Direct identification of interfacial degradation in blue OLEDs using nanoscale chemical depth profiling.

Understanding the degradation mechanism of organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) is essential to improve device performance and stability. OLED failure, if not process-related, arises mostly from chemical instability. However, the challenges of sampling from nanoscale organic layers and interfaces with enough analytical information has hampered identification of degradation products and mechanisms. Here, we present a high-resolution diagnostic method of OLED degradation using an Orbitrap mass spectrometer equipped with a gas cluster ion beam to gently desorb nanometre levels of materials, providing unambiguous molecular information with 7-nm depth resolution. We chemically depth profile and analyse blue phosphorescent and thermally-activated delayed fluorescent (TADF) OLED devices at different degradation levels. For OLED devices with short operational lifetimes, dominant chemical degradation mainly relate to oxygen loss of molecules that occur at the interface between emission and electron transport layers (EML/ETL) where exciton distribution is maximised, confirmed by emission zone measurements. We also show approximately one order of magnitude increase in lifetime of devices with slightly modified host materials, which present minimal EML/ETL interfacial degradation and show the method can provide insight for future material and device architecture development.

Gene profiling of postnatal Mfrprd6 mutant eyes reveals differential accumulation of Prss56, visual cycle and phototransduction mRNAs.

Mutations in the membrane frizzled-related protein (MFRP/Mfrp) gene, specifically expressed in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and ciliary body, cause nanophthalmia or posterior microphthalmia with retinitis pigmentosa in humans, and photoreceptor degeneration in mice. To better understand MFRP function, microarray analysis was performed on eyes of homozygous Mfrprd6 and C57BL/6J mice at postnatal days (P) 0 and P14, prior to photoreceptor loss. Data analysis revealed no changes at P0 but significant differences in RPE and retina-specific transcripts at P14, suggesting a postnatal influence of the Mfrprd6 allele. A subset of these transcripts was validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). In Mfrprd6 eyes, a significant 1.5- to 2.0-fold decrease was observed among transcripts of genes linked to retinal degeneration, including those involved in visual cycle (Rpe65, Lrat, Rgr), phototransduction (Pde6a, Guca1b, Rgs9), and photoreceptor disc morphogenesis (Rpgrip1 and Fscn2). Levels of RPE65 were significantly decreased by 2.0-fold. Transcripts of Prss56, a gene associated with angle-closure glaucoma, posterior microphthalmia and myopia, were increased in Mfrprd6 eyes by 17-fold. Validation by qRT-PCR indicated a 3.5-, 14- and 70-fold accumulation of Prss56 transcripts relative to controls at P7, P14 and P21, respectively. This trend was not observed in other RPE or photoreceptor mutant mouse models with similar disease progression, suggesting that Prss56 upregulation is a specific attribute of the disruption of Mfrp. Prss56 and Glul in situ hybridization directly identified Müller glia in the inner nuclear layer as the cell type expressing Prss56. In summary, the Mfrprd6 allele causes significant postnatal changes in transcript and protein levels in the retina and RPE. The link between Mfrp deficiency and Prss56 up-regulation, together with the genetic association of human MFRP or PRSS56 variants and ocular size, raises the possibility that these genes are part of a regulatory network influencing postnatal posterior eye development.

Influence of V-pits on the efficiency droop in InGaN/GaN quantum wells.

We discuss the influence of V-pits and their energy barrier, originating from its facets of (101¯1) planes, on the luminescence efficiency of InGaN LEDs. Experimental analysis using cathodoluminescence (CL) exhibits that thin facets of V-pits of InGaN quantum wells (QWs) appear to be effective in improving the emission intensity, preventing the injected carriers from recombining non-radiatively with threading dislocations (TDs). Our theoretical calculation based on the self-consistent approach with adopting k⋅p method reveals that higher V-pit energy barrier heights in InGaN QWs more efficiently suppress the non-radiative recombination at TDs, thus enhancing the internal quantum efficiency (IQE).

Genetic modifier loci of mouse Mfrp(rd6) identified by quantitative trait locus analysis.

