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Jacobs M, El-Rashedy M, Fowler N, Shirkey B, Kitchens J, Maldonado RS. ANATOMICAL AND FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES OF BEVACIZUMAB TREATMENT IN PEDIATRIC AUTOSOMAL RECESSIVE BESTROPHINOPATHY. Retin Cases Brief Rep 2024; 18:378-386. [PMID: 36729806 PMCID: PMC11027967 DOI: 10.1097/icb.0000000000001390] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to report functional and anatomical outcomes of anti-VEGF treatment in eyes with autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy (ARB) presenting in the first decade of life. METHODS The study included case series of four eyes from two siblings with compound heterozygous mutations in the BEST1 gene who were treated with eight monthly intravitreal bevacizumab injections. Response to treatment was analyzed using color fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography, OCT angiography, and microperimetry. RESULTS Patient 1 (male, age 9 years) had visual acuity of 20/20 in the right eye and 20/50 in the left eye. Patient 2 (female, age 10 years) had visual acuity of 20/25 in the right eye and 20/20 in the left eye. All eyes had multifocal subretinal deposition of lipofuscin and subretinal fluid, and three eyes had choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Lipofuscin material reabsorbed in 2 of 4 eyes, the CNV regressed in 3 of 3 eyes, a bacillary detachment resolved in 1 of 1 eye, but the subretinal fluid did not change. Functional improvement in visual acuity was noted, but MP showed scattered areas of reduced retinal sensitivity. No ocular or systemic side effects were detected. CONCLUSION Anti-VEGF treatment of choroidal neovascularization in eyes with ARB resulted in anatomical changes that were only clinically significant in the eye with decreased visual acuity. The hyporeflective subretinal material remained unchanged suggesting a nonexudative cause. These findings provide new insights into the management of ARB, especially in pediatric subjects with CNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Jacobs
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - May El-Rashedy
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Nicholas Fowler
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | | | - John Kitchens
- Retina Associates of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky; and
| | - Ramiro S. Maldonado
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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2
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Tong M, Bai Y, Han X, Kong L, Ren L, Zhang L, Li X, Yao J, Yan B. Single-cell profiling transcriptomic reveals cellular heterogeneity and cellular crosstalk in choroidal neovascularization model. Exp Eye Res 2024; 242:109877. [PMID: 38537669 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109877] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a hallmark of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and a major contributor to vision loss in nAMD cases. However, the identification of specific cell types associated with nAMD remains challenging. Herein, we performed single-cell sequencing to comprehensively explore the cellular diversity and understand the foundational components of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroid complex. We unveiled 10 distinct cell types within the RPE/choroid complex. Notably, we observed significant heterogeneity within endothelial cells (ECs), fibroblasts, and macrophages, underscoring the intricate nature of the cellular composition in the RPE/choroid complex. Within the EC category, four distinct clusters were identified and EC cluster 0 was tightly associated with choroidal neovascularization. We identified five clusters of fibroblasts actively involved in the pathogenesis of nAMD, influencing fibrotic responses, angiogenic effects, and photoreceptor function. Additionally, three clusters of macrophages were identified, suggesting their potential roles in regulating the progression of nAMD through immunomodulation and inflammation regulation. Through CellChat analysis, we constructed a complex cell-cell communication network, revealing the role of EC clusters in interacting with fibroblasts and macrophages in the context of nAMD. These interactions were found to govern angiogenic effects, fibrotic responses, and inflammatory processes. In summary, this study reveals noteworthy cellular heterogeneity in the RPE/choroid complex and provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of CNV. These findings will open up potential avenues for deep understanding and targeted therapeutic interventions in nAMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Tong
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yun Bai
- College of Information Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Xiaoyan Han
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Lingjie Kong
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Ling Ren
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Linyu Zhang
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China; The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Xiumiao Li
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Jin Yao
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China; The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China.
| | - Biao Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China.
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3
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Zhang Y, Chu B, Fan Q, Song X, Xu Q, Qu Y. M2-type macrophage-targeted delivery of IKKβ siRNA induces M2-to-M1 repolarization for CNV gene therapy. Nanomedicine 2024; 57:102740. [PMID: 38458368 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2024.102740] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV) is capable of inciting recurrent hemorrhage in the macular region, severely impairing patients' visual acuity. During the onset of CNV, infiltrating M2 macrophages play a crucial role in promoting angiogenesis. To control this disease, our study utilizes the RNA interference (RNAi)-based gene therapy to reprogram M2 macrophages to the M1 phenotype in CNV lesions. We synthesize the mannose-modified siRNA-loaded liposome specifically targeting M2 macrophages to inhibit the inhibitory kappa B kinase β (IKKβ) gene involved in the polarization of macrophages, consequently modulating macrophage polarization state. In vitro and in vivo, the mannose-modified IKKβ siRNA-loaded liposome (siIKKβ-ML) has been proven to effectively target M2 macrophages to repolarize them to M1 phenotype, and inhibit the progression of CNV. Collectively, our findings elucidate that siIKKβ-ML holds the potential to control CNV by reprogramming the macrophage phenotype, indicating a promising therapeutic avenue for CNV management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Baorui Chu
- Department of Geriatrics, Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Qian Fan
- Department of Geriatrics, Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xian Song
- Department of Geriatrics, Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Department of Geriatrics, Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yi Qu
- Department of Geriatrics, Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Proteomics of Shandong Province, Jinan 250012, China; Jinan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Medicine (202132001), Jinan 250012, China.
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Wang J, Wang Z, Liu J, Zhou M, Wang H, Zhu H, Jiang M, Bo Q, Sun X. Chrysin alleviates DNA damage to improve disturbed immune homeostasis and pro-angiogenic environment in laser-induced choroidal neovascularization. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Res 2024; 1871:119657. [PMID: 38176443 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119657] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a devastating pathology of numerous ocular diseases, such as wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD), which causes irreversible vision loss. Although anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy has been widely used, poor response or no response still exists in some cases, suggesting that there are other components involved in the angiogenic process. Therefore, the underlying mechanism needs to be clarified and new target of anti-angiogenic therapy is urgently needed. It has been demonstrated that damaged retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells can activate inflammasome, driving a degenerative tissue environment and an enhanced pro-angiogenic response, which implies that RPE dysfunction may be a hallmark of the pathogenesis. Previously, we have shown that DNA damage can induce RPE dysfunction, triggering senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and local inflammation. In this study, we identify that chrysin can reduce DNA damage, especially telomere erosion in vitro, thus compromise the dysfunction of RPE and the decreased expression of SASP factor. Importantly, we find that DNA damage of RPE cells is remarkable in laser-induced CNV lesion, resulting in inflammatory response, which can be ameliorated by chrysin, mainly through IL-17 signaling pathway and its downstream signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activities. In summary, our results indicate the interplay between DNA damage, perturbed RPE homeostasis, inflammatory response and angiogenesis in laser-induced CNV, and more importantly, chrysin may be an effective therapeutic supplement for CNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 100 Haining Road, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Zilin Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 100 Haining Road, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Jingshu Liu
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Minwen Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 100 Haining Road, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 100 Haining Road, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 100 Haining Road, Shanghai 200080, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Engineering Center For Visual Science And Photomedicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiyu Bo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 100 Haining Road, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 100 Haining Road, Shanghai 200080, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Engineering Center For Visual Science And Photomedicine, Shanghai, China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.
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5
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Wu X, Yang X, Dai X, Chen X, Shen M, Dai J, Yuan F, Wang L, Yuan Y, Feng Y. 5-Aza-2'-Deoxycytidine Ameliorates Choroidal Neovascularization by Inhibiting the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:23. [PMID: 38345554 PMCID: PMC10866157 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.2.23] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) can constitute the final pathology of many ocular diseases and result in severe vision loss. Studies have demonstrated that DNA methylation is critical in retinal development, aging, and disorders. The current work investigated the effects and underlying mechanism of 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC), a suppressor of DNA methylation, in the pathological progression of CNV. Methods The DNA methylation profiles of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE)/choroidal complexes in normal and laser-induced CNV mice were assessed by Arraystar Mouse RefSeq Promoter Arrays. The CNV area and blood flow density and intensity were observed by optical coherence tomography angiography, and fluorescence leakage was examined by fundus fluorescein angiography in CNV mice with systemic administration of 5-aza-dC. The effects of 5-aza-dC on the biological functions of bEnd.3 cells were estimated by related assays. Notum gene promoter methylation was measured using bisulfite sequencing PCR. Methyltransferases and Wnt signaling-related genes were detected in animal and cell culture experiments by real-time PCR and immunoblot. Results Methyltransferases were upregulated, but Notum (a secretion inhibitor of Wnt signaling) was downregulated in the RPE/choroidal complexes of mice with experimental CNV. Intraperitoneal injection of 5-aza-dC inactivated the Wnt pathway and ameliorated the lesion area and the intensity and density of blood flow, as well as the degree of leakage in CNV. In vitro, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) stimulation promoted methyltransferases expression and suppressed Notum expression, consequently activating Wnt signaling, whereas exogenous 5-aza-dC reversed VEGFA-induced hyperpermeability, proliferation, migration, and tube formation in bEnd.3 cells via demethylation of Notum promoter. Conclusions We observed that 5-aza-dC attenuates the growth of CNV by inhibiting the Wnt signaling pathway via promoter demethylation of the Wnt antagonist Notum. These findings provide a theoretical basis for methylation-based treatment with the Notum gene as a potential target for CNV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaochan Dai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuping Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minqian Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinhui Dai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liyang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Geriatric Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanzhi Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yifan Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Lin JB, Santeford A, Colasanti JJ, Lee Y, Shah AV, Wang TJ, Ruzycki PA, Apte RS. Targeting cell-type-specific, choroid-peripheral immune signaling to treat age-related macular degeneration. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101353. [PMID: 38232696 PMCID: PMC10829736 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101353] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness featuring pathogenic neovascularization of the choroidal vasculature (CNV). Although systemic immunity plays a role in AMD, the ocular signals that recruit and activate immune cells remain poorly defined. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we prospectively profile peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 65 individuals including AMD and controls, which we integrate with existing choroid data. We generate a network of choroid-peripheral immune interactions dysregulated in AMD, including known AMD-relevant gene vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 2. Additionally, we find CYR61 is upregulated in choroidal veins and may signal to circulating monocytes. In mice, we validate that CYR61 is abundant in endothelial cells within CNV lesions neighboring monocyte-derived macrophages. Mechanistically, CYR61 activates macrophage anti-angiogenic gene expression, and ocular Cyr61 knockdown increases murine CNV size, indicating CYR61 inhibits CNV. This study highlights the potential of multi-tissue human datasets to identify disease-relevant and potentially therapeutically modifiable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph B Lin
- John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Neurosciences Graduate Program, Roy and Diana Vagelos Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Andrea Santeford
- John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jason J Colasanti
- John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Molecular Cell Biology Graduate Program, Roy and Diana Vagelos Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Yoon Lee
- John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Aaditya V Shah
- John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Tzu Jui Wang
- John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Philip A Ruzycki
- John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Rajendra S Apte
- John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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7
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Liu YS, Pan JQ, Pan XB, Kong FS, Zhang JQ, Wei ZY, Xu ZH, Rao JH, Wang JH, Chen JH. Comparative Analysis of Molecular Landscape in Mouse Models and Patients Reveals Conserved Inflammation Pathways in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:13. [PMID: 38175639 PMCID: PMC10774692 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.1.13] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify key genes and their regulatory networks that are conserved in mouse models of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and human AMD. Methods Retinal RNA-Seq was performed in laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) mice at day 3 and day 7 after photocoagulation. Mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis was performed with retinas collected at day 3. Retinal RNA-Seq data was further compared among mouse models of laser-induced CNV and NaIO3-induced retinal degeneration (RD) and a large AMD cohort. Results Retinal RNA-Seq revealed upregulated genes and pathways related to innate immunity and inflammation in mice with CNV, with more profound changes at the early stage (day 3). Proteomic analysis further validated these differentially expressed genes and their networks in retinal inflammation during CNV. Notably, the most evident overlap in the retina of mice with laser-induced CNV and NaIO3-induced RD was the upregulation of inflammation-related genes, pointing to a common vital role of retinal inflammation in the early stage for both mouse AMD models. Further comparative transcriptomic analysis of the mouse AMD models and human AMD identified 48 conserved genes mainly involved in inflammation response. Among them, B2M, C3, and SERPING1 were upregulated in all stages of human AMD and the mouse AMD models compared to controls. Conclusions Our study demonstrates conserved molecular changes related to retinal inflammation in mouse AMD models and human AMD and provides new insight into the translational application of these mouse models in studying AMD mechanisms and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Shan Liu
- Department of Pediatric Laboratory, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Jiangnan University (Wuxi Children's Hospital), Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jia-Qi Pan
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xu-Bin Pan
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fan-Sheng Kong
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing-Qian Zhang
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Wei
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhou-Heng Xu
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun-Hua Rao
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ji-Hong Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian-Huan Chen
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Jiangnan University & Xinshijie Hospital Ophthalmic Research Center, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
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8
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Castro BFM, Steel JC, Layton CJ. AAV-Based Strategies for Treatment of Retinal and Choroidal Vascular Diseases: Advances in Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy Therapies. BioDrugs 2024; 38:73-93. [PMID: 37878215 PMCID: PMC10789843 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-023-00629-y] [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] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) are vascular diseases with high prevalence, ranking among the leading causes of blindness and vision loss worldwide. Despite being effective, current treatments for AMD and DR are burdensome for patients and clinicians, resulting in suboptimal compliance and real risk of vision loss. Thus, there is an unmet need for long-lasting alternatives with improved safety and efficacy. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is the leading vector for ocular gene delivery, given its ability to enable long-term expression while eliciting relatively mild immune responses. Progress has been made in AAV-based gene therapies for not only inherited retinal diseases but also acquired conditions with preclinical and clinical studies of AMD and DR showing promising results. These studies have explored several pathways involved in the disease pathogenesis, as well as different strategies to optimise gene delivery. These include engineered capsids with enhanced tropism to particular cell types, and expression cassettes incorporating elements for a targeted and controlled expression. Multiple-acting constructs have also been investigated, in addition to gene silencing and editing. Here, we provide an overview of strategies employing AAV-mediated gene delivery to treat AMD and DR. We discuss preclinical efficacy studies and present the latest data from clinical trials for both diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda F M Castro
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.
