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Dalvi S, Galloway CA, Winschel L, Hashim A, Soto C, Tang C, MacDonald LA, Singh R. Environmental stress impairs photoreceptor outer segment (POS) phagocytosis and degradation and induces autofluorescent material accumulation in hiPSC-RPE cells. Cell Death Discov 2019; 5:96. [PMID: 31123602 PMCID: PMC6522536 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-019-0171-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell dysfunction is central to the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of adult blindness. Aging, the single biggest risk factor for AMD development, favors increase in RPE autofluorescent material due to accumulation of POS-digestion by-products through lysosomal dysfunction and impaired POS degradation. Apart from aging, environmental agents affect lysosomal function in multiple model systems and are implicated in AMD. Iron (Fe) overload and cigarette smoke exposure are the two environmental factors that are known to affect the lysosomal pathway and impact RPE cell health. However, the impact of Fe and cigarette smoke, on POS processing and its consequence for autofluorescent material accumulation in human RPE cells are yet to be established. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived RPE, which phagocytoses and degrades POS in culture and can be derived from control individuals (no history/susceptibility for retinal disease), provides a model system to investigate the singular effect of excess Fe and/or cigarette smoke on POS processing by RPE cells. Using at least three distinct control hiPSC lines, we show that, compared to untreated hiPSC-RPE cells, POS uptake is reduced in both Fe (ferric ammonium citrate or FAC) and FAC + CSE (cigarette smoke extract)-treated hiPSC-RPE cells. Furthermore, exposure of hiPSC-RPE cultures to FAC + CSE leads to reduced levels of active cathepsin-D (CTSD), a lysosomal enzyme involved in POS processing, and causes delayed degradation of POS. Notably, delayed degradation of POS over time (2 weeks) in hiPSC-RPE cells exposed to Fe and CSE was sufficient to increase autofluorescent material build-up in these cells. Given that inefficient POS processing-mediated autofluorescent material accumulation in RPE cells has already been linked to AMD development, our results implicate a causative role of environmental agents, like Fe and cigarette smoke, in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonal Dalvi
- 1Department of Ophthalmology (Flaum Eye Institute), University of Rochester, Rochester, NY USA.,2Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Chad A Galloway
- 1Department of Ophthalmology (Flaum Eye Institute), University of Rochester, Rochester, NY USA.,2Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY USA.,5Present Address: Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Lauren Winschel
- 1Department of Ophthalmology (Flaum Eye Institute), University of Rochester, Rochester, NY USA.,2Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Ali Hashim
- 1Department of Ophthalmology (Flaum Eye Institute), University of Rochester, Rochester, NY USA.,2Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Celia Soto
- 1Department of Ophthalmology (Flaum Eye Institute), University of Rochester, Rochester, NY USA.,2Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Cynthia Tang
- 1Department of Ophthalmology (Flaum Eye Institute), University of Rochester, Rochester, NY USA.,2Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Leslie A MacDonald
- 1Department of Ophthalmology (Flaum Eye Institute), University of Rochester, Rochester, NY USA.,2Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Ruchira Singh
- 1Department of Ophthalmology (Flaum Eye Institute), University of Rochester, Rochester, NY USA.,2Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY USA.,3UR Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Rochester, NY USA.,4Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY USA
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Aasen DM, Vergara MN. New Drug Discovery Paradigms for Retinal Diseases: A Focus on Retinal Organoids. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2019; 36:18-24. [PMID: 31059378 PMCID: PMC6985764 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2018.0140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal disease represents a growing global problem, both in terms of quality of life and economic impact, yet new therapies are not being developed at a sufficient rate to meet this mounting need. In this context, retinal organoids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells hold significant promise for improving upon the current drug development process, increasing the speed and efficiency of moving potential therapeutic agents from bench to bedside. These organoid systems display the cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions, cellular heterogeneity, and physiological responses reflective of human biology and, thus, have the ability to replicate retinal disease pathology in a way that 2-dimensional cell cultures and animal models have been heretofore unable to achieve. However, organoid technology is not yet mature enough to meet the high-throughput demands of the first stages of drug screening. Hence, the augmentation of the existing drug development pipeline with retinal organoids, rather than the replacement of existing pathway components, may provide a way to harness the benefits of this improved pathological modeling. In this study, we outline the possible benefits of such a symbiosis, discuss other potential uses, and highlight barriers that remain to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davis M Aasen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - M Natalia Vergara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.,CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.,Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
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Wood EH, Tang PH, De la Huerta I, Korot E, Muscat S, Palanker DA, Williams GA. STEM CELL THERAPIES, GENE-BASED THERAPIES, OPTOGENETICS, AND RETINAL PROSTHETICS: Current State and Implications for the Future. Retina 2019; 39:820-835. [PMID: 30664120 PMCID: PMC6492547 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000002449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To review and discuss current innovations and future implications of promising biotechnology and biomedical offerings in the field of retina. We focus on therapies that have already emerged as clinical offerings or are poised to do so. METHODS Literature review and commentary focusing on stem cell therapies, gene-based therapies, optogenetic therapies, and retinal prosthetic devices. RESULTS The technologies discussed herein are some of the more recent promising biotechnology and biomedical developments within the field of retina. Retinal prosthetic devices and gene-based therapies both have an FDA-approved product for ophthalmology, and many other offerings (including optogenetics) are in the pipeline. Stem cell therapies offer personalized medicine through novel regenerative mechanisms but entail complex ethical and reimbursement challenges. CONCLUSION Stem cell therapies, gene-based therapies, optogenetics, and retinal prosthetic devices represent a new era of biotechnological and biomedical progress. These bring new ethical, regulatory, care delivery, and reimbursement challenges. By addressing these issues proactively, we may accelerate delivery of care to patients in a safe, efficient, and value-based manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter H Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | | | - Edward Korot
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, Michigan
| | | | - Daniel A Palanker
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - George A Williams
- Associated Retinal Consultants, Royal Oak, Michigan
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, Michigan
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54
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Synchrony and asynchrony between an epigenetic clock and developmental timing. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3770. [PMID: 30842553 PMCID: PMC6403397 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39919-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic changes have been used to estimate chronological age across the lifespan, and some studies suggest that epigenetic "aging" clocks may already operate in developing tissue. To better understand the relationship between developmental stage and epigenetic age, we utilized the highly regular sequence of development found in the mammalian neural retina and a well-established epigenetic aging clock based on DNA methylation. Our results demonstrate that the epigenetic age of fetal retina is highly correlated with chronological age. We further establish that epigenetic aging progresses normally in vitro, suggesting that epigenetic aging is a property of individual tissues. This correlation is also retained in stem cell-derived retinal organoids, but is accelerated in individuals with Down syndrome, a progeroid-like condition. Overall, our results suggest that epigenetic aging begins as early as a few weeks post-conception, in fetal tissues, and the mechanisms underlying the phenomenon of epigenetic aging might be studied in developing organs.
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55
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Galloway CA, Dalvi S, Shadforth AMA, Suzuki S, Wilson M, Kuai D, Hashim A, MacDonald LA, Gamm DM, Harkin DG, Singh R. Characterization of Human iPSC-RPE on a Prosthetic Bruch's Membrane Manufactured From Silk Fibroin. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:2792-2800. [PMID: 30025113 PMCID: PMC5989661 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-23157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose RPE cell transplantation as a potential treatment for AMD has been extensively investigated; however, in AMD, ultrastructural damage affects both the RPE and its underlying matrix support, the Bruch's membrane (BrM). An RPE monolayer supported by a surrogate scaffold could thus provide a more effective approach to cell-based therapy for AMD. Toward this goal, we aimed to establish a functional human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived (hiPSC)-RPE monolayer on a Bombyx mori silk fibroin (BMSF) scaffold. Methods RPE differentiated from five distinct hiPSC lines were cultured on BMSF membrane coated with extracellular matrix (ECM, COL1), and either regular tissue culture plastic or Transwell coated with ECM (LAM-TCP). Morphologic, gene and protein expression, and functional characteristics of the hiPSC-RPE cultured on different membranes were compared in longitudinal experiments spanning 1 day to ≥3 months. Results The hiPSC-RPE monolayers on ECM-coated BMSF and TCP could be maintained in culture for ≥3 months and displayed RPE-characteristic morphology, pigmentation, polarity, and expression of RPE signature genes and proteins. Furthermore, hiPSC-RPE on both ECM-coated BMSF and TCP displayed robust expression and secretion of several basement membrane proteins. Importantly, hiPSC-RPE cells on COL1-BMSF and LAM-TCP showed similar efficacy in the phagocytosis and degradation of photoreceptor outer segments. Conclusions A biomaterial scaffold manufactured from silk fibroin supports the maturation and long-term survival of a functional hiPSC-RPE monolayer. This has significant implications for both in vitro disease modeling and in vivo cell replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad A Galloway
- Department of Ophthalmology (Flaum Eye Institute), University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States.,Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Sonal Dalvi
- Department of Ophthalmology (Flaum Eye Institute), University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States.,Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Audra M A Shadforth
- Queensland Eye Institute, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Shuko Suzuki
- Queensland Eye Institute, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Molly Wilson
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - David Kuai
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Ali Hashim
- Department of Ophthalmology (Flaum Eye Institute), University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States.,Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Leslie A MacDonald
- Department of Ophthalmology (Flaum Eye Institute), University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States.,Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - David M Gamm
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States.,McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Damien G Harkin
- Queensland Eye Institute, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ruchira Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology (Flaum Eye Institute), University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States.,Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States.,Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States.,Univeristy of Rochester Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Rochester, New York, United States
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56
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An optimized protocol for generating labeled and transplantable photoreceptor precursors from human embryonic stem cells. Exp Eye Res 2019; 180:29-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Tang M, Luo Z, Wu Y, Zhuang J, Li K, Hu D, Rong H, Xian B, Ge J. BAM15 attenuates transportation-induced apoptosis in iPS-differentiated retinal tissue. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:64. [PMID: 30795805 PMCID: PMC6387563 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1151-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background BAM15 is a novel mitochondrial protonophore uncoupler capable of protecting mammals from acute renal ischemic-reperfusion injury and cold-induced microtubule damage. The purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of BAM15 on apoptosis during 5-day transportation of human-induced pluripotent stem (hiPS)-differentiated retinal tissue. Methods Retinal tissues of 30 days and 60 days were transported with or without BAM15 for 5 days in the laboratory or by real express. Immunofluorescence staining of apoptosis marker cleaved caspase3, proliferation marker Ki67, and neural axon marker NEFL was performed. And expression of apoptotic-related factors p53, NFkappaB, and TNF-a was detected by real-time PCR. Also, location of ganglion cells, photoreceptor cells, amacrine cells, and precursors of neuronal cell types in retinal tissue was stained by immunofluorescence after transportation. Furthermore, cell viability was assessed by CCK8 assay. Results Results showed transportation remarkably intensified expression of apoptotic factor cleaved caspase3, p53, NFkappaB, and TNF-a, which could be reduced by supplement of BAM15. In addition, neurons were severely injured after transportation, with axons manifesting disrupted and tortuous by staining NEFL. And the addition of BAM15 in transportation was able to protect neuronal structure and increase cell viability without affecting subtypes cells location of retinal tissue. Conclusions BAM15 might be used as a protective reagent on apoptosis during transporting retinal tissues, holding great potential in research and clinical applications. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13287-019-1151-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, China
| | - Ziming Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, China
| | - Yihui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, China
| | - Jing Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, China
| | - Kaijing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, China
| | - Dongpeng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, China
| | - Huifeng Rong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, China
| | - Bikun Xian
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, China
| | - Jian Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, China.