The identification of genes that modify pathological ocular phenotypes in mouse models may improve our understanding of disease mechanisms and lead to new treatment strategies. Here, we identify modifier loci affecting photoreceptor cell loss in homozygous Mfrp(rd6) mice, which exhibit a slowly progressive photoreceptor degeneration. A cohort of 63 F2 homozygous Mfrp(rd6) mice from a (B6.C3Ga-Mfrp(rd6)/J × CAST/EiJ) F1 intercross exhibited a variable number of cell bodies in the retinal outer nuclear layer at 20 weeks of age. Mice were genotyped with a panel of single nucleotide polymorphism markers, and genotypes were correlated with phenotype by quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis to map modifier loci. A genome-wide scan revealed a statistically significant, protective candidate locus on CAST/EiJ Chromosome 1 and suggestive modifier loci on Chromosomes 6 and 11. Multiple regression analysis of a three-QTL model indicated that the modifier loci on Chromosomes 1 and 6 together account for 26% of the observed phenotypic variation, while the modifier locus on Chromosome 11 explains only an additional 4%. Our findings indicate that the severity of the Mfrp(rd6) retinal degenerative phenotype in mice depends on the strain genetic background and that a significant modifier locus on CAST/EiJ Chromosome 1 protects against Mfrp(rd6)-associated photoreceptor loss.

Meckelin is necessary for photoreceptor intraciliary transport and outer segment morphogenesis.

PURPOSE: Cilia, complex structures found ubiquitously in most vertebrate cells, serve a variety of functions ranging from cell and fluid movement, cell signaling, tissue homeostasis, to sensory perception. Meckelin is a component of ciliary and cell membranes and is encoded by Tmem67 (Mks3). In this study, the retinal morphology and ciliary function in a mouse model for Meckel Syndrome Type 3 (MKS3) throughout the course of photoreceptor development was examined. METHODS: To study the effects of a disruption in the Mks3 gene on the retina, the authors introduced a functional allele of Pde6b into B6C3Fe a/a-bpck/J mice and evaluated their retinas by ophthalmoscopic, histologic, and ultrastructural examination. In addition, immunofluorescence microscopy was used to assess protein trafficking through the connecting cilium and to examine the localization of ciliary and synaptic proteins in Tmem67(bpck) mice and controls. RESULTS: Photoreceptors degenerate early and rapidly in bpck/bpck mutant mice. In addition, phototransduction proteins, such as rhodopsin, arrestin, and transducin, are mislocalized. Ultrastructural examination of photoreceptors reveal morphologically intact connecting cilia but dysmorphic and misoriented outer segment (OS) discs, at the earliest time point examined. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the important role for meckelin in intraciliary transport of phototransduction molecules and their effects on subsequent OS morphogenesis and maintenance.

Translational vision research models program.

ENU mutagenesis is an efficient method to identify new animal models of ocular disease. The new alleles described herein will be a useful resource to further examine the role of the affected molecules and the effects of their disruption within the retina.

Disruption of intraflagellar protein transport in photoreceptor cilia causes Leber congenital amaurosis in humans and mice.

The mutations that cause Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) lead to photoreceptor cell death at an early age, causing childhood blindness. To unravel the molecular basis of LCA, we analyzed how mutations in LCA5 affect the connectivity of the encoded protein lebercilin at the interactome level. In photoreceptors, lebercilin is uniquely localized at the cilium that bridges the inner and outer segments. Using a generally applicable affinity proteomics approach, we showed that lebercilin specifically interacted with the intraflagellar transport (IFT) machinery in HEK293T cells. This interaction disappeared when 2 human LCA-associated lebercilin mutations were introduced, implicating a specific disruption of IFT-dependent protein transport, an evolutionarily conserved basic mechanism found in all cilia. Lca5 inactivation in mice led to partial displacement of opsins and light-induced translocation of arrestin from photoreceptor outer segments. This was consistent with a defect in IFT at the connecting cilium, leading to failure of proper outer segment formation and subsequent photoreceptor degeneration. These data suggest that lebercilin functions as an integral element of selective protein transport through photoreceptor cilia and provide a molecular demonstration that disrupted IFT can lead to LCA.

