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Stehle IF, Imventarza JA, Woerz F, Hoffmann F, Boldt K, Beyer T, Quinn PM, Ueffing M. Human CRB1 and CRB2 form homo- and heteromeric protein complexes in the retina. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302440. [PMID: 38570189 PMCID: PMC10992996 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Crumbs homolog 1 (CRB1) is one of the key genes linked to retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis, which are characterized by a high clinical heterogeneity. The Crumbs family member CRB2 has a similar protein structure to CRB1, and in zebrafish, Crb2 has been shown to interact through the extracellular domain. Here, we show that CRB1 and CRB2 co-localize in the human retina and human iPSC-derived retinal organoids. In retina-specific pull-downs, CRB1 was enriched in CRB2 samples, supporting a CRB1-CRB2 interaction. Furthermore, novel interactors of the crumbs complex were identified, representing a retina-derived protein interaction network. Using co-immunoprecipitation, we further demonstrate that human canonical CRB1 interacts with CRB1 and CRB2, but not with CRB3, which lacks an extracellular domain. Next, we explored how missense mutations in the extracellular domain affect CRB1-CRB2 interactions. We observed no or a mild loss of CRB1-CRB2 interaction, when interrogating various CRB1 or CRB2 missense mutants in vitro. Taken together, our results show a stable interaction of human canonical CRB2 and CRB1 in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel F Stehle
- https://ror.org/03a1kwz48 Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Joel A Imventarza
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University; New York, NY, USA
| | - Franziska Woerz
- https://ror.org/03a1kwz48 Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Felix Hoffmann
- https://ror.org/03a1kwz48 Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Karsten Boldt
- https://ror.org/03a1kwz48 Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tina Beyer
- https://ror.org/03a1kwz48 Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Peter Mj Quinn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University; New York, NY, USA
| | - Marius Ueffing
- https://ror.org/03a1kwz48 Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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2
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Le N, Vu TD, Palazzo I, Pulya R, Kim Y, Blackshaw S, Hoang T. Robust reprogramming of glia into neurons by inhibition of Notch signaling and NFI factors in adult mammalian retina. bioRxiv 2023:2023.10.29.560483. [PMID: 37961663 PMCID: PMC10634926 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.29.560483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Generation of neurons through direct reprogramming has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases. Despite successful applications in vitro , in vivo implementation has been hampered by low efficiency. In this study, we present a highly efficient strategy for reprogramming retinal glial cells into neurons by simultaneously inhibiting key negative regulators. By suppressing Notch signaling through the removal of its central mediator Rbpj, we induced mature Müller glial cells to reprogram into bipolar and amacrine neurons in uninjured adult mouse retinas, and observed that this effect was further enhanced by retinal injury. We found that specific loss of function of Notch1 and Notch2 receptors in Müller glia mimicked the effect of Rbpj deletion on Müller glia-derived neurogenesis. Integrated analysis of multiome (scRNA- and scATAC-seq) and CUT&Tag data revealed that Rbpj directly activates Notch effector genes and genes specific to mature Müller glia while also indirectly represses the expression of neurogenic bHLH factors. Furthermore, we found that combined loss of function of Rbpj and Nfia/b/x resulted in a robust conversion of nearly all Müller glia to neurons. Finally, we demonstrated that inducing Müller glial proliferation by AAV (adeno-associated virus)-mediated overexpression of dominant- active Yap supports efficient levels of Müller glia-derived neurogenesis in both Rbpj - and Nfia/b/x/Rbpj - deficient Müller glia. These findings demonstrate that, much like in zebrafish, Notch signaling actively represses neurogenic competence in mammalian Müller glia, and suggest that inhibition of Notch signaling and Nfia/b/x in combination with overexpression of activated Yap could serve as an effective component of regenerative therapies for degenerative retinal diseases.
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3
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Eastlake K, Luis J, Wang W, Lamb W, Khaw PT, Limb GA. Transcriptomics of CD29 +/CD44 + cells isolated from hPSC retinal organoids reveals a single cell population with retinal progenitor and Müller glia characteristics. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5081. [PMID: 36977817 PMCID: PMC10050419 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32058-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Müller glia play very important and diverse roles in retinal homeostasis and disease. Although much is known of the physiological and morphological properties of mammalian Müller glia, there is still the need to further understand the profile of these cells during human retinal development. Using human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal organoids, we investigated the transcriptomic profiles of CD29+/CD44+ cells isolated from early and late stages of organoid development. Data showed that these cells express classic markers of retinal progenitors and Müller glia, including NFIX, RAX, PAX6, VSX2, HES1, WNT2B, SOX, NR2F1/2, ASCL1 and VIM, as early as days 10-20 after initiation of retinal differentiation. Expression of genes upregulated in CD29+/CD44+ cells isolated at later stages of organoid development (days 50-90), including NEUROG1, VSX2 and ASCL1 were gradually increased as retinal organoid maturation progressed. Based on the current observations that CD24+/CD44+ cells share the characteristics of early and late-stage retinal progenitors as well as of mature Müller glia, we propose that these cells constitute a single cell population that upon exposure to developmental cues regulates its gene expression to adapt to functions exerted by Müller glia in the postnatal and mature retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Eastlake
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.
| | - Joshua Luis
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Weixin Wang
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - William Lamb
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Peng T Khaw
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - G Astrid Limb
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.
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Guo CJ, Cao XL, Zhang YF, Yue KY, Han J, Yan H, Han H, Zheng MH. Exosome-mediated inhibition of microRNA-449a promotes the amplification of mouse retinal progenitor cells and enhances their transplantation in retinal degeneration mouse models. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids 2023; 31:763-778. [PMID: 36937621 PMCID: PMC10020531 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Inherited and age-related retinal degenerations are the commonest causes of blindness without effective treatments. Retinal progenitor cells (RPCs), which have the multipotency to differentiate into various retinal cell types, are regarded as a promising source of cell transplantation therapy for retinal degenerative diseases. However, the self-limited expansion of RPCs causes difficulty in cell source supply and restrict its clinical treatment. In this work, we found that inhibition of microRNA-449a (miR-449a) in RPCs can promote proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of RPCs, partially through upregulating Notch signaling. Further optimization of transduction miR-449a inhibitor into RPCs by endothelial cell-derived exosomes can promote the survival of RPCs transplanted in vivo and reduce cell apoptosis in retinal degeneration mouse models. In summary, these studies have shown that exosome-miR-449a inhibitor can effectively promote the expansion of RPCs in vitro and enhance transplanted RPCs survival in vivo, which might provide a novel intervention strategy for retinal degenerations in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Jun Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710038, Shaanxi, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiu Li Cao
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu Fei Zhang
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kang Yi Yue
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jing Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hong Yan
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi’an People’s Hospital (Xi’an Fourth Hospital), Affiliated Guangren Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hua Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, Shaanxi, China
- Corresponding author: Hua Han, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Chang-Le Xi Street #169, Xi’an 710032, China.
| | - Min Hua Zheng
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, Shaanxi, China
- Corresponding author: Min-Hua Zheng, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China.
