Pharmacologic fibroblast reprogramming into photoreceptors restores vision.

Photoreceptor loss is the final common endpoint in most retinopathies that lead to irreversible blindness, and there are no effective treatments to restore vision1,2. Chemical reprogramming of fibroblasts offers an opportunity to reverse vision loss; however, the generation of sensory neuronal subtypes such as photoreceptors remains a challenge. Here we report that the administration of a set of five small molecules can chemically induce the transformation of fibroblasts into rod photoreceptor-like cells. The transplantation of these chemically induced photoreceptor-like cells (CiPCs) into the subretinal space of rod degeneration mice (homozygous for rd1, also known as Pde6b) leads to partial restoration of the pupil reflex and visual function. We show that mitonuclear communication is a key determining factor for the reprogramming of fibroblasts into CiPCs. Specifically, treatment with these five compounds leads to the translocation of AXIN2 to the mitochondria, which results in the production of reactive oxygen species, the activation of NF-κB and the upregulation of Ascl1. We anticipate that CiPCs could have therapeutic potential for restoring vision.

Serum retinol-binding protein-induced endothelial inflammation is mediated through the activation of toll-like receptor 4.

PURPOSE: Elevation of serum retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) induces inflammation in primary human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRECs) via a retinol-independent mechanism; thus, it may play a causative role in the development and progression of vascular lesions in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Since HRECs do not express the classical RBP4 receptor, stimulated by retinoic acid gene 6 (STRA6), this study focuses on identifying the endothelial cell receptor and signaling that mediate RBP4-induced inflammation. METHODS: HRECs were treated with a toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) small molecule inhibitor (Cli95, also known as TAK-242), TLR4 neutralizing antibody, or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors before treatment with purified recombinant RBP4. The HREC inflammatory response was quantified by in vitro leukostasis assays, western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To understand how the serum binding partner for RBP4, transthyretin (TTR), may affect RBP4 activity, we also measured RBP4 and TTR levels in serum and retinal lysates from RBP4-Tg and wild-type mice. RESULTS: TLR4 inhibition significantly reduced RBP4-induced expression of pro-inflammatory proteins and in vitro leukostasis. RBP4 treatment significantly increased phosphoactivation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK). The p38 inhibitor (SB203580) attenuated RBP4-stimulated vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) production, while the JNK inhibitor (SP600125) reduced RBP4-stimulated sICAM-1, endothelial cell selectin (E-selectin), and MCP-1 production. The MAPK inhibitors only showed partial (50-70%) suppression of the RBP4-stimulated proinflammatory response. Moreover, TLR4 inhibition did not decrease RBP4-induced MAPK phosphoactivation, suggesting that RBP4-mediated MAPK activation is TLR4 independent and occurs through a secondary unknown receptor. We also found that the RBP4/TTR molar ratio was exceptionally high in the retina of RBP4-Tg mice, indicating an abundance of TTR-free RBP4. CONCLUSIONS: RBP4-induced inflammation is largely mediated by TLR4, and in part, through JNK and p38 MAPK signaling. The high TTR/RBP4 molar ratio in serum likely protects the endothelium from the proinflammatory effects of RBP4 in vivo, whereas elevation of serum RBP4 causes a significant increase in TTR-free RBP4 in retinal tissue. This offers insight into how RBP4-Tg mice can develop retinal neurodegeneration without coincident retinal microvascular pathology.

Assessment of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor on Retinal Structure and Visual Function in Rodent Models of Optic Nerve Crush.

The effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival and visual function were assessed in rat and mouse models of optic nerve (ON) crush. ONs were crushed on Day 1, followed by intravitreal injections of a vehicle or BDNF on Days 1 and 8. The spatial frequency threshold was measured using optokinetic tracking on Days 7 and 14. On Day 15, ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness was quantified using optical coherence tomography. Furthermore, all eyes were enucleated for immunohistochemical analysis of the surviving RGC somas and axons. BDNF significantly reduced the RGC soma in mice and increased GCC thickness in intact eyes, with apparent axonal swelling in both species. It displayed significantly greater RGC soma survival in eyes with ON injury, with moderately thicker axonal bundles in both species and a thicker GCC in rats. Visual function was significantly reduced in all ON-crushed animals, regardless of BDNF treatment. Thus, we obtained a comprehensive analysis of the structural and functional impact of BDNF in intact and ON-crushed eyes in two rodent models. Our results provide a foundation for further BDNF evaluation and the design of preclinical studies on neuroprotectants using BDNF as a reference positive control.

Sustained therapeutic effect of an anti-inflammatory peptide encapsulated in nanoparticles on ocular vascular leakage in diabetic retinopathy.

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), an endogenous Wnt signaling inhibitor in the serine proteinase inhibitors (SERPIN) super family, is present in multiple organs, including the vitreous. Significantly low levels of PEDF in the vitreous are found to associate with pathological retinal vascular leakage and inflammation in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Intravitreal delivery of PEDF represents a promising therapeutic approach for DR. However, PEDF has a short half-life after intravitreal injection, which represents a major hurdle for the long-term treatment. Here we report the prolonged therapeutic effects of a 34-mer peptide of the PEDF N-terminus, encapsulated in poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (PEDF34-NP), on DR. PEDF34-NP inhibited hypoxia-induced expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and reduced levels of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in cultured retinal cells. In addition, PEDF34-NP significantly ameliorated ischemia-induced retinal neovascularization in the oxygen-induced retinopathy rat model, and significantly reduced retinal vascular leakage and inflammation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats up to 4 weeks after intravitreal injection, as compared to PLGA-NP control. Intravitreal injection of PEDF34-NP did not display any detectable toxicities to retinal structure and function. Our findings suggest that PEDF34-NP can confer sustained therapeutic effects on retinal inflammation and vascular leakage, having considerable potential to provide long-term treatment options for DR.

Retention of function without normal disc morphogenesis occurs in cone but not rod photoreceptors.

It is commonly assumed that photoreceptor (PR) outer segment (OS) morphogenesis is reliant upon the presence of peripherin/rds, hereafter termed Rds. In this study, we demonstrate a differential requirement of Rds during rod and cone OS morphogenesis. In the absence of this PR-specific protein, rods do not form OSs and enter apoptosis, whereas cone PRs develop atypical OSs and are viable. Such OSs consist of dysmorphic membranous structures devoid of lamellae. These tubular OSs lack any stacked lamellae and have reduced phototransduction efficiency. The loss of Rds only appears to affect the shape of the OS, as the inner segment and connecting cilium remain intact. Furthermore, these structures fail to associate with the specialized extracellular matrix that surrounds cones, suggesting that Rds itself or normal OS formation is required for this interaction. This study provides novel insight into the distinct role of Rds in the OS development of rods and cones.

Neuroprotective effects of PPARα in retinopathy of type 1 diabetes.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common neurovascular complication of type 1 diabetes. Current therapeutics target neovascularization characteristic of end-stage disease, but are associated with significant adverse effects. Targeting early events of DR such as neurodegeneration may lead to safer and more effective approaches to treatment. Two independent prospective clinical trials unexpectedly identified that the PPARα agonist fenofibrate had unprecedented therapeutic effects in DR, but gave little insight into the physiological and molecular mechanisms of action. The objective of the present study was to evaluate potential neuroprotective effects of PPARα in DR, and subsequently to identify the responsible mechanism of action. Here we reveal that activation of PPARα had a robust protective effect on retinal function as shown by Optokinetic tracking in a rat model of type 1 diabetes, and also decreased retinal cell death, as demonstrated by a DNA fragmentation ELISA. Further, PPARα ablation exacerbated diabetes-induced decline of visual function as demonstrated by ERG analysis. We further found that PPARα improved mitochondrial efficiency in DR, and decreased ROS production and cell death in cultured retinal neurons. Oxidative stress biomarkers were elevated in diabetic Pparα-/- mice, suggesting increased oxidative stress. Mitochondrially mediated apoptosis and oxidative stress secondary to mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to neurodegeneration in DR. Taken together, these findings identify a robust neuroprotective effect for PPARα in DR, which may be due to improved mitochondrial function and subsequent alleviation of energetic deficits, oxidative stress and mitochondrially mediated apoptosis.

