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Beyeler M, Sanchez-Garcia M. Towards a Smart Bionic Eye: AI-powered artificial vision for the treatment of incurable blindness. J Neural Eng 2022; 19:10.1088/1741-2552/aca69d. [PMID: 36541463 PMCID: PMC10507809 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/aca69d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective.How can we return a functional form of sight to people who are living with incurable blindness? Despite recent advances in the development of visual neuroprostheses, the quality of current prosthetic vision is still rudimentary and does not differ much across different device technologies.Approach.Rather than aiming to represent the visual scene as naturally as possible, aSmart Bionic Eyecould provide visual augmentations through the means of artificial intelligence-based scene understanding, tailored to specific real-world tasks that are known to affect the quality of life of people who are blind, such as face recognition, outdoor navigation, and self-care.Main results.Complementary to existing research aiming to restore natural vision, we propose a patient-centered approach to incorporate deep learning-based visual augmentations into the next generation of devices.Significance.The ability of a visual prosthesis to support everyday tasks might make the difference between abandoned technology and a widely adopted next-generation neuroprosthetic device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Beyeler
- Department of Computer Science,University of California,Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America
| | - Melani Sanchez-Garcia
- Department of Computer Science,University of California,Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America
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102
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Karamali F, Behtaj S, Babaei-Abraki S, Hadady H, Atefi A, Savoj S, Soroushzadeh S, Najafian S, Nasr Esfahani MH, Klassen H. Potential therapeutic strategies for photoreceptor degeneration: the path to restore vision. J Transl Med 2022; 20:572. [PMID: 36476500 PMCID: PMC9727916 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03738-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptors (PRs), as the most abundant and light-sensing cells of the neuroretina, are responsible for converting light into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. PR degeneration, including morphological and functional impairment of these cells, causes significant diminution of the retina's ability to detect light, with consequent loss of vision. Recent findings in ocular regenerative medicine have opened promising avenues to apply neuroprotective therapy, gene therapy, cell replacement therapy, and visual prostheses to the challenge of restoring vision. However, successful visual restoration in the clinical setting requires application of these therapeutic approaches at the appropriate stage of the retinal degeneration. In this review, firstly, we discuss the mechanisms of PR degeneration by focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying cell death. Subsequently, innovations, recent developments, and promising treatments based on the stage of disorder progression are further explored. Then, the challenges to be addressed before implementation of these therapies in clinical practice are considered. Finally, potential solutions to overcome the current limitations of this growing research area are suggested. Overall, the majority of current treatment modalities are still at an early stage of development and require extensive additional studies, both pre-clinical and clinical, before full restoration of visual function in PR degeneration diseases can be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Karamali
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sanaz Behtaj
- grid.1022.10000 0004 0437 5432Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia ,grid.1022.10000 0004 0437 5432Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4222 Australia
| | - Shahnaz Babaei-Abraki
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hanieh Hadady
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Atefeh Atefi
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Soraya Savoj
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sareh Soroushzadeh
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Samaneh Najafian
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr Esfahani
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Henry Klassen
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Irvine, CA USA
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103
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Li G, Liu S, Chen W, Jiang Z, Luo Y, Wang D, Zheng Y, Liu Y. Acellularized Uvea Hydrogel as Novel Injectable Platform for Cell-Based Delivering Treatment of Retinal Degeneration and Optimizing Retinal Organoids Inducible System. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2202114. [PMID: 36189847 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Replenishing the retina with retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells derived from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) has great promise for treating retinal degenerative diseases, but it is limited by poor cell survival and integration in vivo. Herein, porcine acellular sclera and uvea extracellular matrix (ECM) and their counterpart hydrogels are developed, and their effects on the biological behavior of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived RPE cells (hiPSC-RPE) and embryoid body (hiPSC-EB) differentiation are investigated. Both acellular ECM hydrogels have excellent biocompatibility and suitable biodegradability without evoking an obvious immune response. Most importantly, the decellularized uvea hydrogel-delivered cells' injection remarkably promotes the hiPSC-RPE cells' survival and integration in the subretinal space, rescues the photoreceptor cells' death and retinal gliosis, and restores vision in rats with retinal degeneration for a long duration. In addition, medium supplementation with decellularized uvea peptides promotes hiPSC-EBs onset morphogenesis and neural/retinal differentiation, forming layered retinal organoids. This study demonstrates that ECM hydrogel-delivered hiPSC-RPE cells' injection may be a useful approach for treating retinal degeneration disease, combined with an optimized retinal seeding cells' induction program, which has potential for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilan Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510060, China.,Research Unit of Ocular Development and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Sheng Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510060, China.,Guangzhou Laboratory, No. 9 XingDaoHuanBei Road, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, China
| | - Wenfei Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zhijian Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yuanting Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Dongliang Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yingfeng Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510060, China.,Research Unit of Ocular Development and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yizhi Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510060, China.,Research Unit of Ocular Development and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
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104
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Subretinal Transplant of Human Amniotic Membrane in Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12121998. [PMID: 36556364 PMCID: PMC9783076 DOI: 10.3390/life12121998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Macular neovascularization (MNV) and geographic atrophy can complicate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and lead to severe visual acuity reduction. Despite the medical treatments available, with a defect in the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) there is no possibility of restoring acceptable visual acuity. We evaluated postoperative outcomes in patients affected by advanced AMD who underwent subretinal implant of the human amniotic membrane (hAM) as a source of pluripotent stem cells. This retrospective, consecutive, non-randomized interventional study included 23 eyes of 21 patients affected by AMD complicated by MNV, and five eyes of five patients affected by geographic atrophy. All eyes underwent a pars plana vitrectomy, neovascular membrane removal for the MNV group, a subretinal implant of hAM, and gas tamponade, and were followed for 12 months. The primary study outcome was visual acuity improvement. Secondary outcomes were postoperative complications, OCT-angiography parameters correlated with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and MNV recurrence. The mean preoperative BCVA was 1.9 logMAR, and the mean final BCVA value was 1.2 logMAR. In the MNV group, the mean BCVA improved from 1.84 logMAR to 1.26 logMAR, and from 1.84 logMAR to 1.32 logMAR in the geographic atrophy group. No MNV recurrence was evident in 12 months of follow-up. An OCT-angiography scan was used to evaluate the retinal vascularization in the treated eye, which showed a high correlation between BCVA and deep vascular density. This study demonstrates the hAM potential and safety in promoting a partial restoration of retinal function together with an increase in visual acuity.
