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Cui T, Cai B, Tian Y, Liu X, Liang C, Gao Q, Li B, Ding Y, Li R, Zhou Q, Li W, Teng F. Therapeutic In Vivo Gene Editing Achieved by a Hypercompact CRISPR-Cas12f1 System Delivered with All-in-One Adeno-Associated Virus. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308095. [PMID: 38408137 PMCID: PMC11109646 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR-based gene therapies are making remarkable strides toward the clinic. But the large size of most widely used Cas endonucleases including Cas9 and Cas12a restricts their efficient delivery by the adeno-associated virus (AAV) for in vivo gene editing. Being exceptionally small, the recently engineered type V-F CRISPR-Cas12f1 systems can overcome the cargo packaging bottleneck and present as strong candidates for therapeutic applications. In this study, the pairwise editing efficiencies of different engineered Cas12f1/sgRNA scaffold combinations are systemically screened and optimized, and the CasMINI_v3.1/ge4.1 system is identified as being able to significantly boost the gene editing activity. Moreover, packaged into single AAV vectors and delivered via subretinal injection, CasMINI_v3.1/ge4.1 achieves remarkably high in vivo editing efficiencies, over 70% in transduced retinal cells. Further, the efficacy of this Cas12f1 system-based gene therapy to treat retinitis pigmentosa in RhoP23H mice is demonstrated by the therapeutic benefits achieved including rescued visual function and structural preservation. And minimal bystander editing activity is detected. This work advances and expands the therapeutic potential of the miniature Cas12f1 system to support efficient and accurate in vivo gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongtong Cui
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
| | - Bingyu Cai
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing101408China
| | - Yao Tian
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing101408China
| | - Xin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing101408China
| | - Chen Liang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing101408China
| | - Qingqin Gao
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing101408China
| | - Bojin Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing101408China
| | - Yali Ding
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing101408China
| | - Rongqi Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing101408China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing101408China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijing100101China
| | - Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing101408China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijing100101China
| | - Fei Teng
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing101408China
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Kandoi S, Martinez C, Chen KX, Mehine M, Reddy LVK, Mansfield BC, Duncan JL, Lamba DA. Disease modeling and pharmacological rescue of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa associated with RHO copy number variation. eLife 2024; 12:RP90575. [PMID: 38661530 PMCID: PMC11045220 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a heterogenous group of inherited retinal disorder, causes slow progressive vision loss with no effective treatments available. Mutations in the rhodopsin gene (RHO) account for ~25% cases of autosomal dominant RP (adRP). In this study, we describe the disease characteristics of the first-ever reported mono-allelic copy number variation (CNV) in RHO as a novel cause of adRP. We (a) show advanced retinal degeneration in a male patient (68 years of age) harboring four transcriptionally active intact copies of rhodopsin, (b) recapitulated the clinical phenotypes using retinal organoids, and (c) assessed the utilization of a small molecule, Photoregulin3 (PR3), as a clinically viable strategy to target and modify disease progression in RP patients associated with RHO-CNV. Patient retinal organoids showed photoreceptors dysgenesis, with rod photoreceptors displaying stunted outer segments with occasional elongated cilia-like projections (microscopy); increased RHO mRNA expression (quantitative real-time PCR [qRT-PCR] and bulk RNA sequencing); and elevated levels and mislocalization of rhodopsin protein (RHO) within the cell body of rod photoreceptors (western blotting and immunohistochemistry) over the extended (300 days) culture time period when compared against control organoids. Lastly, we utilized PR3 to target NR2E3, an upstream regulator of RHO, to alter RHO expression and observed a partial rescue of RHO protein localization from the cell body to the inner/outer segments of rod photoreceptors in patient organoids. These results provide a proof-of-principle for personalized medicine and suggest that RHO expression requires precise control. Taken together, this study supports the clinical data indicating that RHO-CNV associated adRPdevelops as a result of protein overexpression, thereby overloading the photoreceptor post-translational modification machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangeetha Kandoi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine & Stem Cell Research University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Cassandra Martinez
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine & Stem Cell Research University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Kevin Xu Chen
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine & Stem Cell Research University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | | | - L Vinod K Reddy
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine & Stem Cell Research University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Brian C Mansfield
- Section on Cellular Differentiation, Division of Translational Medicine, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Jacque L Duncan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Deepak A Lamba
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine & Stem Cell Research University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Immunology and Regenerative Medicine, GenentechSouth San FranciscoUnited States
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3
