Techniques for subretinal injections in animals.

Subretinal injections are not commonly performed during clinical treatment of animals but are frequently used in laboratory animal models to assess therapeutic efficacy and safety of gene and cell therapy products. Veterinary ophthalmologists are often employed to perform the injections in the laboratory animal setting, due to knowledge of comparative ocular anatomy between species and familiarity with operating on non-human eyes. Understanding the different approaches used for subretinal injection in each species and potential complications that may be encountered is vital to achieving successful and reproducible results. This manuscript provides a summary of different approaches to subretinal injections in the most common animal model species, along with information from published literature and experience of the authors to educate novice or experienced surgeons tasked with performing these injections for the first time.

Manifestations of systemic disease in the retina and fundus of cats and dogs.

The fundus is unique in that it is the only part of the body that allows for a noninvasive and uninterrupted view of vasculature and nervous tissue. Utilization of this can be a powerful tool in uncovering salient incidental findings which point to underlying systemic diseases, and for monitoring response to therapy. Retinal venules and arterioles allow the clinician to assess changes in vascular color, diameter, outline, and tortuosity. The retina and optic nerve may exhibit changes associated with increased or decreased thickness, inflammatory infiltrates, hemorrhages, and detachments. While some retinal manifestations of systemic disease may be nonspecific, others are pathognomonic, and may be the presenting sign for a systemic illness. The examination of the fundus is an essential part of the comprehensive physical examination. Systemic diseases which may present with retinal abnormalities include a variety of disease classifications, as represented by the DAMNIT-V acronym, for Degenerative/Developmental, Anomalous, Metabolic, Neoplastic, Nutritional, Inflammatory (Infectious/Immune-mediated/ischemic), Toxic, Traumatic and Vascular. This review details systemic illnesses or syndromes that have been reported to manifest in the fundus of companion animals and discusses key aspects in differentiating their underlying cause. Normal variations in retinal anatomy and morphology are also considered.

Consensus guidelines for nomenclature of companion animal inherited retinal disorders.

Companion animals, namely dogs, cats, and horses, can be affected with many forms of hereditary retinal disease. The number of such diseases characterized in the last decade has increased substantially, and nomenclature is nonstandardized, heterogenous, and confusing. We provide in this viewpoint article consensus guidelines for naming of companion animal hereditary retinal diseases, either prospectively or retrospectively. These consensus guidelines have been developed with the purpose of standardizing nomenclature. We provide examples for the iterative nomenclature process and a comprehensive File S1 on proposed renaming of previously described diseases.

Canine and Feline Models of Inherited Retinal Diseases.

Naturally occurring inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) in cats and dogs provide a rich source of potential models for human IRDs. In many cases, the phenotypes between the species with mutations of the homologous genes are very similar. Both cats and dogs have a high-acuity retinal region, the area centralis, an equivalent to the human macula, with tightly packed photoreceptors and higher cone density. This and the similarity in globe size to that of humans means these large animal models provide information not obtainable from rodent models. The established cat and dog models include those for Leber congenital amaurosis, retinitis pigmentosa (including recessive, dominant, and X-linked forms), achromatopsia, Best disease, congenital stationary night blindness and other synaptic dysfunctions, RDH5-associated retinopathy, and Stargardt disease. Several of these models have proven to be important in the development of translational therapies such as gene-augmentation therapies. Advances have been made in editing the canine genome, which necessitated overcoming challenges presented by the specifics of canine reproduction. Feline genome editing presents fewer challenges. We can anticipate the generation of specific cat and dog IRD models by genome editing in the future.

Genome-wide methylation patterns from canine nanopore assemblies.

