scholarly journals Transcriptional Profiling Identifies Upregulation of Neuroprotective Pathways in Retinitis Pigmentosa

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. 6307
Author(s):  
Christina B. Bielmeier ◽  
Saskia Roth ◽  
Sabrina I. Schmitt ◽  
Stefaniya K. Boneva ◽  
Anja Schlecht ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retinitis Pigmentosa ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Retinal Degeneration ◽  
G Protein ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
System Response ◽  
Photoreceptor Degeneration ◽  
Vegf Signaling ◽  
The Impact

Hereditary retinal degenerations like retinitis pigmentosa (RP) are among the leading causes of blindness in younger patients. To enable in vivo investigation of cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for photoreceptor cell death and to allow testing of therapeutic strategies that could prevent retinal degeneration, animal models have been created. In this study, we deeply characterized the transcriptional profile of mice carrying the transgene rhodopsin V20G/P23H/P27L (VPP), which is a model for autosomal dominant RP. We examined the degree of photoreceptor degeneration and studied the impact of the VPP transgene-induced retinal degeneration on the transcriptome level of the retina using next generation RNA sequencing (RNASeq) analyses followed by weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). We furthermore identified cellular subpopulations responsible for some of the observed dysregulations using in situ hybridizations, immunofluorescence staining, and 3D reconstruction. Using RNASeq analysis, we identified 9256 dysregulated genes and six significantly associated gene modules in the subsequently performed WGCNA. Gene ontology enrichment showed, among others, dysregulation of genes involved in TGF-β regulated extracellular matrix organization, the (ocular) immune system/response, and cellular homeostasis. Moreover, heatmaps confirmed clustering of significantly dysregulated genes coding for components of the TGF-β, G-protein activated, and VEGF signaling pathway. 3D reconstructions of immunostained/in situ hybridized sections revealed retinal neurons and Müller cells as the major cellular population expressing representative components of these signaling pathways. The predominant effect of VPP-induced photoreceptor degeneration pointed towards induction of neuroinflammation and the upregulation of neuroprotective pathways like TGF-β, G-protein activated, and VEGF signaling. Thus, modulation of these processes and signaling pathways might represent new therapeutic options to delay the degeneration of photoreceptors in diseases like RP.

scholarly journals Retinitis Pigmentosa Results in Neurodegeneration Concomitant With Neuroinflammation, Extracellular Matrix Disorganization and the Upregulation of Neuroprotective Pathways in Glial Cells and Neurons

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina B. Bielmeier ◽  
Saskia Roth ◽  
Sabrina I. Schmitt ◽  
Stefaniya K. Boneva ◽  
Anja Schlecht ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Retinitis Pigmentosa ◽  
Retinal Degeneration ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Genetic Model ◽  
Immunofluorescent Staining ◽  
System Response ◽  
Photoreceptor Degeneration ◽  
The Impact

Abstract BackgroundHereditary retinal degenerations like retinitis pigmentosa (RP) are amongst the leading causes of blindness in younger patients. To enable in vivo investigation of cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for photoreceptor cell death and to allow testing of therapeutic strategies that could prevent retinal degeneration, animal models have been created. Here, we in-depth characterized the transgenic VPP mouse model, a genetic model for autosomal dominant RP. MethodsWe examined the degree of photoreceptor degeneration and studied the impact of the VPP transgene-induced retinal degeneration on the transcriptome level of the retina using next generation RNA sequencing (RNASeq) analyses followed by weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). We furthermore identified cellular subpopulations responsible for some of the observed dysregulations using in situ hybridizations, immunofluorescent staining and 3D reconstruction. ResultsOne month-old VPP mice showed a significantly higher number of apoptotic photoreceptor cells that resulted in a significantly thinner ONL in three months-old VPP mice, concomitant with an increase in reactivity of microglia and Müller cells. By RNASeq analysis we identified 9,256 dysregulated genes and six significantly associated gene modules in the subsequently performed WGCNA. Gene ontology enrichment showed, amongst others, dysregulation of TGF-β regulated extracellular matrix organization, factors of the (ocular) immune system/response and apoptosis. ConclusionThe predominant effect pointed towards induction of neuroinflammation and the upregulation of neuroprotective pathways like TGF-β, G-protein activated and VEGF signaling that were significantly associated with the VPP transgene-induced photoreceptor degeneration. Thus, modulation of these processes might represent new therapeutic options to delay the degeneration of photoreceptors in diseases like RP.