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Kolesnikov AV, Murphy DP, Corbo JC, Kefalov VJ. Germline knockout of Nr2e3 protects photoreceptors in three distinct mouse models of retinal degeneration. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2316118121. [PMID: 38442152 PMCID: PMC10945761 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2316118121] [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: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a common form of retinal dystrophy that can be caused by mutations in any one of dozens of rod photoreceptor genes. The genetic heterogeneity of RP represents a significant challenge for the development of effective therapies. Here, we present evidence for a potential gene-independent therapeutic strategy based on targeting Nr2e3, a transcription factor required for the normal differentiation of rod photoreceptors. Nr2e3 knockout results in hybrid rod photoreceptors that express the full complement of rod genes, but also a subset of cone genes. We show that germline deletion of Nr2e3 potently protects rods in three mechanistically diverse mouse models of retinal degeneration caused by bright-light exposure (light damage), structural deficiency (rhodopsin-deficient Rho-/- mice), or abnormal phototransduction (phosphodiesterase-deficient rd10 mice). Nr2e3 knockout confers strong neuroprotective effects on rods without adverse effects on their gene expression, structure, or function. Furthermore, in all three degeneration models, prolongation of rod survival by Nr2e3 knockout leads to lasting preservation of cone morphology and function. These findings raise the possibility that upregulation of one or more cone genes in Nr2e3-deficient rods may be responsible for the neuroprotective effects we observe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander V. Kolesnikov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
| | - Daniel P. Murphy
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Joseph C. Corbo
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Vladimir J. Kefalov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
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Kandoi S, Martinez C, Chen KX, Reddy LVK, Mehine M, Mansfield BC, Duncan JL, Lamba DA. Disease modeling and pharmacological rescue of autosomal dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa associated with RHO copy number variation. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.02.27.23286248. [PMID: 36909455 PMCID: PMC10002783 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.27.23286248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a heterogenous group of inherited retinal disorder causes slow progressive vision loss with no effective treatments available. Mutations in the rhodopsin gene (RHO), account for ~25% cases of autosomal dominant RP (adRP). In this study, we describe the disease characteristics of the first ever reported mono-allelic copy number variation (CNV) in RHO as a novel cause of adRP. We (1) show advanced retinal degeneration in a male patient (60-70 year old) harboring four transcriptionally active intact copies of rhodopsin, (2) recapitulated the clinical phenotypes using retinal organoids, and (3) assessed the utilization of a small molecule, Photoregulin3 (PR3), as a clinically viable strategy to target and modify disease progression in RP patients associated with RHO-CNV. Patient retinal organoids showed photoreceptors dysgenesis, with rod photoreceptors displaying stunted outer segments with occasional elongated cilia-like projections (microscopy); increased RHO mRNA expression (qRT-PCR and bulk RNA-sequencing); and elevated levels and mislocalization of rhodopsin protein (RHO) within the cell body of rod photoreceptors (western blotting and immunohistochemistry) over the extended (300-days) culture time period when compared against control organoids. Lastly, we utilized PR3 to target NR2E3, an upstream regulator of RHO, to alter RHO expression and observed a partial rescue of RHO protein localization from the cell body to the inner/outer segments of rod photoreceptors in patient organoids. These results provide a proof-of-principle for personalized medicine and suggest that RHO expression requires precise control. Taken together, this study supports the clinical data indicating that adRP due to RHO-CNV develops due protein overexpression overloading the photoreceptor post-translational modification machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangeetha Kandoi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine & Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Cassandra Martinez
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine & Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kevin Xu Chen
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine & Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - L Vinod K. Reddy
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine & Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Brian C. Mansfield
- Section on Cellular Differentiation, Division of Translational Medicine, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Jacque L. Duncan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Deepak A. Lamba
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine & Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA
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5
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Wu KY, Kulbay M, Toameh D, Xu AQ, Kalevar A, Tran SD. Retinitis Pigmentosa: Novel Therapeutic Targets and Drug Development. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:685. [PMID: 36840007 PMCID: PMC9963330 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a heterogeneous group of hereditary diseases characterized by progressive degeneration of retinal photoreceptors leading to progressive visual decline. It is the most common type of inherited retinal dystrophy and has a high burden on both patients and society. This condition causes gradual loss of vision, with its typical manifestations including nyctalopia, concentric visual field loss, and ultimately bilateral central vision loss. It is one of the leading causes of visual disability and blindness in people under 60 years old and affects over 1.5 million people worldwide. There is currently no curative treatment for people with RP, and only a small group of patients with confirmed RPE65 mutations are eligible to receive the only gene therapy on the market: voretigene neparvovec. The current therapeutic armamentarium is limited to retinoids, vitamin A supplements, protection from sunlight, visual aids, and medical and surgical interventions to treat ophthalmic comorbidities, which only aim to slow down the progression of the disease. Considering such a limited therapeutic landscape, there is an urgent need for developing new and individualized therapeutic modalities targeting retinal degeneration. Although the heterogeneity of gene mutations involved in RP makes its target treatment development difficult, recent fundamental studies showed promising progress in elucidation of the photoreceptor degeneration mechanism. The discovery of novel molecule therapeutics that can selectively target specific receptors or specific pathways will serve as a solid foundation for advanced drug development. This article is a review of recent progress in novel treatment of RP focusing on preclinical stage fundamental research on molecular targets, which will serve as a starting point for advanced drug development. We will review the alterations in the molecular pathways involved in the development of RP, mainly those regarding endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptotic pathways, maintenance of the redox balance, and genomic stability. We will then discuss the therapeutic approaches under development, such as gene and cell therapy, as well as the recent literature identifying novel potential drug targets for RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Y. Wu