NPHP4 is necessary for normal photoreceptor ribbon synapse maintenance and outer segment formation, and for sperm development.

Nephronophthisis (NPHP) is an autosomal recessive kidney disease that is often associated with vision and/or brain defects. To date, 11 genes are known to cause NPHP. The gene products, while structurally unrelated, all localize to cilia or centrosomes. Although mouse models of NPHP are available for 9 of the 11 genes, none has been described for nephronophthisis 4 (Nphp4). Here we report a novel, chemically induced mutant, nmf192, that bears a nonsense mutation in exon 4 of Nphp4. Homozygous mutant Nphp4(nmf192/nmf192) mice do not exhibit renal defects, phenotypes observed in human patients bearing mutations in NPHP4, but they do develop severe photoreceptor degeneration and extinguished rod and cone ERG responses by 9 weeks of age. Photoreceptor outer segments (OS) fail to develop properly, and some OS markers mislocalize to the inner segments and outer nuclear layer in the Nphp4(nmf192/nmf192) mutant retina. Despite NPHP4 localization to the transition zone in the connecting cilia (CC), the CC appear to be normal in structure and ciliary transport function is partially retained. Likewise, synaptic ribbons develop normally but then rapidly degenerate by P14. Finally, Nphp4(nmf192/nmf192) male mutants are sterile and show reduced sperm motility and epididymal sperm counts. Although Nphp4(nmf192/nmf192) mice fail to recapitulate the kidney phenotype of NPHP, they will provide a valuable tool to further elucidate how NPHP4 functions in the retina and male reproductive organs.

Prefoldin 5 is required for normal sensory and neuronal development in a murine model.

Molecular chaperones and co-chaperones are crucial for cellular development and maintenance as they assist in protein folding and stabilization of unfolded or misfolded proteins. Prefoldin (PFDN), a ubiquitously expressed heterohexameric co-chaperone, is necessary for proper folding of nascent proteins, in particular, tubulin and actin. Here we show that a genetic disruption in the murine Pfdn5 gene, a subunit of prefoldin, causes a syndrome characterized by photoreceptor degeneration, central nervous system abnormalities, and male infertility. Our data indicate that a missense mutation in Pfdn5, may cause these phenotypes through a reduction in formation of microtubules and microfilaments, which are necessary for the development of cilia and cytoskeletal structures, respectively. The diversity of phenotypes demonstrated by models carrying mutations in different PFDN subunits suggests that each PFDN subunit must confer a distinct substrate specificity to the prefoldin holocomplex.

Mouse model resources for vision research.

The need for mouse models, with their well-developed genetics and similarity to human physiology and anatomy, is clear and their central role in furthering our understanding of human disease is readily apparent in the literature. Mice carrying mutations that alter developmental pathways or cellular function provide model systems for analyzing defects in comparable human disorders and for testing therapeutic strategies. Mutant mice also provide reproducible, experimental systems for elucidating pathways of normal development and function. Two programs, the Eye Mutant Resource and the Translational Vision Research Models, focused on providing such models to the vision research community are described herein. Over 100 mutant lines from the Eye Mutant Resource and 60 mutant lines from the Translational Vision Research Models have been developed. The ocular diseases of the mutant lines include a wide range of phenotypes, including cataracts, retinal dysplasia and degeneration, and abnormal blood vessel formation. The mutations in disease genes have been mapped and in some cases identified by direct sequencing. Here, we report 3 novel alleles of Crx(tvrm65), Rp1(tvrm64), and Rpe65(tvrm148) as successful examples of the TVRM program, that closely resemble previously reported knockout models.

Mutations of the opsin gene (Y102H and I307N) lead to light-induced degeneration of photoreceptors and constitutive activation of phototransduction in mice.

