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Koss MJ, Falabella P, Stefanini FR, Pfister M, Thomas BB, Kashani AH, Brant R, Zhu D, Clegg DO, Hinton DR, Humayun MS. Subretinal implantation of a monolayer of human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium: a feasibility and safety study in Yucatán minipigs. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2016; 254:1553-1565. [PMID: 27335025 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-016-3386-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE A subretinal implant termed CPCB-RPE1 is currently being developed to surgically replace dystrophic RPE in patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and severe vision loss. CPCB-RPE1 is composed of a terminally differentiated, polarized human embryonic stem cell-derived RPE (hESC-RPE) monolayer pre-grown on a biocompatible, mesh-supported submicron parylene C membrane. The objective of the present delivery study was to assess the feasibility and 1-month safety of CPCB-RPE1 implantation in Yucatán minipigs, whose eyes are similar to human eyes in size and gross retinal anatomy. METHODS This was a prospective, partially blinded, randomized study in 14 normal-sighted female Yucatán minipigs (aged 2 months, weighing 24-35 kg). Surgeons were blinded to the randomization codes and postoperative and post-mortem assessments were performed in a blinded manner. Eleven minipigs received CPCB-RPE1 while three control minipigs underwent sham surgery that generated subretinal blebs. All animals except two sham controls received combined local (Ozurdex™ dexamethasone intravitreal implant) and systemic (tacrolimus) immunosuppression or local immunosuppression alone. Correct placement of the CPCB-RPE1 implant was assessed by in vivo optical coherence tomography and post-mortem histology. hESC-RPE cells were identified using immunohistochemistry staining for TRA-1-85 (a human marker) and RPE65 (an RPE marker). As the study results of primary interest were nonnumerical no statistical analysis or tests were conducted. RESULTS CPCB-RPE1 implants were reliably placed, without implant breakage, in the subretinal space of the minipig eye using surgical techniques similar to those that would be used in humans. Histologically, hESC-RPE cells were found to survive as an intact monolayer for 1 month based on immunohistochemistry staining for TRA-1-85 and RPE65. CONCLUSIONS Although inconclusive regarding the necessity or benefit of systemic or local immunosuppression, our study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of CPCB-RPE1 subretinal implantation in a comparable animal model and provides an encouraging starting point for human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Koss
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA.
| | - Paulo Falabella
- USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
| | - Francisco R Stefanini
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo UNIFESP, Rua Botucatu 821, 04023-062, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcel Pfister
- USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
| | - Biju B Thomas
- USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
| | - Amir H Kashani
- USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
| | - Rodrigo Brant
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo UNIFESP, Rua Botucatu 821, 04023-062, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danhong Zhu
- USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
| | - Dennis O Clegg
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106-9625, USA
| | - David R Hinton
- USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
| | - Mark S Humayun
- USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
- Institute of Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
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Mount NM, Ward SJ, Kefalas P, Hyllner J. Cell-based therapy technology classifications and translational challenges. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2016; 370:20150017. [PMID: 26416686 PMCID: PMC4634004 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell therapies offer the promise of treating and altering the course of diseases which cannot be addressed adequately by existing pharmaceuticals. Cell therapies are a diverse group across cell types and therapeutic indications and have been an active area of research for many years but are now strongly emerging through translation and towards successful commercial development and patient access. In this article, we present a description of a classification of cell therapies on the basis of their underlying technologies rather than the more commonly used classification by cell type because the regulatory path and manufacturing solutions are often similar within a technology area due to the nature of the methods used. We analyse the progress of new cell therapies towards clinical translation, examine how they are addressing the clinical, regulatory, manufacturing and reimbursement requirements, describe some of the remaining challenges and provide perspectives on how the field may progress for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen J Ward
- Cell Therapy Catapult, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Panos Kefalas
- Cell Therapy Catapult, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Johan Hyllner
- Cell Therapy Catapult, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK Division of Biotechnology, IFM, Linköping University, Linköping 581 83, Sweden
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Whiting P, Kerby J, Coffey P, da Cruz L, McKernan R. Progressing a human embryonic stem-cell-based regenerative medicine therapy towards the clinic. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2016; 370:20140375. [PMID: 26416684 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2014.0375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first publication of the derivation of human embryonic stem cells in 1998, there has been hope and expectation that this technology will lead to a wave of regenerative medicine therapies with the potential to revolutionize our approach to managing certain diseases. Despite significant resources in this direction, the path to the clinic for an embryonic stem-cell-based regenerative medicine therapy has not proven straightforward, though in the past few years progress has been made. Here, with a focus upon retinal disease, we discuss the current status of the development of such therapies. We also highlight some of our own experiences of progressing a retinal pigment epithelium cell replacement therapy towards the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Whiting
- Pfizer Neusentis, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GS, UK
| | - Julie Kerby
- Pfizer Neusentis, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GS, UK
| | - Peter Coffey
- The London Project to Cure Blindness, Division of ORBIT, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Lyndon da Cruz
- The London Project to Cure Blindness, Division of ORBIT, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Ruth McKernan
- Pfizer Neusentis, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GS, UK
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Thieltges F, Liu Z, Brinken R, Braun N, Wongsawad W, Somboonthanakij S, Herwig M, Holz FG, Stanzel BV. Localized RPE Removal with a Novel Instrument Aided by Viscoelastics in Rabbits. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2016; 5:11. [PMID: 27294010 PMCID: PMC4898042 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.5.3.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We developed a surgical method for localized and atraumatic removal of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) with a novel instrument. METHODS Bleb retinal detachments (bRD) were raised with balanced salt solution (BSS) following vitrectomy in 27 rabbits. The RPE was scraped with 3 loop variants (polypropylene [PP], 0.1 mm; PP, 0.06 mm; metal, 0.1 mm) of a custom-made instrument. Stabilization of bRDs with BSS or various concentrations (0.1%-0.5%) of hyaluronic acid (HA) was video analyzed. Perfusion-fixed samples of scraped areas and controls were studied by light and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS The bRDs were sufficiently stabilized by ≥0.25% HA. Using the PP 0.1 mm loop with a single forward/backward stroke, an area of ca. 2.5 × 1.5 mm was nearly devoid of RPE, yet did show occasional Bruch's membrane (BM) defects combined with choriocapillaris hemorrhages in 13% of the bRDs. A single scrape with PP 0.06 mm resulted in unsatisfactory RPE denudement, while repeated scraping maneuvers caused more BM defects and hemorrhages. The metal loop resulted in incomplete RPE removal and massive intraoperative subretinal hemorrhages. Histologically, intact photoreceptor outer segments (POS) were observed above the RPE wounds in bRDs. Controls with bRDs alone showed an intact RPE monolayer with microvilli, with few engulfed remains of POS. CONCLUSIONS Localized removal of RPE in HA stabilized bRD can be achieved by a PP 0.1 mm loop instrument. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE Removal of degenerated RPE may aid RPE cell replacement strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zengping Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany ; Present address: Zengping Liu, Department of Ophthalmology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ralf Brinken
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Warapat Wongsawad
- Mettapracharak Eye Institute, Raikhing, Nakhon Pathom 73210, Thailand
| | | | - Martina Herwig
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank G Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Boris V Stanzel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany ; Present address: Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore
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Khan AZ, Utheim TP, Jackson CJ, Reppe S, Lyberg T, Eidet JR. Nucleus Morphometry in Cultured Epithelial Cells Correlates with Phenotype. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2016; 22:612-20. [PMID: 27329312 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927616000830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Phenotype of cultured ocular epithelial transplants has been shown to affect clinical success rates following transplantation to the cornea. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between cell nucleus morphometry and phenotype in three types of cultured epithelial cells. This study provides knowledge for the development of a non-invasive method of determining the phenotype of cultured epithelium before transplantation. Cultured human conjunctival epithelial cells (HCjE), human epidermal keratinocytes (HEK), and human retinal pigment epithelial cells (HRPE) were analyzed by quantitative immunofluorescence. Assessments of nucleus morphometry and nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio (N/C ratio) were performed using ImageJ. Spearman's correlation coefficient was employed for statistical analysis. Levels of the proliferation marker PCNA in HCjE, HEK, and HRPE correlated positively with nuclear area. Nuclear area correlated significantly with levels of the undifferentiated cell marker ABCG2 in HCjE. Bmi1 levels, but not p63α levels, correlated significantly with nuclear area in HEK. The N/C ratio did not correlate significantly with any of the immunomarkers in HCjE (ABCG2, CK7, and PCNA) and HRPE (PCNA). In HEK, however, the N/C ratio was negatively correlated with levels of the undifferentiated cell marker CK14 and positively correlated with Bmi1 expression. The size of the nuclear area correlated positively with proliferation markers in all three epithelia. Morphometric indicators of phenotype in cultured epithelia can be identified using ImageJ. Conversely, the N/C ratio did not show a uniform relationship with phenotype in HCjE, HEK, or HRPE. N/C ratio therefore, may not be a useful morphometric marker for in vitro assessment of phenotype in these three epithelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayyad Z Khan
- 1Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine,University of Oslo,P.O Box 1171,Blindern,0318 Oslo,Norway
| | - Tor P Utheim
- 2Department of Medical Biochemistry,Oslo University Hospital,Kirkeveien 166,P.O. Box 4956,Nydalen,0424 Oslo,Norway
| | - Catherine J Jackson
- 2Department of Medical Biochemistry,Oslo University Hospital,Kirkeveien 166,P.O. Box 4956,Nydalen,0424 Oslo,Norway