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1G 2E8, Canada
| | - Merve Kulbay
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Dana Toameh
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 2M1, Canada
| | - An Qi Xu
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Ananda Kalevar
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1G 2E8, Canada
| | - Simon D. Tran
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1G1, Canada
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Navarro-Calvo J, Esquiva G, Gómez-Vicente V, Valor LM. MicroRNAs in the Mouse Developing Retina. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032992. [PMID: 36769311 PMCID: PMC9918188 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032992] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The retina is among the highest organized tissues of the central nervous system. To achieve such organization, a finely tuned regulation of developmental processes is required to form the retinal layers that contain the specialized neurons and supporting glial cells to allow precise phototransduction. MicroRNAs are a class of small RNAs with undoubtful roles in fundamental biological processes, including neurodevelopment of the brain and the retina. This review provides a short overview of the most important findings regarding microRNAs in the regulation of retinal development, from the developmental-dependent rearrangement of the microRNA expression program to the key roles of particular microRNAs in the differentiation and maintenance of retinal cell subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Navarro-Calvo
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, ISABIAL, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Gema Esquiva
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Violeta Gómez-Vicente
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Luis M. Valor
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, ISABIAL, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-965-913-988
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John MC, Quinn J, Hu ML, Cehajic-Kapetanovic J, Xue K. Gene-agnostic therapeutic approaches for inherited retinal degenerations. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1068185. [PMID: 36710928 PMCID: PMC9881597 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1068185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are associated with mutations in over 250 genes and represent a major cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. While gene augmentation or gene editing therapies could address the underlying genetic mutations in a small subset of patients, their utility remains limited by the great genetic heterogeneity of IRDs and the costs of developing individualised therapies. Gene-agnostic therapeutic approaches target common pathogenic pathways that drive retinal degeneration or provide functional rescue of vision independent of the genetic cause, thus offering potential clinical benefits to all IRD patients. Here, we review the key gene-agnostic approaches, including retinal cell reprogramming and replacement, neurotrophic support, immune modulation and optogenetics. The relative benefits and limitations of these strategies and the timing of clinical interventions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly C. John
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Joel Quinn
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Monica L. Hu
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jasmina Cehajic-Kapetanovic
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kanmin Xue
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
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8
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Identification of Human Retinal Organoid Cell Differentiation-Related Genes via Single-Cell Sequencing Data Analysis. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:9717599. [PMID: 35979045 PMCID: PMC9377943 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9717599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective. To study the development process of the human retina, we analyzed the development track of main cell types and transitional cell populations, identifying the retinal organoid cell differentiation-related genes (RDRGs). Methods. Single-cell RNA sequencing data (scRNA-Seq) of human retinal organoids were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database in this study. Data were processed with quality analysis and analysis of variance. Principal component analysis and
-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding were used to conduct dimension reduction analysis and type annotation for the screened data. Marker genes and RDRGs were identified by differential analysis. Cell differentiation characteristics were determined by trajectory analysis. Enrichment pathways were analyzed by Gene Ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG), and functional modules were obtained by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Results. iPSCs were mainly located at the root of differentiation trajectory, while neurons and astrocytes were distributed in different branches, respectively. Meanwhile, 220 RDRGs were obtained. They were involved in the biological functions related to vision and visual development, as well as significantly enriched in signaling pathways associated with retinal vascular development and retinal neuroregulation. Protein-protein interaction network construction and functional subnetwork analysis were conducted on RDRGs, and two functional submodules were obtained. The enrichment analysis presented that the two submodules played a vital role in retinal development, visual perception, and cell respiration. Conclusions. This study identified RDRGs and revealed the biological functions involved in these genes, which are expected to provide evidence for researching retinal development and diseases.