Expression profiling after retinal detachment and reattachment: a possible role for aquaporin-0.

PURPOSE: Retinal detachment (RD) is associated with acute visual loss caused by anatomic displacement of the photoreceptors and with chronic visual loss/disturbance caused by retinal remodeling and photoreceptor cell death, which may occur even after successful reattachment. The P2Y(2) receptor agonist INS37217 improves the rate of retinal reattachment in animal models of induced RD, and has been shown to also significantly enhance the rate of ERG recovery in a mouse model of RD. The identification of genes modulated by INS37217 may allow further drug discovery for treating RD and edema. METHODS: To identify genes involved in RD and subsequent reattachment, a retinal microarray screen was performed using a mouse model of RD in the presence or absence of INS37217. RESULTS: Ninety-two genes were identified as differentially expressed across three time points, most of which were upregulated in the presence of this agonist. Furthermore, it was shown that RD alters the expression of aquaporin-0 (AQP-0), and this modulation is prevented by treatment with INS37217. The presence of AQP-0 in retinal bipolar cells was also demonstrated, whereas it was previously thought to be specific to the lens. Mice lacking functional alleles of AQP-0 had a phototransduction deficit as assessed by electroretinography; however, their photoreceptor structure was normal, indicative of a problem with signal transmission between neurons. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes the genes involved in RD and reattachment, and also demonstrates for the first time a physiologically significant role for AQP-0 in retinal function.

Once-Daily Cyclosporine-A-MiDROPS for Treatment of Dry Eye Disease.

PURPOSE: To determine if a Microemulsion Drug Ocular Penetration System (MiDROPS) formulation of cyclosporine A (CsA) delivers more drug and is more efficacious for treatment of dry eye disease (DED) than the current clinical formulation. METHODS: Tissue distribution of CsA was quantified by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). To assess tolerability, CsA-MiDROPS (0.1%) was applied to the eyes of rabbits twice per day for 14 days and assessed using ophthalmoscopic examinations. Mice were exposed to desiccating stress for 10 days and received daily topical instillation of the vehicle or test agent. Cornea staining was done to quantify corneal permeability. Histologic quantification of goblet cell (GC) density and CD4+ T-cell infiltration in the conjunctiva was performed. RESULTS: Ophthalmic distribution studies indicate significantly increased drug concentration with CsA-MiDROPS compared with Restasis. CsA-MiDROPS is well tolerated with little toxicity in a 2-week tolerability study. In the DED model, both 0.05% and 0.1% CsA-MiDROPS conferred a significant effect and were more effective than Restasis for treating experimental DED when dosed twice per day. As compared with Restasis dosed twice per day, 0.1% CsA-MiDROPS dosed once per day demonstrated superiority. CONCLUSIONS: CsA-MiDROPS showed superior drug delivery and efficacy compared with other clinical formulations. As this product is simple to produce and needs to be only applied once daily, the clinical development of CsA-MiDROPS will help to reduce societal and patient burdens by lowering drug costs and accelerating/improving the activity of CsA. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: MiDROPS has broad application concerning the ophthalmic development of lipophilic small molecule therapeutics.

Repurposing antimalarial aminoquinolines and related compounds for treatment of retinal neovascularization.