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105
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Hydrogels to Support Transplantation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12121620. [PMID: 36552081 PMCID: PMC9775591 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12121620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are highly specialized neural cells with several functions essential for vision. Progressive deterioration of RPE cells in elderly individuals can result in visual impairment and, ultimately, blinding disease. While human embryonic stem cell-derived RPE cell (hESC-RPE) growth conditions are generally harsher than those of cell lines, the subretinal transplantation of hESC-RPE is being clinically explored as a strategy to recover the damaged retina and improve vision. The cell-adhesion ability of the support is required for RPE transplantation, where pre-polarized cells can maintain specific functions on the scaffold. This work examined four typical biodegradable hydrogels as supports for hESC-RPE growth. METHODS Four biodegradable hydrogels were examined: gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), hyaluronic acid methacryloyl (HAMA), alginate, and fibrin hydrogels. ARPE-19 and hESC-RPE cells were seeded onto the hydrogels separately, and the ability of these supports to facilitate adherence, proliferation, and homogeneous distribution of differentiated hESC-RPE cells was investigated. Furthermore, the hydrogel's subretinal bio-compatibility was assessed in vivo. RESULTS We showed that ARPE-19 and hESC-RPE cells adhered and proliferated only on the fibrin support. The monolayer formed when cells reached confluency, demonstrating the polygonal semblance, and revealing actin filaments that moved along the cytoplasm. The expression of tight junction proteins at cell interfaces on the 14th day of seeding demonstrated the barrier function of epithelial cells on polymeric surfaces and the interaction between cells. Moreover, the expression of proteins crucial for retinal functions and matrix production was positively affected by fibrin, with an increment of PEDF. Our in vivo investigation with fibrin hydrogels revealed high short-term subretinal biocompatibility. CONCLUSIONS The research of stem cell-based cell therapy for retinal degenerative diseases is more complicated than that of cell lines. Our results showed that fibrin is a suitable scaffold for hESC-RPE transplantation, which could be a new grafting material for tissue engineering RPE cells.
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106
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Grigoryan EN. Cell Sources for Retinal Regeneration: Implication for Data Translation in Biomedicine of the Eye. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233755. [PMID: 36497013 PMCID: PMC9738527 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The main degenerative diseases of the retina include macular degeneration, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, and glaucoma. Novel approaches for treating retinal diseases are based on cell replacement therapy using a variety of exogenous stem cells. An alternative and complementary approach is the potential use of retinal regeneration cell sources (RRCSs) containing retinal pigment epithelium, ciliary body, Müller glia, and retinal ciliary region. RRCSs in lower vertebrates in vivo and in mammals mostly in vitro are able to proliferate and exhibit gene expression and epigenetic characteristics typical for neural/retinal cell progenitors. Here, we review research on the factors controlling the RRCSs' properties, such as the cell microenvironment, growth factors, cytokines, hormones, etc., that determine the regenerative responses and alterations underlying the RRCS-associated pathologies. We also discuss how the current data on molecular features and regulatory mechanisms of RRCSs could be translated in retinal biomedicine with a special focus on (1) attempts to obtain retinal neurons de novo both in vivo and in vitro to replace damaged retinal cells; and (2) investigations of the key molecular networks stimulating regenerative responses and preventing RRCS-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora N Grigoryan
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
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107
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Liu Z, Zeng F, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Li Z, Liu X. Future perspective of stem cell-derived exosomes: Cell-free therapeutic strategies for retinal degeneration. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:905516. [PMID: 36452207 PMCID: PMC9702331 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.905516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
With continued expansion of the aged population, the number of patients with retinal degeneration, which is a leading cause of vision loss worldwide, is growing. Stem cell therapies offer hope for regeneration and repair of damaged retinal tissue. Recent reports have highlighted stem cell-derived paracrine mediators, such as exosomes, which appear to exert a therapeutic benefit similar to their cell of origin and do not carry the risk of cell transplantation. One speculated role is that exosomes likely mediate intercellular communication and material exchange. This review depicts the molecular mechanisms underlying exosome-based therapy, especially in retina degeneration diseases. In the future, the use of stem cell-derived exosomes could be considered a novel and cell-free therapeutic strategy in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zibin Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, China
| | - Fang Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yongqing Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Zhuo Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, China
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108
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Thanuthanakhun N, Kim MH, Kino-oka M. Cell Behavioral Dynamics as a Cue in Optimizing Culture Stabilization in the Bioprocessing of Pluripotent Stem Cells. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:669. [PMID: 36354580 PMCID: PMC9687444 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9110669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are important for future regenerative medicine therapies. However, in the production of PSCs and derivatives, the control of culture-induced fluctuations in the outcome of cell quality remains challenging. A detailed mechanistic understanding of how PSC behaviors are altered in response to biomechanical microenvironments within a culture is necessary for rational bioprocessing optimization. In this review, we discuss recent insights into the role of cell behavioral and mechanical homeostasis in modulating the states and functions of PSCs during culture processes. We delineate promising ways to manipulate the culture variability through regulating cell behaviors using currently developed tools. Furthermore, we anticipate their potential implementation for designing a culture strategy based on the concept of Waddington's epigenetic landscape that may provide a feasible solution for tuning the culture quality and stability in the bioprocessing space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naruchit Thanuthanakhun
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mee-Hae Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kino-oka
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
- Research Base for Cell Manufacturability, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
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109
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Yang YP, Hsiao YJ, Chang KJ, Foustine S, Ko YL, Tsai YC, Tai HY, Ko YC, Chiou SH, Lin TC, Chen SJ, Chien Y, Hwang DK. Pluripotent Stem Cells in Clinical Cell Transplantation: Focusing on Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived RPE Cell Therapy in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213794. [PMID: 36430270 PMCID: PMC9696562 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), including both embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), represent valuable cell sources to replace diseased or injured tissues in regenerative medicine. iPSCs exhibit the potential for indefinite self-renewal and differentiation into various cell types and can be reprogrammed from somatic tissue that can be easily obtained, paving the way for cell therapy, regenerative medicine, and personalized medicine. Cell therapies using various iPSC-derived cell types are now evolving rapidly for the treatment of clinical diseases, including Parkinson's disease, hematological diseases, cardiomyopathy, osteoarthritis, and retinal diseases. Since the first interventional clinical trial with autologous iPSC-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPEs) for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was accomplished in Japan, several preclinical trials using iPSC suspensions or monolayers have been launched, or are ongoing or completed. The evolution and generation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-universal iPSCs may facilitate the clinical application of iPSC-based therapies. Thus, iPSCs hold great promise in the treatment of multiple retinal diseases. The efficacy and adverse effects of iPSC-based retinal therapies should be carefully assessed in ongoing and further clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ping Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jer Hsiao
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Kao-Jung Chang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Shania Foustine
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ling Ko
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Tsai
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Yun Tai
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chieh Ko
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hwa Chiou
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Chi Lin
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jen Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
| | - Yueh Chien
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (D.-K.H.); Tel.: +886-2-2875-2121 (D.-K.H.)
| | - De-Kuang Hwang
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (D.-K.H.); Tel.: +886-2-2875-2121 (D.-K.H.)