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VanderWall KB, Vij R, Ohlemacher SK, Sridhar A, Fligor CM, Feder EM, Edler MC, Baucum AJ, Cummins TR, Meyer JS. Astrocytes Regulate the Development and Maturation of Retinal Ganglion Cells Derived from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2019; 12:201-212. [PMID: 30639213 PMCID: PMC6373493 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) form the connection between the eye and the brain, with this connectivity disrupted in numerous blinding disorders. Previous studies have demonstrated the ability to derive RGCs from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs); however, these cells exhibited some characteristics that indicated a limited state of maturation. Among the many factors known to influence RGC development in the retina, astrocytes are known to play a significant role in their functional maturation. Thus, efforts of the current study examined the functional maturation of hPSC-derived RGCs, including the ability of astrocytes to modulate this developmental timeline. Morphological and functional properties of RGCs were found to increase over time, with astrocytes significantly accelerating the functional maturation of hPSC-derived RGCs. The results of this study clearly demonstrate the functional and morphological maturation of RGCs in vitro, including the effects of astrocytes on the maturation of hPSC-derived RGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin B VanderWall
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Ridhima Vij
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Sarah K Ohlemacher
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Akshayalakshmi Sridhar
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Clarisse M Fligor
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Elyse M Feder
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Michael C Edler
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Anthony J Baucum
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Theodore R Cummins
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Jason S Meyer
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA; Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA; Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA.
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Shahi PK, Hermans D, Sinha D, Brar S, Moulton H, Stulo S, Borys KD, Capowski E, Pillers DAM, Gamm DM, Pattnaik BR. Gene Augmentation and Readthrough Rescue Channelopathy in an iPSC-RPE Model of Congenital Blindness. Am J Hum Genet 2019; 104:310-318. [PMID: 30686507 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2018.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic variants of the KCNJ13 gene are known to cause Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA16), an inherited pediatric blindness. KCNJ13 encodes the Kir7.1 subunit that acts as a tetrameric, inwardly rectifying potassium ion channel in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to maintain ionic homeostasis and allow photoreceptors to encode visual information. We sought to determine whether genetic approaches might be effective in treating blindness arising from pathogenic variants in KCNJ13. We derived human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-RPE cells from an individual carrying a homozygous c.158G>A (p.Trp53∗) pathogenic variant of KCNJ13. We performed biochemical and electrophysiology assays to confirm Kir7.1 function. We tested both small-molecule readthrough drug and gene-therapy approaches for this "disease-in-a-dish" approach. We found that the LCA16 hiPSC-RPE cells had normal morphology but did not express a functional Kir7.1 channel and were unable to demonstrate normal physiology. After readthrough drug treatment, the LCA16 hiPSC cells were hyperpolarized by 30 mV, and the Kir7.1 current was restored. Similarly, we rescued Kir7.1 channel function after lentiviral gene delivery to the hiPSC-RPE cells. In both approaches, Kir7.1 was expressed normally, and there was restoration of membrane potential and the Kir7.1 current. Loss-of-function variants of Kir7.1 are one cause of LCA. Using either readthrough therapy or gene augmentation, we rescued Kir7.1 channel function in iPSC-RPE cells derived from an affected individual. This supports the development of precision-medicine approaches for the treatment of clinical LCA16.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan K Shahi
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; McPherson Eye Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Dalton Hermans
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Divya Sinha
- McPherson Eye Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Simran Brar
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Hannah Moulton
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Sabrina Stulo
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Katarzyna D Borys
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Elizabeth Capowski
- McPherson Eye Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - De-Ann M Pillers
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; McPherson Eye Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - David M Gamm
- McPherson Eye Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Bikash R Pattnaik
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; McPherson Eye Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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60
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Stem cell-based retina models. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 140:33-50. [PMID: 29777757 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
From the early days of cell biological research, the eye-especially the retina-has evoked broad interest among scientists. The retina has since been thoroughly investigated and numerous models have been exploited to shed light on its development, morphology, and function. Apart from various animal models and human clinical and anatomical research, stem cell-based models of animal and human cells of origin have entered the field, especially during the last decade. Despite the observation that the retina of different species comprises endogenous stem cells, most stem cell-related research in the human retina is now based on pluripotent stem cell models. Herein, systems of two-dimensional (2D) cultures and co-cultures of distinctly differentiated retinal subtypes revealed a variety of cellular aspects but have in many aspects been replaced by three-dimensional (3D) structures-the so-called retinal organoids. These organoids not only contain all major retinal cell subtypes compared to the physiological situation, but also show a distinct layering in close proximity to the in vivo morphology. Nevertheless, all these models have inherent advantages and disadvantages, which are expounded and summarized in this review. Finally, we discuss current application aspects of stem cell-based retina models and the specific promises they hold for the future.
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Capowski EE, Samimi K, Mayerl SJ, Phillips MJ, Pinilla I, Howden SE, Saha J, Jansen AD, Edwards KL, Jager LD, Barlow K, Valiauga R, Erlichman Z, Hagstrom A, Sinha D, Sluch VM, Chamling X, Zack DJ, Skala MC, Gamm DM. Reproducibility and staging of 3D human retinal organoids across multiple pluripotent stem cell lines. Development 2019; 146:dev171686. [PMID: 30567931 PMCID: PMC6340149 DOI: 10.1242/dev.171686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Numerous protocols have been described for producing neural retina from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), many of which are based on the culture of 3D organoids. Although nearly all such methods yield at least partial segments of retinal structure with a mature appearance, variabilities exist within and between organoids that can change over a protracted time course of differentiation. Adding to this complexity are potential differences in the composition and configuration of retinal organoids when viewed across multiple differentiations and hPSC lines. In an effort to understand better the current capabilities and limitations of these cultures, we generated retinal organoids from 16 hPSC lines and monitored their appearance and structural organization over time by light microscopy, immunocytochemistry, metabolic imaging and electron microscopy. We also employed optical coherence tomography and 3D imaging techniques to assess and compare whole or broad regions of organoids to avoid selection bias. Results from this study led to the development of a practical staging system to reduce inconsistencies in retinal organoid cultures and increase rigor when utilizing them in developmental studies, disease modeling and transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kayvan Samimi
- Morgridge Institute for Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Steven J Mayerl
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - M Joseph Phillips
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Isabel Pinilla
- Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragón), Lozano Blesa University Hospital, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lozano Blesa University Hospital, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | - Sara E Howden
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Jishnu Saha
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Alex D Jansen
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | | | - Lindsey D Jager
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Katherine Barlow
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Rasa Valiauga
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Zachary Erlichman
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Anna Hagstrom
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Divya Sinha
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Valentin M Sluch
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Xitiz Chamling
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Donald J Zack
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Melissa C Skala
- Morgridge Institute for Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - David M Gamm
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Ophthamology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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Aberrant hiPSCs-Derived from Human Keratinocytes Differentiates into 3D Retinal Organoids that Acquire Mature Photoreceptors. Cells 2019; 8:cells8010036. [PMID: 30634512 PMCID: PMC6356277 DOI: 10.3390/cells8010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived three-dimensional retinal organoids are a new platform for studying the organoidogenesis. However, recurrent genomic aberration, acquired during generation of hiPSCs, limit its biomedical application and/or aberrant hiPSCs has not been evaluated for generation of differentiated derivatives, such as organoids and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). In this study, we efficiently differentiated mosaic hiPSCs into retinal organoids containing mature photoreceptors. The feeder-free hiPSCs were generated from the human epidermal keratinocytes that were rapid in process with improved efficiency over several passages and maintained pluripotency. But, hiPSCs were cytogenetically mosaic with normal and abnormal karyotypes, while copy number variation analysis revealed the loss of chromosome 8q. Despite this abnormality, the stepwise differentiation of hiPSCs to form retinal organoids was autonomous and led to neuronal lamination. Furthermore, the use of a Notch inhibitor, DAPT, at an early timepoint from days 29⁻42 of culture improved the specification of the retinal neuron and the use of retinoic acid at days 70⁻120 led to the maturation of photoreceptors. hiPSC-derived retinal organoids acquired all subtypes of photoreceptors, such as RHODOPSIN, B-OPSIN and R/G-OPSIN. Additionally, the advanced maturation of photoreceptors was observed, revealing the development of specific sensory cilia and the formation of the outer-segment disc. This report is the first to show that hiPSCs with abnormal chromosomal content are permissive to the generation of three-dimensional retinal organoids.
