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1.
Clin Ophthalmol ; 17: 3165-3176, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37901285

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of verofilcon A daily disposable contact lenses (CL) in CL wearers who identified themselves as heavy digital device users. Patients and Methods: This prospective, non-masked, open-label study enrolled CL wearers who reported ≥6 hours digital device use per day. Participants were dispensed with the verofilcon A study lenses for 14±2 days, to be worn for at least 5 days a week and 10 hours per day, while continuing their normal routine of digital device use. Participants rated the lens performance at the Day 14 visit using a 0-100 (with 100 being best) scale. Ratings were completed at lens insertion, after 6 hours of digital device use, just before CL removal and for overall experience. Participants also completed a 4-point (strongly agree/disagree, slightly agree/disagree) Likert scale-based questionnaire. Results: Thirty-two participants were eligible and completed the study (27 females; age 25.8 ± 6.0 years, ranging from 19 to 40). Overall lens performance ratings at the Day 14 visit (mean ± standard deviation) for comfort, dryness, and clarity of vision were 91 ± 11, 88 ± 11, and 92 ± 9, respectively. Subjective ratings were stable throughout the day with no significant differences after insertion, after 6 hours of digital device use and before CL removal (all p>0.05). The majority of participants agreed that the study lenses performed well, provided good all-day comfort (28/32; p<0.01) and good all-day vision (29/32; p<0.01). Participants also agreed that after ≥6 hours of digital device use they were satisfied with CL comfort (27/32; p<0.01), vision (29/32; p<0.01) and that the lenses provided good performance (26/32; p<0.01). Conclusion: Verofilcon A lenses were found to perform well, with high ratings for comfort, dryness and vision that remained high throughout the day, during extensive digital device use.

2.
Cont Lens Anterior Eye ; 45(5): 101579, 2022 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35246387

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To explore the impact of subjective factors (lens handling, comfort and vision) on overall single vision contact lens satisfaction. METHODS: Correlation analysis of a prospective, randomised, double-masked, bilateral crossover study involving 55 adapted lens wearers fitted with somofilcon A (SiHy) (clariti® 1 day, CooperVision) and etafilcon A (Hy) (1 DAY ACUVUE® MOIST, Johnson & Johnson Vision) was conducted. Subjective ratings of lens handling, comfort and vision collected after 1 week of lens wear for each lens type were correlated with overall satisfaction. Data were analysed by combining data for both lens types and also for each lens separately. RESULTS: For the combined analysis, significant correlations (p < 0.01) were found between subjective ratings of overall satisfaction and ratings of handing for application (r = 0.64), handling for removal (r = 0.50), comfort upon application (r = 0.59), comfort at end of day (r = 0.61), overall satisfaction with comfort (r = 0.88) and overall satisfaction with vision (r = 0.64). Correlation analysis of the per lens data showed that lens specific correlations of overall satisfaction with handling for lens application varied greatly with lens material (SiHy: r = 0.26, p = 0.05 vs Hy: r = 0.72, p < 0.01). Correlation strength of comfort upon application/at end of day with overall satisfaction also varied with lens material (Application: SiHy: r = 0.40 vs Hy: r = 0.61; End of day: SiHy: r = 0.76 vs Hy: r = 0.58; all p ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSION: Overall satisfaction was significantly correlated with the specific subjective evaluations of handling, vision and comfort. Correlations of overall satisfaction and ease of handling for each lens type suggest that, for habitual contact lens wearers, dissatisfaction with handling at the time of lens application can play a major role in overall dissatisfaction with a lens. Handling for application had a similar correlation (r) value as vision, suggesting that handling for application should not be underestimated when considering overall patient satisfaction.


