2
|
Wang X, Tan S, Yang S, Liu X, Lei J, Li H. Activation of Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Pathway Regulates Human Trabecular Meshwork Cell Function. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2023; 39:430-438. [PMID: 37307020 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2023.0022] [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] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the effects of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling on primary human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells. Methods: Primary HTM cells were isolated from healthy donors and cultured. Recombinant Shh (rShh) protein and cyclopamine were used to activate and inhibit the Shh signaling pathway, respectively. A cell viability assay was performed to assess the effects of rShh on the activity of primary HTM cells. Functional assessment of cell adhesion and phagocytosis was also performed. The proportion of apoptotic cells was examined using flow cytometry. Fibronectin (FN) and transforming growth factor beta2 (TGF-β2) protein were detected to assess the influence of rShh on the metabolism of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analyses were used to examine mRNA and protein expression of Shh signaling pathway-associated factors GLI Family Zinc Finger 1 (GLI1) and Suppressor of Fused (SUFU). Results: rShh significantly enhanced primary HTM cell viability at a concentration of 0.5 μg/mL. rShh increased the adhesion and phagocytic abilities of primary HTM cells, and decreased cell apoptosis. FN and TGF-β2 protein expression increased in primary HTM cells treated with rShh. rShh upregulated the transcriptional activity and protein levels of GLI1, and downregulated those of SUFU. Correspondingly, the rShh-induced GLI1 upexpression was partially blocked by pretreatment with the Shh pathway inhibitor cyclopamine at a concentration of 10 μM. Conclusions: Activation of Shh signaling can regulate the function of primary HTM cells through GLI1. Regulation of Shh signaling may be a potential target for attenuating cell damage in glaucoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Lab of Ophthalmology, 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 Lab of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuang Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Xianmao Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Lab of Ophthalmology, 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 Lab of Ophthalmology, 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 Lab of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Agarwal R, Iezhitsa I. Advances in targeting the extracellular matrix for glaucoma therapy: current updates. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:1217-1229. [PMID: 38069479 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2293748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a well-recognized risk factor for development of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), a leading cause of irreversible blindness. Ocular hypertension is associated with excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in trabecular meshwork (TM) resulting in increased aqueous outflow resistance and elevated IOP. Hence, therapeutic options targeting ECM remodeling in TM to lower IOP in glaucomatous eyes are of considerable importance. AREAS COVERED This paper discusses the complex process of ECM regulation in TM and explores promising therapeutic targets. The role of Transforming Growth Factor-β as a central player in ECM deposition in TM is discussed. We elaborate the key regulatory processes involved in its activation, release, signaling, and cross talk with other signaling pathways including Rho GTPase, Wnt, integrin, cytokines, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone. Further, we summarize the therapeutic agents that have been explored to target ECM dysregulation in TM. EXPERT OPINION Targeting molecular pathways to reduce ECM deposition and/or enhance its degradation are of considerable significance for IOP lowering. Challenges lie in pinpointing specific targets and designing drug delivery systems to precisely interact with pathologically active/inactive signaling. Recent advances in monoclonal antibodies, fusion molecules, and vectored nanotechnology offer potential solutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renu Agarwal
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Igor Iezhitsa
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Aragón-Navas A, Rodrigo MJ, Garcia-Herranz D, Martinez T, Subias M, Mendez S, Ruberte J, Pampalona J, Bravo-Osuna I, Garcia-Feijoo J, Pablo LE, Garcia-Martin E, Herrero-Vanrell R. Mimicking chronic glaucoma over 6 months with a single intracameral injection of dexamethasone/fibronectin-loaded PLGA microspheres. Drug Deliv 2022; 29:2357-2374. [PMID: 35904152 PMCID: PMC9341346 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2022.2096712] [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] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