Recent advances in long-read sequencing have enabled the creation of reference-quality genome assemblies for multiple individuals within a species. In particular, 8 long-read genome assemblies have recently been published for the canine model (dogs and wolves). These assemblies were created using a range of sequencing and computational approaches, with only limited comparisons described among subsets of the assemblies. Here we present 3 high-quality de novo reference assemblies based upon Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing: 2 Bernese Mountain Dogs (BD & OD) and a Cairn terrier (CA611). These breeds are of particular interest due to the enrichment of unresolved genetic disorders. Leveraging advancement in software technologies, we utilized published data of Labrador Retriever (Yella) to generate a new assembly, resulting in a ∼280-fold increase in continuity (N50 size of 91 kbp vs 25.75 Mbp). In conjunction with these 4 new assemblies, we uniformly assessed 8 existing assemblies for generalized quality metrics, sequence divergence, and a detailed BUSCO assessment. We identified a set of ∼400 conserved genes during the BUSCO analysis missing in all assemblies. Genome-wide methylation profiles were generated from the nanopore sequencing, resulting in broad concordance with existing whole-genome and reduced-representation bisulfite sequencing, while highlighting superior overage of mobile elements. These analyses demonstrate the ability of Nanopore sequencing to resolve the sequence and epigenetic profile of canine genomes.

Metabolic changes and retinal remodeling in Heterozygous CRX mutant cats (CRXRDY/+).

CRX is a transcription factor essential for normal photoreceptor development and survival. The CRXRdy cat has a naturally occurring truncating mutation in CRX and is a large animal model for dominant Leber congenital amaurosis. This study investigated retinal remodeling that occurs as photoreceptors degenerate. CRXRdy/+ cats from 6 weeks to 10 years of age were investigated. In vivo structural changes of retinas were analyzed by fundus examination, confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Histologic analyses included immunohistochemistry for computational molecular phenotyping with macromolecules and small molecules. Affected cats had a cone-led photoreceptor degeneration starting in the area centralis. Initially there was preservation of inner retinal cells such as bipolar, amacrine and horizontal cells but with time migration of the deafferented neurons occurred. Early in the process of degeneration glial activation occurs ultimately resulting in formation of a glial seal. With progression the macula-equivalent area centralis developed severe atrophy including loss of retinal pigmentary epithelium. Microneuroma formation occured in advanced stages as more marked retinal remodeling occurred. This study indicates that retinal degeneration in the CrxRdy/+ cat retina follows the progressive, phased revision of retina that have been previously described for retinal remodeling. These findings suggest that therapy dependent on targeting inner retinal cells may be useful in young adults with preserved inner retinas prior to advanced stages of retinal remodeling and neuronal cell loss.

Cat LCA-CRX Model, Homozygous for an Antimorphic Mutation Has a Unique Phenotype.

Purpose: Mutations in the CRX transcription factor are associated with dominant retinopathies often with more severe macular changes. The CRX-mutant cat (Rdy-A182d2) is the only animal model with the equivalent of the critical retinal region for high-acuity vision, the macula. Heterozygous cats (CRXRdy/+) have a severe phenotype modeling Leber congenital amaurosis. This study reports the distinct ocular phenotype of homozygous cats (CRXRdy/Rdy). Methods: Gene expression changes were assessed at both mRNA and protein levels. Changes in globe morphology and retinal structure were analyzed. Results: CRXRdy/Rdy cats had high levels of mutant CRX mRNA and protein. The expression of photoreceptor target genes was severely impaired although there were variable effects on the expression of other transcription factors. The photoreceptor cells remained immature and failed to elaborate outer segments consistent with the lack of retinal function. The retinal layers displayed a progressive remodeling with cell loss but maintained overall retinal thickness due to gliosis. Rapid photoreceptor loss largely occurred in the macula-equivalent retinal region. The homozygous cats developed markedly increased ocular globe length. Conclusions: The phenotype of CRXRdy/Rdy cats was more severe compared to CRXRdy/+ cats by several metrics. Translational Relevance: The CRX-mutant cat is the only model for CRX-retinopathies with a macula-equivalent region. A prominent feature of the CRXRdy/Rdy cat phenotype not detectable in homozygous mouse models was the rapid degeneration of the macula-equivalent retinal region highlighting the value of this large animal model and its future importance in the testing of translational therapies aiming to restore vision.

CNG channel-related retinitis pigmentosa.