Neovascularization is the pathological driver of blinding eye diseases such as retinopathy of prematurity, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and wet age-related macular degeneration. The loss of vision resulting from these diseases significantly impacts the productivity and quality of life of patients, and represents a substantial burden on the health care system. Current standard of care includes biologics that target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a key mediator of neovascularization. While anti-VGEF therapies have been successful, up to 30% of patients are non-responsive. Therefore, there is a need for new therapeutic targets, and small molecule inhibitors of angiogenesis to complement existing treatments. Apelin and its receptor have recently been shown to play a key role in both developmental and pathological angiogenesis in the eye. Through a cell-based high-throughput screen, we identified 4-aminoquinoline antimalarial drugs as potent selective antagonists of APJ. The prototypical 4-aminoquinoline, amodiaquine was found to be a selective, non-competitive APJ antagonist that inhibited apelin signaling in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, amodiaquine suppressed both apelin-and VGEF-induced endothelial tube formation. Intravitreal amodaiquine significantly reduced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) lesion volume in the laser-induced CNV mouse model, and showed no signs of ocular toxicity at the highest doses tested. This work firmly establishes APJ as a novel, chemically tractable therapeutic target for the treatment of ocular neovascularization, and that amodiaquine is a potential candidate for repurposing and further toxicological, and pharmacokinetic evaluation in the clinic.

Effect of Rds abundance on cone outer segment morphogenesis, photoreceptor gene expression, and outer limiting membrane integrity.

We examined the molecular, structural, and functional consequences on cone photoreceptors of the neural retinal leucine zipper knockout (Nrl(-/-)) mice when only one allele of retinal degeneration slow (Rds) is present (Rds(+/-)/Nrl(-/-)). Quantitative RT-PCR and immunoblot analysis were used to assess the expression levels of several phototransduction genes; electroretinography was used to assess quantitatively the retinal responsiveness to light; and immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural analysis were used to examine retinal protein distribution and morphology, respectively. In Rds/Nrl double-null mice, S-cones form dysmorphic outer segments that lack lamellae and fail to associate properly with the cone matrix sheath and the outer limiting membrane. In Rds(+/-)/Nrl(-/-) mice, cones form oversized and disorganized outer segment lamellae; although outer limiting membrane associations are maintained, normal interactions with cone matrix sheaths are not, and photoreceptor rosette formation is observed. These retinas produce significantly higher photopic a-wave and b-wave amplitudes than do those of Rds(-/-)/Nrl(-/-) mice, and the levels of several cone phototransduction genes are significantly increased coincidently with the presence of Rds and partial lamellae formation. Thus, as in rod photoreceptors, expression of only one Rds allele is unable to support normal outer segment morphogenesis in cones. However, cone lamellae assembly, albeit disorganized, concomitantly permits outer limiting membrane association, and this appears to be linked to photoreceptor rosette formation in the rodless (cone-only) Nrl(-/-) retina. In addition, photoreceptor gene expression alterations occur in parallel with changes in Rds levels.

Transgenic Mice Over-Expressing RBP4 Have RBP4-Dependent and Light-Independent Retinal Degeneration.

Purpose: Transgenic mice overexpressing serum retinol-binding protein (RBP4-Tg) develop progressive retinal degeneration, characterized by microglia activation, yet the precise mechanisms underlying retinal degeneration are unclear. Previous studies showed RBP4-Tg mice have normal ocular retinoid levels, suggesting that degeneration is independent of the retinoid visual cycle or light exposure. The present study addresses whether retinal degeneration is light-dependent and RBP4-dependent by testing the effects of dark-rearing and pharmacological lowering of serum RBP4 levels, respectively. Methods: RBP4-Tg mice reared on normal mouse chow in normal cyclic light conditions were directly compared to RBP4-Tg mice exposed to chow supplemented with the RBP4-lowering compound A1120 or dark-rearing conditions. Quantitative retinal histological analysis was conducted to assess retinal degeneration, and electroretinography (ERG) and optokinetic tracking (OKT) tests were performed to assess retinal and visual function. Ocular retinoids and bis-retinoid A2E were quantified. Results: Dark-rearing RBP4-Tg mice effectively reduced ocular bis-retinoid A2E levels, but had no significant effect on retinal degeneration or dysfunction in RBP4-Tg mice, demonstrating that retinal degeneration is light-independent. A1120 treatment lowered serum RBP4 levels similar to wild-type mice, and prevented structural retinal degeneration. However, A1120 treatment did not prevent retinal dysfunction in RBP4-Tg mice. Moreover, RBP4-Tg mice on A1120 diet had significant worsening of OKT response and loss of cone photoreceptors compared to RBP4-Tg mice on normal chow. This may be related to the very significant reduction in retinyl ester levels in the retina of mice on A1120-supplemented diet. Conclusions: Retinal degeneration in RBP4-Tg mice is RBP4-dependent and light-independent.