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Kulesh B, Bozadjian R, Parisi RJ, Leong SA, Kautzman AG, Reese BE, Keeley PW. Quantitative trait loci on chromosomes 9 and 19 modulate AII amacrine cell number in the mouse retina. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1078168. [PMID: 36816119 PMCID: PMC9932814 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1078168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sequence variants modulating gene function or expression affect various heritable traits, including the number of neurons within a population. The present study employed a forward-genetic approach to identify candidate causal genes and their sequence variants controlling the number of one type of retinal neuron, the AII amacrine cell. Data from twenty-six recombinant inbred (RI) strains of mice derived from the parental C57BL/6J (B6/J) and A/J laboratory strains were used to identify genomic loci regulating cell number. Large variation in cell number is present across the RI strains, from a low of ∼57,000 cells to a high of ∼87,000 cells. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis revealed three prospective controlling genomic loci, on Chromosomes (Chrs) 9, 11, and 19, each contributing additive effects that together approach the range of variation observed. Composite interval mapping validated two of these loci, and chromosome substitution strains, in which the A/J genome for Chr 9 or 19 was introgressed on a B6/J genetic background, showed increased numbers of AII amacrine cells as predicted by those two QTL effects. Analysis of the respective genomic loci identified candidate controlling genes defined by their retinal expression, their established biological functions, and by the presence of sequence variants expected to modulate gene function or expression. Two candidate genes, Dtx4 on Chr 19, being a regulator of Notch signaling, and Dixdc1 on Chr 9, a modulator of the WNT-β-catenin signaling pathway, were explored in further detail. Postnatal overexpression of Dtx4 was found to reduce the frequency of amacrine cells, while Dixdc1 knockout retinas contained an excess of AII amacrine cells. Sequence variants in each gene were identified, being the likely sources of variation in gene expression, ultimately contributing to the final number of AII amacrine cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Kulesh
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Rachel Bozadjian
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Ryan J. Parisi
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Stephanie A. Leong
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Amanda G. Kautzman
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Benjamin E. Reese
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Patrick W. Keeley
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
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Gupta S, Sharma P, Chaudhary M, Premraj S, Kaur S, Vijayan V, Arun MG, Prasad NG, Ramachandran R. Pten associates with important gene regulatory network to fine-tune Müller glia-mediated zebrafish retina regeneration. Glia 2023; 71:259-283. [PMID: 36128720 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Unlike mammals, zebrafish possess a remarkable ability to regenerate damaged retina after an acute injury. Retina regeneration in zebrafish involves the induction of Müller glia-derived progenitor cells (MGPCs) exhibiting stem cell-like characteristics, which are capable of restoring all retinal cell-types. The induction of MGPC through Müller glia-reprograming involves several cellular, genetic and biochemical events soon after a retinal injury. Despite the knowledge on the importance of Phosphatase and tensin homolog (Pten), which is a dual-specificity phosphatase and tumor suppressor in the maintaining of cellular homeostasis, its importance during retina regeneration remains unknown. Here, we explored the importance of Pten during zebrafish retina regeneration. The Pten gets downregulated upon retinal injury and is absent from the MGPCs, which is essential to trigger Akt-mediated cellular proliferation essential for retina regeneration. We found that the downregulation of Pten in the post-injury retina accelerates MGPCs formation, while its overexpression restricts the regenerative response. We observed that Pten regulates the proliferation of MGPCs not only through Akt pathway but also by Mmp9/Notch signaling. Mmp9-activity is essential to induce the proliferation of MGPCs in the absence of Pten. Lastly, we show that expression of Pten is fine-tuned through Mycb/histone deacetylase1 and Tgf-β signaling. The present study emphasizes on the stringent regulation of Pten and its crucial involvement during the zebrafish retina regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivangi Gupta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Poonam Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Mansi Chaudhary
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Sharanya Premraj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Simran Kaur
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Vijithkumar Vijayan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Manas Geeta Arun
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Nagaraj Guru Prasad
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Rajesh Ramachandran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Punjab, India
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7
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Jin M, Zhang H, Xu B, Li Y, Qin H, Yu S, He J. Jag2b-Notch3/1b-mediated neuron-to-glia crosstalk controls retinal gliogenesis. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e54922. [PMID: 36047082 PMCID: PMC9535768 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202254922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In the developing central nervous systems (CNS), neural progenitor cells generate neurons and glia in sequential order. However, the influence of neurons on glia generation remains elusive. Here, we report that photoreceptor cell-derived Jag2b is required for Notch-dependent Müller glia (MG) generation in the developing zebrafish retina. In jab2b-/- mutants, differentiating MGs are re-specified into lineage-related bipolar neuron fate at the expense of mature MG. Single-cell transcriptome analysis and knock-in animals reveal that jab2b is specifically expressed in crx+ -photoreceptor cells during MG generation. Crx promoter-driven jag2b, but not other Notch ligands, is sufficient to rescue the loss of MGs observed in jag2b-/- mutants. Furthermore, we observe a severe and moderate decrease in the number of MGs in notch3-/- and notch1b-/- mutants, respectively, and the activation of Notch3 or Notch1b rescues the MG loss in jag2b-/- mutants. Together, our findings reveal that the interaction of Jag2b and Notch3/Notch1b mediates the crosstalk between neurons and glial cells to ensure the irreversible differentiation of MG, providing novel mechanistic insights into the temporal specification of glial cell fate in a developing vertebrate CNS structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Jin
- State Key Laboratory of NeuroscienceInstitute of NeuroscienceCenter for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of NeuroscienceInstitute of NeuroscienceCenter for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Baijie Xu
- State Key Laboratory of NeuroscienceInstitute of NeuroscienceCenter for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yanan Li
- State Key Laboratory of NeuroscienceInstitute of NeuroscienceCenter for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Huiwen Qin
- State Key Laboratory of NeuroscienceInstitute of NeuroscienceCenter for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Shuguang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of NeuroscienceInstitute of NeuroscienceCenter for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jie He
- State Key Laboratory of NeuroscienceInstitute of NeuroscienceCenter for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain‐Inspired Intelligence TechnologyShanghaiChina
