanding their inheritance patterns, exploring essential biological pathways in disease pathogenesis, and utilizing animal models to study these mechanisms. Specifically, attention is directed towards genes such as CYP1B1 (cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily B member 1), LTBP2 (latent transforming growth factor beta binding protein 2), TEK (TEK receptor tyrosine kinase), ANGPT1 (angiopoietin 1), and FOXC1 (forkhead box C1), all associated with PCG; and MYOC (myocilin), associated with JOAG. Through exploring these genetic factors, this review aims to deepen our understanding of the intricate pathogenesis of primary childhood glaucoma, thereby facilitating the development of enhanced diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Takeshi Iwata
- National Institute of Sensory Organs, NHO Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo 152-8902, Japan;
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Kumar A, Han Y, Oatts JT. Genetic changes and testing associated with childhood glaucoma: A systematic review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298883. [PMID: 38386645 PMCID: PMC10883561 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298883] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Many forms of childhood glaucoma have been associated with underlying genetic changes, and variants in many genes have been described. Currently, testing is variable as there are no widely accepted guidelines for testing. This systematic review aimed to summarize the literature describing genetic changes and testing practices in childhood glaucoma. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines and registered with Prospero (ID CRD42023400467). A comprehensive review of Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases was performed from inception through March 2, 2023 using the search terms: (glaucoma) AND (pediatric OR childhood OR congenital OR child OR infant OR infantile) AND (gene OR genetic OR genotype OR locus OR genomic OR mutation OR variant OR test OR screen OR panel). Information was extracted regarding genetic variants including genotype-phenotype correlation. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Of 1,916 records screened, 196 studies met inclusion criteria and 53 genes were discussed. Among study populations, mean age±SD at glaucoma diagnosis was 8.94±9.54 years and 50.4% were male. The most common gene discussed was CYP1B1, evaluated in 109 (55.6%) studies. CYP1B1 variants were associated with region and population-specific prevalence ranging from 5% to 86% among those with primary congenital glaucoma. MYOC variants were discussed in 31 (15.8%) studies with prevalence up to 36% among patients with juvenile open angle glaucoma. FOXC1 variants were discussed in 25 (12.8%) studies, which demonstrated phenotypic severity dependent on degree of gene expression and type of mutation. Overall risk of bias was low; the most common domains of bias were selection and comparability. Numerous genes and genetic changes have been associated with childhood glaucoma. Understanding the most common genes as well as potential genotype-phenotype correlation has the potential to improve diagnostic and prognostic outcomes for children with glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Julius T. Oatts
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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Qiao Y, Shao T, Chen Y, Chen J, Sun X, Chen X. Screening of candidate genes at GLC3B and GLC3C loci in Chinese primary congenital glaucoma patients with targeted next generation sequencing. Ophthalmic Genet 2023; 44:133-138. [PMID: 36193031 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2022.2109683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) is characterized by developmental abnormalities of the anterior chamber angle. Although several genes have been associated with PCG, pathogenic mutations could only be detected in about 20% of Chinese patients. GLC3B (1p36.2-36.1) and GLC3C (14q24.3) loci were previously identified in PCG pedigrees via linkage analysis. However, no causative genes were reported in these loci. This study was designed to search for novel PCG-related genes in these genetic regions. MATERIALS AND METHODS DNA samples from 100 PCG patients and 200 normal controls were pooled and sequenced using a customized panel of 133 positional candidate genes located around GLC3B and GLC3C loci (±1Mb). PCG-related genes were prioritized by the distribution of variants between patients and controls. Confirmation of selected variants and co-segregation analysis were performed using Sanger sequencing. RESULTS Patient and control group contained 116 and 147 rare variants respectively after screening. Three genes (ZC2HC1C, VPS13D, and PGF) were prioritized according to the distribution of variants between the two groups. Rare variants of PGF were only identified in PCG patients. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study aiming at exploring novel PCG-related genes at GLC3B and GLC3C loci. Our preliminary results suggest that there are potential associations between ZC2HC1C, VPS13D, PGF, and PCG. However, larger cohort studies and functional assays are required to provide further evidence for the proposed genotype-phenotype association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunsheng Qiao
