Learn more: PMC Disclaimer | PMC Copyright Notice
Glaucoma Genes and Mechanisms
Abstract
Genetic studies have yielded important genes contributing to both early-onset and adult-onset forms of glaucoma. The proteins encoded by the current collection of glaucoma genes participate in a broad range of cellular processes and biological systems. Approximately half the glaucoma-related genes function in the extracellular matrix, however proteins involved in cytokine signaling, lipid metabolism, membrane biology, regulation of cell division, autophagy, and ocular development also contribute to the disease pathogenesis. While the function of these proteins in health and disease are not completely understood, recent studies are providing insight into underlying disease mechanisms, a critical step toward the development of gene-based therapies. In this review, genes known to cause early-onset glaucoma or contribute to adult-onset glaucoma are organized according to the cell processes or biological systems that are impacted by the function of the disease-related protein product.
1. INTRODUCTION
Glaucoma is a collection of disorders that result in degeneration of the optic nerve. Common forms of glaucoma (primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), normal-tension glaucoma (NTG), exfoliation glaucoma (XFG), and angle-closure glaucoma) are leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. Angle-closure glaucoma, caused by anatomical narrowing of the iridocorneal angle with subsequent blockage of the trabecular outflow pathways, is particularly common in Asia.1 XFG develops in patients with exfoliation syndrome (XFS) characterized by the deposition of a heterogeneous mix of aggregated macromolecules throughout the ocular anterior segment.2 POAG is the most common subtype of glaucoma and is defined as glaucoma occurring in the absence of any secondary features such as exfoliation. Approximately one-third of patients with open-angle glaucoma have NTG with progressive optic nerve degeneration despite intraocular pressure (IOP) in the normal range. Early-onset glaucoma (developing before the age of 40) includes juvenile open-angle glaucoma, developmental glaucoma (related to abnormal development of the ocular anterior segment), and congenital glaucoma (developing at birth or with the first three years of life).
Glaucoma has significant heritability with early-onset forms inherited as Mendelian autosomal dominant or recessive traits and adult-onset (after age 40) diseases inherited as complex traits.3 Mutations in genes causing earlyonset glaucoma are rare and have a large biological impact, while variants contributing to various forms of adult-onset glaucoma are common and individually have incremental effects on disease pathogenesis (Fig. 1). Genes responsible for early-onset glaucoma have been discovered using linkage analysis of large families while genes contributing to adult-onset disease have been identified using genome-wide association studies (GWAS) that typically require very large numbers of glaucoma cases and controls.
Frequency and effect size of gene variants in glaucoma. Mutations in genes causing early-onset Mendelian forms of glaucoma are rare but have large biological effects (MYOC, OPTN, TBK1, FOXC1, PITX2, PAX6, CYP1B1, LTBP1). Variants in genes influencing the susceptibility to adult-onset forms of glaucoma with complex inheritance are generally relatively common and individually have small biological effects (CDKN2BAS, TMCO1, SIX6, CAV1/CAV2, ABCA1, AFAP1, FNDC3B, GAS7, PLEKHA7, GMDS, PMM2, TGFBR3, COL11A1, 8q22). COL15A1 and COL18A1, modifiers of early-onset glaucoma, have intermediate frequency and effect size (not shown in this figure). Variants in LOXL1 contributing to exfoliation syndrome are common but also have large biological effects.
Current molecular techniques and approaches, especially GWAS and next-generation sequencing, are successfully identifying glaucoma-associated genes. While the function of these genes in health and disease are not completely understood, a number of cellular processes and systems with relevance to disease development are emerging. In this review, genes known to cause early-onset glaucoma or contribute to adult-onset glaucoma are organized according to the cell processes or biological systems that are impacted by the function of the disease-related protein product (Table 1). The types of glaucoma caused by (early-onset disease) or associated with (adult-onset disease) are listed in Table 2. The biological processes and systems implicated in glaucoma by genetic studies may be future targets of novel therapies that could prevent disease development.