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Xin Y, Lyu P, Jiang J, Zhou F, Wang J, Blackshaw S, Qian J. LRLoop: a method to predict feedback loops in cell-cell communication. Bioinformatics 2022; 38:4117-4126. [PMID: 35788263 PMCID: PMC9438954 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btac447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Intercellular communication (i.e. cell-cell communication) plays an essential role in multicellular organisms coordinating various biological processes. Previous studies discovered that feedback loops between two cell types are a widespread and vital signaling motif regulating development, regeneration and cancer progression. While many computational methods have been developed to predict cell-cell communication based on gene expression datasets, these methods often predict one-directional ligand-receptor interactions from sender to receiver cells and are not suitable to identify feedback loops. RESULTS Here, we describe ligand-receptor loop (LRLoop), a new method for analyzing cell-cell communication based on bi-directional ligand-receptor interactions, where two pairs of ligand-receptor interactions are identified that are responsive to each other and thereby form a closed feedback loop. We first assessed LRLoop using bulk datasets and found our method significantly reduces the false positive rate seen with existing methods. Furthermore, we developed a new strategy to assess the performance of these methods in single-cell datasets. We used the between-tissue interactions as an indicator of potential false-positive prediction and found that LRLoop produced a lower fraction of between-tissue interactions than traditional methods. Finally, we applied LRLoop to the single-cell datasets obtained from retinal development. We discovered many new bi-directional ligand-receptor interactions among individual cell types that potentially control proliferation, neurogenesis and/or cell fate specification. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION An R package is available at https://github.com/Pinlyu3/LRLoop. The source code can be found at figshare (https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.20126138.v1). The datasets can be found at figshare (https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.20126021.v1). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Junyao Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Fengquan Zhou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA,Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Jie Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA,Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Jiang Qian
- To whom correspondence should be addressed.
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Hanna J, David LA, Touahri Y, Fleming T, Screaton RA, Schuurmans C. Beyond Genetics: The Role of Metabolism in Photoreceptor Survival, Development and Repair. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:887764. [PMID: 35663397 PMCID: PMC9157592 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.887764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vision commences in the retina with rod and cone photoreceptors that detect and convert light to electrical signals. The irreversible loss of photoreceptors due to neurodegenerative disease leads to visual impairment and blindness. Interventions now in development include transplanting photoreceptors, committed photoreceptor precursors, or retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, with the latter protecting photoreceptors from dying. However, introducing exogenous human cells in a clinical setting faces both regulatory and supply chain hurdles. Recent work has shown that abnormalities in central cell metabolism pathways are an underlying feature of most neurodegenerative disorders, including those in the retina. Reversal of key metabolic alterations to drive retinal repair thus represents a novel strategy to treat vision loss based on cell regeneration. Here, we review the connection between photoreceptor degeneration and alterations in cell metabolism, along with new insights into how metabolic reprogramming drives both retinal development and repair following damage. The potential impact of metabolic reprogramming on retinal regeneration is also discussed, specifically in the context of how metabolic switches drive both retinal development and the activation of retinal glial cells known as Müller glia. Müller glia display latent regenerative properties in teleost fish, however, their capacity to regenerate new photoreceptors has been lost in mammals. Thus, re-activating the regenerative properties of Müller glia in mammals represents an exciting new area that integrates research into developmental cues, central metabolism, disease mechanisms, and glial cell biology. In addition, we discuss this work in relation to the latest insights gleaned from other tissues (brain, muscle) and regenerative species (zebrafish).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Hanna
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Luke Ajay David
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yacine Touahri
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Taylor Fleming
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert A. Screaton
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carol Schuurmans
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Carol Schuurmans,
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10
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Hirano KI, Hosokawa H, Yahata T, Ando K, Tanaka M, Imai J, Yazawa M, Ohtsuka M, Negishi N, Habu S, Sato T, Hozumi K. Dll1 Can Function as a Ligand of Notch1 and Notch2 in the Thymic Epithelium. Front Immunol 2022; 13:852427. [PMID: 35371023 PMCID: PMC8968733 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.852427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell development in the thymus is dependent on Notch signaling induced by the interaction of Notch1, present on immigrant cells, with a Notch ligand, delta-like (Dll) 4, on the thymic epithelial cells. Phylogenetic analysis characterizing the properties of the Dll4 molecule suggests that Dll4 emerged from the common ancestor of lobe- and ray-finned fishes and diverged into bony fishes and terrestrial organisms, including mammals. The thymus evolved in cartilaginous fishes before Dll4, suggesting that T-cell development in cartilaginous fishes is dependent on Dll1 instead of Dll4. In this study, we compared the function of both Dll molecules in the thymic epithelium using Foxn1-cre and Dll4-floxed mice with conditional transgenic alleles in which the Dll1 or Dll4 gene is transcribed after the cre-mediated excision of the stop codon. The expression of Dll1 in the thymic epithelium completely restored the defect in the Dll4-deficient condition, suggesting that Dll1 can trigger Notch signaling that is indispensable for T-cell development in the thymus. Moreover, using bone marrow chimeras with Notch1- or Notch2-deficient hematopoietic cells, we showed that Dll1 is able to activate Notch signaling, which is sufficient to induce T-cell development, with both the receptors, in contrast to Dll4, which works only with Notch1, in the thymic environment. These results strongly support the hypothesis that Dll1 regulates T-cell development via Notch1 and/or Notch2 in the thymus of cartilaginous fishes and that Dll4 has replaced Dll1 in inducing thymic Notch signaling via Notch1 during evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken-ichi Hirano
- Department of Immunology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Hosokawa
- Department of Immunology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokai University, Isehara, Japan
| | - Takashi Yahata
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokai University, Isehara, Japan
- Department of Innovative Medical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Ando
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokai University, Isehara, Japan
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Masayuki Tanaka
- Support Center of Medical Research and Education, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Jin Imai
- Divison of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Masaki Yazawa
- Department of Immunology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Masato Ohtsuka
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokai University, Isehara, Japan
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Naoko Negishi
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sonoko Habu
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehito Sato
- Department of Immunology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Katsuto Hozumi
- Department of Immunology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
- *Correspondence: Katsuto Hozumi,
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11