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63
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Dalvi S, Galloway CA, Singh R. Pluripotent Stem Cells to Model Degenerative Retinal Diseases: The RPE Perspective. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1186:1-31. [PMID: 31654384 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-28471-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cell technology, including human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), has provided a suitable platform to investigate molecular and pathological alterations in an individual cell type using patient's own cells. Importantly, hiPSCs/hESCs are amenable to genome editing providing unique access to isogenic controls. Specifically, the ability to introduce disease-causing mutations in control (unaffected) and conversely correct disease-causing mutations in patient-derived hiPSCs has provided a powerful approach to clearly link the disease phenotype with a specific gene mutation. In fact, utilizing hiPSC/hESC and CRISPR technology has provided significant insight into the pathomechanism of several diseases. With regard to the eye, the use of hiPSCs/hESCs to study human retinal diseases is especially relevant to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-based disorders. This is because several studies have now consistently shown that hiPSC-RPE in culture displays key physical, gene expression and functional attributes of human RPE in vivo. In this book chapter, we will discuss the current utility, limitations, and plausible future approaches of pluripotent stem cell technology for the study of retinal degenerative diseases. Of note, although we will broadly summarize the significant advances made in modeling and studying several retinal diseases utilizing hiPSCs/hESCs, our specific focus will be on the utility of patient-derived hiPSCs for (1) establishment of human cell models and (2) molecular and pharmacological studies on patient-derived cell models of retinal degenerative diseases where RPE cellular defects play a major pathogenic role in disease development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonal Dalvi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Chad A Galloway
- Department of Ophthalmology, Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Ruchira Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA. .,UR Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Rochester, NY, USA. .,Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
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64
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Cuevas E, Parmar P, Sowden JC. Restoring Vision Using Stem Cells and Transplantation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1185:563-567. [PMID: 31884671 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-27378-1_92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The replacement of retinal cells, or the support of surviving retinal neurons, in a degenerated retina presents a significant challenge in the fields of ophthalmology and regenerative medicine. Stem cell-based therapies are being explored as an approach for treating retinal dystrophies, such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Stargardt's disease, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This review provides an update on the recent progress made toward the restoration of vision lost to degenerative disease using stem cell-based transplantation strategies and the challenges that need to be overcome. Both retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor replacement therapies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Cuevas
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Paresh Parmar
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Jane C Sowden
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.
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65
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Abstract
The retina is a very fine and layered neural tissue, which vitally depends on the preservation of cells, structure, connectivity and vasculature to maintain vision. There is an urgent need to find technical and biological solutions to major challenges associated with functional replacement of retinal cells. The major unmet challenges include generating sufficient numbers of specific cell types, achieving functional integration of transplanted cells, especially photoreceptors, and surgical delivery of retinal cells or tissue without triggering immune responses, inflammation and/or remodeling. The advances of regenerative medicine enabled generation of three-dimensional tissues (organoids), partially recreating the anatomical structure, biological complexity and physiology of several tissues, which are important targets for stem cell replacement therapies. Derivation of retinal tissue in a dish creates new opportunities for cell replacement therapies of blindness and addresses the need to preserve retinal architecture to restore vision. Retinal cell therapies aimed at preserving and improving vision have achieved many improvements in the past ten years. Retinal organoid technologies provide a number of solutions to technical and biological challenges associated with functional replacement of retinal cells to achieve long-term vision restoration. Our review summarizes the progress in cell therapies of retina, with focus on human pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal tissue, and critically evaluates the potential of retinal organoid approaches to solve a major unmet clinical need—retinal repair and vision restoration in conditions caused by retinal degeneration and traumatic ocular injuries. We also analyze obstacles in commercialization of retinal organoid technology for clinical application.
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66
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Jin ZB, Gao ML, Deng WL, Wu KC, Sugita S, Mandai M, Takahashi M. Stemming retinal regeneration with pluripotent stem cells. Prog Retin Eye Res 2018; 69:38-56. [PMID: 30419340 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cell replacement therapy is a promising treatment for irreversible retinal cell death in diverse diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Stargardt's disease, retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and glaucoma. These diseases are all characterized by the degeneration of one or two retinal cell types that cannot regenerate spontaneously in humans. Aberrant retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells can be observed through optical coherence tomography (OCT) in AMD patients. In RP patients, the morphological and functional abnormalities of RPE and photoreceptor layers are caused by a genetic abnormality. Stargardt's disease or juvenile macular degeneration, which is characterized by the loss of the RPE and photoreceptors in the macular area, causes central vision loss at an early age. Loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) can be observed in patients with glaucoma. Once the retinal cell degeneration is triggered, no treatments can reverse it. Transplantation-based approaches have been proposed as a universal therapy to target patients with various concomitant diseases. Both the replacement of dead cells and neuroprotection are strategies used to rescue visual function in animal models of retinal degeneration. Diverse retinal cell types derived from pluripotent stem cells, including RPE cells, photoreceptors, RGCs and even retinal organoids with a layered structure, provide unlimited cell sources for transplantation. In addition, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multifunctional and protect degenerating retinal cells. The aim of this review is to summarize current findings from preclinical and clinical studies. We begin with a brief introduction to retinal degenerative diseases and cell death in diverse diseases, followed by methods for retinal cell generation. Preclinical and clinical studies are discussed, and future concerns about efficacy, safety and immunorejection are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Bing Jin
- Laboratory for Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Optometry & Visual Science, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
| | - Mei-Ling Gao
- Laboratory for Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Optometry & Visual Science, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Wen-Li Deng
- Laboratory for Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Optometry & Visual Science, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Kun-Chao Wu
- Laboratory for Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Optometry & Visual Science, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Sunao Sugita
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Michiko Mandai
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
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67
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Foltz LP, Clegg DO. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells for modelling genetic retinal dystrophies. Prog Retin Eye Res 2018; 68:54-66. [PMID: 30217765 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The human retina is a highly complex tissue that makes up an integral part of our central nervous system. It is astonishing that our retina works seamlessly to provide one of our most critical senses, and it is equally devastating when a disease destroys a portion of the retina and robs people of their vision. After decades of research, scientists are beginning to understand retinal cells in a way that can benefit the millions of individuals suffering from inherited blindness. This understanding has come about in part with the ability to culture human embryonic stem cells and the innovation of induced pluripotent stem cells, which can be cultured from patients and used to model their disease. In this review, we highlight the successes of specific disease modelling studies and resulting molecular discoveries. The greatest strides in cellular modelling have come from mutations in genes with established and well-understood cellular functions in the context of the retina. We believe that the future of cellular modelling depends on emphasising reproducible production of retinal cell types, demonstrating functional rescue using site-specific programmable nucleases, and shifting towards unbiased screening using next generation sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah P Foltz
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.
| | - Dennis O Clegg
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
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68
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Jung YH, Phillips MJ, Lee J, Xie R, Ludwig AL, Chen G, Zheng Q, Kim TJ, Zhang H, Barney P, Min J, Barlow K, Gong S, Gamm DM, Ma Z. 3D Microstructured Scaffolds to Support Photoreceptor Polarization and Maturation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2018; 30:e1803550. [PMID: 30109736 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201803550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Blinding disorders of the outer retina involve dysfunction and degeneration of photoreceptors. One potential approach to treat these forms of blindness is to repopulate the outer retina via a simple bolus injection of donor photoreceptors. However, this may not be ideal due to the highly polarized organization of photoreceptors that include apical light sensing photopigments and basal axon terminals. Furthermore, bolus injections create uncertainty with regard to the area, density, and retention of donor cells. Here, a novel and robust microfabrication process is developed to create 3D, micrometer-sized complex structures in ultrathin and biocompatible elastomer films (nonbiodegradable polydimethylsiloxane and biodegradable poly(glycerol-sebacate)) that can serve as polarizable photoreceptor delivery scaffolds, consisting of an array of cup-shaped photoreceptor capture wells that funnel into a microchannel. This "wine glass" scaffold design promotes efficient capture of human pluripotent stem-cell-derived photoreceptor cell bodies and guidance of basal axon extensions, ultimately achieving a uniform level of organization and polarization that is not possible with bolus injections or previously described scaffolds. In addition to future therapeutic applications, our scaffold design and materials provide a platform to generate reproducible and scalable in vitro models of photoreceptor-based diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yei Hwan Jung
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - M Joseph Phillips
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Juhwan Lee
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Ruosen Xie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Allison L Ludwig
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Guojun Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Qifeng Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Tong June Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Huilong Zhang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Patrick Barney
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Jee Min
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Katherine Barlow
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Shaoqin Gong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - David M Gamm
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Zhenqiang Ma
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
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69