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Mattern L, Otten K, Miskey C, Fuest M, Izsvák Z, Ivics Z, Walter P, Thumann G, Johnen S. Molecular and Functional Characterization of BDNF-Overexpressing Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Established by Sleeping Beauty Transposon-Mediated Gene Transfer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12982. [PMID: 36361771 PMCID: PMC9656812 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
More and more patients suffer from multifactorial neurodegenerative diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, their pathological mechanisms are still poorly understood, which complicates the development of effective therapies. To improve treatment of multifactorial diseases, cell-based gene therapy can be used to increase the expression of therapeutic factors. To date, there is no approved therapy for dry AMD, including late-stage geographic atrophy. We present a treatment option for dry AMD that transfers the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene into retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells by electroporation using the plasmid-based Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system. ARPE-19 cells and primary human RPE cells were co-transfected with two plasmids encoding the SB100X transposase and the transposon carrying a BDNF transcription cassette. We demonstrated efficient expression and secretion of BDNF in both RPE cell types, which were further increased in ARPE-19 cell cultures exposed to hydrogen peroxide. BDNF-transfected cells exhibited lower apoptosis rates and stimulated neurite outgrowth in human SH-SY5Y cells. This study is an important step in the development of a cell-based BDNF gene therapy that could be applied as an advanced therapy medicinal product to treat dry AMD or other degenerative retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Mattern
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Katrin Otten
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Csaba Miskey
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Matthias Fuest
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Zsuzsanna Izsvák
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Peter Walter
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Gabriele Thumann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Johnen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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111
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Humayun MS, Lee SY. Advanced Retina Implants. Ophthalmol Retina 2022; 6:899-905. [PMID: 35436597 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2022.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To discuss the role of advanced retinal implants in retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. DESIGN Presented by Mark S. Humayun as the Charles Schepen's Lecture on the Retina Subspecialty Day of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in 2021. PARTICIPANTS The details of subjects, participants, and controls are provided in the references pertaining to each study. METHODS Review of published literature and clinical trials. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Visual and anatomic outcomes from retinal implants. RESULTS Retinal implants have been researched over the past few decades, and some have been advanced into the clinic. Two types of implants-bioelectronic and stem cell-based-have shown promising results in restoring some level of vision in patients with inherited retinal degeneration and geographic atrophy. These implants differ in their constructions, locations of implantation, and safety profiles. The results from some of these retinal implants have shown signs of efficacy, and 1 retinal implant, the Argus II, has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. CONCLUSIONS Careful consideration of the design of the implant and associated surgical techniques are necessary to obtain a stable and effective long-term interface between the implant and the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Humayun
- University of Southern California Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Denney Research Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Sun Young Lee
- University of Southern California Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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112
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Tian H, Chen Z, Zhu X, Ou Q, Wang Z, Wu B, Xu JY, Jin C, Gao F, Wang J, Zhang J, Zhang J, Lu L, Xu GT. Induced retinal pigment epithelial cells with anti-epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition ability delay retinal degeneration. iScience 2022; 25:105050. [PMID: 36185374 PMCID: PMC9519511 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The hostile microenvironment of the retina in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may trigger epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of grafted retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, thus attenuating the therapeutic outcome. Here, we transformed human dedifferentiated induced pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE (iPSC-RPE) cells into induced RPE (iRPE) cells using a cocktail of four transcription factors (TFs)—CRX, MITF-A, NR2E1, and C-MYC. These critical TFs maintained the epithelial property of iRPE cells by regulating the expression of bmp7, forkhead box f2, lin7a, and pard6b, and conferred resistance to TGF-β-induced EMT in iRPE cells by targeting ppm1a. The iRPE cells with Tet-on system-regulated c-myc expression exhibited EMT resistance and better therapeutic function compared with iPSC-RPE cells in rat AMD model. Our study demonstrates that endowing RPE cells with anti-EMT property avoids the risk of EMT after cells are grafted into the subretinal space, and it may provide a suitable candidate for AMD treatment. CRX, MITF-A, NR2E1, and C-MYC transform De-iPSC-RPE cells into iRPE cells iRPE cells have resistance to TGF-β-induced EMT BMP7, FOXF2, LIN7A, PARD6B, and PPM1A mediate the functions of TFs in iRPE cells iRPE cells have better retinal protective function than iPSC-RPE cells
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113
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Brianna, Ling APK, Wong YP. Applying stem cell therapy in intractable diseases: a narrative review of decades of progress and challenges. Stem Cell Investig 2022; 9:4. [PMID: 36238449 PMCID: PMC9552054 DOI: 10.21037/sci-2022-021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objective Stem cell therapy (SCT) is one of the vastly researched branches of regenerative medicine as a therapeutic tool to treat incurable diseases. With the use of human stem cells such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs), adult stem cells (ASCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), stem cell therapy aims to regenerate or repair damaged tissues and congenital defects. As stem cells are able to undergo infinite self-renewal, differentiate into various types of cells and secrete protective paracrine factors, many researchers have investigated the potential of SCT in regenerative medicine. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive review on the recent application of SCT in various intractable diseases, namely, haematological diseases, neurological diseases, diabetes mellitus, retinal degenerative disorders and COVID-19 infections along with the challenges faced in the clinical translation of SCT. Methods An extensive search was conducted on Google scholar, PubMed and Clinicaltrials.gov using related keywords. Latest articles on stem cell therapy application in selected diseases along with their challenges in clinical applications were selected. Key content and findings In vitro and in vivo studies involving SCT are shown to be safe and efficacious in treating various diseases covered in this review. There are also a number of small-scale clinical trials that validated the positive therapeutic outcomes of SCT. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of SCT are highly variable as some SCT works best in patients with early-stage diseases while in other diseases, SCT is more likely to work in patients in late stages of illnesses. Among the challenges identified in SCT translation are uncertainty in the underlying stem cell mechanism, ethical issues, genetic instability and immune rejection. Conclusions SCT will be a revolutionary treatment in the future that will provide hope to patients with intractable diseases. Therefore, studies ought to be done to ascertain the long-term effects of SCT while addressing the challenges faced in validating SCT for clinical use. Moreover, as there are many studies investigating the safety and efficacy of SCT, future studies should look into elucidating the regenerative and reparative capabilities of stem cells which largely remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna
- Applied Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Anna Pick Kiong Ling
- Applied Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ying Pei Wong
- Applied Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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114