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Dhamodaran K, Baidouri H, Nartey A, Staverosky J, Keller K, Acott T, Vranka J, Raghunathan V. Endogenous expression of Notch pathway molecules in human trabecular meshwork cells. Exp Eye Res 2022; 216:108935. [PMID: 35033558 PMCID: PMC8885976 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.108935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cells in the trabecular meshwork sense and respond to a myriad of physical forces through a process known as mechanotransduction. Whilst the effect of substratum stiffness or stretch on TM cells have been investigated in the context of transforming growth factor (TGF-β), Wnt and YAP/TAZ pathways, the role of Notch signaling, an evolutionarily conserved pathway, recently implicated in mechanotransduction, has not been investigated in trabecular meshwork (TM) cells. Here, we compare the endogenous expression of Notch pathway molecules in TM cells from glaucomatous and non-glaucomatous donors, segmental flow regions, and when subjected to cyclical strain, or grown on hydrogels of varying rigidity. METHODS Primary TM from glaucomatous (GTM), non-glaucomatous (NTM) donors, and from segmental flow regions [high flow (HF), low flow (LF)], were utilized between passages 2-6. Cells were (i) plated on tissue culture plastic, (ii) subjected to cyclical strain (6 h and 24 h), or (iii) cultured on 3 kPa and 80 kPa hydrogels. mRNA levels of Notch receptors/ligands/effectors in the TM cells was determined by qRT-PCR. Phagocytosis was determined as a function of substratum stiffness in NTM-HF/LF cells in the presence or absence of 100 nM Dexamethasone treatment. RESULTS Innate expression of Notch pathway genes were significantly overexpressed in GTM cells with no discernible differences observed between HF/LF cells in either NTM or GTM cells cultured on plastic substrates. With 6 h of cyclical strain, a subset of Notch pathway genes presented with altered expression. Expression of Notch receptors/ligands/receptors/inhibitors progressively declined with increasing stiffness and this correlated with phagocytic ability of NTM cells. Dexamethasone treatment decreased phagocytosis regardless of stiffness or cells isolated from segmental outflow regions. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate here that the Notch expression in cultured TM cells differ intrinsically between GTM vs NTM, and by substratum cues (cyclical strain and stiffness). Of import, the most apparent differences in gene expression were observed as a function of substratum stiffness which closely followed phagocytic ability of cells. Interestingly, on soft substrates (mimicking normal TM stiffness) Notch expression and phagocytosis was highest, while both expression and phagocytosis was significantly lower on stiffer substrates (mimicking glaucomatous stiffness) regardless of DEX treatment. Such context dependent changes suggest Notch pathway may play differing roles in disease vs homeostasis. Studies focused on understanding the mechanistic role of Notch (if any) in outflow homeostasis are thus warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamesh Dhamodaran
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hasna Baidouri
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andrews Nartey
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Julia Staverosky
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kate Keller
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Ted Acott
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Janice Vranka
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - VijayKrishna Raghunathan
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA,Correspondence should be sent to: VijayKrishna Raghunathan, Ph.D., University of Houston, College of Optometry, 4901 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX, 77204, Phone: (713)-743-8331,
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12
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Boudreau-Pinsonneault C, Cayouette M. Cell reprogramming: Nature does it too. Curr Biol 2021; 31:R1434-R1437. [PMID: 34752770 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cell reprogramming is generally considered an artificially induced event. Excitingly, a new study shows that post-mitotic cell reprogramming occurs naturally in the developing fish retina, uncovering a mechanism involved in the generation of cell diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michel Cayouette
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
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13
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Conedera FM, Pousa AMQ, Mercader N, Tschopp M, Enzmann V. The TGFβ/Notch axis facilitates Müller cell-to-epithelial transition to ultimately form a chronic glial scar. Mol Neurodegener 2021; 16:69. [PMID: 34593012 PMCID: PMC8482586 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-021-00482-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Contrasting with zebrafish, retinal regeneration from Müller cells (MCs) is largely limited in mammals, where they undergo reactive gliosis that consist of a hypertrophic response and ultimately results in vision loss. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is essential for wound healing, including both scar formation and regeneration. However, targeting TGFβ may affect other physiological mechanisms, owing its pleiotropic nature. The regulation of various cellular activities by TGFβ relies on its interaction with other pathways including Notch. Here, we explore the interplay of TGFβ with Notch and how this regulates MC response to injury in zebrafish and mice. Furthermore, we aimed to characterize potential similarities between murine and human MCs during chronic reactive gliosis. Methods Focal damage to photoreceptors was induced with a 532 nm diode laser in TgBAC (gfap:gfap-GFP) zebrafish (ZF) and B6-Tg (Rlbp1-GFP) mice. Transcriptomics, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry were employed for a comparative analysis of MC response to laser-induced injury between ZF and mouse. The laser-induced injury was paired with pharmacological treatments to inhibit either Notch (DAPT) or TGFβ (Pirfenidone) or TGFβ/Notch interplay (SIS3). To determine if the murine laser-induced injury model translates to the human system, we compared the ensuing MC response to human donors with early retinal degeneration. Results Investigations into injury-induced changes in murine MCs revealed TGFβ/Notch interplay during reactive gliosis. We found that TGFβ1/2 and Notch1/2 interact via Smad3 to reprogram murine MCs towards an epithelial lineage and ultimately to form a glial scar. Similar to what we observed in mice, we confirmed the epithelial phenotype of human Müller cells during gliotic response. Conclusion The study indicates a pivotal role for TGFβ/Notch interplay in tuning MC stemness during injury response and provides novel insights into the remodeling mechanism during retinal degenerative diseases. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13024-021-00482-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Maria Conedera
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Advanced Microscopy Program, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ana Maria Quintela Pousa
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nadia Mercader
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Markus Tschopp
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Ophthalmology, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Volker Enzmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. .,Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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14
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Wagstaff EL, Heredero Berzal A, Boon CJF, Quinn PMJ, ten Asbroek ALMA, Bergen AA. The Role of Small Molecules and Their Effect on the Molecular Mechanisms of Early Retinal Organoid Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7081. [PMID: 34209272 PMCID: PMC8268497 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Early in vivo embryonic retinal development is a well-documented and evolutionary conserved process. The specification towards eye development is temporally controlled by consecutive activation or inhibition of multiple key signaling pathways, such as the Wnt and hedgehog signaling pathways. Recently, with the use of retinal organoids, researchers aim to manipulate these pathways to achieve better human representative models for retinal development and disease. To achieve this, a plethora of different small molecules and signaling factors have been used at various time points and concentrations in retinal organoid differentiations, with varying success. Additions differ from protocol to protocol, but their usefulness or efficiency has not yet been systematically reviewed. Interestingly, many of these small molecules affect the same and/or multiple pathways, leading to reduced reproducibility and high variability between studies. In this review, we make an inventory of the key signaling pathways involved in early retinogenesis and their effect on the development of the early retina in vitro. Further, we provide a comprehensive overview of the small molecules and signaling factors that are added to retinal organoid differentiation protocols, documenting the molecular and functional effects of these additions. Lastly, we comparatively evaluate several of these factors using our established retinal organoid methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie L. Wagstaff
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Andrea Heredero Berzal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.H.B.); (C.J.F.B.)
