Runze Zhang, Lihong Liang, Kai Liao, Hao Zeng, Xue Yang, Xiaoran Wang, Bowen Wang, Jin Yuan
{"title":"Autophagy Impairment-Derived SQSTM1 Accumulation Promotes Ferroptosis in Corneal Epithelial Cells Through ACSL4 in Dry Eye.","authors":"Runze Zhang, Lihong Liang, Kai Liao, Hao Zeng, Xue Yang, Xiaoran Wang, Bowen Wang, Jin Yuan","doi":"10.1167/iovs.66.5.23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.66.5.23","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To reveal the function of autophagy impairment-derived sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1) in inducing ferroptosis in an experimental dry eye model and investigate the underlying mechanism.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>To induce the dry eye animal model, 8-week-old C57BL/6 mice were subcutaneously injected with scopolamine and exposed to a desiccated environment. To build the in vitro dry eye model, human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) were applied with desiccating stress. Cell viability was examined using a CCK-8 kit. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative lipid, and Fe2+ were detected using the H2DCFDA assay kit, C11 BODIPY probe, and FerroOrange probe. Gene expression was screened by RNA sequencing. Protein expression was evaluated by western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Corneal defect area was assessed by fluorescein sodium staining. Conjunctiva goblet cells were counted by periodic acid-Schiff staining. Tear secretion was measured using phenol red cotton thread.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Desiccating stress induced ferroptosis and SQSTM1 accumulation in both HCECs and C57BL/6 mice. SQSTM1 knockdown alleviated ferroptosis in HCECs. In contrast, the overexpression of SQSTM1 promoted ferroptotic changes. Additionally, overexpression of SQSTM1 significantly increased acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4). Also, targeted inhibition of ACSL4 mitigated the dry eye symptoms and ferroptosis caused by both SQSTM1 overexpression and desiccating stress.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The accumulation of SQSTM1 triggers corneal epithelial cells ferroptosis through ACSL4 in dry eye disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":14620,"journal":{"name":"Investigative ophthalmology & visual science","volume":"66 5","pages":"23"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144010355","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Carrie Fei, Michael R Dong, Sean Byars, Jaynish S Shah, Anthony J Hall, Lyndell L Lim
{"title":"RNA-Seq Study of Human Lens Epithelial Cells: Differentially Expressed Genes and Pathways in Steroid, Uveitic, Post-Vitrectomy, and Senile Cataracts.","authors":"Carrie Fei, Michael R Dong, Sean Byars, Jaynish S Shah, Anthony J Hall, Lyndell L Lim","doi":"10.1167/iovs.66.5.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.66.5.4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Secondary causes of cataract contribute to significant morbidity, but their pathogeneses are not well understood. This RNA sequencing study aimed to be the first to quantify and compare the transcriptome of the uveitic, steroid-induced, and post-vitrectomy cataract, using age-related cataracts (ARCs) as the study control.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Between March and July 2023 in Melbourne (VIC, Australia), human anterior lens capsules were prospectively collected during surgery from ARCs (n = 36), as well as steroid-induced (n = 23), uveitic (n = 25), and post-vitrectomy (n = 13) cataracts, and they were stabilized in RNAlater reagent. The Australian Genome Research Facility performed RNA isolation with RNeasy Mini and library preparation and sequencing using the Illumina workflow. Quality control was performed with the Agilent 2200 TapeStation. Bioinformatic analysis of RNA sequencing data identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs), defined as those with a log fold change ≥ 1 and false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Differential gene expression analysis demonstrated significant differences between the transcriptome of age-related versus uveitic cataract (345 DEGs), steroid-induced versus uveitic cataract (117 DEGs), and age-related versus post-vitrectomy cataract (30 DEGs in the subgroup without removal of silicone oil [ROSO] and 1347 DEGs in the subgroup with ROSO). No DEGs were identified between age-related and steroid-induced cataracts.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>To our knowledge, this is the first large-scale gene expression study focusing on these secondary cataracts. This dataset will assist in forming a broader knowledge base of secondary cataract pathogenesis and inform future research in this area, particularly in the selection of specific genes and investigating their impact on cataract development through animal model studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":14620,"journal":{"name":"Investigative ophthalmology & visual science","volume":"66 5","pages":"4"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12054662/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144003274","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xianyang Liu, Hangjia Zuo, Chao Wu, Na Li, Qian Zhou, Fan Cao, Baorui Chu, Shuhao Zeng, Hui Feng, Yakun Wang, Fengyang Lei, Ke Hu, Shengping Hou
