Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Erika Wakayama, Taiki Kuzu, Keisuke Tachibana, Ryuichi Hirayama, Yoshiaki Okada, Masuo Kondoh
Summary: The blood-brain barrier poses a challenge to drug delivery to the central nervous system. Among the components of the tight junctions in the blood-brain barrier, claudin-5 has been studied extensively as a target for enhancing drug permeation into the brain. However, sustained knockdown of claudin-5 is lethal in mice and administration of an anti-claudin-5 antibody can cause convulsions in nonhuman primates.
ANNALS OF THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Dylan Krajewski, Debayon Paul, Shujun Ge, Evan Jellison, Joel S. Pachter
Summary: In experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), claudin-5 (CLN-5) was found on leukocytes in the blood and central nervous system (CNS), potentially facilitating leukocyte transendothelial migration (TEM) across the blood-brain barrier. Flow cytometry analysis showed CLN-5(+) populations among various leukocyte subtypes, with higher levels in CNS tissue than in blood, suggesting preferential access to the CNS. This novel mechanism may guide leukocytes to sites for diapedesis across the BBB.
JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nandhini Rajagopal, Shikha Nangia
Summary: This study investigates the molecular assembly of claudins, specifically claudin-5 and claudin-15, to determine their structural and functional properties. The research findings suggest that each member of the claudin family has a unique strand architecture that requires systematic molecular-level analysis.
ANNALS OF THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Monica Diaz-Coranguez, Laura Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Amy Wang, Xuwen Liu, David A. Antonetti
Summary: This study reveals the involvement of DVL1 in norrin-induced blood-retinal barrier restoration. DVL1 promotes tight junction stabilization through a non-canonical signaling pathway involving direct binding to CLDN5.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Sung Woo Kim, Yu-Da Jeong, Ga-Yeong Lee, Jinwook Lee, Jae-Yeung Lee, Chan-Lan Kim, Yeoung-Gyu Ko, Sung-Soo Lee, Bongki Kim
Summary: The blood-epididymis barrier (BEB) is a crucial microenvironment for the maturation, protection, transport, and storage of spermatozoa in the epididymis. In this study, the expression and localization of tight junction (TJ) proteins in the goat epididymis were investigated. It was found that at least five TJ proteins, including ZO-1, ZO-2, ZO-3, occludin, and Cldn3, were present in TJs and exhibited age-dependent expression patterns. These findings suggest that the distinct expression patterns of TJ proteins are essential for the regulation of luminal contents and the maintenance of adequate luminal conditions in the goat epididymis, which are necessary for spermatozoa maturation, protection, transport, and storage.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessandro Berselli, Giulio Alberini, Fabio Benfenati, Luca Maragliano
Summary: In this study, two Cldn5 pore models were assessed using molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations. The thermodynamic properties of water and physiological ions permeating through these models were investigated. The results revealed that both models are compatible with the physiological role of Cldn5 TJ strands.
ACS CHEMICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Laura-Sophie Beier, Ayk Waldow, Saeed Khomeijani Farahani, Roman Mannweiler, Sabine Vidal-Y-Sy, Johanna M. Brandner, Jorg Piontek, Dorothee Gunzel
Summary: The formation of tight junction (TJ) is crucial for epidermal barrier function. Manipulation of TJ barriers in reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) was achieved through knockdown of claudin-1 and -4 or by using claudin-binding fusion proteins. The study demonstrates the critical role of claudin-1 in regulating paracellular permeability in the viable epidermis.
ANNALS OF THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Hideki Chiba, Naoki Ichikawa-Tomikawa, Tetsuya Imura, Kotaro Sugimoto
Summary: The neurovascular unit (NVU) is a complex structure consisting of different types of cells, with microvascular endothelial cells and pericytes playing a crucial role in maintaining the blood-brain barrier (BBB). CLDN5, the most abundantly expressed tight-junction protein in brain microvascular endothelial cells, is essential for BBB integrity and its regional dysregulation may contribute to CNS disorders. The link between cell adhesion and transcription factor signalings, particularly involving CLDN5-adhesion signaling, is explored as a potential mechanism in brain health and disorders.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Enzo M. Vingolo, Lorenzo Casillo, Laura Contento, Francesca Toja, Antonio Florido
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between circulating free radicals in blood and cystoid macular edema (CME) in Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) patients. The results showed a significant increase in free oxygen radicals levels in RP patients with CME, suggesting that oxidative stress may accelerate cone cell damage.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Olga Breitkreuz-Korff, Christian Tscheik, Giovanna Del Vecchio, Sophie Dithmer, Wolfgang Walther, Andrea Orthmann, Hartwig Wolburg, Reiner F. Haseloff, Leif Schroeder, Ingolf E. Blasig, Lars Winkler
Summary: M01, identified as a claudin-5 interaction inhibitor, transiently increases BBB permeability and enables enhanced delivery of neuropharmaceuticals to the brain by weakening cell-cell interactions.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fionn O'Leary, Matthew Campbell
Summary: The blood-retina barrier (BRB) separates the systemic circulation from the retina, consisting of the inner blood-retina barrier (iBRB) and the outer blood-retina barrier (oBRB). The integrity of the BRB is crucial for maintaining the function and structural integrity of the retina. Tight junction proteins play a key role in the iBRB, and disruption of the BRB can lead to retinal diseases.