| | - Camiel J. F. Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.H.B.); (C.J.F.B.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter M. J. Quinn
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology & Cell Biology, Institute of Human Nutrition, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center—New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | | | - Arthur A. Bergen
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.H.B.); (C.J.F.B.)
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN-KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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15
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Kassumeh S, Priglinger SG, Ohlmann A. Norrin mediates opposing effects on tumor progression of glioblastoma stem cells. J Clin Invest 2021; 130:2814-2815. [PMID: 32391807 DOI: 10.1172/jci137254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common human brain cancer entity and is maintained by a glioblastoma stem cell (GSC) subpopulation. In this issue of the JCI, El-Sehemy and colleagues explored the effects that Norrin, a well-characterized activator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, had on tumor growth. Norrin inhibited cell growth via β-catenin signaling in GSCs that had low expression levels of the transcription factor ASCL1. However, Norrin had the opposite effect in GSCs with high ASCL1 expression levels. The modulation of Norrin expression, with respect to high or low ASCL1 levels in GSCs, significantly reduced tumor growth in vivo, and subsequently increased the survival rate of mice. Notably, Norrin mediates enhanced tumor growth of glioblastomas by activating the Notch pathway. This study clarifies the opposing effects of Norrin on glioblastoma tumor growth and provides potential therapeutic targets for glioblastoma treatment.
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16
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Abstract
Müller glia originate from neuroepithelium and are the principal glial cells in the retina. During retinal development, Müller glia are one of the last cell types to be born. In lower vertebrates, such as zebrafish, Müller glia possess a remarkable capacity for retinal regeneration following various forms of injury through a reprogramming process in which endogenous Müller glia proliferate and differentiate into all types of retinal cells. In mammals, Müller glia become reactive in response to damage to protect or to further impair retinal function. Although mammalian Müller glia have regenerative potential, it is limited as far as repairing damaged retina. Lessons learned from zebrafish will help reveal the critical mechanisms involved in Müller glia reprogramming. Progress has been made in triggering Müller glia to reprogram and generate functional neurons to restore vision in mammals indicating that Müller glia reprogramming may be a promising therapeutic strategy for human retinal diseases. This review comprehensively summarizes the mechanisms related to retinal regeneration in model animals and the critical advanced progress made in Müller glia reprogramming in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Gao
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Luodan A
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiaona Huang
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Haiwei Xu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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17
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Oliveira-Valença VM, Bosco A, Vetter ML, Silveira MS. On the Generation and Regeneration of Retinal Ganglion Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:581136. [PMID: 33043015 PMCID: PMC7527462 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.581136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal development follows a conserved neurogenic program in vertebrates to orchestrate the generation of specific cell types from multipotent progenitors in sequential but overlapping waves. In this program, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the first cell type generated. RGCs are the final output neurons of the retina and are essential for vision and circadian rhythm. Key molecular steps have been defined in multiple vertebrate species to regulate competence, specification, and terminal differentiation of this cell type. This involves neuronal-specific transcription factor networks, regulators of chromatin dynamics and miRNAs. In mammals, RGCs and their optic nerve axons undergo neurodegeneration and loss in glaucoma and other optic neuropathies, resulting in irreversible vision loss. The incapacity of RGCs and axons to regenerate reinforces the need for the design of efficient RGC replacement strategies. Here we describe the essential molecular pathways for the differentiation of RGCs in vertebrates, as well as experimental manipulations that extend the competence window for generation of this early cell type from late progenitors. We discuss recent advances in regeneration of retinal neurons in vivo in both mouse and zebrafish and discuss possible strategies and barriers to achieving RGC regeneration as a therapeutic approach for vision restoration in blinding diseases such as glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane M Oliveira-Valença
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Neurobiology Program, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alejandra Bosco
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Monica L Vetter
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Mariana S Silveira
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Neurobiology Program, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Glial Cell Biology Group, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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18
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Abstract
Recent advances in stem cell engineering have led to an explosion in the use of organoids as model systems for studies in multiple biological disciplines. Together with breakthroughs in genome engineering and the various omics, organoid technology is making possible studies of human biology that were not previously feasible. For vision science, retinal organoids derived from human stem cells allow differentiating and mature human retinal cells to be studied in unprecedented detail. In this review, we examine the technologies employed to generate retinal organoids and how organoids are revolutionizing the fields of developmental and cellular biology as they pertain to the retina. Furthermore, we explore retinal organoids from a clinical standpoint, offering a new platform with which to study retinal diseases and degeneration, test prospective drugs and therapeutic strategies, and promote personalized medicine. Finally, we discuss the range of possibilities that organoids may bring to future retinal research and consider their ethical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire M. Bell
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA;,
| | - Donald J. Zack
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA;,
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA
| | - Cynthia A. Berlinicke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA
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19