| | - Sjur Reppe
- 2Department of Medical Biochemistry,Oslo University Hospital,Kirkeveien 166,P.O. Box 4956,Nydalen,0424 Oslo,Norway
| | - Torstein Lyberg
- 2Department of Medical Biochemistry,Oslo University Hospital,Kirkeveien 166,P.O. Box 4956,Nydalen,0424 Oslo,Norway
| | - Jon R Eidet
- 2Department of Medical Biochemistry,Oslo University Hospital,Kirkeveien 166,P.O. Box 4956,Nydalen,0424 Oslo,Norway
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Choudhary P, Gutteridge A, Impey E, Storer RI, Owen RM, Whiting PJ, Bictash M, Benn CL. Targeting the cAMP and Transforming Growth Factor-β Pathway Increases Proliferation to Promote Re-Epithelialization of Human Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium. Stem Cells Transl Med 2016; 5:925-37. [PMID: 27112176 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2015-0247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell integrity is critical to the maintenance of retinal function. Many retinopathies such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are caused by the degeneration or malfunction of the RPE cell layer. Replacement of diseased RPE with healthy, stem cell-derived RPE is a potential therapeutic strategy for treating AMD. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) differentiated into RPE progeny have the potential to provide an unlimited supply of cells for transplantation, but challenges around scalability and efficiency of the differentiation process still remain. Using hESC-derived RPE as a cellular model, we sought to understand mechanisms that could be modulated to increase RPE yield after differentiation. We show that RPE epithelialization is a density-dependent process, and cells seeded at low density fail to epithelialize. We demonstrate that activation of the cAMP pathway increases proliferation of dissociated RPE in culture, in part through inhibition of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling. This results in enhanced uptake of epithelial identity, even in cultures seeded at low density. In line with these findings, targeted manipulation of the TGF-β pathway with small molecules produces an increase in efficiency of RPE re-epithelialization. Taken together, these data highlight mechanisms that promote epithelial fate acquisition in stem cell-derived RPE. Modulation of these pathways has the potential to favorably impact scalability and clinical translation of hESC-derived RPE as a cell therapy. SIGNIFICANCE Stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is currently being evaluated as a cell-replacement therapy for macular degeneration. This work shows that the process of generating RPE in vitro is regulated by the cAMP and transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway. Modulation of these pathways by small molecules, as identified by phenotypic screening, leads to an increased efficiency of generating RPE cells with a higher yield. This can have a potential impact on manufacturing transplantation-ready cells at large scale and is advantageous for clinical studies using this approach in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parul Choudhary
- Pfizer Neuroscience and Pain Research Unit, Pfizer Ltd., Great Abington, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Gutteridge
- Pfizer Neuroscience and Pain Research Unit, Pfizer Ltd., Great Abington, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Impey
- Pfizer Neuroscience and Pain Research Unit, Pfizer Ltd., Great Abington, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - R Ian Storer
- Pfizer Worldwide Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Ltd., Great Abington, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Robert M Owen
- Pfizer Worldwide Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Ltd., Great Abington, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Paul J Whiting
- Pfizer Neuroscience and Pain Research Unit, Pfizer Ltd., Great Abington, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Magda Bictash
- Pfizer Neuroscience and Pain Research Unit, Pfizer Ltd., Great Abington, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline L Benn
- Pfizer Neuroscience and Pain Research Unit, Pfizer Ltd., Great Abington, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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West MD, Binette F, Larocca D, Chapman KB, Irving C, Sternberg H. The germline/soma dichotomy: implications for aging and degenerative disease. Regen Med 2016; 11:331-4. [DOI: 10.2217/rme-2015-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human somatic cells are mortal due in large part to telomere shortening associated with cell division. Limited proliferative capacity may, in turn, limit response to injury and may play an important role in the etiology of age-related pathology. Pluripotent stem cells cultured in vitro appear to maintain long telomere length through relatively high levels of telomerase activity. We propose that the induced reversal of cell aging by transcriptional reprogramming, or alternatively, human embryonic stem cells engineered to escape immune surveillance, are effective platforms for the industrial-scale manufacture of young cells for the treatment of age-related pathologies. Such cell-based regenerative therapies will require newer manufacturing and delivery technologies to insure highly pure, identified and potent pluripotency-based therapeutic formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D West
- BioTime, Inc., 1010 Atlantic Ave., Alameda, CA 94501, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Hal Sternberg
- BioTime, Inc., 1010 Atlantic Ave., Alameda, CA 94501, USA
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58
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Brant Fernandes RA, Koss MJ, Falabella P, Stefanini FR, Maia M, Diniz B, Ribeiro R, Hu Y, Hinton D, Clegg DO, Chader G, Humayun MS. An Innovative Surgical Technique for Subretinal Transplantation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigmented Epithelium in Yucatan Mini Pigs: Preliminary Results. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2016; 47:342-51. [DOI: 10.3928/23258160-20160324-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Gonçalves S, Rodrigues IP, Padrão J, Silva JP, Sencadas V, Lanceros-Mendez S, Girão H, Gama FM, Dourado F, Rodrigues LR. Acetylated bacterial cellulose coated with urinary bladder matrix as a substrate for retinal pigment epithelium. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2015; 139:1-9. [PMID: 26689643 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2015.11.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This work evaluated the effect of acetylated bacterial cellulose (ABC) substrates coated with urinary bladder matrix (UBM) on the behavior of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), as assessed by cell adhesion, proliferation and development of cell polarity exhibiting transepithelial resistance and polygonal shaped-cells with microvilli. Acetylation of bacterial cellulose (BC) generated a moderate hydrophobic surface (around 65°) while the adsorption of UBM onto these acetylated substrates did not affect significantly the surface hydrophobicity. The ABS substrates coated with UBM enabled the development of a cell phenotype closer to that of native RPE cells. These cells were able to express proteins essential for their cytoskeletal organization and metabolic function (ZO-1 and RPE65), while showing a polygonal shaped morphology with microvilli and a monolayer configuration. The coated ABC substrates were also characterized, exhibiting low swelling effect (between 1.5-2.0 swelling/mm(3)), high mechanical strength (2048MPa) and non-pyrogenicity (2.12EU/L). Therefore, the ABC substrates coated with UBM exhibit interesting features as potential cell carriers in RPE transplantation that ought to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Gonçalves
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Inês Patrício Rodrigues
- Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, IBILI-Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jorge Padrão
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - João Pedro Silva
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Vitor Sencadas
- Center/Department of Physics, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | | | - Henrique Girão
- Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, IBILI-Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco M Gama
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Fernando Dourado
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Lígia R Rodrigues
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
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Kalloniatis M, Nivison-Smith L, Chua J, Acosta ML, Fletcher EL. Using the rd1 mouse to understand functional and anatomical retinal remodelling and treatment implications in retinitis pigmentosa: A review. Exp Eye Res 2015; 150:106-21. [PMID: 26521764 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) reflects a range of inherited retinal disorders which involve photoreceptor degeneration and retinal pigmented epithelium dysfunction. Despite the multitude of genetic mutations being associated with the RP phenotype, the clinical and functional manifestations of the disease remain the same: nyctalopia, visual field constriction (tunnel vision), photopsias and pigment proliferation. In this review, we describe the typical clinical phenotype of human RP and review the anatomical and functional remodelling which occurs in RP determined from studies in the rd/rd (rd1) mouse. We also review studies that report a slowing down or show an acceleration of retinal degeneration and finally we provide insights on the impact retinal remodelling may have in vision restoration strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kalloniatis
- Centre for Eye Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia; School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia; School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - L Nivison-Smith
- Centre for Eye Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia; School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - J Chua
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - M L Acosta
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - E L Fletcher
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Shadforth AMA, Suzuki S, Alzonne R, Edwards GA, Richardson NA, Chirila TV, Harkin DG. Incorporation of Human Recombinant Tropoelastin into Silk Fibroin Membranes with the View to Repairing Bruch's Membrane. J Funct Biomater 2015; 6:946-62. [PMID: 26389960 PMCID: PMC4598686 DOI: 10.3390/jfb6030946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bombyx mori silk fibroin membranes provide a potential delivery vehicle for both cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) components into diseased or injured tissues. We have previously demonstrated the feasibility of growing retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) on fibroin membranes with the view to repairing the retina of patients afflicted with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The goal of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of incorporating the ECM component elastin, in the form of human recombinant tropoelastin, into these same membranes. Two basic strategies were explored: (1) membranes prepared from blended solutions of fibroin and tropoelastin; and (2) layered constructs prepared from sequentially cast solutions of fibroin, tropoelastin, and fibroin. Optimal conditions for RPE attachment were achieved using a tropoelastin-fibroin blend ratio of 10 to 90 parts by weight. Retention of tropoelastin within the blend and layered constructs was confirmed by immunolabelling and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In the layered constructs, the bulk of tropoelastin was apparently absorbed into the initially cast fibroin layer. Blend membranes displayed higher elastic modulus, percentage elongation, and tensile strength (p < 0.01) when compared to the layered constructs. RPE cell response to fibroin membranes was not affected by the presence of tropoelastin. These findings support the potential use of fibroin membranes for the co-delivery of RPE cells and tropoelastin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audra M A Shadforth
- Queensland Eye Institute, 140 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia.
