Macrophages modulate fibrosis during newt lens regeneration
Previous studies indicated that macrophages play a role during lens regeneration in newts, but their function has not been tested experimentally. Here we generated a transgenic newt reporter line in which macrophages can be visualized . Using this new tool, we analyzed the location of macrophages du...
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Published in | bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology |
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Main Authors | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
United States
05.06.2023
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Online Access | Get more information |
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Summary: | Previous studies indicated that macrophages play a role during lens regeneration in newts, but their function has not been tested experimentally. Here we generated a transgenic newt reporter line in which macrophages can be visualized
. Using this new tool, we analyzed the location of macrophages during lens regeneration. We uncovered early gene expression changes using bulk RNAseq in two newt species,
and
. Next, we used clodronate liposomes to deplete macrophages, which inhibited lens regeneration in both newt species. Macrophage depletion induced the formation of scar-like tissue, an increased and sustained inflammatory response, an early decrease in iris pigment epithelial cell (iPEC) proliferation and a late increase in apoptosis. Some of these phenotypes persisted for at least 100 days and could be rescued by exogenous FGF2. Re-injury alleviated the effects of macrophage depletion and re-started the regeneration process. Together, our findings highlight the importance of macrophages in facilitating a pro-regenerative environment in the newt eye, helping to resolve fibrosis, modulating the overall inflammatory landscape and maintaining the proper balance of early proliferation and late apoptosis. |
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