Article
Biology
Ryoji Amamoto, Grace K. Wallick, Constance L. Cepko
Summary: Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a progressive visual disorder caused by mutations in genes. Research has found that retinoic acid (RA) signaling is crucial for the survival of peripheral cones in the retina, providing a potential strategy for preserving cone-mediated vision.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jong-Chan Ahn, Su Jung Hwang, Hyo-Jong Lee, Kyu-Won Kim
Summary: The study showed that claudin-5a is crucial for establishing and maintaining the blood-neural barrier during zebrafish development. Knockdown of claudin-5a resulted in selective leakage through the BBB, decreased expression of glucose transporter 1 in cerebral microvessels, and leakiness in the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, indicating overall abnormal development of the blood-neural barriers.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-TOXICOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalia Martinez-Gil, Oksana Kutsyr, Agustina Noailles, Laura Fernandez-Sanchez, Lorena Vidal, Xavier Sanchez-Saez, Carla Sanchez-Castillo, Pedro Lax, Nicolas Cuenca, Antonio G. Garcia, Victoria Maneu
Summary: P2X7R and P2X4R play important roles in retinal diseases and their expression increases during disease progression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Valentina Castagnola, Lieselot Deleye, Alice Podesta, Edra Jaho, Fabrizio Loiacono, Doriana Debellis, Martina Trevisani, Dinu Zinovie Ciobanu, Andrea Armirotti, Francesco Pisani, Emmanuel Flahaut, Ester Vazquez, Mattia Bramini, Fabrizia Cesca, Fabio Benfenati
Summary: Due to their biocompatibility and high cargo capability, graphene-based materials are considered as an ideal brain delivery system. In this study, we used two in vitro models to investigate the interactions between graphene oxide and few-layer graphene with the blood-brain barrier. Our results show that the two graphene materials have good biocompatibility and do not significantly affect the integrity and functionality of the barrier, but their translocation across the barrier is rare.
Article
Ophthalmology
Josephine Behaegel, Marie-Jose Tassignon, Neil Lagali, Alejandra Consejo, Carina Koppen, Sorcha Ni Dhubhghaill
Summary: This study assessed the efficacy and safety of allogeneic cultivated limbal epithelial stem cell grafts in the treatment of aniridia-associated keratopathy. The results showed that most patients experienced early improvement postoperatively, but long-term anatomical and functional results were poor and adverse events were common.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Joris Van Meenen, Sorcha Ni Dhubhghaill, Bert Van den Bogerd, Carina Koppen
Summary: The cornea is a crucial barrier in the development of ophthalmic formulations, with animal models currently being the most representative but having differences from human corneas and ethical limitations. In vitro approaches are being developed to address these issues. The emerging generation of three-dimensional in vitro models, such as spheroids, organoids, and organs-on-chips, shows promise in advancing the field of corneal equivalents.
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Diana Carmen Dragnea, Roxana Nadine Truta, Jordy Goemaere, Marie-Jose Tassignon, Sorcha Ni Dhubhghaill
Summary: The observational retrospective study conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology of the University Hospital of Antwerp, Belgium aimed to report the indications, outcomes, and complications of bag-in-the-lens (BIL) intraocular lens (IOL) exchange over a period of 13 years. The study included 59 eyes of patients who underwent BIL exchange between 2007 and 2020. The results showed that the BIL to BIL exchange technique provided good refractive results with manageable complications.
JOURNAL OF CATARACT AND REFRACTIVE SURGERY
(2022)
Article
Surgery
Sorcha Ni Dhubhghaill, Callum Faris
Summary: Chemosis is a common but usually temporary complication of both upper and lower blepharoplasty surgery, with higher incidence in the latter. It is caused by fluid leakage into the subconjunctival space due to drying, inflammation, and manipulation of the conjunctiva and associated lymphatic drainage. Intraoperatively, minimizing surgical exposure and manipulation, as well as maintaining a moist ocular surface, can reduce the risks. Postoperatively, a stepwise approach starting with lubricants and progressing to stronger anti-inflammatory measures, with compression bandaging and surgery reserved for persistent cases, is recommended.
FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dorothee Scheers, Jasmien Rens, Luc Van Os, Sorcha Ni Dhubhghaill, Veva De Groot, Stefan Kiekens, Jan Van Looveren, Kristien Wouters, Marie-Jose Tassignon
Summary: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of clinically significant pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (CSPME) after phacoemulsification using the 'bag-in-the-lens' lens (BIL) implantation technique and to examine the influence of associated risk factors for CSPME. The results showed that the incidence of CSPME was 0.00% in the subgroup without risk factors. The study also found that renal insufficiency is an important risk factor for developing CSPME.