- Greenslopes Clinical School, University of Queensland School of Medicine, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Jason C Steel
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Greenslopes Clinical School, University of Queensland School of Medicine, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia
| | - Christopher J Layton
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.
- Greenslopes Clinical School, University of Queensland School of Medicine, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia.
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9
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Tsioti I, Steiner BL, Escher P, Zinkernagel MS, Benz PM, Kokona D. Systemic Lipopolysaccharide Exposure Exacerbates Choroidal Neovascularization in Mice. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2024; 32:19-30. [PMID: 36441988 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2022.2147547] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the effect of a systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulus in the course of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in C57BL/6 J mice. A group of CNV-subjected mice received 1 mg/kg LPS via the tail vein immediately after CNV induction. Mouse eyes were monitored in vivo with fluorescein angiography for 2 weeks. In situ hybridization and flow cytometry were performed in the retina at different time points. LPS led to increased fluorescein leakage 3 days after CNV, correlated with a large influx of monocyte-derived macrophages and increase of pro-inflammatory microglia/macrophages in the retina. Additionally, LPS enhanced Vegfα mRNA expression by Glul-expressing cells but not Aif1 positive microglia/macrophages in the laser lesion. These findings suggest that systemic LPS exposure has transient detrimental effects in the course of CNV through activation of microglia/macrophages to a pro-inflammatory phenotype and supports the important role of these cells in the CNV course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Tsioti
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Beatrice L Steiner
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Escher
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin S Zinkernagel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Peter M Benz
- Department of CardioMetabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach, Germany
| | - Despina Kokona
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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10
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Chen ZJ, Ng DS, Ho M, Lu SY, Tam POS, Young AL, Brelen ME, Yam JC, Tham CC, Pang CP, Chen LJ. Genetic associations of central serous chorioretinopathy subtypes, neovascular age-related macular degeneration, and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2024; 13:100003. [PMID: 38383077 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjo.2023.100003] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the genetic associations of different subtypes of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR), neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). DESIGN A case-control genetic association study. METHODS This study enrolled 217 CSCR, 341 nAMD, 288 PCV patients, and 1380 controls. The CSCR patients were classified into those with focal or diffuse leakage, with or without pigment epithelial detachment (PED), and with or without macular neovascularization (MNV). Associations between 11 variants from 8 genes, ADAMTS9, ANGPT2, ARMS2, CFH, NR3C2, PGF, TNFRSF10A and VIPR2, and diseases/subtypes were analyzed by logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and sex, and inter-phenotype comparison by heterogeneity test. RESULTS The CFH rs800292-A conferred a protective effect for CSCR with MNV (OR=0.44, P = 0.002) and a risk effect for CSCR without MNV (OR=1.31, P = 0.023). CSCR patients carrying rs800292-G had a 3.23-fold of increased risk towards developing secondary MNV (P = 1.45 ×10-4). CFH rs3753394, rs800292 and rs1329428 showed similar effects among CSCR with MNV, nAMD and PCV, but opposite effects on CSCR without MNV. TNFRSF10A rs13278062-T was associated with overall CSCR but not with CSCR subtypes, nAMD or PCV. Moreover, CFH and ARMS2 SNPs showed heterogeneous effects in CSCR without MNV against CSCR with MNV, nAMD and PCV. CONCLUSIONS Genetic associations of CSCR with MNV resembled nAMD and PCV compared to CSCR without MNV, indicating differential genetic effects on neovascularization and choroidopathy. Further investigation of the functional roles of CFH, ARMS2, and TNFRSF10A in CSCR, nAMD and PCV should help elucidate the mechanisms of these maculopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Ji Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Danny S Ng
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Hong Kong Eye Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Mary Ho
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Shi Yao Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Pancy O S Tam
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Alvin L Young
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Marten E Brelen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Jason C Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Hong Kong Eye Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Clement C Tham
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Hong Kong Eye Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Chi Pui Pang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Li Jia Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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11
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Babapoor-Farrokhran S, Qin Y, Flores-Bellver M, Niu Y, Bhutto IA, Aparicio-Domingo S, Guo C, Rodrigues M, Domashevich T, Deshpande M, Megarity H, Chopde R, Eberhart CG, Canto-Soler V, Montaner S, Sodhi A. Pathologic vs. protective roles of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 in RPE and photoreceptors in wet vs. dry age-related macular degeneration. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2302845120. [PMID: 38055741 PMCID: PMC10723156 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2302845120] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
It has previously been reported that antioxidant vitamins can help reduce the risk of vision loss associated with progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of visual impairment among the elderly. Nonetheless, how oxidative stress contributes to the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in some AMD patients and geographic atrophy (GA) in others is poorly understood. Here, we provide evidence demonstrating that oxidative stress cooperates with hypoxia to synergistically stimulate the accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), resulting in increased expression of the HIF-1-dependent angiogenic mediators that promote CNV. HIF-1 inhibition blocked the expression of these angiogenic mediators and prevented CNV development in an animal model of ocular oxidative stress, demonstrating the pathological role of HIF-1 in response to oxidative stress stimulation in neovascular AMD. While human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived RPE monolayers exposed to chemical oxidants resulted in disorganization and disruption of their normal architecture, RPE cells proved remarkably resistant to oxidative stress. Conversely, equivalent doses of chemical oxidants resulted in apoptosis of hiPSC-derived retinal photoreceptors. Pharmacologic inhibition of HIF-1 in the mouse retina enhanced-while HIF-1 augmentation reduced-photoreceptor apoptosis in two mouse models for oxidative stress, consistent with a protective role for HIF-1 in photoreceptors in patients with advanced dry AMD. Collectively, these results suggest that in patients with AMD, increased expression of HIF-1α in RPE exposed to oxidative stress promotes the development of CNV, but inadequate HIF-1α expression in photoreceptors contributes to the development of GA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yu Qin
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21287
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang110005, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang110005, China
- Key Lens Research Laboratory of Liaoning Province, Shenyang110005, China
| | - Miguel Flores-Bellver
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Research Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO80045
| | - Yueqi Niu
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21287
| | - Imran A. Bhutto
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21287
| | - Silvia Aparicio-Domingo
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Research Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO80045
| | - Chuanyu Guo
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21287
| | - Murilo Rodrigues
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21287
| | - Timothy Domashevich
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Research Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO80045
| | - Monika Deshpande
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21287
| | - Haley Megarity
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21287
| | - Rakesh Chopde
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21287
| | - Charles G. Eberhart
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21287
| | - Valeria Canto-Soler
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Research Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO80045
| | - Silvia Montaner
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Akrit Sodhi
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21287
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12
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Chen J, Ikeda SI, Negishi K, Tsubota K, Kurihara T. Identification of Potential Therapeutic Targets for Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization via Discovery-Driven Data Mining. Curr Eye Res 2023; 48:1160-1169. [PMID: 37610842 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2023.2252201] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) is a prevalent cause of vision loss. However, the development of effective therapeutic targets for mCNV has been hindered by the paucity of suitable animal models. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify potential genes and pathways associated with mCNV and to unearth prospective therapeutic targets that can be utilized to devise efficacious treatments.Methods: Text data mining was used to identify genes linked to choroid, neovascularization, and myopia. g: Profiler was utilized to analyze the biological processes of gene ontology and the Reactome pathways. Protein interaction network analysis was performed using strings and visualized in Cytoscape. MCODE and cytoHubba were used for further screening.Results: Discovery-driven text data mining identified 55 potential genes related to choroid, neovascularization, and myopia. Gene enrichment analysis revealed 11 biological processes and seven Reactome pathways. A protein-protein interaction network with 47 nodes was constructed and analyzed using centrality ranking. Key clusters were identified through algorithm tools. Finally, 14 genes (IL6, FGF2, MMP9, IL10, TNF, MMP2, HGF, MMP3, IGF1, CCL2, CTNNB1, BDNF, NGF, and EDN1), in addition to VEGFA, were evaluated as targets with potential as future therapeutics.Conclusions: This study provides new potential therapeutic targets for mCNV, including IL6, FGF2, MMP9, IL10, TNF, MMP2, HGF, MMP3, IGF1, CCL2, CTNNB1, BDNF, NGF, and EDN1, which correspond to seven potential enriched pathways. These findings provide a basis for further research and offer new possibilities for developing therapeutic interventions for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhan Chen
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Ikeda
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuno Negishi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuo Tsubota
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Tsubota Laboratory, Inc, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshihide Kurihara
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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13
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Ke X, Jiang H, Li Q, Luo S, Qin Y, Li J, Xie Q, Zheng Q. Preclinical evaluation of KH631, a novel rAAV8 gene therapy product for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Mol Ther 2023; 31:3308-3321. [PMID: 37752703 PMCID: PMC10638048 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.09.019] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is strongly associated with the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Currently, the standard treatment for nAMD involves frequent intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents, which inhibit the growth of new blood vessels and prevent leakage. However, this treatment regimen places a significant burden on patients, their families, and healthcare providers due to the need for repeated visits to the clinic for injections. Gene therapy, which enables the sustained expression of anti-VEGF proteins after a single injection, can dramatically reduce the treatment burden. KH631 is a recombinant adeno-associated virus 8 vector that encodes a human VEGF receptor fusion protein, and it is being developed as a long-term treatment for nAMD. In preclinical studies using non-human primates, subretinal administration of KH631 at a low dose of 3 × 108 vg/eye resulted in remarkable retention of the transgene product in the retina and prevented the formation and progression of grade IV CNV lesions. Furthermore, sustained transgene expression was observed for more than 96 weeks. These findings suggest that a single subretinal injection of KH631 has the potential to offer a one-time, low-dose treatment for nAMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ke
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Chengdu, China; Chengdu Kanghong Pharmaceuticals Group Co Ltd, Chengdu, China
| | - Hao Jiang
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Chengdu, China; Therapeutic Proteins Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingwei Li
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Chengdu, China; Therapeutic Proteins Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuang Luo
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Chengdu, China; Therapeutic Proteins Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Yingfei Qin
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Li
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Chengdu, China
| | - Qing Xie
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Chengdu, China; Therapeutic Proteins Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Zheng
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Chengdu, China; Chengdu Kanghong Pharmaceuticals Group Co Ltd, Chengdu, China; Therapeutic Proteins Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China.
