Article
Ophthalmology
Jorrit S. Montijn, Valentina Riguccini, Christiaan N. Levelt, J. Alexander Heimel
Summary: Human albinos have a low visual acuity due to the presence of erroneous eye movements called pendular nystagmus. This study compared the response to visual motion in the nucleus of the optic tract (NOT) of albino and pigmented mice. The results showed that the neuronal tuning in the NOT of albino mice was severely impaired compared to pigmented mice. The disrupted direction encoding in the NOT may be caused by excessive interhemispheric crossing of retinal projections in albinos, leading to pendular albino nystagmus. Evaluation: 8/10.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Jiun L. Do, Salam Allahwerdy, Ryan Caezar C. David, Robert N. Weinreb, Mark H. Tuszynski, Derek S. Welsbie
Summary: Human neural stem cells have shown potential in promoting the survival and axonal regeneration of injured retinal ganglion cells, possibly through diffusible factors released by NSCs. Additionally, NSCs integrate with the injured optic nerve and have the potential to establish neuronal relays to restore retinofugal connections.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fa Yuan, Mingwei Wang, Kangxin Jin, Mengqing Xiang
Summary: The text discusses the pathogenesis of glaucoma and the characteristics of RGCs, highlighting the differences in regenerative abilities post-injury and the latest research findings. It proposes potential directions for future therapeutics in treating neurodegenerative diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Ben Mead, Alicia Kerr, Naoki Nakaya, Stanislav I. Tomarev
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the miRNA profile of purified retinal ganglion cells (RGC) from healthy and diseased rat retina. Over 100 different miRNAs were identified in diseased retina compared to healthy retina. Manipulating candidate mRNAs after retinal injury revealed significant neuroprotection and neuritogenesis effects in RGC.
Article
Neurosciences
Huan Wang, Xiaoxiao Wang, Yanming Wang, Du Zhang, Yan Yang, Yifeng Zhou, Benshen Qiu, Peng Zhang
Summary: There is increasing evidence that functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can detect blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) activity in the white matter (WM). However, the functional relevance and significance of WM BOLD signals are still controversial. In this study, 7T BOLD fMRI was used to investigate the fine-scale functional organizations of visual WM bundles, revealing clear contralateral retinotopic organizations and over-representations of the central visual field.
Review
Neurosciences
Elena G. Sergeeva, Paul A. Rosenberg, Larry Benowitz
Summary: The text describes the process of how visual information is transmitted from the eye to the brain through the optic nerve by retinal ganglion cells. It discusses the inability of retinal ganglion cells to regenerate axons and the mechanisms behind neurodegeneration and regenerative failure. Additionally, it mentions the role of retinal interneurons in the survival and axon regeneration of retinal ganglion cells.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Linya Li, Shaoqing He, Yang Liu, Thomas Yorio, Dorette Z. Ellis
Summary: The study found that sigma-1r plays a vital role in the survival of retinal ganglion cells, with activation and/or transgenic expression of sigma-1r attenuating the apoptotic pathway and restoring RGC number and function following optic nerve crush.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yi-Fen Lai, Ting-Yi Lin, Pin-Kuan Ho, Yi-Hao Chen, Yu-Chuan Huang, Da-Wen Lu
Summary: In this review, the neuroprotective function of erythropoietin (EPO) in extra-hematopoietic tissues, especially the retina, is highlighted. The available pre-clinical studies of EPO in treating various optic neuropathies are summarized. Furthermore, future strategies for optic nerve protection and repair using EPO and its derivatives are explored.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Syed A. H. Zaidi, Zhimin Xu, Tahira Lemtalsi, Porsche Sandow, Sruthi Athota, Fang Liu, Stephen Haigh, Yuqing Huo, S. Priya Narayanan, David J. R. Fulton, Modesto A. Rojas, Abdelrahman Y. Fouda, Robert W. Caldwell, Ruth B. Caldwell
Summary: This study demonstrates that cell-specific expression of A2 plays a neurotoxic role in optic nerve crush-induced retinal neurodegeneration. Deletion of A2 in neurons expressing Calb2 limits ONC-induced retinal neurodegeneration and improves visual function.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2023)
Review
Biology
Yue Hu, Lynn Michelle Grodzki, Susanne Bartsch, Udo Bartsch
Summary: This review summarizes preclinical studies assessing the efficacy of cell-based neuroprotective treatment strategies to rescue retinal ganglion cells from cell death. Intraocular transplantations of diverse cell types or cells engineered to overexpress neurotrophic factors have shown significant attenuation of ganglion cell loss. Combinatorial cell-based neuroprotective approaches may further increase the survival rates of retinal ganglion cells, but long-term impact and potential adverse effects are still limited, making it challenging to assess their therapeutic potential.