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Hallam D, Hilgen G, Dorgau B, Zhu L, Yu M, Bojic S, Hewitt P, Schmitt M, Uteng M, Kustermann S, Steel D, Nicholds M, Thomas R, Treumann A, Porter A, Sernagor E, Armstrong L, Lako M. Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Generate Light Responsive Retinal Organoids with Variable and Nutrient-Dependent Efficiency. Stem Cells 2018; 36:1535-1551. [PMID: 30004612 PMCID: PMC6392112 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The availability of in vitro models of the human retina in which to perform pharmacological and toxicological studies is an urgent and unmet need. An essential step for developing in vitro models of human retina is the ability to generate laminated, physiologically functional, and light-responsive retinal organoids from renewable and patient specific sources. We investigated five different human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines and showed a significant variability in their efficiency to generate retinal organoids. Despite this variability, by month 5 of differentiation, all iPSC-derived retinal organoids were able to generate light responses, albeit immature, comparable to the earliest light responses recorded from the neonatal mouse retina, close to the period of eye opening. All iPSC-derived retinal organoids exhibited at this time a well-formed outer nuclear like layer containing photoreceptors with inner segments, connecting cilium, and outer like segments. The differentiation process was highly dependent on seeding cell density and nutrient availability determined by factorial experimental design. We adopted the differentiation protocol to a multiwell plate format, which enhanced generation of retinal organoids with retinal-pigmented epithelium (RPE) and improved ganglion cell development and the response to physiological stimuli. We tested the response of iPSC-derived retinal organoids to Moxifloxacin and showed that similarly to in vivo adult mouse retina, the primary affected cell types were photoreceptors. Together our data indicate that light responsive retinal organoids derived from carefully selected and differentiation efficient iPSC lines can be generated at the scale needed for pharmacology and drug screening purposes. Stem Cells 2018;36:1535-1551.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean Hallam
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Gerrit Hilgen
- Newcastle University, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Birthe Dorgau
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lili Zhu
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Min Yu
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sanja Bojic
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | | | | | - Stefan Kustermann
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, University of Tübingen, Basel, Switzerland
| | - David Steel
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Robert Thomas
- Centre for Biological Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Achim Treumann
- Newcastle University, Newcastle University Protein and Proteome Analysis, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andrew Porter
- Newcastle University, Newcastle University Protein and Proteome Analysis, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Evelyne Sernagor
- Newcastle University, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lyle Armstrong
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Newcells Biotech, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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70
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Gonzalez-Cordero A, Goh D, Kruczek K, Naeem A, Fernando M, Kleine Holthaus SM, Takaaki M, Blackford SJI, Kloc M, Agundez L, Sampson RD, Borooah S, Ovando-Roche P, Mehat MS, West EL, Smith AJ, Pearson RA, Ali RR. Assessment of AAV Vector Tropisms for Mouse and Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived RPE and Photoreceptor Cells. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 29:1124-1139. [PMID: 29580100 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viral vectors are showing great promise as gene therapy vectors for a wide range of retinal disorders. To date, evaluation of therapeutic approaches has depended almost exclusively on the use of animal models. With recent advances in human stem cell technology, stem cell-derived retina now offers the possibility to assess efficacy in human organoids in vitro. Here we test six adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotypes [AAV2/2, AAV2/9, AAV2/8, AAV2/8T(Y733F), AAV2/5, and ShH10] to determine their efficiency in transducing mouse and human pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor cells in vitro. All the serotypes tested were capable of transducing RPE and photoreceptor cells in vitro. AAV ShH10 and AAV2/5 are the most efficient vectors at transducing both mouse and human RPE, while AAV2/8 and ShH10 achieved similarly robust transduction of human embryonic stem cell-derived cone photoreceptors. Furthermore, we show that human embryonic stem cell-derived photoreceptors can be used to establish promoter specificity in human cells in vitro. The results of this study will aid capsid selection and vector design for preclinical evaluation of gene therapy approaches, such as gene editing, that require the use of human cells and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Debbie Goh
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Kamil Kruczek
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Arifa Naeem
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Milan Fernando
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Sophia-Martha Kleine Holthaus
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom .,2 MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Matsuki Takaaki
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel J I Blackford
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Magdalena Kloc
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Leticia Agundez
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Robert D Sampson
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Shyamanga Borooah
- 3 Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Ovando-Roche
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Manjit S Mehat
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Emma L West
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander J Smith
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Rachael A Pearson
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Robin R Ali
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
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71
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Cellular regeneration strategies for macular degeneration: past, present and future. Eye (Lond) 2018; 32:946-971. [PMID: 29503449 PMCID: PMC5944658 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-018-0061-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite considerable effort and significant therapeutic advances, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains the commonest cause of blindness in the developed world. Progressive late-stage AMD with outer retinal degeneration currently has no proven treatment. There has been significant interest in the possibility that cellular treatments may slow or reverse visual loss in AMD. A number of modes of action have been suggested, including cell replacement and rescue, as well as immune modulation to delay the neurodegenerative process. Their appeal in this enigmatic disease relate to their generic, non-pathway-specific effects. The outer retina in particular has been at the forefront of developments in cellular regenerative therapies being surgically accessible, easily observable, as well as having a relatively simple architecture. Both the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors have been considered for replacement therapies as both sheets and cell suspensions. Studies using autologous RPE, and to a lesser extent, foetal retina, have shown proof of principle. A wide variety of cell sources have been proposed with pluripotent stem cell-derived cells currently holding the centre stage. Recent early-phase trials using these cells for RPE replacement have met safety endpoints and hinted at possible efficacy. Animal studies have confirmed the promise that photoreceptor replacement, even in a completely degenerated outer retina may restore some vision. Many challenges, however, remain, not least of which include avoiding immune rejection, ensuring long-term cellular survival and maximising effect. This review provides an overview of progress made, ongoing studies and challenges ahead.
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72
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Phillips MJ, Jiang P, Howden S, Barney P, Min J, York NW, Chu LF, Capowski EE, Cash A, Jain S, Barlow K, Tabassum T, Stewart R, Pattnaik BR, Thomson JA, Gamm DM. A Novel Approach to Single Cell RNA-Sequence Analysis Facilitates In Silico Gene Reporting of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Cell Types. Stem Cells 2018; 36:313-324. [PMID: 29230913 PMCID: PMC5823737 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Cell type-specific investigations commonly use gene reporters or single-cell analytical techniques. However, reporter line development is arduous and generally limited to a single gene of interest, while single-cell RNA (scRNA)-sequencing (seq) frequently yields equivocal results that preclude definitive cell identification. To examine gene expression profiles of multiple retinal cell types derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), we performed scRNA-seq on optic vesicle (OV)-like structures cultured under cGMP-compatible conditions. However, efforts to apply traditional scRNA-seq analytical methods based on unbiased algorithms were unrevealing. Therefore, we developed a simple, versatile, and universally applicable approach that generates gene expression data akin to those obtained from reporter lines. This method ranks single cells by expression level of a bait gene and searches the transcriptome for genes whose cell-to-cell rank order expression most closely matches that of the bait. Moreover, multiple bait genes can be combined to refine datasets. Using this approach, we provide further evidence for the authenticity of hPSC-derived retinal cell types. Stem Cells 2018;36:313-324.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peng Jiang
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Sara Howden
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Li-Fang Chu
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ron Stewart
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Bikash R Pattnaik
- McPherson Eye Research Institute
- Department of Pediatrics
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - David M Gamm
- Waisman Center
- McPherson Eye Research Institute
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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73
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Generation of a rod-specific NRL reporter line in human pluripotent stem cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2370. [PMID: 29402929 PMCID: PMC5799252 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20813-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Reporter lines generated in human pluripotent stem cells can be highly useful for the analysis of specific cell types and lineages in live cultures. We created the first human rod reporter line using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to replace one allele of the Neural Retina Leucine zipper (NRL) gene with an eGFP transgene in the WA09 human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line. After confirming successful targeting, three-dimensional optic vesicle structures were produced to examine reporter specificity and to track rod differentiation in culture. The NRL+/eGFP hESC line robustly and exclusively labeled the entirety of rods throughout differentiation, eventually revealing highly mature structural features. This line provides a valuable tool for studying human rod development and disease and testing therapeutic strategies for retinitis pigmentosa.
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74
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Llonch S, Carido M, Ader M. Organoid technology for retinal repair. Dev Biol 2017; 433:132-143. [PMID: 29291970 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A major cause for vision impairment and blindness in industrialized countries is the loss of the light-sensing retinal tissue in the eye. Photoreceptor damage is one of the main characteristics found in retinal degeneration diseases, such as Retinitis Pigmentosa or age-related macular degeneration. The lack of effective therapies to stop photoreceptor loss together with the absence of significant intrinsic regeneration in the human retina converts such degenerative diseases into permanent conditions that are currently irreversible. Cell replacement by means of photoreceptor transplantation has been proposed as a potential approach to tackle cell loss in the retina. Since the first attempt of photoreceptor transplantation in humans, about twenty years ago, several research groups have focused in the development and improvement of technologies necessary to bring cell transplantation for retinal degeneration diseases to reality. Progress in recent years in the generation of human tissue derived from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) has significantly improved our tools to study human development and disease in the dish. Particularly the availability of 3D culture systems for the generation of PSC-derived organoids, including the human retina, has dramatically increased access to human material for basic and medical research. In this review, we focus on important milestones towards the generation of transplantable photoreceptor precursors from PSC-derived retinal organoids and discuss recent pre-clinical transplantation studies using organoid-derived photoreceptors in context to related in vivo work using primary photoreceptors as donor material. Additionally, we summarize remaining challenges for developing photoreceptor transplantation towards clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia Llonch
- CRTD/Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Madalena Carido
- CRTD/Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Dresden (DZNE), Arnoldstraße 18, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Marius Ader
- CRTD/Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
