1
|
Kaushik M, Tiwari P, Dada T, Dada R. Beyond the optic nerve: Genetics, diagnosis, and promising therapies for glaucoma. Gene 2024; 894:147983. [PMID: 37952746 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147983] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma stands as a leading global cause of blindness, affecting millions. It entails optic nerve damage and vision loss, categorized into open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma with subtypes like POAG, ACG, XFG, PCG, PDG, and developmental glaucoma. The pathophysiological and genetic factors behind glaucoma remain partially understood, with past studies linking intraocular pressure (IOP) levels to retinal ganglion cell death. Open-angle glaucoma involves elevated resistance to aqueous outflow via the trabecular meshwork, while angle-closure glaucoma typically sees drainage pathways obstructed by the iris. Genes have been identified for POAG, ACG, XFG, PCG, PDG, and developmental glaucoma, allowing for early-onset detection and the emergence of gene therapy as an effective treatment. Nevertheless, diagnostic and treatment options have their constraints, necessitating large-scale, well-designed studies to deepen our grasp of genetics' role in glaucoma's pathogenesis. This review delves into glaucoma's risk factors, pathophysiology, genetics, diagnosis, and available treatment options, including gene therapy. Additionally, it suggests alternative therapies like yoga and meditation as adjunct treatments for glaucoma prevention. Overall, this review advances our comprehension of the pathophysiology and genetic associations of glaucoma while highlighting the potential of gene therapy as a treatment avenue. Further research is imperative to fully elucidate the genetic mechanisms underpinning glaucoma and to devise effective treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Kaushik
- Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Prabhakar Tiwari
- Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India.
| | - Tanuj Dada
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Rima Dada
- Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rozpędek-Kamińska W, Galita G, Saramowicz K, Granek Z, Barczuk J, Siwecka N, Pytel D, Majsterek I. Evaluation of the LDN-0060609 PERK Inhibitor as a Selective Treatment for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: An In Vitro Study on Human Retinal Astrocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:728. [PMID: 38255802 PMCID: PMC10815359 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020728] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The term glaucoma encompasses various neurodegenerative eye disorders, among which the most common is primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Recently, the essential role of human retinal astrocytes (HRA) in glaucoma progression has been placed in the spotlight. It has been found that placing the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) under stress and activating PERK leads to apoptosis of HRA cells, which inhibits their neuroprotective effect in the course of glaucoma. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the small-molecule PERK inhibitor LDN-0060609 in countering ER stress conditions induced in HRA cells in vitro. The activity of LDN-0060609 was studied in terms of protein and mRNA expression, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, caspase-3 level and cell cycle progression. LDN-0060609 at 25 μM proved to be a potent inhibitor of the major PERK substrate, p-eIF2α (49% inhibition). The compound markedly decreased the expression of pro-apoptotic ER stress-related genes (ATF4, DDIT3, BAX and Bcl-2). Treatment with LDN-0060609 significantly increased cell viability, decreased genotoxicity and caspase-3 levels, and restored cell cycle distribution in HRA cells with activated ER stress conditions. These findings indicate that the small-molecule PERK inhibitor LDN-0060609 can potentially be developed into a novel anti-glaucoma agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wioletta Rozpędek-Kamińska
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland; (W.R.-K.); (G.G.); (K.S.); (Z.G.); (J.B.); (N.S.)
| | - Grzegorz Galita
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland; (W.R.-K.); (G.G.); (K.S.); (Z.G.); (J.B.); (N.S.)
| | - Kamil Saramowicz
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland; (W.R.-K.); (G.G.); (K.S.); (Z.G.); (J.B.); (N.S.)
| | - Zuzanna Granek
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland; (W.R.-K.); (G.G.); (K.S.); (Z.G.); (J.B.); (N.S.)
| | - Julia Barczuk
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland; (W.R.-K.); (G.G.); (K.S.); (Z.G.); (J.B.); (N.S.)