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Ahmad I. CRISPR/Cas9—A Promising Therapeutic Tool to Cure Blindness: Current Scenario and Future Prospects. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911482. [PMID: 36232782 PMCID: PMC9569777 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-based targeted genome editing is bringing revolutionary changes in the research arena of biological sciences. CRISPR/Cas9 has been explored as an efficient therapeutic tool for the treatment of genetic diseases. It has been widely used in ophthalmology research by using mouse models to correct pathogenic mutations in the eye stem cells. In recent studies, CRISPR/Cas9 has been used to correct a large number of mutations related to inherited retinal disorders. In vivo therapeutic advantages for retinal diseases have been successfully achieved in some rodents. Current advances in the CRISPR-based gene-editing domain, such as modified Cas variants and delivery approaches have optimized its application to treat blindness. In this review, recent progress and challenges of the CRISPR-Cas system have been discussed to cure blindness and its prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irshad Ahmad
- Department of Bioengineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia; ; Tel.: +966-13-8608393
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Membranes and Water Security, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
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115
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Customized strategies for high-yield purification of retinal pigment epithelial cells differentiated from different stem cell sources. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15563. [PMID: 36114268 PMCID: PMC9481580 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19777-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractRetinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell dysfunction and death are characteristics of age-related macular degeneration. A promising therapeutic option is RPE cell transplantation. Development of clinical grade stem-cell derived RPE requires efficient in vitro differentiation and purification methods. Enzymatic purification of RPE relies on the relative adherence of RPE and non-RPE cells to the culture plate. However, morphology and adherence of non-RPE cells differ for different stem cell sources. In cases whereby the non-RPE adhered as strongly as RPE cells to the culture plate, enzymatic method of purification is unsuitable. Thus, we hypothesized the need to customize purification strategies for RPE derived from different stem cell sources. We systematically compared five different RPE purification methods, including manual, enzymatic, flow cytometry-based sorting or combinations thereof for parameters including cell throughput, yield, purity and functionality. Flow cytometry-based approach was suitable for RPE isolation from heterogeneous cultures with highly adherent non-RPE cells, albeit with lower yield. Although all five purification methods generated pure and functional RPE, there were significant differences in yield and processing times. Based on the high purity of the resulting RPE and relatively short processing time, we conclude that a combination of enzymatic and manual purification is ideal for clinical applications.
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116
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Alshadidi R. Anti-Senescence Therapy. Physiology (Bethesda) 2022. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.101585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of therapeutic strategies aimed at the aging process of cells has attracted increasing attention in recent decades due to the involvement of this process in the development of many chronic and age-related diseases. Interestingly, preclinical studies have shown the success of a number of anti-aging approaches in the treatment of a range of chronic diseases. These approaches are directed against aging processes such as oxidative stress, telomerase shortening, inflammation, and deficient autophagy. Many strategies has been shown to be effective in delaying aging, including antiaging strategies based on establishing healthy lifestyle habits and pharmacological interventions aimed at disrupting senescent cells and senescent-associated secretory phenotype. Caloric restriction and intermittent fasting were reported to activate autophagy and reduce inflammation. In turn, immune-based strategies, senolytic agents, and senomorphics mediate their effects either by eliminating senescent cells through inducing apoptosis or by disrupting pathways by which senescent cells mediate their detrimental effects. In addition, given the association of the decline in the regenerative potential of stem cells with aging, many experimental and clinical studies indicate the effectiveness of stem cell transplantation in preventing or slowing the progress of age-related diseases by enhancing the repairing mechanisms and the secretion of many growth factors and cytokines.
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117
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Zhu X, Chen Z, Wang L, Ou Q, Feng Z, Xiao H, Shen Q, Li Y, Jin C, Xu JY, Gao F, Wang J, Zhang J, Zhang J, Xu Z, Xu GT, Lu L, Tian H. Direct conversion of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells into retinal pigment epithelial cells for treatment of retinal degeneration. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:785. [PMID: 36096985 PMCID: PMC9468174 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05199-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major vision-threatening disease. Although mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit beneficial neural protective effects, their limited differentiation capacity in vivo attenuates their therapeutic function. Therefore, the differentiation of MSCs into retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in vitro and their subsequent transplantation into the subretinal space is expected to improve the outcome of cell therapy. Here, we transdifferentiated human umbilical cord MSCs (hUCMSCs) into induced RPE (iRPE) cells using a cocktail of five transcription factors (TFs): CRX, NR2E1, C-MYC, LHX2, and SIX6. iRPE cells exhibited RPE specific properties, including phagocytic ability, epithelial polarity, and gene expression profile. In addition, high expression of PTPN13 in iRPE cells endows them with an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-resistant capacity through dephosphorylating syntenin1, and subsequently promoting the internalization and degradation of transforming growth factor-β receptors. After grafting into the subretinal space of the sodium iodate-induced rat AMD model, iRPE cells demonstrated a better therapeutic function than hUCMSCs. These results suggest that hUCMSC-derived iRPE cells may be promising candidates to reverse AMD pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoman Zhu
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065 China
| | - Zhiyang Chen
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065 China
| | - Li Wang
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065 China
| | - Qingjian Ou
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065 China
| | - Zhong Feng
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065 China
| | - Honglei Xiao
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065 China
| | - Qi Shen
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065 China
| | - Yingao Li
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065 China
| | - Caixia Jin
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065 China
| | - Jing-Ying Xu
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065 China
| | - Furong Gao
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065 China
| | - Juan Wang
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065 China
| | - Jingfa Zhang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People’s Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080 China
| | - Jieping Zhang
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065 China ,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, TUSM, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Zhiguo Xu
- Huzhou college, Zhejiang, 313000 China
| | - Guo-Tong Xu
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065 China ,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, TUSM, Shanghai, 200092 China ,grid.24516.340000000123704535The collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Lixia Lu
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065 China
| | - Haibin Tian
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065 China