Subject(s)
Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic , Cross-Over Studies , Humans , Patient Satisfaction , Personal Satisfaction , Prospective Studies , Vision, Ocular
3.
J Neurosci ; 41(31): 6652-6672, 2021 08 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34168008

ABSTRACT

A precise sequence of axon guidance events is required for the development of the ocular motor system. Three cranial nerves grow toward, and connect with, six extraocular muscles in a stereotyped pattern, to control eye movements. The signaling protein alpha2-chimaerin (α2-CHN) plays a pivotal role in the formation of the ocular motor system; mutations in CHN1, encoding α2-CHN, cause the human eye movement disorder Duane Retraction Syndrome (DRS). Our research has demonstrated that the manipulation of α2-chn signaling in the zebrafish embryo leads to ocular motor axon wiring defects, although the signaling cascades regulated by α2-chn remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that several cytoskeletal regulatory proteins-collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2; encoded by the gene dpysl2), stathmin1, and stathmin 2-bind to α2-CHN. dpysl2, stathmin1, and especially stathmin2 are expressed by ocular motor neurons. We find that the manipulation of dpysl2 and of stathmins in zebrafish larvae leads to defects in both the axon wiring of the ocular motor system and the optokinetic reflex, impairing horizontal eye movements. Knockdowns of these molecules in zebrafish larvae of either sex caused axon guidance phenotypes that included defasciculation and ectopic branching; in some cases, these phenotypes were reminiscent of DRS. chn1 knock-down phenotypes were rescued by the overexpression of CRMP2 and STMN1, suggesting that these proteins act in the same signaling pathway. These findings suggest that CRMP2 and stathmins signal downstream of α2-CHN to orchestrate ocular motor axon guidance and to control eye movements.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The precise control of eye movements is crucial for the life of vertebrate animals, including humans. In humans, this control depends on the arrangement of nerve wiring of the ocular motor system, composed of three nerves and six muscles, a system that is conserved across vertebrate phyla. Mutations in the protein alpha2-chimaerin have previously been shown to cause eye movement disorders (squint) and axon wiring defects in humans. Our recent work has unraveled how alpha2-chimaerin coordinates axon guidance of the ocular motor system in animal models. In this article, we demonstrate key roles for the proteins CRMP2 and stathmin 1/2 in the signaling pathway orchestrated by alpha2-chimaerin, potentially giving insight into the etiology of eye movement disorders in humans.


Subject(s)
Axon Guidance/physiology , Chimerin 1/metabolism , Motor Neurons/metabolism , Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism , Oculomotor Muscles/innervation , Stathmin/metabolism , Zebrafish Proteins/metabolism , Animals , Chimerin 1/genetics , Duane Retraction Syndrome/genetics , Eye Movements , Signal Transduction/physiology , Zebrafish
5.
Elife ; 92020 10 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33001027

ABSTRACT

In the vertebrate central nervous system, groups of functionally related neurons, including cranial motor neurons of the brainstem, are frequently organised as nuclei. The molecular mechanisms governing the emergence of nuclear topography and circuit function are poorly understood. Here we investigate the role of cadherin-mediated adhesion in the development of zebrafish ocular motor (sub)nuclei. We find that developing ocular motor (sub)nuclei differentially express classical cadherins. Perturbing cadherin function in these neurons results in distinct defects in neuronal positioning, including scattering of dorsal cells and defective contralateral migration of ventral subnuclei. In addition, we show that cadherin-mediated interactions between adjacent subnuclei are critical for subnucleus position. We also find that disrupting cadherin adhesivity in dorsal oculomotor neurons impairs the larval optokinetic reflex, suggesting that neuronal clustering is important for co-ordinating circuit function. Our findings reveal that cadherins regulate distinct aspects of cranial motor neuron positioning and establish subnuclear topography and motor function.


Subject(s)
Cadherins/physiology , Oculomotor Nerve/growth & development , Animals , Cell Movement , Eye Movements , In Situ Hybridization , Microscopy, Confocal , Neural Pathways/embryology , Neural Pathways/growth & development , Oculomotor Nerve/embryology , Zebrafish/embryology , Zebrafish/growth & development
6.
Cont Lens Anterior Eye ; 43(1): 9-17, 2020 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31761738