Table 1
Biological Systems and Processes Involved in Inherited Glaucoma
Biological Process or System | Gene | Protein | Key References |
---|---|---|---|
Endoplasmic reticulum stress, unfolded protein response | MYOC | Myocilin | 4,5 |
Extracellular matrix, cell junctions, and cell adhesion | LTBP2 | Latent TGF-binding protein 2 | 6–9 |
LOXL1 | Lysyl oxidase like 1 | 10 | |
FNDC3B | Fibronectin type III domain containing 3B | 11 | |
AFAP1 | Actin filament-associated protein 1 | 12 | |
PLEKHA7 | Pleckstrin homology domain-containing protein 7 | 13 | |
COL11A1 | Collagen type XI, alpha1 | 14,15 | |
COL15A1 | Collagen type XV, alpha1 | 16–18 | |
COL18A1 | Collagen XVIII, alpha1 | 16–18 | |
TGF beta signaling | CDKN2BAS | Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B antisense | 19–21 |
TGFBR3 | TGFbeta receptor 3 | ||
TNF-alpha signaling | OPTN | Optineurin | 22,23 |
TBK1 | Tank-binding kinase 1 | 24,25 | |
Regulation of autophagy | OPTN | Optineurin | 26 |
TBK1 | Tank-binding kinase 1 | 27 | |
Lipid metabolism | ABCA1 | ATP-binding cassette, subfamily A (ABC1) member 1 | 28,29 |
eNOS signaling and Caveolae | CAV1/CAV2 | Caveolins 1 and 2 | 30,31 |
Fructose and Mannose Metabolism | GMDS | GDP-mannose 4.6 dehydratase | 32,33 |
PMM2 | Phosphomannomutase | ||
Regulation of cell division | GAS7 | Growth arrest-specific 7 | 34–38 |
TMCO1 | Transmembrane and coiled-coil domains-1 | 39 | |
CDKN2BAS | Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B antisense | 19–21 | |
Regulation of ocular development | FOXC1 | Forkhead box C1 | 40,41 |
PITX2 | Paired-like homeodomain 2 | 42,43 | |
PAX6 | Paired box 6 | 44 | |
CYP1B1 | Cytochrome P450, family 1, subfamily B, polypeptide 1 | 45,46 | |
LTBP2 | Latent TGF-binding protein 2 | 47 | |
SIX6 | SIX homeobox 6 | 48,49 | |
Cerebrospinal fluid pressure | 8q22 | NA | 50 |
Table 2
Glaucoma Genes and Diseases
Disease | Gene | Protein | Key References |
---|---|---|---|
Congenital glaucoma | CYP1B1 | Cytochrome P450, family 1, subfamily B, polypeptide 1 | 51–53 |
LTBP2 | Latent TGF-binding protein 2 | 54,55 | |
Anterior segment dysgenesis, Rieger syndrome | FOXC1 | Forkhead box C1 | 56–59 |
PITX2 | Paired-like homeodomain 2 | 60–62 | |
Aniridia | PAX6 | Paired box 6 | 63–65 |
Microsperophakia, Weill Marchasani | LTBP2 | Latent TGF-binding protein 2 | 66–68 |
Microphthalmia and cataract | SIX6 | SIX homeobox 6 | 69 |
Juvenile-onset primary open-angle glaucoma | MYOC | Myocilin | 5,70–72 |
COL15A1 | Collagen type XV, alpha1 | 73 | |
COL18A1 | Collagen XVIII, alpha1 | 73 | |
Adult-onset primary open-angle glaucoma | ABCA1 | ATP-binding cassette, subfamily A (ABC1) member 1 | 12,74 |
AFAP1 | Actin filament-associated protein 1 | 12 | |
CAV1/CAV2 | Caveolins 1 and 2 | 75–79 | |
CDKN2BAS | Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B antisense | 80 | |
FNDC3B | Fibronectin type III domain containing 3B | 81,82 | |
GAS7 | Growth arrest-specific 7 | 78,83 | |
GMDS | GDP-mannose 4,6 dehydratase | 12 | |
PMM2 | Phosphomannomutase | 74 | |
SIX6 | SIX homeobox 6 | 50,84 | |
TGFBR3 | TGFbeta receptor 3 | 85 | |
TMCO1 | Transmembrane and coiled-coil domains-1 | 80 | |
Familial normal-tension glaucoma | OPTN | Optineurin | 86–88 |
TBK1 | Tank-binding kinase 1 | 25 | |
Adult-onset normal-tension glaucoma | 8q22 | NA | 50 |
CDKN2BAS | Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B antisense | 50,89,90 | |
Angle-closure glaucoma | COL11A1 | Collagen type XI, alpha1 | 14 |
PLEKHA7 | Pleckstrin homology domain-containing protein 7 | 14 | |
Exfoliation syndrome | LOXL1 | Lysyl oxidase like 1 | 91 |
2. ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM STRESS RESPONSE
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response can be caused by overexpression of genes or gene mutations that lead to protein aggregation or other processes that prevent the nascent polypeptide from progressing through the ER.92 Genetic abnormalities that disrupt the normal function of the ER can lead to the unfolded protein response which can trigger cell death.93 ER-related cell death contributes to several diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, renal disease, and ocular disease.94–96 Missense mutations in MYOC, coding for myocilin, are likely to cause ER stress through the misfolded protein response4,5,70.