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Zhu J, Reynolds J, Garcia T, Cifuentes H, Chew S, Zeng X, Lamba DA. Generation of Transplantable Retinal Photoreceptors from a Current Good Manufacturing Practice-Manufactured Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Line. Stem Cells Transl Med 2017; 7:210-219. [PMID: 29266841 PMCID: PMC5788871 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.17-0205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration often results in the loss of light‐sensing photoreceptors, which leads to permanent vision loss. Generating transplantable retinal photoreceptors using human somatic cell‐derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) holds promise to treat a variety of retinal degenerative diseases by replacing the damaged or dysfunctional native photoreceptors with healthy and functional ones. Establishment of effective methods to produce retinal cells including photoreceptors in chemically defined conditions using current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP)‐manufactured human iPSC lines is critical for advancing cell replacement therapy to the clinic. In this study, we used a human iPSC line (NCL‐1) derived under cGMP‐compliant conditions from CD34+ cord blood cells. The cells were differentiated into retinal cells using a small molecule‐based retinal induction protocol. We show that retinal cells including photoreceptors, retinal pigmented epithelial cells and optic cup‐like retinal organoids can be generated from the NCL‐1 iPSC line. Additionally, we show that following subretinal transplantation into immunodeficient host mouse eyes, retinal cells successfully integrated into the photoreceptor layer and developed into mature photoreceptors. This study provides strong evidence that transplantable photoreceptors can be generated from a cGMP‐manufactured human iPSC line for clinical applications. Stem Cells Translational Medicine2018;7:210–219
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhu
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, California, USA
| | - Joseph Reynolds
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, California, USA
| | - Thelma Garcia
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, California, USA
| | - Helen Cifuentes
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, California, USA
| | - Shereen Chew
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, California, USA
| | - Xianmin Zeng
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, California, USA.,NxCell Inc, Novato, California, USA
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76
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Takata N, Abbey D, Fiore L, Acosta S, Feng R, Gil HJ, Lavado A, Geng X, Interiano A, Neale G, Eiraku M, Sasai Y, Oliver G. An Eye Organoid Approach Identifies Six3 Suppression of R-spondin 2 as a Critical Step in Mouse Neuroretina Differentiation. Cell Rep 2017; 21:1534-1549. [PMID: 29117559 PMCID: PMC5728169 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.10.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in self-organizing, 3-dimensional tissue cultures of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provided an in vitro model that recapitulates many aspects of the in vivo developmental steps. Using Rax-GFP-expressing ESCs, newly generated Six3-/- iPSCs, and conditional null Six3delta/f;Rax-Cre ESCs, we identified Six3 repression of R-spondin 2 (Rspo2) as a required step during optic vesicle morphogenesis and neuroretina differentiation. We validated these results in vivo by showing that transient ectopic expression of Rspo2 in the anterior neural plate of transgenic mouse embryos was sufficient to inhibit neuroretina differentiation. Additionally, using a chimeric eye organoid assay, we determined that Six3 null cells exert a non-cell-autonomous repressive effect during optic vesicle formation and neuroretina differentiation. Our results further validate the organoid culture system as a reliable and fast alternative to identify and evaluate genes involved in eye morphogenesis and neuroretina differentiation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomu Takata
- Center for Vascular and Developmental Biology, Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Deepti Abbey
- Department of Genetics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Luciano Fiore
- Center for Vascular and Developmental Biology, Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Sandra Acosta
- Center for Vascular and Developmental Biology, Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ruopeng Feng
- Department of Genetics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Hyea Jin Gil
- Center for Vascular and Developmental Biology, Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Alfonso Lavado
- Department of Genetics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Xin Geng
- Department of Genetics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Ashley Interiano
- Department of Genetics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Geoffrey Neale
- Hartwell Center for Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Mototsugu Eiraku
- Laboratory for in vitro Histogenesis, RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan; Laboratory of Developmental Systems, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Sasai
- Laboratory for Organogenesis and Neurogenesis, RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Guillermo Oliver
- Center for Vascular and Developmental Biology, Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and related macular dystrophies (MDs) are a major cause of vision loss. However, the mechanisms underlying their progression remain ill-defined. This is partly due to the lack of disease models recapitulating the human pathology. Furthermore, in vivo studies have yielded limited understanding of the role of specific cell types in the eye vs. systemic influences (e.g., serum) on the disease pathology. Here, we use human induced pluripotent stem cell-retinal pigment epithelium (hiPSC-RPE) derived from patients with three dominant MDs, Sorsby's fundus dystrophy (SFD), Doyne honeycomb retinal dystrophy/malattia Leventinese (DHRD), and autosomal dominant radial drusen (ADRD), and demonstrate that dysfunction of RPE cells alone is sufficient for the initiation of sub-RPE lipoproteinaceous deposit (drusen) formation and extracellular matrix (ECM) alteration in these diseases. Consistent with clinical studies, sub-RPE basal deposits were present beneath both control (unaffected) and patient hiPSC-RPE cells. Importantly basal deposits in patient hiPSC-RPE cultures were more abundant and displayed a lipid- and protein-rich "drusen-like" composition. Furthermore, increased accumulation of COL4 was observed in ECM isolated from control vs. patient hiPSC-RPE cultures. Interestingly, RPE-specific up-regulation in the expression of several complement genes was also seen in patient hiPSC-RPE cultures of all three MDs (SFD, DHRD, and ADRD). Finally, although serum exposure was not necessary for drusen formation, COL4 accumulation in ECM, and complement pathway gene alteration, it impacted the composition of drusen-like deposits in patient hiPSC-RPE cultures. Together, the drusen model(s) of MDs described here provide fundamental insights into the unique biology of maculopathies affecting the RPE-ECM interface.
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78
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Browne AW, Arnesano C, Harutyunyan N, Khuu T, Martinez JC, Pollack HA, Koos DS, Lee TC, Fraser SE, Moats RA, Aparicio JG, Cobrinik D. Structural and Functional Characterization of Human Stem-Cell-Derived Retinal Organoids by Live Imaging. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:3311-3318. [PMID: 28672397 PMCID: PMC5495152 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-20796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived retinal organoids are a platform for investigating retinal development, pathophysiology, and cellular therapies. In contrast to histologic analysis in which multiple specimens fixed at different times are used to reconstruct developmental processes, repeated analysis of the same living organoids provides a more direct means to characterize changes. New live imaging modalities can provide insights into retinal organoid structure and metabolic function during in vitro growth. This study employed live tissue imaging to characterize retinal organoid development, including metabolic changes accompanying photoreceptor differentiation. Methods Live hPSC-derived retinal organoids at different developmental stages were examined for microanatomic organization and metabolic function by phase contrast microscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), and hyperspectral imaging (HSpec). Features were compared to those revealed by histologic staining, immunostaining, and microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) of fixed organoid tissue. Results We used FLIM and HSpec to detect changes in metabolic activity as organoids differentiated into organized lamellae. FLIM detected increased glycolytic activity and HSpec detected retinol and retinoic acid accumulation in the organoid outer layer, coinciding with photoreceptor genesis. OCT enabled imaging of lamellae formed during organoid maturation. Micro-CT revealed three-dimensional structure, but failed to detect lamellae. Conclusions Live imaging modalities facilitate real-time and nondestructive imaging of retinal organoids as they organize into lamellar structures. FLIM and HSpec enable rapid detection of lamellar structure and photoreceptor metabolism. Live imaging techniques may aid in the continuous evaluation of retinal organoid development in diverse experimental and cell therapy settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W Browne
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Cosimo Arnesano
- Translational Imaging Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States 3Department of Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Narine Harutyunyan
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Thien Khuu
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Juan Carlos Martinez
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Harvey A Pollack
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States 6Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - David S Koos
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States 6Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Thomas C Lee
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States 4The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Scott E Fraser
- Translational Imaging Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States 3Department of Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States 5The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States 7Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Rex A Moats
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States 6Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States 7Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Jennifer G Aparicio
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - David Cobrinik
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States 4The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States 5The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States 8Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
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79
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Klingeborn M, Dismuke WM, Bowes Rickman C, Stamer WD. Roles of exosomes in the normal and diseased eye. Prog Retin Eye Res 2017; 59:158-177. [PMID: 28465248 PMCID: PMC5537591 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Exosomes are nanometer-sized vesicles that are released by cells in a controlled fashion and mediate a plethora of extra- and intercellular activities. Some key functions of exosomes include cell-cell communication, immune modulation, extracellular matrix turnover, stem cell division/differentiation, neovascularization and cellular waste removal. While much is known about their role in cancer, exosome function in the many specialized tissues of the eye is just beginning to undergo rigorous study. Here we review current knowledge of exosome function in the visual system in the context of larger bodies of data from other fields, in both health and disease. Additionally, we discuss recent advances in the exosome field including use of exosomes as a therapeutic vehicle, exosomes as a source of biomarkers for disease, plus current standards for isolation and validation of exosome populations. Finally, we use this foundational information about exosomes in the eye as a platform to identify areas of opportunity for future research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikael Klingeborn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - W Michael Dismuke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Catherine Bowes Rickman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - W Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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80
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Abstract
The recent advances in cell-based therapies for the repair of the pigmented epithelium is providing additional impetus for the translation of photoreceptor transplantation to eventual clinical trials. The prospects for transplantation of photoreceptors as a potential therapy for the treatment of photoreceptor degeneration will depend on successfully addressing many critical issues in preclinical studies. Although most of the studies that have carried out transplants of photoreceptors have primarily used normal mice, there have been recent reports that have also shown some success following transplantation to mouse models of retinitis pigmentosa. However, while these results are promising, there are several key issues that require further investigation in order to better understand the optimum timing for transplantation, given the extensive remodeling of the retina that occurs in late stage disease.
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81
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Canto-Soler V, Flores-Bellver M, Vergara MN. Stem Cell Sources and Their Potential for the Treatment of Retinal Degenerations. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 57:ORSFd1-9. [PMID: 27116661 PMCID: PMC6892419 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-19127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells offer unprecedented opportunities for the development of strategies geared toward the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases. A variety of cellular sources have been investigated for various potential clinical applications, including tissue regeneration, disease modeling, and screening for non–cell-based therapeutic agents. As the field transitions from more than a decade of preclinical research to the first phase I/II clinical trials, we provide a concise overview of the stem cell sources most commonly used, weighing their therapeutic potential on the basis of their technical strengths/limitations, their ethical implications, and the extent of the progress achieved to date. This article serves as a framework for further in-depth analyses presented in the following chapters of this Special Issue.