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14
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Usui Y, Iwanishi H, Sumioka T, Ichikawa K, Miyajima M, Usui-Kusumoto K, Reinach PS, Okada Y, Saika S. Engineered Knockout of TRPA1 Inhibits Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization Along With Associated TGFβ1 Expression and Neutrophil Infiltration. J Transl Med 2023; 103:100256. [PMID: 37797886 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2023.100256] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We examined the effects of gene ablation and chemical inhibition of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) on the growth of experimental argon laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in mice. CNV was induced in the eyes of 6- to 8-week-old TRPA1-null (knockout [KO]) and wild-type (WT) mice by argon laser irradiation. Gene expression analysis was performed in laser-injured tissues at days 1 and 3. CNV growth was evaluated at day 14. Reciprocal bone marrow transplantation was performed between each genotype to identify the components responsible for either recipient tissue or bone marrow-derived inflammatory cells. Our results show that laser irradiation successfully induced CNV growth at the site of laser injury. The size of induced CNV was significantly smaller in KO mice than in WT mice at day 14, as determined by angiography with fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran. Invasion of neutrophils, but not macrophages, was suppressed in association with suppression of the expression of transforming growth factor β1 and interleukin 6 in laser-irradiated KO tissue. Bone marrow transplantation indicated that the genotype of the recipient mouse, but not of inflammatory cells, is attributable to the KO phenotype. Systemic administration of a TRPA1 antagonist also reduced the CNV in a WT mouse. In conclusion, TRPA1 signaling in local cells is involved in growth of laser-induced CNV. The phenotype was not attributable to vascular endothelial cells and inflammatory cells. Blocking TRPA1 signal may therefore be a potential treatment strategy for CNV-related ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Usui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Hiroki Iwanishi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan.
| | - Takayoshi Sumioka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Kana Ichikawa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Masayasu Miyajima
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Keiko Usui-Kusumoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Peter Sol Reinach
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University School, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuka Okada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University Kihoku Hospital, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Shizuya Saika
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan
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15
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Zeng J, Wang Y, Zhu M, Wu M, Zhou Y, Wang Q, Xu Y, Lin F, Wang J, Li Y, Liang S, Wang Z, Xie L, Liu X. Neutrophil extracellular traps boost laser-induced mouse choroidal neovascularization through the activation of the choroidal endothelial cell TLR4/HIF-1α pathway. FEBS J 2023; 290:5395-5410. [PMID: 37552110 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16928] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is characterized by the infiltration of immune cells, particularly neutrophils. Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) facilitates the angiogenesis of pulmonary endothelial cells via activating Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). TLR4 promotes the expression of transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), which promotes inflammation and angiogenesis via the up-regulation of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). In the present study, we aimed to identify the formation of NET and its role in CNV. Our results showed that NET levels were increased in a mouse laser-induced CNV model via oxidative stress, whereas the inhibition of NET alleviated CNV. In vitro, NET activated the TLR4/HIF-1α pathway in human choroidal endothelial cells (HCECs). Additionally, NET increased the transcription and expression of MMP-9 and IL-1β in HCECs via activating the TLR4/HIF-1α pathway. Meanwhile, NET promoted the inflammatory response accompanied by the proliferation, migration and tube formation of HCECs in a MMP-9- and IL-1β-dependent manner. In conclusion, NET was up-regulated in CNV and promoted the formation of CNV via activating the TLR4/HIF-1α pathway in choroidal endothelial cells. Our data uncovered the novel role of NET in promoting the formation of CNV. The underlying mechanism of NET could be targeted to delay the process of CNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zeng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Medical College, Nantong University, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Manhui Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Lixiang Eye Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Medical College, Nantong University, China
| | - Yamei Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Medical College, Nantong University, China
| | - Qiaoyun Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yiqian Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fei Lin
- Medical College, Nantong University, China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- Medical College, Nantong University, China
| | - Yuxuan Li
- Medical College, Nantong University, China
| | | | - Ziyu Wang
- Medical College, Nantong University, China
| | - Laiqing Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaojuan Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Medical College, Nantong University, China
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16
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Lu T, Xie F, Huang C, Zhou L, Lai K, Gong Y, Li Z, Li L, Liang J, Cong Q, Li W, Ju R, Zhang SX, Jin C. ERp29 Attenuates Nicotine-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Inhibits Choroidal Neovascularization. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15523. [PMID: 37958506 PMCID: PMC10649101 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115523] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotine-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells is thought to be one pathological mechanism underlying age-related macular degeneration (AMD). ERp29 attenuates tobacco extract-induced ER stress and mitigates tight junction damage in RPE cells. Herein, we aimed to further investigate the role of ERp29 in nicotine-induced ER stress and choroidal neovascularization (CNV). We found that the expression of ERp29 and GRP78 in ARPE-19 cells was increased in response to nicotine exposure. Overexpression of ERp29 decreased the levels of GRP78 and the C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). Knockdown of ERp29 increased the levels of GRP78 and CHOP while reducing the viability of ARPE-19 cells under nicotine exposure conditions. In the ARPE-19 cell/macrophage coculture system, overexpression of ERp29 decreased the levels of M2 markers and increased the levels of M1 markers. The viability, migration and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were inhibited by conditioned medium from the ERp29-overexpressing group. Moreover, overexpression of ERp29 inhibits the activity and growth of CNV in mice exposed to nicotine in vivo. Taken together, our results revealed that ERp29 attenuated nicotine-induced ER stress, regulated macrophage polarization and inhibited CNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Fangfang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Chuangxin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Lijun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Kunbei Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yajun Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zijing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Longhui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jiandong Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Qifeng Cong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Weihua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Rong Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Sarah X. Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ross Eye Institute, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- SUNY Eye Institute, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Chenjin Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
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17
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Droho S, Voigt AP, Sterling JK, Rajesh A, Chan KS, Cuda CM, Perlman H, Lavine JA. NR4A1 deletion promotes pro-angiogenic polarization of macrophages derived from classical monocytes in a mouse model of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:238. [PMID: 37858232 PMCID: PMC10588116 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02928-1] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neovascular age-related macular degeneration causes vision loss from destructive angiogenesis, termed choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Cx3cr1-/- mice display alterations in non-classical monocytes and microglia with increased CNV size, suggesting that non-classical monocytes may inhibit CNV formation. NR4A1 is a transcription factor that is necessary for maturation of non-classical monocytes from classical monocytes. While Nr4a1-/- mice are deficient in non-classical monocytes, results are confounded by macrophage hyper-activation. Nr4a1se2/se2 mice lack a transcriptional activator, resulting in non-classical monocyte loss without macrophage hyper-activation. MAIN BODY We subjected Nr4a1-/- and Nr4a1se2/se2 mice to the laser-induced CNV model and performed multi-parameter flow cytometry. We found that both models lack non-classical monocytes, but only Nr4a1-/- mice displayed increased CNV area. Additionally, CD11c+ macrophages were increased in Nr4a1-/- mice. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis uncovered that CD11c+ macrophages were enriched from Nr4a1-/- mice and expressed a pro-angiogenic transcriptomic profile that was disparate from prior reports of macrophage hyper-activation. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that non-classical monocytes are dispensable during CNV, and NR4A1 deficiency results in increased recruitment of pro-angiogenic macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Droho
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Andrew P Voigt
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Jacob K Sterling
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Amrita Rajesh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Kyle S Chan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Carla M Cuda
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Harris Perlman
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Jeremy A Lavine
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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18
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Voigt AP, Mullin NK, Navratil EM, Flamme-Wiese MJ, Lin LC, Scheetz TE, Han IC, Stone EM, Tucker BA, Mullins RF. Gene Expression Within a Human Choroidal Neovascular Membrane Using Spatial Transcriptomics. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:40. [PMID: 37878301 PMCID: PMC10615143 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.13.40] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Macular neovascularization is a relatively common and potentially visually devastating complication of age-related macular degeneration. In macular neovascularization, pathologic angiogenesis can originate from either the choroid or the retina, but we have limited understanding of how different cell types become dysregulated in this dynamic process. Methods To study how gene expression is altered in focal areas of pathology, we performed spatial RNA sequencing on a human donor eye with macular neovascularization as well as a healthy control donor. We performed differential expression to identify genes enriched within the area of macular neovascularization and used deconvolution algorithms to predict the originating cell type of these dysregulated genes. Results Within the area of neovascularization, endothelial cells demonstrated increased expression of genes related to Rho family GTPase signaling and integrin signaling. Likewise, VEGF and TGFB1 were identified as potential upstream regulators that could drive the observed gene expression changes produced by endothelial and retinal pigment epithelium cells in the macular neovascularization donor. These spatial gene expression profiles were compared to previous single-cell gene expression experiments in human age-related macular degeneration as well as a model of laser-induced neovascularization in mice. As a secondary aim, we investigated regional gene expression patterns within the macular neural retina and between the macular and peripheral choroid. Conclusions Overall, this study spatially analyzes gene expression across the retina, retinal pigment epithelium, and choroid in health and describes a set of candidate molecules that become dysregulated in macular neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P. Voigt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Nathaniel K. Mullin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Emma M. Navratil
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Miles J. Flamme-Wiese
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Li-Chun Lin
- University of Iowa Neuroscience Institute, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Todd E. Scheetz
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Ian C. Han
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Edwin M. Stone
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Budd A. Tucker
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Robert F. Mullins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
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19
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D'Amico AG, Maugeri G, Magrì B, Lombardo C, Saccone S, Federico C, Cavallaro P, Giunta S, Bucolo C, D'Agata V. PACAP-ADNP axis prevents outer retinal barrier breakdown and choroidal neovascularization by interfering with VEGF secreted from retinal pigmented epitelium cells. Peptides 2023; 168:171065. [PMID: 37495040 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171065] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
During diabetic retinopathy (DR) progression, the retina undergoes various metabolic changes, including hypoxia-signalling cascade induction in the cells of retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE). The overexpression of hypoxic inducible factors causes transcription of many target genes including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The RPE cells form the outer blood retinal barrier (oBRB), a specialized structure that regulates ions and metabolites flux into the retina to maintain a suitable quality of its extracellular microenvironment. VEGF worsens retinal condition since its secretion from the basolateral compartment of RPE cells compromises the barrier's integrity and induces choroidal neovascularization. In this work, we hypothesized that PACAP prevents the damage to oBRB and controls choroidal neovascularization through the induction of ADNP. Firstly, we demonstrated that ADNP is expressed in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic animals. To validate our hypothesis, we cultured endothelial cells (H5V) forming vessels-like structures, in a conditioned medium (CM) derived from ARPE-19 cells exposed to hyperglycaemic/hypoxic insult, containing a known VEGF concentration. The involvement of PACAP-ADNP axis on oBRB integrity was evaluated through the measurement of trans-epithelial-electrical resistance and permeability assay performed on ARPE cell monolayer cultured in CM and by analysing the expression of two tight junction forming proteins, ZO1 and occludin. By culturing H5V in CM, we demonstrated that PACAP-ADNP axis counteracted vessels-like structures formation promoted by VEGF. In conclusion, the results suggested a primary role of PACAP/ADNP axis in preventing oBRB damage and in controlling aberrant choroidal neovascularization induced by VEGF secreted from RPE cells exposed to hyperglycaemia/hypoxic insult in DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Grazia D'Amico
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Section of System Biology, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Grazia Maugeri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Benedetta Magrì
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Lombardo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Saccone
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Federico
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Paola Cavallaro
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Giunta
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Velia D'Agata
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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20