2.1. MYOC (Myocilin)
MYOC mutations are a cause of early-onset POAG (juvenile-onset open-angle glaucoma). The majority of disease-causing mutations are dominantly inherited missense alleles. There is a range in disease onset with some mutations causing disease during the first decade of life (PRO370LEU, TYR357HIS) while others cause later-onset.71 A nonsense mutation (GLN368X) is a common mutation in individuals with later-onset disease.72 Interestingly, whole-gene deletions or a nonsense mutation near the N-terminal do not cause disease suggesting that the underlying disease mechanism is not loss of function but dominant negative or gain of function.97–99 Using an in vitro system, MYOC mutations were shown to decrease protein solubility and mutant protein solubility was correlated with disease severity.100 In a Tyr357His transgenic mouse (one of the most insoluble mutations), mutant myocilin accumulates in the ER causing the misfolded protein response5 and elevation of IOP. Sodium 4-phenylbutyrate, a molecular chaperone known to relieve the misfolded protein response in urea cycle disorders,101 also relieved ER stress and lowered IOP in this animal model.4 Reagents that relieve the presumed misfolded protein response in humans could be developed as novel therapies for patients with glaucoma caused by MYOC mutations.
3. EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX, CELL JUNCTIONS, AND CELL ADHESION
Processes involving extracellular matrix, especially in the trabecular meshwork, can influence aqueous outflow and elevation of IOP.102 A number of glaucoma-related genes code for proteins that function in the extracellular matrix. Additionally, two glaucoma-associated genes influence cell junctions and several extracellular collagens also contribute to glaucoma pathogenesis.
3.1. LTBP2 (Latent TGF-Binding Protein 2)
LTBP2 loss of function mutations can cause a range of ocular phenotypes including autosomal recessive congenital glaucoma,54,55 microsperophakia,66,67 and Weill Marchesani syndrome.68 Recent work suggests that impaired LTBP2 function primarily causes abnormal development of the ciliary zonules resulting in lens dislocations and other abnormalities.47,103 LTBP2 codes for latent TGF-binding protein 2, an extracellular matrix protein that is associated with microfibrils.6 LTBP2 also has cell-adhesive properties7,8 and a functional role in elastic fiber assembly.9 A possible role in TGF beta signaling is not well established despite the protein homology to LTBP1 which does bind TGF beta.104
3.2. LOXL1 (Lysyl Oxidase Like 1)
Common variants in LOXL1 are significantly associated with XFS, an ocular condition characterized by the distribution of aggregated macromolecules throughout the eye including the trabecular outflow pathways.91 XFS is the leading cause of secondary open-angle glaucoma (XFG) worldwide.105 Lysyl oxidase like 1 is necessary for proper elastin formation and maintenance, a critical component of the extracellular matrix.10 Initially, LOXL1 missense alleles were associated with disease in populations worldwide,106 however subsequent studies showed that the missense alleles are not likely to impact the amine oxidase activity of the enzyme.107 It is likely that dysregulation of LOXL1 is associated with disease development108 and LOXL1 variants influencing gene expression could influence disease risk. A LOXL1 null mouse has some, but not all, features of XFS.109
3.3. FNDC3B (Fibronectin Type III Domain Containing 3B)
Recent GWAS have identified common variants within and near FNDC3B associated with elevated IOP81 and thin central corneal thickness,82 both risk factors for POAG. FNDC3B codes for an extracellular matrix protein involved in several signaling pathways, including PI3-kinase/Akt, Rb1 and TGFβ signaling.11 TGF beta is known to induce extracellular matrix remodeling and can alter the cytoskeleton though both the canonical Smad and noncanonical signaling pathways.110 Experiments have shown that variation in TGF beta2 can cause elevation of IOP in an ex vivo perfusion organ culture model, and also elevation of IOP in rodent eyes.111
3.4. AFAP1 (Actin Filament-Associated Protein 1)
The protein encoded by AFAP1 binds to actin filaments and promotes crosslinking. Modulation of the actin cytoskeleton is known to contribute to the regulation of aqueous outflow and IOP.112 While not technically in the extracellular matrix, actin formation and stability can have a significant effect on cell shape, cell adhesion, and responsiveness to external stimuli presented by the extracellular matrix. A recent GWAS involving 4702 POGA cases and 9695 controls identified significant association of common AFAP1 variants with POAG.12 Immunohistochemistry showed that AFAP1 was present in both anterior segment and poster segment tissues, particularly trabecular meshwork and retinal astrocytes.
