Optic Nerve Lipidomics Reveal Impaired Glucosylsphingosine Lipids Pathway in Glaucoma.

Purpose: To determine major differences in lipid profile between human control and glaucomatous optic nerve. To assess major enzymes in lipid pathway if aberration is revealed for a lipid class by profiling.

Methods: Optic nerve (ON) samples were obtained from human cadaveric donors [control (n = 11) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG; n = 12)]; the lipids were extracted using Bligh and Dyer methods.

The Role of Deimination in Regenerative Reprogramming of Neurons.

Neurons from the adult central nervous system (CNS) demonstrate limited mRNA transport and localized protein synthesis versus developing neurons, correlating with lower regenerative capacity. We found that deimination (posttranslational conversion of protein-bound arginine into citrulline) undergoes upregulation during early neuronal development while declining to a low basal level in adults. This modification is associated with neuronal arborization from amphibians to mammals.

Histologic Analysis of Trabecular Meshwork Obtained From Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy.

Purpose: To determine whether there are identifiable, reproducible findings in the trabecular meshwork (TM) of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) who underwent Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) goniotomy.

Design: Noncomparative retrospective case series.

Methods: Tertiary academic referral center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

A Multidisciplinary Consensus for Clinical Care and Research Needs for Sturge-Weber Syndrome.

Background: Sturge-Weber syndrome is a neurocutaneous disorder associated with port-wine birthmark, leptomeningeal capillary malformations, and glaucoma. It is associated with an unpredictable clinical course. Because of its rarity and complexity, many physicians are unaware of the disease and its complications.

Deimination level and peptidyl arginine deiminase 2 expression are elevated in astrocytes with increased incubation temperature.

Astrocytes respond to environmental cues, including changes in temperatures. Increased deimination, observed in many progressive neurological diseases, is thought to be contributed by astrocytes. We determined the level of deimination and expression of peptidyl arginine deiminase 2 (PAD2) in isolated primary astrocytes in response to changes on either side (31°C and 41°C) of the optimal temperature (37°C).

Lipidomic mass spectrometry and its application in neuroscience.

Central and peripheral nervous systems are lipid rich tissues. Lipids, in the context of lipid-protein complexes, surround neurons and provide electrical insulation for transmission of signals allowing neurons to remain embedded within a conducting environment. Lipids play a key role in vesicle formation and fusion in synapses.

Deimination restores inner retinal visual function in murine demyelinating disease.

Progressive loss of visual function frequently accompanies demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and is hypothesized to be the result of damage to the axons and soma of neurons. Here, we show that dendritic impairment is also involved in these diseases. Deimination, a posttranslational modification, was reduced in the retinal ganglion cell layer of MS patients and in a transgenic mouse model of MS (ND4 mice).

The role of deimination in ATP5b mRNA transport in a transgenic mouse model of multiple sclerosis.

Deimination refers to conversion of protein-bound arginine into citrulline. An mRNA carrier, RNA binding export factor (REF), present on mitochondria undergoes loss of deimination with impaired ATP5b mRNA transport in ND4 mice (model of multiple sclerosis) compared with the controls. We present evidence of (1) reduced ATP5b mRNA binding strength of non-deiminated REF compared with deiminated REF, (2) impaired ATP5b mRNA transport in ND4 mice and (3) reduced mitochondrial ATP synthase activity on inhibition of deimination in PC12 cells.

Evaluation of a transgenic mouse model of multiple sclerosis with noninvasive methods.

Purpose: To evaluate the ND4 transgenic mouse model of multiple sclerosis using noninvasive methods.

Methods: Assessment of neurologic/behavioral abnormalities was made using pattern electroretinogram (PERG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), optic coherence tomography (OCT), and end point histologic analysis.

Results: Electrophysiologic (PERG) recordings demonstrated functional deficits in vision commensurate with neurologic/behavioral abnormalities.