40 results on '"Braunger, Barbara M."'
Search Results
2. GPR124 regulates murine brain embryonic angiogenesis and BBB formation by an intracellular domain-independent mechanism.
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Kanako Yuki, Vallon, Mario, Jie Ding, Rada, Cara C., Tang, Alan T., Vilches-Moure, JoséG., McCormick, Aaron K., Henao Echeverri, Maria F., Alwahabi, Samira, Braunger, Barbara M., Ergün, Süleyman, Kahn, Mark L., and Kuo, Calvin J.
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BLOOD-brain barrier ,NEOVASCULARIZATION ,CEREBRAL cortex ,MEMBRANE proteins ,TISSUE adhesions ,ADAPTOR proteins - Abstract
The GPR124/RECK/WNT7 pathway is an essential regulator of CNS angiogenesis and blood-brain barrier (BBB) function. GPR124, a brain endothelial adhesion seven-pass transmembrane protein, associates with RECK, which binds and stabilizes newly synthesized WNT7 that is transferred to frizzled (FZD) to initiate canonical β-catenin signaling. GPR124 remains enigmatic: although its extracellular domain (ECD) is essential, the poorly conserved intracellular domain (ICD) appears to be variably required in mammals versus zebrafish, potentially via adaptor protein bridging of GPR124 and FZD ICDs. GPR124 ICD deletion impairs zebrafish angiogenesis, but paradoxically retains WNT7 signaling upon mammalian transfection. We thus investigated GPR124 ICD function using the mouse deletion mutant Gpr124
ΔC . Despite inefficiently expressed GPR124ΔC protein, Gpr124 mice could be born with normal cerebral cortex angiogenesis, in comparison with Gpr124ΔC /ΔC embryonic lethality, forebrain avascularity and hemorrhage. Gpr124−/− vascular phenotypes were restricted to sporadic ganglionic eminence angiogenic defects, attributable to impaired GPR124ΔC /ΔC protein expression. Furthermore, Gpr124ΔC ΔC and the recombinant GPR124 ECD rescued WNT7 signaling in culture upon brain endothelial Gpr124 knockdown. Thus, in mice, GPR124- regulated CNS forebrain angiogenesis and BBB function are exerted by ICD-independent functionality, extending the signaling mechanisms used by adhesion seven-pass transmembrane receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2024
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3. Deletion of Endothelial Transforming Growth Factor–β Signaling Leads to Choroidal Neovascularization
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Schlecht, Anja, Leimbeck, Sarah V., Jägle, Herbert, Feuchtinger, Annette, Tamm, Ernst R., and Braunger, Barbara M.
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- 2017
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4. Natriuretic Peptides Attenuate Retinal Pathological Neovascularization Via Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate Signaling in Pericytes and Astrocytes
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Špiranec Spes, Katarina, Hupp, Sabrina, Werner, Franziska, Koch, Franziska, Völker, Katharina, Krebes, Lisa, Kämmerer, Ulrike, Heinze, Katrin G., Braunger, Barbara M., and Kuhn, Michaela
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- 2020
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5. The aqueous humor outflow pathways in glaucoma: A unifying concept of disease mechanisms and causative treatment
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Braunger, Barbara M., Fuchshofer, Rudolf, and Tamm, Ernst R.
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- 2015
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6. Deletion of Ocular Transforming Growth Factor β Signaling Mimics Essential Characteristics of Diabetic Retinopathy
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Braunger, Barbara M., Leimbeck, Sarah V., Schlecht, Anja, Volz, Cornelia, Jägle, Herbert, and Tamm, Ernst R.
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- 2015
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7. SMAD7 deficiency stimulates Müller progenitor cell proliferation during the development of the mammalian retina
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Kugler, Martina, Schlecht, Anja, Fuchshofer, Rudolf, Schmitt, Sabrina I., Kleiter, Ingo, Aigner, Ludwig, Tamm, Ernst R., and Braunger, Barbara M.
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- 2017
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8. Mutated olfactomedin 1 in the interphotoreceptor matrix of the mouse retina causes functional deficits and vulnerability to light damage
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Koch, Marcus A., Rosenhammer, Bernd, Paper, Walter, Volz, Cornelia, Braunger, Barbara M., Hausberger, Johanna, Jägle, Herbert, and Tamm, Ernst R.
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- 2017
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9. Heterozygote Wdr36-deficient mice do not develop glaucoma
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Gallenberger, Martin, Kroeber, Markus, März, Loreen, Koch, Marcus, Fuchshofer, Rudolf, Braunger, Barbara M., Iwata, Takeshi, and Tamm, Ernst R.
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- 2014
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10. Heterozygous modulation of TGF-β signaling does not influence Müller glia cell reactivity or proliferation following NMDA-induced damage
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Kugler, Martina, Schlecht, Anja, Fuchshofer, Rudolf, Kleiter, Ingo, Aigner, Ludwig, Tamm, Ernst R., and Braunger, Barbara M.
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- 2015
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11. Transcriptional Profiling Identifies Upregulation of Neuroprotective Pathways in Retinitis Pigmentosa
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Bielmeier, Christina B., Roth, Saskia, Schmitt, Sabrina I., Boneva, Stefaniya K., Schlecht, Anja, Vallon, Mario, Tamm, Ernst R., Ergün, Süleyman, Neueder, Andreas, and Braunger, Barbara M.