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Bhattacharyya A. The detrimental effects of progression of retinal degeneration in the visual cortex. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:904175. [PMID: 35966197 PMCID: PMC9372284 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.904175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The leading cause of blindness in inherited and age-related retinal degeneration (RD) is the death of retinal photoreceptors such as rods and cones. The most prevalent form of RD is age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which affects the macula resulting in an irreversible loss of vision. The other is a heterogenous group of inherited disorders known as Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) caused by the progressive loss of photoreceptors. Several approaches have been developed in recent years to artificially stimulate the remaining retinal neurons using optogenetics, retinal prostheses, and chemical photoswitches. However, the outcome of these strategies has been limited. The success of these treatments relies on the morphology, physiology, and proper functioning of the remaining intact structures in the downstream visual pathway. It is not completely understood what all alterations occur in the visual cortex during RD. In this review, I will discuss the known information in the literature about morphological and functional changes that occur in the visual cortex in rodents and humans during RD. The aim is to highlight the changes in the visual cortex that will be helpful for developing tools and strategies directed toward the restoration of high-resolution vision in patients with visual impairment.
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Connor B, Titialii-Torres K, Rockenhaus AE, Passamonte S, Morris AC, Lee YS. Biliverdin regulates NR2E3 and zebrafish retinal photoreceptor development. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7310. [PMID: 35508617 PMCID: PMC9068610 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11502-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
NR2E3 is an orphan nuclear receptor whose loss-of-function causes abnormal retinal photoreceptor development and degeneration. However, despite that many nuclear receptors are regulated by binding of small molecule ligands, biological small molecule ligands regulating NR2E3 have not been identified. Identification of an endogenous NR2E3 ligand might reveal a previously unrecognized component contributing to retinal development and maintenance. Here we report that biliverdin, a conserved green pigment from heme catabolism, regulates NR2E3 and is necessary for zebrafish retinal photoreceptor development. Biliverdin from retinal extracts specifically bound to NR2E3’s ligand-binding domain and induced NR2E3-dependent reporter gene expression. Inhibition of biliverdin synthesis decreased photoreceptor cell populations in zebrafish larvae, and this phenotype was alleviated by exogenously supplied biliverdin. Thus, biliverdin is an endogenous small molecule ligand for NR2E3 and a component necessary for the proper development of photoreceptor cells. This result suggests a possible role of heme metabolism in the regulation of retinal photoreceptor cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blaine Connor
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | | | - Abigail E Rockenhaus
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Samuel Passamonte
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Ann C Morris
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Young-Sam Lee
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
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Liu W, Liu S, Li P, Yao K. Retinitis Pigmentosa: Progress in Molecular Pathology and Biotherapeutical Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094883. [PMID: 35563274 PMCID: PMC9101511 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is genetically heterogeneous retinopathy caused by photoreceptor cell death and retinal pigment epithelial atrophy that eventually results in blindness in bilateral eyes. Various photoreceptor cell death types and pathological phenotypic changes that have been disclosed in RP demand in-depth research of its pathogenic mechanism that may account for inter-patient heterogeneous responses to mainstream drug treatment. As the primary method for studying the genetic characteristics of RP, molecular biology has been widely used in disease diagnosis and clinical trials. Current technology iterations, such as gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and optogenetics, are advancing towards precise diagnosis and clinical applications. Specifically, technologies, such as effective delivery vectors, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and iPSC-based cell transplantation, hasten the pace of personalized precision medicine in RP. The combination of conventional therapy and state-of-the-art medication is promising in revolutionizing RP treatment strategies. This article provides an overview of the latest research on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of retinitis pigmentosa, aiming for a convenient reference of what has been achieved so far.