| | - Natalia Siwecka
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland; (W.R.-K.); (G.G.); (K.S.); (Z.G.); (J.B.); (N.S.)
| | - Dariusz Pytel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
| | - Ireneusz Majsterek
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland; (W.R.-K.); (G.G.); (K.S.); (Z.G.); (J.B.); (N.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sharif NA. Gene therapies and gene product-based drug candidates for normalizing and preserving tissue functions in animal models of ocular hypertension and glaucoma. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 94:101218. [PMID: 37976898 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101218] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
More than 76 million people worldwide are afflicted with the neurodegenerative eye diseases described and grouped together as glaucoma. A common feature amongst the many forms of glaucoma is chronically elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) within the anterior chamber of the eye that physically damages the retina, optic nerve and parts of the brain connected with visual perception. The mediators of the contusing raised IOP responsible for such damage and loss of vision include locally released inflammatory agents, tissue remodeling enzymes and infiltrating immune cells which damage the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons and eventually kill a significant number of the RGCs. Additional culprits include genetic defects of the patient that involve aberrations in receptors, enzymes and/or endogenous ligands and possible over- or under-production of the latter. Other genetic abnormalities may include issues with signal transduction machinery within key cells of critical tissues in the front (e.g. trabecular meshwork [TM] and Schlemm's canal [SC]) and back of the eye (e.g. retinal ganglion cells and their axons). Genome-wide associated studies (GWAS) coupled with next generation sequencing have provided powerful linkage of certain gene defects and polymorphic variants to the onset and progression of diseases of the tissues involved in fluid dynamics in the TM and SC, and many retinal elements (lamina cribosa, optic nerve head) at the back of the eye which cause ocular hypertension (OHT) and glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON), respectively. Despite the availability of some drugs, fluid drainage microshunts and full surgical techniques to lower and control intraocular pressure, the major modifiable biomarker of open-angle and other forms of glaucoma, their side-effect profiles, less than optimum effectiveness and short duration of action present opportunities to clinically manage the glaucomas with next generation of treatments with high therapeutic indices, including gene therapies. Thus, identification, characterization and deployment of genetic data coupled with traditional drug discovery and novel gene replacement, gene editing and genetic engineering technologies may provide some solutions to the aforementioned problems. These aspects will be discussed in this article.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Najam A Sharif
- Eye-APC Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169856, Singapore; Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, W2 1PG, UK; Imperial College of Science and Technology, St. Mary's Campus, London, WC1E 6BT, UK; Department of Pharmacy Sciences, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX, 77004, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, 169856, Singapore; Global Research & Development, Nanoscope Therapeutics Inc., Dallas, TX 75207, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen X, Shi C, He M, Xiong S, Xia X. Endoplasmic reticulum stress: molecular mechanism and therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:352. [PMID: 37709773 PMCID: PMC10502142 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01570-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) functions as a quality-control organelle for protein homeostasis, or "proteostasis". The protein quality control systems involve ER-associated degradation, protein chaperons, and autophagy. ER stress is activated when proteostasis is broken with an accumulation of misfolded and unfolded proteins in the ER. ER stress activates an adaptive unfolded protein response to restore proteostasis by initiating protein kinase R-like ER kinase, activating transcription factor 6, and inositol requiring enzyme 1. ER stress is multifaceted, and acts on aspects at the epigenetic level, including transcription and protein processing. Accumulated data indicates its key role in protein homeostasis and other diverse functions involved in various ocular diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, achromatopsia, cataracts, ocular tumors, ocular surface diseases, and myopia. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms underlying the aforementioned ocular diseases from an ER stress perspective. Drugs (chemicals, neurotrophic factors, and nanoparticles), gene therapy, and stem cell therapy are used to treat ocular diseases by alleviating ER stress. We delineate the advancement of therapy targeting ER stress to provide new treatment strategies for ocular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingyi Chen