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Male ,Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ,Rhodopsin ,Transcription, Genetic ,QH301-705.5 ,Mice, Transgenic ,extracellular matrix disorganisation ,in-situ hybridization ,Article ,neuroinflammation ,Mice ,GTP-Binding Proteins ,Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells ,Transforming Growth Factor beta ,retinitis pigmentosa ,Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein ,Animals ,Gene Regulatory Networks ,ddc:610 ,Biology (General) ,Extrazelluläre Matrix ,QD1-999 ,VPP mouse model ,Chemokine CCL2 ,Tiermodell ,Retinopathia pigmentosa ,Sequence analysis, RNA ,Gene Expression Profiling ,Neurodegenerative diseases ,Retinal Degeneration ,neurodegeneration ,Extracellular matrix ,Neuroinflammatory diseases ,Neuroprotection ,Up-Regulation ,Retinitis pigmentosa ,Chemistry ,Models, Animal ,Nervenentzündung ,Female ,DDC 610 / Medicine & health ,Neuroglia ,neuroprotective pathways ,Signal Transduction - Abstract
Hereditary retinal degenerations like retinitis pigmentosa (RP) are among the leading causes of blindness in younger patients. To enable in vivo investigation of cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for photoreceptor cell death and to allow testing of therapeutic strategies that could prevent retinal degeneration, animal models have been created. In this study, we deeply characterized the transcriptional profile of mice carrying the transgene rhodopsin V20G/P23H/P27L (VPP), which is a model for autosomal dominant RP. We examined the degree of photoreceptor degeneration and studied the impact of the VPP transgene-induced retinal degeneration on the tran- scriptome level of the retina using next generation RNA sequencing (RNASeq) analyses followed by weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). We furthermore identified cellular subpopulations responsible for some of the observed dysregulations using in situ hybridizations, immunofluores- cence staining, and 3D reconstruction. Using RNASeq analysis, we identified 9256 dysregulated genes and six significantly associated gene modules in the subsequently performed WGCNA. Gene ontology enrichment showed, among others, dysregulation of genes involved in TGF-β regulated extracellular matrix organization, the (ocular) immune system/response, and cellular homeostasis. Moreover, heatmaps confirmed clustering of significantly dysregulated genes coding for components of the TGF-β, G-protein activated, and VEGF signaling pathway. 3D reconstructions of immunos- tained/in situ hybridized sections revealed retinal neurons and Müller cells as the major cellular population expressing representative components of these signaling pathways. The predominant effect of VPP-induced photoreceptor degeneration pointed towards induction of neuroinflammation and the upregulation of neuroprotective pathways like TGF-β, G-protein activated, and VEGF signal- ing. Thus, modulation of these processes and signaling pathways might represent new therapeutic options to delay the degeneration of photoreceptors in diseases like RP., publishedVersion
- Published
- 2021
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12. The regulation of connective tissue growth factor expression influences the viability of human trabecular meshwork cells
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Kuespert, Sabrina, Junglas, Benjamin, Braunger, Barbara M., Tamm, Ernst R., and Fuchshofer, Rudolf
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- 2015
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13. TGFβ-Neurotrophin Interactions in Heart, Retina, and Brain
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Schlecht, Anja, Vallon, Mario, Wagner, Nicole, Ergün, Süleyman, and Braunger, Barbara M.
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heart-brain axis ,TGFβ signaling ,Myocardium ,brain-retina axis ,Brain ,Review ,neurotrophins ,Microbiology ,Retina ,QR1-502 ,diabetic retinopathy ,myocardial infarction ,Transforming Growth Factor beta ,ischemic stroke ,Animals ,Humans ,Nerve Growth Factors ,ddc:610 ,age-related macular degeneration ,Protein Binding - Abstract
Ischemic insults to the heart and brain, i.e., myocardial and cerebral infarction, respectively, are amongst the leading causes of death worldwide. While there are therapeutic options to allow reperfusion of ischemic myocardial and brain tissue by reopening obstructed vessels, mitigating primary tissue damage, post-infarction inflammation and tissue remodeling can lead to secondary tissue damage. Similarly, ischemia in retinal tissue is the driving force in the progression of neovascular eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which eventually lead to functional blindness, if left untreated. Intriguingly, the easily observable retinal blood vessels can be used as a window to the heart and brain to allow judgement of microvascular damages in diseases such as diabetes or hypertension. The complex neuronal and endocrine interactions between heart, retina and brain have also been appreciated in myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and retinal diseases. To describe the intimate relationship between the individual tissues, we use the terms heart-brain and brain-retina axis in this review and focus on the role of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and neurotrophins in regulation of these axes under physiologic and pathologic conditions. Moreover, we particularly discuss their roles in inflammation and repair following ischemic/neovascular insults. As there is evidence that TGFβ signaling has the potential to regulate expression of neurotrophins, it is tempting to speculate, and is discussed here, that cross-talk between TGFβ and neurotrophin signaling protects cells from harmful and/or damaging events in the heart, retina, and brain.
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- 2021
14. The Protective Effects of Neurotrophins and MicroRNA in Diabetic Retinopathy, Nephropathy and Heart Failure via Regulating Endothelial Function.
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Shityakov, Sergey, Nagai, Michiaki, Ergün, Süleyman, Braunger, Barbara M., and Förster, Carola Y.
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DIABETIC retinopathy ,HEART failure ,CORONARY disease ,MICRORNA ,KIDNEY diseases ,NEUROTROPHINS - Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a common disease affecting more than 537 million adults worldwide. The microvascular complications that occur during the course of the disease are widespread and affect a variety of organ systems in the body. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common long-term complications, which include, amongst others, endothelial dysfunction, and thus, alterations in the blood-retinal barrier (BRB). This particularly restrictive physiological barrier is important for maintaining the neuroretina as a privileged site in the body by controlling the inflow and outflow of fluid, nutrients, metabolic end products, ions, and proteins. In addition, people with diabetic retinopathy (DR) have been shown to be at increased risk for systemic vascular complications, including subclinical and clinical stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure, and nephropathy. DR is, therefore, considered an independent predictor of heart failure. In the present review, the effects of diabetes on the retina, heart, and kidneys are described. In addition, a putative common microRNA signature in diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and heart failure is discussed, which may be used in the future as a biomarker to better monitor disease progression. Finally, the use of miRNA, targeted neurotrophin delivery, and nanoparticles as novel therapeutic strategies is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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15. Protocadherin Gamma C3 (PCDHGC3) Is Strongly Expressed in Glioblastoma and Its High Expression Is Associated with Longer Progression-Free Survival of Patients.
