A disease-associated Aifm1 variant induces severe myopathy in knockin mice.

OBJECTIVE: Mutations in the AIFM1 gene have been identified in recessive X-linked mitochondrial diseases. Functional and molecular consequences of these pathogenic AIFM1 mutations have been poorly studied in vivo. METHODS/RESULTS: Here we provide evidence that the disease-associated apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) deletion arginine 201 (R200 in rodents) causes pathology in knockin mice. Within a few months, posttranslational loss of the mutant AIF protein induces severe myopathy associated with a lower number of cytochrome c oxidase-positive muscle fibers. At a later stage, Aifm1 (R200 del) knockin mice manifest peripheral neuropathy, but they do not show neurodegenerative processes in the cerebellum, as observed in age-matched hypomorphic Harlequin (Hq) mutant mice. Quantitative proteomic and biochemical data highlight common molecular signatures of mitochondrial diseases, including aberrant folate-driven one-carbon metabolism and sustained Akt/mTOR signaling. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate metabolic defects and distinct tissue-specific vulnerability due to a disease-causing AIFM1 mutation, with many pathological hallmarks that resemble those seen in patients.

In Vivo Imaging of Fluorescent Probes Linked to Antibodies Against Human and Rat Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor.

PURPOSE: Anti-VEGF therapy has improved functional outcome for many patients with neovascular AMD. A particular challenge in routine clinical application is to find the best treatment regimen as a high degree of interindividual variability of disease activity has been noted. The aim of the study was to investigate fluorescent probes linked to antibodies against VEGF for in vivo imaging in an animal model. METHODS: Bevacizumab, B20-4.1.1 and AF564 were covalently attached to the novel dye 6S-indocyanine green (ICG) maleimide. Binding and proliferation properties were assessed. In a rat model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization, retinal uptake and topographic localization of antibody-conjugates were analyzed. Distribution and accumulation of the probes were determined by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry analysis. RESULTS: Antibody-conjugates retained target binding affinity and showed no toxicity. In vivo imaging showed a strong fluorescence immediately following an intravenous or intravitreal injection. While accumulation within the laser lesions was visualized for all three antibody conjugates, the signal strength and the duration of fluorescence varied. In addition, distinct fluorescent spots were also recognized. Patterning and in-depth analyses including histology and flow cytometry data strongly suggest that the fluorescent spots represent labeled microglial cells and/or macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacokinetics of fluorescent-labeled bevacizumab, B20-4.1.1 and AF564 can be investigated in vivo. In this model, interpretation of long-term in vivo observations is difficult because of a possible rat-specific immune response and challenges to image localized binding of soluble VEGF. Further investigations in a primate model and the use of appropriate antibodies directed against the VEGF-receptor may represent alternative approaches.

In vivo imaging of a new indocyanine green micelle formulation in an animal model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization.

PURPOSE: We investigated a novel formulation of indocyanine green (ICG/HS 15) in an animal model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV). METHODS: The ICG was formulated with the nonionic solubilizer and emulsifying agent Kolliphor HS 15 to create ICG/HS 15 to improve the chemical stability and fluorescence efficacy. In vivo imaging was performed in rats that had undergone laser photocoagulation. Retinal uptake and fluorescence intensity of ICG and ICG/HS 15 were compared following intravenous injection of 3 dosages (0.05, 0.1, and 0.15 mg/kg body weight) at 7, 14, and 21 days following laser treatment. Postmortem analysis included histology with frozen sections and flat mounts. RESULTS: Immediately following injection of ICG or ICG/HS 15, a strong fluorescence was visible in the retinal vasculature and at the site of laser lesions. Pixel intensity was higher for ICG/HS 15 compared to conventional ICG at 8 minutes after injection for all different injection days and dosages. Over time, a continuous decrease of the fluorescent signal was observed for up to 60 minutes to baseline level. Flow cytometry data showed an increased uptake of micellar dye of macrophages and endothelial cells. Histology revealed an accumulation of the micellar dye within the laser lesion. CONCLUSIONS: Micelle formulated ICG can be visualized in the retinal vasculature and laser-induced CNV in vivo and ex vivo. Micellar ICG/HS 15 showed in vivo stronger signal intensity when compared to ICG for all tested dosages. Following further investigations, ICG/HS 15 may be evaluated in patients with retinal and choroidal diseases for more refined diagnosis.