Leukocytes, particularly mononuclear phagocytes (Mphi), are key participants of common blinding retinal diseases in the United States. Descriptive studies have identified Mphi, apoptosis, chemokines, and growth factors in diseases, including proliferative diabetic retinopathy, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Epidemiologic studies of AMD also implicate reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) as a causative factor. However, a hypothesis unifying these agents in a pathogenetic mechanism responsible for the initiation and propagation of AMD lesions has not been proposed. We hypothesize a novel mechanism in which cellular adhesion molecule (CAM)-dependent RPE-Mphi adhesion induces rapid intracellular release of Ca++ waves and subsequent ROM accumulation that promote RPE apoptosis, chemokine elaboration, and growth factor production. Validation of this hypothesis by the proposed studies will illuminate how in AMD lesions, specific CAM-mediated, RPE-Mphi binding, normally forbidden at the blood-retina barrier, results in prompt Ca++ and ROM signaling. Using a novel ultra high-speed microscopy and specific inhibitors we will demonstrate that Ca++ waves travel along the contiguous RPE cell monolayer for great distances, leading to ROM accumulation. Ca++ and ROM signaling will be shown to be required for initiation of RPE signal specific-apoptosis, chemokine elaboration, and growth factor production. We will show that the principal chemokine to be induced by this mechanism is MCP-1, the most potent of Mphi chemoattractants and activators, while the principal growth factor produced is VEGF, the most potent angiogenic agent. Using laser capture microdissection, contiguous RPE cells receiving Ca++ and ROM signaling and nearby unsignaled cells will be separately assessed by RT-PCR. This will allow comparison of genes induced by direct Ca++ and ROM signaling to those induced in nearby unsignaled cells whose gene expression may be altered by ambient mediators secreted by Ca++ and ROM-signaled cells. We will use DNA microarrays to screen for genes induced or inhibited by CAM-dependent RPE-Mphi binding. Corresponding proteins, including complement components, serum-derived clotting factors, and ROM antioxidant enzymes will be assessed for their ability to modulate RPE-Mphi responses. Using a confluence of new technologies and a robust tissue culture model for AMD, our studies will reveal and characterize a pathogenic mechanism that explains relationships of agents implicated in AMD as well as never before shown processes that may initiate and propagate AMD lesions. This new knowledge is likely to lead to advances in therapy, which may stem or prevent AMD.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01EY009441-13
Application #
7342818
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-VISC (01))
Program Officer
Shen, Grace L
Project Start
1992-01-01
Project End
2010-11-30
Budget Start
2007-12-01
Budget End
2010-11-30
Support Year
13
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$496,023
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Department
Ophthalmology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
073133571
City
Ann Arbor
State
MI
Country
United States
Zip Code
48109
Bian, Zong-Mei; Field, Matthew G; Elner, Susan G et al. (2018) Distinct CD40L receptors mediate inflammasome activation and secretion of IL-1? and MCP-1 in cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells. Exp Eye Res 170:29-39
Bian, Zong-Mei; Field, Matthew G; Elner, Susan G et al. (2018) Expression and regulation of alarmin cytokine IL-1? in human retinal pigment epithelial cells. Exp Eye Res 172:10-20
Shtein, Roni M; Elner, Susan G; Bian, Zong-Mei et al. (2012) IL-8 and MCP Gene Expression and Production by LPS-Stimulated Human Corneal Stromal Cells. Int J Inflam 2012:714704
Bian, Zong-Mei; Elner, Susan G; Khanna, Hemant et al. (2011) Expression and functional roles of caspase-5 in inflammatory responses of human retinal pigment epithelial cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 52:8646-56
Yang, Dongli; Elner, Susan G; Chen, Xun et al. (2011) MCP-1-activated monocytes induce apoptosis in human retinal pigment epithelium. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 52:6026-34
Field, Matthew G; Yang, Dongli; Bian, Zong-Mei et al. (2011) Retinal flavoprotein fluorescence correlates with mitochondrial stress, apoptosis, and chemokine expression. Exp Eye Res 93:548-55
Kawaji, Takahiro; Elner, Victor M; Yang, Dong-Li et al. (2011) Ischemia-induced nitrotyrosine formation and nuclear translocation of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in human retinal pigment epithelium in vivo. Redox Rep 16:24-6
Yang, Dongli; Elner, Susan G; Clark, Andrea J et al. (2011) Activation of P2X receptors induces apoptosis in human retinal pigment epithelium. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 52:1522-30
Shtein, Roni M; Elner, Victor M (2010) Herpes simplex virus keratitis: histopathology and corneal allograft outcomes. Expert Rev Ophthalmol 5:129-134
Feuerman, Jason M; Flint, Andrew; Elner, Victor M (2010) Cystic solitary fibrous tumor of the orbit. Arch Ophthalmol 128:385-7

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