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingting Shao
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhong Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinghuai Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueli Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Shen R, Li VSW, Wong MOM, Chan PPM. Pediatric Glaucoma-From Screening, Early Detection to Management. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10020181. [PMID: 36832310 PMCID: PMC9954748 DOI: 10.3390/children10020181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric glaucoma (PG) covers a rare and heterogeneous group of diseases with variable causes and presentations. Delayed diagnosis of PG could lead to blindness, bringing emotional and psychological burdens to patients' caregivers. Recent genetic studies identified novel causative genes, which may provide new insight into the etiology of PG. More effective screening strategies could be beneficial for timely diagnosis and treatment. New findings on clinical characteristics and the latest examination instruments have provided additional evidence for diagnosing PG. In addition to IOP-lowering therapy, managing concomitant amblyopia and other associated ocular pathologies is essential to achieve a better visual outcome. Surgical treatment is usually required although medication is often used before surgery. These include angle surgeries, filtering surgeries, minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries, cyclophotocoagulation, and deep sclerectomy. Several advanced surgical therapies have been developed to increase success rates and decrease postoperative complications. Here, we review the classification and diagnosis, etiology, screening, clinical characteristics, examinations, and management of PG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyue Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Venice S. W. Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong Eye Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mandy O. M. Wong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong Eye Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Poemen P. M. Chan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong Eye Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- Lam Kin Chung. Jet King-Shing Ho Glaucoma Treatment and Research Centre, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +852-3943-5807
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Qiao Y, Sun Z, Tan C, Lai J, Sun X, Chen J. Intracameral Injection of AAV-DJ.COMP-ANG1 Reduces the IOP of Mice by Reshaping the Trabecular Outflow Pathway. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:15. [PMID: 36520455 PMCID: PMC9769031 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.13.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The angiopoietin-1 (ANG1)-TIE signaling pathway orchestrates the development and maintenance of the Schlemm's canal (SC). In this study, we investigated the impact of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy with cartilage oligomeric matrix protein-ANG1 (COMP-ANG1) on trabecular outflow pathway. Methods Different serotypes of AAVs were compared for transduction specificity and efficiency in the anterior segment. The selected AAVs encoding COMP-ANG1 or ZsGreen1 (control) were delivered into the anterior chambers of wild-type C57BL/6J mice. The IOP and ocular surface were monitored regularly. Ocular perfusion was performed to measure the outflow facility and label flow patterns of the trabecular drainage pathway. Structural features of SC as well as limbal, retinal, and skin vessels were visualized by immunostaining. Ultrastructural changes in the SC and trabecular meshwork were observed under transmission electron microscopy. Results AAV-DJ could effectively infect the anterior segment. Intracameral injection of AAV-DJ.COMP-ANG1 lowered IOP in wild-type C57BL/6J mice. No signs of inflammation or angiogenesis were noticed. Four weeks after AAV injection, the conventional outflow facility and effective filtration area were increased significantly (P = 0.005 and P = 0.04, respectively). Consistently, the area of the SC was enlarged (P < 0.001) with increased density of giant vacuoles in the inner wall (P = 0.006). In addition, the SC endothelia lay on a more discontinuous basement membrane (P = 0.046) and a more porous juxtacanalicular tissue (P = 0.005) in the COMP-ANG1 group. Conclusions Intracamerally injected AAV-DJ.COMP-ANG1 offers a significant IOP-lowering effect by remodeling the trabecular outflow pathway of mouse eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunsheng Qiao
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongmou Sun
- University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, New York, United States
| | - Chen Tan
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyi Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinghuai Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration (Fudan University), Shanghai, China
| | - Junyi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration (Fudan University), Shanghai, China
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