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Pan T, Wu Y, Zhang X, Wang J, Wang X, Gu Q, Xu C, Fan Y, Li X, Xie P, Liu Q, Hu Z. Lens epithelial cell-derived exosome inhibits angiogenesis in ocular pathological neovascularization through its delivery of miR-146a-5p. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23192. [PMID: 37682530 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301020rr] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal ocular neovascularization, a major pathology of eye diseases, leads to severe visual loss. The role of lens epithelial cell (LEC)-derived exosomes (Lec-exo) is largely unknown. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether Lec-exo can inhibit abnormal ocular neovascularization and explore the possible mechanisms. In our study, we proved the first evidence that exosomes derived from LECs attenuated angiogenesis in both oxygen-induced retinopathy and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization mice models. Further in vitro experiments proved that Lec-exo inhibited proliferation, migration, and tube formation capability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in high glucose condition. Further high-throughput miRNAs sequencing analysis detected that miR-146a-5p was enriched in Lec-exo. Mechanistically, exosomal miR-146a-5p was delivered to endothelial cells and bound to the NRAS coding sequence, which subsequently inactivated AKT/ERK signaling pathway. We successfully elucidated the function of Lec-exo in inhibiting abnormal ocular neovascularization, which may offer a promising strategy for treatment of abnormal ocular neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingfan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xingxing Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qinyuan Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Changlin Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinsheng Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Ping Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qinghuai Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zizhong Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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21
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Wang Y, Tseng Y, Chen K, Chen K, Chen K, Huang Z, Mao Z, Li X. Dasatinib Plus Quercetin Alleviates Choroid Neovascularization by Reducing the Cellular Senescence Burden in the RPE-Choroid. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:39. [PMID: 37750741 PMCID: PMC10541238 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.12.39] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Wet AMD (wAMD) is associated with cellular senescence. However, senescent cell-targeted therapies for wAMD have rarely been comprehensively studied. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of senolytic agents on choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Methods RNA sequencing datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and used to explore the association between senescence and wAMD. We explored the effects of senescent adult RPE cell line-19 cells on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. A laser-induced CNV animal model was used to study wAMD. We studied a senescent cell elimination therapy for CNV progression using two types of senolytics and a transgenic method. Results Cells in the retinal pigment epithelium-choroid of the CNV model were enriched in senescence, inflammation, and angiogenesis gene sets. AP20187 was used to specifically eliminate senescent cells and proven to alleviate CNV progression in INK-ATTAC transgenic mice. Senescent adult RPE cell line-1 cells produced elevated levels of senescence-associated secretory phenotypes, including VEGFs; they also demonstrated increased proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The number of senescent cells increased in the laser-induced CNV rat model, and intravitreal injections of dasatinib with quercetin reduced the expression of p16 in CNV and alleviated neovascularization. Conclusions Senescent RPE cells can accelerate pathological neovascularization; thus, senescent cell-targeting therapy has great clinical potential for wAMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinhao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yulin Tseng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Keyu Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Health Science Center, Peking University, China
| | - Kuangqi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihua Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Health Science Center, Peking University, China
| | - Zebin Mao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Health Science Center, Peking University, China
| | - Xuemin Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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22
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Parsons NB, Annamalai B, Rohrer B. Regulatable Complement Inhibition of the Alternative Pathway Mitigates Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Pathology in a Mouse Model. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:17. [PMID: 37462980 PMCID: PMC10362922 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.7.17] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Risk for developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is linked to an overactive complement system. In the mouse model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV), elevated levels of complement effector molecules, including complement C3, have been identified, and the alternative pathway (AP) is required for pathology. The main soluble AP regular is complement factor H (fH). We have previously shown that AP inhibition via subretinal AAV-mediated delivery of CR2-fH using a constitutive promoter is efficacious in reducing CNV. Here we ask whether the C3 promoter (pC3) effectively drives CR2-fH bioavailability for gene therapy. Methods Truncated pC3 was used to generate plasmids pC3-mCherry/CR2-fH followed by production of corresponding AAV5 vectors. pC3 activation was determined in transiently transfected ARPE-19 cells stimulated with H2O2 or normal human serum (+/- antioxidant or humanized CR2-fH, respectively). CNV was analyzed in C57BL/6J mice treated subretinally with AAV5-pC3-mCherry/CR2-fH using imaging (optical coherence tomography [OCT] and fundus imaging), functional (electroretinography [ERG]), and molecular (protein expression) readouts. Results Modulation of pC3 in vitro is complement and oxidative stress dependent, as shown by mCherry fluorescence. AAV5-pC3-CR2-fH were identified as safe and effective using OCT and ERG. CR2-fH expression significantly reduced CNV compared to mCherry and was correlated with reduced levels of C3dg/C3d in the retinal pigment epithelium/choroid fraction. Conclusions We conclude that complement-dependent regulation of AP inhibition ameliorates AMD pathology as effectively as using a constitutive promoter. Translational Relevance The goal of anticomplement therapy is to restore homeostatic levels of complement activation, which might be more easily achievable using a self-regulating system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel B. Parsons
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - Bärbel Rohrer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Division of Research, Charleston, SC, USA
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23
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Wang SB, Nagasaka Y, Argyle D, Nagasaka A, Yerramothu P, Gelfand BD, Ambati J. Targeting the m6A mRNA demethylase FTO suppresses vascular endothelial growth factor release and choroidal neovascularization. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:72. [PMID: 36801892 PMCID: PMC9939410 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01277-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Bin Wang
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - Yosuke Nagasaka
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Dionne Argyle
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ayami Nagasaka
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Praveen Yerramothu
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Bradley D Gelfand
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Jayakrishna Ambati
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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24
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Muniyandi A, Martin M, Sishtla K, Motolani A, Sun M, Jensen NR, Qi X, Boulton ME, Prabhu L, Lu T, Corson TW. PRMT5 is a therapeutic target in choroidal neovascularization. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1747. [PMID: 36720900 PMCID: PMC9889383 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28215-w] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocular neovascular diseases including neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) are widespread causes of blindness. Patients' non-responsiveness to currently used biologics that target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) poses an unmet need for novel therapies. Here, we identify protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) as a novel therapeutic target for nvAMD. PRMT5 is a well-known epigenetic enzyme. We previously showed that PRMT5 methylates and activates a proangiogenic and proinflammatory transcription factor, the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), which has a master role in tumor progression, notably in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and colorectal cancer. We identified a potent and specific small molecule inhibitor of PRMT5, PR5-LL-CM01, that dampens the methylation and activation of NF-κB. Here for the first time, we assessed the antiangiogenic activity of PR5-LL-CM01 in ocular cells. Immunostaining of human nvAMD sections revealed that PRMT5 is highly expressed in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroid where neovascularization occurs, while mouse eyes with laser induced choroidal neovascularization (L-CNV) showed PRMT5 is overexpressed in the retinal ganglion cell layer and in the RPE/choroid. Importantly, inhibition of PRMT5 by PR5-LL-CM01 or shRNA knockdown of PRMT5 in human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived choroidal endothelial cells (iCEC2) reduced NF-κB activity and the expression of its target genes, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and VEGF-A. In addition to inhibiting angiogenic properties of proliferation and tube formation, PR5-LL-CM01 blocked cell cycle progression at G1/S-phase in a dose-dependent manner in these cells. Thus, we provide the first evidence that inhibition of PRMT5 impedes angiogenesis in ocular endothelial cells, suggesting PRMT5 as a potential therapeutic target to ameliorate ocular neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anbukkarasi Muniyandi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Matthew Martin
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Kamakshi Sishtla
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Aishat Motolani
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Mengyao Sun
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Nathan R Jensen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Xiaoping Qi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Michael E Boulton
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Lakshmi Prabhu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Tao Lu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Timothy W Corson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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25
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Liu CH, Yemanyi F, Bora K, Kushwah N, Blomfield AK, Kamenecka TM, SanGiovanni JP, Sun Y, Solt LA, Chen J. Genetic deficiency and pharmacological modulation of RORα regulate laser-induced choroidal neovascularization. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:37-52. [PMID: 36626253 PMCID: PMC9876633 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204480] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) causes acute vision loss in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Genetic variations of the nuclear receptor RAR-related orphan receptor alpha (RORα) have been linked with neovascular AMD, yet its specific role in pathological CNV development is not entirely clear. In this study, we showed that Rora was highly expressed in the mouse choroid compared with the retina, and genetic loss of RORα in Staggerer mice (Rorasg/sg) led to increased expression levels of Vegfr2 and Tnfa in the choroid and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) complex. In a mouse model of laser-induced CNV, RORα expression was highly increased in the choroidal/RPE complex post-laser, and loss of RORα in Rorasg/sg eyes significantly worsened CNV with increased lesion size and vascular leakage, associated with increased levels of VEGFR2 and TNFα proteins. Pharmacological inhibition of RORα also worsened CNV. In addition, both genetic deficiency and inhibition of RORα substantially increased vascular growth in isolated mouse choroidal explants ex vivo. RORα inhibition also promoted angiogenic function of human choroidal endothelial cell culture. Together, our results suggest that RORα negatively regulates pathological CNV development in part by modulating angiogenic response of the choroidal endothelium and inflammatory environment in the choroid/RPE complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Hsiu Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Felix Yemanyi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kiran Bora
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Neetu Kushwah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alexandra K. Blomfield
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Theodore M. Kamenecka
- Department of Molecular Medicine, UF Scripps Biomedical Research, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - John Paul SanGiovanni
- BIO5 Institute and Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
| | - Ye Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Laura A. Solt
- Department of Molecular Medicine, UF Scripps Biomedical Research, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, UF Scripps Biomedical Research, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Kakihara S, Matsuda Y, Hirabayashi K, Imai A, Iesato Y, Sakurai T, Kamiyoshi A, Tanaka M, Ichikawa-Shindo Y, Kawate H, Zhao Y, Zhang Y, Guo Q, Li P, Onishi N, Murata T, Shindo T. Role of Adrenomedullin 2/Intermedin in the Pathogenesis of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. J Transl Med 2023; 103:100038. [PMID: 36870288 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2022.100038] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Adrenomedullin 2 (AM2; also known as intermedin) is a member of the adrenomedullin (AM) peptide family. Similarly to AM, AM2 partakes in a variety of physiological activities. AM2 has been reported to exert protective effects on various organ disorders; however, its significance in the eye is unknown. We investigated the role of AM2 in ocular diseases. The receptor system of AM2 was expressed more abundantly in the choroid than in the retina. In an oxygen-induced retinopathy model, physiological and pathologic retinal angiogenesis did not differ between AM2-knockout (AM2-/-) and wild-type mice. In contrast, in laser-induced choroidal neovascularization, a model of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, AM2-/- mice had enlarged and leakier choroidal neovascularization lesions, with exacerbated subretinal fibrosis and macrophage infiltration. Contrary to this, exogenous administration of AM2 ameliorated the laser-induced choroidal neovascularization-associated pathology and suppressed gene expression associated with inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress, including that of VEGF-A, VEGFR-2, CD68, CTGF, and p22-phox. The stimulation of human adult retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE) cell line 19 cells with TGF-β2 and TNF-α induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereas AM2 expression was also elevated. The induction of EMT was suppressed when the ARPE-19 cells were pretreated with AM2. A transcriptome analysis identified 15 genes, including mesenchyme homeobox 2 (Meox2), whose expression was significantly altered in the AM2-treated group compared with that in the control group. The expression of Meox2, a transcription factor that inhibits inflammation and fibrosis, was enhanced by AM2 treatment and attenuated by endogenous AM2 knockout in the early phase after laser irradiation. The AM2 treatment of endothelial cells inhibited endothelial to mesenchymal transition and NF-κB activation; however, this effect tended to be canceled following Meox2 gene knockdown. These results indicate that AM2 suppresses the neovascular age-related macular degeneration-related pathologies partially via the upregulation of Meox2. Thus, AM2 may be a promising therapeutic target for ocular vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Kakihara
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Yorishige Matsuda
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Hirabayashi
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Akira Imai
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Iesato
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Takayuki Sakurai
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan; Department of Life Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan
| | - Akiko Kamiyoshi
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan; Department of Life Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan
| | - Megumu Tanaka
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Yuka Ichikawa-Shindo
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Hisaka Kawate
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Yunlu Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - QianQian Guo
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Peixuan Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Naho Onishi
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Toshinori Murata
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Takayuki Shindo
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan; Department of Life Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan.