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Zhang T, Huang X, Liu S, Bai X, Zhu X, Clegg DO, Jiang M, Sun X. Determining the optimal stage for cryopreservation of human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:454. [PMID: 36064625 PMCID: PMC9446586 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03141-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells (hESC-derived RPE) are a promising source for cell-replacement therapy to treat retinal degenerative diseases, but research on RPE cryopreservation is limited. This study aimed to determine the best phase for RPE cryopreservation to preserve the post-thaw function and uncover the mechanism underlying RPE freezing tolerance. Methods hESC-derived RPE cells were cryopreserved at various time points after seeding. After thawing, the survival and attachment rates, RPE marker gene expression, apical-basal polarity, PEDF secretion, transepithelial resistance, and phagocytotic ability of post-thaw RPE cells were evaluated. RNA sequencing was performed on RPE cells at three-time points, differentially expressed genes were identified, and gene ontology, Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes, and protein–protein interaction analyses were used to investigate the key pathways or molecules associated with RPE cell freezing tolerance. Results RPE frozen at passage 2 day 5 (P2D5) had the highest cell viability and attachment after thawing. They also retained properly localized expression of RPE marker genes and biological functions such as PEDF secretion, high transepithelial resistance, and phagocytic ability. The RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that RPE cells at P2D5 expressed high levels of cell cycle/DNA replication and ECM binding associated genes, as well as THBS1, which may serve as a possible hub gene involved in freezing tolerance. We also confirmed that the RPE cells at P2D5 were in the exponential stage with active DNA replication. Conclusions We propose that freezing hESC-derived RPE cells during their exponential phase results in the best post-thawing outcome in terms of cell viability and preservation of RPE cell properties and functions. The high expression levels of the cell cycle and ECM binding associated genes, particularly THBS1, may contribute to better cell recovery at this stage. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-03141-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianyu Huang
- National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Sujun Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyue Bai
- National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyue Zhu
- National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Dennis O Clegg
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, USA
| | - Mei Jiang
- National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Diseases, Shanghai, China. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China. .,Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China
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Daniele E, Ferrari B, Rassu N, Ben-Nun J, Bosio L, Barbaro V, Ferrari S, Ponzin D. Comparison of human amniotic membrane decellularisation approaches for hESC-derived RPE cells culture. BMJ Open Ophthalmol 2022; 7:bmjophth-2022-000981. [PMID: 36161850 PMCID: PMC9454075 DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2022-000981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Recent clinical studies have shown that the transplantation of functional retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells can prevent the onset of RPE degeneration in age-related macular degeneration. This study aimed to investigate the potential of human amniotic membrane (hAM) as a viable scaffold for the growth and proliferation of pluripotent-derived RPE cells. Methods and analysis Three enzymatic hAM de-epithelialisation methods (thermolysin, trypsin-EDTA and dispase II) were assessed by histological analysis and optical coherence tomography (OCT). We generated RPE cells from a human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line subjected to spontaneous differentiation in feeder-free conditions. The hESC-derived RPE cells were seeded over denuded hAM at a density of 2.0×105 cells/cm2 and maintained in culture for up to 4 weeks. Immnofluorescence was carried out to evaluate the development of a confluent monolayer of RPE cells on the top of the hAM. Conditioned medium was collected to measure pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) concentration by ELISA. Results Laminin α5 and collagen IV staining confirmed the efficiency of the de-epithelialisation process. In particular, thermolysin showed good retention of tissue integrity on OCT images and greater preservation of the hAM basement membrane. The hESC-derived RPE cells formed patches of pigmented cells interspersed along the denuded hAM, but failed to form a regular sheet of RPE cells. These cells expressed typical RPE markers, such as PMEL17 and RPE65, but they secreted low levels of PEDF. Conclusion The biological variability of the hAM could influence the adhesion and the expansion of hESC-derived RPE cells. Further studies are required to verify whether a non-confluent monolayer might represent a limit to transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Daniele
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy .,Venice Eye Bank, Venice, Italy
| | | | - Nicolò Rassu
- Ophthalmic Unit, Ospedale dell'Angelo, Venice, Italy
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Bashor CJ, Hilton IB, Bandukwala H, Smith DM, Veiseh O. Engineering the next generation of cell-based therapeutics. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2022; 21:655-675. [PMID: 35637318 PMCID: PMC9149674 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00476-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cell-based therapeutics are an emerging modality with the potential to treat many currently intractable diseases through uniquely powerful modes of action. Despite notable recent clinical and commercial successes, cell-based therapies continue to face numerous challenges that limit their widespread translation and commercialization, including identification of the appropriate cell source, generation of a sufficiently viable, potent and safe product that meets patient- and disease-specific needs, and the development of scalable manufacturing processes. These hurdles are being addressed through the use of cutting-edge basic research driven by next-generation engineering approaches, including genome and epigenome editing, synthetic biology and the use of biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb J Bashor
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Isaac B Hilton
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Hozefa Bandukwala
- Sigilon Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Flagship Pioneering, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Devyn M Smith
- Sigilon Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Arbor Biotechnologies, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Omid Veiseh
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
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Chorlton J, Hollowood Z, Dyer C, Lockhart D, Boekman P, McCafferty K, Coffey P, Marelli-Berg F, Martin J. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre clinical trial of AZD1656 in diabetic patients hospitalised with COVID-19: The ARCADIA Trial - implications for therapeutic immune modulation. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 51:101604. [PMID: 35996565 PMCID: PMC9386394 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A potential immunotherapeutic role for AZD1656 (a glucokinase activator) in the treatment of COVID-19 was hypothesized. The ARCADIA trial investigated the safety and efficacy of AZD1656 in diabetic patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19. METHODS The ARCADIA trial was a Phase II randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Adult diabetic patients, admitted with COVID-19, were recruited at 28 hospitals in the UK, Romania and Czech Republic and randomly assigned (1:1) to receive AZD1656 tablets (100mg twice a day), or matched placebo, for up to 21 days, in addition to usual care. All involved were masked to treatment allocation. The primary endpoint was clinical improvement measured at Day 14. The Full Analysis Set (FAS) included all patients who received at least one dose of assigned treatment. ARCADIA is complete and registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04516759). FINDINGS Between 29 September 2020 to 16 April 2021, 170 patients were screened and 156 patients were randomised, three of whom did not commence treatment. Of the remaining 153, 80 were assigned to AZD1656 and 73 were assigned to placebo and included in the Full Analysis Set (FAS). The primary analysis showed no statistically significant difference between groups (AZD1656: 76·3%; Placebo: 69·9%, p=0·19). There was no difference in the number of adverse events between groups (AZD1656: 35·7%; Placebo: 33·3%). Mortality was lower in the AZD1656 group compared to the placebo group (AZD1656: four (5%); Placebo: nine (12·3%), p=0·090)). At Day 7 there were zero deaths in the AZD1656 group compared to six deaths in the placebo group (p=0·011, post hoc). A difference between groups in time to hospital discharge was also seen (p=0·16). Immunophenotyping data suggested that AZD1656-treated patients had a less pro-inflammatory immune response and a better adaptive immune response than those treated with placebo. INTERPRETATION Although the trial did not achieve its primary endpoint, AZD1656 was associated with a decrease in deaths and a reduction in the duration of hospitalisation, as compared to Placebo. Immunophenotyping and immunochemistry indicated an immunomodulatory effect of AZD1656. The trial suggests a beneficial therapeutic effect of AZD1656 and identifies a new therapeutic concept: small molecule activation of endogenous homeostatic immune cells which themselves become the therapeutic agent within the body. Phase 2 trials of this size carry the risk of false positive results and confirmation of these results in a larger clinical trial is now required. FUNDING UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) 'Innovate UK' programme and Excalibur Medicines Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Chorlton