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82
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Zhao C, Wang Q, Temple S. Stem cell therapies for retinal diseases: recapitulating development to replace degenerated cells. Development 2017; 144:1368-1381. [PMID: 28400433 PMCID: PMC5399657 DOI: 10.1242/dev.133108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases are the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Replacing lost retinal cells via stem cell-based therapies is an exciting, rapidly advancing area of translational research that has already entered the clinic. Here, we review the status of these clinical efforts for several significant retinal diseases, describe the challenges involved and discuss how basic developmental studies have contributed to and are needed to advance clinical goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiping Zhao
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, 1 Discovery Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - Qingjie Wang
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, 1 Discovery Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - Sally Temple
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, 1 Discovery Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
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83
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Aghaizu ND, Kruczek K, Gonzalez-Cordero A, Ali RR, Pearson RA. Pluripotent stem cells and their utility in treating photoreceptor degenerations. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2017; 231:191-223. [PMID: 28554397 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration and inherited retinal degenerations represent the leading causes of blindness in industrialized countries. Despite different initiating causes, they share a common final pathophysiology, the loss of the light sensitive photoreceptors. Replacement by transplantation may offer a potential treatment strategy for both patient populations. The last decade has seen remarkable progress in our ability to generate retinal cell types, including photoreceptors, from a variety of murine and human pluripotent stem cell sources. Driven in large part by the requirement for renewable cell sources, stem cells have emerged not only as a promising source of replacement photoreceptors but also to provide in vitro systems with which to study retinal development and disease processes and to test therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kamil Kruczek
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Robin R Ali
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
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84
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Vetter ML, Hitchcock PF. Report on the National Eye Institute Audacious Goals Initiative: Replacement of Retinal Ganglion Cells from Endogenous Cell Sources. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2017; 6:5. [PMID: 28316878 PMCID: PMC5354473 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.6.2.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This report emerges from a workshop convened by the National Eye Institute (NEI) as part of the "Audacious Goals Initiative" (AGI). The workshop addressed the replacement of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) from exogenous and endogenous sources, and sought to identify the gaps in our knowledge and barriers to progress in devising cellular replacement therapies for diseases where RGCs die. Here, we briefly review relevant literature regarding common diseases associated with RGC death, the genesis of RGCs in vivo, strategies for generating transplantable RGCs in vitro, and potential endogenous cellular sources to regenerate these cells. These topics provided the clinical and scientific context for the discussion among the workshop participants and are relevant to efforts that may lead to therapeutic approaches for replacing RGCs. This report also summarizes the content of the workshop discussion, which focused on: (1) cell sources for RGC replacement and regeneration, (2) optimizing integration, survival, and synaptogenesis of new RGCs, and (3) approaches for assessing the outcomes of RGC replacement therapies. We conclude this report with a summary of recommendations, based on the workshop discussions, which may guide vision scientists seeking to develop therapies for replacing RGCs in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica L Vetter
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Peter F Hitchcock
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA ; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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85
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Combes RD, Shah AB. The use of in vivo, ex vivo, in vitro, computational models and volunteer studies in vision research and therapy, and their contribution to the Three Rs. Altern Lab Anim 2017; 44:187-238. [PMID: 27494623 DOI: 10.1177/026119291604400302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Much is known about mammalian vision, and considerable progress has been achieved in treating many vision disorders, especially those due to changes in the eye, by using various therapeutic methods, including stem cell and gene therapy. While cells and tissues from the main parts of the eye and the visual cortex (VC) can be maintained in culture, and many computer models exist, the current non-animal approaches are severely limiting in the study of visual perception and retinotopic imaging. Some of the early studies with cats and non-human primates (NHPs) are controversial for animal welfare reasons and are of questionable clinical relevance, particularly with respect to the treatment of amblyopia. More recently, the UK Home Office records have shown that attention is now more focused on rodents, especially the mouse. This is likely to be due to the perceived need for genetically-altered animals, rather than to knowledge of the similarities and differences of vision in cats, NHPs and rodents, and the fact that the same techniques can be used for all of the species. We discuss the advantages and limitations of animal and non-animal methods for vision research, and assess their relative contributions to basic knowledge and clinical practice, as well as outlining the opportunities they offer for implementing the principles of the Three Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Atul B Shah
- Ophthalmic Surgeon, National Eye Registry Ltd, Leicester, UK
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86
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Aparicio JG, Hopp H, Choi A, Mandayam Comar J, Liao VC, Harutyunyan N, Lee TC. Temporal expression of CD184(CXCR4) and CD171(L1CAM) identifies distinct early developmental stages of human retinal ganglion cells in embryonic stem cell derived retina. Exp Eye Res 2017; 154:177-189. [PMID: 27867005 PMCID: PMC5359064 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Human retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) derived from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) have anticipated value for human disease study, drug screening, and therapeutic applications; however, their full potential remains underdeveloped. To characterize RGCs in human embryonic stem cell (hESC) derived retinal organoids we examined RGC markers and surface antigen expression and made comparisons to human fetal retina. RGCs in both tissues exhibited CD184 and CD171 expression and distinct expression patterns of the RGC markers BRN3 and RBPMS. The retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) of retinal organoids expressed CD184, consistent with its expression in the neuroblastic layer in fetal retina. In retinal organoids CD184 expression was enhanced in RGC competent RPCs and high CD184 expression was retained on post-mitotic RGC precursors; CD171 was detected on maturing RGCs. The differential expression timing of CD184 and CD171 permits identification and enrichment of RGCs from retinal organoids at differing maturation states from committed progenitors to differentiating neurons. These observations will facilitate molecular characterization of PSC-derived RGCs during differentiation, critical knowledge for establishing the veracity of these in vitro produced cells. Furthermore, observations made in the retinal organoid model closely parallel those in human fetal retina further validating use of retinal organoid to model early retinal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Aparicio
- The Vision Center, Division of Ophthalmology, and Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - H Hopp
- The Vision Center, Division of Ophthalmology, and Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - A Choi
- The Vision Center, Division of Ophthalmology, and Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - V C Liao
- The Vision Center, Division of Ophthalmology, and Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - N Harutyunyan
- The Vision Center, Division of Ophthalmology, and Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - T C Lee
- The Vision Center, Division of Ophthalmology, and Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, USA
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87
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Capowski EE, Wright LS, Liang K, Phillips MJ, Wallace K, Petelinsek A, Hagstrom A, Pinilla I, Borys K, Lien J, Min JH, Keles S, Thomson JA, Gamm DM. Regulation of WNT Signaling by VSX2 During Optic Vesicle Patterning in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Stem Cells 2016; 34:2625-2634. [PMID: 27301076 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Few gene targets of Visual System Homeobox 2 (VSX2) have been identified despite its broad and critical role in the maintenance of neural retina (NR) fate during early retinogenesis. We performed VSX2 ChIP-seq and ChIP-PCR assays on early stage optic vesicle-like structures (OVs) derived from human iPS cells (hiPSCs), which highlighted WNT pathway genes as direct regulatory targets of VSX2. Examination of early NR patterning in hiPSC-OVs from a patient with a functional null mutation in VSX2 revealed mis-expression and upregulation of WNT pathway components and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) markers in comparison to control hiPSC-OVs. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of WNT signaling rescued the early mutant phenotype, whereas augmentation of WNT signaling in control hiPSC-OVs phenocopied the mutant. These findings reveal an important role for VSX2 as a regulator of WNT signaling and suggest that VSX2 may act to maintain NR identity at the expense of RPE in part by direct repression of WNT pathway constituents. Stem Cells 2016;34:2625-2634.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lynda S Wright
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.,McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Kun Liang
- Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - M Joseph Phillips
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.,McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Kyle Wallace
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Anna Petelinsek
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Anna Hagstrom
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Isabel Pinilla
- Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragón), Lozano Blesa University Hospital, Zaragoza, 50009, Spain.,Department of Ophthalmology, Lozano Blesa University Hospital, Zaragoza, 50009, Spain
| | - Katarzyna Borys
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Jessica Lien
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Jee Hong Min
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Sunduz Keles
- Department of Statistics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | | | - David M Gamm
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.,McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.,Department of Ophthamology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
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88
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Mead B, Logan A, Berry M, Leadbeater W, Scheven BA. Concise Review: Dental Pulp Stem Cells: A Novel Cell Therapy for Retinal and Central Nervous System Repair. Stem Cells 2016; 35:61-67. [PMID: 27273755 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) are neural crest-derived ecto-mesenchymal stem cells that can relatively easily and non-invasively be isolated from the dental pulp of extracted postnatal and adult teeth. Accumulating evidence suggests that DPSC have great promise as a cellular therapy for central nervous system (CNS) and retinal injury and disease. The mode of action by which DPSC confer therapeutic benefit may comprise multiple pathways, in particular, paracrine-mediated processes which involve a wide array of secreted trophic factors and is increasingly regarded as the principal predominant mechanism. In this concise review, we present the current evidence for the use of DPSC to repair CNS damage, including recent findings on retinal ganglion cell neuroprotection and regeneration in optic nerve injury and glaucoma. Stem Cells 2017;35:61-67.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Mead