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: A survey in 2015 identified a high level of eye care practitioner concern about myopia with a reported moderately high level of activity, but the vast majority still prescribed single vision interventions to young myopes. This research aimed to update these findings 4 years later. METHODS: A self-administrated, internet-based questionnaire was distributed in eight languages, through professional bodies to eye care practitioners globally. The questions examined: awareness of increasing myopia prevalence, perceived efficacy of available strategies and adoption levels of such strategies, and reasons for not adopting specific strategies. RESULTS: Of the 1336 respondents, concern was highest (9.0 ±â€¯1.6; p < 0.001) in Asia and lowest (7.6 ±â€¯2.2; p < 0.001) in Australasia. Practitioners from Asia also considered their clinical practice of myopia control to be the most active (7.7 ±â€¯2.3; p < 0.001), the North American practitioners being the least active (6.3 ±â€¯2.9; p < 0.001). Orthokeratology was perceived to be the most effective method of myopia control, followed by pharmaceutical approaches and approved myopia control soft contact lenses (p < 0.001). Although significant intra-regional differences existed, overall, most practitioners did not consider single-vision distance under-correction to be an effective strategy for attenuating myopia progression (79.6 %), but prescribed single vision spectacles or contact lenses as the primary mode of correction for myopic patients (63.6 ±â€¯21.8 %). The main justifications for their reluctance to prescribe alternatives to single vision refractive corrections were increased cost (20.6 %) and inadequate information (17.6 %). CONCLUSIONS: While practitioner concern about myopia and the reported level of activity have increased over the last 4 years, the vast majority of eye care clinicians still prescribe single vision interventions to young myopes. With recent global consensus evidence-based guidelines having been published, it is hoped that this will inform the practice of myopia management in future.


Subject(s)
Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic/trends , Eyeglasses/trends , Global Health/trends , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Myopia/therapy , Orthokeratologic Procedures/trends , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/trends , Health Surveys , Humans , Ophthalmologists , Optometrists , Surveys and Questionnaires
7.
PLoS One ; 13(5): e0196528, 2018.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29787572

ABSTRACT

TDP-43-mediated proteinopathy is a key factor in the pathology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A potential underlying mechanism is dysregulation of the cytoskeleton. Here we investigate the effects of expressing TDP-43 wild-type and M337V and Q331K mutant isoforms on cytoskeletal integrity and function, using rat cortical neurons in vitro. We find that TDP-43 protein becomes mislocalised in axons over 24-72 hours in culture, with protein aggregation occurring at later timepoints (144 hours). Quantitation of cell viability showed toxicity of both wild-type and mutant constructs which increased over time, especially of the Q331K mutant isoform. Analysis of the effects of TDP-43 on axonal integrity showed that TDP-43-transfected neurons had shorter axons than control cells, and that growth cone sizes were smaller. Axonal transport dynamics were also impaired by transfection with TDP-43 constructs. Taken together these data show that TDP-43 mislocalisation into axons precedes cell death in cortical neurons, and that cytoskeletal structure and function is impaired by expression of either TDP-43 wild-type or mutant constructs in vitro. These data suggest that dysregulation of cytoskeletal and neuronal integrity is an important mechanism for TDP-43-mediated proteinopathy.


Subject(s)
DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , Motor Neurons/metabolism , TDP-43 Proteinopathies/etiology , Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/etiology , Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/genetics , Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/metabolism , Animals , Axonal Transport/drug effects , Axonal Transport/physiology , Axons/metabolism , Axons/pathology , Cell Death , Cells, Cultured , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , DNA-Binding Proteins/toxicity , Growth Cones/metabolism , Growth Cones/pathology , Humans , Motor Neurons/drug effects , Motor Neurons/pathology , Mutant Proteins/genetics , Mutant Proteins/metabolism , Mutant Proteins/toxicity , Neurotoxins/genetics , Neurotoxins/metabolism , Neurotoxins/toxicity , Protein Aggregation, Pathological/etiology , Protein Aggregation, Pathological/genetics , Protein Aggregation, Pathological/metabolism , Rats , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/metabolism , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/toxicity , TDP-43 Proteinopathies/genetics , TDP-43 Proteinopathies/metabolism , Transfection
8.
Hum Mol Genet ; 26(24): 4765-4777, 2017 12 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28973350