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Feldheim, Jonas, Wend, David, Lauer, Mara J., Monoranu, Camelia M., Glas, Martin, Kleinschnitz, Christoph, Ernestus, Ralf-Ingo, Braunger, Barbara M., Meybohm, Patrick, Hagemann, Carsten, and Burek, Malgorzata
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PROGRESSION-free survival ,OVERALL survival ,GLIOBLASTOMA multiforme ,CADHERINS ,BRAIN tumors ,CELL migration ,PLANT chromosomes - Abstract
Protocadherins (PCDHs) belong to the cadherin superfamily and represent the largest subgroup of calcium-dependent adhesion molecules. In the genome, most PCDHs are arranged in three clusters, α, β, and γ on chromosome 5q31. PCDHs are highly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). Several PCDHs have tumor suppressor functions, but their individual role in primary brain tumors has not yet been elucidated. Here, we examined the mRNA expression of PCDHGC3, a member of the PCDHγ cluster, in non-cancerous brain tissue and in gliomas of different World Health Organization (WHO) grades and correlated it with the clinical data of the patients. We generated a PCDHGC3 knockout U343 cell line and examined its growth rate and migration in a wound healing assay. We showed that PCDHGC3 mRNA and protein were significantly overexpressed in glioma tissue compared to a non-cancerous brain specimen. This could be confirmed in glioma cell lines. High PCDHGC3 mRNA expression correlated with longer progression-free survival (PFS) in glioma patients. PCDHGC3 knockout in U343 resulted in a slower growth rate but a significantly faster migration rate in the wound healing assay and decreased the expression of several genes involved in WNT signaling. PCDHGC3 expression should therefore be further investigated as a PFS-marker in gliomas. However, more studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the PCDHGC3 effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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16. Tg(Grm1) transgenic mice: A murine model that mimics spontaneous uveal melanoma in humans?
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Schiffner, Susanne, Braunger, Barbara M., de Jel, Miriam M., Coupland, Sarah E., Tamm, Ernst R., and Bosserhoff, Anja K.
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- 2014
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17. Myocilin modulates programmed cell death during retinal development
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Koch, Marcus A., Rosenhammer, Bernd, Koschade, Sebastian E., Braunger, Barbara M., Volz, Cornelia, Jägle, Herbert, and Tamm, Ernst R.
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- 2014
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18. Transcriptional and Distributional Profiling of Microglia in Retinal Angiomatous Proliferation.
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Schlecht, Anja, Wolf, Julian, Boneva, Stefaniya, Prinz, Gabriele, Braunger, Barbara M., Wieghofer, Peter, Agostini, Hansjürgen, Schlunck, Günther, and Lange, Clemens
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MYELOID cells ,CELL migration ,CELL populations ,RNA sequencing ,MICROGLIA ,RETINAL degeneration ,LABORATORY mice - Abstract
Macular neovascularization type 3, formerly known as retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP), is a hallmark of age-related macular degeneration and is associated with an accumulation of myeloid cells, such as microglia (MG) and infiltrating blood-derived macrophages (MAC). However, the contribution of MG and MAC to the myeloid cell pool at RAP sites and their exact functions remain unknown. In this study, we combined a microglia-specific reporter mouse line with a mouse model for RAP to identify the contribution of MG and MAC to myeloid cell accumulation at RAP and determined the transcriptional profile of MG using RNA sequencing. We found that MG are the most abundant myeloid cell population around RAP, whereas MAC are rarely, if ever, associated with late stages of RAP. RNA sequencing of RAP-associated MG showed that differentially expressed genes mainly contribute to immune-associated processes, including chemotaxis and migration in early RAP and proliferative capacity in late RAP, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Interestingly, MG upregulated only a few angiomodulatory factors, suggesting a rather low angiogenic potential. In summary, we showed that MG are the dominant myeloid cell population at RAP sites. Moreover, MG significantly altered their transcriptional profile during RAP formation, activating immune-associated processes and exhibiting enhanced proliferation, however, without showing substantial upregulation of angiomodulatory factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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19. Natriuretic Peptides Attenuate Retinal Pathological Neovascularization Via Cyclic GMP Signaling in Pericytes and Astrocytes
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Spes, Katarina Špiranec, Hupp, Sabrina, Werner, Franziska, Koch, Franziska, Völker, Katharina, Krebes, Lisa, Kämmerer, Ulrike, Heinze, Katrin G, Braunger, Barbara M, and Kuhn, Michaela
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cardiovascular system ,500 Science ,610 Medicine & health - Abstract
OBJECTIVE In proliferative retinopathies, complications derived from neovascularization cause blindness. During early disease, pericyte's apoptosis contributes to endothelial dysfunction and leakage. Hypoxia then drives VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) secretion and pathological neoangiogenesis. Cardiac ANP (atrial natriuretic peptide) contributes to systemic microcirculatory homeostasis. ANP is also formed in the retina, with unclear functions. Here, we characterized whether endogenously formed ANP regulates retinal (neo)angiogenesis. Approach and Results: Retinal vascular development and ischemia-driven neovascularization were studied in mice with global deletion of GC-A (guanylyl cyclase-A), the cGMP-forming ANP receptor. Mice with a floxed GC-A gene were interbred with Tie2-Cre, GFAP-Cre, or PDGF-Rβ-Cre ERT2 lines to dissect the endothelial, astrocyte versus pericyte-mediated actions of ANP in vivo. In neonates with global GC-A deletion (KO), vascular development was mildly delayed. Moreover, such KO mice showed augmented vascular regression and exacerbated ischemia-driven neovascularization in the model of oxygen-induced retinopathy. Notably, absence of GC-A in endothelial cells did not impact retinal vascular development or pathological neovascularization. In vitro ANP/GC-A/cGMP signaling, via activation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase I, inhibited hypoxia-driven astrocyte's VEGF secretion and TGF-β-induced pericyte apoptosis. In neonates lacking ANP/GC-A signaling in astrocytes, vascular development and hyperoxia-driven vascular regression were unaltered; ischemia-induced neovascularization was modestly increased. Remarkably, inactivation of GC-A in pericytes retarded physiological retinal vascularization and markedly enhanced cell apoptosis, vascular regression, and subsequent neovascularization in oxygen-induced retinopathy. CONCLUSIONS Protective pericyte effects of the ANP/GC-A/cGMP pathway counterregulate the initiation and progression of experimental proliferative retinopathy. Our observations indicate augmentation of endogenous pericyte ANP signaling as target for treatment of retinopathies associated with neovascularization.
