- •Dedication
- •Dedication
- •Preface
- •Contents
- •Contributors
- •Travel Awards
- •About the Editors
- •1.1 Introduction
- •1.2 Methods
- •1.2.1 RNA Preparation and cDNA Labeling
- •1.2.2 Hybridization of Slides, Image Acquisition and Bioinformatics
- •1.2.3 Real-Time PCR
- •1.3.2 Microarray Analysis of Bouse C Model
- •1.3.3 Microarray Analysis of MOT1 Mouse
- •1.4 Discussion
- •References
- •2 Regulation of Angiogenesis by Macrophages
- •2.1 Macrophage Polarization and Its Role in Angiogenesis
- •References
- •3.1 Introduction
- •3.2 Materials and Methods
- •3.2.1 Reagents
- •3.2.2 Animals and Retina Explant Culture
- •3.2.3 Cell Culture
- •3.2.4 Western Blot Assay
- •3.3 Results
- •3.3.1 Phorbol Esters Increase Rod Generation
- •3.3.2 Expression of PKC Isoforms in Developing Retina
- •3.3.3 Activation of PKC Decreases Phosphorylation of STAT3
- •References
- •4.1 Introduction
- •4.3 In Silico Information
- •4.4 Expression and Distribution in the Retina
- •4.5 Transmembrane Topology
- •4.6 Binding to PEDF Ligands
- •4.7 Phospholipase Activity
- •4.8 PEDF-R Activity in Retinal Cells
- •4.9 Conclusions
- •References
- •References
- •6 The Association Between Telomere Length and Sensitivity to Apoptosis of HUVEC
- •6.1 Introduction
- •6.2 Methods
- •6.2.1 The Culture of HUVEC and the Construction of Cell Division Model
- •6.2.2 Construction of an Apoptosis Model of HUVEC with Free Hydroxyl Radicals
- •6.2.3 Measurement of Apoptosis Rates and Telomere Lengths
- •6.2.4 Statistics Analysis
- •6.3 Results
- •6.3.1 Relationship Between the Time of Culture and the Telomere Length
- •6.3.2 Relationship Among Apoptosis Rates, Culture Times and Oxidation
- •6.3.3 Oxidation Enhances the Telomere Shortening
- •6.4 Discussion
- •References
- •7.1 Regulation of cGMP Levels in Photoreceptor Outer Segments
- •7.2 Retinal Disorders Associated with Mutations in RetGCs and PDE6
- •7.3 Analysis of Teleost RetGC and PDEs in Retinal Function and Disorders
- •References
- •8 RDS in Cones Does Not Interact with the Beta Subunit of the Cyclic Nucleotide Gated Channel
- •References
- •9.1 Introduction
- •9.2 Material and Methods
- •9.2.1 Animals
- •9.2.2 Methods
- •9.2.3 Statistical Analysis
- •9.3 Results
- •9.4 Discussion
- •References
- •10.1 Introduction
- •10.2 Methods and Results
- •10.2.1 ZBED4 mRNA is Expressed in Human Retina
- •10.2.2 ZBED4 mRNA is Expressed in Mouse and Human Cones
- •10.2.3 ZBED4 is Expressed Both in Nuclei and Cytoplasm of Human Cones
- •10.2.3.1 Human ZBED4 is Also Expressed in Müller Cells Endfeet
- •10.2.4 Human ZBED4 is Distributed Between Nuclear and Cytoplasmic Retinal Fractions
- •10.2.5 Subcellular Localization of ZBED4 in Stably Transfected Cells
- •10.3 Discussion
- •References
- •11 Tubby-Like Protein 1 (Tulp1) Is Required for Normal Photoreceptor Synaptic Development
- •11.1 Introduction
- •11.2 Methods
- •11.2.1 Animals
- •11.3 Results
- •11.4 Discussion
- •References
- •12.1 Introduction
- •12.2 Experimental Procedures
- •12.2.1 Animal
- •12.2.2 Immunohistochemistry
- •12.2.3 RT-PCR Analysis
- •12.2.4 Behavioral Analysis
- •12.3 Results
- •12.4 Discussion
- •12.4.2 GAP43 Is a Good Marker for Monitoring the Long Process of Optic Nerve Regeneration in Fish
- •References
- •13 Multiprotein Complexes of Retinitis Pigmentosa GTPase Regulator (RPGR), a Ciliary Protein Mutated in X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa (XLRP)
- •13.1 X-Linked RP (XLRP)
- •13.2 Retinitis Pigmentosa GTPase Regulator (RPGR)
- •13.3 RPGR Isoforms in the Retina
- •13.4 Animal Models of RPGR
- •13.5 Sensory Cilia
- •13.6 Retinal Degeneration Caused by Mutations in Ciliary Proteins
- •13.9 Conclusion
- •References
- •14 Misfolded Proteins and Retinal Dystrophies
- •14.1 Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Retinal Degeneration
- •14.2 Misfolded Proteins in Photoreceptors
- •14.3 Misfolded Proteins in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells
- •14.4 Pharmacologic Targeting of Protein Misfolding to Prevent Retinal Degeneration