3.5. PLEKHA7 (Pleckstrin Homology Domain-Containing Protein 7)
PLEKHA7 codes for a protein necessary for formation of adherens junctions that can control paracellular permeability.13 This protein is expressed in ocular ciliary body and choroid and common variants in the gene have been associated with angle-closure glaucoma.14 Hypothetically PLEKHA7 may be related to angle closure though a mechanism involving compromise of the normal barrier to fluid leakage and/or aberrant fluid dynamics.
3.6. COL11A1 (Collagen Type XI, Alpha1)
COL11A1 encodes one of the two α chains of type XI collagen. Common variants in COL11A1 are associated with angle-closure glaucoma in Asian populations.14 Rare COL11A1 high-effect mutations cause Marshall syndrome, Stickler syndrome, type 2 or Stickler-like syndrome.15 These syndromes include axial myopia, probably caused by abnormal fibrillary collagen matrix in the sclera. As angle-closure glaucoma patients generally are hyperopic, the associated COL11A1 variants may influence (or are in linkage disequilibrium with variants that influence) COL11A1 expression resulting in smaller hyperopic eyes predisposed to angle closure. Alternatively, as COL11A1 is also expressed in the trabecular meshwork a direct effect on aqueous outflow is also possible.
3.7. COL15A1 (Collagen Type XV, Alpha1) and COL18A1 (Collagen XVIII, Alpha1)
COL15A1 and COL18A1 code for multiplexin collagens type XV and XVIII. These two proteins are highly homologous and are localized to the extracellular matrix and basement membranes in multiple ocular tissues including the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm’s canal.16–18 Variants in both COL15A1 and COL18A1 appear to act as disease modifiers influencing the age of disease onset in families with early-onset glaucoma.73 Interestingly, the COL18A1 variant was only found in families who also carried the disease-causing MYOC mutation Gln368X, one of the MYOC mutations related to milder disease. This result suggests that there could be a specific interaction between COL18A1 and MYOC, however further study is necessary to confirm this. The effect of the COL15A1 and COL18A1 variants could impair the stability of the trabecular outflow pathways including Schlemm’s canal thereby reducing aqueous outflow and raising IOP which results in more severe disease at an earlier age compared to a family member with the primary mutation who does not also carry one of the collagen variants. More work will be necessary to confirm this hypothesis.
4. TGF BETA SIGNALING
4.1. CDKN2BAS (Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor 2B Antisense)
TGF beta signaling is well known to contribute to processes involving the ocular anterior segment and IOP113 as well as the glaucoma-related neurodegenerative processes involving the optic nerve.114 Generally, TGF beta inhibits cell cycle progression resulting in terminal differentiation or in some situations, apoptosis. In astrocytes, TGF beta signaling is SMAD dependent and increased TGF beta can lead to an increase in CDKN2B which is an inhibitor of CDK4/6 (cyclin dependent kinase 4 and 6), which are necessary for cell cycle progression (Fig. 2). Excess CDKN2B inhibits cell cycle progression leading to apoptosis.115 CDKN2BAS is an antisense RNA (also known as ANRIL) that regulates expression of CDKN2B among other molecules.19–21 Common variants in the CDKN2BAS region are associated with POAG overall and in particular the NTG subgroup.50,80,89,90 The minor allele of the CDKN2BAS variant with most robust association is protective. The role of CDKN2BAS in glaucoma is not yet defined. One hypothesis is that the associated CDKN2BAS allele (minor allele) could result in decreased expression of CDKN2B which would increase activity of CDK4/6 promoting cell cycle progression (Fig. 2). Interestingly, the opposite allele of the variant associated with glaucoma is associated with glioma (lack of appropriate reduction in cell cycle progression) which provides some support for this hypothesis.116 It is also possible that the associated SNPs are in linkage disequilibrium with other genomic variants within CDKN2BAS or other nearby genes that have a direct role in disease development.117 Further experimentation is needed to clarify the role of this important molecule in glaucoma.