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Singh RK, Nasonkin IO. Limitations and Promise of Retinal Tissue From Human Pluripotent Stem Cells for Developing Therapies of Blindness. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:179. [PMID: 33132839 PMCID: PMC7513806 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The self-formation of retinal tissue from pluripotent stem cells generated a tremendous promise for developing new therapies of retinal degenerative diseases, which previously seemed unattainable. Together with use of induced pluripotent stem cells or/and CRISPR-based recombineering the retinal organoid technology provided an avenue for developing models of human retinal degenerative diseases "in a dish" for studying the pathology, delineating the mechanisms and also establishing a platform for large-scale drug screening. At the same time, retinal organoids, highly resembling developing human fetal retinal tissue, are viewed as source of multipotential retinal progenitors, young photoreceptors and just the whole retinal tissue, which may be transplanted into the subretinal space with a goal of replacing patient's degenerated retina with a new retinal "patch." Both approaches (transplantation and modeling/drug screening) were projected when Yoshiki Sasai demonstrated the feasibility of deriving mammalian retinal tissue from pluripotent stem cells, and generated a lot of excitement. With further work and testing of both approaches in vitro and in vivo, a major implicit limitation has become apparent pretty quickly: the absence of the uniform layer of Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) cells, which is normally present in mammalian retina, surrounds photoreceptor layer and develops and matures first. The RPE layer polarize into apical and basal sides during development and establish microvilli on the apical side, interacting with photoreceptors, nurturing photoreceptor outer segments and participating in the visual cycle by recycling 11-trans retinal (bleached pigment) back to 11-cis retinal. Retinal organoids, however, either do not have RPE layer or carry patches of RPE mostly on one side, thus directly exposing most photoreceptors in the developing organoids to neural medium. Recreation of the critical retinal niche between the apical RPE and photoreceptors, where many retinal disease mechanisms originate, is so far unattainable, imposes clear limitations on both modeling/drug screening and transplantation approaches and is a focus of investigation in many labs. Here we dissect different retinal degenerative diseases and analyze how and where retinal organoid technology can contribute the most to developing therapies even with a current limitation and absence of long and functional outer segments, supported by RPE.
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20
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Covello G, Rossello FJ, Filosi M, Gajardo F, Duchemin A, Tremonti BF, Eichenlaub M, Polo JM, Powell D, Ngai J, Allende ML, Domenici E, Ramialison M, Poggi L. Transcriptome analysis of the zebrafish atoh7-/- Mutant, lakritz, highlights Atoh7-dependent genetic networks with potential implications for human eye diseases. FASEB Bioadv 2020; 2:434-448. [PMID: 32676583 PMCID: PMC7354691 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2020-00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of the bHLH transcription protein Atoh7 is a crucial factor conferring competence to retinal progenitor cells for the development of retinal ganglion cells. Several studies have emerged establishing ATOH7 as a retinal disease gene. Remarkably, such studies uncovered ATOH7 variants associated with global eye defects including optic nerve hypoplasia, microphthalmia, retinal vascular disorders, and glaucoma. The complex genetic networks and cellular decisions arising downstream of atoh7 expression, and how their dysregulation cause development of such disease traits remains unknown. To begin to understand such Atoh7-dependent events in vivo, we performed transcriptome analysis of wild-type and atoh7 mutant (lakritz) zebrafish embryos at the onset of retinal ganglion cell differentiation. We investigated in silico interplays of atoh7 and other disease-related genes and pathways. By network reconstruction analysis of differentially expressed genes, we identified gene clusters enriched in retinal development, cell cycle, chromatin remodeling, stress response, and Wnt pathways. By weighted gene coexpression network, we identified coexpression modules affected by the mutation and enriched in retina development genes tightly connected to atoh7. We established the groundwork whereby Atoh7-linked cellular and molecular processes can be investigated in the dynamic multi-tissue environment of the developing normal and diseased vertebrate eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Covello
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology ‐ CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
- Present address:
Department of BiologyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Fernando J. Rossello
- Australian Regenerative Medicine InstituteMonash University Clayton VICClaytonAustralia
- Present address:
University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer ResearchUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Michele Filosi
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology ‐ CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Felipe Gajardo
- Center for Genome RegulationFacultad de Ciencias, SantiagoUniversidad de ChileSantiagoChile
| | | | - Beatrice F. Tremonti
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology ‐ CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Michael Eichenlaub
- Australian Regenerative Medicine InstituteMonash University Clayton VICClaytonAustralia
| | - Jose M. Polo
- Australian Regenerative Medicine InstituteMonash University Clayton VICClaytonAustralia
- BDIMonash University Clayton VICClaytonAustralia
| | - David Powell
- Monash Bioinformatics PlatformMonash University Clayton VICClaytonAustralia
| | - John Ngai
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology & Helen Wills Neuroscience InstituteUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCAUSA
| | - Miguel L. Allende
- Center for Genome RegulationFacultad de Ciencias, SantiagoUniversidad de ChileSantiagoChile
| | - Enrico Domenici
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology ‐ CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
- Fondazione The Microsoft Research ‐ University of Trento Centre for Computational and Systems BiologyTrentoItaly
| | - Mirana Ramialison
- Australian Regenerative Medicine InstituteMonash University Clayton VICClaytonAustralia
| | - Lucia Poggi
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology ‐ CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
- Centre for Organismal StudyHeidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
- Department of PhysiologyDevelopment and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
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Fleming T, Balderas-Márquez JE, Epardo D, Ávila-Mendoza J, Carranza M, Luna M, Harvey S, Arámburo C, Martínez-Moreno CG. Growth Hormone Neuroprotection Against Kainate Excitotoxicity in the Retina is Mediated by Notch/PTEN/Akt Signaling. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 60:4532-4547. [PMID: 31675424 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.19-27473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose In the retina, growth hormone (GH) promotes axonal growth, synaptic restoration, and protective actions against excitotoxicity. Notch signaling pathway is critical for neural development and participates in the retinal neuroregenerative process. We investigated the interaction of GH with Notch signaling pathway during its neuroprotective effect against excitotoxic damage in the chicken retina. Methods Kainate (KA) was used as excitotoxic agent and changes in the mRNA expression of several signaling markers were determined by qPCR. Also, changes in phosphorylation and immunoreactivity were determined by Western blotting. Histology and immunohistochemistry were performed for morphometric analysis. Overexpression of GH was performed in the quail neuroretinal-derived immortalized cell line (QNR/D) cell line. Exogenous GH was administered to retinal primary cell cultures to study the activation of signaling pathways. Results KA disrupted the retinal cytoarchitecture and induced significant cell loss in several retinal layers, but the coaddition of GH effectively prevented these adverse effects. We showed that GH upregulates the Notch signaling pathway during neuroprotection leading to phosphorylation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathways through downregulation of PTEN. In contrast, cotreatment of GH with the Notch signaling inhibitor, DAPT, prevented its neuroprotective effect against KA. We identified binding sites in Notch1 and Notch2 genes for STAT5. Also, GH prevented Müller cell transdifferentiation and downregulated Sox2, FGF2, and PCNA after cotreatment with KA. Additionally, GH modified TNF receptors immunoreactivity suggesting anti-inflammatory actions. Conclusions Our data indicate that the neuroprotective effects of GH against KA injury in the retina are mediated through the regulation of Notch signaling. Additionally, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Fleming