{"title":"Muscone Attenuates Uveitis Through the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway.","authors":"Xianyang Liu, Hangjia Zuo, Chao Wu, Na Li, Qian Zhou, Fan Cao, Baorui Chu, Shuhao Zeng, Hui Feng, Yakun Wang, Fengyang Lei, Ke Hu, Shengping Hou","doi":"10.1167/iovs.66.5.21","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.66.5.21","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Uveitis is an immune-mediated ocular disorder that poses a significant threat to vision, particularly among young and middle-aged adults. The treatment of uveitis is complicated by the presence of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB), which restricts the passage of large molecular drugs into the eye, thus limiting effective therapeutic options. The primary objective of this study is to identify a novel therapeutic agent capable of treating uveitis and explore its underlying mechanism.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this study, we used a mouse model of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) induced by interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)-induced inflammatory BV2 cells. Evans blue and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) experiments were performed to evaluate the destruction of BRB. Silt lamp and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were conducted to evaluate the inflammatory response. In vivo proteomics and Western blot were carried to investigate the underlying mechanisms.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our study reveals that Muscone significantly alleviates EAU and restores the integrity of BRB. Moreover, Muscone treatment markedly downregulated inflammatory factors within the retinas and BV2 cells. In vivo proteomic combined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) has elucidated that Muscone exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by modulating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Moreover, by using LY294002 to specifically inhibit PI3K, we observed a marked decrease in inflammatory phenotype and BRB destruction of EAU.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In summary, this study establishes the protective efficacy of Muscone against the progression of EAU and provides insights into the molecular mechanisms responsible for its therapeutic action.</p>","PeriodicalId":14620,"journal":{"name":"Investigative ophthalmology & visual science","volume":"66 5","pages":"21"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12068523/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143991823","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Min Seok Kim, Soo Hyun Choi, Hyun Young Park, Sun Young Jang, JaeSang Ko, Jae-Woo Kim, Jin Sook Yoon
{"title":"Role of SerpinA3 in the Pathogenesis of Graves' Orbitopathy in Orbital Fibroblasts.","authors":"Min Seok Kim, Soo Hyun Choi, Hyun Young Park, Sun Young Jang, JaeSang Ko, Jae-Woo Kim, Jin Sook Yoon","doi":"10.1167/iovs.66.4.20","DOIUrl":"10.1167/iovs.66.4.20","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>We investigated the implications of SerpinA3, a secretory serine protease inhibitor, in inflammation and adipogenesis of Graves' orbitopathy (GO). To identify its precise function in GO pathogenesis, we evaluated the role of SerpinA3 in the inflammation and adipogenesis of GO.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>SerpinA3 expression was compared between GO (n = 30) and normal participants (n = 28) in orbital tissue explants using real-time PCR. Orbital fibroblasts from GO (n = 3) and normal participants (n = 3) were transfected with or without small interfering RNA against SerpinA3 before IL-1β stimulation. Western blotting assessed inflammatory cytokine and signaling molecule expression. Adipogenic differentiation was assessed using Oil Red O staining, and adipogenic marker expression was determined through Western blotting. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to compare prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and hyaluronan levels in GO (n = 4) and normal participants (n = 3).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>SerpinA3 transcript levels were significantly higher in GO orbital tissues. Silencing SerpinA3 suppressed the IL-1β-induced expression of IL-6, IL-8, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, cyclooxygenase 2, and PGE2 and attenuated the levels of phosphorylated nuclear factor κB, Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Moreover, silencing SerpinA3 reduced hyaluronan production, adipogenic differentiation, and adipogenic marker expression, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins α and β, adipocyte protein 2, adiponectin, and leptin.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Silencing SerpinA3 attenuated the expression of proinflammatory mediators, adipogenic differentiation, and hyaluronan production. Our results indicate that SerpinA3 plays a significant role in GO and may serve as a novel therapeutic target.</p>","PeriodicalId":14620,"journal":{"name":"Investigative ophthalmology & visual science","volume":"66 4","pages":"20"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11993136/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143811340","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lu Zhao, Na Li, Xinrui Shi, Jiachen Zhang, Min Gao, Yankai Wei, Xuejia Li, Bei Du, Deming Sun, Hong Nian, Ruihua Wei