scholarly journals GPRC5A: An Emerging Biomarker in Human Cancer

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoxia Jiang ◽  
Xin Xu ◽  
Mengjie Wu ◽  
Zhonghai Guan ◽  
Xingyun Su ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
G Protein ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Lung Tumor ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate ◽  
Adenosine Monophosphate ◽  
Aberrant Expression ◽  
Human Cancers ◽  
G Protein Coupled

Aberrant expression of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is frequently associated with tumorigenesis. G Protein-coupled receptor class C group 5 member A (GPRC5A) is a member of the GPCR superfamily, is expressed preferentially in lung tissues, and is regulated by various entities at multiple levels. GPRC5A exerts a tumor suppressive role in lung cancer and GPRC5A deletion promotes lung tumor initiation and progression. Recent advances have highlighted that GPRC5A dysregulation is found in various human cancers and is related to many tumor-associated signaling pathways, including the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), nuclear factor (NF)-κB, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/Src signaling. This review aimed to summarize our updated view on the biology and regulation of GPRC5A, its expression in human cancers, and the linked signaling pathways. A better comprehension of the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of GPRC5A will provide novel insights into its potential diagnostic and therapeutic value.

scholarly journals The bacterial toxin CNF1 as a tool to induce retinal degeneration reminiscent of retinitis pigmentosa

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Viviana Guadagni ◽  
Chiara Cerri ◽  
Ilaria Piano ◽  
Elena Novelli ◽  
Claudia Gargini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retinitis Pigmentosa ◽  
Retinal Degeneration ◽  
Rho Gtpase ◽  
Bacterial Toxin ◽  
Postnatal Life ◽  
Rodent Models ◽  
Photoreceptor Degeneration ◽  
Large Animals ◽  
Surgical Treatments ◽  
Cytotoxic Necrotizing Factor 1

Abstract Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) comprises a group of inherited pathologies characterized by progressive photoreceptor degeneration. In rodent models of RP, expression of defective genes and retinal degeneration usually manifest during the first weeks of postnatal life, making it difficult to distinguish consequences of primary genetic defects from abnormalities in retinal development. Moreover, mouse eyes are small and not always adequate to test pharmacological and surgical treatments. An inducible paradigm of retinal degeneration potentially extensible to large animals is therefore desirable. Starting from the serendipitous observation that intraocular injections of a Rho GTPase activator, the bacterial toxin Cytotoxic Necrotizing Factor 1 (CNF1), lead to retinal degeneration, we implemented an inducible model recapitulating most of the key features of Retinitis Pigmentosa. The model also unmasks an intrinsic vulnerability of photoreceptors to the mechanism of CNF1 action, indicating still unexplored molecular pathways potentially leading to the death of these cells in inherited forms of retinal degeneration.

Activation of PI3K/Akt/NF-kB Signaling Mediates Swedish Snus Induced Proliferation and Apoptosis Evasion in the Rat Forestomach: Modulation by Blueberry

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Singaraj Ranjani ◽  
Jaganathan Kowshik ◽  
Josephraj Sophia ◽  
Ramesh Nivetha ◽  
Abdul B. Baba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Signaling Axis ◽  
Tissue Changes ◽  
Soft Tissue Changes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Swedish Snus