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Elsayed MEAA, Kaukonen M, Kiraly P, Kapetanovic JC, MacLaren RE. Potential CRISPR Base Editing Therapeutic Options in a Sorsby Fundus Dystrophy Patient. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:2103. [PMID: 36421778 PMCID: PMC9690532 DOI: 10.3390/genes13112103] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
TIMP3 mutations are associated with early-onset macular choroidal neovascularisation for which no treatment currently exists. CRISPR base editing, with its ability to irreversibly correct point mutations by chemical modification of nucleobases at DNA level, may be a therapeutic option. We report a bioinformatic analysis of potential therapeutic options in a patient presenting with Sorsby fundus dystrophy. Genetic testing in a 35-year-old gentleman with bilateral macular choroidal neovascularisation revealed the patient to be heterozygous for a TIMP3 variant c.610A>T, p.(Ser204Cys). Using a glycosylase base editor (GBE), another DNA-edit could be introduced that would revert the variant back to wild-type on amino acid level. Alternatively, the mutated residue could be changed to another amino acid that would be better tolerated, and for that, an available 'NG'-PAM site was found to be available for the SpCas9-based adenine base editor (ABE) that would introduce p.(Ser204Arg). In silico analyses predicted this variant to be non-pathogenic; however, a bystander edit, p.Ile205Thr, would be introduced. This case report highlights the importance of considering genetic testing in young patients with choroidal neovascularisation, particularly within the context of a strong family history of presumed wet age-related macular degeneration, and describes potential therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Kaukonen
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Peter Kiraly
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Jasmina Cehajic Kapetanovic
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Robert E. MacLaren
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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Tian R, Deng A, Pang X, Chen Y, Gao Y, Liu H, Hu Z. VR-10 polypeptide interacts with CD36 to induce cell apoptosis and autophagy in choroid-retinal endothelial cells: Identification of VR-10 as putative novel therapeutic agent for choroid neovascularization (CNV) treatment. Peptides 2022; 157:170868. [PMID: 36067926 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2022.170868] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Choroid neovascularization (CNV) is important adverse pathological changes that contributes to the aggravation of hypoxic-ischemic eye diseases, and our preliminary work evidences that the thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) synthetic polypeptide VR-10 may be the candidate therapeutic agent for the treatment of CNV, but its detailed effects and molecular mechanisms are not fully delineated. In this study, the CNV models in BN rats were established by using the laser photocoagulation method, which were further subjected to VR-10 peptide treatment. The RNA-seq and bioinformatics analysis suggested that VR-10 peptide significantly altered the expression patterns of genes in the rat ocular tissues, and the changed genes were especially enriched in the CD36-associated signal pathways. Next, by performing the Real-Time qPCR and Western Blot analysis, we expectedly found that VR-10 upregulated the anti-angiogenesis biomarker (PEDF) and downregulated pro-angiogenesis biomarkers (VEGF, HIF-1 and IL-17) in rat tissues. In addition, we evidenced that VR-10 downregulated CDK2, CDK4, CDK6, Cyclin D1 and Cyclin D2 to induce cell cycle arrest, upregulated cleaved Caspase-3, Bax and downregulated Bcl-2 to promote cell apoptosis, and increased LC3B-II/I ratio and facilitate p62 degradation to promote cell autophagy in RF/6A cells, which were all reversed by knocking down CD36. Moreover, VR-10 upregulated PEDF, and decreased the expression levels of VEGF, HIF-1 and IL-17 to block angiogenesis of RF/6A cells in a CD36-dependent manner. Taken together, VR-10 peptide interacts with its receptor CD36 to regulate the biological functions of RF/6A cells, and these data suggest that VR-10 peptide may be the putative therapeutic drug for the treatment of CNV in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Run Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Qingnian Road No. 176, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Aiping Deng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Qingnian Road No. 176, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Xiaocong Pang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University, Xueyuan Street No. 38, Haidian District, Beijing, China.
| | - Yunli Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lijiang People's Hospital, Fuhui Road No. 526, Gucheng District, Lijiang, Yunnan, China.
| | - Yufei Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Qingnian Road No. 176, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Hai Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Qingnian Road No. 176, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Zhulin Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Qingnian Road No. 176, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
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Logan C, Lyzogubov V, Bora N, Bora P. Role of Adiponectin Peptide I (APNp1) in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091232. [PMID: 36139070 PMCID: PMC9496372 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091232] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that can cause central vision loss, particularly in the elderly population. There are 2 classes of AMD, wet-type and dry-type. Wet-type involves excess angiogenesis around the macula, referred to as choroidal neovascularization (CNV). This can result in leaky vessels, often causing more severe vision loss than dry-type AMD. Adiponectin peptide 1 (APNp1) has been shown to slow the progression of CNV. Here, we used a mouse model and FITC-labeled APNp1 to determine if APNp1 could be delivered effectively as an eye drop. Our experiment revealed that topically applied FITC-APNp1 could reach the macula of the eye, which is crucial for treating wet-type AMD. We also tested delivery of APNp1 via injection of an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector in a mouse model of CNV. AAV is a harmless virus easy to manipulate and is very often used for protein or peptide deliveries. Results revealed an increase in the expression of APNp1 in the retina and choroid over a 28-day period. Finally, we investigated the mechanism by which APNp1 affects CNV by examining the expression of adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the retinal and choroidal tissue of the mouse eyes. AdipoR1 and PCNA were overexpressed in these tissues in mice with laser-induced CNV compared to naïve mice. Based on our data shown here, we think it will enhance our understanding of APNp1 as a therapeutic agent for wet-type AMD and possible treatment alternatives that could be more beneficial for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Puran Bora
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(501)-352-7191
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30
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Lv W, Chen W, Huang S, Xu Y, Liang JJ, Zheng Y, Chen S, Chen SL, Ng TK, Chen H. Reduction of Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization in Mice With Erythropoietin RNA Interference. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:1. [PMID: 35913417 PMCID: PMC9351596 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.8.1] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pathological involvement of erythropoietin (EPO) in experimental choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and its association with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in the Chinese population. METHODS Treatment effect of recombinant EPO protein were assessed by human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation, migration, and tube formation, and ex vivo choroid-sprouting ability. The effect of intravitreal injection of Epo siRNA against neovascularization was evaluated in the laser-induced CNV mouse model. In addition, the association of EPO variants with neovascular AMD and PCV was determined. RESULTS Exogenous supplementation of EPO significantly enhanced the migration and tube formation of HUVECs and promoted ex vivo choroid sprouting in mouse retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-choroid-sclera complex culture. In the experimental CNV mouse model, Epo expression was found to be significantly upregulated by 3.5-folds in RPE-choroid-sclera complex at day 10 after laser induction as compared to the baseline. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that Epo was mainly expressed around the vascular endothelial cells in the RPE-choroid-sclera complex. Intravitreal injection of siRNA targeting Epo reduced 40% Epo expression and 40% CNV lesion areas as compared to the scramble control. However, EPO variants were not associated with neovascular AMD nor PCV in the Chinese population. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed the promotion of human endothelial cell tube formation in vitro and choroid sprouting ex vivo by EPO, and the reduction of laser-induced CNV in vivo by Epo RNA interference. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE Targeting EPO could be a potential additional treatment for CNV-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Lv
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen Chen
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaofen Huang
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanxuan Xu
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jia-Jian Liang
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuqian Zheng
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaowan Chen
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shao-Lang Chen
- 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, Guangdong, China
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Haoyu Chen
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
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Voigt AP, Mullin NK, Mulfaul K, Lozano LP, Wiley LA, Flamme-Wiese MJ, Boese EA, Han IC, Scheetz TE, Stone EM, Tucker BA, Mullins RF. Choroidal endothelial and macrophage gene expression in atrophic and neovascular macular degeneration. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:2406-2423. [PMID: 35181781 PMCID: PMC9307320 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [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: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The human choroid is a heterogeneous, highly vascular connective tissue that dysfunctions in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In this study, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing on 21 human choroids, 11 of which were derived from donors with early atrophic or neovascular AMD. Using this large donor cohort, we identified new gene expression signatures and immunohistochemically characterized discrete populations of resident macrophages, monocytes/inflammatory macrophages and dendritic cells. These three immune populations demonstrated unique expression patterns for AMD genetic risk factors, with dendritic cells possessing the highest expression of the neovascular AMD-associated MMP9 gene. Additionally, we performed trajectory analysis to model transcriptomic changes across the choroidal vasculature, and we identified expression signatures for endothelial cells from choroidal arterioles and venules. Finally, we performed differential expression analysis between control, early atrophic AMD, and neovascular AMD samples, and we observed that early atrophic AMD samples had high expression of SPARCL1, a gene that has been shown to increase in response to endothelial damage. Likewise, neovascular endothelial cells harbored gene expression changes consistent with endothelial cell damage and demonstrated increased expression of the sialomucins CD34 and ENCM, which were also observed at the protein level within neovascular membranes. Overall, this study characterizes the molecular features of new populations of choroidal endothelial cells and mononuclear phagocytes in a large cohort of AMD and control human donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Voigt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Nathaniel K Mullin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Kelly Mulfaul
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Lola P Lozano
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Luke A Wiley
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Miles J Flamme-Wiese
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Erin A Boese
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Ian C Han
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Todd E Scheetz
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Edwin M Stone
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Budd A Tucker
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Robert F Mullins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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32
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Thee EF, Colijn JM, Cougnard-Grégoire A, Meester-Smoor MA, Verzijden T, Hoyng CB, Fauser S, Hense HW, Silva R, Creuzot-Garcher C, Ueffing M, Delcourt C, den Hollander AI, Klaver CCW. The Phenotypic Course of Age-Related Macular Degeneration for ARMS2/HTRA1: The EYE-RISK Consortium. Ophthalmology 2022; 129:752-764. [PMID: 35240203 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2022.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Age-related maculopathy susceptibility 2 (ARMS2) is considered the most enigmatic of the genes for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We investigated the phenotypic course and spectrum of AMD for the risk haplotype at the ARMS2 and high-temperature requirement A serine peptidase 1 (HTRA1) locus in a large European consortium. DESIGN Pooled analysis of 4 case-control and 6 cohort studies. PARTICIPANTS Individuals (N = 17 204) aged 55 years or older participating in the European Eye Epidemiology consortium. METHODS Age-related macular degeneration features and macular thickness were determined on multimodal images; data on genetics and phenotype were harmonized. Risks of AMD features for rs3750486 genotypes at the ARMS2/HTRA1 locus were determined by logistic regression and were compared with a genetic risk score (GRS) of 19 variants at the complement pathway. Lifetime risks were estimated with Kaplan-Meier analyses in population-based cohorts. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Age-related macular degeneration features and stage. RESULTS Of 2068 individuals with late AMD, 64.7% carried the ARMS2/HTRA1 risk allele. For homozygous carriers, the odds ratio (OR) of geographic atrophy was 8.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.5-11.4), of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) was 11.2 (95% CI, 9.4-13.3), and of mixed late AMD was 12.2 (95% CI, 7.3-20.6). Cumulative lifetime risk of late AMD ranged from 4.4% for carriers of the nonrisk genotype to 9.4% and 26.8% for heterozygous and homozygous carriers. The latter received the diagnosis of late AMD 9.6 years (95% CI, 8.0-11.2) earlier than carriers of the nonrisk genotype. The risk haplotype was not associated with hard or soft drusen < 125 μm (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.9-1.7), but risks increased significantly for soft drusen ≥ 125 μm (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.5-3.0), up to an OR of 7.2 (95% CI, 3.8-13.8) for reticular pseudodrusen. Compared with persons with a high GRS for complement, homozygous carriers of ARMS2/HTRA1 showed a higher risk of CNV (OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 3.2-5.4); risks of other characteristics were not different. CONCLUSIONS Carriers of the risk haplotype at ARMS2/HTRA1 have a particularly high risk of late AMD at a relatively early age. Data suggest that risk variants at ARMS2/HTRA1 act as a strong catalyst of progression once early signs are present. The phenotypic spectrum resembles that of complement genes, only with higher risks of CNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric F Thee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna M Colijn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Audrey Cougnard-Grégoire