The genes CNGA1 and CNGB1 encode the alpha and beta subunits of the rod CNG channel, a ligand-gated cation channel whose activity is controlled by cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Autosomal inherited mutations in either of the genes lead to a progressive rod-cone retinopathy known as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The rod CNG channel is expressed in the plasma membrane of the outer segment and functions as a molecular switch that converts light-mediated changes in cGMP into a voltage and Ca2+ signal. Here, we will first review the molecular properties and physiological role of the rod CNG channel and then discuss the characteristics of CNG-related RP. Finally, we will summarize recent activities in the field of gene therapy aimed at developing therapies for CNG-related RP.

Development of a translatable gene augmentation therapy for CNGB1-retinitis pigmentosa.

In this study, we investigate a gene augmentation therapy candidate for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) due to cyclic nucleotide-gated channel beta 1 (CNGB1) mutations. We use an adeno-associated virus serotype 5 with transgene under control of a novel short human rhodopsin promoter. The promoter/capsid combination drives efficient expression of a reporter gene (AAV5-RHO-eGFP) exclusively in rod photoreceptors in primate, dog, and mouse following subretinal delivery. The therapeutic vector (AAV5-RHO-CNGB1) delivered to the subretinal space of CNGB1 mutant dogs restores rod-mediated retinal function (electroretinographic responses and vision) for at least 12 months post treatment. Immunohistochemistry shows human CNGB1 is expressed in rod photoreceptors in the treated regions as well as restoration of expression and trafficking of the endogenous alpha subunit of the rod CNG channel required for normal channel formation. The treatment reverses abnormal accumulation of the second messenger, cyclic guanosine monophosphate, which occurs in rod photoreceptors of CNGB1 mutant dogs, confirming formation of a functional CNG channel. In vivo imaging shows long-term preservation of retinal structure. In conclusion, this study establishes the long-term efficacy of subretinal delivery of AAV5-RHO-CNGB1 to rescue the disease phenotype in a canine model of CNGB1-RP, confirming its suitability for future clinical development.

Preliminary characterization of a novel form of progressive retinal atrophy in the German Spitz dog associated with a frameshift mutation in GUCY2D.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical, preliminary electroretinographic and optical coherence tomography features of a newly identified form of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in German Spitzes, and identify the causal gene mutation. ANIMALS: Thirty-three client-owned German Spitz dogs were included. PROCEDURES: All animals underwent a full ophthalmic examination, including vision testing. In addition, fundus photography, ERG, and OCT were performed. A DNA-marker-based association analysis was performed to screen potential candidate genes and the whole genomes of four animals were sequenced. RESULTS: Initial fundus changes were pale papilla and mild vascular attenuation. Oscillatory nystagmus was noted in 14 of 16 clinically affected puppies. Vision was impaired under both scotopic and photopic conditions. Rod-mediated ERGs were unrecordable in all affected dogs tested, reduced cone-mediated responses were present in one animal at 3 months of age and unrecordable in the other affected animals tested. Multiple small retinal bullae were observed in three clinically affected animals (two with confirmed genetic diagnosis). OCT showed that despite loss of function, retinal structure was initially well-preserved, although a slight retinal thinning developed in older animals with the ventral retina being more severely affected. Pedigree analysis supported an autosomal recessive inheritance. A mutation was identified in GUCY2D, which segregated with the disease (NM_001003207.1:c.1598_1599insT; p.(Ser534GlufsTer20)). Human subjects with GUCY2D mutations typically show an initial disconnect between loss of function and loss of structure, a feature recapitulated in the affected dogs in this study. CONCLUSION: We identified early-onset PRA in the German Spitz associated with a frameshift mutation in GUCY2D.

Alternative splicing in CEP290 mutant cats results in a milder phenotype than LCACEP290 patients.