- School of Dentistry, Oral Biology, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Neurotrauma and Neurobiology Research Group, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ann Logan
- Neurotrauma and Neurobiology Research Group, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Berry
- Neurotrauma and Neurobiology Research Group, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Wendy Leadbeater
- Neurotrauma and Neurobiology Research Group, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ben A Scheven
- School of Dentistry, Oral Biology, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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89
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Komuta Y, Ishii T, Kaneda M, Ueda Y, Miyamoto K, Toyoda M, Umezawa A, Seko Y. In vitro transdifferentiation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells to photoreceptor-like cells. Biol Open 2016; 5:709-19. [PMID: 27170256 PMCID: PMC4920181 DOI: 10.1242/bio.016477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct reprogramming is a promising, simple and low-cost approach to generate target cells from somatic cells without using induced pluripotent stem cells. Recently, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) have attracted considerable attention as a somatic cell source for reprogramming. As a cell source, PBMCs have an advantage over dermal fibroblasts with respect to the ease of collecting tissues. Based on our studies involving generation of photosensitive photoreceptor cells from human iris cells and human dermal fibroblasts by transduction of photoreceptor-related transcription factors via retrovirus vectors, we transduced these transcription factors into PBMCs via Sendai virus vectors. We found that retinal disease-related genes were efficiently detected in CRX-transduced cells, most of which are crucial to photoreceptor functions. In functional studies, a light-induced inward current was detected in some CRX-transduced cells. Moreover, by modification of the culture conditions including additional transduction of RAX1 and NEUROD1, we found a greater variety of retinal disease-related genes than that observed in CRX-transduced PBMCs. These data suggest that CRX acts as a master control gene for reprogramming PBMCs into photoreceptor-like cells and that our induced photoreceptor-like cells might contribute to individualized drug screening and disease modeling of inherited retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukari Komuta
- Visual Functions Section, Department of Rehabilitation for Sensory Functions, Research Institute, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8555, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Ishii
- Department of Physiology, Nippon Medical School, Sendagi, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan
| | - Makoto Kaneda
- Department of Physiology, Nippon Medical School, Sendagi, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan
| | - Yasuji Ueda
- ID Pharma Co. Ltd, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-2611, Japan
| | - Kiyoko Miyamoto
- Visual Functions Section, Department of Rehabilitation for Sensory Functions, Research Institute, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8555, Japan
| | - Masashi Toyoda
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
| | - Akihiro Umezawa
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Center for Regenerative Medicine, National Institute for Child Health and Development, Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
| | - Yuko Seko
- Visual Functions Section, Department of Rehabilitation for Sensory Functions, Research Institute, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8555, Japan
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90
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Deng F, Chen M, Liu Y, Hu H, Xiong Y, Xu C, Liu Y, Li K, Zhuang J, Ge J. Stage-specific differentiation of iPSCs toward retinal ganglion cell lineage. Mol Vis 2016; 22:536-47. [PMID: 27293372 PMCID: PMC4885909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE As an alternative and desirable approach for regenerative medicine, human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology raises the possibility of developing patient-tailored cell therapies to treat intractable degenerative diseases in the future. This study was undertaken to guide human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts-derived iPSCs (TiPSCs) to differentiate along the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) lineage, aiming at producing appropriate cellular material for RGC regeneration. METHODS By mimicking RGC genesis, we deliberately administered the whole differentiation process and directed the stage-specific differentiation of human TiPSCs toward an RGC fate via manipulation of the retinal inducers (DKK1+Noggin+Lefty A) alongside master gene (Atoh7) sequentially. Throughout this stepwise differentiation process, changes in primitive neuroectodermal, eye field, and RGC marker expression were monitored with quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), immunocytochemistry, and/or flow cytometry. RESULTS Upon retinal differentiation, a large fraction of the cells developed characteristics of retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) in response to simulated environment signaling (DKK1+Noggin+Lefty A), which was selectively recovered with manual isolation approaches and then maintained in the presence of mitogen for multiple passages. Thereafter, overexpression of ATOH7 further promoted RGC specification in TiPSC-derived RPCs. A subset of transfected cells displayed RGC-specific expression patterns, including Brn3b, iSlet1, calretinin, and Tuj, and approximately 23% of Brn3b-positive RGC-like cells were obtained finally. CONCLUSIONS Our DKK1+Noggin+Lefty A/Atoh7-based RGC-induction regime could efficiently direct TiPSCs to differentiate along RGC lineage in a stage-specific manner, which may provide a benefit to develop possible cell therapies to treat retinal degenerative diseases such as glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengfei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huiling Hu
- Shengzhen Ophthalmic Center of Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yunfan Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chaochao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuchun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kangjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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91
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Leach LL, Croze RH, Hu Q, Nadar VP, Clevenger TN, Pennington BO, Gamm DM, Clegg DO. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigmented Epithelium: A Comparative Study Between Cell Lines and Differentiation Methods. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2016; 32:317-30. [PMID: 27182743 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2016.0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The application of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal pigmented epithelium (iPSC-RPE) in patients with retinal degenerative disease is making headway toward the clinic, with clinical trials already underway. Multiple groups have developed methods for RPE differentiation from pluripotent cells, but previous studies have shown variability in iPSC propensity to differentiate into RPE. METHODS This study provides a comparison between 2 different methods for RPE differentiation: (1) a commonly used spontaneous continuously adherent culture (SCAC) protocol and (2) a more rapid, directed differentiation using growth factors. Integration-free iPSC lines were differentiated to RPE, which were characterized with respect to global gene expression, expression of RPE markers, and cellular function. RESULTS We found that all 5 iPSC lines (iPSC-1, iPSC-2, iPSC-3, iPSC-4, and iPSC-12) generated RPE using the directed differentiation protocol; however, 2 of the 5 iPSC lines (iPSC-4 and iPSC-12) did not yield RPE using the SCAC method. Both methods can yield bona fide RPE that expresses signature RPE genes and carry out RPE functions, and are similar, but not identical to fetal RPE. No differences between methods were detected in transcript levels, protein localization, or functional analyses between iPSC-1-RPE, iPSC-2-RPE, and iPSC-3-RPE. Directed iPSC-3-RPE showed enhanced transcript levels of RPE65 compared to directed iPSC-2-RPE and increased BEST1 expression and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) secretion compared to directed iPSC-1-RPE. In addition, SCAC iPSC-3-RPE secreted more PEDF than SCAC iPSC-1-RPE. CONCLUSIONS The directed protocol is a more reliable method for differentiating RPE from various pluripotent sources and some iPSC lines are more amenable to RPE differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsay L Leach
- 1 Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, University of California , Santa Barbara, California.,2 Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California , Santa Barbara, California.,3 Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California , Santa Barbara, California
| | - Roxanne H Croze
- 1 Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, University of California , Santa Barbara, California.,2 Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California , Santa Barbara, California.,3 Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California , Santa Barbara, California
| | - Qirui Hu
- 1 Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, University of California , Santa Barbara, California.,2 Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California , Santa Barbara, California
| | - Vignesh P Nadar
- 1 Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, University of California , Santa Barbara, California.,4 California State University , Channel Islands, Camarillo, California
| | - Tracy N Clevenger
- 1 Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, University of California , Santa Barbara, California.,2 Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California , Santa Barbara, California.,3 Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California , Santa Barbara, California
| | - Britney O Pennington
- 1 Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, University of California , Santa Barbara, California.,2 Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California , Santa Barbara, California
| | - David M Gamm
- 5 Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison, Wisconsin.,6 McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison, Wisconsin.,7 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Dennis O Clegg
- 1 Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, University of California , Santa Barbara, California.,2 Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California , Santa Barbara, California.,3 Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California , Santa Barbara, California
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92
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Song MJ, Bharti K. Looking into the future: Using induced pluripotent stem cells to build two and three dimensional ocular tissue for cell therapy and disease modeling. Brain Res 2016; 1638:2-14. [PMID: 26706569 PMCID: PMC4837038 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.12.011] [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: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases are the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in developed countries. In many cases the diseases originate in the homeostatic unit in the back of the eye that contains the retina, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the choriocapillaris. RPE is a central and a critical component of this homeostatic unit, maintaining photoreceptor function and survival on the apical side and choriocapillaris health on the basal side. In diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), it is thought that RPE dysfunctions cause disease-initiating events and as the RPE degenerates photoreceptors begin to die and patients start loosing vision. Patient-specific induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived RPE provides direct access to a patient's genetics and allow the possibility of identifying the initiating events of RPE-associated degenerative diseases. Furthermore, iPS cell-derived RPE cells are being tested as a potential cell replacement in disease stages with RPE atrophy. In this article we summarize the recent progress in the field of iPS cell-derived RPE "disease modeling" and cell therapies and also discuss the possibilities of developing a model of the entire homeostatic unit to aid in studying disease processes in the future. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: PSC and the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jae Song
- Unit on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research National Eye Institute, 10 Center Drive, Room 10B10, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Kapil Bharti
- Unit on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research National Eye Institute, 10 Center Drive, Room 10B10, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States.