{"title":"Enhanced Therapeutic Effect of IL-10-ADSCs on Rabbit Autoimmune Dacryoadenitis By Suppressing T Follicular Helper Cell Responses Via miR-142-5p/RC3H1 Axis.","authors":"Lu Zhao, Na Li, Xinrui Shi, Jiachen Zhang, Min Gao, Yankai Wei, Xuejia Li, Bei Du, Deming Sun, Hong Nian, Ruihua Wei","doi":"10.1167/iovs.66.4.66","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.66.4.66","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising therapeutic strategy in clinical research for dry eye, and their immunomodulatory effects can be enhanced through genetic modification. In this study, we constructed interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene-modified adipose-derived MSCs (IL-10-ADSCs) and investigated their protective effects and underlying mechanisms on rabbit autoimmune dacryoadenitis, an animal model of autoimmune dry eye.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>ADSCs were isolated from rabbit adipose tissue and transduced with IL-10 overexpressing lentivirus. Then the preventive and therapeutic effects of IL-10-ADSCs on rabbit autoimmune dacryoadenitis were evaluated. Flow cytometry and Western blot were performed to assess the immunomodulatory effects of IL-10-ADSCs on T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. Bioinformatic analyses and functional gain and loss assays were used to determine the molecular mechanism underlying the effects of IL-10-ADSCs on Tfh responses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We demonstrated that IL-10-ADSCs maintain the cell surface phenotype and multi-differentiation potentials of MSCs. Intravenous injection of IL-10-ADSCs markedly attenuated autoimmune dacryoadenitis, yielding significantly superior clinical and pathological improvements compared to ADSCs. Further investigation revealed that IL-10-ADSCs administration significantly suppressed Tfh cell responses in vivo and in vitro, contributing to reduced inflammation and improved tissue damage. Mechanistically, IL-10-ADSCs exert their suppressive function on Tfh cells partially through the miR-142-5p/RC3H1 axis. Notably, IL-10-ADSCs subconjunctivally administered after disease onset efficiently ameliorated the severity of autoimmune dacryoadenitis.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>IL-10-ADSCs ameliorate autoimmune dacryoadenitis by suppressing Tfh cell responses via suppressing the miR-142-5p/RC3H1 axis. The enhanced therapeutic effects of IL-10-ADSCs could be of significant value in improving the effectiveness of stem cell therapy in autoimmune dry eye.</p>","PeriodicalId":14620,"journal":{"name":"Investigative ophthalmology & visual science","volume":"66 4","pages":"66"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12020959/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143966749","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hoi-Lam Li, Su Yu, Shan Fan, Carol B Toris, Haiyan Gong
{"title":"Segmental Uveoscleral Outflow and its Relationship With Trabecular Outflow in Monkey Eyes.","authors":"Hoi-Lam Li, Su Yu, Shan Fan, Carol B Toris, Haiyan Gong","doi":"10.1167/iovs.66.4.78","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.66.4.78","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Segmental trabecular outflow has been observed in various species, and we recently reported segmental uveoscleral outflow in mouse eyes. However, whether this pattern exists in other species remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate segmental uveoscleral outflow and its correlation with trabecular outflow in monkey eyes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Five healthy eyes of aged cynomolgus macaques were examined. After anesthesia, a fixed volume of tracer was injected into the anterior chamber and allowed to diffuse for 45 minutes before fixation. The eyes were dissected into 12 radial segments, and images were captured using a confocal microscope. Segments were randomly selected for histological study. Tracer intensity and stromal thickness were measured.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four distinct tracer patterns were observed: (1) low flow in both pathways, (2) high flow (HF) in both, (3) HF in trabecular outflow, and (4) HF in uveoscleral outflow. As trabecular outflow contributed 75% of the total outflow, the \"HF in uveoscleral outflow\" pattern was the least frequent. Segmental flow patterns were observed in both outflow pathways, including components along the uveoscleral outflow pathway: supraciliary and suprachoroidal spaces, spaces between muscle bundles, and ciliary stroma. A positive correlation was found between tracer intensity along the uveoscleral outflow pathway and stromal thickness.