Mutations in the Rhodopsin (Rho) gene can lead to autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in humans. Transgenic mouse models with mutations in Rho have been developed to study the disease. However, it is difficult to know the source of the photoreceptor (PR) degeneration in these transgenic models because overexpression of wild type (WT) Rho alone can lead to PR degeneration. Here, we report two chemically mutagenized mouse models carrying point mutations in Rho (Tvrm1 with an Y102H mutation and Tvrm4 with an I307N mutation). Both mutants express normal levels of rhodopsin that localize to the PR outer segments and do not exhibit PR degeneration when raised in ambient mouse room lighting; however, severe PR degeneration is observed after short exposures to bright light. Both mutations also cause a delay in recovery following bleaching. This defect might be due to a slower rate of chromophore binding by the mutant opsins compared with the WT form, and an increased rate of transducin activation by the unbound mutant opsins, which leads to a constitutive activation of the phototransduction cascade as revealed by in vitro biochemical assays. The mutant-free opsins produced by the respective mutant Rho genes appear to be more toxic to PRs, as Tvrm1 and Tvrm4 mutants lacking the 11-cis chromophore degenerate faster than mice expressing WT opsin that also lack the chromophore. Because of their phenotypic similarity to humans with B1 Rho mutations, these mutants will be important tools in examining mechanisms underlying Rho-induced RP and for testing therapeutic strategies.

RPGRIP1 is essential for normal rod photoreceptor outer segment elaboration and morphogenesis.

The function of the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator interacting protein 1 (RPGRIP1) gene is currently not known. However, mutations within the gene lead to Leber Congenital Amaurosis and autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa in human patients. In a previously described knockout mouse model of the long splice variant of Rpgrip1, herein referred to as Rpgrip1(tm1Tili) mice, mislocalization of key outer segment proteins and dysmorphogenesis of outer segment discs preceded subsequent photoreceptor degeneration. In this report, we describe a new mouse model carrying a splice acceptor site mutation in Rpgrip1, herein referred to as Rpgrip1(nmf247) that is phenotypically distinct from Rpgrip1(tm1Tili) mice. Photoreceptor degeneration in homozygous Rpgrip1(nmf247) mice is earlier in onset and more severe when compared with Rpgrip1(tm1Tili) mice. Also, ultrastructural studies reveal that whereas Rpgrip1(nmf247) mutants have a normal structure and number of connecting cilia, unlike Rpgrip1(tm1Tili) mice, they do not elaborate rod outer segments (OS). Therefore, in addition to its role in OS disc morphogenesis, RPGRIP1 is essential for rod OS formation. Our study indicates the absence of multiple Rpgrip1 isoforms in Rpgrip1(nmf247) mice, suggesting different isoforms may play different roles in photoreceptors and underscores the importance of considering splice variants when generating targeted null mutations.

Membrane frizzled-related protein is necessary for the normal development and maintenance of photoreceptor outer segments.

A 4 base pair deletion in a splice donor site of the Mfrp (membrane-type frizzled-related protein) gene, herein referred to as Mfrprd6/rd6, is predicted to lead to the skipping of exon 4 and photoreceptor degeneration in retinal degeneration 6 (rd6) mutant mice. Little, however, is known about the function of the protein or how the mutation causes the degenerative retinal phenotype. Here we examine ultrastructural changes in the retina of Mfrprd6/rd6 mice to determine the earliest effects of the mutation. We also extend the reported observations of the expression pattern of the dicistronic Mfrp/C1qtnf5 message and the localization of these and other retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and retinal proteins during development and assess the ability of RPE cells to phagocytize outer segments (OSs) in mutant and wild-type (WT) mice. At the ultrastructural level, OSs do not develop normally in Mfrprd6/rd6 mutants. They are disorganized and become progressively shorter as mutant mice age. Additionally, there are focal areas in which there is a reduction of apical RPE microvilli. At P25, the rod electroretinogram (ERG) a-wave of Mfrprd6/rd6 mice is reduced in amplitude by ~50% as are ERG components generated by the RPE. Examination of beta-catenin localization and Fos and Tcf-1 expression, intermediates of the canonical Wnt pathway, showed that they were not different between mutant and WT mice, suggesting that MFRP may operate through an alternative pathway. Finally, impaired OS phagocytosis was observed in Mfrprd6/rd6 mice both in standard ambient lighting conditions and with bright light exposure when compared to WT controls.