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia.
| | - Shuko Suzuki
- Queensland Eye Institute, 140 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia.
| | - Raphaelle Alzonne
- Queensland Eye Institute, 140 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia.
| | - Grant A Edwards
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Neil A Richardson
- Queensland Eye Institute, 140 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia.
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia.
| | - Traian V Chirila
- Queensland Eye Institute, 140 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia.
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland 4029, Australia.
- Faculty of Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia.
| | - Damien G Harkin
- Queensland Eye Institute, 140 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia.
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia.
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Effect of Storage Temperature on Key Functions of Cultured Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. J Ophthalmol 2015; 2015:263756. [PMID: 26448872 PMCID: PMC4584032 DOI: 10.1155/2015/263756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Revised: 08/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose. Replacement of the diseased retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) with cells capable of performing the specialized functions of the RPE is the aim of cell replacement therapy for treatment of macular degenerative diseases. A storage method for RPE is likely to become a prerequisite for the establishment of such treatment. Herein, we analyze the effect of storage temperature on key functions of cultured RPE cells. Methods. Cultured ARPE-19 cells were stored in Minimum Essential Medium at 4°C, 16°C, and 37°C for seven days. Total RNA was isolated and the gene expression profile was determined using DNA microarrays. Comparison of the microarray expression values with qRT-PCR analysis of selected genes validated the results. Results. Expression levels of several key genes involved in phagocytosis, pigment synthesis, the visual cycle, adherens, and tight junctions, and glucose and ion transport were maintained close to control levels in cultures stored at 4°C and 16°C. Cultures stored at 37°C displayed regulational changes in a larger subset of genes related to phagocytosis, adherens, and tight junctions. Conclusion. RPE cultures stored at 4°C and 16°C for one week are capable of maintaining the expression levels of genes important for key RPE functions close to control levels.
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Stem cell based therapies for age-related macular degeneration: The promises and the challenges. Prog Retin Eye Res 2015; 48:1-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2015.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Revised: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Popelka Š, Studenovská H, Abelová L, Ardan T, Studený P, Straňák Z, Klíma J, Dvořánková B, Kotek J, Hodan J, Rypáček F. A frame-supported ultrathin electrospun polymer membrane for transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial cells. Biomed Mater 2015; 10:045022. [DOI: 10.1088/1748-6041/10/4/045022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Alexander P, Thomson HAJ, Luff AJ, Lotery AJ. Retinal pigment epithelium transplantation: concepts, challenges, and future prospects. Eye (Lond) 2015; 29:992-1002. [PMID: 26043704 PMCID: PMC4541358 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2015.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a single layer of cells that supports the light-sensitive photoreceptor cells that are essential for retinal function. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of visual impairment, and the primary pathogenic mechanism is thought to arise in the RPE layer. RPE cell structure and function are well understood, the cells are readily sustainable in laboratory culture and, unlike other cell types within the retina, RPE cells do not require synaptic connections to perform their role. These factors, together with the relative ease of outer retinal imaging, make RPE cells an attractive target for cell transplantation compared with other cell types in the retina or central nervous system. Seminal experiments in rats with an inherited RPE dystrophy have demonstrated that RPE transplantation can prevent photoreceptor loss and maintain visual function. This review provides an update on the progress made so far on RPE transplantation in human eyes, outlines potential sources of donor cells, and describes the technical and surgical challenges faced by the transplanting surgeon. Recent advances in the understanding of pluripotent stem cells, combined with novel surgical instrumentation, hold considerable promise, and support the concept of RPE transplantation as a regenerative strategy in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Alexander
- Clinical Neurosciences Research Group, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - H A J Thomson
- Clinical Neurosciences Research Group, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - A J Luff
- Clinical Neurosciences Research Group, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - A J Lotery
- Clinical Neurosciences Research Group, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
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66
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Choudhary P, Dodsworth BT, Sidders B, Gutteridge A, Michaelides C, Duckworth JK, Whiting PJ, Benn CL. A FOXM1 Dependent Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition in Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130379. [PMID: 26121260 PMCID: PMC4488273 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The integrity of the epithelium is maintained by a complex but regulated interplay of processes that allow conversion of a proliferative state into a stably differentiated state. In this study, using human embryonic stem cell (hESC) derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) cells as a model; we have investigated the molecular mechanisms that affect attainment of the epithelial phenotype. We demonstrate that RPE undergo a Mesenchymal–Epithelial Transition in culture before acquiring an epithelial phenotype in a FOXM1 dependent manner. We show that FOXM1 directly regulates proliferation of RPE through transcriptional control of cell cycle associated genes. Additionally, FOXM1 modulates expression of the signaling ligands BMP7 and Wnt5B which act reciprocally to enable epithelialization. This data uncovers a novel effect of FOXM1 dependent activities in contributing towards epithelial fate acquisition and furthers our understanding of the molecular regulators of a cell type that is currently being evaluated as a cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parul Choudhary
- Neusentis, Pfizer Ltd, The Portway, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (PC); (CLB)
| | | | - Ben Sidders
- Neusentis, Pfizer Ltd, The Portway, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Gutteridge
- Neusentis, Pfizer Ltd, The Portway, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christos Michaelides
- Neusentis, Pfizer Ltd, The Portway, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Joshua Kane Duckworth
- Neusentis, Pfizer Ltd, The Portway, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Paul John Whiting
- Neusentis, Pfizer Ltd, The Portway, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Louise Benn
- Neusentis, Pfizer Ltd, The Portway, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (PC); (CLB)
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67
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Alvarez Palomo AB, McLenachan S, Chen FK, Da Cruz L, Dilley RJ, Requena J, Lucas M, Lucas A, Drukker M, Edel MJ. Prospects for clinical use of reprogrammed cells for autologous treatment of macular degeneration. FIBROGENESIS & TISSUE REPAIR 2015; 8:9. [PMID: 25984235 PMCID: PMC4432516 DOI: 10.1186/s13069-015-0026-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) in 2006, the symptoms of many human diseases have been reversed in animal models with iPSC therapy, setting the stage for future clinical development. From the animal data it is clear that iPSC are rapidly becoming the lead cell type for cell replacement therapy and for the newly developing field of iPSC-derived body organ transplantation. The first human pathology that might be treated in the near future with iPSC is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which has recently passed the criteria set down by regulators for phase I clinical trials with allogeneic human embryonic stem cell-derived cell transplantation in humans. Given that iPSC are currently in clinical trial in Japan (RIKEN) to treat AMD, the establishment of a set of international criteria to make clinical-grade iPSC and their differentiated progeny is the next step in order to prepare for future autologous cell therapy clinical trials. Armed with clinical-grade iPSC, we can then specifically test for their threat of cancer, for proper and efficient differentiation to the correct cell type to treat human disease and then to determine their immunogenicity. Such a rigorous approach sets a far more relevant paradigm for their intended future use than non-clinical-grade iPSC. This review focuses on the latest developments regarding the first possible use of iPSC-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells in treating human disease, covers data gathered on animal models to date and methods to make clinical-grade iPSC, suggests techniques to ensure quality control and discusses possible clinical immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Belen Alvarez Palomo
- Control of Pluripotency Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences I, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Hospital Clinic, Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Samuel McLenachan
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science (Lions Eye Institute), University of Western Australia, 2 Verdun Street, Nedlands, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Fred K Chen
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science (Lions Eye Institute), University of Western Australia, 2 Verdun Street, Nedlands, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Lyndon Da Cruz
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, 162 City Road, London, EC1V 2PD England
| | - Rodney J Dilley
- Ear Sciences Centre, 1 Salvado Rd, Subiaco, WA 6008 Australia ; School of Surgery, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Nedlands, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Jordi Requena
- Control of Pluripotency Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences I, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Hospital Clinic, Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michaela Lucas
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Nedlands, WA 6009 Australia ; PathWest, SCGH Laboratories Hospital Ave, Nedlands, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Andrew Lucas
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Building 390, Discovery Way, Murdoch, Perth, WA 6150 Australia
| | - Micha Drukker
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Centre for Environmental Health (GmbH), Institute of Stem Cell Research, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Michael J Edel