- UMR 1219, Team LEHA, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Inserm, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Magda A Meester-Smoor
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Timo Verzijden
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carel B Hoyng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sascha Fauser
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hans-Werner Hense
- Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Rufino Silva
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Ophthalmology, Coimbra Hospital and University Center, Coimbra, Portugal; Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Catherine Creuzot-Garcher
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Dijon, Eye and Nutrition Research Group, INRAe, Dijon, France
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Cécile Delcourt
- UMR 1219, Team LEHA, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Inserm, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Anneke I den Hollander
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline C W Klaver
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Liu L, Zhu D, Ding W, Zhang T, Ma X, Zou J. MiRNA-21- HIF-1α-VEGF Axis is Associated with Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization in Guinea Pigs. Ophthalmic Res 2022; 65:493-505. [PMID: 35158368 DOI: 10.1159/000522511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) often causes serious damage to central vision. The mechanisms behind it remain unclear. METHOD In this study, monocular form deprivation was applied to induce high myopia and 532 nm laser was employed to induce CNV in guinea pig. The development of neovascularization was measured comprehensively by fundus fluorescein angiography, Optical coherence tomography and HE-staining. Gene expression was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The proliferation of new blood vessels increased with time and peaked at 21 d. At each time point after laser photocoagulation, the incidence of CNV was higher in form-deprived myopia (FDM) group than in control group. Myopic CNV started earlier and decreased more slowly. The obvious continuous fluorescein leakage could last as long as one month. The expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increased and peaked at 14 d in both groups after laser photocoagulation. Moreover, after laser photocoagulation, miR-21 expression was upregulated in both groups, reached a peak at 7 d, with a level much higher in FDM group. In addition, miR-21 expression was positively correlated with VEGF and HIF-1α expression in both groups. CONCLUSION miR-21 correlated with HIF-1α-VEGF signaling pathway may promote CNV formation in high-myopia guinea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Affiliate of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Science Affiliated Zhou Pu Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenzhi Ding
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Affiliate of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Affiliate of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyun Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Science Affiliated Zhou Pu Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Affiliate of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Brandli A, Khong FL, Kong RCK, Kelly DJ, Fletcher EL. Transcriptomic analysis of choroidal neovascularization reveals dysregulation of immune and fibrosis pathways that are attenuated by a novel anti-fibrotic treatment. Sci Rep 2022; 12:859. [PMID: 35039609 PMCID: PMC8764037 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-04845-4] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neovascular AMD (nAMD) leads to vision loss and is a leading cause of visual impairment in the industrialised world. Current treatments that target blood vessel growth have not been able to treat subretinal fibrosis and nAMD patients continue to lose vision. The molecular mechanisms involved in the development of fibrotic lesions in nAMD are not well understood. The aim of this study was to further understand subretinal fibrosis in the laser photocoagulation model of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) by studying the whole transcriptome of the RPE/choroid following CNV and the application of an anti-fibrotic following CNV. Seven days after laser induced CNV, RPE and choroid tissue was separated and underwent RNAseq. Differential expression analysis and pathway analysis revealed an over representation of immune signalling and fibrotic associated pathways in CNV compared to control RPE/choroid tissue. Comparisons between the mouse CNV model to human CNV revealed an overlap in upregulated expression for immune genes (Ccl2, Ccl8 and Cxcl9) and extracellular matrix remodeling genes (Comp, Lrcc15, Fndc1 and Thbs2). Comparisons between the CNV model and other fibrosis models showed an overlap of over 60% of genes upregulated in either lung or kidney mouse models of fibrosis. Treatment of CNV using a novel cinnamoyl anthranilate anti-fibrotic (OCX063) in the laser induced CNV model was selected as this class of drugs have previously been shown to target fibrosis. CNV lesion leakage and fibrosis was found to be reduced using OCX063 and gene expression of genes within the TGF-beta signalling pathway. Our findings show the presence of fibrosis gene expression pathways present in the laser induced CNV mouse model and that anti-fibrotic treatments offer the potential to reduce subretinal fibrosis in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Brandli
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Grattan St, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Fay L Khong
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
- Occurx Pty Ltd, 31 Queen St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Roy C K Kong
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
- Occurx Pty Ltd, 31 Queen St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Darren J Kelly
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
| | - Erica L Fletcher
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Grattan St, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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Lv D, Chen D, Wang Z, Cui Z, Ma JH, Ji S, Chen J, Tang S. COL10A1 is a novel factor in the development of choroidal neovascularization. Microvasc Res 2022; 139:104239. [PMID: 34520774 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2021.104239] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
With the dramatic rise in the aging population, researching age-related macular degeneration (AMD), especially the severe form neovascular AMD (nAMD), has become more important than ever. In this study, we found that collagen type X was increased in retina-choroid tissue of mice with laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) based on immunohistofluorescence. RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses were performed to compare the retina-choroid tissue complex of the CNV mouse model to normal controls. Collagen type X alpha 1 chain (Col10a1) was among the most significantly upregulated genes, and the results were validated with an animal model at the mRNA and protein levels by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blotting, respectively. COL10A1 was also upregulated in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs), human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), RPE19 cells and RF/6A cells under hypoxic conditions. Next, in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to study the effect of COL10A1 on neovascularization. siRNA knockdown of COL10A1 suppressed the proliferation and tube formation ability of HRMECs under hypoxic conditions. Snail family transcriptional repressor 1 (SNAIL1) and angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2) were downregulated in COL10A1 knockdown HRMECs under hypoxic conditions and thus were potential downstream genes. Significant decreases in CNV leakage and CNV lesion area, as assessed by fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and immunofluorescence of choroidal flat mounts, respectively, were observed in a mouse model intravitreally injected with anti-collagen X monoclonal antibody (mAb) compared to the controls. In conclusion, COL10A1 promotes CNV formation and may represent a new candidate target for the treatment and diagnosis of nAMD and other neovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Lv
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China; Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, China
| | | | - Zhijie Wang
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China; Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, China
| | | | - Jacey Hongjie Ma
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China; Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, China
| | | | - Jiansu Chen
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China; Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Institute of Ophthalmology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Shibo Tang
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China; Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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Zhang X, Qiu B, Gong Z, Chen X, Wang Y, Nie Y. Differentially Regulated Apolipoproteins and Lipid Profiles as Novel Biomarkers for Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy and Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:946327. [PMID: 35928899 PMCID: PMC9343613 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.946327] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid dyshomeostasis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various retinal and choroidal vascular diseases. This study aims to investigate whether apolipoprotein (apo) mediated differential regulation of lipid metabolism contributes to the phenotypes of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). This study involved 148 subjects including 53 patients with PCV, 44 patients with nAMD, and 51 age-, sex-matched subjects with normal fundus controls. Routine blood biochemistry profile was evaluated. Apolipoproteins was estimated by Luminex technology. After controlling for age, gender, body mass index, duration of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, apoB/non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p=0.015) was an independent risk factor for nAMD, apoB was an independent risk factor for PCV(p=0.011), compared with control. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was significantly higher in patients with PCV when compared with nAMD (p=0.037). Furthermore, apoB/non-HDL, LDL-C, triglycerides and were significantly correlated with the pathogenesis of subgroups of PCV and nAMD. We concluded that lipid profiles and apos are differential regulated in PCV, nAMD and their subtypes, indicating different pathogenicity contributed to the different phenotypes of PCV and nAMD. Non-pachy PCV shares pathological similarities with nAMD, which is highly correlated with age-related atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Zhang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Retinal and Choroidal Vascular Disorders Study Group, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xinyuan Zhang,
| | - Bingjie Qiu
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Retinal and Choroidal Vascular Disorders Study Group, Beijing, China
| | - Zhizhong Gong
- Division of Medical Affairs, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaosi Chen
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Retinal and Choroidal Vascular Disorders Study Group, Beijing, China
| | - Yanhong Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Nie
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Retinal and Choroidal Vascular Disorders Study Group, Beijing, China
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El Matri K, Falfoul Y, Habibi I, Chebil A, Schorderet D, El Matri L. Macular Dystrophy with Bilateral Macular Telangiectasia Related to the CYP2U1 Pathogenic Variant Assessed with Multimodal Imaging Including OCT-Angiography. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111795. [PMID: 34828401 PMCID: PMC8618989 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111795] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: We report the case of a neurologically asymptomatic young boy presenting with an unusual phenotype of CYP2U1 related macular dystrophy associating bilateral macular telangiectasia (MacTel) and fibrotic choroidal neovascularization (CNV), assessed with complete multimodal imaging including optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). Case presentation: A twelve-year-old boy from a non-consanguineous family complained of bilateral progressive visual loss and photophobia. The best-corrected visual acuity was 2/10 on the right eye and 3/10 on the left eye. Fundus examination showed central pigmented fibrotic macular scar and yellowish punctuate deposits in both eyes. En face OCT-A detected typical macular telangiectasia (MacTel) in both eyes with dilated telangiectatic capillaries in the deep capillary plexus associated with vascular anomalies in the superficial and deep capillary plexus. Typical hypo-reflective cavities were observed within the inner foveal layers on structural OCT. En face OCT-A also confirmed the presence of bilateral inactive CNV within the fibrotic scars, showing high-flow vascular network at the level of the subretinal hyperreflective lesions. Whole exome sequencing identified a known homozygous pathogenic variant in CYP2U1 gene (c.1168C > T, p.Arg390*), which is a disease-causing mutation in autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia type 56 (SPG56). The neurological examination was normal, and electromyography and brain magnetic resonance imaging were unremarkable as well. Conclusion: Macular dystrophy can be the first manifestation in SPG56. A particular phenotype with MacTel was observed, and neovascular complications are possible. CYP2U1 should be included in the panels of genes tested for macular dystrophies, especially in the presence of MacTel and/or neurological manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled El Matri
- Department B, Institut Hédi Rais D’ophtalmologie de Tunis, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; (K.E.M.); (A.C.); (L.E.M.)
- Oculogenetic Laboratory LR14SP01, Institut Hédi Rais D’ophtalmologie de Tunis, Tunis 1007, Tunisia
- El Manar/Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Université de Tunis, Tunis 1007, Tunisia
| | - Yousra Falfoul
- Department B, Institut Hédi Rais D’ophtalmologie de Tunis, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; (K.E.M.); (A.C.); (L.E.M.)
- Oculogenetic Laboratory LR14SP01, Institut Hédi Rais D’ophtalmologie de Tunis, Tunis 1007, Tunisia
- El Manar/Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Université de Tunis, Tunis 1007, Tunisia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +216-98-908-732
| | - Imen Habibi
- IRO—Institut de Recherche en Ophtalmologie, 1950 Sion, Switzerland; (I.H.); (D.S.)
| | - Ahmed Chebil
- Department B, Institut Hédi Rais D’ophtalmologie de Tunis, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; (K.E.M.); (A.C.); (L.E.M.)
- Oculogenetic Laboratory LR14SP01, Institut Hédi Rais D’ophtalmologie de Tunis, Tunis 1007, Tunisia
- El Manar/Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Université de Tunis, Tunis 1007, Tunisia
| | - Daniel Schorderet
- IRO—Institut de Recherche en Ophtalmologie, 1950 Sion, Switzerland; (I.H.); (D.S.)
- Faculté de Biologie et de Médecine, Université de Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Faculté des Sciences de la Vie, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Leila El Matri
- Department B, Institut Hédi Rais D’ophtalmologie de Tunis, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; (K.E.M.); (A.C.); (L.E.M.)