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaoran Shi
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Meihui He
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Siqi Xiong
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Xiaobo Xia
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rosa JGS, Disner GR, Pinto FJ, Lima C, Lopes-Ferreira M. Revisiting Retinal Degeneration Hallmarks: Insights from Molecular Markers and Therapy Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13079. [PMID: 37685886 PMCID: PMC10488251 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713079] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Visual impairment and blindness are a growing public health problem as they reduce the life quality of millions of people. The management and treatment of these diseases represent scientific and therapeutic challenges because different cellular and molecular actors involved in the pathophysiology are still being identified. Visual system components, particularly retinal cells, are extremely sensitive to genetic or metabolic alterations, and immune responses activated by local insults contribute to biological events, culminating in vision loss and irreversible blindness. Several ocular diseases are linked to retinal cell loss, and some of them, such as retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, are characterized by pathophysiological hallmarks that represent possibilities to study and develop novel treatments for retinal cell degeneration. Here, we present a compilation of revisited information on retinal degeneration, including pathophysiological and molecular features and biochemical hallmarks, and possible research directions for novel treatments to assist as a guide for innovative research. The knowledge expansion upon the mechanistic bases of the pathobiology of eye diseases, including information on complex interactions of genetic predisposition, chronic inflammation, and environmental and aging-related factors, will prompt the identification of new therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Monica Lopes-Ferreira
- Immunoregulation Unit, Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503900, Brazil; (J.G.S.R.); (G.R.D.); (F.J.P.); (C.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sharif NA. Elevated Intraocular Pressure and Glaucomatous Optic Neuropathy: Genes to Disease Mechanisms, Therapeutic Drugs, and Gene Therapies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:870. [PMID: 37375817 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060870] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This review article focuses on the pathogenesis of and genetic defects linked with chronic ocular hypertension (cOHT) and glaucoma. The latter ocular disease constitutes a group of ocular degenerative diseases whose hallmark features are damage to the optic nerve, apoptotic demise of retinal ganglion cells, disturbances within the brain regions involved in visual perception and considerable visual impairment that can lead to blindness. Even though a number of pharmaceuticals, surgical and device-based treatments already exist addressing cOHT associated with the most prevalent of the glaucoma types, primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), they can be improved upon in terms of superior efficacy with reduced side-effects and with longer duration of activity. The linkage of disease pathology to certain genes via genome-wide associated studies are illuminating new approaches to finding novel treatment options for the aforementioned ocular disorders. Gene replacement, gene editing via CRISPR-Cas9, and the use of optogenetic technologies may replace traditional drug-based therapies and/or they may augment existing therapeutics for the treatment of cOHT and POAG in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Najam A Sharif
- Eye-APC Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Sciences, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX 77004, USA
- Imperial College of Science and Technology, St. Mary's Campus, London W2 1PG, UK
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yadav M, Bhardwaj A, Yadav A, Dada R, Tanwar M. Molecular genetics of primary open-angle glaucoma. Indian J Ophthalmol 2023; 71:1739-1756. [PMID: 37203025 PMCID: PMC10391438 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_2570_22] [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: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a series of linked optic diseases resulting in progressive vision loss and total blindness due to the acquired loss of retinal ganglion cells. This harm to the optic nerve results in visual impairment and, ultimately, total blindness if left untreated. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most frequent variety within the large family of glaucoma. It is a multifaceted and heterogeneous condition with several environmental and genetic variables aiding in its etiology. By 2040, there will be 111.8 million glaucoma patients globally, with Asia and Africa accounting for the vast majority. The goal of this review is to elaborate on the role of genes (nuclear and mitochondrial) as well as their variants in the pathogenesis of POAG. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched online for papers until September 2022. Prevalence and inheritance patterns vary significantly across different ethnic and geographic populations. Numerous causative genetic loci may exist; however, only a few have been recognized and characterized. Further investigation into the genetic etiology of POAG is expected to uncover novel and intriguing causal genes, allowing for a more precise pathogenesis pattern of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Yadav