- Control of Pluripotency Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences I, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Hospital Clinic, Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain ; Division of Pediatrics and Child Health, Westmead Children's Hospital, Corner Hawkesbury Road and Hainsworth Street, Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145 Australia ; School of Anatomy, Physiology & Human Biology and Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine (CCTRM), University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Nedlands, WA 6009 Australia
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68
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Regenerating Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells to Cure Blindness: A Road Towards Personalized Artificial Tissue. CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2015; 1:79-91. [PMID: 26146605 DOI: 10.1007/s40778-015-0014-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a polarized monolayer tissue that functions to support the health and integrity of retinal photoreceptors (PRs). RPE atrophy has been linked to pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in elderly in the USA. RPE atrophy in AMD leads to the PR cell death and vision loss. It is thought that replacing diseased RPE with healthy RPE tissue can prevent PR cell death. Retinal surgical innovations have provided proof-of-principle data that autologous RPE tissue can replace diseased macular RPE and provide visual rescue in AMD patients. Current efforts are focused on developing an in vitro tissue using natural and synthetic scaffolds to generate a polarized functional RPE monolayer. In the future, these tissue-engineering approaches combined with pluripotent stem cell technology will lead to the development of personalized and "off-the-shelf" cell therapies for AMD patients. This review summarizes the historical development and ongoing efforts in surgical and in vitro tissue engineering techniques to develop a three-dimensional therapeutic native RPE tissue substitute.
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69
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Comparative study between amniotic-fluid mesenchymal stem cells and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) stem cells ability to differentiate towards RPE cells. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 362:21-31. [PMID: 25916690 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2185-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) is one of the first effects of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with consequent blindness. Hence, patients affected by this retinal disorder could benefit from a cell-based transplantation strategy for RPE. Actually, an effective protocol to approach this problem is lacking, though recently, it has been postulated the existence of a subpopulation of RPE stem cells (RPESCs) derived from adult RPE and able to reconstitute a functional RPE. On the other hand, the evidence related to the differentiative potential of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is continuously increasing. Among others, amniotic fluid-derived MSCs (AF-MSCs) may be a promising candidate, since these cells are characterized by high proliferation and differentiative potential. In this study, AF-MSCs and RPESCs were isolated, characterized to assay their stemness and induced to neuronal/retinal differentiation; specific RPE markers were then analyzed. Our results indicate that RPESCs are more suitable candidates for RPE replacement than AF-MSCs.
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70
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Gonçalves S, Padrão J, Rodrigues IP, Silva JP, Sencadas V, Lanceros-Mendez S, Girão H, Dourado F, Rodrigues LR. Bacterial Cellulose As a Support for the Growth of Retinal Pigment Epithelium. Biomacromolecules 2015; 16:1341-51. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.5b00129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Inês Patrício Rodrigues
- Centre
of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, IBILI-Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-354, Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | | | | | - Henrique Girão
- Centre
of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, IBILI-Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-354, Coimbra, Portugal
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71
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Westenskow P, Sedillo Z, Barnett A, Friedlander M. Efficient derivation of retinal pigment epithelium cells from stem cells. J Vis Exp 2015:52214. [PMID: 25867641 PMCID: PMC4401231 DOI: 10.3791/52214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
No cure has been discovered for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 55. AMD is complex multifactorial disease with an unknown etiology, although it is largely thought to occur due to death or dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a monolayer of cells that underlies the retina and provides critical support for photoreceptors. RPE cell replacement strategies may hold great promise for providing therapeutic relief for a large subset of AMD patients, and RPE cells that strongly resemble primary human cells (hRPE) have been generated in multiple independent labs, including our own. In addition, the uses for iPS-RPE are not limited to cell-based therapies, but also have been used to model RPE diseases. These types of studies may not only elucidate the molecular bases of the diseases, but also serve as invaluable tools for developing and testing novel drugs. We present here an optimized protocol for directed differentiation of RPE from stem cells. Adding nicotinamide and either Activin A or IDE-1, a small molecule that mimics its effects, at specific time points, greatly enhances the yield of RPE cells. Using this technique we can derive large numbers of low passage RPE in as early as three months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Westenskow
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute; Lowy Medical Research Institute;
| | - Zack Sedillo
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute; Lowy Medical Research Institute
| | | | - Martin Friedlander
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute; Lowy Medical Research Institute;
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72
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Paeng SH, Jung WK, Park WS, Lee DS, Kim GY, Choi YH, Seo SK, Jang WH, Choi JS, Lee YM, Park S, Choi IW. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester reduces the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor through the inhibition of the ROS, PI3K and HIF-1α signaling pathways in human retinal pigment epithelial cells under hypoxic conditions. Int J Mol Med 2015; 35:1419-26. [PMID: 25738890 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2015.2116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) can lead to progressive and severe visual loss. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes the development of CNV. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a biologically active component of the honeybee (Apis mellifera) propolis, has been demonstrated to have several interesting biological regulatory properties. The objective of this study was to determine whether treatment with CAPE results in the inhibition of the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE cells) under hypoxic conditions and to explore the possible underlying mechanisms. An in vitro experimental model of hypoxia was used to mimic an ischemic microenvironment for the RPE cells. Human RPE cells (ARPE-19) were exposed to hypoxia with or without CAPE pre-treatment. ARPE-19 cells were used to investigate the pathway involved in the regulation of VEGF production under hypoxic conditions, based on western blot analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). The amount of VEGF released from the hypoxia-exposed cells was significantly higher than that of the normoxic controls. Pre-treatment with CAPE suppressed the hypoxia-induced production of VEGF in the ARPE-19 cells, and this effect was inhibited through the attenuation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression. These in vitro findings suggest that CAPE may prove to be a novel anti-angiogenic agent for the treatment of diseases associated with CNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Hwa Paeng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Kyo Jung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, and Center for Marine-Integrated Biomedical Technology (BK21 Plus), Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Sun Park
- Department of Physiology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Sung Lee
- Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seocheon, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi-Young Kim
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Department of Marine Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yung Hyun Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Oriental Medicine, Dongeui University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Kil Seo
- Department of Microbiology, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Hee Jang
- Department of Biochemistry, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Sik Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Min Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Saegwang Park
- Department of Microbiology, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Il-Whan Choi
- Department of Microbiology, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
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73
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Mead B, Berry M, Logan A, Scott RAH, Leadbeater W, Scheven BA. Stem cell treatment of degenerative eye disease. Stem Cell Res 2015; 14:243-57. [PMID: 25752437 PMCID: PMC4434205 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2015.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell therapies are being explored extensively as treatments for degenerative eye disease, either for replacing lost neurons, restoring neural circuits or, based on more recent evidence, as paracrine-mediated therapies in which stem cell-derived trophic factors protect compromised endogenous retinal neurons from death and induce the growth of new connections. Retinal progenitor phenotypes induced from embryonic stem cells/induced pluripotent stem cells (ESCs/iPSCs) and endogenous retinal stem cells may replace lost photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and restore vision in the diseased eye, whereas treatment of injured retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) has so far been reliant on mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Here, we review the properties of non-retinal-derived adult stem cells, in particular neural stem cells (NSCs), MSC derived from bone marrow (BMSC), adipose tissues (ADSC) and dental pulp (DPSC), together with ESC/iPSC and discuss and compare their potential advantages as therapies designed to provide trophic support, repair and replacement of retinal neurons, RPE and glia in degenerative retinal diseases. We conclude that ESCs/iPSCs have the potential to replace lost retinal cells, whereas MSC may be a useful source of paracrine factors that protect RGC and stimulate regeneration of their axons in the optic nerve in degenerate eye disease. NSC may have potential as both a source of replacement cells and also as mediators of paracrine treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Mead
- Neurotrauma Research Group, Neurobiology Section, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK; School of Dentistry, University of Birmingham, B4 6NN, UK.
