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Loss of Fas Receptor Function Preserves Photoreceptor Structure and Function in Two Mouse Models of Inherited Retinal Degeneration

PURPOSE: The genetic heterogeneity of inherited retinal degeneration (IRD) has limited the development of mutation-specific therapies, necessitating the development of therapeutic approaches targeting broadly shared pathophysiologic pathways. The Fas receptor has been reported as a contributor to re...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Yao, Jingyu, Wang, Tiantian, Jia, Lin, Qiu, Yaoyan, Zacks, David N.
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology 2022
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9469031/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36083588
http://dx.doi.org/10.1167/iovs.63.10.5
Descripción
Sumario:PURPOSE: The genetic heterogeneity of inherited retinal degeneration (IRD) has limited the development of mutation-specific therapies, necessitating the development of therapeutic approaches targeting broadly shared pathophysiologic pathways. The Fas receptor has been reported as a contributor to retinal cell death and inflammation in a wide variety of ocular diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess targeting the Fas pathway as a novel mutation-independent approach to improve photoreceptor survival in IRD. METHODS: We examined the effects of genetic inactivation of the Fas receptor on retinal degeneration in two distinct IRD mouse models, P23H and rd10. The Fas-lpr mouse, which contains a functionally inactive Fas receptor, was crossed with the P23H and rd10 mice to generate P23H/Fas-lpr and rd10/Fas-lpr mice. Fas activation, photoreceptor survival and retinal function were assessed. RESULTS: We detected elevated levels of Fas receptor and microglial activation in the retinas of both P23H and rd10 mice. Inactivation of Fas in these two IRD models (P23H/Fas-lpr and rd10/Fas-lpr mice) resulted in reduced cell death, increased photoreceptor survival, improved retinal function, and reduced microglial activation and inflammatory cytokine production. CONCLUSIONS: The protective effect of a nonfunctional Fas receptor in two different mouse models of retinal degeneration suggests that whereas the individual IRD mutation may be specific, the retina's response to the different stressors appears to be shared and driven by Fas. Reducing Fas activity might represent a potential mutation-independent therapeutic approach to preserve retinal structure and function in patients with IRD.