ABSTRACT

An intronic GGGGCC (G4C2) hexanucleotide repeat expansion inC9orf72 is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (C9ALS/FTD). Repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation of G4C2 RNA can result in five different dipeptide repeat proteins (DPR: poly GA, poly GP, poly GR, poly PA, and poly PR), which aggregate into neuronal cytoplasmic and nuclear inclusions in affected patients, however their contribution to disease pathogenesis remains controversial. We show that among the DPR proteins, expression of poly GA in a cell culture model activates programmed cell death and TDP-43 cleavage in a dose-dependent manner. Dual expression of poly GA together with other DPRs revealed that poly GP and poly PA are sequestered by poly GA, whereas poly GR and poly PR are rarely co-localised with poly GA. Dual expression of poly GA and poly PA ameliorated poly GA toxicity by inhibiting poly GA aggregation both in vitro and in vivo in the chick embryonic spinal cord. Expression of alternative codon-derived DPRs in chick embryonic spinal cord confirmed in vitro data, revealing that each of the dipeptides caused toxicity, with poly GA being the most toxic. Further, in vivo expression of G4C2 repeats of varying length caused apoptotic cell death, but failed to generate DPRs. Together, these data demonstrate that C9-related toxicity can be mediated by either RNA or DPRs. Moreover, our findings provide evidence that poly GA is a key mediator of cytotoxicity and that cross-talk between DPR proteins likely modifies their pathogenic status in C9ALS/FTD.


Subject(s)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/genetics , C9orf72 Protein/genetics , Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/metabolism , Animals , Apoptosis/genetics , Apoptosis/physiology , C9orf72 Protein/metabolism , Cells, Cultured , Chick Embryo , DNA Repeat Expansion , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , Dipeptides/genetics , Dipeptides/metabolism , Frontal Lobe/metabolism , Frontal Lobe/physiology , HEK293 Cells , Humans , Intranuclear Inclusion Bodies/metabolism , Neurons/metabolism , Protein Aggregates
10.
Development ; 144(5): 830-836, 2017 03 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28246212

ABSTRACT

A core structural and functional motif of the vertebrate central nervous system is discrete clusters of neurons or 'nuclei'. Yet the developmental mechanisms underlying this fundamental mode of organisation are largely unknown. We have previously shown that the assembly of motor neurons into nuclei depends on cadherin-mediated adhesion. Here, we demonstrate that the emergence of mature topography among motor nuclei involves a novel interplay between spontaneous activity, cadherin expression and gap junction communication. We report that nuclei display spontaneous calcium transients, and that changes in the activity patterns coincide with the course of nucleogenesis. We also find that these activity patterns are disrupted by manipulating cadherin or gap junction expression. Furthermore, inhibition of activity disrupts nucleogenesis, suggesting that activity feeds back to maintain integrity among motor neurons within a nucleus. Our study suggests that a network of interactions between cadherins, gap junctions and spontaneous activity governs neuron assembly, presaging circuit formation.


Subject(s)
Cadherins/metabolism , Central Nervous System/embryology , Gap Junctions/metabolism , Motor Neurons/cytology , Amino Acid Motifs , Animals , Brain Stem/embryology , Calcium/metabolism , Cell Adhesion , Cell Nucleus/metabolism , Chick Embryo , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted , Mice , NIH 3T3 Cells
11.
Dev Neurobiol ; 77(7): 861-875, 2017 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28033651

ABSTRACT

Cranial nerves innervate head muscles in a well-characterized and highly conserved pattern. Identification of genes responsible for human congenital disorders of these nerves, combined with the analysis of their role in axonal development in animal models, has advanced understanding of how neuromuscular connectivity is established. Here, we focus on the ocular motor system, as an instructive example of the success of this approach in unravelling the aetiology of human strabismus. The discovery that ocular motility disorders can arise from mutations in transcription factors, including HoxA1, HoxB1, MafB, Phox2A, and Sall4, has revealed gene regulatory networks that pattern the brainstem and/or govern the differentiation of cranial motor neurons. Mutations in genes involved in axon growth and guidance disrupt specific stages of the extension and pathfinding of ocular motor nerves, and have been implicated in human strabismus. These genes encompass varied classes of molecule, from receptor complexes to dynamic effectors to cytoskeletal components, including Robo3/Rig1, Alpha2-chimaerin, Kif21A, TUBB2, and TUBB3. A current challenge is to understand the protein regulatory networks that link the cell surface to the cytoskeleton and to dissect the co-ordinated signalling cascades and motile responses that underpin axonal navigation. Here we review recent insights derived from basic and clinical science approaches, to show how, by capitalising on the strengths of each, a more complete picture of the aetiology of human congenital cranial dysinnervation disorders can be achieved. This elucidation of these principles illustrates the success of clinical genetic studies working in tandem with molecular and cellular models to enhance our understanding of human disease. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 861-875, 2017.