| | - Martin Berry
- Neurotrauma Research Group, Neurobiology Section, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Ann Logan
- Neurotrauma Research Group, Neurobiology Section, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Robert A H Scott
- Neurotrauma Research Group, Neurobiology Section, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Wendy Leadbeater
- Neurotrauma Research Group, Neurobiology Section, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Ben A Scheven
- School of Dentistry, University of Birmingham, B4 6NN, UK
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74
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Mathivanan I, Trepp C, Brunold C, Baerlocher G, Enzmann V. Retinal differentiation of human bone marrow-derived stem cells by co-culture with retinal pigment epithelium in vitro. Exp Cell Res 2015; 333:11-20. [PMID: 25724900 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Revised: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to assess the in vitro differentiation capacity of human bone marrow-derived stem cells (hBMSCs) along retinal lineages. Mononuclear cells (MNC) were isolated from bone marrow (BM) and mobilized peripheral blood (mPB) using Ficoll-Paque density gradient centrifugation, and were sorted by magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) for specific stem cell subsets (CD34(+)CD38(+)/CD34(+)CD38(-)). These cells were then co-cultured on human retinal pigment epithelial cells (hRPE) for 7 days. The expression of stem cell, neural and retina-specific markers was examined by immunostaining, and the gene expression profiles were assessed after FACS separation of the co-cultured hBMSCs by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Furthermore, in vitro functionality of the differentiated cells was analyzed by quantifying phagocytosis of CY5-labeled photoreceptor outer segments (POS). After 7 days of co-culture, hBMSCs adopted an elongated epithelial-like morphology and expressed RPE-specific markers, such as RPE65 and bestrophin. In addition, these differentiated cells were able to phagocytose OS, one of the main characteristics of native RPE cells. Our data demonstrated that human CD34(+)CD38(-) hBMSC may differentiate towards an RPE-like cell type in vitro and could become a new type of autologous donor cell for regenerative therapy in retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isai Mathivanan
- Dept. of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Dept. of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Carolyn Trepp
- Dept. of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Dept. of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Claudio Brunold
- Dept. of Hematology, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gabriela Baerlocher
- Dept. of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Dept. of Hematology, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Volker Enzmann
- Dept. of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Dept. of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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75
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Thompson DA, Ali RR, Banin E, Branham KE, Flannery JG, Gamm DM, Hauswirth WW, Heckenlively JR, Iannaccone A, Jayasundera KT, Khan NW, Molday RS, Pennesi ME, Reh TA, Weleber RG, Zacks DN. Advancing therapeutic strategies for inherited retinal degeneration: recommendations from the Monaciano Symposium. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2015; 56:918-31. [PMID: 25667399 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.14-16049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although rare in the general population, retinal dystrophies occupy a central position in current efforts to develop innovative therapies for blinding diseases. This status derives, in part, from the unique biology, accessibility, and function of the retina, as well as from the synergy between molecular discoveries and transformative advances in functional assessment and retinal imaging. The combination of these factors has fueled remarkable progress in the field, while at the same time creating complex challenges for organizing collective efforts aimed at advancing translational research. The present position paper outlines recent progress in gene therapy and cell therapy for this group of disorders, and presents a set of recommendations for addressing the challenges remaining for the coming decade. It is hoped that the formulation of these recommendations will stimulate discussions among researchers, funding agencies, industry, and policy makers that will accelerate the development of safe and effective treatments for retinal dystrophies and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra A Thompson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Robin R Ali
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Division of Molecular Therapy, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Eyal Banin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Kari E Branham
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - John G Flannery
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - David M Gamm
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - William W Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - John R Heckenlively
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Alessandro Iannaccone
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States
| | - K Thiran Jayasundera
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Naheed W Khan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Robert S Molday
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mark E Pennesi
- Casey Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Richard G Weleber
- Casey Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - David N Zacks
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
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Chapter 4 - Restoring Vision to the Blind: Stem Cells and Transplantation. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2015; 3:6. [PMID: 25653890 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.3.7.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Garcia JM, Mendonça L, Brant R, Abud M, Regatieri C, Diniz B. Stem cell therapy for retinal diseases. World J Stem Cells 2015; 7:160-4. [PMID: 25621115 PMCID: PMC4300926 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v7.i1.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, we discuss about current knowledge about stem cell (SC) therapy in the treatment of retinal degeneration. Both human embryonic stem cell and induced pluripotent stem cell has been growth in culture for a long time, and started to be explored in the treatment of blinding conditions. The Food and Drug Administration, recently, has granted clinical trials using SC retinal therapy to treat complex disorders, as Stargardt's dystrophy, and patients with geographic atrophy, providing good outcomes. This study's intent is to overview the critical regeneration of the subretinal anatomy through retinal pigment epithelium transplantation, with the goal of reestablish important pathways from the retina to the occipital cortex of the brain, as well as the differentiation from pluripotent quiescent SC to adult retina, and its relationship with a primary retinal injury, different techniques of transplantation, management of immune rejection and tumorigenicity, its potential application in improving patients' vision, and, finally, approaching future directions and challenges for the treatment of several conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Mauricio Garcia
- José Mauricio Garcia, Luisa Mendonça, Murilo Abud, Bruno Diniz, Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74001-970, Brazil
| | - Luisa Mendonça
- José Mauricio Garcia, Luisa Mendonça, Murilo Abud, Bruno Diniz, Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74001-970, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Brant
- José Mauricio Garcia, Luisa Mendonça, Murilo Abud, Bruno Diniz, Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74001-970, Brazil
| | - Murilo Abud
- José Mauricio Garcia, Luisa Mendonça, Murilo Abud, Bruno Diniz, Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74001-970, Brazil
| | - Caio Regatieri
- José Mauricio Garcia, Luisa Mendonça, Murilo Abud, Bruno Diniz, Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74001-970, Brazil
| | - Bruno Diniz
- José Mauricio Garcia, Luisa Mendonça, Murilo Abud, Bruno Diniz, Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74001-970, Brazil
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78
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Locational heterogeneity of maturation by changes in migratory behaviors of human retinal pigment epithelial cells in culture. J Biosci Bioeng 2015; 119:107-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2014.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Revised: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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79
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Xiang P, Wu KC, Zhu Y, Xiang L, Li C, Chen DL, Chen F, Xu G, Wang A, Li M, Jin ZB. A novel Bruch's membrane-mimetic electrospun substrate scaffold for human retinal pigment epithelium cells. Biomaterials 2014; 35:9777-9788. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.08.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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80
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Hsiung J, Zhu D, Hinton DR. Polarized human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial cell monolayers have higher resistance to oxidative stress-induced cell death than nonpolarized cultures. Stem Cells Transl Med 2014; 4:10-20. [PMID: 25411476 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2014-0205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress-mediated injury to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a major factor involved in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. Human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived RPE cells are currently being evaluated for their potential for cell therapy in AMD patients through subretinal injection of cells in suspension and subretinal placement as a polarized monolayer. To gain an understanding of how transplanted RPE cells will respond to the highly oxidatively stressed environment of an AMD patient eye, we compared the survival of polarized and nonpolarized RPE cultures following oxidative stress treatment. Polarized, nonpolarized/confluent, nonpolarized/subconfluent hESC-RPE cells were treated with H2O2. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling stains revealed the highest amount of cell death in subconfluent hESC-RPE cells and little cell death in polarized hESC-RPE cells with H2O2 treatment. There were higher levels of proapoptotic factors (phosphorylated p38, phosphorylated c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, Bax, and cleaved caspase 3 fragments) in treated nonpolarized RPE-particularly subconfluent cells-relative to polarized cells. On the other hand, polarized RPE cells had constitutively higher levels of cell survival and antiapoptotic signaling factors such as p-Akt and Bcl-2, as well as antioxidants superoxide dismutase 1 and catalase relative to nonpolarized cells, that possibly contributed to polarized cells' higher tolerance to oxidative stress compared with nonpolarized RPE cells. Subconfluent cells were particularly sensitive to oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. These results suggest that implantation of polarized hESC-RPE monolayers for treating AMD patients with geographic atrophy should have better survival than injections of hESC-RPE cells in suspension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Hsiung
- Departments of Pathology and Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Danhong Zhu
- Departments of Pathology and Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David R Hinton
- Departments of Pathology and Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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81