CDKN2BAS and cell cycle progression. CDKN2BAS (Cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2B antisense) is a long noncoding antisense RNA that regulates expression of CDKN2B (cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2B), coding for an inhibitor of CDK4 (cyclin-dependent kinase 4) necessary for cell cycle progression.19–21
4.2. TGFBR3 (TGFbeta Receptor 3)
Recently an association between a SNP near the gene coding for TGFbeta receptor 3 (TGFBR3) was identified for POAG in a mult-ethnic cohort, further supporting a role for TGFbeta signaling in this disease.85
5. TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR-ALPHA SIGNALING
5.1. OPTN (Optineurin), TBK1 (Tank-Binding Kinase 1)
Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a proinflammatory cytokine that may contribute to retinal ganglion cell death in glaucoma.118,119 TNF-alpha binding to its receptor initiates a cascade of events that can activate NFkBeta. Under normal conditions OPTN (coding for optineurin) is a negative regulator of NFkBeta activation.22,23 A rare OPTN missense mutation (E50K) causes familial NTG,86–88 and some OPTN mutations are also known to cause familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.120 Mutant forms of OPTN do not efficiently inhibit TNF-alpha stimulated NFkBeta transcription which may lead to increased transcription of proapoptotic genes and cell death.121 Interestingly, a second protein responsible for familial NTG, TBK1 (Tank-binding kinase 1) interacts with OPTN and this interaction is enhanced in an optineurin mutant (E50K) suggesting that binding of TBK1 to mutant OPTN could prevent the protein from inhibiting NFkBeta activation.24,25 CLYD (cylindromatosis turban tumor syndrome protein), another negative inhibitor of TNF-alpha induced NFkB activation has also been shown to interact with Optineurin and the interaction is also increased by OPTN mutations.23 Together, these results suggest that TNF-alpha induced NFkB transcription is detrimental to ganglion cells in glaucoma and that loss of inhibitors normally present to modulate this process (OPTN, CLYD) can result in severe familial optic nerve disease.
6. REGULATION OF AUTOPHAGY
6.1. OPTN (Optineurin), TBK1 (Tank-Binding Kinase 1)
In addition to roles in TNF-alpha signaling there is also evidence that OPTN and TBK1 regulate autophagy, a process that eliminates accumulation or proteins, organelles and other cellular debris.122 Autophagy has been observed in glaucoma animal models.123,124 Both TBK1 and OPTN are capable of regulating autophagy. When OPTN is upregulated or mutated, autophagy is activated in neuronal cells.26 Phosphorylation of OPTN by TBK1 promotes the recruitment of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (MAP1LC3B, LC3B) a critical step in the formation of autophagosomes and initiation of autophagy.27 The OPTN E50K–TBK1 enhanced interaction also promotes protein instability that can lead to autophagy.125 Using iPSCs derived from patients with TBK1 duplication increased expression of LC3-II a key marker of activation of autophagy was observed.126 Data from OPTN and TBK1 experiments suggests that autophagy may be an important pathway in the development of NTG.