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, México.,Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Jerusa E Balderas-Márquez
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, México
| | - David Epardo
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, México
| | - José Ávila-Mendoza
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Martha Carranza
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, México
| | - Maricela Luna
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, México
| | - Steve Harvey
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Carlos Arámburo
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, México
| | - Carlos G Martínez-Moreno
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, México
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22
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Sharma P, Gupta S, Chaudhary M, Mitra S, Chawla B, Khursheed MA, Saran NK, Ramachandran R. Biphasic Role of Tgf-β Signaling during Müller Glia Reprogramming and Retinal Regeneration in Zebrafish. iScience 2020; 23:100817. [PMID: 32004993 PMCID: PMC6994856 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2019.100817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tgf-β signaling is a major antiproliferative pathway governing different biological functions, including cellular reprogramming. Upon injury, Müller glial cells of zebrafish retina reprogram to form progenitors (MGPCs) essential for regeneration. Here, the significance of Tgf-β signaling for inducing MGPCs is explored. Notably, Tgf-β signaling not only performs a pro-proliferative function but also is necessary for the expression of several regeneration-associated, essential transcription factor genes such as ascl1a, lin28a, oct4, sox2, and zebs and various microRNAs, namely, miR-200a, miR-200b, miR-143, and miR-145 during different phases of retinal regeneration. This study also found the indispensable role played by Mmp2/Mmp9 in the efficacy of Tgf-β signaling. Furthermore, the Tgf-β signaling is essential to cause cell cycle exit of MGPCs towards later phases of regeneration. Finally, the Delta-Notch signaling in collaboration with Tgf-β signaling regulates the critical factor, Her4.1. This study provides novel insights into the biphasic roles of Tgf-β signaling in zebrafish during retinal regeneration. Tgf-β signaling is essential for retinal progenitor proliferation and cell cycle exit pSmad3 binds to 5GC and TIE elements to cause gene activations and repressions Tgf-β signaling regulates Zebs and various miRNAs for cellular reprograming Translation of Tgf-β signaling requires Mmp2/Mmp9 activity
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Knowledge City, SAS Nagar, Sector 81, Manauli PO, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Shivangi Gupta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Knowledge City, SAS Nagar, Sector 81, Manauli PO, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Mansi Chaudhary
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Knowledge City, SAS Nagar, Sector 81, Manauli PO, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Soumitra Mitra
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Knowledge City, SAS Nagar, Sector 81, Manauli PO, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Bindia Chawla
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Knowledge City, SAS Nagar, Sector 81, Manauli PO, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Mohammad Anwar Khursheed
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Knowledge City, SAS Nagar, Sector 81, Manauli PO, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Navnoor Kaur Saran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Knowledge City, SAS Nagar, Sector 81, Manauli PO, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Rajesh Ramachandran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Knowledge City, SAS Nagar, Sector 81, Manauli PO, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India.
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Amini-Farsani Z, Asgharzade S. The impact of miR-183/182/96 gene regulation on the maturation, survival, and function of photoreceptor cells in the retina. J Comp Neurol 2019; 528:1616-1625. [PMID: 31785157 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) play important roles in posttranscriptional processes to regulate gene expression. MiRNAs control various biological processes, such as growth, development, and differentiation. The continuous physiological function of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium requires precise regulation to maintain their homeostasis and function; hence, these cells are highly susceptible to premature death in retinal degenerative disorders. MiRNAs are essential for the retinal cell maturation and function; the miR-183 cluster represents one of the most important regulatory factors for the photoreceptor cells. Various studies together with bioinformatics analyses have shown that many genes contributing to the differentiation pathway of photoreceptors are targets of the miR-183 cluster, and the miR-183 cluster dysregulation causes certain defects in the differentiation of the photoreceptors and other retinal neurons by influencing the expression of target genes. Misexpression of miR-183 cluster in the human retinal epithelial cells leads to the reprogramming and transformation of these cells to neuron- and photoreceptor-like cells, which are associated with the expression of neuron- and photoreceptor-specific markers in human retinal pigment epitheliums cells. The knockout of this cluster causes the destruction of the outer segment of the photoreceptors, which subsequently causes the cells to exhibit severe susceptibility to light and eventually degenerate. Hundreds of target genes in this family are likely to affect the development and maintenance of the retina. Identifying the genes that are regulated by the miRNA-183 cluster provides researchers with important insights into the complex development and regeneration mechanism of the retina and may offer a new way for maintaining and regenerating photoreceptor cells in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Amini-Farsani
- Young Researchers and Elites Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Samira Asgharzade
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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24
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Abstract
Retinal degeneration is a leading cause of untreatable blindness in the industrialised world. It is typically irreversible and there are few curative treatments available. The use of stem cells to generate new retinal neurons for transplantation purposes has received significant interest in recent years and is beginning to move towards clinical trials. However, such approaches are likely to be most effective for relatively focal areas of repair. An intriguing complementary approach is endogenous self-repair. Retinal cells from the ciliary marginal zone (CMZ), retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Müller glial cells (MG) have all been shown to play a role in retinal repair, typically in lower vertebrates. Among them, MG have received renewed interest, due to their distribution throughout (centre to periphery) the neural retina and their potential to re-acquire a progenitor-like state following retinal injury with the ability to proliferate and generate new neurons. Triggering these innate self-repair mechanisms represents an exciting therapeutic option in treating retinal degeneration. However, these cells behave differently in mammalian and non-mammalian species, with a considerably restricted potential in mammals. In this short review, we look at some of the recent progress made in our understanding of the signalling pathways that underlie MG-mediated regeneration in lower vertebrates, and some of the challenges that have been revealed in our attempts to reactivate this process in the mammalian retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Langhe