Inhibition of Stat3 by a Small Molecule Inhibitor Slows Vision Loss in a Rat Model of Diabetic Retinopathy.

Purpose: Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of vision loss. Previous studies have shown signaling pathways mediated by Stat3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) play a primary role in diabetic retinopathy progression. This study tested CLT-005, a small molecule inhibitor of Stat3, for its dose-dependent therapeutic effects on vision loss in a rat model of diabetic retinopathy. Methods: Brown Norway rats were administered streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetes. CLT-005 was administered daily by oral gavage for 16 weeks at concentrations of 125, 250, or 500 mg/kg, respectively, beginning 4 days post streptozotocin administration. Systemic and ocular drug concentration was quantified with mass spectrometry. Visual function was monitored at 2-week intervals from 6 to 16 weeks using optokinetic tracking to measure visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. The presence and severity of cataracts was visually monitored and correlated to visual acuity. The transcription and translation of multiple angiogenic factors and inflammatory cytokines were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Multiplex immunoassay. Results: Streptozotocin-diabetic rats sustain progressive vision loss over 16 weeks, and this loss in visual function is rescued in a dose-dependent manner by CLT-005. This positive therapeutic effect correlates to the positive effects of CLT-005 on vascular leakage and the presence of inflammatory cytokines in the retina. Conclusions: The present study indicates that Stat3 inhibition has strong therapeutic potential for the treatment of vision loss in diabetic retinopathy.

The role of Rds in outer segment morphogenesis and human retinal disease.

The Retinal Degeneration Slow (Rds) protein is required by photoreceptors for proper formation of the specialized outer segment organelle. Human mutations in Rds cause a multitude of blinding diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration. In recent years, the use of animal models and biochemical approaches has provided evidence towards the precise function of Rds and its role in the pathogenesis of human disease. This review addresses the current understanding of the role of Rds in photoreceptor outer segment morphogenesis and provides insight into the design of therapeutic strategies to treat Rds-associated retinal diseases.

Corrigendum: Designer Leptin Receptor Antagonist Allo-aca Inhibits VEGF Effects in Ophthalmic Neoangiogenesis Models.

[This corrects the article on p. 67 in vol. 3, PMID: 27790618.].

Transgenic Mice Overexpressing Serum Retinol-Binding Protein Develop Progressive Retinal Degeneration through a Retinoid-Independent Mechanism.

Serum retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) is the sole specific transport protein for retinol in the blood, but it is also an adipokine with retinol-independent, proinflammatory activity associated with obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Moreover, two separate studies reported that patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy have increased serum RBP4 levels compared to patients with mild or no retinopathy, yet the effect of increased levels of RBP4 on the retina has not been studied. Here we show that transgenic mice overexpressing RBP4 (RBP4-Tg mice) develop progressive retinal degeneration, characterized by photoreceptor ribbon synapse deficiency and subsequent bipolar cell loss. Ocular retinoid and bisretinoid levels are normal in RBP4-Tg mice, demonstrating that a retinoid-independent mechanism underlies retinal degeneration. Increased expression of pro-interleukin-18 (pro-IL-18) mRNA and activated IL-18 protein and early-onset microglia activation in the retina suggest that retinal degeneration is driven by a proinflammatory mechanism. Neither chronic systemic metabolic disease nor other retinal insults are required for RBP4 elevation to promote retinal neurodegeneration, since RBP4-Tg mice do not have coincident retinal vascular pathology, obesity, dyslipidemia, or hyperglycemia. These findings suggest that elevation of serum RBP4 levels could be a risk factor for retinal damage and vision loss in nondiabetic as well as diabetic patients.