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- 2020
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20. Complement Components Showed a Time-Dependent Local Expression Pattern in Constant and Acute White Light-Induced Photoreceptor Damage
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Schäfer, Nicole, Grosche, Antje, Schmitt, Sabrina I., Braunger, Barbara M., and Pauly, Diana
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light-induced photoreceptor degeneration ,INDUCED RETINAL DEGENERATION ,MACULAR DEGENERATION ,MOUSE RETINA ,OXIDATIVE STRESS ,GENE-EXPRESSION ,CELL-DEATH ,ACTIVATION ,MECHANISMS ,RISK ,SUSCEPTIBILITY ,complement system ,retina ,RPE/choroid ,C3 ,ddc:610 ,610 Medizin ,sense organs ,lcsh:Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry ,Original Research ,Neuroscience ,lcsh:RC321-571 - Abstract
Background: Photoreceptor cell death due to extensive light exposure and induced oxidative-stress are associated with retinal degeneration. A correlated dysregulation of the complement system amplifies the damaging effects, but the local and time-dependent progression of this mechanism is not thoroughly understood. Methods: Light-induced photoreceptor damage (LD) was induced in Balb/c mice with white light illumination either for 24 h with 1000 lux (constant model) or 0.5 h with 5000 lux (acute model). Complement protein and mRNA expression levels were compared at 1 and 3 days post-LD for C1s, complement factor B (CFB), mannose binding lectin A, mannose-binding protein-associated serine protease 1 (MASP-1), C3, C4, C9, and complement factor P in retina and RPE/choroid. Histological analyses visualized apoptosis, microglia/macrophage migration, gliosis and deposition of the complement activation marker C3d. Systemic anaphylatoxin serum concentrations were determined using an ELISA. Results: Apoptosis, gliosis and microglia/macrophage migration into the outer nuclear layer showed similar patterns in both models. Local complement factor expression revealed an early upregulation of complement factor mRNA in the acute and constant light regimen at 1 day post-treatment for c1s, cfb, masp-1, c3, c4 and c9 in the RPE/choroid. However, intraretinal complement mRNA expression for c1s, cfb, c3 and c4 was increased at 1 day in the constant and at 3 days in the acute model. A corresponding regulation on protein level in the retina following both LD models was observed for C3, which was upregulated at 1 day and correlated with increased C3d staining in the ganglion cell layer and at the RPE. In the RPE/choroid C1s-complex protein detection was increased at 3 days after LD irrespectively of the light intensities used. Conclusion: LD in mouse eyes is correlated with local complement activity. The time-dependent local progression of complement regulation on mRNA and protein levels were equivalent in the acute and constant LD model, except for the intraretinal, time-dependent mRNA expression. Knowing the relative time courses of local complement expression and cellular activity can help to elucidate novel therapeutic options in retinal degeneration indicating at which time point of disease complement has to be rebalanced.
- Published
- 2017
21. Transgenic lysyl oxidase homolog 1 overexpression in the mouse eye results in the formation and release of protein aggregates.
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Zadravec, Patrick, Braunger, Barbara M., Melzer, Benjamin, Kroeber, Markus, Bösl, Michael R., Jägle, Herbert, Schlötzer-Schrehardt, Ursula, and Tamm, Ernst R.
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ENDOPLASMIC reticulum , *OXIDASES , *LYSYL oxidase , *OPHTHALMOSCOPY , *EYE , *SECRETION - Abstract
Abstract Sequence variants in LOXL1 coding for the secreted enzyme lysyl oxidase homolog 1 (LOXL1) associate with pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome, a condition that is characterized by the deposition of extracellular fibrillar PEX material in the anterior eye and other parts of the body. Since the specific role of LOXL1 in the pathogenesis of PEX is unclear, and an increase in its expression was reported for early stages of PEX syndrome, we generated and studied transgenic mice with ocular overexpression of its mouse ortholog Loxl1. The chicken βB1-crystallin promoter was used to overexpress Loxl1 in the lenses of βB1-crystallin-Loxl1 transgenic mice. Transgenic lenses contained high levels of the protein LOXL1 and its mRNA, which were both not detectable in lenses of wildtype littermates. In wildtype mice, immunoreactivity for LOXL1 was mainly seen extracellularly in region of the ciliary zonules. βB1-crystallin-Loxl1 littermates showed an additional diffuse immunostaining in lens fibers and capsule, and in the inner limiting membrane and retina indicating secretion of soluble LOXL1 from transgenic lenses. In addition, lens fibers of transgenic animals contained multiple distinct spots of very intense LOXL1 immunoreactivity. By transmission electron microscopy, those spots correlated with electron-dense round or oval bodies of 20–50 nm in diameter which were localized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and not seen in wildtype lenses. Immunogold electron microscopy confirmed that the electron-dense bodies contained LOXL1 indicating aggregation of insoluble LOXL1. Similar structures were seen in the extracellular lens capsule suggesting their secretion from lens fibers. Otherwise, no changes were seen between the eyes of βB1-crystallin-Loxl1 mice and their wildtype littermates, neither by light microscopy and funduscopy of whole eyes, nor by scanning and quantitative transmission electron microscopy of ciliary epithelium and zonules. At one month of age, intraocular pressure was significantly higher in transgenic mice than in wildtype littermates. No differences in IOP were seen though at 2–5 months of age. We conclude that LOXL1 has a strong tendency to aggregate in the rER when expressed in vivo at high amounts. A similar scenario, involving intracellular aggregation of LOXL1 and secretion of LOXL1 aggregates into the extracellular space, may be involved in the early pathogenetic events in eyes of PEX patients. Highlights • Transgenic overexpression of Loxl1 causes the formation of protein aggregates. • Protein aggregates in the Loxl1 transgenic mouse eye contain LOXL1. • LOXL1 aggregates are formed in the rER. • LOXL1 aggregates are released into the extracellular space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
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22. Tamoxifen-Containing Eye Drops Successfully Trigger Cre-Mediated Recombination in the Entire Eye.
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Schlecht, Anja, Leimbeck, Sarah V., Tamm, Ernst R., and Braunger, Barbara M.
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- 2016
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23. Programmed Cell Death During Retinal Development of the Mouse Eye.
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Braunger, Barbara M., Demmer, Cora, and Tamm, Ernst R.
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Similar to other parts of the central nervous system, there are two types of programmed cell death during retinal development. In early development, the neuronal progenitor population is affected. In the mouse eye, this kind of programmed cell death begins at around embryonic day (E) 12.5 and peaks between E14.5 and E16.5. The second phase of programmed cell death occurs during synaptogenesis within the first 2 postnatal weeks. Important signaling mechanisms that induce programmed cell death of retinal progenitors appear to involve nerve growth factor acting on the proapoptotic receptor to p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75
NTR ) and transforming growth factor-β. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2014
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24. The Different Functions of Norrin.
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Braunger, Barbara M. and Tamm, Ernst R.
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- 2012
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25. Deficiency in Retinal TGFβ Signaling Aggravates Neurodegeneration by Modulating Pro-Apoptotic and MAP Kinase Pathways.