7. LIPID METABOLISM
7.1. ABCA1 (ATP-Binding Cassette, Subfamily A (ABC1) Member 1)
Recent GWAS have implicated ABCA1 (coding for ATP-binding cassette, subfamily A (ABC1) member 1) in POAG.12,74 Variants in this gene are also associated with IOP in normal populations.81 The protein encoded by this gene is a major regulator of cellular cholesterol and phospholipid homeostasis.28,29 ABCA1 is expressed in ocular tissues relevant to glaucoma including iris, ciliary body, retina, optic nerve head, optic nerve, and trabecular meshwork.12 Previous studies using the DBA/2J mouse glaucoma model identified Abca1 in a cluster of transcripts with varied expression in response to ganglion cell death.127 ABCA1 expression has also been reported to be higher in leukocytes from glaucoma patients.128 A role for lipid metabolism in glaucoma is also supported by the protective effect of statins in patients with hyperlipidemia.129
8. ENDOTHELIAL NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHETASE SIGNALING AND CAVEOLAE
8.1. CAV1/CAV2 (Caveolins 1 and 2)
Caveolae are invaginations of the plasma membrane formed primarily by the caveolin proteins.30 These are especially common in vascular endothelial cells but can be present in many vertebrate cell types. Common variants near CAV1, coding for caveolin 1 have been associated with POAG in populations worldwide.75–79 While dysregulation of CAV1 has many downstream effects, one consequence of CAV1 deficiency is activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthetase (eNOS) with subsequent increase in nitric oxide (NO).31 NO can modulate the tone of luminal structures with adjacent smooth muscle including blood vessels and ocular structures such as Schlemm’s canal and juxtacanalicular trabecular outflow pathways.130,131 eNOS may play a role in the etiology of glaucoma; it is found in the human outflow pathway132 and the vasculature supplying retinal ganglion cells,133 which may affect the regulation of IOP and blood flow to the optic nerve, respectively. NOS3 (nitric oxide synthetase 3, coding for eNOS) may interact with estrogen to contribute to POAG in women.134 Recently, CAV1 variants were shown to be preferentially associated with the POAG subgroup with initial paracentral visual field loss, a phenotypic feature more common in POAG patients with evidence of vascular dysregulation.135 Another potential role for caveolae and CAV1 in POAG is the formation of “giant vaculoles” noted in trabecular meshwork cells in the setting of elevated IOP.136
9. FRUCTOSE AND MANNOSE METABOLISM
Two genes (GMDS and PMM2) coding for enzymes in the fructose and mannose metabolism pathway have been associated with POAG. Interestingly, highly penetrant alleles in both of these genes cause congenital glycosylation disorders32 and both genes code for enzymes involved in different steps of the overall fructose-mannose metabolism pathway (KEGG pathway hsa00051). One of the products of this pathway is N-glycans that have a role in a number of cellular processes including targeting of proteins to lysosomes for degradation.33
9.1. GMDS (GDP-mannose 4,6 dehydratase)
GMDS has been associated with POAG in a GWAS of Caucasians with European ancestry.12
9.2. PMM2 (Phosphomannomutase)
PMM2 has been associated with POAG in a GWAS of Asians.74
10. REGULATION OF CELL DIVISION
Several genes coding for proteins that can regulate cell division contribute to adult-onset forms of glaucoma including POAG and NTG.
10.1. GAS7 (Growth Arrest-Specific 7)
GAS7 is a member of the growth arrest-specific family of genes expressed in terminally differentiated tissues.34 This member of the growth arrest-specific gene family is expressed primarily in terminally differentiated brain cells and mature cerebellar Purkinje neurons but also in terminally differentiated fibroblasts.35 GAS7 can induce neurite outgrowth in terminal neurons36 and is also involved in some developmental processes such as osteoblast cell differentiation from mesenchymal cells.37,38 Common variants near GAS7 were initially associated with elevated IOP in normal populations78,83 and subsequently also associated with POAG.12,50 RT-PCR shows that GAS7 is expressed in trabecular meshwork cells as well as retina and optic nerve.38 Considering the expression of GAS7 primarily in neurons and its function in neurite outgrowth a role for the protein in IOP regulation is not clear. As part of the neurite outgrowth function GAS7 interacts with actin and microfilaments, and it is possible that this interaction also occurs in trabecular meshwork cells or other cells involved in aqueous humor dynamics.137
10.2. TMCO1 (Transmembrane and Coiled-Coil Domains-1)
Common variants near TMCO1 on chromosome 1q24 were initially associated with IOP in normal populations38 and subsequently with POAG in Caucasians of European ancestry.80 Loss of function mutations cause a recessive condition involving craniofacial dysmorphism, skeletal anomalies, and mental retardation that has been termed, “TMCO1 syndrome.”138,139 Coding sequence mutations do not appear to contribute to glaucoma, including the pedigrees affected by TMCO1 syndrome. The protein sequence is very highly conserved across mammalian species suggesting a critical biological function, and it is expressed in many human tissues including ocular tissues.39 Using a GFP-TMCO1 fusion protein, the protein was localized to the ER140 and mitochondria.141 More recently, using immunohistochemistry TMCO1 localized to nucleoli suggesting that the protein could have a role in aging through cell-cycle regulation.39
10.3. CDKN2BAS (Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor 2B Antisense)
CDKN2BAS codes for a long noncoding antisense RNA that negatively regulates the expression of CDKN2B, coding for an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 necessary for cell cycle progression.19–21 Common variants in the CDKN2BAS genomic region are strongly associated with POAG and NTG suggesting that cell-cycle regulation is an important feature of disease development.50,80,89,90 Unlike TMCO1 and GAS7 which are asso ciated with IOP as well as POAG, CDKN2BAS was initially associated with the cup-to-disc ratio in normal populations84 and is more robustly associated with NTG compared with POAG,50,80,89,90 suggesting that the primary influence is on the optic nerve. The cells involved are not yet known.