Review
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Shaoying Tan, Yao Yao, Qichen Yang, Xiang-Ling Yuan, Ling-Ping Cen, Tsz Kin Ng
Summary: Adult stem cells are considered as a potential treatment strategy for optic neuropathies, due to their neuroprotective properties that can be used in different types of optic neuropathies. Research focuses on enhancing the neuroprotective effects of adult stem cells to lay the foundation for future clinical practice.
CELL TRANSPLANTATION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ahmara G. Ross, Devin S. McDougald, Reas S. Khan, Thu T. Duong, Kimberly E. Dine, Puya Aravand, Jean Bennett, Venkata Ramana Murthy Chavali, Kenneth S. Shindler
Summary: This study investigates the neuroprotective potential of RGC-selective SIRT1 gene therapy in models of optic neuropathy, showing that overexpression of SIRT1 can effectively preserve RGC survival and visual function. The study suggests a targeted therapy for optic neuropathies through RGC-selective expression of SIRT1, expanding our understanding of SIRT1-mediated neuroprotection in optic neuropathy models and highlighting its therapeutic potential.
Review
Ophthalmology
Won-Kyu Ju, Guy A. Perkins, Keun-Young Kim, Tonking Bastola, Woo-Young Choi, Soo-Ho Choi
Summary: Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, involving the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a treatable risk factor, but lowering IOP alone is not sufficient to prevent disease progression. Understanding the structural and functional impairment of mitochondria in RGCs and their axons is an important area of research, as oxidative phosphorylation stress-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with glaucomatous neurodegeneration.
PROGRESS IN RETINAL AND EYE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Reas S. Khan, Ahmara G. Ross, Keirnan Willett, Kimberly Dine, Rick Banas, Larry R. Brown, Kenneth S. Shindler
Summary: This study demonstrates that systemically administered AMP cells can suppress optic neuritis and myelitis in EAE mice, potentially serving as a novel treatment for multiple sclerosis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roxanne Hsiang-Chi Liou, Shih-Wei Chen, Hui-Chen Cheng, Pei-Chun Wu, Yu-Fen Chang, An-Guor Wang, Ming-Ji Fann, Yu-Hui Wong
Summary: Researchers have developed a rapid protocol for inducing retinal ganglion cell differentiation from hiPSCs, which is important for studying optic neuropathies and finding therapeutic drugs.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Nidia de Sousa, Diogo Santos, Susana Monteiro, Nuno Silva, Anton Barreiro-Iglesias, Antonio J. Salgado
Summary: Spinal cord injury affects millions of people worldwide, leading to severe motor and sensory impairments. Spasticity is a common neurological complication in SCI, and its management can be achieved through various approaches, with baclofen being the most effective drug. Recent data suggest that baclofen may also have a neuroprotective role in SCI, offering promise for developing new pharmacological strategies for functional recovery.
JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Julian Yanez, Monica Folgueira, Iban Lamas, Ramon Anadon
Summary: The study of the connections in the adult zebrafish pallium revealed poor interconnectivity between different areas within the pallium, suggesting dedicated modules for different neural processes. The connections between the pallium and extrapallial regions also show compartmental organization, with distinct afferents and efferents for each pallial region. This comprehensive analysis complements existing knowledge on the neuroanatomical organization of the brain and provides valuable insights for neurogenetic studies during early developmental stages.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Anabel Alba-Gonzalez, Monica Folgueira, Antonio Castro, Ramon Anadon, Julian Yanez
Summary: The expression of neurogranin in the brain and sensory organs of adult zebrafish differs from that in mammals, indicating divergent evolution from a common ancestor.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Daniel Sobrido-Camean, Anton Barreiro-Iglesias
NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Ismael Hernandez-Nunez, Maria Vivero-Lopez, Ana Quelle-Regaldie, Willem J. DeGrip, Laura Sanchez, Angel Concheiro, Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo, Eva Candal, Anton Barreiro-Iglesias
Summary: Diabetic retinopathy is a major cause of blindness worldwide. Studies have shown that hyperglycemia during early retinal development can lead to decreased cell numbers and altered cell differentiation. This study on zebrafish embryos found that hyperglycemia increases cell death and decreases cell proliferation in the developing retina, which could contribute to the decline in mature retinal cells.
HISTOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Quelle-Regaldie, Monica Folgueira, Julian Yanez, Daniel Sobrido-Camean, Anabel Alba-Gonzalez, Anton Barreiro-Iglesias, Maria-Jesus Sobrido, Laura Sanchez
Summary: In this study, we characterized a vertebrate model with loss of function of the nop56 gene, which exhibited severe neurodegenerative phenotypes. This study is important for further understanding the role of NOP56 in central nervous system function and development.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Anabel Alba-Gonzalez, Julian Yanez, Ramon Anadon, Monica Folgueira
Summary: This study analyzes the development of Nrgn-like immunoreactivity in the brain and sensory structures of zebrafish embryos and larvae. The results show that Nrgn-like positive neurons appear in restricted areas of the brain and reach an adult-like pattern by 6 days post-fertilization. The late expression of Nrgn in zebrafish neurons may be related to functional maturation of higher brain centers and suggests that it may be a useful marker for specific neuronal circuitries.
BRAIN STRUCTURE & FUNCTION
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Maria Vivero-Lopez, Chiara Sparacino, Ana Quelle-Regaldie, Laura Sanchez, Eva Candal, Anton Barreiro-Iglesias, Fernando Huete-Toral, Gonzalo Carracedo, Ana Otero, Angel Concheiro, Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo
Summary: This study successfully addressed the limitations of resveratrol, an antioxidant agent, by preparing single and mixed micelles of Pluronic (R) F127 and casein. These micelles significantly increased the solubility of resveratrol, remained stable, and exhibited potent antioxidant properties. They also showed antimicrobial activity. However, mixed micelles displayed lower permeability through the sclera compared to single micelles.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Daniel Sobrido-Camean, Laura Gonzalez-Llera, Ramon Anadon, Anton Barreiro-Iglesias
Summary: The expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (PmCRH) and CRH-binding protein (PmCRHBP) mRNA in sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus was studied. PmCRH expressing cells were mainly observed in the magnocellular preoptic nucleus-paraventricular nucleus and in the superior and medial rhombencephalic reticular formation. The distribution of PmCRHBP expressing neurons differed from that of PmCRH cells, with cells mainly present in various brain regions.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Andreia G. Pinho, Susana Monteiro, Valentina Liberato, Diogo J. Santos, Jonas Campos, Jorge R. Cibra, Nuno A. Silva, Nidia de Sousa, Anton Barreiro-Iglesias, Antonio J. Salgado
Summary: This study aimed to understand the potential of baclofen as a treatment to promote recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). The results showed that baclofen can improve locomotor and bladder function control in mice after SCI, and it may modulate the immune response. Although further research is needed to explore the mechanisms behind the functional improvements produced by baclofen, this study opens up new avenues for designing pharmacological strategies to promote SCI recovery.