- St George Street Capital, (UK Registered charity No: 1171470), London, UK
| | - Zoe Hollowood
- St George Street Capital, (UK Registered charity No: 1171470), London, UK
| | - Carlene Dyer
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Donna Lockhart
- St George Street Capital, (UK Registered charity No: 1171470), London, UK
| | - Pascal Boekman
- St George Street Capital, (UK Registered charity No: 1171470), London, UK
| | | | - Pete Coffey
- St George Street Capital, (UK Registered charity No: 1171470), London, UK
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - John Martin
- St George Street Capital, (UK Registered charity No: 1171470), London, UK
- Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
- Corresponding author at: Division of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, UK.
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Huang H, Al Zoubi ZM, Moviglia G, Sharma HS, Sarnowska A, Sanberg PR, Chen L, Xue Q, Siniscalco D, Feng S, Saberi H, Guo X, Xue M, Dimitrijevic MR, Andrews RJ, Mao G, Zhao RC, Han F. Clinical cell therapy guidelines for neurorestoration (IANR/CANR 2022). JOURNAL OF NEURORESTORATOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnrt.2022.100015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Markert EK, Klein H, Viollet C, Rust W, Strobel B, Kauschke SG, Makovoz B, Neubauer H, Bakker RA, Blenkinsop TA. Transcriptional comparison of adult human primary Retinal Pigment Epithelium, human pluripotent stem cell-derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium, and ARPE19 cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:910040. [PMID: 36092714 PMCID: PMC9461284 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.910040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of pluripotent stem cells is great as they promise to usher in a new era of medicine where cells or organs may be prescribed to replace dysfunctional tissue. At the forefront are efforts in the eye to develop this technology as it lends itself to in vivo monitoring and sophisticated non-invasive imaging modalities. In the retina, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is the most promising replacement cell as it has a single layer, is relatively simple to transplant, and is associated with several eye diseases. However, after transplantation, the cells may transform and cause complications. This transformation may be partially due to incomplete maturation. With the goal of learning how to mature RPE, we compared induced pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE (iPSC-RPE) cells with adult human primary RPE (ahRPE) cells and the immortalized human ARPE-19 line. We cultured ARPE-19, iPSC-RPE, and ahRPE cells for one month, and evaluated morphology, RPE marker staining, and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) as quality control indicators. We then isolated RNA for bulk RNA-sequencing and DNA for genotyping. We genotyped ahRPE lines for the top age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) risk allele polymorphisms. Transcriptome data verified that both adult and iPSC-RPE exhibit similar RPE gene expression signatures, significantly higher than ARPE-19. In addition, in iPSC-RPE, genes relating to stem cell maintenance, retina development, and muscle contraction were significantly upregulated compared to ahRPE. We compared ahRPE to iPSC-RPE in a model of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and observed an increased sensitivity of iPSC-RPE to producing contractile aggregates in vitro which resembles incident reports upon transplantation. P38 inhibition was capable of inhibiting iPSC-RPE-derived aggregates. In summary, we find that the transcriptomic signature of iPSC-RPE conveys an immature RPE state which may be ameliorated by targeting "immature" gene regulatory networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke K. Markert
- Global Computational Biology and Digital Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH, Biberach, Germany
| | - Holger Klein
- Global Computational Biology and Digital Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH, Biberach, Germany
| | - Coralie Viollet
- Global Computational Biology and Digital Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH, Biberach, Germany
| | - Werner Rust
- Global Computational Biology and Digital Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH, Biberach, Germany
| | - Benjamin Strobel
- Translational Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH, Biberach, Germany
| | - Stefan G. Kauschke
- CardioMetabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH, Biberach, Germany
| | - Bar Makovoz
- Ophthalmology Cell Development and Regenerative Biology, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Heike Neubauer
- CardioMetabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH, Biberach, Germany
| | - Remko A. Bakker
- CardioMetabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH, Biberach, Germany
| | - Timothy A. Blenkinsop
- Ophthalmology Cell Development and Regenerative Biology, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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Seah I, Ong C, Liu Z, Su X. Polymeric biomaterials in the treatment of posterior segment diseases. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:949543. [PMID: 36059842 PMCID: PMC9433984 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.949543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymeric biomaterials are biological or synthetic substances which can be engineered to interact with biological systems for the diagnosis or treatment of diseases. These biomaterials have immense potential for treating eyes diseases, particularly the retina—a site of many inherited and acquired diseases. Polymeric biomaterials can be engineered to function both as an endotamponade agent and to prevent intraocular scarring in retinal detachment repair surgeries. They can also be designed as a drug delivery platform for treatment of retinal diseases. Finally, they can be used as scaffolds for cellular products and provide non-viral gene delivery solutions to the retina. This perspective article explains the role of polymeric biomaterials in the treatment of retinal conditions by highlighting recent advances being translated to clinical practice. The article will also identify potential hurdles to clinical translation as future research directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Seah
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Charles Ong
- Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zengping Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xinyi Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Xinyi Su
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125
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Liang Y, Tan F, Sun X, Cui Z, Gu J, Mao S, Chan HF, Tang S, Chen J. Aberrant Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells of a Retinitis Pigmentosa Patient with the PRPF6 Mutation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169049. [PMID: 36012314 PMCID: PMC9409096 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-mRNA processing factors (PRPFs) are vital components of the spliceosome and are involved in the physiological process necessary for pre-mRNA splicing to mature mRNA. As an important member, PRPF6 mutation resulting in autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP) is not common. Recently, we reported the establishment of an induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs; CSUASOi004-A) model by reprogramming the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a PRPF6-related adRP patient, which could recapitulate a consistent disease-specific genotype. In this study, a disease model of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells was generated from the iPSCs of this patient to further investigate the underlying molecular and pathological mechanisms. The results showed the irregular morphology, disorganized apical microvilli and reduced expressions of RPE-specific genes in the patient’s iPSC-derived RPE cells. In addition, RPE cells carrying the PRPF6 mutation displayed a decrease in the phagocytosis of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled photoreceptor outer segments and exhibited impaired cell polarity and barrier function. This study will benefit the understanding of PRPF6-related RPE cells and future cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqin Liang
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, China
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, China
| | - Feng Tan
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, China
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, China
| | - Xihao Sun
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, China
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, China
| | - Zekai Cui
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, China
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, China
| | - Jianing Gu
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, China
| | | | - Hon Fai Chan
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Shibo Tang
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, China
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, China
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (J.C.); Tel.: +86-139-2510-0123 (S.T.); +86-186-7583-9029 (J.C.)