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Bielmeier, Christina B., Schmitt, Sabrina I., Kleefeldt, Nikolai, Boneva, Stefaniya K., Schlecht, Anja, Vallon, Mario, Tamm, Ernst R., Hillenkamp, Jost, Ergün, Süleyman, Neueder, Andreas, and Braunger, Barbara M.
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PHOTORECEPTORS ,CELLULAR control mechanisms ,NEURODEGENERATION ,TRANSFORMING growth factors ,RETINAL degeneration ,REGULATION of growth ,GENETIC models - Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling has manifold functions such as regulation of cell growth, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis. Moreover, there is increasing evidence that it also acts in a neuroprotective manner. We recently showed that TGFβ receptor type 2 (Tgfbr2) is upregulated in retinal neurons and Müller cells during retinal degeneration. In this study we investigated if this upregulation of TGFβ signaling would have functional consequences in protecting retinal neurons. To this end, we analyzed the impact of TGFβ signaling on photoreceptor viability using mice with cell type-specific deletion of Tgfbr2 in retinal neurons and Müller cells (Tgfbr2
ΔOC ) in combination with a genetic model of photoreceptor degeneration (VPP). We examined retinal morphology and the degree of photoreceptor degeneration, as well as alterations of the retinal transcriptome. In summary, retinal morphology was not altered due to TGFβ signaling deficiency. In contrast, VPP-induced photoreceptor degeneration was drastically exacerbated in double mutant mice (Tgfbr2ΔOC ; VPP) by induction of pro-apoptotic genes and dysregulation of the MAP kinase pathway. Therefore, TGFβ signaling in retinal neurons and Müller cells exhibits a neuroprotective effect and might pose promising therapeutic options to attenuate photoreceptor degeneration in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2022
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26. TGF-β Signaling Protects Retinal Neurons from Programmed Cell Death during the Development of the Mammalian Eye.
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Braunger, Barbara M., Pielmeier, Stefan, Demmer, Cora, Landstorfer, Victoria, Kawall, Daniela, Abramov, Natalie, Leibinger, Marco, Kleiter, Ingo, Fischer, Dietmar, Jägle, Herbert, and Tamm, Ernst R.
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RETINA physiology , *TRANSFORMING growth factors , *CELLULAR signal transduction , *NEURONS , *APOPTOSIS , *NERVE growth factor , *ELECTRORETINOGRAPHY - Abstract
Weinvestigated the influence of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling on developmental programmed cell death in the mouse retina by direct and specific molecular targeting of TGF-β type II receptor (TβRII) and Smad7 in retinal progenitor cells. Mice were generated carrying a conditional deletion of the TβRII in cells that originate from the inner layer of the optic cup. The animals showed a significant decrease of phosphorylated Smad3 in both the central and peripheral retina, which indicates the diminished activity of TGF-β signaling. TβRII deficiency significantly increased the apoptotic death of retinal neurons during embryonic and postnatal development without affecting their proliferation. In contrast, treatment with TGF-β2 inhibited cell death of retinal ganglion cells in dissociated retinal cell cultures, an effect that was blocked by inhibiting the phosphorylation of Smad3. The increase in apoptosis during development resulted in a significant reduction in the number of neurons in adult TβRII-deficient mice. The effect was most pronounced in the inner retina neurons and resulted in functional deficits as determined by electroretinography. In contrast, a conditional deletion of TGF-β- inhibiting Smad7 in retinal neurons significantly enhanced Smad3 phosphorylation and significantly decreased apoptosis of retinal neurons in embryos and pups. Moreover, the number of retinal ganglion cells was significantly higher in Smad7-deficient mice compared with control littermates.TβRII-deficient pups showed a lower level of nerve growth factor (NGF) in itsmRNA;however, higher levels were observed in Smad7-deficient pups, which strongly suggests that the protective effects of TGF-β signaling on developmental cell death are mediated through NGF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
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27. Constitutive overexpression of Norrin activates Wnt/β-catenin and endothelin-2 signaling to protect photoreceptors from light damage
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Braunger, Barbara M., Ohlmann, Andreas, Koch, Marcus, Tanimoto, Naoyuki, Volz, Cornelia, Yang, Ying, Bösl, Michael R., Cvekl, Ales, Jägle, Herbert, Seeliger, Mathias W., and Tamm, Ernst R.
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GENE expression , *CATENINS , *ENDOTHELINS , *CELLULAR signal transduction , *PHOTORECEPTORS , *RETINAL ganglion cells , *NEUROPROTECTIVE agents , *TRANSGENIC mice - Abstract
Abstract: Norrin is a retinal signaling molecule which is expressed in Müller glia and binds to Frizzled-4 to activate canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Norrin is part of an essential signaling system that controls the formation of retinal capillaries during development. To evaluate neuroprotective properties of Norrin independently from its function during retinal angiogenesis, we generated transgenic mice (Rpe65–Norrin) that constitutively express Norrin in the retinal pigmented epithelium. Substantial amounts of Norrin were secreted into the outer retina, which triggered retinal Wnt/β-catenin signaling in conjunction with an increase in the expression of endothelin-2 (EDN2), endothelin receptor B (EDNRB), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Photoreceptors of Norrin-overexpressing mice were significantly less vulnerable to light-induced damage compared to their wild-type littermates. Following light damage, we observed less apoptotic death of photoreceptors and a better retinal function than in controls. The protective effects were abolished if either Wnt/β-catenin or EDN2 signaling was blocked by intravitreal injection of Dickkopf-1 or BQ788, respectively. Light-damaged retinae from transgenic mice contained higher amounts of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and pAkt than those of wild-type littermates. We conclude that constitutive overexpression of Norrin protects photoreceptors from light damage, an effect that is mediated by Wnt/β-catenin and EDN2 signaling and involves neurotrophic activities of BDNF. The findings suggest that Norrin and its associated signaling pathways have strong potentials to attenuate photoreceptor death following injury. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
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- 2013
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28. Efficient determination of axon number in the optic nerve: A stereological approach.
- Author
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Koschade, Sebastian E., Koch, Marcus A., Braunger, Barbara M., and Tamm, Ernst R.