PURPOSE: The rdAc cat has an intronic mutation in the centrosomal 290 kDa (CEP290) gene resulting in a frameshift and a premature stop codon (c.6960 + 9 T > G, p.Ile2321AlafsTer3) predicted to truncate the protein by 157 amino acids. CEP290 mutations in human patients cause a range or phenotypes including syndromic conditions and severe childhood loss of vision while the rdAc cat has a milder phenotype. We sought to further characterize the effect of rdAc mutation on CEP290 expression. METHODS: TaqMan quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays were used to compare wildtype and truncated transcript levels. Relative protein abundance was analyzed by Western blot. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to detect CEP290 protein. RESULTS: CEP290 mutant cats show low-level (17.4% of wildtype cats) use of the wildtype splice site and usage of the mutant splice site. Western analysis shows retina from cats homozygous for the mutation has CEP290 protein that likely comprises a combination of both wildtype and truncated protein. IHC detects CEP290 in affected and control retina labeling the region of the interconnecting cilium. CONCLUSIONS: The comparably milder phenotype of CEP290 mutant cats is likely due to the retained production of some full-length CEP290 protein with possible functional contributions from presence of truncated protein.

Large Animal Models of Retinitis Pigmentosa in Therapy Development and Preclinical Testing.

Large animal models are valuable for developing and testing translational therapies for inherited retinal dystrophies such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Gene augmentation therapy has been developed utilizing such models. Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors have been frequently utilized and delivered by intravitreal or subretinal injection. In vivo longitudinal assessments of therapeutic outcomes are essential. These include regular ophthalmic examinations as well as detailed fundus assessments including confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO) and high-resolution cross-sectional imaging of the retina by spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Retinal function assessment includes vision testing and electroretinography (ERG).

Elevated retinal cGMP is not associated with elevated circulating cGMP levels in a canine model of retinitis pigmentosa.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether raised levels of retinal cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) was reflected in plasma levels in PDE6A-/- dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retina was collected from 2-month-old wildtype dogs (PDE6A+/+, N = 6), heterozygous dogs (PDE6A+/-, N = 4) and affected dogs (PDE6A-/-, N = 3) and plasma was collected from 2-month-old wildtype dogs (PDE6A+/+, N = 5), heterozygous dogs (PDE6A+/-, N = 5) and affected dogs (PDE6A-/-, N = 5). Retina and plasma samples were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: cGMP levels in retinal samples of PDE6A-/- dogs at 2 months of age were significantly elevated. There was no significant difference in plasma cGMP levels between wildtype and PDE6A-/- or PDE6A+/- puppies. However, the plasma cGMP levels of the PDE6A-/- puppies were significantly lower than that of PDE6A+/- puppies. CONCLUSION: cGMP levels in the plasma from PDE6A-/- was not elevated when compared to control dogs. At the 2-month timepoint, cGMP plasma levels would not be a useful biomarker for disease.

Characterization of scotopic and mesopic rod signaling pathways in dogs using the On-Off electroretinogram.

BACKGROUND: The On-Off, or long flash, full field electroretinogram (ERG) separates retinal responses to flash onset and offset. Depending on degree of dark-adaptation and stimulus strength the On and Off ERG can be shaped by rod and cone photoreceptors and postreceptoral cells, including ON and OFF bipolar cells. Interspecies differences have been shown, with predominantly positive Off-response in humans and other primates and a negative Off-response in rodents and dogs. However, the rod signaling pathways that contribute to these differential responses have not been characterized. In this study, we designed a long flash protocol in the dog that varied in background luminance and stimulus strength allowing for some rod components to be present to better characterize how rod pathways vary from scotopic to mesopic conditions. RESULTS: With low background light the rod a-wave remains while the b-wave is significantly reduced resulting in a predominantly negative waveform in mesopic conditions. Through modeling and subtraction of the rod-driven response, we show that rod bipolar cells saturate with dimmer backgrounds than rod photoreceptors, resulting in rod hyperpolarization contributing to a large underlying negativity with mesopic backgrounds. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction in rod bipolar cell responses in mesopic conditions prior to suppression of rod photoreceptor responses may reflect the changes in signaling pathway of rod-driven responses needed to extend the range of lighting conditions over which the retina functions.

Residual rod function in CNGB1 mutant dogs.