11. REGULATION OF OCULAR DEVELOPMENT
A number of genes responsible for early-onset forms of glaucoma regulate ocular development. Mutations in these genes cause ocular dysgenesis, primarily of the anterior segment structures, resulting in elevated IOP and subsequent damage to the optic nerve. Currently one adult-onset gene, SIX6 associated with POAG, codes for a protein involved in ocular development.
11.1. FOXC1 (Forkhead Box C1)
FOXC1 codes for a member of the family of forkhead domain proteins involved in developmental processes in many human tissues.142 In the human eye, FOXC1 mutations cause a spectrum of phenotypic abnormalities that includes iris hypoplasia and other features of anterior segment dysgenesis.56,57 In addition, some FOXC1 mutations appear to cause hearing loss, and FOXC1 may contribute to De Hauwere syndrome characterized by anterior segment dysgenesis, hypertelorism, retardation, hypotonia, hearing loss, femoral head anomalies, and hydrocephalus.58,59 Disease-causing mutations in FOXC1 include missense changes in the forkhead domain, nonsense and frameshift mutations, and whole-gene deletions and duplications.57 Mutations resulting in disease cause a loss of protein function particularly of the transactivation domain40,41 and are inherited as an autosomal dominant trait with variable penetrance. FOXC1 interacts with PITX2 (see later) and PITX2 can negatively regulate FOXC1 transactivity.143,144 Moreover, patients who have mutations in both genes have more severe disease.145 In additional to hearing defects, patients with anterior segment dysgenesis caused by FOXC1 mutations may also have heart defects.146
11.2. PITX2 (Paired-Like Homeodomain 2)
PITX2 is a member of the bicoid class of homeodomain transcription factors that are necessary for embryonic development.42,43 PITX2 mutations were initially identified as a cause of classic Rieger syndrome defined by characteristic teeth and umbilical abnormalities as well as ocular anterior segment dysgenesis.60–62 PITX2 is also necessary for pituitary development147 and PITX2 variants have been associated with cardiac abnormalities, in particular atrial fibrillation.148 PITX2 mutations causing Rieger syndrome are loss of function and are inherited as an autosomal dominant trait with variable penetrance.57 Deletion of an upstream regulatory region can also cause disease.149 As noted above, PITX2 interacts with FOXC1 defining an important pathway for ocular development.143,144 Induction of PITX2 expression requires the Wnt/Dvl/beta-catenin pathway that leads to cell-type-specific proliferation.150 Approximately 50% of patients with ocular dysgenesis caused by either PITX2 or FOXC1 mutations have glaucoma57 characterized by high IOP. Glaucoma is likely caused by abnormal development of the trabecular outflow pathways, and in particular Schlemm’s canal.151
11.3. PAX6 (Paired Box 6)
PAX6 plays a critical role in ocular development.44 PAX6 loss of function mutations cause Aniridia, characterized by abnormal development of the iris,63 as well as Peter’s anomaly64 and dominant forms of corneal keratitis.65 Approximately 50% of patients with ocular developmental abnormalities due to PAX6 mutations also are affected by early-onset glaucoma.63 Interestingly, deletions of the downstream PAX6 regulatory region are relatively common disease-causing mutations.152 Large deletions that include PAX6 can also involve the gene responsible for Wilm’s tumor153 and patients with ocular phenotypes suggestive of Aniridia or other conditions related to PAX6 defects should have renal ultrasound screening.