- Subjects
- *
MONTE Carlo method , *OPTIC nerve , *AXONS , *STATISTICAL sampling , *IMAGE processing , *SAMPLING methods - Abstract
Quantifying the number of axons in the optic nerve is of interest in many research questions. Here, we show that a stereological method allows simple, efficient, precise and unbiased determination of the total axon number in the murine optic nerve. Axons in semi-thin optic nerve cross sections from untreated eyes (n = 21) and eyes subjected to retinal damage by intravitreous NMDA injections (n = 32) or PBS controls (n = 5) were manually identified, counted and digitally labeled by hand. A stereological procedure was empirically tested with systematic combinations of different sampling methods (simple random sampling without replacement, systematic uniform random sampling, stratified random sampling) and sampling parameters. Extensive numerical Monte Carlo experiments were performed to evaluate their large-sample properties. Our results demonstrate reliable determination of total axon number and superior performance compared to other methods at a small fraction of the time required for a full manual count. We specify suitable sampling parameters for the adoption of an efficient stereological sampling scheme, give empirical estimates of the additionally introduced sampling variance to facilitate experimental planning, and offer AxonCounter, an easy-to-use plugin implementing these stereological methods for the multi-platform image processing application NIH ImageJ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
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29. GPR124 regulates murine brain embryonic angiogenesis and BBB formation by an intracellular domain-independent mechanism.
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Yuki K, Vallon M, Ding J, Rada CC, Tang AT, Vilches-Moure JG, McCormick AK, Henao Echeverri MF, Alwahabi S, Braunger BM, Ergün S, Kahn ML, and Kuo CJ
- Subjects
- Animals, Mice, Protein Domains, Mice, Knockout, Signal Transduction, Wnt Proteins metabolism, Wnt Proteins genetics, Humans, Endothelial Cells metabolism, Angiogenesis, GPI-Linked Proteins, Blood-Brain Barrier metabolism, Blood-Brain Barrier embryology, Neovascularization, Physiologic genetics, Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled metabolism, Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled genetics, Brain metabolism, Brain embryology
- Abstract
The GPR124/RECK/WNT7 pathway is an essential regulator of CNS angiogenesis and blood-brain barrier (BBB) function. GPR124, a brain endothelial adhesion seven-pass transmembrane protein, associates with RECK, which binds and stabilizes newly synthesized WNT7 that is transferred to frizzled (FZD) to initiate canonical β-catenin signaling. GPR124 remains enigmatic: although its extracellular domain (ECD) is essential, the poorly conserved intracellular domain (ICD) appears to be variably required in mammals versus zebrafish, potentially via adaptor protein bridging of GPR124 and FZD ICDs. GPR124 ICD deletion impairs zebrafish angiogenesis, but paradoxically retains WNT7 signaling upon mammalian transfection. We thus investigated GPR124 ICD function using the mouse deletion mutant Gpr124ΔC. Despite inefficiently expressed GPR124ΔC protein, Gpr124ΔC/ΔC mice could be born with normal cerebral cortex angiogenesis, in comparison with Gpr124-/- embryonic lethality, forebrain avascularity and hemorrhage. Gpr124ΔC/ΔC vascular phenotypes were restricted to sporadic ganglionic eminence angiogenic defects, attributable to impaired GPR124ΔC protein expression. Furthermore, Gpr124ΔC and the recombinant GPR124 ECD rescued WNT7 signaling in culture upon brain endothelial Gpr124 knockdown. Thus, in mice, GPR124-regulated CNS forebrain angiogenesis and BBB function are exerted by ICD-independent functionality, extending the signaling mechanisms used by adhesion seven-pass transmembrane receptors., Competing Interests: Competing interests The authors declare no competing or financial interests., (© 2024. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.)
- Published
- 2024
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30. The Blood-ocular Barriers and their Dysfunction: Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology.
- Author
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Braunger BM, Gießl A, and Schlötzer-Schrehardt U
- Subjects
- Humans, Retina, Blood-Retinal Barrier physiology, Retinal Pigment Epithelium, Endothelial Cells, Diabetic Retinopathy
- Abstract
Complex barriers comprise the blood-aqueous (BAB) and the blood-retinal barrier (BRB), and separate anterior and posterior eye chambers, vitreous body, and sensory retina from the circulation. They prevent pathogens and toxins from entering the eye, control movement of fluid, proteins, and metabolites, and contribute to the maintenance of the ocular immune status. Morphological correlates of blood-ocular barriers are tight junctions between neighboring endothelial and epithelial cells, which function as gatekeepers of the paracellular transport of molecules, thereby limiting their uncontrolled access to ocular chambers and tissues. The BAB is composed of tight junctions between endothelial cells of the iris vasculature, endothelial cells of Schlemm's canal inner wall, and cells of the nonpigmented ciliary epithelium. The BRB consists of tight junctions between endothelial cells of the retinal vessels (inner BRB) and epithelial cells of the retinal pigment epithelium (outer BRB). These junctional complexes respond rapidly to pathophysiological changes, thus enabling vascular leakage of blood-derived molecules and inflammatory cells into ocular tissues and chambers. Blood-ocular barrier function, which can be clinically measured by laser flare photometry or fluorophotometry, is compromised in traumatic, inflammatory, or infectious processes, but also frequently contributes to the pathophysiology of chronic diseases of the anterior eye segment and the retina, as exemplified by diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration., Competing Interests: Die Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht./The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2023
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31. A single intravenous injection of cyclosporin A-loaded lipid nanocapsules prevents retinopathy of prematurity.
- Author
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Bohley M, Dillinger AE, Schweda F, Ohlmann A, Braunger BM, Tamm ER, and Goepferich A
- Subjects
- Animals, Cyclosporine pharmacology, Cyclosporine therapeutic use, Humans, Infant, Newborn, Inflammation drug therapy, Injections, Intravenous, Lipids, Mice, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A, Nanocapsules therapeutic use, Retinopathy of Prematurity drug therapy, Retinopathy of Prematurity prevention & control
- Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a retinal disease that threatens the vision of prematurely born infants. Severe visual impairment up to complete blindness is caused by neovascularization and inflammation, progressively destroying the immature retina. ROP primarily affects newborns in middle- and low-income countries with limited access to current standard treatments such as intraocular drug injections and laser- or cryotherapy. To overcome these limitations, we developed a nanotherapeutic that effectively prevents ROP development with one simple intravenous injection. Its lipid nanocapsules transport the antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory cyclosporin A efficiently into disease-driving retinal pigment epithelium cells. In a mouse model of ROP, a single intravenous injection of the nanotherapeutic prevented ROP and led to normal retinal development by counteracting neovascularization and inflammation. This nanotherapeutic approach has the potential to bring about a change of paradigm in ROP therapy and prevent millions of preterm born infants from developing ROP.