| | - Jiansu Chen
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, China
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (J.C.); Tel.: +86-139-2510-0123 (S.T.); +86-186-7583-9029 (J.C.)
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Repair of Retinal Degeneration by Human Amniotic Epithelial Stem Cell-Derived Photoreceptor-like Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158722. [PMID: 35955866 PMCID: PMC9369429 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The loss of photoreceptors is a major event of retinal degeneration that accounts for most cases of untreatable blindness globally. To date, there are no efficient therapeutic approaches to treat this condition. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether human amniotic epithelial stem cells (hAESCs) could serve as a novel seed cell source of photoreceptors for therapy. Here, a two–step treatment with combined Wnt, Nodal, and BMP inhibitors, followed by another cocktail of retinoic acid, taurine, and noggin induced photoreceptor–like cell differentiation of hAESCs. The differentiated cells demonstrated the morphology and signature marker expression of native photoreceptor cells and, intriguingly, bore very low levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules and a high level of non–classical MHC class I molecule HLA–G. Importantly, subretinal transplantation of the hAESCs–derived PR–like cells leads to partial restoration of visual function and retinal structure in Royal College of Surgeon (RCS) rats, the classic preclinical model of retinal degeneration. Together, our results reveal hAESCs as a potential source of functional photoreceptor cells; the hAESCs–derived photoreceptor–like cells could be a promising cell–replacement candidate for therapy of retinal degeneration diseases.
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Zhang S, Ye K, Gao G, Song X, Xu P, Zeng J, Xie B, Zheng D, He L, Ji J, Zhong X. Amniotic Membrane Enhances the Characteristics and Function of Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium Sheets by Inhibiting the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Acta Biomater 2022; 151:183-196. [PMID: 35933105 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.07.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (iRPE) is an attractive cell source for disease modeling and cell replacement therapy of retinal disorders with RPE defects. However, there are still challenges to develop appropriate culture conditions close to in vivo microenvironment to generate iRPE sheets, which mimic more faithfully the characteristics and functions of the human RPE cells. Here, we developed a simple, novel platform to construct authentic iRPE sheets using human amniotic membrane (hAM) as a natural scaffold. The decellularized hAM (dAM) provided a Bruch's membrane (BM)-like bioscaffold, supported the iRPE growth and enhanced the epithelial features, polarity distribution and functional features of iRPE cells. Importantly, RNA-seq analysis was performed to compare the transcriptomes of iRPE cells cultured on different substrates, which revealed the potential mechanism that dAM supported and promoted iRPE growth was the inhibition of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). The tissue-engineered iRPE sheets survived and kept monolayer when transplanted into the subretinal space of rabbits. All together, our results indicate that the dAM imitating the natural BM allows for engineering authentic human RPE sheets, which will provide valuable biomaterials for disease modeling, drug screening and cell replacement therapy of retinal degenerative diseases. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: : Engineered RPE sheets have a great advantage over RPE cell suspension for transplantation as they support RPE growth in an intact monolayer which RPE functions are dependent on. The substrates for RPE culture play a critical role to maintain the physiological functions of the RPE in stem cell therapies for patients with retinal degeneration. In this study, we constructed engineered iRPE sheets on the decellularized human amniotic membrane (dAM) scaffolds, which contributed to enhancing epithelial features, polarity distribution and functional features of iRPE. dAM exhibited the ability of anti-epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) to support iRPE growth. Furtherly, the results of transplanted in vivo demonstrated the feasibility of iRPE sheets in retina regenerative therapy. Engineering RPE sheets on dAM is a promising strategy to facilitate the development of iRPE replacement therapy and retinal disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanjie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojing Song
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingrong Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bingbing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liwen He
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jianping Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xiufeng Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China.