- •References
- •15.1 Introduction
- •15.6 Perspective
- •References
- •16.1 Introduction
- •16.2 RCS Rat and MerTK Receptor: An Intimate Story
- •16.3 Changes Associated with Absence of MerTK in the Rat Retina
- •16.4 Daily Rhythmic Activation of Mertk: The Intracellular Way
- •16.5 The Debate About MerTK Ligands In Vivo
- •16.6 Perspectives
- •References
- •17.1 Introduction
- •17.3 Implications for IRBP and Cone Function
- •17.4 The Cone Visual Cycle
- •References
- •18.1 Introduction
- •18.2 Material and Methods
- •18.2.1 Reagents
- •18.2.2 Cell Culture
- •18.2.3 Flow Cytometry
- •18.3 Results
- •18.3.2 Oxidative Stress of Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells Does Not Alter Surface Expression of Crry by the Cells
- •18.4 Discussion
- •References
- •19 Role of Metalloproteases in Retinal Degeneration Induced by Violet and Blue Light
- •19.1 Introduction
- •19.2 Objective
- •19.3 Materials and Methods
- •19.4 Results
- •19.5 Conclusion
- •References
- •20.1 Summary
- •20.2 Introduction
- •20.3 Materials and Methods
- •20.3.1 Primary Human RPE Cell Culture
- •20.3.3 Mitochondrial Morphometrics
- •20.3.4 Protein and Weight Estimation of RPE Cells and Mitochondria
- •20.3.7 Expression of Mitochondrial Associated Genes
- •20.4 Results
- •20.4.1 Age Related Sensitivity of RPE Cells to Oxidative Stress
- •20.4.2 Variation in Mitochondrial Number, Structure, and Size
- •20.4.5 Expression of Genes Associated with Mitochondrial Function
- •20.5 Discussion
- •References
- •21 Ciliary Transport of Opsin
- •21.1 Introduction
- •21.2 Methods
- •21.3 Results
- •21.4 Discussion
- •References
- •22 Effect of Hesperidin on Expression of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase in Cultured Rabbit Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells
- •22.1 Introduction
- •22.2 Materials and Methods
- •22.2.1 Preparing Hesperidin Extract of Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae
- •22.2.3 Cell Culture
- •22.2.4 MTT Cell Viability Assay
- •22.2.5 Assay of NO Production
- •22.2.6 Cellular Immunohistochemistry of iNOS
- •22.2.7 Statistical Analysis
- •22.3 Results
- •22.3.2 RPE Cells Morphology
- •22.3.4 Assay of NO and iNOS
- •22.4 Discussion
- •References
- •23.1 Introduction
- •23.2 Materials and Methods
- •23.2.1 Rabbit Retina Tissues
- •23.2.2 RNA Extraction
- •23.2.3 miRNA Microarray Analysis
- •23.2.4 Data Analysis
- •23.2.5 Bioinformatics Analysis of the Selected Mirnas
- •23.3 Results and Discussion
- •23.3.1 miRNA Microarray Analysis
- •23.3.2 Putative miRNA Target Gene Prediction
- •References
- •24.1 Introduction
- •24.2 Materials and Methods
- •24.2.1 Experiment with Animals
- •24.2.2 -Galactosidase Assay
- •24.3 Results
- •24.3.1 Generation of Transgenic Mice
- •24.3.2 Localization of Cre Function in Transgenic Mice
- •24.4 Discussion
- •References
- •25.1 Introduction
- •25.2 Methods
- •25.3 Result
- •25.4 Conclusions
- •References
- •26.1 PSC Proteins Involved in Inherited Retinal Degenerations
- •26.2 Structure of Photoreceptor Sensory Cilium Complex
- •26.3 Protein Components of Photoreceptor Sensory Cilium: PSC Proteome
- •26.4 Novel Photoreceptor Cilia Proteins in PSC Proteome
- •26.4.1 Subcellular Locations of Candidate Novel PSC Proteins
- •26.4.2 Functional Analysis of Novel PSC Proteins in Photoreceptor and Renal Cilia
- •26.4.2.1 shRNAs Against Novel PSC Genes
- •26.4.2.2 Evaluation of Phenotypes of shRNA Knockdown in mIMCD3 Cells and PSCs
- •26.5 TTC21B Protein in Photoreceptor Sensory Cilia and Renal Primary Cilia
- •26.5.1 TTC21B Localizes to the Basal Bodies and Transition Zone of Primary and Photoreceptor Sensory Cilia
- •26.5.2 TTC21B is Required for Primary Cilia and Photoreceptor Sensory Cilia Formation
- •26.6 Future Direction: Screening Novel PSC Genes for Mutations that Cause IRDs
- •References
- •27.1 Introduction
- •27.2 Materials and Methods
- •27.2.1 RNA Interference
- •27.2.2 Construction of Mouse Anti Elovl4 Gene shRNA
- •27.2.3 Tissue Culture
- •27.2.4 Fatty Acid Analysis
- •27.3 Results