Background and Objective: The present study was undertaken to ascertain whether the modulatory effects of blueberries on cell proliferation induced by Swedish snus in the rat forestomach epithelium is mediated via abrogation of the PI3K/Akt/NFκB signaling axis that regulates cell fate decision. Methods: The transcript and protein expression of genes involved in cell cycle progression and apoptosis, as well as canonical PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathways, were analyzed by qRT-PCR, immunoblotting and ELISA. Expression profiling of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that influence PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling was undertaken. TUNEL assay was performed using flow cytometry. Results: Administration of snus induced basal cell hyperplasia in the rat forestomach with increased cell proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis. This was associated with the activation of PI3K/Akt/NFκB signaling. Coadministration of blueberries significantly suppressed snus-induced hyperplasia. Analysis of the molecular mechanisms revealed that blueberries suppress the phosphorylation of Akt, NF-κB and IKKβ, prevent nuclear translocation of NF-κB and modulate the expression of microRNAs that influence PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling. Conclusion: Taken together, the results of the current study provide compelling evidence that blueberries exert significant protective effects against snus-induced soft tissue changes in the rat forestomach epithelium mediated by inhibiting key molecular players in the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling axis. Long-term studies on the impact of snus exposure on various cellular processes, signaling pathways, and the interplay between genetic and epigenetic mechanisms are however warranted. The results of this investigation may contribute to the development of protection against soft tissue changes induced by smokeless tobacco in the human oral cavity.

scholarly journals Ciliary Genes arl13b, ahi1 and cc2d2a Differentially Modify Expression of Visual Acuity Phenotypes but do not Enhance Retinal Degeneration due to Mutation of cep290 in Zebrafish

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma M. Lessieur ◽  
Ping Song ◽  
Gabrielle C. Nivar ◽  
Ellen M. Piccillo ◽  
Joseph Fogerty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retinitis Pigmentosa ◽  
Retinal Degeneration ◽  
Joubert Syndrome ◽  
Genetic Modifiers ◽  
Photoreceptor Degeneration ◽  
Optokinetic Response ◽  
Bardet Biedl Syndrome ◽  
Leber Congenital Amaurosis ◽  
Outer Segments ◽  
Rhodopsin Kinase

ABSTRACTMutations in the gene Centrosomal Protein 290 kDa (CEP290) result in multiple ciliopathies ranging from the neonatal lethal disorder Meckel-Gruber Syndrome to multi-systemic disorders such as Joubert Syndrome and Bardet-Biedl Syndrome to nonsyndromic diseases like Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) and retinitis pigmentosa. Results from model organisms and human genetics studies, have suggest that mutations in genes encoding protein components of the transition zone (TZ) and other cilia-associated proteins can function as genetic modifiers and be a source for CEP290 pleiotropy. We investigated the zebrafish cep290fh297/fh297 mutant, which encodes a nonsense mutation (p.Q1217*). This mutant is viable as adults, exhibits scoliosis, and undergoes a slow, progressive cone degeneration. The cep290fh297/fh297 mutants showed partial mislocalization of the transmembrane protein rhodopsin but not of the prenylated proteins rhodopsin kinase (GRK1) or the rod transducin subunit GNB1. Surprisingly, photoreceptor degeneration did not trigger proliferation of Müller glia, but proliferation of rod progenitors in the outer nuclear layer was significantly increased. To determine if heterozygous mutations in other cilia genes could exacerbate retinal degeneration, we bred cep290fh297/fh297 mutants to arl13b, ahi1, and cc2d2a mutant zebrafish lines. While cep290fh297/fh297 mutants lacking a single allele of these genes did not exhibit accelerated photoreceptor degeneration, loss of one alleles of arl13b or ahi1 reduced visual performance in optokinetic response assays at 5 days post fertilization. Our results indicate that the cep290fh297/fh297 mutant is a useful model to study the role of genetic modifiers on photoreceptor degeneration in zebrafish and to explore how progressive photoreceptor degeneration influences regeneration in adult zebrafish.Nonstandard abbreviationsBBSBardet-Biedl SyndromeCOScone outer segmentsDpfDays post fertilizationGNB1rod transducin β subunitGRK1rhodopsin kinaseJTBSJoubert SyndromeLCALeber Congenital AmaurosisMKSMeckel SyndromeNPHPnephronophthisisOKRoptokinetic responsePNApeanut agglutinin lectinROSrod outer segmentsRP2Retinitis Pigmentosa 2

scholarly journals Study of Protein Targeting and Mislocalization in Rod Photoreceptors