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Harayana, India
| | - Aarti Bhardwaj
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Harayana, India
| | - Anshu Yadav
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Harayana, India
| | - Rima Dada
- Department of Anatomy, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Mukesh Tanwar
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Harayana, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Li L, Liu Q, Shi L, Zhou X, Wu W, Wang X, Wang L, Wu Z. Baicalin prevents fibrosis of human trabecular meshwork cells via inhibiting the MyD88/NF-κB pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 938:175425. [PMID: 36442621 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175425] [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: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Trabecular meshwork fibrosis contributes to increased aqueous humor outflow resistance, leading to elevated intraocular pressure in primary open-angle glaucoma. Baicalin, an extract from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, has shown anti-fibrotic effects in liver, lung, and kidney diseases. However, its anti-fibrotic effect on human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells has not yet been clarified. In this study, we investigated its effects on TGF-β2-induced HTM fibrosis as well as the underlying regulatory mechanisms. HTM cells were pretreated with baicalin, TAK-242, and baicalin + TAK-242 for 2 h followed by treatment with or without 5 ng/mL TGF-β2 for 48 h. Cell viability was assayed using cell counting Kit-8 and fibronectin (FN), laminin (LN), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were assessed by western blotting, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and immunocytochemistry. Further, the protein and gene expression levels of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway (TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65) were also examined by western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. Thus, we observed that high doses of baicalin (40 μM) decreased (p < 0.1) HTM cell viability and 20 μM baicalin pretreatment was identified as the optimum pretreatment concentration. TGF-β2 upregulated (p < 0.5) the expression of FN, LN, α-SMA, MyD88, NF-κB p65 proteins and mRNA in HTM cells, and these effects were inhibited by baicalin and TAK-242 (p < 0.5). However, western blot analysis showed that baicalin did not repress TLR4 expression in HTM cells. Therefore, our findings suggested that baicalin could prevent TGF-β2-induced extracellular matrix (FN, LN) deposition and α-SMA expression in HTM cells by inhibiting the MyD88/NF-κB pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China; Senior Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, BeiJing, 100039, China; Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing, 100005, China; Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Lijuan Shi
- Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China; Senior Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, BeiJing, 100039, China
| | - Xibin Zhou
- Senior Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, BeiJing, 100039, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Senior Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, BeiJing, 100039, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Senior Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, BeiJing, 100039, China
| | - Lihua Wang
- Senior Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, BeiJing, 100039, China
| | - Zhihong Wu
- Senior Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, BeiJing, 100039, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
The Intertwined Roles of Oxidative Stress and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Glaucoma. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11050886. [PMID: 35624748 PMCID: PMC9137739 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11050886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, and the burden of the disease continues to grow as the global population ages. Currently, the only treatment option is to lower intraocular pressure. A better understanding of glaucoma pathogenesis will help us to develop novel therapeutic options. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance in redox homeostasis, with reactive oxygen species producing processes overcoming anti-oxidant defensive processes. Oxidative stress works in a synergistic fashion with endoplasmic reticulum stress, to drive glaucomatous damage to trabecular meshwork, retinal ganglion cells and the optic nerve head. We discuss the oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways and their connections including their key intermediary, calcium. We highlight therapeutic options aimed at disrupting these pathways and discuss their potential role in glaucoma treatment.