- •27.3.1 661W Cells Express Elovl4 and Can Elongate 18:3n3 and 22:5n3 to Longer Chain Fatty Acids
- •27.4 Discussion
- •References
- •28 Molecular Pathogenesis of Achromatopsia Associated with Mutations in the Cone Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channel CNGA3 Subunit
- •28.1 Introduction
- •28.2 Materials and Methods
- •28.2.1 Constructs, Cell Culture and Transfection
- •28.2.3 Electrophysiological Recordings
- •28.2.4 SDS-PAGE and Western Blot Analysis
- •28.3 Results
- •28.3.1 The R218C and R224W Mutations Cause Loss of Channel Function
- •28.4 Discussion
- •References
- •29.1 Introduction
- •29.2 Materials and Methods
- •29.2.1 Patients and Ophthalmologic Examinations
- •29.2.2 Molecular Genetic Analysis
- •29.3 Results and Discussion
- •29.3.1 adRP
- •29.3.2 Bothnia Dystrophy
- •29.4 Conclusions
- •References
- •30.1 Introduction
- •30.2 Properties of Rhodopsin CSNB Mutants
- •30.2.1 Spectral and Photochemical Properties
- •30.2.2 Retinal Binding Kinetics of Rhodopsin CSNB Mutants
- •30.2.3 Activity of CSNB Mutants
- •30.2.3.1 In Vitro Assays of CSNB Mutants
- •30.2.3.2 Electrophysiological Studies on Transgenic Animal Models
- •30.3 Proposed Mechanisms of CSNB Mutations
- •30.3.1 Desensitization Due to Mutant Opsin Activity in Xenopus
- •30.3.2 Proposed Dark-Active Rhodopsin in Mouse
- •30.4 Future Studies
- •References
- •31 GCAP1 Mutations Associated with Autosomal Dominant Cone Dystrophy
- •31.2 Guanylate Cyclase 1 (GC1) and GCAP1
- •31.3 The EF Hand Motifs of GCAP1
- •31.5 EF3: The GCAP1(Y99C) and GCAP1(N104K) Mutations
- •31.6 EF4: The GCAP1(I143NT), GCAP1(L151F) and GCAP1(E155G) Mutations
- •31.7 Conclusion
- •References
- •32.1 Introduction
- •32.2 Methodology
- •32.2.1 Molecular Genetic Studies
- •32.2.2 Electrophysiological Studies
- •32.3 Results
- •32.3.1 RS1 Mutations in Western Australian Families
- •32.3.3.1 Family Information
- •32.3.3.2 Patient Information
- •32.3.3.3 Genetic Information
- •32.4 Discussion
- •References
- •33.1 Introduction
- •33.2 Materials and Methods
- •33.2.1 Subjects
- •33.2.2 DNA Extraction
- •33.2.4 RFLP Analysis
- •33.2.5 Statistical Analysis
- •33.3 Results
- •33.4 Discussion
- •References
- •34.1 Introduction
- •34.2 Materials and Methods
- •34.2.1 Animal Experiments and Experimental Groups
- •34.2.2 Web-Based siRNA Design Protocols Targeting Claudin-5
- •34.2.4 Indirect Immunostaining of Retinal Flatmounts
- •34.2.5 Assessment of BRB Integrity by Perfusion of Hoechst (H33342)
- •34.2.6 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- •34.3 Results
- •34.3.1 Claudin-5 Levels in Retinal Flatmounts
- •34.3.3 MRI Analysis of Ibrb Integrity Following Rnai of Claudin-5
- •34.4 Discussion
- •References
- •35 Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography and Adaptive Optics: Imaging Photoreceptor Layer Morphology to Interpret Preclinical Phenotypes
- •35.1 Introduction
- •35.2 Materials and Methods
- •35.2.1 Subjects
- •35.2.2 Adaptive Optics Retinal Imaging
- •35.2.3 Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography
- •35.3 Results
- •35.3.1 Cone Photoreceptor Mosaic Topography
- •35.3.2 Outer Nuclear Layer Thickness
- •35.4 Discussion
- •References
- •36.1 Introduction
- •36.2 Pharmacological Strategies for Misfolding Mutant Rod Opsin
- •36.2.1 Pharmacological Chaperones
- •36.2.2 Kosmotropes
- •36.2.3 Molecular Chaperone Inducers
- •36.2.4 Autophagy Inducers
- •36.3 Conclusion
- •References
- •37 Targeted High-Throughput DNA Sequencing for Gene Discovery in Retinitis Pigmentosa
- •37.1 Introduction
- •37.2 Methods
- •37.2.1 Selection of Families
- •37.2.2 VisionCHIP Gene Selection
- •37.2.3 VisionCHIP Validation
- •37.2.4 Evaluating Potentially Pathogenic Variants
- •37.3 Conclusion
- •References
- •38 Advances in Imaging of Stargardt Disease
- •38.1 Introduction
- •38.4 Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope
- •38.5 Conclusion
- •References
- •39.1 Materials and Methods
- •39.1.1 Cell Culture
- •39.1.3 VEGF Expression was Determined by ELISA