Gene expression profile of native human retinal pigment epithelium.

PURPOSE: To generate a profile of genes expressed in the native human retinal pigment epithelium and identify candidate genes for retinal and macular diseases. METHODS: Two cDNA libraries (one amplified, the other unamplified) were constructed using RNA isolated from native human RPE sheets. The sequence from the 5' end was obtained for randomly selected clones from the two libraries. Of these, more than 2000 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were analyzed for similarity to sequences and gene clusters in public databases. RESULTS: EST analysis revealed several known RPE-expressed genes and more than 500 genes that have been characterized previously but were not known to be expressed in the RPE. Transthyretin and 90-kDa heat shock protein represent the most abundant transcripts identified in these RPE libraries. More than 200 novel ESTs and putative proteins were identified. An additional 344 sequences matched only the human genomic sequence. CONCLUSIONS: High-complexity cDNA libraries were generated from native human RPE. Analysis of ESTs generated from these libraries has yielded a profile of genes expressed in the native RPE. Several of the identified genes are known to play a significant role in the RPE. Novel ESTs, putative proteins, and genomic hits may represent as yet unidentified RPE-expressed genes and many of these, mapping in the region of retinal disease loci, may serve as candidate genes. In addition, the nonredundant set of more than 1100 genes and ESTs described herein will be a valuable resource for generating gene microarrays, which can assist in delineating RPE expression profiles during human disease pathogenesis.

Evaluation and optimization of procedures for target labeling and hybridization of cDNA microarrays.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and optimize methods of target labeling and microarray hybridization using eye gene microarrays. Standardized protocols that consistently produce low background and high intensity hybridization with small amounts of starting RNA are needed to extract differentially expressed genes from a pool of thousands of unaltered genes. METHODS: Two identical aliquots of RNA from P19 cell line were labeled with Cy3 or Cy5 dyes using four different methods and self-against-self hybridization was performed on mouse eye gene arrays. The validity and reproducibility of these protocols were further examined using target RNAs isolated from wild-type or neural retinal leucine zipper (Nrl) knockout mouse retinas. Hybridizations were also carried out on human gene array slides with different amounts of starting RNA from human retina. RESULTS: Using self-against-self hybridization, we optimized the protocols for direct labeling (R-square = 0.93), aminoallyl indirect labeling (R-square = 0.97), Genisphere 3DNA labeling (R-square = 0.96), and for microarray hybridization and washing. Although small amounts of initial RNA can be used in TSA method, inconsistent labeling was encountered under our experimental conditions. When retinal RNA targets from Nrl+/+ and Nrl-/- mice were tested by direct and aminoallyl indirect labeling protocols, both produced varying hybridization results with low intensity spots and non-uniform backgrounds. However, the Genisphere 3DNA labeling procedure consistently yielded strong hybridization and R-square values of 0.92 or higher. Furthermore, expression profiles were compatible with prior knowledge of this mouse model. Serial analysis of hybridizations with various starting amounts of RNA showed that the Genisphere 3DNA protocol could produce reliable signal intensity with 3 microgram of total RNA. CONCLUSIONS: We have systematically evaluated and optimized methods for target labeling, microarray hybridization and washing. These procedures have been used for expression profiling with 3 microgram of starting RNA. Our studies should encourage further use of microarray technology for gene profiling during eye development and in retinal diseases.