Subject(s)
Axon Guidance/physiology , Axons/metabolism , Brain Stem/physiopathology , Cranial Nerves/physiopathology , Motor Neurons/metabolism , Animals , Brain Stem/metabolism , Humans , Transcription Factors/metabolism
12.
Methods Mol Biol ; 1493: 403-416, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27787867

ABSTRACT

A combination of both in vivo and in vitro techniques is invaluable for studying semaphorin signaling in the avian central nervous system. Here we describe how both types of approaches can be used to compliment each other in order to unravel the role that semaphorins play during embryonic development and elucidate the functional consequences of semaphorin knockdown using RNA interference vectors. We describe and discuss specifically the use of in ovo electroporation and primary oculomotor neuron culture to identify the role of semaphorins in oculomotor neuron migration and assess functional consequences of semaphorin disruption in this system.


Subject(s)
Birds/embryology , Semaphorins/metabolism , Signal Transduction , Animals , Electroporation , Gene Knockdown Techniques
13.
Eye Contact Lens ; 41(6): 373-7, 2015 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26488155

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical impact of using SYSTANE BALANCE Lubricant Eye Drops (Alcon, Fort Worth, TX), an oil-in-water emulsion, as a rewetting eye drop in symptomatic contact lens wearers. METHODS: Subjects who had previously experienced contact lens discomfort (CLD), with a mean lens wearing history of 18.6±12.8 years, were randomly assigned to use a Test (SYSTANE BALANCE Lubricant Eye Drops; n=76) or control (habitual nonlipid contact lens rewetting eye drop; n=30) drop over their contact lenses within 5 min of lens insertion and then subsequently at 2 hr intervals up to a maximum of 4 drops per eye daily for a 1-month period. Assessments of subjective comfort, comfortable wearing time, lid wiper epitheliopathy (LWE), and corneal staining were conducted at baseline and after 1 month, after 6 hr of lens wear. RESULTS: Comfort, wearing time, LWE, and corneal staining all showed statistically significant improvements in the test group using SYSTANE BALANCE Lubricant Eye Drops at the 1-month visit compared with baseline data (all P<0.01) and compared with the control group at the 1-month visit (P<0.01, P=0.01, P<0.01, and P=0.03, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The use of SYSTANE BALANCE Lubricant Eye Drops as a rewetting drop in a group of wearers who experienced symptoms of CLD improved subjective comfort scores, increased comfortable wearing time, and reduced signs of LWE and corneal staining, when compared with the use of non-lipid-containing contact lens rewetting eye drops.


Subject(s)
Contact Lenses/adverse effects , Dry Eye Syndromes/drug therapy , Eye Pain/drug therapy , Lubricants/therapeutic use , Ophthalmic Solutions/therapeutic use , Adult , Aged , Dry Eye Syndromes/etiology , Emulsions/chemistry , Eye Pain/etiology , Female , Humans , Lubricants/chemistry , Male , Middle Aged , Ophthalmic Solutions/chemistry , Patient Satisfaction , Prospective Studies , Young Adult
14.
Curr Biol ; 24(21): 2541-7, 2014 Nov 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25308074