- •39.1.4 Statistical Analysis
- •39.2 Results
- •39.2.1 The Maximum Inhibition of VEGF Expression by Protamine Sulfate
- •39.2.2 Protamine Sulfate Inhibits the RF/6A Cell VEGF Expression at the Hypoxic Condition
- •39.2.3 Protamine Sulfate Inhibits the Binding of VEGF to Its Receptor
- •39.3 Discussions
- •39.3.1 The Inhibition Effect of Protamine Sulfate on VEGF
- •39.3.2 Inhibition of the Binding Between VEGF and Its Receptor
- •39.3.3 The Potential Use of Protamine Sulfate Inhibition of Angiogenic Eye Diseases
- •References
- •40.1 Introduction
- •40.2 Methods
- •40.2.1 Immunohistochemial Staining of Choroidal Endothelia
- •40.2.2 Analysis of Choriodal Density with Photoshop 8.0
- •40.3 Results and Discussion
- •40.3.1 Analysis Of Choroidal Density
- •40.3.2 Usefulness of the Methodology
- •40.3.3 Summary
- •References
- •41 Thioredoxins 1 and 2 Protect Retinal Ganglion Cells from Pharmacologically Induced Oxidative Stress, Optic Nerve Transection and Ocular Hypertension
- •41.1 Introduction
- •41.2 Methods
- •41.2.1 Animals
- •41.2.2 RGC Counting
- •41.2.3 RGC Isolation
- •41.2.4 Western Blot Analysis
- •41.2.5 RGC-5 Culture and Transfection
- •41.2.6 Cell Viability Assay
- •41.2.7 In Vivo Electroporation (ELP)
- •41.2.8 Statistical Analysis
- •41.3 Results
- •41.3.1.1 TRX Expression in RGC-5 Cells in Response to Oxidative Stress
- •41.3.1.2 The Levels of TRX Proteins After ONT
- •41.3.1.3 The Levels of TRX Proteins After IOP Elevation
- •41.3.2 The Effect of TRX1 and TRX2 Overexpression on RGC Survival
- •41.3.2.2 TRX1 and TRX2 Overexpression Increases RGC Survival After ONT
- •41.3.2.3 TRX1 and TRX2 Overexpression Increases RGC Survival After IOP Elevation
- •41.4 Discussion
- •References
- •42 Near-Infrared Light Protect the Photoreceptor from Light-Induced Damage in Rats
- •42.1 Introduction
- •42.2 Material and Methods
- •42.2.1 Animal
- •42.2.2 Light Damage
- •42.2.3 670 nm LED Treatment
- •42.2.4 Evaluation of Photoreceptor Cell Function by Electroretinography
- •42.2.5 Morphological Evaluation of Photoreceptor Rescue by Quantitative Histology
- •42.2.6 Statistical Analysis
- •42.3 Results
- •42.3.1 LED Attenuated the Light Damage Area in Retinas
- •42.3.2 LED Protected the Morphology of Light Damage Retina
- •42.3.3 LED Protected the Function of Light Damage Retina
- •References
- •43.1 Introduction
- •43.2 Methods
- •43.2.1 Animals
- •43.2.2 Cell Preparation and Subretinal Transplantation
- •43.2.3 Flash-Electroretinogram (F-ERG) Recordings
- •43.2.5 Data Analysis
- •43.3 Results
- •43.3.1 ERG Amplitudes and Latencies
- •43.3.2 ONL Thickness
- •43.3.3 Graft Cells Survival After Subretinal Transplantation
- •43.4 Discussion
- •References
- •44.1 Introduction
- •44.2 Mechanisms of ATP Release and Degradation
- •44.2.1 ATP Release
- •44.2.2 Degradation of ATP
- •44.3 Purinergic Signaling in the Retina
- •44.3.1 Purinergic Modulation of Neuronal Signaling
- •44.3.2 ATP and Glial Transmission
- •44.4 The Role of Purinergic Receptors in Retinal Disease
- •44.5 Concluding Remarks
- •References
- •45.1 Background
- •45.3 FAF Findings in Early AMD with Drusen Only
- •45.4 FAF Findings in Late AMD with Geographic Atrophy
- •45.5 Progression of Geographic Atrophy
- •45.6 Mechanisms of Progression
- •45.7 Research to Prevent Progression
- •45.8 Discussion
- •References
- •46 Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress as a Primary Pathogenic Mechanism Leading to Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- •46.1 Age Related Macular Degeneration Is a Leading Cause of Vision Loss
- •46.3 ER Stress and Oxidative Stress Interact
- •46.5 Future Experimental Approaches
- •References
- •47 Proteomic and Genomic Biomarkers for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- •47.1 Introduction
- •47.2 Methods
- •47.3 Results
- •47.3.1 CEP Adducts and Autoantibodies Are Elevated in AMD Plasma
- •47.3.2 AMD Risk Based on CEP Biomarkers and Genotype
- •47.3.3 The Association Between CEP Biomarkers and AMD Risk Genotypes
- •47.4 Discussion
- •References
