Project description:To study gene expression changes in the rat retina and choroid following transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) and to identify molecular mechanisms that may enhance treatment of choroidal neovascularization, complicating age-related macular degeneration. Keywords: Expression level alteration in the rat retina and choroid after TTT
Project description:Many diseases that affect the heart, brain, and even the eyes originate from vascular pathology, emphasizing the role of vascular regulation. In age-related macular degeneration (AMD), excessive growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye (choroidal neovascularization) ultimately leads to detachment of retinal pigment epithelium and decreased vision, indicating the importance of choroidal neovascularization in the treatment of age-related diseases. The circadian clock in the mammalian retina regulates various retinal functions, enabling the retina to adapt to the light dark cycle. Emerging evidence suggests a link between circadian clock and retinopathy, but the causal relationship has not yet been determined.
Project description:Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a severe complication of the late-stage form of wet age-related macular degeneration. In order to identify lncRNAs and coding genes involved in the pathogenesis of CNV, we performed microarray analysis to identify expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs in laser-induced CNV samples and controls in mice.
Project description:The purpose of the study was to investigate the roles and possible functions of the miRNAs and tsRNAs in choroidal neovascularization (CNV).The mouse model of laser-induced CNV was conducted by laser photocoagulation and the samples were collected 7 days after laser treatment. The expression profiles of miRNAs and tsRNAs were accessed by small RNA sequencing in RPE-choroid-sclera complexes of mice in CNV group and controls. Our study identified differential expressions of miRNAs and tsRNAs in CNV model, and these altered miRNAs and tsRNAs might be novel potential targets in treating CNVs in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.
Project description:Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a prevalent neuroinflammation condition and the leading cause of irreversible blindness among the elderly population. Smoking significantly increases AMD risk, yet the mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigated the role of Sema4D-PlexinB1 axis in the progression of AMD, in which Sema4D-PlexinB1 is highly activated by smoking. Using patient-derived samples and mouse models, we discovered that smoking increased the presence of Sema4D on the surface of CD8+ T cells that migrated into the choroidal neovascularization (CNV) lesion via CXCL12-CXCR4 axis and interacted with its receptor PlexinB1 on choroidal pericytes. This led to ROR2-mediated PlexinB1 phosphorylation and pericytes activation, hence disrupted vascular homeostasis and promoted neovascularization. Inhibition of Sema4D reduced CNV and improved the benefit of anti-VEGF treatment. In conclusion, this study unveils the molecular mechanisms through which smoking exacerbates AMD pathology, and presents a potential therapeutic strategy by targeting Sema4D to augment current AMD treatments.
Project description:To investigate the roles of microRNAs in the aqueous humor of patients with typical age-related macular degeneration and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy using next-generation sequencing.
Project description:Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a prevalent neuroinflammation condition and the leading cause of irreversible blindness among the elderly population. Smoking significantly increases AMD risk, yet the mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigated the role of Sema4D-PlexinB1 axis in the progression of AMD, in which Sema4D-PlexinB1 is highly activated by smoking. Using patient-derived samples and mouse models, we discovered that smoking increased the presence of Sema4D on the surface of CD8+ T cells that migrated into the choroidal neovascularization (CNV) lesion via CXCL12-CXCR4 axis and interacted with its receptor PlexinB1 on choroidal pericytes. This led to ROR2-mediated PlexinB1 phosphorylation and pericytes activation, hence disrupted vascular homeostasis and promoted neovascularization. Inhibition of Sema4D reduced CNV and improved the benefit of anti-VEGF treatment. In conclusion, this study unveils the molecular mechanisms through which smoking exacerbates AMD pathology, and presents a potential therapeutic strategy by targeting Sema4D to augment current AMD treatments.
Project description:Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a prevalent neuroinflammation condition and the leading cause of irreversible blindness among the elderly population. Smoking significantly increases AMD risk, yet the mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigated the role of Sema4D-PlexinB1 axis in the progression of AMD, in which Sema4D-PlexinB1 is highly activated by smoking. Using patient-derived samples and mouse models, we discovered that smoking increased the presence of Sema4D on the surface of CD8+ T cells that migrated into the choroidal neovascularization (CNV) lesion via CXCL12-CXCR4 axis and interacted with its receptor PlexinB1 on choroidal pericytes. This led to ROR2-mediated PlexinB1 phosphorylation and pericytes activation, hence disrupted vascular homeostasis and promoted neovascularization. Inhibition of Sema4D reduced CNV and improved the benefit of anti-VEGF treatment. In conclusion, this study unveils the molecular mechanisms through which smoking exacerbates AMD pathology, and presents a potential therapeutic strategy by targeting Sema4D to augment current AMD treatments.
Project description:Neovascularization contributes to multiple visual disorders including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Current therapies for treating ocular angiogenesis are centered on the inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). While clinically effective, some AMD patients are refractory or develop resistance to anti-VEGF and concerns of increased risks of developing geographic atrophy following long-term treatment have been raised. Identification of alternative pathways to inhibit pathological angiogenesis is thus important. We have identified a novel inhibitor of angiogenesis, COCO/DAND5, a member of the Cerberus-related DAN family. We demonstrate that COCO inhibits sprouting, migration and cellular proliferation of cultured endothelial cells. Intravitreal injections of COCO inhibited retinal vascularization during development and in models of retinopathy of prematurity and AMD. COCO equally abrogated angiogenesis in choroid explants and in a model of choroidal neovascularization. Mechanistically, COCO inhibited the expression of TGFβ and BMP pathwaysand altered ATP production, glucose uptake and redox balance of endothelial cells. Together, these data show that COCO is an inhibitor of retinal and choroidal angiogenesis, possibly representing a therapeutic option for the treatment of neovascular ocular diseases.