ABSTRACT

Neuronal nuclei are prominent, evolutionarily conserved features of vertebrate central nervous system (CNS) organization. Nuclei are clusters of soma of functionally related neurons and are located in highly stereotyped positions. Establishment of this CNS topography is critical to neural circuit assembly. However, little is known of either the cellular or molecular mechanisms that drive nucleus formation during development, a process termed nucleogenesis. Brainstem motor neurons, which contribute axons to distinct cranial nerves and whose functions are essential to vertebrate survival, are organized exclusively as nuclei. Cranial motor nuclei are composed of two main classes, termed branchiomotor/visceromotor and somatomotor. Each of these classes innervates evolutionarily distinct structures, for example, the branchial arches and eyes, respectively. Additionally, each class is generated by distinct progenitor cell populations and is defined by differential transcription factor expression; for example, Hb9 distinguishes somatomotor from branchiomotor neurons. We characterized the time course of cranial motornucleogenesis, finding that despite differences in cellular origin, segregation of branchiomotor and somatomotor nuclei occurs actively, passing through a phase of each being intermingled. We also found that differential expression of cadherin cell adhesion family members uniquely defines each motor nucleus. We show that cadherin expression is critical to nucleogenesis as its perturbation degrades nucleus topography predictably.


Subject(s)
Avian Proteins/metabolism , Cadherins/metabolism , Cranial Nerves/metabolism , Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental , Motor Neurons/metabolism , Animals , Avian Proteins/genetics , Avian Proteins/physiology , Axons/physiology , Axons/ultrastructure , Brain Stem/metabolism , Cadherins/genetics , Cadherins/physiology , Chick Embryo , Cranial Nerves/cytology , Motor Neurons/cytology , Vertebrates/metabolism
15.
Curr Biol ; 24(14): 1620-1627, 2014 Jul 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24998526

ABSTRACT

Planar cell polarity (PCP) describes the polarization of cell structures and behaviors within the plane of a tissue. PCP is essential for the generation of tissue architecture during embryogenesis and for postnatal growth and tissue repair, yet how it is oriented to coordinate cell polarity remains poorly understood [1]. In Drosophila, PCP is mediated via the Frizzled-Flamingo (Fz-PCP) and Dachsous-Fat (Fat-PCP) pathways [1-3]. Fz-PCP is conserved in vertebrates, but an understanding in vertebrates of whether and how Fat-PCP polarizes cells, and its relationship to Fz-PCP signaling, is lacking. Mutations in human FAT4 and DCHS1, key components of Fat-PCP signaling, cause Van Maldergem syndrome, characterized by severe neuronal abnormalities indicative of altered neuronal migration [4]. Here, we investigate the role and mechanisms of Fat-PCP during neuronal migration using the murine facial branchiomotor (FBM) neurons as a model. We find that Fat4 and Dchs1 are expressed in complementary gradients and are required for the collective tangential migration of FBM neurons and for their PCP. Fat4 and Dchs1 are required intrinsically within the FBM neurons and extrinsically within the neuroepithelium. Remarkably, Fat-PCP and Fz-PCP regulate FBM neuron migration along orthogonal axes. Disruption of the Dchs1 gradients by mosaic inactivation of Dchs1 alters FBM neuron polarity and migration. This study implies that PCP in vertebrates can be regulated via gradients of Fat4 and Dchs1 expression, which establish intracellular polarity across FBM cells during their migration. Our results also identify Fat-PCP as a novel neuronal guidance system and reveal that Fat-PCP and Fz-PCP can act along orthogonal axes.


Subject(s)
Cadherins/metabolism , Cell Polarity/physiology , Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental , Motor Neurons/physiology , Animals , Cadherins/biosynthesis , Cadherins/genetics , Cell Movement , Drosophila , Drosophila Proteins/biosynthesis , Golgi Apparatus/physiology , Membrane Glycoproteins/biosynthesis , Mice , Mice, Knockout , Signal Transduction
16.
Neurobiol Dis ; 65: 25-34, 2014 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24423647