- •48.1 Introduction
- •48.2 Methods
- •48.2.1 Chemicals
- •48.2.2 Establishment and Maintenance of hRPE Cell Cultures
- •48.2.3 Cellular Proliferation
- •48.2.4 Immunoprecipitation Assay
- •48.2.5 Statistical Analysis
- •48.3 Results
- •48.3.1 Effect of Glucose on 14C-CTGF Synthesis in hRPE Cells
- •48.3.2 Effect of IGF-1 on 14C-CTGF Synthesis in hRPE cells
- •48.4 Discussion
- •References
- •49.1 Introduction
- •49.1.3 Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptors (PPARs) are Expressed in ARPE19 Cells
- •49.2 LcPUFA Regulates Gene Expression in ARPE19 Cells
- •49.2.1 Purpose and Methods
- •49.2.2 Results
- •49.2.3 Discussion
- •References
- •50.1 Introduction
- •50.2 Cigarette Smoking as a Risk Factor for AMD
- •50.2.1 AMD and Cigarette Smoke
- •50.2.2 Cigarette Smoke Constituents
- •50.3 Oxidative Stress
- •50.3.1 Oxidative Damage in AMD
- •50.3.2 Reactive Oxygen Species in Cigarette Smoke
- •50.3.3 Acrolein-Induced Oxidative Stress
- •50.3.4 Cadmium-Induced Oxidative Stress
- •50.4 Cigarette Smoke Depletion of Antioxidant Protection
- •50.4.1 Systemic Antioxidant Mechanisms
- •50.4.2 Local Ocular Antioxidants
- •50.5 Non-oxidative Chemical Damage by Cigarette Smoke
- •50.5.1 Nicotine
- •50.5.2 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
- •50.6.2 Cigarette Smoke and Complement Pathway
- •50.7 Vascular Changes
- •50.8 Conclusions
- •References
- •51.1 Oxidative Stress and Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- •51.2 The Ubiquitin Proteolytic System (UPS) and Oxidative Stress in the Retina
- •51.3 The UPS and the Cytoprotective Transcription Factor, Nrf2
- •References
- •52 Slit-Robo Signaling in Ocular Angiogenesis
- •52.1 Ocular Angiogenesis
- •52.2 Slit-Robo Signaling in Axon Guidance
- •52.3 Slit-Robo Signaling in Angiogenesis
- •52.4 Slit-Robo Signaling in Ocular Angiogenesis
- •52.5 Signaling Pathway of Slit-Robo System in Angiogenesis
- •52.6 Perspective
- •References
- •53.1 Introduction
- •53.2 Materials and Methods
- •53.2.1 Animals and Biosafety
- •53.2.2 MNU-Induced Retinal Degeneration
- •53.2.3 Electroretinography
- •53.2.4 Histological Examination and Immunohistochemistry
- •53.3 Results
- •53.3.1 Fundus Examination and Histology of the Retina
- •53.3.3 BrdU Incorporation
- •53.3.4 Immunohistology of Nestin
- •References
- •54 Differences in Photoreceptor Sensitivity to Oxygen Stress Between Long Evans and Sprague-Dawley Rats
- •54.1 Introduction
- •54.2 Methods
- •54.2.1 Animal Strains and Oxygen Exposure
- •54.2.2 Electroretinography
- •54.2.3 Immunohistochemistry and TUNEL Labeling
- •54.3 Results
- •54.3.1 Rod and Cone Components of the ERG after Hyperoxia
- •54.3.2 Impact of Hyperoxia on the Rate of Photo receptor Death
- •54.3.3 Impact of Hyperoxia on GFAP Expression
- •54.4 Discussion
- •References
- •55.1 Introduction
- •55.2 The AY9944 Rat Model of SLOS: Biochemical Findings
- •55.3 Retinal Degeneration in the SLOS Rat Model: Histology and Ultrastructure
- •References
- •56.1 Introduction
- •56.1.1 The Pde6brd1 Mouse and Increased [cGMP]
- •56.1.2 Calcium Regulation and Overload in the Photoreceptor Inner Segment
- •56.2 D-cis-diltiazem and Neuroprotection in the Retina
- •56.2.1 Criticism of the Frasson Study
- •56.3 Other Players May Be Involved
- •References
- •57.1 Introduction
- •57.2 Materials and Methods
- •57.2.1 Animals and Reagents
- •57.2.2 Induction of Retinal I/R
- •57.2.4 Statistical Analysis
- •57.3 Results
- •57.3.1 Effect of PBNA on Serum NO Content in Retinal I/R Injury
- •57.3.2 Effect of PBNA on T-NOS Activity in Retinal I/R Injury
- •57.3.3 Effect of PBNA on iNOS Activity in Retinal I/R Injury
- •57.3.4 Effect of PBNA on Serum eNOS Activity in Retinal I/R Injury
- •57.4 Discussion
- •References
- •References
- •59.1 Introduction
- •59.2 Materials and Methods
- •59.2.1 Experimental Animals
- •59.2.3 Construction of the pur-GFP Reporter Vector
- •59.2.4 Morpholino and Microinjections
- •59.2.5 In Situ Hybridization
- •59.2.6 RNA Isolation, RT-PCR and mRNA Synthesis
- •59.3 Results
