Article
Cell Biology
Yingyu Mao, Silvia C. Finnemann
Summary: The diurnal phagocytosis of spent photoreceptor outer segment fragments by retinal pigment epithelial cells is essential for visual function. Formation of phagocytic cups beneath surface-tethered POS requires the signaling of MerTK and activation of Rac1, with RhoA pathway inactivation playing a crucial role in the phagocytic process. Ultimately, manipulating RhoA pathway can restore phagocytic capacity to MerTK-deficient RPE.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christopher DeVera, Jendayi Dixon, Micah A. Chrenek, Kenkichi Baba, Yun Z. Le, P. Michael Iuvone, Gianluca Tosini
Summary: The study found that the circadian clock in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) controls the daily peak of phagocytic activity. However, the absence of a clock in the RPE does not result in deterioration of photoreceptors or the RPE during aging.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Editorial Material
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Zhongjie Fu, Lois E. H. Smith
Summary: Pathologic angiogenesis in eye diseases leading to blindness can be attributed to cell senescence, as demonstrated by the bioinformatics study conducted by Crespo-Garcia, Tsuruda, and Dejda. Their findings were validated in human and mouse retina models, where clearance of senescent cells effectively suppressed neovessel growth.
TRENDS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vicente Bermudez, Paula Estefania Tenconi, Maria Sol Echevarria, Aram Asatrian, Jorgelina Muriel Calandria, Norma Maria Giusto, Nicolas Guillermo Bazan, Melina Valeria Mateos
Summary: This study found that PLD1i and PLD2i can prevent the effects of high glucose concentrations on the phagocytic function of RPE cells, without affecting cell function and viability under non-inflammatory conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ken-ichi Hashikawa, Akito Tsuruta, Wakaba Yamakawa, Sai Yasukochi, Satoru Koyanagi, Shigehiro Ohdo
Summary: Renewal of retinal photoreceptor outer segments involves shedding and phagocytosis, but senescence can modulate the circadian phagocytic activity of RPE cells. The phagocytic activity of senescent ARPE-19 cells increased constantly and exhibited altered circadian oscillation, accompanied by changes in the expression of circadian clock genes. Additionally, activation of the circadian clock component REV-ERBa enhanced the phagocytic activity of normal ARPE-19 cells and increased the expression of phagocytosis-related genes.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
M. Helena Cardoso, Michael J. Hall, Thomas Burgoyne, Pedro Fale, Tina Storm, Cristina Escrevente, Pedro Antas, Miguel C. Seabra, Clare E. Futter
Summary: This study aimed to model the effects of chloroquine on the retinal pigment epithelium in vivo and investigate the impact of mild chloroquine treatment on lysosome function and turnover. The research found that low-dose chloroquine treatment inhibits lysosome reformation, leading to a gradual depletion of lysosomes' ability to interact with cargo-carrying vacuoles and degrade their content. The accumulation of pro-cathepsin D and LAMP1 reflects the inhibition of normal turnover of lysosomal constituents and possibly lysosomes themselves. Understanding the mechanisms underlying lysosome reformation may contribute to the development of new treatments for chloroquine-induced retinopathy.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Mira Krendel, Nils C. Gauthier
Summary: Cells utilize phagocytosis to ingest large particles, and recent studies have provided new insights into the architecture and regulation of the phagocytic cup. The assembly and closure of the phagocytic cup involve multiple factors and the generation of forces by cytoskeletal elements. These findings shed light on the mechanisms underlying the formation, expansion, and closure of phagocytic cups, which rely on distinct yet complementary mechanisms to efficiently engulf foreign objects.
CURRENT OPINION IN CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lyndsay L. Leach, Nicholas J. Hanovice, Stephanie M. George, Ana E. Gabriel, Jeffrey M. Gross
Summary: Research has revealed that zebrafish RPE has strong intrinsic regenerative potential, with elements of immune response identified as critical mediators in the regeneration process. Macrophage/microglia cells are responsive to RPE damage and essential for the timely progression of regenerative response.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jongmin Kim, Yeo Jin Lee, Jae Yon Won
Summary: This review highlights the roles and pathogenesis of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in AMD, emphasizing the importance of understanding the etiology of AMD and discussing potential treatment strategies targeting RPE.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Romain Touze, Marc M. Abitbol, Dominique Bremond-Gignac, Matthieu P. Robert
Summary: This study confirms the dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), characterized by a lower dark trough (DT) and a corresponding higher light peak (LP)/DT ratio. This pattern may be due to a dysregulation of melanocytogenesis, leading to disrupted calcium ion flux and abnormal polarization of the RPE.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Song Yang, Jun Zhou, Dengwen Li
Summary: The retinal pigment epithelium is crucial for visual functions, but damage to its structure and function can lead to various retinopathies with no cure currently available. Understanding the development, function, and pathobiology of the retinal pigment epithelium is essential for preventing and treating retinopathies. This review discusses potential strategies for treatment and provides new perspectives for future research in this field.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Biola F. Egbowon, Enzo Fornari, Joseph M. Pally, Alan J. Hargreaves, Bob Stevens, T. Martin Mcginnity, Barbara K. Pierscionek
Summary: This study demonstrates that human RPE cell lines (ARPE-19) can be cultured on ultrathin suspended electrospun nanofibre scaffolds (ENS) composed of hydrophobic polymer polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and a water-soluble aliphatic diamine, without or with fluocinolone acetonide (FA) treatment. The cells survived and maintained their morphology for up to 150 days with FA-treated ENS, showing an epithelial phenotype with biomarkers critical for retinal characteristics. This technique has potential for subretinal transplantation.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jongmin Kim, Jae Yon Won
Summary: As the world ages, the number of age-related diseases, particularly those related to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration, has increased. Photobiomodulation (PBM), a non-invasive treatment using red and near-infrared light, has shown potential as a new treatment for ocular diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated its antioxidant effect, making it a promising approach to cure RPE degeneration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jeremie Canonica, Min Zhao, Tatiana Favez, Emmanuelle Gelize, Laurent Jonet, Laura Kowalczuk, Justine Guegan, Damien Le Menuet, Say Viengchareun, Marc Lombes, Eric Pussard, Yvan Arsenijevic, Francine Behar-Cohen
Summary: Glucocorticoids are commonly used drugs to treat retinal diseases, but the transcriptional regulations induced by GR and MR activation in RPE cells are not well understood. The study found that in the human eye, cortisol is the main ligand for GR and MR, and genes regulated by aldosterone and cortisol + RU-486 can mimic an imbalance toward MR activation. This activation in RPE cells may contribute to retinal pathology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mohamed A. Faynus, Jeffrey K. Bailey, Britney O. Pennington, Mika Katsura, Duncan A. Proctor, Ashley K. Yeh, Sneha Menon, Dylan G. Choi, Jane S. Lebkowski, Lincoln Johnson, Dennis O. Clegg
Summary: Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease with no current treatment options. Using microcarrier technology for cell culture allows efficient large-scale production of therapeutic retinal pigmented epithelial cells, fulfilling the treatment demands.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2022)