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93
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Ohlemacher SK, Sridhar A, Xiao Y, Hochstetler AE, Sarfarazi M, Cummins TR, Meyer JS. Stepwise Differentiation of Retinal Ganglion Cells from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Enables Analysis of Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration. Stem Cells 2016; 34:1553-62. [PMID: 26996528 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), including both embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, possess the unique ability to readily differentiate into any cell type of the body, including cells of the retina. Although previous studies have demonstrated the ability to differentiate hPSCs to a retinal lineage, the ability to derive retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) from hPSCs has been complicated by the lack of specific markers with which to identify these cells from a pluripotent source. In the current study, the definitive identification of hPSC-derived RGCs was accomplished by their directed, stepwise differentiation through an enriched retinal progenitor intermediary, with resultant RGCs expressing a full complement of associated features and proper functional characteristics. These results served as the basis for the establishment of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from a patient with a genetically inherited form of glaucoma, which results in damage and loss of RGCs. Patient-derived RGCs specifically exhibited a dramatic increase in apoptosis, similar to the targeted loss of RGCs in glaucoma, which was significantly rescued by the addition of candidate neuroprotective factors. Thus, the current study serves to establish a method by which to definitively acquire and identify RGCs from hPSCs and demonstrates the ability of hPSCs to serve as an effective in vitro model of disease progression. Moreover, iPSC-derived RGCs can be utilized for future drug screening approaches to identify targets for the treatment of glaucoma and other optic neuropathies. Stem Cells 2016;34:1553-1562.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Ohlemacher
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Akshayalakshmi Sridhar
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Yucheng Xiao
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Alexandra E Hochstetler
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Mansoor Sarfarazi
- Molecular Ophthalmic Genetics Laboratory, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Theodore R Cummins
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jason S Meyer
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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94
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Sridhar A, Ohlemacher SK, Langer KB, Meyer JS. Robust Differentiation of mRNA-Reprogrammed Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Toward a Retinal Lineage. Stem Cells Transl Med 2016; 5:417-26. [PMID: 26933039 PMCID: PMC4798730 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2015-0093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability and efficiency of mRNA-reprogrammed human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to yield retinal cell types in a directed, stepwise manner was tested. hiPSCs derived through mRNA-based reprogramming strategies offer numerous advantages owing to the lack of genomic integration or constitutive expression of pluripotency genes. Such methods represent a promising new approach for retinal stem cell research, especially translational applications. The derivation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) from patient-specific sources has allowed for the development of novel approaches to studies of human development and disease. However, traditional methods of generating hiPSCs involve the risks of genomic integration and potential constitutive expression of pluripotency factors and often exhibit low reprogramming efficiencies. The recent description of cellular reprogramming using synthetic mRNA molecules might eliminate these shortcomings; however, the ability of mRNA-reprogrammed hiPSCs to effectively give rise to retinal cell lineages has yet to be demonstrated. Thus, efforts were undertaken to test the ability and efficiency of mRNA-reprogrammed hiPSCs to yield retinal cell types in a directed, stepwise manner. hiPSCs were generated from human fibroblasts via mRNA reprogramming, with parallel cultures of isogenic human fibroblasts reprogrammed via retroviral delivery of reprogramming factors. New lines of mRNA-reprogrammed hiPSCs were established and were subsequently differentiated into a retinal fate using established protocols in a directed, stepwise fashion. The efficiency of retinal differentiation from these lines was compared with retroviral-derived cell lines at various stages of development. On differentiation, mRNA-reprogrammed hiPSCs were capable of robust differentiation to a retinal fate, including the derivation of photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells, at efficiencies often equal to or greater than their retroviral-derived hiPSC counterparts. Thus, given that hiPSCs derived through mRNA-based reprogramming strategies offer numerous advantages owing to the lack of genomic integration or constitutive expression of pluripotency genes, such methods likely represent a promising new approach for retinal stem cell research, in particular, those for translational applications. Significance In the current report, the ability to derive mRNA-reprogrammed human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), followed by the differentiation of these cells toward a retinal lineage, including photoreceptors, retinal ganglion cells, and retinal pigment epithelium, has been demonstrated. The use of mRNA reprogramming to yield pluripotency represents a unique ability to derive pluripotent stem cells without the use of DNA vectors, ensuring the lack of genomic integration and constitutive expression. The studies reported in the present article serve to establish a more reproducible system with which to derive retinal cell types from hiPSCs through the prevention of genomic integration of delivered genes and should also eliminate the risk of constitutive expression of these genes. Such ability has important implications for the study of, and development of potential treatments for, retinal degenerative disorders and the development of novel therapeutic approaches to the treatment of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshayalakshmi Sridhar
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Sarah K Ohlemacher
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Kirstin B Langer
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Jason S Meyer
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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95
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Abstract
Photoreceptors--the light-sensitive cells in the vertebrate retina--have been extremely well-characterized with regards to their biochemistry, cell biology and physiology. They therefore provide an excellent model for exploring the factors and mechanisms that drive neural progenitors into a differentiated cell fate in the nervous system. As a result, great progress in understanding the transcriptional network that controls photoreceptor specification and differentiation has been made over the last 20 years. This progress has also enabled the production of photoreceptors from pluripotent stem cells, thereby aiding the development of regenerative medical approaches to eye disease. In this Review, we outline the signaling and transcription factors that drive vertebrate photoreceptor development and discuss how these function together in gene regulatory networks to control photoreceptor cell fate specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Brzezinski
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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96
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Zarbin M. Cell-Based Therapy for Degenerative Retinal Disease. Trends Mol Med 2016; 22:115-134. [PMID: 26791247 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2015.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2015] [Revised: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors (PRs) have restored vision in preclinical models of human retinal degenerative disease. This review discusses characteristics of stem cell therapy in the eye and the challenges to clinical implementation that are being confronted today. Based on encouraging results from Phase I/II trials, the first Phase II clinical trials of stem cell-derived RPE transplantation are underway. PR transplant experiments have demonstrated restoration of visual function in preclinical models of retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration, but also indicate that no single approach is likely to succeed in overcoming PR loss in all cases. A greater understanding of the mechanisms controlling synapse formation as well as the immunoreactivity of transplanted retinal cells is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Zarbin
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
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iPSCs: A Minireview from Bench to Bed, including Organoids and the CRISPR System. Stem Cells Int 2016; 2016:5934782. [PMID: 26880972 PMCID: PMC4736429 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5934782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
When Dolly the sheep was born, the first probe into an adult mammalian genome traveling back in time and generating a whole new animal appeared. Ten years later, the reprogramming process became a defined method of producing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) through the overexpression of four transcription factors. iPSCs are capable of originating virtually all types of cells and tissues, including a whole new animal. The reprogramming strategies based on patient-derived cells should make the development of clinical applications of cell based therapy much more straightforward. Here, we analyze the current state, opportunities, and challenges of iPSCs from bench to bed, including organoids and the CRISPR system.
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98
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Giacalone JC, Wiley LA, Burnight ER, Songstad AE, Mullins RF, Stone EM, Tucker BA. Concise Review: Patient-Specific Stem Cells to Interrogate Inherited Eye Disease. Stem Cells Transl Med 2015; 5:132-40. [PMID: 26683869 PMCID: PMC4729558 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2015-0206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Heritable diseases of the retina are major causes of blindness worldwide. The recent success of gene augmentation trials for the treatment of RPE65-associated Leber congenital amaurosis has underscored the need for model systems that accurately recapitulate disease. How induced pluripotent stem cell technology is being used to confirm the pathogenesis of novel genetic variants, interrogate the pathophysiology of disease, and accelerate the development of patient-centered treatments is discussed. Whether we are driving to work or spending time with loved ones, we depend on our sense of vision to interact with the world around us. Therefore, it is understandable why blindness for many is feared above death itself. Heritable diseases of the retina, such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and retinitis pigmentosa, are major causes of blindness worldwide. The recent success of gene augmentation trials for the treatment of RPE65-associated Leber congenital amaurosis has underscored the need for model systems that accurately recapitulate disease. With the advent of patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), researchers are now able to obtain disease-specific cell types that would otherwise be unavailable for molecular analysis. In the present review, we discuss how the iPSC technology is being used to confirm the pathogenesis of novel genetic variants, interrogate the pathophysiology of disease, and accelerate the development of patient-centered treatments. Significance Stem cell technology has created the opportunity to advance treatments for multiple forms of blindness. Researchers are now able to use a person’s cells to generate tissues found in the eye. This technology can be used to elucidate the genetic causes of disease and develop treatment strategies. In the present review, how stem cell technology is being used to interrogate the pathophysiology of eye disease and accelerate the development of patient-centered treatments is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph C Giacalone
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Luke A Wiley
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Erin R Burnight
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Allison E Songstad
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Robert F Mullins
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Edwin M Stone
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Budd A Tucker
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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99
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Tucker BA, Cranston CM, Anfinson KA, Shrestha S, Streb LM, Leon A, Mullins RF, Stone EM. Using patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells to interrogate the pathogenicity of a novel retinal pigment epithelium-specific 65 kDa cryptic splice site mutation and confirm eligibility for enrollment into a clinical gene augmentation trial. Transl Res 2015; 166:740-749.e1. [PMID: 26364624 PMCID: PMC4702513 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2015.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelium-specific 65 kDa (RPE65)-associated Leber congenital amaurosis is an autosomal recessive disease that results in reduced visual acuity and night blindness beginning at birth. It is one of the few retinal degenerative disorders for which promising clinical gene transfer trials are currently underway. However, the ability to enroll patients in a gene augmentation trial is dependent on the identification of 2 bona fide disease-causing mutations, and there are some patients with the phenotype of RPE65-associated disease who might benefit from gene transfer but are ineligible because 2 disease-causing genetic variations have not yet been identified. Some such patients have novel mutations in RPE65 for which pathogenicity is difficult to confirm. The goal of this study was to determine if an intronic mutation identified in a 2-year-old patient with presumed RPE65-associated disease was truly pathogenic and grounds for inclusion in a clinical gene augmentation trial. Sequencing of the RPE65 gene revealed 2 mutations: (1) a previously identified disease-causing exonic leucine-to-proline mutation (L408P) and (2) a novel single point mutation in intron 3 (IVS3-11) resulting in an A>G change. RT-PCR analysis using RNA extracted from control human donor eye-derived primary RPE, control iPSC-RPE cells, and proband iPSC-RPE cells revealed that the identified IVS3-11 variation caused a splicing defect that resulted in a frameshift and insertion of a premature stop codon. In this study, we demonstrate how patient-specific iPSCs can be used to confirm pathogenicity of unknown mutations, which can enable positive clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Budd A Tucker
- Stephen A Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Cathryn M Cranston
- Stephen A Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Kristin A Anfinson
- Stephen A Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Suruchi Shrestha
- Stephen A Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Luan M Streb
- Stephen A Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Alejandro Leon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Hospital New Orleans, New Orleans, La
| | - Robert F Mullins
- Stephen A Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Edwin M Stone
- Stephen A Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
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100
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Gamm DM, Wong R. Report on the National Eye Institute Audacious Goals Initiative: Photoreceptor Regeneration and Integration Workshop. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2015; 4:2. [PMID: 26629398 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.4.6.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The National Eye Institute (NEI) hosted a workshop on May 2, 2015, as part of the Audacious Goals Initiative (AGI) to foster a concerted effort to develop novel therapies for outer retinal diseases. The central goal of this initiative is to "demonstrate by 2025 the restoration of usable vision in humans through the regeneration of neurons and neural connections in the eye and visual system." More specifically, the AGI identified two neural retinal cell classes-ganglion cells and photoreceptors-as challenging, high impact targets for these efforts. A prior workshop and subsequent white paper provided a foundation to begin addressing issues regarding optic nerve regeneration, whereas the major objective of the May 2015 workshop was to review progress toward photoreceptor replacement and identify research gaps and barriers that are limiting advancement of the field. The present report summarizes that discussion and input, which was gathered from a panel of distinguished basic science and clinical investigators with diverse technical expertise and experience with different model systems. Four broad discussion categories were put forth during the workshop, each addressing a critical area of need in the pursuit of functional photoreceptor regeneration: (1) cell sources for photoreceptor regeneration, (2) cell delivery and/or integration, (3) outcome assessment, and (4) preclinical models and target patient populations. For each category, multiple challenges and opportunities for research discovery and tool production were identified and vetted. The present report summarizes the dialogue that took place and seeks to encourage continued interactions within the vision science community on this topic. It also serves as a guide for funding to support the pursuit of cell and circuit repair in diseases leading to photoreceptor degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Gamm
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Rachel Wong
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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