PURPOSE: Mutations in the cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel beta subunit (CNGB1) are an important cause of recessive retinitis pigmentosa. We identified a large animal model with a truncating mutation of CNGB1. This study reports the persistence of small, desensitized rod ERG responses in this model. METHODS: Dark-, light-adapted and chromatic ERGs were recorded in CNGB1 mutant dogs and age and breed matched controls. Comparisons were made with a dog model known to completely lack rod function; young dogs with a mutation in the rod phosphodiesterase 6 alpha subunit (PDE6A-/-). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) to label the rod CNG alpha (CNGA1) and CNGB1 subunits was performed. RESULTS: The dark-adapted ERG of CNGB1 mutant dogs had a raised response threshold with lack of normal rod response and a remaining cone response. Increasing stimulus strength resulted in the appearance of a separate, slower positive waveform following the dark-adapted cone b-wave. With increasing stimulus strength this increased in amplitude and became faster to merge with the initial b-wave. Comparison of responses from PDE6A-/- (cone only dogs) with CNGB1 mutant dogs to red and blue flashes and between dark-adapted and light-adapted responses supported the hypothesis that the CNGB1 mutant dog had residual desensitized rod responses. CNGB1 mutant dogs had a small amount of CNGA1 detectable in the outer segments. CONCLUSIONS: CNGB1 mutant dogs have a residual ERG response from desensitized rods. This may be due to low levels of CNGA1 in outer segments.

An unusual inherited electroretinogram feature with an exaggerated negative component in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To assess an inherited abnormal negative response electroretinogram (NRE) that originated in a family of Papillon dogs. ANIMALS STUDIED: Thirty-eight dogs (Papillons, or Papillon cross Beagles or Beagles). PROCEDURES: Dogs underwent routine ophthalmic examination and a detailed dark-adapted, light-adapted and On-Off electroretinographic study. Vision was assessed using a four-choice exit device. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was performed on a subset of dogs. Two affected males were outcrossed to investigate the mode of inheritance of the phenotype. RESULTS: The affected dogs had an increased underlying negative component to the ERG. This was most pronounced in the light-adapted ERG, resulting in a reduced b-wave and an exaggerated photopic negative response (PhNR). Changes were more pronounced with stronger flashes. Similarly, the On-response of the On-Off ERG had a reduced b-wave and a large post-b-wave negative component. The dark-adapted ERG had a significant increase in the scotopic threshold response (STR) and a significant reduction in the b:a-wave ratio. Significant changes could be detected at 2 months of age but became more pronounced with age. Vision testing using a four-choice device showed affected dogs had reduced visual performance under the brightest light condition. There was no evidence of a degenerative process in the affected dogs up to 8.5 years of age. Test breeding results suggested the NRE phenotype had an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. CONCLUSIONS: We describe an inherited ERG phenotype in Papillon dogs characterized by an underlying negative component affecting both dark- and light-adapted ERG responses.

Use of extended protocols with nonstandard stimuli to characterize rod and cone contributions to the canine electroretinogram.

PURPOSE: In this study, we assessed several extended electroretinographic protocols using nonstandard stimuli. Our aim was to separate and quantify the contributions of different populations of retinal cells to the overall response, both to assess normal function and characterize dogs with inherited retinal disease. METHODS: We investigated three different protocols for measuring the full-field flash electroretinogram-(1) chromatic dark-adapted red and blue flashes, (2) increasing luminance blue-background, (3) flicker with fixed frequency and increasing luminance, and flicker with increasing frequency at a fixed luminance-to assess rod and cone contributions to electroretinograms recorded in phenotypically normal control dogs and dogs lacking rod function. RESULTS: Temporal separation of the rod- and cone-driven responses is possible in the fully dark-adapted eye using dim red flashes. A- and b-wave amplitudes decrease at different rates with increasing background luminance in control dogs. Flicker responses elicited with extended flicker protocols are well fit with mathematical models in control dogs. Dogs lacking rod function demonstrated larger amplitude dark-adapted compared to light-adapted flicker responses. CONCLUSIONS: Using extended protocols of the full-field electroretinogram provides additional characterization of the health and function of different populations of cells in the normal retina and enables quantifiable comparison between phenotypically normal dogs and those with retinal disease.

Non-invasive optical coherence tomography angiography: A comparison with fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography in normal adult dogs and cats.