ABSTRACT

Intracellular inclusions of the TAR-DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) have been reported in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD-TDP). Rare mutations in TARDBP have been linked to both ALS and FTD-TDP suggesting that TDP-43 dysfunction is mechanistic in causing disease. TDP-43 is a predominantly nuclear protein with roles in regulating RNA transcription, splicing, stability and transport. In ALS, TDP-43 aberrantly accumulates in the cytoplasm of motor neurons where it forms aggregates. However it has until recently been unclear whether the toxic effects of TDP-43 involve recruitment to motor axons, and what effects this might have on axonal growth and integrity. Here we use chick embryonic motor neurons, in vivo and in vitro, to model the acute effects of TDP-43. We show that wild-type and two TDP-43 mutant proteins cause toxicity in chick embryonic motor neurons in vivo. Moreover, TDP-43 is increasingly mislocalised to axons over time in vivo, axon growth to peripheral targets is truncated, and expression of neurofilament-associated antigen is reduced relative to control motor neurons. In primary spinal motor neurons in vitro, a progressive translocation of TDP-43 to the cytoplasm occurs over time, similar to that observed in vivo. This coincides with the appearance of cytoplasmic aggregates, a reduction in the axonal length, and cellular toxicity, which was most striking for neurons expressing TDP-43 mutant forms. These observations suggest that the capacity of spinal motor neurons to produce and maintain an axon is compromised by dysregulation of TDP-43 and that the disruption of cytoskeletal integrity may play a role in the pathogenesis of ALS and FTD-TDP.


Subject(s)
Axons/physiology , DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , Mutation/genetics , Neurons/cytology , Spinal Cord/cytology , Animals , Apoptosis/genetics , Cells, Cultured , Cerebral Cortex/cytology , Chick Embryo , Cytoplasm/metabolism , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , Electroporation , Green Fluorescent Proteins/genetics , Green Fluorescent Proteins/metabolism , In Situ Nick-End Labeling , In Vitro Techniques , Rats
17.
J Neurosci ; 33(42): 16540-51, 2013 Oct 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24133258

ABSTRACT

The ocular motor system consists of three nerves which innervate six muscles to control eye movements. In humans, defective development of this system leads to eye movement disorders, such as Duane Retraction Syndrome, which can result from mutations in the α2-chimaerin signaling molecule. We have used the zebrafish to model the role of α2-chimaerin during development of the ocular motor system. We first mapped ocular motor spatiotemporal development, which occurs between 24 and 72 h postfertilization (hpf), with the oculomotor nerve following an invariant sequence of growth and branching to its muscle targets. We identified 52 hpf as a key axon guidance "transition," when oculomotor axons reach the orbit and select their muscle targets. Live imaging and quantitation showed that, at 52 hpf, axons undergo a switch in behavior, with striking changes in the dynamics of filopodia. We tested the role of α2-chimaerin in this guidance process and found that axons expressing gain-of-function α2-chimaerin isoforms failed to undergo the 52 hpf transition in filopodial dynamics, leading to axon stalling. α2-chimaerin loss of function led to ecotopic and misguided branching and hypoplasia of oculomotor axons; embryos had defective eye movements as measured by the optokinetic reflex. Manipulation of chimaerin signaling in oculomotor neurons in vitro led to changes in microtubule stability. These findings demonstrate that a correct level of α2-chimaerin signaling is required for key oculomotor axon guidance decisions, and provide a zebrafish model for Duane Retraction Syndrome.


Subject(s)
Axons/metabolism , Chemotaxis/physiology , Chimerin 1/metabolism , Eye Movements/physiology , Oculomotor Nerve/metabolism , Animals , Cells, Cultured , Chimerin 1/genetics , Disease Models, Animal , Duane Retraction Syndrome/genetics , Duane Retraction Syndrome/metabolism , Microtubules/metabolism , Neurons/metabolism , Pseudopodia/metabolism , Signal Transduction/physiology , Zebrafish
18.
Aust Occup Ther J ; 60(5): 319-25, 2013 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24089983