- •59.3.2 Similar Phenotypes of Purpurin and Crx Morphant
- •References
- •60.1 Introduction
- •60.2 Bipolar Cell Function in Retinal Degeneration
- •60.2.1 Glutamate Receptors of Bipolar Cells in the Normal and Degenerating Retina
- •60.2.2 Evidence for Bipolar Cell Dysfunction
- •60.2.2.1 Rod Bipolar Cells
- •60.2.2.2 Cone Bipolar Cells
- •60.3 Ganglion Cell Function in Retinal Degeneration
- •References
- •61.1 Introduction
- •61.2 Methods
- •61.2.1 Animals and Rearing
- •61.2.2 Measurement of Outer Nuclear Layer Thickness
- •61.2.3 Counting Photoreceptor Nuclei
- •61.3 Results
- •61.4 Discussion
- •References
- •62.1 Introduction
- •62.2 Retinitis Pigmentosa
- •62.4 IMPDH Structure and Function
- •62.5 IMPDH Binds Single Stranded Nucleic Acids
- •62.6 Retinal Isoforms of IMPDH1
- •62.7 Kinetic and Nucleic Acid Binding Properties of Retinal IMPDH1
- •62.8 Conclusion
- •References
- •63.1 Introduction
- •63.2 Methods
- •63.3 Results
- •63.4 Discussion
- •63.5 Conclusion
- •References
- •64.1 Introduction
- •64.2 Results
- •64.2.1 Evaluation of Optimal IMPDH1 Suppressors
- •64.2.2 RP10 Mouse Model
- •64.3 Discussion
- •References
- •65 Correlation Between Tissue Docosahexaenoic Acid Levels and Susceptibility to Light-Induced Retinal Degeneration
- •65.1 Introduction
- •65.2 Methods
- •65.3 Results
- •65.4 Discussion
- •References
- •66.1 Introduction
- •66.2 Materials and Methods
- •66.2.1 Animal
- •66.2.2 Immunohistochemical Staining
- •66.2.3 Western Blot Test
- •66.2.4 Müller Cell Cultures
- •66.2.5 Data Analysis
- •66.3 Results
- •66.3.1 Morphology and Quantity Changes of Müller Cells
- •66.3.2 Expression of GFAP and ERK in RCS Rat Müller Cells
- •66.3.3 Effect of Mixed Retinal Cells of RCS Rats on Normal Müller Cells
- •66.4 Discussion
- •References
- •67.1 Introduction
- •67.2 Materials and Methods
- •67.2.1 Animals and Reagents
- •67.2.2 Induction of RI/R
- •67.2.4 Statistical Analysis
- •67.3 Results
- •67.3.1 The Effect of DSS on the Concentration of MDA in Serum After RI/R Injury
- •67.3.2 The Effect of DSS on the Activity of SOD in Serum After RI/R Injury
- •67.3.4 The Effect of DSS on the Concentration of Serum NO After RI/R Injury
- •67.4 Discussion
- •References
- •68.1 Introduction
- •68.2 Materials and Methods
- •68.2.1 Animals
- •68.2.2 Functional Testing
- •68.2.3 In Vivo Imaging
- •68.3 Results
- •68.3.1 Function
- •68.3.2 Morphology
- •68.4 Discussion
- •References
- •69.1 Introduction
- •69.2 Materials and Methods
- •69.2.1 Mice and Light Exposure
- •69.3 Results
- •69.3.3 Jak3 mRNA Is Induced Similarly in the Model of Light Induced Photoreceptor Cell Death and the rd1 Mouse Model
- •69.4 Discussion
- •References
- •70.1 Introduction
- •70.2 Diseases Associated with RDS Mutations
- •70.3 Current Animal Models
- •70.4 Gene Therapy in rds Models
- •70.5 Viral Gene Therapy Approaches
- •70.6 Non-viral Approaches
- •References
- •71.1 Introduction
- •71.2 Materials and Methods
- •71.2.1 Retinal Stem Cell Isolation and Culture
- •71.2.2 Single Sphere Passaging
- •71.2.3 Bromodeoxyuridine Labeling
- •71.2.4 Retinal Stem Cell Differentiation
- •71.3 Results
- •71.3.2 Retinal Neurosphere Proliferation
- •71.3.3 Differentiation of Retinal Cells Precursors from RSCs
- •71.4 Discussion
- •References
- •72 A Multi-Stage Color Model Revisited: Implications for a Gene Therapy Cure for Red-Green Colorblindness
- •72.1 Introduction
- •72.2 A Brief History of Color Vision Theory
- •72.3 Color Vision from an Evolutionary Perspective
- •References
- •73 Achromatopsia as a Potential Candidate for Gene Therapy
- •73.1 Human Achromatopsia
- •73.1.1 Clinical Manifestations
- •73.1.2 Current Achromatopsia Treatments
- •73.2 Genetics of Human Achromatopsia
- •73.2.1 GNAT2 Achromatopsia
- •73.2.2 CNG Achromatopsia
- •73.2.3 Achromatopsia Gene Therapy
- •73.3 The Mutant Gnat2 Mouse and Gene Therapy
- •73.3.1 The Cnga3 Mutant Mouse and Gene Therapy
- •73.3.2 The Cngb3 Mutant Dog and Gene Therapy
- •73.4 Prospects for Achromatopsia Gene Therapy
- •References