PURPOSE: While the retinal vasculature can be assessed by simple funduscopy, a more detailed assessment can be performed by conventional angiography using dyes such as fluorescein or indocyanine green. The development of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) allows a non-invasive detailed examination of posterior segment vasculature. The purpose of this prospective study was to compare imaging of posterior segment vasculature in normal dogs and cats using OCT-A, fluorescein angiography (FA), and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). METHODS: Eight adult funduscopically normal dogs and 13 funduscopically normal cats were included in the study. Retinal vasculature was assessed by OCT-A followed by ICGA then FA. Regular fundus imaging was also performed. RESULTS: High-resolution images of the different vascular layers within the retina and choroid could be acquired using OCT-A in both dogs and cats. The technique provided more detail than obtained with FA/ICGA. However, artifacts/errors can occur during OCT-A image acquisition/analysis/interpretation and must be considered. Furthermore, OCT-A only allows for a limited field of view compared to FA/ICGA. CONCLUSIONS: Optical coherence tomography angiography is a new non-invasive posterior segment imaging technique that is complementary to traditional dye-based angiographic techniques. Detailed imaging of the dog and cat posterior segment can be achieved under general anesthesia. OCT-A provides additional detail of the vasculature and can clearly demonstrate the anatomical depth of the imaged vessels. There are, however, some limitations to this new technique that may be overcome by future technological advances.

A large animal model of RDH5-associated retinopathy recapitulates important features of the human phenotype.

Pathogenic variants in retinol dehydrogenase 5 (RDH5) attenuate supply of 11-cis-retinal to photoreceptors leading to a range of clinical phenotypes including night blindness because of markedly slowed rod dark adaptation and in some patients, macular atrophy. Current animal models (such as Rdh5-/- mice) fail to recapitulate the functional or degenerative phenotype. Addressing this need for a relevant animal model we present a new domestic cat model with a loss-of-function missense mutation in RDH5 (c.542G > T; p.Gly181Val). As with patients, affected cats have a marked delay in recovery of dark adaptation. In addition, the cats develop a degeneration of the area centralis (equivalent to the human macula). This recapitulates the development of macular atrophy that is reported in a subset of patients with RDH5 mutations and is shown in this paper in seven patients with biallelic RDH5 mutations. There is notable variability in the age at onset of the area centralis changes in the cat, with most developing changes as juveniles but some not showing changes over the first few years of age. There is similar variability in development of macular atrophy in patients and while age is a risk factor, it is hypothesized that genetic modifying loci influence disease severity, and we suspect the same is true in the cat model. This novel cat model provides opportunities to improve molecular understanding of macular atrophy and test therapeutic interventions for RDH5-associated retinopathies.

Development of retinal bullae in dogs with progressive retinal atrophy.

OBJECTIVE: To report the development of focal bullous retinal detachments (bullae) in dogs with different forms of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). PROCEDURES: Dogs with three distinct forms of PRA (PRA-affected Whippets, German Spitzes and CNGB1-mutant Papillon crosses) were examined by indirect ophthalmoscopy and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Retinal bullae were monitored over time. One CNGB1-mutant dog was treated with gene augmentation therapy. The canine BEST1 gene coding region and flanking intronic sequence was sequenced in at least one affected dog of each breed. RESULTS: Multiple focal bullous retinal detachments (bullae) were identified in PRA-affected dogs of all three types. They developed in 4 of 5 PRA-affected Whippets, 3 of 8 PRA-affected Germans Spitzes and 15 of 20 CNGB1-mutant dogs. The bullae appeared prior to marked retinal degeneration and became less apparent as retinal degeneration progressed. Bullae were not seen in any heterozygous animals of any of the types of PRA. Screening of the coding region and flanking intronic regions of the canine BEST1 gene failed to reveal any associated pathogenic variants. Retinal gene augmentation therapy in one of the CNGB1-mutant dogs appeared to prevent formation of bullae. CONCLUSIONS: Retinal bullae were identified in dogs with three distinct forms of progressive retinal atrophy. The lesions develop prior to retinal thinning. This clinical change should be monitored for in dogs with PRA.