A comprehensive analysis of the expression of crystallins in mouse retina.

PURPOSE: Crystallins are expressed at high levels in lens fiber cells. Recent studies have revealed that several members of the alpha, beta, and gamma-crystallin family are also distributed in many non-lens tissues, though at lower levels. We observed that the use of retinal RNA as target for both custom I-Gene microarrays and Affymetrix GeneChips revealed significant expression of many crystallin genes. This prompted us to undertake a comprehensive investigation to delineate the baseline expression of crystallin genes in the adult mouse retina. METHODS: Quantitative RT-PCR was carried out using gene specific primers (derived from the mouse genomic sequence) for each crystallin gene. Immunofluorescence studies using frozen sections of the mouse retinas were performed with crystallin-specific antibodies. Retinal lysates were analyzed by immunoblotting using antibodies specific to alphaA and alphaB crystallins and those produced against total beta-crystallin and gamma-crystallin fractions of bovine lenses. RESULTS: Microarray analysis followed by quantitative RT-PCR revealed that mouse retinal cells express transcripts for 20 different members of the crystallin gene family; these are alphaA, alphaA-INS, alphaA-nov1, alphaB, betaA1, betaA2, betaA3, betaA4, betaB1, betaB2, betaB3, gammaA, gammaC, gammaD, gammaE, gammaF, gammaS, mu, zeta, and lambda-crystallin. The gene products of alphaA, alphaB, beta-, and gamma-crystallins are detected in the outer and inner nuclear layers of the retina by immunofluorescence analysis. In addition, alpha and beta-crystallins are detected in the photoreceptor inner segments. Retinal expression of these proteins was further confirmed by immunoblot analysis. Interestingly, our studies also showed a significant animal-to-animal variation in the expression level of some of the crystallins. CONCLUSIONS: Our results establish the expression of many crystallins in the adult mouse retina. Detection of crystallins in the retinal nuclear layers, though surprising, is consistent with their proposed role in cell survival and genomic stability. We suggest that crystallins play vital functions in protecting retinal neurons from damage by environmental and/or metabolic stress.

Mouse eye gene microarrays for investigating ocular development and disease.

Microarray technology can facilitate simultaneous expression analysis of thousands of genes and assist in delineating cellular pathways involved in development or disease pathogenesis. Since public databases and commercial cDNA microarrays have an under-representation of eye-expressed genes, we generated over 3000 expressed sequence tags from three unamplified mouse eye/retina cDNA libraries. These eye-expressed genes were used to produce cDNA microarrays. Methodology for printing of slides, hybridization, scanning and data analysis has been optimized. The I-gene microarrays will be useful for establishing expression profiles of the mouse eye/retina and provide a resource for defining molecular pathways involved in development, aging and disease.

Retinol-binding protein 4 induces inflammation in human endothelial cells by an NADPH oxidase- and nuclear factor kappa B-dependent and retinol-independent mechanism.

Serum retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) is the sole specific vitamin A (retinol) transporter in blood. Elevation of serum RBP4 in patients has been linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetic retinopathy. However, the significance of RBP4 elevation in the pathogenesis of these vascular diseases is unknown. Here we show that RBP4 induces inflammation in primary human retinal capillary endothelial cells (HRCEC) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) by stimulating expression of proinflammatory molecules involved in leukocyte recruitment and adherence to endothelium, including vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), E-selectin, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). We demonstrate that these novel effects of RBP4 are independent of retinol and the RBP4 membrane receptor STRA6 and occur in part via activation of NADPH oxidase and NF-κB. Importantly, retinol-free RBP4 (apo-RBP4) was as potent as retinol-bound RBP4 (holo-RBP4) in inducing proinflammatory molecules in both HRCEC and HUVEC. These studies reveal that RBP4 elevation can directly contribute to endothelial inflammation and therefore may play a causative role in the development or progression of vascular inflammation during cardiovascular disease and microvascular complications of diabetes.