Collapse
|
10
|
McLaughlin T, Medina A, Perkins J, Yera M, Wang JJ, Zhang SX. Cellular stress signaling and the unfolded protein response in retinal degeneration: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Mol Neurodegener 2022; 17:25. [PMID: 35346303 PMCID: PMC8962104 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-022-00528-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The retina, as part of the central nervous system (CNS) with limited capacity for self-reparation and regeneration in mammals, is under cumulative environmental stress due to high-energy demands and rapid protein turnover. These stressors disrupt the cellular protein and metabolic homeostasis, which, if not alleviated, can lead to dysfunction and cell death of retinal neurons. One primary cellular stress response is the highly conserved unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR acts through three main signaling pathways in an attempt to restore the protein homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by various means, including but not limited to, reducing protein translation, increasing protein-folding capacity, and promoting misfolded protein degradation. Moreover, recent work has identified a novel function of the UPR in regulation of cellular metabolism and mitochondrial function, disturbance of which contributes to neuronal degeneration and dysfunction. The role of the UPR in retinal neurons during aging and under disease conditions in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy (DR) has been explored over the past two decades. Each of the disease conditions and their corresponding animal models provide distinct challenges and unique opportunities to gain a better understanding of the role of the UPR in the maintenance of retinal health and function. Method We performed an extensive literature search on PubMed and Google Scholar using the following keywords: unfolded protein response, metabolism, ER stress, retinal degeneration, aging, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy. Results and conclusion We summarize recent advances in understanding cellular stress response, in particular the UPR, in retinal diseases, highlighting the potential roles of UPR pathways in regulation of cellular metabolism and mitochondrial function in retinal neurons. Further, we provide perspective on the promise and challenges for targeting the UPR pathways as a new therapeutic approach in age- and disease-related retinal degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Todd McLaughlin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ira G. Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Andy Medina
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ira G. Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Jacob Perkins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ira G. Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Maria Yera
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ira G. Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.,Neuroscience Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Joshua J Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ira G. Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.,Neuroscience Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Sarah X Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ira G. Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA. .,Neuroscience Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
El Basty A, Gaber R, Elmaria A, Sabry M, Hussein TR. Correlation Between Changes in Lamina Cribrosa Structure and Visual Field in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. Clin Ophthalmol 2021; 15:4715-4722. [PMID: 34949912 PMCID: PMC8691195 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s343019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the correlation between changes in lamina cribrosa (LC) structure using enhanced depth imaging (EDI) and severity of visual field (VF) affection in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Patients and Methods This prospective cross-sectional study was carried out on 52 glaucomatous eyes of 28 POAG patients who attended Tanta University Eye Hospital and 40 normal eyes of 20 age-matched normal subjects from April 2020 to March 2021. POAG patients were classified according to the modified Hodapp-Anderson-Parrish grading scale based on the MD of the standard automated perimetry (SAP) visual field into two groups: group (1) - mild-to-moderate POAG patients (MD ≤ 12 dB), group (2) - severe POAG patients (MD ≥ 12 dB) and the third group included normal (control) age- and gender-matched individuals. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the three groups regarding lamina cribrosa thickness nor lamina cribrosa area and there was no statistically significant correlation between MD and LC thickness, LC area (P-value=0.395 and 0.644). There was a statistically significant correlation between MD and anterior lamina cribrosa surface depth (P-value=0.002) and there was a statistically significant positive correlation between MD and prelaminar neural tissue (PLNT) thickness and prelaminar neural tissue (PLNT) area (P-value= 0.023 and <0.001, respectively). Conclusion EDI-OCT is a useful biomarker of structural changes in ONH and LC, and we recommended it to be a part of the routine monitoring of patients with POAG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed El Basty
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tanta University, Tanta, Gharbeya Province, Egypt
| | - Raouf Gaber
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tanta University, Tanta, Gharbeya Province, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Elmaria
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tanta University, Tanta, Gharbeya Province, Egypt