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12
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Wilson D, Hallett M, Anderson T. An Eye on Movement Disorders. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2021; 8:1168-1180. [PMID: 34765682 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Eye disorders spanning a range of ocular tissue are common in patients with movement disorders. Highlighting these ocular manifestations will benefit patients and may even aid in diagnosis. In this educational review we outline the anatomy and function of the ocular tissues with a focus on the tissues most affected in movement disorders. We review the movement disorders associated with ocular pathology and where possible explore the underlying cellular basis thought to be driving the pathology and provide a brief overview of ophthalmic investigations available to the neurologist. This review does not cover intracranial primary visual pathways, higher visual function, or the ocular motor system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan Wilson
- Department of Neurology Christchurch Hospital Christchurch New Zealand.,New Zealand Brain Research Institute Christchurch New Zealand
| | - Mark Hallett
- Human Motor Control Section, NINDS, NIH Bethesda Maryland USA
| | - Tim Anderson
- Department of Neurology Christchurch Hospital Christchurch New Zealand.,New Zealand Brain Research Institute Christchurch New Zealand.,Department of Medicine Otago University Dunedin New Zealand
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13
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Ramkumar S, Parmar VM, Samuels I, Berger NA, Jastrzebska B, von Lintig J. The vitamin a transporter STRA6 adjusts the stoichiometry of chromophore and opsins in visual pigment synthesis and recycling. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 31:548-560. [PMID: 34508587 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium of the vertebrate eyes acquires vitamin A from circulating retinol binding protein for chromophore biosynthesis. The chromophore covalently links with an opsin protein in the adjacent photoreceptors of the retina to form the bipartite visual pigment complexes. We here analyzed visual pigment biosynthesis in mice deficient for the retinol binding protein receptor STRA6. We observed that chromophore content was decreased throughout the life cycle of these animals, indicating that lipoprotein-dependent delivery pathways for the vitamin cannot substitute for STRA6. Changes in the expression of photoreceptor marker genes, including a down-regulation of the genes encoding rod and cone opsins, paralleled the decrease in ocular retinoid concentration in STRA6-deficient mice. Despite this adaptation, cone photoreceptors displayed absent or mislocalized opsins at all ages examined. Rod photoreceptors entrapped the available chromophore but exhibited significant amounts of chromophore-free opsins in the dark-adapted stage. Treatment of mice with pharmacological doses of vitamin A ameliorated the rod phenotype but did not restore visual pigment synthesis in cone photoreceptors of STRA6-deficient mice. The imbalance between chromophore and opsin concentrations of rod and cone photoreceptors was associated with an unfavorable retinal physiology, including diminished electrical responses of photoreceptors to light, and retinal degeneration during aging. Together, our study demonstrates that STRA6 is critical to adjust the stoichiometry of chromophore and opsins in rod cone photoreceptors and to prevent pathologies associated with ocular vitamin A deprivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivasagan Ramkumar
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, 44106, OH, USA
| | - Vipul M Parmar
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, 44106, OH, USA
| | - Ivy Samuels
- Northeast Ohio VA Healthcare System, Cleveland, 44106, OH, USA
| | - Nathan A Berger
- Center for Science, Health and Society, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, 44106, OH, USA.,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, 44106, OH, USA
| | - Beata Jastrzebska
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, 44106, OH, USA.,Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, 44106, OH, USA
| | - Johannes von Lintig
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, 44106, OH, USA
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14
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Friesacher A, Lopez Torres LT, Valmaggia C, Rüesch R, Todorova MG. Linking the Presence of Macular Oedema to Structural and Functional Alterations in Retinitis Pigmentosa. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2021; 238:418-427. [PMID: 33853187 DOI: 10.1055/a-1389-5416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between the central retinal thickness (CRT), the retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFL), and the functional alterations in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients. METHODS Forty-three patients with typical RP and nineteen age-matched controls, who underwent SD-OCT (macular and optic disc OCT protocols) and electrophysiology, were included. The RP group was divided into two subgroups: with clinical appearance of macular oedema (ME-RP; 30 eyes) and without macular oedema (no-ME; 44 eyes). Central retinal thickness OCT data were averaged in three zones (zone 1 [0°-3°], zone 2 [3°-8°], and zone 3 [8°-15°]) and were evaluated in relation to the RNFL thickness and electrophysiological data. RESULTS The ME-RP group showed increased CRT (zone 1) and RNFL thickness compared to the controls and no-ME-RP (p ≤ 0.002). The no-ME-RP group had reduced CRT thickness (all zones; p ≤ 0.018) compared to the controls and ME-RP, whereas the RNFL thickness in the no-ME-RP group was reduced only compared to the ME-RP group (p < 0.001). The ME-RP group showed significantly more attenuated functional responses than the no-ME-RP patients. A significant positive interaction was found between the CRT (zones 1 and 2) and the RNFL thickness within ME-RP (p ≤ 0.010). Significant negative interactions were found between CRT, RNFL thickness, and functional findings within ME-RP (p ≤ 0.049). CONCLUSION The presence of macular oedema correlated well with increased RNFL thickness and residual function in RP patients. Such association provides evidence of an underlying transneuronal mechanism of retinal degeneration. Simultaneous monitoring of CRT and RNFL thickness may help in the future to evaluate the progression of the disease and the efficacy of treatments in RP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Friesacher