- •74.1 Introduction
- •74.2 Effects of CNTF/LIF on Photoreceptor and Bipolar Neuron Differentiation
- •74.3 Effects of CNTF/LIF on Muller Glia Genesis and Late Progenitor Proliferation
- •74.4 Effects of LIF Misexpression on Retinal Vasculature Development
- •74.5 Expression of CNTF/LIF Signaling Components in the Developing Retina
- •74.6 Signaling Events Triggered by CNTF/LIF During Retinogenesis
- •74.7 CNTF/LIF Regulate Numerous Genes Involved in Retinogenesis
- •74.8 Perspective
- •References
- •75.1 Introduction
- •75.4 Discussion
- •References
- •76.1 The Importance of RPE Cell Function and Integrity for Photoreceptor Survival
- •76.2 The Loss of RPE Cells in Retinal Degeneration
- •76.3 DHA and NPD1 Properties and Neuroprotection
- •References
- •77 Adeno-Associated Virus Serotype-9 Mediated Retinal Outer Plexiform Layer Transduction is Mainly Through the Photoreceptors
- •77.1 Introduction
- •77.2 AAV9-Mediated Gene Transfer in the Retina
- •77.5 Subretinal Injection of AAV9 Vector Did Not Cause Acute Retinal Damage
- •77.6 Conclusions
- •References
- •Index
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on the delivery of functional transgenes to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Similarly in retinitis pigmentosa (RP), which is mainly caused by mutations in genes expressed exclusively in rod photoreceptor cells, specific delivery into the outer segment (OS) and outer nuclear layer (ONL) of the retina would be required. Furthermore, acquired retinopathies such as diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which are caused by complex pathological mechanisms, would require delivery into multiple cell types. Recently, adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors have become one of the most successful delivery systems because of the wide variety of retinal cell types that can be selectively transduced using these vectors without causing significant toxicity over a long period of time in small and large animal models. Furthermore, the capsid genes can be interchanged between different AAV serotypes to create hybrid AAV vectors that benefit from enhanced in vivo efficacy and unique cellular tropism of the various serotypes (Auricchio et al. 2001; Rabinowitz et al. 2002). Therefore, one can package the best studied genome of AAV2 into the capsid of any AAV serotype (Rabinowitz et al. 2002). Currently there are many examples in the literature illustrating the use of AAV pseudotyping strategy to achieve specific cellular transduction within the retina. For example, recombinant AAV2/1 and 2/4 vectors (rAAVs) have been shown to transduce the pigment epithelium efficiently in rodents, canines and nonhuman primates (Auricchio et al. 2001; Weber et al. 2003; Acland et al. 2005; Le Meur et al. 2007), while rAAV2/5 was reported to be ideal for photoreceptor transduction (Auricchio et al. 2001; Lotery et al. 2003; O’Reilly et al. 2007)
Here in this report, we describe the development of a therapeutic strategy that combines the use of recombinant AAV vectors and RNA interference (RNAi) for treating the RP10 form of RP. The molecular elucidation of RP10 began in 1993, when an autosomal dominant RP gene (RP10 locus) that segregated in a large Spanish family was mapped to chromosome 7 through genetic linkage mapping (Jordan et al. 1993). Twelve years later, comparative transcriptional profiling between wild-type (WT) and degenerating mouse retinas (Rho–/– and Crx–/–) (Kennan et al. 2002; Bowne et al. 2002) identified mutations in the gene encoding inosine 5 -monophosphate dehydrogenase type 1 (IMPDH1) to be associated with the disease. Further studies on the molecular pathology of the disease indicated that combined suppression of both normal and mutant IMPDH1 transcripts in the human form of the disease may hold great therapeutic potential (Aherne et al. 2004). We therefore explored the feasibility of using rAAV2/5 vectors for the delivery of IMPDH1-targeting shRNAs in vivo to alleviate the pathological effect of mutant IMPDH1.