| | - Moataz Sabry
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tanta University, Tanta, Gharbeya Province, Egypt
| | - Tarek R Hussein
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tanta University, Tanta, Gharbeya Province, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Eliseeva NV, Ponomarenko IV, Churnosov MI. [Study of the functional significance of polymorphic loci of the LOXL1 gene associated with glaucoma according to genome-wide studies (in silico analysis)]. Vestn Oftalmol 2021; 137:22-30. [PMID: 34726854 DOI: 10.17116/oftalma202113705122] [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: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is one of the most common eye diseases leading to blindness, and whole-genome studies have shown that genetic factors are important in its formation. Purpose - to perform an in silico analysis of the functional significance of polymorphic loci of the LOXL1 gene associated with glaucoma, using data from wholegenome studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS Using the catalog of genome-wide studies (GWAS) of the National Human Genome Research Institute (https://www.genome.gov/gwastudies/), three polymorphic loci of the LOXL1 gene (rs2165241, rs4886776, rs893818) associated with glaucoma (pseudoexfoliation glaucoma/syndrome) were chosen for the study. Using modern databases on functional genomics (SIFT, PolyPhen-2, HaploReg, GTExportal), the functional significance of these polymorphic loci was assessed (nonsynonymous substitutions, epigenetic effects, association with gene expression, associations with alternative splicing of gene transcripts). RESULTS The work establishes the important functional significance of the rs2165241, rs4886776 and rs893818 polymorphic loci of the LOXL1 gene. They demonstrate significant epigenetic effects (affect the affinity to five transcription factors, are located in the region of promoters and enhancers, in the region of hypersensitivity to DNase-1), are associated with the expression and alternative splicing of three genes (LOXL1, LOXL1-AS1, RP11-24D15.1) in cell cultures, organs and tissues pathogenetically significant for development of glaucoma, are strongly linked to the rs1048661 polymorphism, which causes the replacement of the Arg141Leu amino acid in the LOXL1 polypeptide. CONCLUSION Polymorphic loci of the LOXL1 gene (rs2165241, rs4886776, and rs893818) are of great functional importance (epigenetic, eQTL, and sQTL), which may be the biomedical basis of their associations with glaucoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N V Eliseeva
- Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - I V Ponomarenko
- Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - M I Churnosov
- Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rozpędek-Kamińska W, Galita G, Siwecka N, Carroll SL, Diehl JA, Kucharska E, Pytel D, Majsterek I. The Potential Role of Small-Molecule PERK Inhibitor LDN-0060609 in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094494. [PMID: 33925820 PMCID: PMC8123501 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) constitutes the most common type of glaucoma. Emerging evidence suggests that Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress and the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)-mediated Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) signaling pathway play a key role in POAG pathogenesis. Thus, the main aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the PERK inhibitor LDN-0060609 in cellular model of glaucoma using primary human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells. To evaluate the level of the ER stress marker proteins, Western blotting and TaqMan gene expression assay were used. The cytotoxicity was measured by XTT, LDH assays and Giemsa staining, whereas genotoxicity via comet assay. Changes in cell morphology were assessed by phase-contrast microscopy. Analysis of apoptosis was performed by caspase-3 assay and flow cytometry (FC), whereas cell cycle progression by FC. The results obtained have demonstrated that LDN-0060609 triggered a significant decrease of ER stress marker proteins within HTM cells with induced ER stress conditions. Moreover, LDN-0060609 effectively increased viability, reduced DNA damage, increased proliferation, restored normal morphology, reduced apoptosis and restored normal cell cycle distribution of HTM cells with induced ER stress conditions. Thereby, PERK inhibitors, such as LDN-0060609, may provide an innovative, ground-breaking treatment strategy against POAG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wioletta Rozpędek-Kamińska
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland; (W.R.-K.); (G.G.); (N.S.)
| | - Grzegorz Galita
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland; (W.R.-K.); (G.G.); (N.S.)
| | - Natalia Siwecka
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland; (W.R.-K.); (G.G.); (N.S.)
| | - Steven L. Carroll
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
| | - John Alan Diehl
- Hollings Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Ewa Kucharska
- Department of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Social Work, Jesuit University Ignatianum, 31-501 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Dariusz Pytel
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland; (W.R.-K.); (G.G.); (N.S.)
- Hollings Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
- Correspondence: (D.P.); (I.M.); Tel.: +48-42-272-53-00 (D.P. & I.M.)
| | - Ireneusz Majsterek
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland; (W.R.-K.); (G.G.); (N.S.)
- Correspondence: (D.P.); (I.M.); Tel.: +48-42-272-53-00 (D.P. & I.M.)
| |
Collapse
|