- Oculogenetic Laboratory LR14SP01, Institut Hédi Rais D’ophtalmologie de Tunis, Tunis 1007, Tunisia
- El Manar/Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Université de Tunis, Tunis 1007, Tunisia
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Droho S, Perlman H, Lavine JA. Dendritic cells play no significant role in the laser-induced choroidal neovascularization model. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17254. [PMID: 34446787 PMCID: PMC8390527 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96704-x] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is genetically associated with complement. Dendritic cells (DCs) play key roles during innate and adaptive immunity, and express complement components and their receptors. We investigated ocular DC heterogeneity and the role of DCs in the laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) model. In order to determine the function of DCs, we used two models of DC deficiency: the Flt3-/- and Flt3l-/- mouse. We identified three types of ocular DCs: plasmacytoid DC, classical DC-1, and classical DC-2. At steady-state, classical DCs were found in the iris and choroid but were not detectable in the retina. Plasmacytoid DCs existed at very low levels in iris, choroid, and retina. After laser injury, the number of each DC subset was up-regulated in the choroid and retina. In Flt3-/- mice, we found reduced numbers of classical DCs at steady-state, but each DC subset equally increased after laser injury between wildtype and Flt3-/- mice. In Flt3l-/- mice, each DC subsets was severely reduced after laser injury. Neither Flt3-/- or Flt3l-/- mice demonstrated reduced CNV area compared to wildtype mice. DCs do not play any significant role during the laser-induced CNV model of neovascular AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Droho
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Harris Perlman
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jeremy A Lavine
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Gu J, Qiu Z, Li L, Qin B, Zhou Y, Liu Y, Liu X, Zhu M, Sang A. Geniposide alleviates choroidal neovascularization by downregulating HB-EGF release from RPE cells by downregulating the miR-145-5p/NF-κB axis. Exp Eye Res 2021; 208:108624. [PMID: 34022175 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), mainly wet AMD, is the major reason for nonreversible vision loss worldwide. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a characteristic pathological manifestation of wet AMD. Stress or injury to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) induces proangiogenic factors that drive CNV. An iridoid glycoside extracted from the fruit of gardenia, geniposide (GEN) plays an antiangiogenic role. In this study, GEN inhibited the transcription and expression of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF), a proangiogenic factor, in hypoxic RPE cells and a mouse laser-induced CNV model. Inhibition of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), a GEN receptor blocker, eliminated the protective effect of GEN. Additionally, GEN decreased the transcription and expression of HB-EGF in hypoxia-exposed RPE cells by downregulating the miR-145-5p/NF-κB axis. Therefore, our research provides a promising novel strategy for wet AMD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhaoxian Qiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lele Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bai Qin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yamei Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaojuan Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, China.
| | - Manhui Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lixiang Eye Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Aimin Sang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China.
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De Rossi G, Vähätupa M, Cristante E, Arokiasamy S, Liyanage SE, May U, Pellinen L, Uusitalo-Järvinen H, Bainbridge JW, Järvinen TA, Whiteford JR. Pathological Angiogenesis Requires Syndecan-4 for Efficient VEGFA-Induced VE-Cadherin Internalization. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2021; 41:1374-1389. [PMID: 33596666 PMCID: PMC7613699 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.121.315941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia De Rossi
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, Department of Cell Biology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Maria Vähätupa
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Technology, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland & Departments of Orthopedics & Traumatology and Tampere Eye Centre, Tampere University Hospital, 33521 Tampere, Finland
| | - Enrico Cristante
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, Genetics department, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Samantha Arokiasamy
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - Sidath E. Liyanage
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, Genetics department, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Ulrike May
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Technology, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland & Departments of Orthopedics & Traumatology and Tampere Eye Centre, Tampere University Hospital, 33521 Tampere, Finland
| | - Laura Pellinen
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Technology, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland & Departments of Orthopedics & Traumatology and Tampere Eye Centre, Tampere University Hospital, 33521 Tampere, Finland
| | - Hannele Uusitalo-Järvinen
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Technology, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland & Departments of Orthopedics & Traumatology and Tampere Eye Centre, Tampere University Hospital, 33521 Tampere, Finland
| | - James W. Bainbridge
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, Genetics department, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Tero A.H. Järvinen
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Technology, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland & Departments of Orthopedics & Traumatology and Tampere Eye Centre, Tampere University Hospital, 33521 Tampere, Finland
| | - James R. Whiteford
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
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Díaz-Villamarín X, Blánquez-Martínez D, Pozo-Agundo A, Pérez-Gutiérrez AM, Muñoz-Ávila JI, Antúnez-Rodríguez A, Fernández-Gómez AE, García-Navas P, Martínez-González LJ, Dávila-Fajardo CL. Genetic Variants Affecting Anti-VEGF Drug Response in Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E1335. [PMID: 33198211 PMCID: PMC7697983 DOI: 10.3390/genes11111335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is usually regarded as a subtype of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) that is secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) characterized by choroidal vessel branching, ending in polypoidal lesions. Despite their close association, PCV and neovascular AMD have shown differences, especially regarding patients' treatment response. Currently, antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs, such as ranibizumab, bevacizumab and aflibercept, have demonstrated their efficacy in CNV patients. However, in PCV, anti-VEGF treatments have shown inconclusive results. Many genetic polymorphisms have been associated with a variable response in exudative/wet AMD patients. Thus, the aim of this study is to explore the genetic variants affecting anti-VEGF drug response in PCV patients. In this regard, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. We found four variants (CFH I62V, CFH Y402H, ARMS2 A69S, and HTRA1-62A/G) that have been significantly related to response. Among them, the ARMS2 A69S variant is assessed in our meta-analysis. In conclusion, in order to implement anti-VEGF pharmacogenetics in clinical routines, further studies should be performed, distinguishing physio-pathogenic circumstances between PCV and exudative AMD and the combined effect on treatment response of different genetic variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xando Díaz-Villamarín
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Cecilio—Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.Granada), 18016 Granada, Spain; (A.E.F.-G.); (P.G.-N.); (C.L.D.-F.)
- Pfizer-University of Granada-Junta de Andalucía Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), 18016 Granada, Spain; (A.P.-A.); (A.A.-R.); (L.J.M.-G.)
| | | | - Ana Pozo-Agundo
- Pfizer-University of Granada-Junta de Andalucía Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), 18016 Granada, Spain; (A.P.-A.); (A.A.-R.); (L.J.M.-G.)
| | - Ana María Pérez-Gutiérrez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain;
| | | | - Alba Antúnez-Rodríguez
- Pfizer-University of Granada-Junta de Andalucía Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), 18016 Granada, Spain; (A.P.-A.); (A.A.-R.); (L.J.M.-G.)
| | - Ana Estefanía Fernández-Gómez
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Cecilio—Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.Granada), 18016 Granada, Spain; (A.E.F.-G.); (P.G.-N.); (C.L.D.-F.)
| | - Paloma García-Navas
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Cecilio—Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.Granada), 18016 Granada, Spain; (A.E.F.-G.); (P.G.-N.); (C.L.D.-F.)
| | - Luis Javier Martínez-González
- Pfizer-University of Granada-Junta de Andalucía Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), 18016 Granada, Spain; (A.P.-A.); (A.A.-R.); (L.J.M.-G.)
| | - Cristina Lucía Dávila-Fajardo
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Cecilio—Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.Granada), 18016 Granada, Spain; (A.E.F.-G.); (P.G.-N.); (C.L.D.-F.)
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Kiel C, Strunz T, Grassmann F, Weber BHF. Pleiotropic Locus 15q24.1 Reveals a Gender-Specific Association with Neovascular but Not Atrophic Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Cells 2020; 9:cells9102257. [PMID: 33050031 PMCID: PMC7650707 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified an abundance of genetic loci associated with complex traits and diseases. In contrast, in-depth characterization of an individual genetic signal is rarely available. Here, we focus on the genetic variant rs2168518 in 15q24.1 previously associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but only with suggestive evidence. In a two-step procedure, we initially conducted a series of association analyses to further delineate the association of rs2168518 with AMD but also with other complex phenotypes by using large independent datasets from the International AMD Genomics Consortium (IAMDGC) and the UK Biobank. We then performed a functional annotation with reference to gene expression regulation based on data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project and RegulomeDB. Association analysis revealed a gender-specific association with male AMD patients and an association predominantly with choroidal neovascularization. Further, the AMD association colocalizes with an association signal of several blood pressure-related phenotypes and with the gene expression regulation of CYP1A1, a member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily of monooxygenases. Functional annotation revealed altered transcription factor (TF) binding sites for gender-specific TFs, including SOX9 and SRY. In conclusion, the pleiotropic 15q24.1 association signal suggests a shared mechanism between blood pressure regulation and choroidal neovascularization with a potential involvement of CYP1A1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Kiel
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (C.K.); (T.S.); (F.G.)
| | - Tobias Strunz
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (C.K.); (T.S.); (F.G.)
| | | | - Felix Grassmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (C.K.); (T.S.); (F.G.)
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, King’s College, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK
| | - Bernhard H. F. Weber
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (C.K.); (T.S.); (F.G.)
- Institute of Clinical Human Genetics, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-941-944-5400
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Liu S, Biesemeier AK, Tschulakow AV, Thakkar HV, Julien-Schraermeyer S, Schraermeyer U. A new rat model of treatment-naive quiescent choroidal neovascularization induced by human VEGF165 overexpression. Biol Open 2020; 9:bio048736. [PMID: 32086250 PMCID: PMC7295592 DOI: 10.1242/bio.048736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a crucial stimulator for choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Our aim was to develop a reproducible and valid treatment-naive quiescent CNV (i.e. without signs of exudation and with normal visual acuity) rat model by subretinal injection of an adeno-associated virus (AAV)-VEGFA165 vector. The CNV development was longitudinally followed up in vivo by scanning laser ophthalmoscopy/optical coherence tomography, fluorescein and Indocyanine Green angiographies and ex vivo by electron microscopy (EM) and immunohistochemistry. In total, 57 eyes were analysed. In vivo, a quiescent CNV was observed in 93% of the eyes 6 weeks post-transduction. In EM, CNV vessels with few fenestrations, multi-layered basement membranes and bifurcation of endothelial cells were observed sharing the human CNV features. Human VEGF overexpression, multi-layered retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) (RPE65) and macrophages/activated microglia (Iba1) were also detected. In addition, 19 CNV eyes were treated for up to 3 weeks with bevacizumab. The retinal and CNV lesion thickness decreased significantly in bevacizumab-treated CNV eyes compared with untreated CNV eyes 1 week after the treatment. In conclusion, our experimental CNV resembles those seen in patients suffering from treatment-naive quiescent CNV in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and responds to short-term treatment with bevacizumab. Our new model can, therefore, be used to test the long-term effect of new drugs targeting CNV under precisely-defined conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Liu
- Center for Ophthalmology, Division of Experimental Vitreoretinal Surgery, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Antje K Biesemeier
- Center for Ophthalmology, Division of Experimental Vitreoretinal Surgery, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- Natural and Medical Institute at the University of Tübingen, Applied Material Science and Electron Microscopy, Reutlingen 72770, Germany
| | - Alexander V Tschulakow
- Center for Ophthalmology, Division of Experimental Vitreoretinal Surgery, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- STZ OcuTox Preclinical Drug Assessment, Hechingen 72379, Germany
| | - Harsh V Thakkar
- Center for Ophthalmology, Division of Experimental Vitreoretinal Surgery, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- STZ OcuTox Preclinical Drug Assessment, Hechingen 72379, Germany
| | - Sylvie Julien-Schraermeyer
- Center for Ophthalmology, Division of Experimental Vitreoretinal Surgery, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- STZ OcuTox Preclinical Drug Assessment, Hechingen 72379, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schraermeyer
- Center for Ophthalmology, Division of Experimental Vitreoretinal Surgery, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- STZ OcuTox Preclinical Drug Assessment, Hechingen 72379, Germany
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Luo M, Zhao X, Yang J, Chen Y. The association of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy clinical phenotypes with previously reported genetic markers. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2020; 258:1199-1203. [PMID: 32328755 PMCID: PMC7237508 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-020-04702-y] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Genetic studies have identified the association of some single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), but little is known about whether these SNPs are related to PCV clinical features as well. We performed this study to examine the association of 12 SNPs with PCV clinical phenotypes. METHODS Sixty-nine PCV eyes of 69 patients were included. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood. Agilent SureSelect Human ALL Exon V6 was used to sequence the 12 SNPs previously reported to associate with PCV. Baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), sub-foveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), choroid maximum vascular diameter (MVD), choroidal vascular hyperpermeability (CVH), and greatest linear dimension (GLD) of entire lesion were measured and compared between patients of different genotypes. Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney U test were mainly used to compare categorical variables and continuous variables respectively. RESULTS HTRA1 rs2293870 was a protective factor of PCV or AMD in the fellow eye (P = 0.040) and was related with greater SFCT in PCV eye after multiple linear regression (P = 0.043). C3 rs17030 was associated with smaller GLD (P = 0.033). CFH rs2274700 was related to lower MVD (P = 0.043) and was a protective factor for CVH (P = 0.034). CONCLUSION Multiple PCV-associated SNPs are associated with PCV clinical phenotypes. The involvement of several synonymous SNPs calls for further research on the role of transcriptional alterations and trans-regulation of distant signaling pathways in PCV pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyuan Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Youxin Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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Wolk A, Hatipoglu D, Cutler A, Ali M, Bell L, Hua Qi J, Singh R, Batoki J, Karle L, Bonilha VL, Wessely O, Stoehr H, Hascall V, Anand-Apte B. Role of FGF and Hyaluronan in Choroidal Neovascularization in Sorsby Fundus Dystrophy. Cells 2020; 9:E608. [PMID: 32143276 PMCID: PMC7140456 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorsby's fundus dystrophy (SFD) is an inherited blinding disorder caused by mutations in the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP3) gene. The SFD pathology of macular degeneration with subretinal deposits and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) closely resembles that of the more common age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The objective of this study was to gain further insight into the molecular mechanism(s) by which mutant TIMP3 induces CNV. In this study we demonstrate that hyaluronan (HA), a large glycosaminoglycan, is elevated in the plasma and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroid of patients with AMD. Mice carrying the S179C-TIMP3 mutation also showed increased plasma levels of HA as well as accumulation of HA around the RPE in the retina. Human RPE cells expressing the S179C-TIMP3 mutation accumulated HA apically, intracellularly and basally when cultured long-term compared with cells expressing wildtype TIMP3. We recently reported that RPE cells carrying the S179C-TIMP3 mutation have the propensity to induce angiogenesis via basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2). We now demonstrate that FGF-2 induces accumulation of HA in RPE cells. These results suggest that the TIMP3-MMP-FGF-2-HA axis may have an important role in the pathogenesis of CNV in SFD and possibly AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyson Wolk
- Cole Eye Institute & Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (A.W.); (D.H.); (A.C.); (M.A.); (L.B.); (J.H.Q.); (R.S.); (J.B.); (L.K.); (V.L.B.)
