Single-cell profiling reveals an endothelium-mediated immunomodulatory pathway in the eye choroid Journal Article


Authors: Lehmann, G. L.; Hanke-Gogokhia, C.; Hu, Y.; Bareja, R.; Salfati, Z.; Ginsberg, M.; Nolan, D. J.; Mendez-Huergo, S. P.; Dalotto-Moreno, T.; Wojcinski, A.; Ochoa, F.; Zeng, S.; Cerliani, J. P.; Panagis, L.; Zager, P. J.; Mullins, R. F.; Ogura, S.; Lutty, G. A.; Bang, J.; Zippin, J. H.; Romano, C.; Rabinovich, G. A.; Elemento, O.; Joyner, A. L.; Rafii, S.; Rodriguez-Boulan, E.; Benedicto, I.
Article Title: Single-cell profiling reveals an endothelium-mediated immunomodulatory pathway in the eye choroid
Abstract: The activity and survival of retinal photoreceptors depend on support functions performed by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and on oxygen and nutrients delivered by blood vessels in the underlying choroid. By combining single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing, we categorized mouse RPE/choroid cell types and characterized the tissue-specific transcriptomic features of choroidal endothelial cells. We found that choroidal endothelium adjacent to the RPE expresses high levels of Indian Hedgehog and identified its downstream target as stromal GLI1+ mesenchymal stem cell-like cells. In vivo genetic impairment of Hedgehog signaling induced significant loss of choroidal mast cells, as well as an altered inflammatory response and exacerbated visual function defects after retinal damage. Our studies reveal the cellular and molecular landscape of adult RPE/choroid and uncover a Hedgehog-regulated choroidal immunomodulatory signaling circuit. These results open new avenues for the study and treatment of retinal vascular diseases and choroid-related inflammatory blinding disorders. © 2020 Lehmann et al.
Journal Title: Journal of Experimental Medicine
Volume: 217
Issue: 6
ISSN: 0022-1007
Publisher: Rockefeller University Press  
Date Published: 2020-06-01
Start Page: e20190730
Language: English
DOI: 10.1084/jem.20190730
PUBMED: 32196081
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC7971135
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 1 April 2020 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Alexandra L Joyner
    97 Joyner