Review
Ophthalmology
Vito Romano, Maria Laura Passaro, Bjoern Bachmann, Lamis Baydoun, Sorcha Ni Dhubhghaill, Mor Dickman, Hannah J. Levis, Mohit Parekh, Marina Rodriguez-Calvo-De-Mora, Ciro Costagliola, Gianni Virgili, Francesco Semeraro
Summary: This study compared the outcomes of two different surgical approaches in patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy and cataract. The results showed no significant difference between sequential DMEK and combined DMEK in terms of visual acuity improvement, endothelial cell density, rebubbling rate, and primary graft failure rate. However, the quality of the non-randomized studies used in this analysis was low, and further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.
ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA
(2023)
Review
Ophthalmology
Andreas F. Borkenstein, Richard Packard, Sorcha Ni Dhubhghaill, David Lockington, Eric D. Donnenfeld, Borkenstein Eva-Maria
Summary: A clear corneal incision (CCI) is the most commonly used entrance site in modern phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Recent literature suggests that the risk of infection with proper wound construction and precautions is minimal. The review discusses the history, current status, design and materials of surgical blades, and the trends in manufacturing and sustainability of CCI.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alina Miron, Sorcha Ni Dhubhghaill, Viridiana Kocaba, Martine J. J. Jager, Gerrit R. J. Melles, Silke Oellerich
Summary: In this study, the migration of peripheral corneal endothelial cells was observed in vitro with and without a ROCK-inhibitor. Cultured corneal endothelial graft rims demonstrated both single regions and collective areas of cell migration, regardless of the presence or absence of ROCK-inhibition. Cell migration started after 4±2 days and continued for at least 29 days. The presence of a ROCK-inhibitor seemed to contribute to a more regular cell morphology of migrating cells, while a distinct late-onset and fast-growing cell population appeared in some rims.
Article
Ophthalmology
Nan-Ji Lu, Carina Koppen, Farhad Hafezi, Sorcha Ni Dhubhghaill, Ioannis M. Aslanides, Qin-Mei Wang, Le-Le Cui, Jos J. Rozema
Summary: The purpose of this study was to determine whether combinations of devices with different measuring principles, supported by artificial intelligence (AI), can improve the diagnosis of keratoconus (KC). Machine-derived parameters were used to develop models based on random forest (RF) or neural networks (NN) to distinguish FFKC from normal eyes. Results showed that combining air-puff tonometry with Scheimpflug tomography or SD-OCT could improve FFKC diagnostic ability.
CONTACT LENS & ANTERIOR EYE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jeffrey O'Callaghan, Conor Delaney, Merissa O'Connor, Joseph van Batenburg-Sherwood, Martin Schicht, Elke Luetjen-Drecoll, Natalie Hudson, Sorcha Ni Dhubhghaill, Peter Humphries, Chris Stanley, Annahita Keravala, Thomas Chalberg, Matthew S. Lawrence, Matthew Campbell
Summary: Approximately 80 million people globally are affected by glaucoma, with a projected increase to over 110 million by 2040. Patient compliance issues and treatment resistance pose risks of permanent vision loss. Gene therapy-based methods, specifically AAV9-mediated expression of MMP-3, show promise in increasing outflow and can be safely tested in clinical trials.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Diana Carmen Dragnea, Iva Krolo, Carina Koppen, Callum Faris, Bert van den Bogerd, Sorcha Ni Dhubhghaill
Summary: Corneal neurotization is a promising surgical technique for treating moderate to severe neurotrophic keratopathy. It aims to restore corneal sensation by transferring healthy nerves to the anesthetic cornea. This review provides an overview of the current state of development, evidence, and experience in the field, emphasizing the need for consensus in reporting outcomes and validating outcome parameters.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Brice Ballet, Josephine Behaegel, Sjur Reppe, Alejandra Consejo, Hans Christian Aass, Tor Paaske Utheim, Carina Koppen, Sorcha Ni Dhubhghaill
Summary: This study examines the effects of 5 hours of well-fitted mini-scleral contact lens wear on tear film cytokine expression in healthy eyes. The results indicate that 5 hours of lens wear did not significantly affect the cytokine-to-protein ratio in healthy eyes.
EYE & CONTACT LENS-SCIENCE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Ophthalmology
Alina Miron, Silke Oellerich, Sorcha Ni Dhubhghaill, Gerrit Melles, Viridiana Kocaba
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Ophthalmology
Marta Jimenez-Garcia, Elke O. Kreps, Sorcha Ni Dhubhghaill, Carina Koppen, Jos J. Rozema
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Otorhinolaryngology
Gilles Van Haesendonck, Catherine Jorissen, Marc Lammers, Ibrahim Ocak, Tomas Menovsky, Sorcha Ni Dhubhghaill, Olivier M. Vanderveken, Vincent Van Rompaey, Callum Faris
Summary: The aim of this study was to provide a concise review of international standards in the initial management of facial palsy and give guidelines and indications for referral to a tertiary facial nerve center. While facial nerve palsy is rare, accurate diagnosis and early treatment are crucial in order to avoid harmful consequences and ensure timely intervention. The complexity of facial palsy management necessitates a multidisciplinary team with specific focus.