64.2 Results
64.2.1 Evaluation of Optimal IMPDH1 Suppressors
Initially a series of short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) targeting distinct regions of human and mouse IMPDH1 transcripts were evaluated in mammalian cell cultures.
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Quantitative Real-Time RT-PCR and western blot analysis showed that one particular shRNA, shImp1, was capable of eliciting up to 84% suppression of IMPDH1 at both the mRNA and protein levels in HeLa cells, as compared to non-targeting controls. Furthermore, the use of a dual expression vector system directing the synthesis of shImp1 and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) demonstrated efficient knockdown of endogenous IMPDH1 transcripts following in vitro electroporation in murine retinal explants. Following this, rAAV2/5 vectors carrying shImp1 and EGFP were generated to evaluate suppression efficiency in vivo. Similar to previous observations, subretinal inoculation of rAAV2/5 vectors expressing shImp1 (3 μl of 6.85 × 1012 vp/ml per eye) into WT mice resulted in greater than 70% suppression of IMPDH1 at both the mRNA (Fig. 64.1a) and protein (Fig. 64.1b) levels in vivo. Moreover, rAAV2/5 vectors specifically transduced the outer segment and outer nuclear layer of WT mouse retinas as shown in Fig. 64.1c.
Fig. 64.1 rAAV-mediated suppression of IMPDH1 in vivo. (a) Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR analysis showing shRNA significant reduced IMPDH1 mRNA expression to 22 ± 3% following subretinal injection of rAAV targeting shRNA. P<0.05. Error bar: standard error of the mean. (b) Western blot analysis illustrating potent suppression of mouse IMPDH1 (55 kDa) in vivo. (c) Specific transduction of the OS and ONL (pointed arrows) in mouse retinal sections (12 μm) following subretinal inoculation of rAAV2/5 expressing shRNA and EGFP. Scale bar, 40 μm. RPE: retinal pigment epithelium; OS: outer segment; ONL: outer nuclear layer; OPL; outer plexiform layer; INL: inner nuclear layer; IPL: inner plexiform layer; GCL: ganglion cell layer
64.2.2 RP10 Mouse Model
Animal models are valuable tools to study disease pathogenesis and to evaluate experimental therapies. A mouse model displaying the pathological effect of mutant IMPDH1 was generated by subretinal inoculation of rAAV2/5 expressing human mutant IMPDH1 bearing the missense mutation (Arg224Pro) in adult WT mice (3 μl of 1.4 × 1012 vp/ml per eye). Four weeks post-injection, mice receiving rAAV2/5 expressing WT IMPDH1 showed normal retinal structure (Fig. 64.2a). In stark contrast, delivery of mutant IMPDH1 completely ablated the outer nuclear layer (Fig. 64.2b). rAAV-mediated delivery of human mutant IMPDH1 via
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Fig. 64.2 Protection of ONL structure by rAAV-mediated suppression of mutant IMPDH1. (a) Representative images of eyes treated with rAAV WT IMPDH1 displayed normal ONL structure, (b) whereas eyes treated with rAAV mutant IMPDH1 alone, or with non-targeting shRNA showed dramatic ONL degeneration. (c) In contrast, eyes treated with rAAV mutant IMPDH1 and targeting shRNA protected the ONL from degeneration. Scale bar, 40 μm. RPE: retinal pigment epithelium; OS: outer segment; ONL: outer nuclear layer; OPL; outer plexiform layer; INL: inner nuclear layer; IPL: inner plexiform layer; GCL: ganglion cell layer
subretinal inoculation induced a rapid and aggressive retinopathy in WT mice, and thus provided a rapid method for generating a disease animal model for RP10.
64.2.3Rescue of Photoreceptor Cells by rAAV-Mediated Downregulation of Mutant IMPDH1
In the final stage of this study, we tested our hypothesis namely that the photoreceptor cells could be rescued through RNAi-mediated downregulation of mutant IMPDH1 protein. rAAV2/5 vectors carrying human mutant IMPDH1 cDNA or shImp were co-injected subretinally at an experimentally derived viral particle
Fig. 64.3 Synaptic connectivity in RP10 mice following rAAV inoculation. (a) Eyes treated with rAAV mutant IMPDH1 and non-targeting shRNA showed an absence of synaptic marker staining. (b) In contrast, eyes treated with rAAV mutant IMPDH1 and shImp1 stained positively for synaptophysin (pointed arrow) and (c) bassoon (pointed arrow) across the outer plexiform layer (OPL). Scale bar, 20 μm. ONL: outer nuclear layer; OPL: outer plexiform layer; INL: inner nuclear layer