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Lane A, Philip LR, Ruban L, Fynes K, Smart M, Carr A, Mason C, Coffey P. Engineering efficient retinal pigment epithelium differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cells Transl Med 2014; 3:1295-304. [PMID: 25273541 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2014-0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are a promising source of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells: cells that can be used for the treatment of common and incurable forms of blindness, such as age-related macular degeneration. Although most hESC lines will produce a number of clusters of pigmented RPE cells within 30-50 days when allowed to spontaneously differentiate, the timing and efficiency of differentiation is highly variable. This could prove problematic in the design of robust processes for the large scale production of RPE cells for cell therapy. In this study we sought to identify, quantify, and reduce the sources of variability in hESC-RPE differentiation. By monitoring the emergence of pigmented cells over time, we show how the cell line, passaging method, passage number, and seeding density have a significant and reproducible effect on the RPE yield. To counter this variability, we describe the production of RPE cells from two cell lines in feeder-free, density controlled conditions using single cell dissociation and seeding that is more amenable to scaled up production. The efficacy of small molecules in directing differentiation toward the RPE lineage was tested in two hESC lines with divergent RPE differentiation capacities. Neural induction by treatment with a bone morphogenetic protein inhibitor, dorsomorphin, significantly enhanced the RPE yield in one cell line but significantly reduce it in another, generating instead a Chx10 positive neural progenitor phenotype. This result underlines the necessity to tailor differentiation protocols to suit the innate properties of different cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Lane
- Institute of Ophthalmology and Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lissa Rachel Philip
- Institute of Ophthalmology and Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ludmila Ruban
- Institute of Ophthalmology and Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Fynes
- Institute of Ophthalmology and Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Smart
- Institute of Ophthalmology and Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda Carr
- Institute of Ophthalmology and Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Mason
- Institute of Ophthalmology and Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pete Coffey
- Institute of Ophthalmology and Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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82
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Eidet JR, Pasovic L, Maria R, Jackson CJ, Utheim TP. Objective assessment of changes in nuclear morphology and cell distribution following induction of apoptosis. Diagn Pathol 2014; 9:92. [PMID: 24885713 PMCID: PMC4048047 DOI: 10.1186/1746-1596-9-92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To objectively measure changes in nuclear morphology and cell distribution following induction of apoptosis. METHODS A spontaneously immortalized retinal pigment epithelial cell line (ARPE-19) was cultured for three days in DMEM/F12 with 10% fetal bovine serum followed by 24 hours incubation in staurosporine to induce apoptosis. Cells that were not incubated in staurosporine served as control. Caspase-3 expression in apoptotic cells was demonstrated by quantitative immunofluorescence. Nuclei were counterstained with DAPI. Assessments of nuclear morphology and cell distribution were performed using ImageJ software. Statistical analyses included Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Nearest neighbor analysis was used to assess cell nuclei distribution. RESULTS Caspase-3 expression in staurosporine-incubated cells increased by 471% ± 182% compared to control (P=0.014). Relative to the control, cells in the staurosporine-incubated cultures had smaller average nuclear area (68% ± 5%; P<0.001) and nuclear circumference (78 ± 3%; P<0.001), while nuclear form factor was larger (110% ± 1%; P<0.001). Cell nuclei from the staurosporine-group (R=1.12 ± 0.04; P<0.01) and the control (R=1.28 ± 0.03; P<0.01) were evenly spaced throughout the cultures, thereby demonstrating a non-clustered and non-random cell distribution. However, the staurosporine-incubated group had a significantly lower R-value compared to the control (P=0.002), which indicated a move towards cell clustering following induction of apoptosis. Caspase-3 expression of each individual cell correlated significantly with the following morphological indicators: circumference of the nucleus divided by form factor (r=-0.475; P<0.001), nuclear area divided by form factor (r=-0.470; P<0.001), nuclear circumference (r=-0.469; P<0.001), nuclear area (r=-0.445; P<0.001), nuclear form factor (r=0.410; P<0.001) and the nuclear area multiplied by form factor) (r=-0.377; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Caspase-3 positive apoptotic cells demonstrate morphological features that can be objectively quantified using freely available ImageJ software. A novel morphological indicator, defined as the nuclear circumference divided by form factor, demonstrated the strongest correlation with caspase-3 expression. VIRTUAL SLIDES The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/3271993311662947.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon R Eidet
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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83
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Rizzolo LJ. Barrier properties of cultured retinal pigment epithelium. Exp Eye Res 2014; 126:16-26. [PMID: 24731966 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2013.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2013] [Revised: 12/30/2013] [Accepted: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The principal function of an epithelium is to form a dynamic barrier that regulates movement between body compartments. Each epithelium is specialized with barrier functions that are specific for the tissues it serves. The apical surface commonly faces a lumen, but the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) appears to be unique by a facing solid tissue, the sensory retina. Nonetheless, there exists a thin (subretinal) space that can become fluid filled during pathology. RPE separates the subretinal space from the blood supply of the outer retina, thereby forming the outer blood-retinal barrier. The intricate interaction between the RPE and sensory retina presents challenges for learning how accurately culture models reflect native behavior. The challenge is heightened by findings that detail the variation of RPE barrier proteins both among species and at different stages of the life cycle. Among the striking differences is the expression of claudin family members. Claudins are the tight junction proteins that regulate ion diffusion across the spaces that lie between the cells of a monolayer. Claudin expression by RPE varies with species and life-stage, which implies functional differences among commonly used animal models. Investigators have turned to transcriptomics to supplement functional studies when comparing native and cultured tissue. The most detailed studies of the outer blood-retinal barrier have focused on human RPE with transcriptome and functional studies reported for human fetal, adult, and stem-cell derived RPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence J Rizzolo
- Departments of Surgery and of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University School of Medicine, PO Box 208062, 310 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520-8062, USA.
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84
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Antioxidants Improve the Viability of Stored Adult Retinal Pigment Epithelial-19 Cultures. Ophthalmol Ther 2014; 3:49-61. [PMID: 25134496 PMCID: PMC4254857 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-014-0024-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction There is increasing evidence that retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) can be used to treat age-related macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. However, the best way to store RPE to enable worldwide distribution is unknown. We investigated the effects of supplementing our previously published storage method with seven additives, attempting to improve the number of viable adult retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE)-19 cells after storage. Materials and methods ARPE-19 cells were cultured on multiwell plates before being stored for 1 week at 16 °C. Unsupplemented Minimal Essential Medium (MEM) (control) and a total of seven individual additives (DADLE ([d-Ala2, d-Leu5]-encephalin), capsazepine, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), resveratrol, quercetin, simvastatin and sulforaphane) at three to four concentrations in MEM were tested. The individual effect of each additive on cell viability was analyzed with a microplate fluorometer. Cell phenotype was investigated by both microplate fluorometer and epifluorescence microscopy, and morphology by scanning electron microscopy. Results Supplementation of the storage medium with DADLE, capsazepine, DHA or resveratrol significantly increased the number of viable cells by 86.1% ± 41.9%, 67.9% ± 24.7%, 36.5% ± 10.3% and 21.1% ± 6.4%, respectively, compared to cells stored in unsupplemented MEM. DHA and resveratrol significantly reduced caspase-3 expression, while expression of RPE65 was maintained across groups. Conclusion The number of viable ARPE-19 cells can be increased by the addition of DADLE, capsazepine, DHA or resveratrol to the storage medium without perturbing apoptosis or differentiation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s40123-014-0024-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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85
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Enhancement of retinal pigment epithelial culture characteristics and subretinal space tolerance of scaffolds with 200 nm fiber topography. Biomaterials 2014; 35:2837-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2013.12.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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86
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Ribeiro RM, Oregon A, Diniz B, Fernandes RB, Koss MJ, Charafeddin W, Hu Y, Thomas P, Thomas BB, Maia M, Chader GJ, Hinton DR, Humayun MS. In vivo detection of hESC-RPE cells via confocal near-infrared fundus reflectance. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2014; 44:380-4. [PMID: 23883533 DOI: 10.3928/23258160-20130715-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE To investigate whether the confocal near-infrared reflectance (NIR) imaging modality could detect the in vivo presence of retinal pigment epithelium cells derived from embryonic human stem cells (hESC-RPE) implanted into the subretinal space of the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS Monthly NIR images were obtained from RCS rats implanted with either hESC-RPE seeded on a parylene membrane (n = 14) or parylene membrane without cells (n = 14). Two independent, masked investigators graded the images. Histology and immunohistochemistry were performed at different time points (150, 210, and 270 postnatal days of age). RESULTS NIR images revealed that an average of 20.53% of the parylene membrane area was covered by hESC-RPE. RPE-65 and TRA-1-85 confirmed the presence of human-specific RPE cells in those animals. No areas corresponding to cells were found in the group implanted with membrane only. Intergrader agreement was high (r = 0.89-0.92). CONCLUSION The NIR mode was suitable to detect the presence of hESC-RPE seeded on a membrane and implanted into the subretinal space of the RCS rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramiro M Ribeiro
- Doheny Eye Institute, 1355 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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87
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Current treatment limitations in age-related macular degeneration and future approaches based on cell therapy and tissue engineering. J Ophthalmol 2014; 2014:510285. [PMID: 24672707 PMCID: PMC3941782 DOI: 10.1155/2014/510285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the Western world. With an ageing population, it is anticipated that the number of AMD cases will increase dramatically, making a solution to this debilitating disease an urgent requirement for the socioeconomic future of the European Union and worldwide. The present paper reviews the limitations of the current therapies as well as the socioeconomic impact of the AMD. There is currently no cure available for AMD, and even palliative treatments are rare. Treatment options show several side effects, are of high cost, and only treat the consequence, not the cause of the pathology. For that reason, many options involving cell therapy mainly based on retinal and iris pigment epithelium cells as well as stem cells are being tested. Moreover, tissue engineering strategies to design and manufacture scaffolds to mimic Bruch's membrane are very diverse and under investigation. Both alternative therapies are aimed to prevent and/or cure AMD and are reviewed herein.