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Uveoscleral outflow is segmental and uncorrelated with trabecular outflow in monkey eyes. It primarily occurs in the ciliary stroma, where it positively correlates with stromal thickness. Future studies in human eyes may inform the optimal placement of drainage devices and drug delivery systems targeting the uveoscleral outflow pathway.</p>","PeriodicalId":14620,"journal":{"name":"Investigative ophthalmology & visual science","volume":"66 4","pages":"78"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12060073/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143967099","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Absolute Risks and Decision Tools for Communicating the Risks of Visual Impairment From Myopia-Related Diseases.","authors":"Emma Dow, Stephanie Kearney, Mhairi Day","doi":"10.1167/iovs.66.4.82","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.66.4.82","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The risks of developing myopia complications are frequently reported in relative terms, which can be misleading. This study provides absolute risk estimates of visual impairment (VI) from myopia-related diseases.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A critical integrative review provided data on frequency of myopic macular degeneration (MMD), primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), and associated VI in predominantly White and East Asian populations. The absolute risks of persons over 40 years of age with no myopia, low myopia (-2.00 D), or high myopia (-6.00 D) developing VI from each myopia-related disease were calculated by multiplying the proportion of each refractive group with the disease by the rate of VI. The sum of the risks of VI from MMD, POAG, and RRD provided an estimate of VI risk from any of these three myopia-related diseases in adults over 40 years old.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>VI from MMD, POAG, or RRD combined is expected in 0.4 in 100, 1.4 in 100, and 6.8 in 100 of White persons with no myopia, low myopia, or high myopia, respectively. The same risks in an East Asian population are 0.5 in 100, 2.4 in 100 and 10.3 in 100 in persons with no myopia, low myopia, or high myopia, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Absolute risks are provided to enable balanced discussions of the future risk that a child may have in developing VI from myopia-related diseases when considering myopia management. These estimates should be put into context using decision tools and balanced statements providing information on the likelihood of both developing VI and not developing VI.</p>","PeriodicalId":14620,"journal":{"name":"Investigative ophthalmology & visual science","volume":"66 4","pages":"82"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12045115/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143991444","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jennifer H Tweedy, Mariia Dvoriashyna, Jessica R Crawshaw, Darryl R Overby, Rodolfo Repetto, Paul A Roberts, Tamsin A Spelman, Peter S Stewart, Alexander J E Foss
{"title":"A Model of the Mechanisms Underpinning Unconventional Aqueous Humor Outflow.","authors":"Jennifer H Tweedy, Mariia Dvoriashyna, Jessica R Crawshaw, Darryl R Overby, Rodolfo Repetto, Paul A Roberts, Tamsin A Spelman, Peter S Stewart, Alexander J E Foss","doi":"10.1167/iovs.66.4.75","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.66.4.75","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To develop a mathematical model of the unconventional outflow pathway.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The unconventional pathway is modeled as having two key components: the uveo-vortex and the trans-scleral pathways. The uveo-vortex pathway is modeled using Starling's law and the trans-scleral flow using predominately hydrostatic forces. We include transcytosis from the choriocapillaris (CC) and collapsibility of the suprachoroidal space (SCS) as particular features. There is considerable uncertainty in a number of model parameter values, and we identify the most significant ones using sensitivity analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The model successfully generates a fluid flow from anterior to posterior in the choroidal tissue and the SCS, which also demonstrates many of the known physiological features, including the insensitivity of the unconventional flow to fluctuations in the IOP, albumin removal by the trans-scleral flow, and the CC as a net absorber of fluid from, and supplier of albumin to, the choroidal tissue. The model supports the two previously proposed mechanisms of the action of prostaglandin F2α analogues.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>We have developed a theoretical model of the unconventional aqueous outflow pathway that successfully captures its physiological features and elucidates the actions of prostaglandin F2α analogues and other drugs.</p>","PeriodicalId":14620,"journal":{"name":"Investigative ophthalmology & visual science","volume":"66 4","pages":"75"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12060054/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144002873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}