IOP elevation may directly damage mitochondria in the ONH axons by promoting reduction of COX, mitochondrial fission and cristae depletion, alterations of OPA1 and Dnm1 expression, and induction of OPA1 release. Thus, interventions to preserve mitochondria may be useful for protecting against ON degeneration in glaucoma.

Purpose To determine whether intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation alters OPA1 expression and triggers OPA1 release, as well as whether the uncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor antagonist memantine blocks OPA1 release and subsequent apoptotic cell death in glaucomatous DBA/2J mouse retina. Methods Preglaucomatous DBA/2J mice received memantine (5 mg/kg, i.p. injection, twice a day for 3 months) and IOP in the eyes was measured monthly. RGC loss was counted following Fluoro-Gold labeling. OPA1, Dnm1, Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA were measured by Taqman qPCR. OPA1 protein was assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Apoptotic cell death was assessed by TUNEL staining. Results Memantine treatment significantly increased RGC survival in glaucomatous DBA/2J mice. Memantine treatment increased the 75 kDa OPA1 isoform but did not alter the 80 and 90 kDa isoforms. The isoforms of OPA1 were significantly increased in the cytosol of the vehicle-treated glaucomatous retinas but were significantly decreased in memantine-treated glaucomatous retinas. OPA1 immunoreactivity was decreased in the photoreceptors of both vehicle- and memantine-treated glaucomatous retinas but was increased in the outer plexiform layer of only the memantine-treated glaucomatous retinas. Memantine blocked apoptotic cell death in the GCL, increased Bcl-2 gene expression, and decreased Bax gene expression. Conclusions OPA1 release from mitochondria in glaucomatous mouse retina is inhibited by blockade of glutamate receptor activation. Because this OPA1 effect was accompanied by increased Bcl-2 expression, decreased Bax expression and apoptosis blockade, glutamate receptor activation in the glaucomatous retina may involve a distinct mitochondria-mediated cell death pathway.

Many ocular pathologies, including retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration, result in vision loss because of aberrant neoangiogenesis. A common feature of these conditions is the presence of hypoxic areas and overexpression of the proangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The prevailing current treatment, laser ablation of the retina, is destructive and only partially effective. Preventive and less destructive therapies are much more desirable. Here, we show that mice lacking c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) exhibit reduced pathological angiogenesis and lower levels of retinal VEGF production in a murine model of ROP. We found that hypoxia induces JNK activation and regulates VEGF expression by enhancing the binding of phospho-c-Jun to the VEGF promoter. Intravitreal injection of a specific JNK inhibitor decreases retinal VEGF expression and reduces pathological retinal neovascularization without obvious side effects. These results strongly suggest that JNK1 plays a key role in retinal neoangiogenesis and that it represents a new pharmacological target for treatment of diseases where excessive neoangiogenesis is the underlying pathology.neoangiogenesis ͉ retinopathy of prematurity

Dual‐specificity tyrosine phosphorylation‐regulated kinase‐1A (DYRK1A) is known to phosphorylate the microtubule‐associated tau protein. Overexpression is correlated with tau hyperphosphorylation and neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) formation in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study assessed the potential of SM07883, an oral DYRK1A inhibitor, to inhibit tau hyperphosphorylation, aggregation, NFT formation, and associated phenotypes in mouse models. Exploratory neuroinflammatory effects were also studied. SM07883 specificity was tested in a kinase panel screen and showed potent inhibition of DYRK1A (IC50 = 1.6 nM) and GSK‐3β (IC50 = 10.8 nM) kinase activity. Tau phosphorylation measured in cell‐based assays showed a reduction in phosphorylation of multiple tau epitopes, especially the threonine 212 site (EC50 = 16 nM). SM07883 showed good oral bioavailability in multiple species and demonstrated a dose‐dependent reduction of transient hypothermia‐induced phosphorylated tau in the brains of wild‐type mice compared to vehicle (47%, p < 0.001). Long‐term efficacy assessed in aged JNPL3 mice overexpressing the P301L human tau mutation (3 mg/kg, QD, for 3 months) exhibited significant reductions in tau hyperphosphorylation, oligomeric and aggregated tau, and tau‐positive inclusions compared to vehicle in brainstem and spinal cord samples. Reduced gliosis compared to vehicle was further confirmed by ELISA. SM07883 was well tolerated with improved general health, weight gain, and functional improvement in a wire‐hang test compared to vehicle‐treated mice (p = 0.048). SM07883, a potent, orally bioavailable, brain‐penetrant DYRK1A inhibitor, significantly reduced effects of pathological tau overexpression and neuroinflammation, while functional endpoints were improved compared to vehicle in animal models. This small molecule has potential as a treatment for AD.

PURPOSE. Thy-1 is a marker of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) differentiation. Optic nerve injury triggers reduction of Thy-1 promoter activation followed by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. This study determined whether MS-275, an inhibitor of the histone deacetylases 1 and 3, can inhibit these changes.METHODS. Mice expressing cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) under control of the Thy-1 promoter received MS-275 (subcutaneous) or vehicle three times per week starting 1 week before optic nerve crush and continuing for 6 weeks. The same retinal area was imaged using the blue-light confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope before and after optic nerve crush every week, and fluorescent spots were counted manually. The eyes were then processed for histopathologic analysis.RESULTS. The mean proportions of fluorescent retinal neurons remaining in the vehicle group following optic nerve crush were 36 6 8, 18 6 6, 13 6 10, 12 6 4, 13 6 5, and 13 6 5% at weeks 1 through 6, respectively (n ¼ 6). In contrast, the mean proportions of fluorescent retinal neurons remaining in the group treated with MS-275 were 59 6 19, 39 6 11, 34 6 12, 33 6 15, 32 6 13, and 27 6 15% at weeks 1 through 6, respectively (n ¼ 7, P < 0.05 at weeks 1 through 5). Rate analysis showed that MS-275 slowed the rate of loss during the first 2 weeks by 23% (P < 0.05) and subsequently was similar. Histopathologic analysis revealed 27 6 13% greater ganglion cell layer (GCL) neurons in the eyes from mice that received MS-275 treatment (P < 0.02).CONCLUSIONS. These results indicate that treatment with MS-275 protects against the loss of RGC differentiation and promotes RGC survival following optic nerve injury. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2013;54:96-102)