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asael Nunez ◽  
Shimpei Takita ◽  
Sanae Imanishi ◽  
Yoshikazu Imanishi
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Retinitis Pigmentosa ◽  
Retinal Degeneration ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Major Protein ◽  
Membrane Expression ◽  
Rich Region ◽  
Rod Photoreceptors ◽  
Proline Rich Region

The photoreceptor outer segment (OS) is a highly specialized organelle for light absorption. Precise localization of OS resident proteins is important for photoreceptor function. Molecular mechanisms underlying OS targeting of proteins and their mislocalization, which frequently causes inherited retinal degeneration, have been intensely investigated. Rhodopsin, a major protein of the rod OS, is often mislocalized to the inner segment (IS) plasma membrane of rod photoreceptors in retinal degeneration patients. In the Xenopus laevis model of retinitis pigmentosa, we previously found that Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA), a major IS protein, was downregulated. The Imanishi lab recently created a novel retinitis pigmentosa mouse model carrying the Q344ter rhodopsin gene mutation, which causes rhodopsin mislocalization to the rod IS plasma membrane. In this summer program, we examined whether this mouse model also displays reduced NKA expression in the rod IS’s by immunohistochemistry at postnatal day 30. Although NKA was properly localized to the IS plasma membrane, expression of NKA was reduced in mutant photoreceptors compared to wildtype cells. In the rod OS, activation of rhodopsin eventually leads to the closure of the cyclic nucleotide gated (CNG) channel, which consists of a and b subunits. This channel localizes to the OS plasma membrane, and the N-terminal proline-rich region (R) of the b subunit (CNGb1) may be important for its interaction with peripherin (PRPH2), another OS resident protein. Currently, it is not well understood whether this interaction is necessary for the proper localization of CNGb1 to the OS plasma membrane. Using Xenopus as a model, we studied the role of the N-terminal proline-rich region in properly localizing CNGb1 to the OS plasma membrane by generating transgenic CNGb1(DR) tadpoles that expressed CNGb1(DR) in rods under the control of a rhodopsin promoter. We found that CNGb1(DR) properly localized to the OS plasma membrane. 

scholarly journals RAB42 Promotes Glioma Pathogenesis via the VEGF Signaling Pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baoling Liu ◽  
Quanping Su ◽  
Bolian Xiao ◽  
Guodong Zheng ◽  
Lizhong Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Killer Cell ◽  
Gene Set Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Signal Pathways ◽  
Vegf Signaling ◽  
Gene Functions ◽  
Vegf Signaling Pathway

Angiogenesis plays an important role in tumor initiation and progression of glioma. Seeking for biomarkers associated with angiogenesis is important in enhancing our understanding of glioma biologically and identifying its new drug targets. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data and matched clinical data were downloaded from the CGGA database. A series of filtering analyses were performed to screen for reliable genes: survival, multivariate Cox, ROC curve filtration, and clinical correlation analyses. After immunohistochemical verification, RAB42 was identified as a reliable gene for further single gene analysis. Afterwards, we performed gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and co-expression analysis to establish the related molecular mechanisms and signal pathways in glioma. Finally, the gene functions and the mechanisms were investigated in vitro experiments. A total of 23270 mRNA expression and 1018 glioma samples were included in this study. After the three filtering analyses, we selected ten genes for immunohistochemical verification: KLHDC8A, IKIP, HIST1H2BK, HIST1H2BJ, GNG5, FAM114A1, TMEM71, RAB42, CCDC18, and GAS2L3. Immunostaining demonstrated that RAB42 was significantly expressed on the membrane of glioma tissues but not in normal tissues. These results were verified and validated in GEPIA datasets, and the association between RAB42 with clinical features was also evaluated. Analysis of gene functions indicated that RAB42 activated VEGF signaling pathways and the mechanism was associated with natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity, JAK-STAT signaling pathway and apoptosis pathways by PI3K/AKT in gliomas. Experiments in vitro suggested that the proliferation and invasion of glioma cells might be inhibited after downregulating of RAB42. And the tumorigenesis promotion of RAB42 may relate to the activation of VEGF signaling pathway. Taken together, this study shows that the overexpression of RAB42 is an independent prognostic factor of adverse prognosis. Its pro-oncogenic mechanism may be associated with the activation of VEGF signaling pathways.