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- 2022
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32. TGFβ-Neurotrophin Interactions in Heart, Retina, and Brain.
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Schlecht A, Vallon M, Wagner N, Ergün S, and Braunger BM
- Subjects
- Animals, Humans, Protein Binding, Brain metabolism, Myocardium metabolism, Nerve Growth Factors metabolism, Retina metabolism, Transforming Growth Factor beta metabolism
- Abstract
Ischemic insults to the heart and brain, i.e., myocardial and cerebral infarction, respectively, are amongst the leading causes of death worldwide. While there are therapeutic options to allow reperfusion of ischemic myocardial and brain tissue by reopening obstructed vessels, mitigating primary tissue damage, post-infarction inflammation and tissue remodeling can lead to secondary tissue damage. Similarly, ischemia in retinal tissue is the driving force in the progression of neovascular eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which eventually lead to functional blindness, if left untreated. Intriguingly, the easily observable retinal blood vessels can be used as a window to the heart and brain to allow judgement of microvascular damages in diseases such as diabetes or hypertension. The complex neuronal and endocrine interactions between heart, retina and brain have also been appreciated in myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and retinal diseases. To describe the intimate relationship between the individual tissues, we use the terms heart-brain and brain-retina axis in this review and focus on the role of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and neurotrophins in regulation of these axes under physiologic and pathologic conditions. Moreover, we particularly discuss their roles in inflammation and repair following ischemic/neovascular insults. As there is evidence that TGFβ signaling has the potential to regulate expression of neurotrophins, it is tempting to speculate, and is discussed here, that cross-talk between TGFβ and neurotrophin signaling protects cells from harmful and/or damaging events in the heart, retina, and brain.
- Published
- 2021
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33. New Insights into Endothelin Signaling and Its Diverse Roles in the Retina.
- Author
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Schmitt SI, Bielmeier CB, and Braunger BM
- Subjects
- Animals, Mice, Retina pathology, Endothelins metabolism, Eye Diseases pathology, Receptors, Endothelin metabolism, Retina metabolism, Signal Transduction
- Abstract
The vasoactive peptide endothelin is an effective regulator of blood pressure and vascular homeostasis. In addition, the dysregulation of the endothelin signaling pathway is discussed to contribute to ocular diseases like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy. Furthermore, our workgroup and others showed a protective effect of endothelin 2 for the survival of photoreceptors. In this study, we analyzed mRNA expression levels of the endothelin signaling family in wild-type mice after a puncture of the eye, intravitreal PBS injections, or light-induced photoreceptor degeneration. We observed elevated endothelin receptor a (Eta), endothelin receptor b (Etb), endothelin 1(Et1), and endothelin 2 (Et2) levels, while endothelin 3 (Et3) mRNA levels were not significantly altered. Our findings indicate an important role of the endothelin signaling pathway in response to ocular trauma or disease. These findings make endothelin signaling a promising target to attenuate retinal degeneration.
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- 2019
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34. Light Intensity-Dependent Dysregulation of Retinal Reference Genes.
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Bielmeier CB, Schmitt SI, and Braunger BM
- Subjects
- Apoptosis, Gene Expression Regulation radiation effects, Humans, Photoreceptor Cells, Vertebrate pathology, Retina cytology, Retinal Degeneration pathology, Retinitis Pigmentosa pathology, Gene Expression Regulation drug effects, Light, Photoreceptor Cells, Vertebrate radiation effects, Retina radiation effects
- Abstract
The degeneration of photoreceptors is a common hallmark of ocular diseases like retinitis pigmentosa (RP) or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). To experimentally induce photoreceptor degeneration, the light damage paradigm is frequently used. In this study we show that the exposure to high amounts of cool white light (10,000 lux, 1 h) resulted in a more than 11-fold higher apoptotic rate in the retina compared to light exposure with 5000 lux for 30 min. Consequently, exposure to intense light resulted in a significant downregulation of retinal mRNA expression levels of the reference genes Gapdh, Gnb2l, Rpl32, Rps9, Actb, Ubc or Tbp compared to untreated controls. Investigators performing light-induced photoreceptor degeneration should be aware of the fact that higher light intensities will result in a dysregulation of reference genes.
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- 2019
- Full Text
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35. Complement Components Showed a Time-Dependent Local Expression Pattern in Constant and Acute White Light-Induced Photoreceptor Damage.
- Author
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Schäfer N, Grosche A, Schmitt SI, Braunger BM, and Pauly D
- Abstract
Background: Photoreceptor cell death due to extensive light exposure and induced oxidative-stress are associated with retinal degeneration. A correlated dysregulation of the complement system amplifies the damaging effects, but the local and time-dependent progression of this mechanism is not thoroughly understood. Methods: Light-induced photoreceptor damage (LD) was induced in Balb/c mice with white light illumination either for 24 h with 1000 lux (constant model) or 0.5 h with 5000 lux (acute model). Complement protein and mRNA expression levels were compared at 1 and 3 days post-LD for C1s, complement factor B (CFB), mannose binding lectin A, mannose-binding protein-associated serine protease 1 (MASP-1), C3, C4, C9, and complement factor P in retina and RPE/choroid. Histological analyses visualized apoptosis, microglia/macrophage migration, gliosis and deposition of the complement activation marker C3d. Systemic anaphylatoxin serum concentrations were determined using an ELISA. Results: Apoptosis, gliosis and microglia/macrophage migration into the outer nuclear layer showed similar patterns in both models. Local complement factor expression revealed an early upregulation of complement factor mRNA in the acute and constant light regimen at 1 day post-treatment for c1s , cfb , masp-1 , c3 , c4 and c9 in the RPE/choroid. However, intraretinal complement mRNA expression for c1s , cfb , c3 and c4 was increased at 1 day in the constant and at 3 days in the acute model. A corresponding regulation on protein level in the retina following both LD models was observed for C3, which was upregulated at 1 day and correlated with increased C3d staining in the ganglion cell layer and at the RPE. In the RPE/choroid C1s-complex protein detection was increased at 3 days after LD irrespectively of the light intensities used. Conclusion: LD in mouse eyes is correlated with local complement activity. The time-dependent local progression of complement regulation on mRNA and protein levels were equivalent in the acute and constant LD model, except for the intraretinal, time-dependent mRNA expression. Knowing the relative time courses of local complement expression and cellular activity can help to elucidate novel therapeutic options in retinal degeneration indicating at which time point of disease complement has to be rebalanced.