Review
Neurosciences
Gabriel Nicolas Santos-Duran, Anton Barreiro-Iglesias
Summary: DYRK2 plays a key role in the nervous system, participating in neuronal development and function, particularly regulating axon growth and branching. It may be involved in multiple brain functions and is associated with nervous system diseases.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Marina Rodriguez-Arrizabalaga, Ismael Hernandez-Nunez, Eva Candal, Anton Barreiro-Iglesias
Summary: Work in the catshark Scyliorhinus canicula reveals that postnatal neurogenesis in vertebrates originated earlier than previously assumed. This makes the catshark an interesting model for studying postnatal neurogenic processes and their evolution in vertebrates. However, the lack of genetic tools in sharks inhibits in-depth research on the genes involved in neurogenesis. In this study, the researchers developed a method using Vivo-Morpholinos to knock down genes in the catshark retina, specifically targeting the proliferation marker PCNA. The method was found to effectively reduce mitotic activity in the peripheral retina, providing a valuable tool for studying the role of other genes in postnatal neurogenesis in this animal model.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Francesco Lamanna, Francisca Hervas-Sotomayor, A. Phillip Oel, David Jandzik, Daniel Sobrido-Camean, Gabriel N. Santos-Duran, Megan L. Martik, Jan Stundl, Stephen A. Green, Thoomke Bruening, Katharina Moessinger, Julia Schmidt, Celine Schneider, Mari Sepp, Florent Murat, Jeramiah J. Smith, Marianne E. Bronner, Maria Celina Rodicio, Anton Barreiro-Iglesias, Daniel M. Medeiros, Detlev Arendt, Henrik Kaessmann
Summary: By studying the sea lamprey, researchers have created a comprehensive cell type atlas of the primitive vertebrate brain, which has revealed the cellular and molecular architecture of the ancestral vertebrate brain and identified key tissues and cell types that arose later in evolution.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Gonzalez-Llera, Daniel Sobrido-Camean, Gabriel N. Santos-Duran, Anton Barreiro-Iglesias
Summary: Sea lampreys are a vertebrate model that is of interest in the study of spontaneous axon regeneration after spinal cord injury. Recent research has shown that the descending CRH axons in sea lampreys can fully regenerate after a complete spinal cord injury. This study provides a new model for studying spontaneous and successful axonal regeneration in a specific neuronal type with small caliber axons using simple immunohistochemical methods.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
He-Yan Li, Li Dong, Xu-Han Shi, Rui-Heng Zhang, Wen-Da Zhou, Hao-Tian Wu, Chu-Yao Yu, Yi-Tong Li, Yi-Fan Li, Jost B. Jonas, Wen-Bin Wei, Yue-Ming Liu
Summary: This study aimed to examine the intraocular tolerability of cetuximab when applied intravitreally, and its effect on axial elongation. The results showed that intravitreal injections of cetuximab could reduce axial elongation in a dose-dependent and number of treatment-dependent manner, without causing intraocular toxic effects.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Ophthalmology
James D. Cole, John A. McDaniel, Joelle Nilak, Ashley Ban, Carlos Rodriguez, Zuhaad Hameed, Marta Grannonico, Peter A. Netland, Hu Yang, Ignacio Provencio, Xiaorong Liu
Summary: Aniridia is a panocular condition characterized by the loss of iris, caused mainly by mutations in the PAX6 gene. This study assessed the effects of Pax6-haploinsufficiency on retinal morphology and vision in Pax6Sey mice. The results showed elevated intraocular pressure and declining visual acuity in Pax6Sey mice, along with local retinal damage and a possible neuroinflammatory response.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Ophthalmology
Subao Jiang, Ning Xia, Francesco Buonfiglio, Elsa W. Boehm, Qi Tang, Norbert Pfeiffer, Dominik Olinger, Huige Li, Adrian Gericke
Summary: This study found that a high-fat diet induces endothelial dysfunction in the ophthalmic artery, leading to impaired vascular function in the eye. The high-fat diet triggers oxidative stress and involves RAGE and NOX2.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2024)
Review
Ophthalmology
Mala Upadhyay, Vera L. Bonilha
Summary: The sodium iodate (NaIO3) model is a valuable tool in studying dry AMD and evaluating the retinal structure. Through extensive research, it has been found that the death of RPE cells caused by NaIO3 injection is closely related to vision loss in patients with dry AMD. Therefore, studying NaIO3 can provide insights into the mechanisms of RPE and photoreceptor cell death and contribute to understanding RPE degeneration in AMD.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Ophthalmology
Vicki Chrysostomou, Katharina C. Bell, Sze Woei Ng, Samyuktha Suresh, Gayathri Karthik, Marion Millet, Yingying Chung, Jonathan G. Crowston
Summary: We present a new experimental model for inducing retinal ganglion cell (RGC) dysfunction and degeneration in mice. This model allows for the reliable induction of RGC dysfunction and loss, with the resilience of the optic nerve being dependent on the age of the animal. The time-defined nature of the functional and structural changes observed in this model will facilitate the study of glial responses and the evaluation of neuroprotective treatments after intraocular pressure (IOP) injury.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2024)