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88
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Layer PG, Araki M, Vogel-Höpker A. New concepts for reconstruction of retinal and pigment epithelial tissues. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1586/eop.10.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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89
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Stanzel BV, Liu Z, Somboonthanakij S, Wongsawad W, Brinken R, Eter N, Corneo B, Holz FG, Temple S, Stern JH, Blenkinsop TA. Human RPE stem cells grown into polarized RPE monolayers on a polyester matrix are maintained after grafting into rabbit subretinal space. Stem Cell Reports 2014; 2:64-77. [PMID: 24511471 PMCID: PMC3916756 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2013.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Revised: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Transplantation of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is being developed as a cell-replacement therapy for age-related macular degeneration. Human embryonic stem cell (hESC) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived RPE are currently translating toward clinic. We introduce the adult human RPE stem cell (hRPESC) as an alternative RPE source. Polarized monolayers of adult hRPESC-derived RPE grown on polyester (PET) membranes had near-native characteristics. Trephined pieces of RPE monolayers on PET were transplanted subretinally in the rabbit, a large-eyed animal model. After 4 days, retinal edema was observed above the implant, detected by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and fundoscopy. At 1 week, retinal atrophy overlying the fetal or adult transplant was observed, remaining stable thereafter. Histology obtained 4 weeks after implantation confirmed a continuous polarized human RPE monolayer on PET. Taken together, the xeno-RPE survived with retained characteristics in the subretinal space. These experiments support that adult hRPESC-derived RPE are a potential source for transplantation therapies. Adult hRPESC-derived RPE had comparable in vitro characteristics to fetal hRPE hRPE monolayers survived 4 weeks on PET carriers under the rabbit retina Better xenograft survival may be due to the maintained hRPE cell polarity Atrophy of the retina overlaying the hRPE xenograft remains a future challenge
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris V Stanzel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn 53127, Germany
| | - Zengping Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn 53127, Germany
| | - Sudawadee Somboonthanakij
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn 53127, Germany ; Mettapracharak Eye Institute, Raikhing, Nakhon Pathom 73210, Thailand
| | - Warapat Wongsawad
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn 53127, Germany ; Mettapracharak Eye Institute, Raikhing, Nakhon Pathom 73210, Thailand
| | - Ralf Brinken
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn 53127, Germany
| | - Nicole Eter
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Muenster, Muenster 48149, Germany
| | | | - Frank G Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn 53127, Germany
| | - Sally Temple
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
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90
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND The Argus® II is the first retinal prosthesis approved for the treatment of patients blind from retinitis pigmentosa (RP), receiving CE (Conformité Européenne) marking in March 2011 and FDA approval in February 2013. Alpha-IMS followed closely and obtained CE marking in July 2013. Other devices are being developed, some of which are currently in clinical trials. SOURCES OF DATA A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMED, Google Scholar and IEEExplore. AREAS OF AGREEMENT Retinal prostheses play a part in restoring vision in blind RP patients providing stable, safe and long-term retinal stimulation. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY Objective improvement in visual function does not always translate into consistent improvement in the patient's quality of life. Controversy exists over the use of an external image-capturing device versus internally placed photodiode devices. GROWING POINTS The alpha-IMS, a photovoltaic-based retinal prosthesis recently obtained its CE marking in July 2013. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH Improvement in retinal prosthetic vision depends on: (i) improving visual resolution, (ii) improving the visual field, (iii) developing an accurate neural code for image processing and (iv) improving the biocompatibility of the device to ensure longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne H-L Luo
- Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute of Health Research, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 162 City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK
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91
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Application of human mesenchymal and pluripotent stem cell microcarrier cultures in cellular therapy: Achievements and future direction. Biotechnol Adv 2013; 31:1032-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2013.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2012] [Revised: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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92
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Wang Y, Cheng L, Gerecht S. Efficient and scalable expansion of human pluripotent stem cells under clinically compliant settings: a view in 2013. Ann Biomed Eng 2013; 42:1357-72. [PMID: 24132657 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-013-0921-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) hold great promise for revolutionizing regenerative medicine for their potential applications in disease modeling, drug discovery, and cellular therapy. Many their applications require robust and scalable expansion of hPSCs, even under settings compliant to good clinical practices. Rapid evolution of media and substrates provided safer and more defined culture conditions for long-term expansion of undifferentiated hPSCs in either adhesion or suspension. With well-designed automatic systems or fully controlled bioreactors, production of a clinically relevant quantity of hPSCs could be achieved in the near future. The goal is to find a scalable, xeno-free, chemically defined, and economic culture system for clinical-grade expansion of hPSCs that complies the requirements of current good manufacturing practices. This review provides an updated overview of the current development and challenges on the way to accomplish this goal, including discussions on basic principles for bioprocess design, serum-free media, extracellular matric or synthesized substrate, microcarrier- or cell aggregate-based suspension culture, and scalability and practicality of equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
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93
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Chen Z, Song Y, Yao J, Weng C, Yin ZQ. Alterations of sodium and potassium channels of RGCs in RCS rat with the development of retinal degeneration. J Mol Neurosci 2013; 51:976-85. [PMID: 23934450 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-013-0082-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
All know that retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of hereditary retinal degenerative diseases characterized by progressive dysfunction of photoreceptors and associated with progressive cells loss; nevertheless, little is known about how rods and cones loss affects the surviving inner retinal neurons and networks. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) process and convey visual information from retina to visual centers in the brain. The healthy various ion channels determine the normal reception and projection of visual signals from RGCs. Previous work on the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat, as a kind of classical RP animal model, indicated that, at late stages of retinal degeneration in RCS rat, RGCs were also morphologically and functionally affected. Here, retrograde labeling for RGCs with Fluorogold was performed to investigate the distribution, density, and morphological changes of RGCs during retinal degeneration. Then, patch clamp recording, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining were performed to study the channels of sodium and potassium properties of RGCs, so as to explore the molecular and proteinic basis for understanding the alterations of RGCs membrane properties and firing functions. We found that the resting membrane potential, input resistance, and capacitance of RGCs changed significantly at the late stage of retinal degeneration. Action potential could not be evoked in a part of RGCs. Inward sodium current and outward potassium current recording showed that sodium current was impaired severely but only slightly in potassium current. Expressions of sodium channel protein were impaired dramatically at the late stage of retinal degeneration. The results suggested that the density of RGCs decreased, process ramification impaired, and sodium ion channel proteins destructed, which led to the impairment of electrophysiological functions of RGCs and eventually resulted in the loss of visual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongshan Chen
- Southwest Hospital, Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
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94
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Ramsden CM, Powner MB, Carr AJF, Smart MJK, da Cruz L, Coffey PJ. Stem cells in retinal regeneration: past, present and future. Development 2013; 140:2576-85. [PMID: 23715550 DOI: 10.1242/dev.092270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell therapy for retinal disease is under way, and several clinical trials are currently recruiting. These trials use human embryonic, foetal and umbilical cord tissue-derived stem cells and bone marrow-derived stem cells to treat visual disorders such as age-related macular degeneration, Stargardt's disease and retinitis pigmentosa. Over a decade of analysing the developmental cues involved in retinal generation and stem cell biology, coupled with extensive surgical research, have yielded differing cellular approaches to tackle these retinopathies. Here, we review these various stem cell-based approaches for treating retinal diseases and discuss future directions and challenges for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor M Ramsden
- The London Project to Cure Blindness, Division of ORBIT, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
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95
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Diniz B, Thomas P, Thomas B, Ribeiro R, Hu Y, Brant R, Ahuja A, Zhu D, Liu L, Koss M, Maia M, Chader G, Hinton DR, Humayun MS. Subretinal implantation of retinal pigment epithelial cells derived from human embryonic stem cells: improved survival when implanted as a monolayer. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2013; 54:5087-96. [PMID: 23833067 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.12-11239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate cell survival and tumorigenicity of human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (hESC-RPE) transplantation in immunocompromised nude rats. Cells were transplanted as a cell suspension (CS) or as a polarized monolayer plated on a parylene membrane (PM). METHODS Sixty-nine rats (38 male, 31 female) were surgically implanted with CS (n = 33) or PM (n = 36). Cohort subsets were killed at 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Both ocular tissues and systemic organs (brain, liver, kidneys, spleen, heart, and lungs) were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde, embedded in paraffin, and sectioned. Every fifth section was stained with hematoxylin and eosin and analyzed histologically. Adjacent sections were processed for immunohistochemical analysis (as needed) using the following antibodies: anti-RPE65 (RPE-specific marker), anti-TRA-1-85 (human cell marker), anti-Ki67 (proliferation marker), anti-CD68 (macrophage), and anti-cytokeratin (epithelial marker). RESULTS The implanted cells were immunopositive for the RPE65 and TRA-1-85. Cell survival (P = 0.006) and the presence of a monolayer (P < 0.001) of hESC-RPE were significantly higher in eyes that received the PM. Gross morphological and histological analysis of the eye and the systemic organs after the surgery revealed no evidence of tumor or ectopic tissue formation in either group. CONCLUSIONS hESC-RPE can survive for at least 12 months in an immunocompromised animal model. Polarized monolayers of hESC-RPE show improved survival compared to cell suspensions. The lack of teratoma or any ectopic tissue formation in the implanted rats bodes well for similar results with respect to safety in human subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Diniz
- Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA.