11.4. CYP1B1 (Cytochrome P450, Family 1, Subfamily B, Polypeptide 1)
CYP1B1 loss of function mutations are the most common cause of autosomal recessive congenital glaucoma worldwide.51 Reported CYP1B1 mutations include missense, frameshift, premature stop codons, small insertion/ deletions, and large deletions.51–53 CYP1B1 codes for cytochrome P-450 1B1, a member of the large cytochrome P450 family. P450 1B1 is known to metabolize complex molecules such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and 17-β-estradiol.154–156 The role of the protein in congenital glaucoma is not clear; however, it has been hypothesized that the P-450 1B1 activity is responsible for metabolism of a compound involved in ocular development.45,46 Recently, CYP1B1 mutations have also been shown to contribute to glaucoma in older children (juvenile-onset).157–160 Mutations in juvenile-onset children (onset between the ages of 3 and 20) are primarily missense alleles which may confer some residual enzyme activity (hypomorph alleles).161 A recent study has found that the carrier frequency of CYP1B1 mutations in two populations in the United States is higher than expected based on the disease incidence of congenital glaucoma only. In particular, the frequency of missense alleles was higher than expected suggesting that missense mutations may contribute to disease other than congenital glaucoma and this could be juvenile-onset glaucoma and glaucoma related to ocular dysgenesis.162
11.5. LTBP2 (Latent TGF-Binding Protein 2)
As noted earlier, LTBP2 loss of function mutations can cause a variety of ocular conditions which result from abnormal development of the ciliary zonules.47,54,55,66–68,103 LTBP2 null mice develop lens abnormalities including lens dislocation, but not primary congenital glaucoma, suggesting that lens dislocation could underlie the development of glaucoma in humans with LTBP2 mutations.47
11.6. SIX6 (SIX Homeobox 6)
SIX6 is one member of a human gene family originally identified by homology to the Drosophila sine oculis (so) gene required for eye development.48 All six members of the human SIX family have a DNA-binding homeobox domain as well as a SIX domain which binds effector molecules. The human SIX genes also appear to regulate eye development through transcriptional activation of downstream genes.49 SIX6 expression is restricted to the eye and pituitary163 and loss of function mutations in this gene are a cause of isolated microphthalmia with cataract type 2 (MCOPCT2).69 Common SIX6 variants, including a common missense mutation, are associated with POAG.50,84 The missense change His141Asn, has also been associated with retinal nerve fiber layer thickness suggesting that the associated gene variants increase susceptibility to POAG by limiting the development of the retinal ganglion cells.164 Using zebrafish and a morpholino knock-down complementation assay His141Asn and several other missense alleles were found to reduce the size of the optic nerve providing further support for the hypothesis that SIX6 risk variants disrupt the development of the neural retina, leading to a reduced number of retinal ganglion cells which increases the risk of glaucoma-associated vision loss.165,166
12. CEREBROSPINAL FLUID PRESSURE
12.1. 8q22 Regulatory Region
A NTG GWAS identified significant association with common SNPs located in an evolutionarily conserved genomic region on chromosome 8q22.50 This region contains regulatory sites annotated by ENCODE167 as enhancers with highest activity in the choroid plexus (produces cerebrospinal fluid) and the ocular ciliary body (produces aqueous humor). Of interest, recent studies have suggested that low cerebral spinal fluid pressure may create a deleterious gradient across the lamina cribrosa in NTG mimicking a similar gradient induced by higher IOP in typical high-pressure POAG.168 The genes influenced by the enhancers are not yet known although SNPs in this region may impact TGF beta signaling.50
13. SUMMARY
Genetic studies have yielded important genes contributing to both early-onset and adult-onset forms of glaucoma. The proteins encoded by the current collection of glaucoma genes participate in a broad range of cellular processes and biological systems. Extracellular matrix proteins are especially prevalent among glaucoma genes; however, proteins involved in cytokine signaling, lipid metabolism, membrane biology, fructose and mannose metabolism, regulation of cell division, autophagy, and ocular development also contribute to disease pathogenesis. The genes currently known to contribute to glaucoma account for only a fraction of the overall disease heritability,169 and GWAS with larger and better characterized patient cohorts and current next-generation sequencing approaches are needed for novel gene discovery. Delineating the complete genetic architecture of glaucoma will make it possible to develop sensitive and specific genebased tests that could identify individuals at risk for disease before irreversible damage to the optic nerve occurs. The discovery of disease-related genes will also provide new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for glaucoma, an important step toward achieving novel gene-based preventative and protective therapies.