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
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25
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Martinez-Moreno CG, Epardo D, Balderas-Márquez JE, Fleming T, Carranza M, Luna M, Harvey S, Arámburo C. Regenerative Effect of Growth Hormone (GH) in the Retina after Kainic Acid Excitotoxic Damage. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4433. [PMID: 31509934 PMCID: PMC6770150 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to its role as an endocrine messenger, growth hormone (GH) also acts as a neurotrophic factor in the central nervous system (CNS), whose effects are involved in neuroprotection, axonal growth, and synaptogenic modulation. An increasing amount of clinical evidence shows a beneficial effect of GH treatment in patients with brain trauma, stroke, spinal cord injury, impaired cognitive function, and neurodegenerative processes. In response to injury, Müller cells transdifferentiate into neural progenitors and proliferate, which constitutes an early regenerative process in the chicken retina. In this work, we studied the long-term protective effect of GH after causing severe excitotoxic damage in the retina. Thus, an acute neural injury was induced via the intravitreal injection of kainic acid (KA, 20 µg), which was followed by chronic administration of GH (10 injections [300 ng] over 21 days). Damage provoked a severe disruption of several retinal layers. However, in KA-damaged retinas treated with GH, we observed a significant restoration of the inner plexiform layer (IPL, 2.4-fold) and inner nuclear layer (INL, 1.5-fold) thickness and a general improvement of the retinal structure. In addition, we also observed an increase in the expression of several genes involved in important regenerative pathways, including: synaptogenic markers (DLG1, NRXN1, GAP43); glutamate receptor subunits (NR1 and GRIK4); pro-survival factors (BDNF, Bcl-2 and TNF-R2); and Notch signaling proteins (Notch1 and Hes5). Interestingly, Müller cell transdifferentiation markers (Sox2 and FGF2) were upregulated by this long-term chronic GH treatment. These results are consistent with a significant increase in the number of BrdU-positive cells observed in the KA-damaged retina, which was induced by GH administration. Our data suggest that GH is able to facilitate the early proliferative response of the injured retina and enhance the regeneration of neurite interconnections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos G Martinez-Moreno
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Campus Juriquilla, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Qro., 76230, Mexico.
| | - David Epardo
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Campus Juriquilla, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Qro., 76230, Mexico
| | - Jerusa E Balderas-Márquez
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Campus Juriquilla, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Qro., 76230, Mexico.
| | - Thomas Fleming
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Campus Juriquilla, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Qro., 76230, Mexico.
| | - Martha Carranza
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Campus Juriquilla, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Qro., 76230, Mexico.
| | - Maricela Luna
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Campus Juriquilla, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Qro., 76230, Mexico.
| | - Steve Harvey
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada.
| | - Carlos Arámburo
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Campus Juriquilla, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Qro., 76230, Mexico.
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Liu Y, Wang C, Su G. Cellular Signaling in Müller Glia: Progenitor Cells for Regenerative and Neuroprotective Responses in Pharmacological Models of Retinal Degeneration. J Ophthalmol 2019; 2019:5743109. [PMID: 31016037 PMCID: PMC6444254 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5743109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases are a leading cause of visual impairment or blindness. There are many therapies for delaying the progression of vision loss but no curative strategies currently. Stimulating intrinsic neuronal regeneration is a potential approach to therapy in retinal degenerative diseases. In contrast to stem cells, as embryonic/pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal progenitor cell or mesenchymal stem cells, Müller glia provided an endogenous cellular source for regenerative therapy in the retina. Müller glia are a major component of the retina and considerable evidence suggested these cells can be induced to produce the lost neurons in several species. Understanding the specific characteristic of Müller glia to generate lost neurons will inspire an attractive and alternative therapeutic strategy for treating visual impairment with regenerative research. This review briefly provides the different signal transduction mechanisms which are underlying Müller cell-mediated neuroprotection and neuron regeneration and discusses recent advances about regeneration from Müller glia-derived progenitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Chenguang Wang
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Guanfang Su
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
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27
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Huang Y, Ng TK, Chen CB, Huang B, Liang J, Pang CP, Zhang M. Notch Signaling Activation Enhances Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Retinal Differentiation. Stem Cells Int 2018; 2018:9201374. [PMID: 30410544 PMCID: PMC6206515 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9201374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal disease treatment by stem cell-based replacement relies on stem cell differentiation into retinal cells. We previously demonstrated that human periodontal ligament-derived stem cells can be directed into retinal lineage upon induction. Here, we report the transdifferentiation potential of human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) into retinal lineage and its enhancement by Notch signaling modulation. Human ASCs, isolated from abdominal fat, expressed mesenchymal but not hematopoietic stem cell markers, and they can differentiate into adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts in vitro. Upon noggin/Dkk-1/IGF-1 induction, the treated ASCs showed elevated expression of retinal progenitor, retinal ganglion, and photoreceptor cell markers as well as the glutamate-evoked calcium response, which was not observed in the noninduced cells. Compared to the regular induction treatment, Notch signaling activation by JAG1 enhanced the expression of retinal progenitor and precursor markers without affecting the glutamate-evoked calcium response. In contrast, Notch signaling inhibition by DAPT showed more retinal ganglion cells, but delayed the response to glutamate stimulation. In summary, our results revealed that human ASCs possess a retinal transdifferentiation potential upon noggin/Dkk-1/IGF-1 induction, which can further be enhanced by Notch signaling activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqiang Huang
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tsz Kin Ng
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guandong, China
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Chong-Bo Chen
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bing Huang
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiajian Liang
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chi Pui Pang
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Mingzhi Zhang
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
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