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96
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Blenkinsop TA, Corneo B, Temple S, Stern JH. Ophthalmologic stem cell transplantation therapies. Regen Med 2013; 7:32-9. [PMID: 23210809 DOI: 10.2217/rme.12.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vision loss is a major social issue, with more than 20 million people over the age of 18 years affected in the USA alone. Loss of vision is feared more than premature death or cardiovascular disease, according to a recent Society for Consumer Research group survey. The annual direct cost of medical care for the most prevalent eye disease, age-related macular degeneration, was estimated at US$255 billion in 2010 with an additional economic impact of US$88 billion due to lost productivity and the burden of family and community care for visual disability. With the blossoming of human stem cell research, regenerative treatments are now being developed that can help reduce this burden. Positive results from animal studies demonstrate that stem cell-based transplants can preserve and potentially improve vision. This has led to new clinical trials for several eye diseases that are yielding encouraging results. In the next few years, additional trials and longer-term results are anticipated to further develop ocular regenerative therapies, with the potential to revolutionize our approach to ophthalmic disease and damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy A Blenkinsop
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Regenerative Research Foundation, One Discovery Drive, Rensselaer, NY12144, USA
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97
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Carr AJF, Smart MJK, Ramsden CM, Powner MB, da Cruz L, Coffey PJ. Development of human embryonic stem cell therapies for age-related macular degeneration. Trends Neurosci 2013; 36:385-95. [PMID: 23601133 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2013.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Revised: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults and ultimately leads to the death of photoreceptor cells in the macular area of the neural retina. Currently, treatments are only available for patients with the wet form of AMD. In this review, we describe recent approaches to develop cell-based therapies for the treatment of AMD. Recent research has focused on replacing the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a monolayer of cells vital to photoreceptor cell health. We discuss the various methods used to differentiate and purify RPE from human embryonic stem cells (HESC), and describe the surgical approaches being used to transplant these cells in existing and forthcoming clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda-Jayne F Carr
- The London Project to Cure Blindness, Division of ORBIT, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.
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98
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Maruotti J, Wahlin K, Gorrell D, Bhutto I, Lutty G, Zack DJ. A simple and scalable process for the differentiation of retinal pigment epithelium from human pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cells Transl Med 2013; 2:341-54. [PMID: 23585288 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2012-0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of irreversible vision loss and blindness among the elderly in industrialized countries, is associated with the dysfunction and death of the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. As a result, there has been significant interest in developing RPE culture systems both to study AMD disease mechanisms and to provide substrate for possible cell-based therapies. Because of their indefinite self-renewal, human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have the potential to provide an unlimited supply of RPE-like cells. However, most protocols developed to date for deriving RPE cells from hPSCs involve time- and labor-consuming manual steps, which hinder their use in biomedical applications requiring large amounts of differentiated cells. Here, we describe a simple and scalable protocol for the generation of RPE cells from hPSCs that is less labor-intensive. After amplification by clonal propagation using a myosin inhibitor, differentiation was induced in monolayers of hPSCs, and the resulting RPE cells were purified by two rounds of whole-dish single-cell passage. This approach yields highly pure populations of functional hPSC-derived RPE cells that display many characteristics of native RPE cells, including proper pigmentation and morphology, cell type-specific marker expression, polarized membrane and vascular endothelial growth factor secretion, and phagocytic activity. This work represents a step toward mass production of RPE cells from hPSCs.
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99
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Melville H, Carpiniello M, Hollis K, Staffaroni A, Golestaneh N. Stem cells: a new paradigm for disease modeling and developing therapies for age-related macular degeneration. J Transl Med 2013; 11:53. [PMID: 23452406 PMCID: PMC3599723 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-11-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in people over age 55 in the U.S. and the developed world. This condition leads to the progressive impairment of central visual acuity. There are significant limitations in the understanding of disease progression in AMD as well as a lack of effective methods of treatment. Lately, there has been considerable enthusiasm for application of stem cell biology for both disease modeling and therapeutic application. Human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been used in cell culture assays and in vivo animal models. Recently a clinical trial was approved by FDA to investigate the safety and efficacy of the human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) transplantation in sub-retinal space of patients with dry AMD These studies suggest that stem cell research may provide both insight regarding disease development and progression, as well as direction for therapeutic innovation for the millions of patients afflicted with AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Melville
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, 3900 Reservoir Rd, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Matthew Carpiniello
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, 3900 Reservoir Rd, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Kia Hollis
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, 3900 Reservoir Rd, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Andrew Staffaroni
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, 3900 Reservoir Rd, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Nady Golestaneh
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, 3900 Reservoir Rd, Washington, DC 20057, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Georgetown University, School of Medicine, 3900 Reservoir Rd, Washington, DC 20057, USA
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University, School of Medicine, 3900 Reservoir Rd, Washington, DC 20057, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, School of Medicine, 3900 Reservoir Rd, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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100
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Onnela N, Lehtonen L, Koski M, Hyttinen J. In vitro electroretinogram for the study of the functionality of differentiated retinal pigment epithelium cells. Med Biol Eng Comput 2012; 51:61-70. [PMID: 23065627 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-012-0968-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2012] [Accepted: 09/26/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to develop and test a method to reveal if the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells differentiated from human embryonic stem cells (hESC) support the functions of photoreceptors. hESC-derived RPE (hESC-RPE) cells offer a potent cell source for cell replacement therapy that may be used to prevent certain eye diseases. Methods to assure the functionality of the RPE cells are well warranted. Electroretinograms (ERG) measure the electrophysiological response of the retina to light stimuli. A setup was developed that enables the measurement of ERG in vitro from mice retinas cultured together with hESC-RPE cells. The co-culture of RPE and retinas seems to be a viable tool to assess the functionality of RPE in vitro. However, owing to limited sample size results were somewhat mixed, and thus it was not possible to prove that hESC-RPE cells enhance the ERG response of a mouse retina in vitro. The long-term culturing of the retinas needs to be refined to acquire more conclusive evidence of the supporting role of the RPE and to explore the full potential of the co-culture and ERG methods in assessing RPE functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niina Onnela
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tampere University of Technology and BioMediTech, Tampere, Finland.
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