- Department of Ophthalmology (Chairman Prof. Dr. med. Ch. Valmaggia), Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.,Department of Ophthalmology (Chairman Prof. Dr. med. H. Scholl), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lisette T Lopez Torres
- Department of Ophthalmology (Chairman Prof. Dr. med. H. Scholl), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Valmaggia
- Department of Ophthalmology (Chairman Prof. Dr. med. Ch. Valmaggia), Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.,Department of Ophthalmology (Chairman Prof. Dr. med. H. Scholl), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Reinhard Rüesch
- Department of Ophthalmology (Chairman Prof. Dr. med. Ch. Valmaggia), Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Margarita G Todorova
- Department of Ophthalmology (Chairman Prof. Dr. med. Ch. Valmaggia), Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.,Department of Ophthalmology (Chairman Prof. Dr. med. H. Scholl), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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15
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Hopper RG, Montiani-Ferreira F, da Silva Pereira J, Fritz MC, Ruggiero VJ, Sapienza JS, Kato K, Komáromy AM. Presumed neuroprotective therapies prescribed by veterinary ophthalmologists for canine degenerative retinal and optic nerve diseases. Vet Ophthalmol 2021; 24:229-239. [PMID: 33682296 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate veterinary ophthalmologists' use of presumed neuroprotective therapies for degenerative retinal and optic nerve diseases in dogs. PROCEDURES An online survey was sent to 663 board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists who were Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO), Asian College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (AiCVO), Latin American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (Colegio Latinoamericano de Oftalmólogos Veterinarios, CLOVE), or European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ECVO). The survey was created using Qualtrics® software and focused on the prescription of presumed neuroprotective treatments for canine glaucoma, sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and retinal detachment (RD). RESULTS A total of 165 completed surveys were received, representing an overall response rate of 25%, which was comparable across the four specialty colleges. Of all respondents, 140/165 (85%) prescribed some form of presumed neuroprotective therapies at least once in the last five years: 114/165 (69%) for glaucoma, 51/165 (31%) for SARDS, 116/165 (70%) for PRA, and 50/165 (30%) for RD. The three most recommended neuroprotective reagents were the commercial Ocu-GLO™ Vision Supplement for animals, amlodipine, and human eye supplements. CONCLUSIONS Despite lack of published clinical efficacy data, the majority of surveyed board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists previously prescribed a presumed neuroprotective therapy at least once in the last five years in dogs with degenerative retinal and optic nerve diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan G Hopper
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | | | - Jorge da Silva Pereira
- Center of Studies, Research, and Veterinary Ophthalmology (CEPOV), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Michele C Fritz
- Office of Academic Programs, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Vickie J Ruggiero
- Office of Academic Programs, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | | | | | - András M Komáromy
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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16
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Cortical Contrast Processing in Retinitis Pigmentosa: Evidence of PVEPs Spatial Functions. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2020; 10:1010-1019. [PMID: 34542432 PMCID: PMC8314316 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe10040071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the effect of check width size of the stimuli on the amplitude and latency of the P100 component of visual evoked potentials recorded in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). METHODS Pattern reversal visual evoked potentials (PVEPs) were recorded in 16 RP patients and 20 visually normal subjects. Pattern reversal stimuli with five different check widths and 100% of contrast were projected in the right eye of both patients and control subjects. PVEPs induced by stimuli with 78%, 16%, and 6% of contrast were also recorded in 10 of the control subjects. RESULTS In RP patients, the amplitude of P100 was smaller than controls in all check sized used and the peak P100 amplitude was obtained with a larger check width than in controls. P100 was also delayed in RP patients in all check sizes studied. The P100 amplitude- and latency-check size functions of RP patients were like those found in control subjects with low contrast stimuli of 16% and 6%. CONCLUSION The PVEPs spatial functions of RP patients show quantitative and qualitative changes, suggesting disease induced alteration in the neural processing of stimulus contrast.
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