To create a chronic glaucoma animal model by a single intracameral injection of biodegradable poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) microspheres (Ms) co-loaded with dexamethasone and fibronectin (MsDexaFibro). MsDexaFibro were prepared by a water-in-oil-in-water emulsion method including dexamethasone in the organic phase and fibronectin in the inner aqueous phase. To create the chronic glaucoma model, an interventionist and longitudinal animal study was performed using forty-five Long Evans rats (4-week-old). Rats received a single intracameral injection of MsDexafibro suspension (10%w/v) in the right eye. Ophthalmological parameters such as clinical signs, intraocular pressure (IOP), neuro-retinal functionality by electroretinography (ERG), retinal structural analysis by optical coherence tomography (OCT), and histology were evaluated up to six months. According to the results obtained, the model proposed was able to induce IOP increasing in both eyes over the study, higher in the injected eyes up to 6 weeks (p < 0.05), while preserving the ocular surface. OCT quantified progressive neuro-retinal degeneration (mainly in the retinal nerve fiber layer) in both eyes but higher in the injected eye. Ganglion cell functionality decreased in injected eyes, thus smaller amplitudes in PhNR were detected by ERG. In conclusion, a new chronic glaucoma animal model was created by a single injection of MsDexaFibro very similar to open-angle glaucoma occurring in humans. This model would impact in different fields such as ophthalmology, allowing long period of study of this pathology; pharmacology, evaluating the neuroprotective activity of active compounds; and pharmaceutical technology, allowing the correct evaluation of the efficacy of long-term sustained ocular drug delivery systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alba Aragón-Navas
- Complutense University, Innovation, Therapy and Pharmaceutical Development in Ophthalmology (InnOftal) Research Group, UCM 920415, Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid Spain, Health Research Institute of the San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Research Institute of the San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC), Grupo de Investigación Innovación Farmacéutica en Oftalmología, Madrid, Spain
| | - María J Rodrigo
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,National Ocular Pathology Network (OFTARED) Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Garcia-Herranz
- Complutense University, Innovation, Therapy and Pharmaceutical Development in Ophthalmology (InnOftal) Research Group, UCM 920415, Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid Spain, Health Research Institute of the San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Research Institute of the San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC), Grupo de Investigación Innovación Farmacéutica en Oftalmología, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Martinez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Manuel Subias
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Silvia Mendez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jesús Ruberte
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Judit Pampalona
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Irene Bravo-Osuna
- Complutense University, Innovation, Therapy and Pharmaceutical Development in Ophthalmology (InnOftal) Research Group, UCM 920415, Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid Spain, Health Research Institute of the San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Research Institute of the San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC), Grupo de Investigación Innovación Farmacéutica en Oftalmología, Madrid, Spain.,National Ocular Pathology Network (OFTARED) Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julian Garcia-Feijoo
- National Ocular Pathology Network (OFTARED) Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Ophthalmology, San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Health Research Institute of the San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis E Pablo
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,National Ocular Pathology Network (OFTARED) Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Garcia-Martin
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,National Ocular Pathology Network (OFTARED) Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Herrero-Vanrell
- Complutense University, Innovation, Therapy and Pharmaceutical Development in Ophthalmology (InnOftal) Research Group, UCM 920415, Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid Spain, Health Research Institute of the San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Research Institute of the San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC), Grupo de Investigación Innovación Farmacéutica en Oftalmología, Madrid, Spain.,National Ocular Pathology Network (OFTARED) Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mzyk P, Hernandez H, Le T, Ramirez JR, McDowell CM. Toll-Like Receptor 4 Signaling in the Trabecular Meshwork. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:936115. [PMID: 35912101 PMCID: PMC9335276 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.936115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary open-angle glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. With limited therapeutics targeting the pathogenesis at the trabecular meshwork (TM), there is a great need for identifying potential new targets. Recent evidence has implicated Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and it is signaling pathway in augmenting the effects of transforming growth factor beta-2 (TGFβ2) and downstream extracellular matrix production. In this review, we examine the role of TLR4 signaling in the trabecular meshwork and the interplay between endogenous activators of TLR4 (damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs)), extracellular matrix (ECM), and the effect on intraocular pressure
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Mzyk
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | | | - Thanh Le
- University of Houston-Victoria, Victoria, TX, United States
| | | | - Colleen M. McDowell
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- *Correspondence: Colleen M. McDowell,
| |
Collapse
|