Dose-dependent UV stabilization of p53 in cultured human cells undergoing apoptosis is mediated by poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation.

The effect of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation on the stability of p53 in SK-HEP1 cells treated with UV light was examined. Intracellular levels of p53 increased in cells treated with a low dose of UV light (20 J/m2), whereas they increased but then declined after a higher dose of UV (100 J/m2). Intracellular levels of p53 in the UV treated SK-HEP1 cells were dependent on the UV dose. Use of proteasome inhibitors revealed that p53 is degraded by proteasomal proteolysis after high doses of UV light. We present evidence that, at low doses, poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) poly(ADP-ribosyl)ates p53 and protects it from proteasomal degradation before caspase-3 is activated, whereas at high doses the cells undergo UV induced apoptosis and PARP is cleaved by caspase-3 before it can protect p53 from degradation. Destabilization of p53 by cleavage of PARP may be important in cell fate decision favoring apoptosis.

Regulation of Dyrk1A kinase activity by 14-3-3.

Dual-specificity tyrosine(Y) regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) is a serine/threonine protein kinase implicated in mental retardation resulting from Down syndrome. In this study, we carried out yeast two-hybrid screening to find proteins regulating DYRK1A kinase activity. We identified 14-3-3 as a Dyrk1A interacting protein, which is consistent with the previous finding of the interaction between the yeast orthologues Yak1p and Bmh1/2p. We showed the interaction between Dyrk1A and 14-3-3 in vitro and in vivo. The binding required the N-terminus of Dyrk1A and was independent of the Dyrk1A phosphorylation status. Functionally, 14-3-3 binding increased Dyrk1A kinase activity in a dose dependent manner in vitro. In vivo, a small peptide inhibiting 14-3-3 binding, sc138, decreased Dyrk1A kinase activity in COS7. In summary, these results suggest that DYRK1A kinase activity could be regulated by the interaction of 14-3-3.

Daxx-mediated transcriptional repression of MMP1 gene is reversed by SPOP.

Daxx-mediated transcriptional repression was modulated by a speckled POZ domain protein SPOP which was first identified as an autoantigen from the serum of a scleroderma patient. This is the first report on the biochemical and functional interactions between Daxx and SPOP. The COOH-terminal region of Daxx interacts with the NH2-terminal region of SPOP. SPOP reversed the transcriptional repression mediated by Daxx which binds with ETS1 transcription factor to repress ETS1-responsive gene expression. Mutagenesis study suggests that the ability of SPOP to self-associate as well as its ability to bind with Daxx was important for the modulation of Daxx-mediated transcriptional repression.

Cleavage of 14-3-3 protein by caspase-3 facilitates bad interaction with Bcl-x(L) during apoptosis.

The 14-3-3 epsilon protein was identified as one of the caspase-3 substrates by the modified yeast two-hybrid system. The cellular 14-3-3 epsilon protein was also cleaved in response to the treatment of apoptosis inducers in cultured mammalian cells. Asp238 of the 14-3-3 epsilon protein was determined as the site of cleavage by caspase-3. The affinity of the cleaved 14-3-3 mutant protein (D238) to Bad, a death-promoting Bcl-2 family protein, was lower than that of wild type or the uncleavable mutant 14-3-3 epsilon protein (D238A). However, Bad associated with the cellular Bcl-x(L) more effectively in human 293T cells co-expressing Bad with the truncated form of the 14-3-3 epsilon protein (D238) than in control cells co-expressing Bad with wild type or the uncleavable mutant 14-3-3 epsilon protein (D238A). The present study suggests that the cleavage of 14-3-3 protein during apoptosis promotes cell death by releasing the associated Bad from the 14-3-3 protein and facilitates Bad translocation to the mitochondria and its interaction with Bcl-x(L).