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
| | - Dilara Hatipoglu
- Cole Eye Institute & Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (A.W.); (D.H.); (A.C.); (M.A.); (L.B.); (J.H.Q.); (R.S.); (J.B.); (L.K.); (V.L.B.)
| | - Alecia Cutler
- Cole Eye Institute & Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (A.W.); (D.H.); (A.C.); (M.A.); (L.B.); (J.H.Q.); (R.S.); (J.B.); (L.K.); (V.L.B.)
| | - Mariya Ali
- Cole Eye Institute & Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (A.W.); (D.H.); (A.C.); (M.A.); (L.B.); (J.H.Q.); (R.S.); (J.B.); (L.K.); (V.L.B.)
| | - Lestella Bell
- Cole Eye Institute & Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (A.W.); (D.H.); (A.C.); (M.A.); (L.B.); (J.H.Q.); (R.S.); (J.B.); (L.K.); (V.L.B.)
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Jian Hua Qi
- Cole Eye Institute & Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (A.W.); (D.H.); (A.C.); (M.A.); (L.B.); (J.H.Q.); (R.S.); (J.B.); (L.K.); (V.L.B.)
| | - Rupesh Singh
- Cole Eye Institute & Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (A.W.); (D.H.); (A.C.); (M.A.); (L.B.); (J.H.Q.); (R.S.); (J.B.); (L.K.); (V.L.B.)
| | - Julia Batoki
- Cole Eye Institute & Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (A.W.); (D.H.); (A.C.); (M.A.); (L.B.); (J.H.Q.); (R.S.); (J.B.); (L.K.); (V.L.B.)
| | - Laura Karle
- Cole Eye Institute & Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (A.W.); (D.H.); (A.C.); (M.A.); (L.B.); (J.H.Q.); (R.S.); (J.B.); (L.K.); (V.L.B.)
| | - Vera L. Bonilha
- Cole Eye Institute & Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (A.W.); (D.H.); (A.C.); (M.A.); (L.B.); (J.H.Q.); (R.S.); (J.B.); (L.K.); (V.L.B.)
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Oliver Wessely
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Heidi Stoehr
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany;
| | - Vincent Hascall
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
| | - Bela Anand-Apte
- Cole Eye Institute & Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (A.W.); (D.H.); (A.C.); (M.A.); (L.B.); (J.H.Q.); (R.S.); (J.B.); (L.K.); (V.L.B.)
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) are leading causes of irreversible blindness among the elderly population in developed countries. Although being considered as different subtypes of a same disease, neovascular AMD and PCV have differences in clinical, epidemiological, therapeutic, and genetic profiles. Both AMD and PCV are complex diseases involving multiple genetic and environmental risk factors. Different genetic strategies have been adopted to discover associated genes and variants for neovascular AMD and PCV, including genome-wide association study (GWAS), next-generation sequencing (NGS) based sequence analysis, and candidate gene analyses. So far, a number of susceptible genes have been identified for AMD and/or PCV, such as CFH, ARMS2-HTRA1, C2-CFB-SKIV2L, C3, CETP, and FGD6. Although many of these genes are shared by AMD and PCV, some showed difference between them, such as ARMS2-HTRA1 and FGD6. Also, some of the genes showed ethnic diversities, such as the CFH p.Tyr402His variant. Further larger-scale genomic studies should be warranted to identify more susceptibility genes for AMD and, in particular, PCV among different populations, and differentiate the genetic architectures between neovascular AMD and PCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Jia Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital Eye Center, Hong Kong, China
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Nielsen MK, Subhi Y, Molbech CR, Grønskov K, Sørensen TL. Distribution of risk alleles in patients with age-related macular degeneration. Dan Med J 2020; 67:A05190295. [PMID: 32138827] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in elderly people. Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) have been shown to either increase or reduce the risk of developing AMD. In this study, we investigated the frequency of ten known risk alleles in a Danish cohort across subtypes of late AMD and explored any relationship to accelerated development of bilateral neovascular AMD. METHODS A total of 206 participants were included, 73 hereof had neovascular AMD, 57 geographic atrophy (GA), 28 polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and 48 were healthy aged controls. Genotyping was performed using the Kompetitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction genotyping assay. Participants with neovascular AMD were followed in the clinic for four years and registered as having developed bilateral disease or having persistent unilateral disease. RESULTS We found that patients with neovascular AMD and GA, but not PCV, had a higher frequency of the risk allele for rs10490924 in age-related maculopathy susceptibility 2 (ARMS2) as well as several SNPs related to the complement pathway. Patients who developed bilateral disease within the four-year follow-up had an increased frequency of the risk-allele for rs1061170 in complement factor H (CFH). CONCLUSIONS Our results support the notion that ARMS2 and CFH are central in neovascular AMD and GA, and that the risk allele for rs1061170 in CFH is associated with accelerated onset of bilateral neovascular AMD. FUNDING The Velux Foundation, the Danish Eye Research Foundation, Fight for Sight Denmark, the University of Copenhagen, and Region Zealand funded this study. None of the funding bodies had any role in the design, execution or interpretation of the research performed. TRIAL REGISTRATION not relevant.
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48
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Zhang B, Yin X, Li J, Ren C, Liu W, Liu G, Lu P. Essential contribution of macrophage Tie2 signal mediated autophagy in laser-induced choroidal neovascularization. Exp Eye Res 2020; 193:107972. [PMID: 32059975 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.107972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy plays critical roles in various ocular diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Tie2-expressing macrophages (TEMs) play crucial roles in angiogenesis. To investigate the role of TEMs and autophagy in the development of AMD, we employed macrophage-specific Tie2 knockout mice and used a laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV). The results showed that TEMs can promote CNV formation by up-regulating the level of autophagy. These results were further verified by in vitro cell experiments that peritoneal macrophages from Tie2 knockout mice can inhibit the expression of autophagy-related factors and inhibit the expression of angiogenic factor of VEGF by activating AMPK signaling pathway. Our results suggest that TEMs and macrophage Tie2 signal mediated-autophagy play critical role in experimental CNV, and they may be novel preventive targets for AMD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyu Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Shizi Street 188, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Xue Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Shizi Street 188, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Jianqing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Shizi Street 188, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Chi Ren
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Shizi Street 188, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Weiming Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Shizi Street 188, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Gaoqin Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Shizi Street 188, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Peirong Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Shizi Street 188, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
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Wright CB, Uehara H, Kim Y, Yasuma T, Yasuma R, Hirahara S, Makin RD, Apicella I, Pereira F, Nagasaka Y, Narendran S, Fukuda S, Albuquerque R, Fowler BJ, Bastos-Carvalho A, Georgel P, Hatada I, Chang B, Kerur N, Ambati BK, Ambati J, Gelfand BD. Chronic Dicer1 deficiency promotes atrophic and neovascular outer retinal pathologies in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:2579-2587. [PMID: 31964819 PMCID: PMC7007521 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1909761117] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Degeneration of the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) and aberrant blood vessel growth in the eye are advanced-stage processes in blinding diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Loss of the RNase DICER1, an essential factor in micro-RNA biogenesis, is implicated in RPE atrophy. However, the functional implications of DICER1 loss in choroidal and retinal neovascularization are unknown. Here, we report that two independent hypomorphic mouse strains, as well as a separate model of postnatal RPE-specific DICER1 ablation, all presented with spontaneous RPE degeneration and choroidal and retinal neovascularization. DICER1 hypomorphic mice lacking critical inflammasome components or the innate immune adaptor MyD88 developed less severe RPE atrophy and pathological neovascularization. DICER1 abundance was also reduced in retinas of the JR5558 mouse model of spontaneous choroidal neovascularization. Finally, adenoassociated vector-mediated gene delivery of a truncated DICER1 variant (OptiDicer) reduced spontaneous choroidal neovascularization in JR5558 mice. Collectively, these findings significantly expand the repertoire of DICER1 in preserving retinal homeostasis by preventing both RPE degeneration and pathological neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles B Wright
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506
| | - Hironori Uehara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350
| | - Younghee Kim
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
| | - Tetsuhiro Yasuma
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506
| | - Reo Yasuma
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
| | - Shuichiro Hirahara
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
| | - Ryan D Makin
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Molecular and Cellular Basis of Disease Graduate Program, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
| | - Ivana Apicella
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
| | - Felipe Pereira
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Departamento de Oftalmologia e Ciências Visuais, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Yosuke Nagasaka
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
| | - Siddharth Narendran
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625020, India
| | - Shinichi Fukuda
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Romulo Albuquerque
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506
| | - Benjamin J Fowler
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506
| | - Ana Bastos-Carvalho
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506
| | - Philippe Georgel
- Laboratoire d'ImmunoRhumatologie Moléculaire, INSERM UMR-S1109, LabEx Transplantex, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, 67085 Strasbourg, France
- Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire OMICARE, Université de Strasbourg, 67085 Strasbourg, France
| | - Izuho Hatada
- Laboratory of Genome Science, Biosignal Genome Resource Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan
| | - Bo Chang
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
| | - Nagaraj Kerur
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
| | | | - Jayakrishna Ambati
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
| | - Bradley D Gelfand
- Center for Advanced Vision Science, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903;
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia School of Engineering, Charlottesville, VA 22904
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Abstract
Since the discovery of the first microRNA (miRNA) decades ago, studies of miRNA biology have expanded in many biomedical research fields, including eye research. The critical roles of miRNAs in normal development and diseases have made miRNAs useful biomarkers or molecular targets for potential therapeutics. In the eye, ocular neovascularization (NV) is a leading cause of blindness in multiple vascular eye diseases. Current anti-angiogenic therapies, such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment, have their limitations, indicating the need for investigating new targets. Recent studies established the roles of various miRNAs in the regulation of pathological ocular NV, suggesting miRNAs as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets in vascular eye diseases. This review summarizes the biogenesis of miRNAs, and their functions in the normal development and diseases of the eye, with a focus on clinical and experimental retinopathies in both human and animal models. Discovery of novel targets involving miRNAs in vascular eye diseases will provide insights for developing new treatments to counter ocular NV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jing Chen
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-617-919-2525
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