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- 2017
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36. Tamoxifen-Containing Eye Drops Successfully Trigger Cre-Mediated Recombination in the Entire Eye.
- Author
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Schlecht A, Leimbeck SV, Tamm ER, and Braunger BM
- Subjects
- Animals, Estrogen Antagonists pharmacology, Eye metabolism, Integrases genetics, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Mice, Transgenic, Ophthalmic Solutions pharmacology, beta-Galactosidase metabolism, Eye drug effects, Integrases metabolism, Recombination, Genetic drug effects, Tamoxifen pharmacology
- Abstract
Embryonic lethality in mice with targeted gene deletion is a major issue that can be circumvented by using Cre-loxP-based animal models. Various inducible Cre systems are available, e.g. such that are activated following tamoxifen treatment, and allow deletion of a specific target gene at any desired time point during the life span of the animal. In this study, we describe the efficiency of topical tamoxifen administration by eye drops using a Cre- reporter mouse strain (R26R). We report that tamoxifen-responsive CAGGCre-ER (TM) mice show a robust Cre- mediated recombination throughout the entire eye.
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- 2016
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37. Intraocular Pressure and the Mechanisms Involved in Resistance of the Aqueous Humor Flow in the Trabecular Meshwork Outflow Pathways.
- Author
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Tamm ER, Braunger BM, and Fuchshofer R
- Subjects
- Actin Cytoskeleton metabolism, Animals, Glaucoma, Open-Angle physiopathology, Humans, Intraocular Pressure physiology, Rheology, Trabecular Meshwork physiopathology
- Abstract
Intraocular pressure (IOP), the critical risk factor for glaucoma, is generated and maintained by the aqueous humor circulation system. Aqueous humor is secreted from the epithelial layers of the ciliary body and exits the eye through the trabecular meshwork or the uveoscleral outflow pathways. IOP builds up in response to a resistance to aqueous humor flow in the trabecular outflow pathways. The trabecular outflow resistance is localized in the inner wall region, which comprises the juxtacanalicular connective tissue (JCT) and the inner wall endothelium of Schlemm's canal (SC). Outflow resistance in this region is lowered through the relaxation of contractile myofibroblast-like cells in trabecular meshwork and the adjacent scleral spur, or the contraction of the ciliary muscle. In primary open-angle glaucoma, the most frequent form of glaucoma, outflow resistance of the inner wall region is typically higher than normal. There is evidence that the increase in resistance is related to characteristic biological changes in the resident cells of the JCT, which more and more acquire the structural and functional characteristics of contractile myofibroblasts. The changes involve an augmentation of their actin cytoskeleton and of their surrounding fibrillary extracellular matrix, which connects to JCT cells via integrins. This scenario leads to an overall stiffening of the inner wall region, and is modulated by transforming growth factor-β/connective tissue growth factor signaling. Essentially comparable changes appear to occur in SC endothelial cells. Stiffening of JCT and SC cells is very likely a critical causative factor for the increase in trabecular outflow resistance in POAG., (© 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2015
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38. Identification of adult stem cells in Schwalbe's line region of the primate eye.
- Author
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Braunger BM, Ademoglu B, Koschade SE, Fuchshofer R, Gabelt BT, Kiland JA, Hennes-Beann EA, Brunner KG, Kaufman PL, and Tamm ER
- Subjects
- Adult Stem Cells metabolism, Animals, Anterior Chamber metabolism, Macaca fascicularis, Macaca mulatta, Microscopy, Electron, Transmission, Reproducibility of Results, Tomography, Optical Coherence, Adult Stem Cells ultrastructure, Anterior Chamber cytology, Bromodeoxyuridine pharmacokinetics
- Abstract
Purpose: To identify stem cells in the chamber angle of the monkey eye by detection of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) long-term retention., Methods: Four cynomolgus monkeys were treated with BrdU via subcutaneous pumps for 4 weeks. The eyes of two animals were processed immediately thereafter (group 1) while in the other animals, BrdU treatment was discontinued for 4 weeks to allow identification of cells with long-term BrdU retention (group 2). The number of BrdU-positive nuclei was quantified, and the cells were characterized by immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM)., Results: The number of BrdU-positive cells was higher at Schwalbe's line covering the peripheral end of Descemet's membrane than in Schlemm's canal (SC) endothelium, trabecular meshwork (TM), and scleral spur (SS). Labeling with BrdU in SC, TM, and SS was less intense and the number of labeled cells was smaller in group 2 than in group 1. In contrast, in cells of Schwalbe's line the intensity of BrdU staining and the number of BrdU-positive cells was similar when group 1 and 2 monkeys were compared with each other, indicating long-term BrdU retention. Cells that were BrdU-positive in Schwalbe's line region stained for the stem cell marker OCT4. Details of a stem cell niche in Schwalbe's line region were identified by TEM., Conclusions: We provide evidence for a niche in the Schwalbe's line region harboring cells with long-term BrdU retention and OCT4 immunoreactivity. The cells likely constitute a population of adult stem cells with the capability to compensate for the loss of TM and/or corneal endothelial cells., (Copyright 2014 The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Inc.)
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Programmed cell death during retinal development of the mouse eye.
- Author
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Braunger BM, Demmer C, and Tamm ER
- Subjects
- Animals, Mice, Neural Stem Cells physiology, Apoptosis physiology, Nerve Growth Factors physiology, Neural Stem Cells cytology, Retina cytology, Retina embryology, Retina growth & development, Synapses physiology
- Abstract
Similar to other parts of the central nervous system, there are two types of programmed cell death during retinal development. In early development, the neuronal progenitor population is affected. In the mouse eye, this kind of programmed cell death begins at around embryonic day (E) 12.5 and peaks between E14.5 and E16.5. The second phase of programmed cell death occurs during synaptogenesis within the first 2 postnatal weeks. Important signaling mechanisms that induce programmed cell death of retinal progenitors appear to involve nerve growth factor acting on the proapoptotic receptor to p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75(NTR)) and transforming growth factor-β.
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. The different functions of Norrin.
- Author
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Braunger BM and Tamm ER
- Subjects
- Animals, Blindness physiopathology, Genetic Diseases, X-Linked, Humans, Mice, Mice, Transgenic, Retinal Degeneration, Blindness congenital, Eye Proteins physiology, Nerve Tissue Proteins physiology, Nervous System Diseases physiopathology, Retina cytology, Retina physiology, Spasms, Infantile physiopathology
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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