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: Older people admitted to acute hospitals are at risk of functional decline. There is limited research into strategies that reduce such risks. The aim of this study was to investigate whether individualised activities of daily living retraining programmes improve functional outcomes, influence the choice of discharge destinations and reduce length of stay for older people in acute care. METHODS: A pilot non-randomised controlled study (pre-test/post-test) with block allocation to control and intervention groups was undertaken in an acute geriatric unit at a large teaching hospital. The study was conducted over a six-month period in two consecutive blocks. The intervention group received activities of daily living retraining three times per week for up to one hour per session. The control group received standard, mainly assessment-based occupational therapy services. The Modified Barthel Index was used to measure functional status on admission and discharge. RESULTS: At discharge, there was no statistical difference in the change of total Modified Barthel Index score between control and intervention groups. Of the 10 items scored on the Modified Barthel Index, ambulation and chair/bed transfers approached significance (P = 0.0603 and P = 0.0547 respectively). No evidence was found for a difference in length of stay between intervention and control groups (mean length of stay 15.2 vs. 11.7 days respectively, P = 0.19). Raw data suggested that retraining programmes may reduce the level of care patients required on discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Trends from this study indicate that functional retraining programmes could be effective in preventing functional decline. Further research is needed to reach more definite conclusions.


Subject(s)
Activities of Daily Living , Hospitalization , Occupational Therapy/methods , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Aging , Female , Geriatric Assessment/methods , Hospitals, Teaching , Humans , Male , Pilot Projects
19.
Curr Opin Neurobiol ; 23(6): 943-50, 2013 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24090878

ABSTRACT

During development, the migration of specific neuronal subtypes is required for the correct establishment of neural circuits. In mice and zebrafish, facial branchiomotor (FBM) neurons undergo a tangential migration from rhombomere 4 caudally through the hindbrain. Recent advances in the field have capitalized on genetic studies in zebrafish and mouse, and high-resolution time-lapse imaging in zebrafish. Planar cell polarity signaling has emerged as a critical conserved factor in FBM neuron migration, functioning both within the neurons and their environment. In zebrafish, migration depends on specialized 'pioneer' neurons to lead follower FBM neurons through the hindbrain, and on interactions with structural components including pre-laid axon tracts and the basement membrane. Despite fundamental conservation, species-specific differences in migration mechanisms are being uncovered.


Subject(s)
Cell Movement/physiology , Facial Nerve/cytology , Motor Neurons/cytology , Neurogenesis/physiology , Animals , Facial Nerve/physiology , Humans , Motor Neurons/physiology
20.
Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci ; 54(4): 2662-8, 2013 Apr 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23471891

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of wearing a lens with a unique peripheral optical design on the development and progression of defocus-induced myopia in newly hatched chickens. METHODS: Eighty-five newly hatched chickens underwent bilateral retinoscopy and A-scan ultrasound to determine their refractive error and axial length. They were randomly divided into Control and two Test groups, in which each chicken was fitted with a goggle-lens over the right eye, with the left eye remaining untreated. The Control group wore a lens of power -10.00 diopters (D) of standard spherical optical design. The two Test lenses both had a central optical power -10.00 D, but used different peripheral myopia progression control (MPC) designs. For all groups, retinoscopy was repeated on days 3, 7, 10, and 14; ultrasound was repeated on day 14. RESULTS: On day 0 there was no statistical difference in refractive error (mean +6.92 D) or axial length (mean 8.06 mm) between Test and Control groups or treated and untreated eyes (all P 0.05). At day 14, 37 (43.5%) of 85 chickens had not experienced goggle detachment and were included in the final analyses. in this cohort there was a significant refractive difference between the treated eyes of the control group (n = 17) and those of test 1 (n = 14) and Test 2 (N = 6) groups (both P <0.01): Control -4.65 ± 2.11 D, Test 1 +4.57 ± 3.11 D, Test 2 +1.08 ± 1.24 D (mean ± SEM). There was also a significant axial length difference (both P < 0.01): Control 10.55 ± 0.36 mm, Test 1 9.99 ± 0.14 mm, Test 2 10.17 ± 0.18 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Use of these unique MPC lens designs over 14 days caused a significant reduction in the development of defocus-induced myopia in chickens; the degree of reduction appeared to be design specific.


Subject(s)
Eyeglasses , Myopia/therapy , Refraction, Ocular/physiology , Retina/physiopathology , Animals , Chickens , Disease Models, Animal , Light , Myopia/etiology , Myopia/physiopathology , Retinoscopy , Sensory Deprivation
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