scholarly journals Role of MicroRNAs and Long Non-Coding RNAs in Sarcopenia

Cells ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 187
Author(s):  
Jihui Lee ◽  
Hara Kang
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Muscle Physiology ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Non Coding Rnas ◽  
The Impact

Sarcopenia is an age-related pathological process characterized by loss of muscle mass and function, which consequently affects the quality of life of the elderly. There is growing evidence that non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), play a key role in skeletal muscle physiology. Alterations in the expression levels of miRNAs and lncRNAs contribute to muscle atrophy and sarcopenia by regulating various signaling pathways. This review summarizes the recent findings regarding non-coding RNAs associated with sarcopenia and provides an overview of sarcopenia pathogenesis promoted by multiple non-coding RNA-mediated signaling pathways. In addition, we discuss the impact of exercise on the expression patterns of non-coding RNAs involved in sarcopenia. Identifying non-coding RNAs associated with sarcopenia and understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle dysfunction during aging will provide new insights to develop potential treatment strategies.

scholarly journals Antibody and Protein Profiles in Glaucoma: Screening of Biomarkers and Identification of Signaling Pathways

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1296
Author(s):  
Nadine Auler ◽  
Henrik Tonner ◽  
Norbert Pfeiffer ◽  
Franz H. Grus
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Molecular Signaling ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Main Risk Factor ◽  
New Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Elevated Intraocular Pressure ◽  
The Impact

Glaucoma represents a group of chronic neurodegenerative diseases, constituting the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. To date, chronically elevated intraocular pressure has been identified as the main risk factor and the only treatable symptom. However, there is increasing evidence in the recent literature that IOP-independent molecular mechanisms also play an important role in the progression of the disease. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that glaucoma has an autoimmune component. The main focus nowadays is elucidating glaucoma pathogenesis, finding early diagnostic options and new therapeutic approaches. This review article summarizes the impact of different antibodies and proteins associated with glaucoma that can be detected for example by microarray and mass spectrometric analyzes, which (i) provide information about expression profiles and associated molecular signaling pathways, (ii) can possibly be used as a diagnostic tool in future and, (iii) can identify possible targets for therapeutic approaches.

scholarly journals Generation of nonhuman primate retinitis pigmentosa model by in situ knockout of RHO in rhesus macaque retina

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shouzhen Li ◽  
Yingzhou Hu ◽  
Yunqin Li ◽  
Min Hu ◽  
Wenchao Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retinitis Pigmentosa ◽  
Rhesus Macaque ◽  
Nonhuman Primate ◽  
Photoreceptor Degeneration ◽  
Adeno Associated Virus ◽  
Rho Protein ◽  
Disease Study ◽  
Retinal Thinning ◽  
Reduced Time

AbstractRetinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a form of inherited retinal degenerative disease that ultimately involves the macula, which is present in primates but not in the rodents. Therefore, creating nonhuman primate (NHP) models of RP is of critical importance to study its mechanism of pathogenesis and to evaluate potential therapeutic options in the future. Here we applied adeno-associated virus (AAV)-delivered CRISPR/SaCas9 technology to knockout the RHO gene in the retinae of the adult rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) to investigate the hypothesis whether non-germline mutation of the RHO gene is sufficient to recapitulate RP. Through a series of studies, we were able to demonstrate successful somatic editing of the RHO gene and reduced RHO protein expression. More importantly, the mutant macaque retinae displayed clinical RP phenotypes, including photoreceptor degeneration, retinal thinning, abnormal rod subcellular structures, and reduced photoresponse. Therefore, we suggest somatic editing of the RHO gene is able to phenocopy RP, and the reduced time span in generating NHP mutant accelerates RP research and expands the utility of NHP model for human disease study.

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