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128
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Ryu J. New Aspects on the Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity: Currently Available Therapies and Emerging Novel Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158529. [PMID: 35955664 PMCID: PMC9369302 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a rare proliferative ocular disorder in preterm infants. Because of the advancements in neonatal care, the incidence of ROP has increased gradually. Now, ROP is one of the leading causes of blindness in children. Preterm infants with immature retinal development are exposed to supplemental oxygen inside an incubator until their cardiopulmonary system is adequately developed. Once they are returned to room air, the relatively low oxygen level stimulates various angiogenesis factors initiating retinal neovascularization. If patients with ROP are not offered adequate and timely treatment, they can experience vision loss that may ultimately lead to permanent blindness. Although laser therapy and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents are widely used to treat ROP, they have limitations. Thus, it is important to identify novel therapeutics with minimal adverse effects for the treatment of ROP. To date, various pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies have been assessed as treatments for ROP. In this review, the major molecular factors involved in the pathogenesis of ROP, currently offered therapies, therapies under investigation, and emerging novel therapeutics of ROP are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhee Ryu
- Vessel-Organ Interaction Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea; ; Tel.: +82-539508583
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
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129
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Hall JC, Paull D, Pébay A, Lidgerwood GE. Human pluripotent stem cells for the modelling of retinal pigment epithelium homeostasis and disease: A review. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 50:667-677. [PMID: 35739648 PMCID: PMC9546239 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), which include induced pluripotent stem cells and embryonic stem cells, are powerful tools for studying human development, physiology and disease, including those affecting the retina. Cells from selected individuals, or specific genetic backgrounds, can be differentiated into distinct cell types allowing the modelling of diseases in a dish for therapeutic development. hPSC‐derived retinal cultures have already been used to successfully model retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration for various retinal diseases including monogenic conditions and complex disease such as age‐related macular degeneration. Here, we will review the current knowledge gained in understanding the molecular events involved in retinal disease using hPSC‐derived retinal models, in particular RPE models. We will provide examples of various conditions to illustrate the scope of applications associated with the use of hPSC‐derived RPE models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna C Hall
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Daniel Paull
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute New York New York USA
| | - Alice Pébay
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Grace E. Lidgerwood
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
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130
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Lechner J, Medina RJ, Lois N, Stitt AW. Advances in cell therapies using stem cells/progenitors as a novel approach for neurovascular repair of the diabetic retina. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:388. [PMID: 35907890 PMCID: PMC9338609 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03073-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic retinopathy, a major complication of diabetes mellitus, is a leading cause of sigh-loss in working age adults. Progressive loss of integrity of the retinal neurovascular unit is a central element in the disease pathogenesis. Retinal ischemia and inflammatory processes drive interrelated pathologies such as blood retinal barrier disruption, fluid accumulation, gliosis, neuronal loss and/or aberrant neovascularisation. Current treatment options are somewhat limited to late-stages of the disease where there is already significant damage to the retinal architecture arising from degenerative, edematous and proliferative pathology. New preventive and interventional treatments to target early vasodegenerative and neurodegenerative stages of the disease are needed to ensure avoidance of sight-loss. MAIN BODY Historically, diabetic retinopathy has been considered a primarily microvascular disease of the retina and clinically it is classified based on the presence and severity of vascular lesions. It is now known that neurodegeneration plays a significant role during the pathogenesis. Loss of neurons has been documented at early stages in pre-clinical models as well as in individuals with diabetes and, in some, even prior to the onset of clinically overt diabetic retinopathy. Recent studies suggest that some patients have a primarily neurodegenerative phenotype. Retinal pigment epithelial cells and the choroid are also affected during the disease pathogenesis and these tissues may also need to be addressed by new regenerative treatments. Most stem cell research for diabetic retinopathy to date has focused on addressing vasculopathy. Pre-clinical and clinical studies aiming to restore damaged vasculature using vasoactive progenitors including mesenchymal stromal/stem cells, adipose stem cells, CD34+ cells, endothelial colony forming cells and induced pluripotent stem cell derived endothelial cells are discussed in this review. Stem cells that could replace dying neurons such as retinal progenitor cells, pluripotent stem cell derived photoreceptors and ganglion cells as well as Müller stem cells are also discussed. Finally, challenges of stem cell therapies relevant to diabetic retinopathy are considered. CONCLUSION Stem cell therapies hold great potential to replace dying cells during early and even late stages of diabetic retinopathy. However, due to the presence of different phenotypes, selecting the most suitable stem cell product for individual patients will be crucial for successful treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Lechner
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
| | - Reinhold J Medina
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Noemi Lois
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Alan W Stitt
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
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131
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Faynus MA, Bailey JK, Pennington BO, Katsura M, Proctor DA, Yeh AK, Menon S, Choi DG, Lebkowski JS, Johnson LV, Clegg DO. Microcarrier-Based Culture of Human Pluripotent Stem-Cell-Derived Retinal Pigmented Epithelium. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9070297. [PMID: 35877348 PMCID: PMC9311890 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9070297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is estimated to impact nearly 300 million individuals globally by 2040. While no treatment options are currently available, multiple clinical trials investigating retinal pigmented epithelial cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC-RPE) as a cellular replacement therapeutic are currently underway. It has been estimated that a production capacity of >109 RPE cells annually would be required to treat the afflicted population, but current manufacturing protocols are limited, being labor-intensive and time-consuming. Microcarrier technology has enabled high-density propagation of many adherent mammalian cell types via monolayer culture on surfaces of uM-diameter matrix spheres; however, few studies have explored microcarrier-based culture of RPE cells. Here, we provide an approach to the growth, maturation, and differentiation of hPSC-RPE cells on Cytodex 1 (C1) and Cytodex 3 (C3) microcarriers. We demonstrate that hPSC-RPE cells adhere to microcarriers coated with Matrigel, vitronectin or collagen, and mature in vitro to exhibit characteristic epithelial cell morphology and pigmentation. Microcarrier-grown hPSC-RPE cells (mcRPE) are viable; metabolically active; express RPE signature genes including BEST1, RPE65, TYRP1, and PMEL17; secrete the trophic factors PEDF and VEGF; and demonstrate phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segments. Furthermore, we show that undifferentiated hESCs also adhere to Matrigel-coated microcarriers and are amenable to directed RPE differentiation. The capacity to support hPSC-RPE cell cultures using microcarriers enables efficient large-scale production of therapeutic RPE cells sufficient to meet the treatment demands of a large AMD patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A. Faynus
- Program for Biomolecular Science and Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; (J.K.B.); (B.O.P.); (M.K.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.Y.); (S.M.); (D.G.C.); (D.O.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jeffrey K. Bailey
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; (J.K.B.); (B.O.P.); (M.K.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.Y.); (S.M.); (D.G.C.); (D.O.C.)
| | - Britney O. Pennington
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; (J.K.B.); (B.O.P.); (M.K.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.Y.); (S.M.); (D.G.C.); (D.O.C.)
| | - Mika Katsura
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; (J.K.B.); (B.O.P.); (M.K.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.Y.); (S.M.); (D.G.C.); (D.O.C.)
| | - Duncan A. Proctor
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; (J.K.B.); (B.O.P.); (M.K.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.Y.); (S.M.); (D.G.C.); (D.O.C.)
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Ashley K. Yeh
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; (J.K.B.); (B.O.P.); (M.K.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.Y.); (S.M.); (D.G.C.); (D.O.C.)
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Sneha Menon
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; (J.K.B.); (B.O.P.); (M.K.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.Y.); (S.M.); (D.G.C.); (D.O.C.)
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Dylan G. Choi
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; (J.K.B.); (B.O.P.); (M.K.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.Y.); (S.M.); (D.G.C.); (D.O.C.)
- College of Creative Studies, Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Jane S. Lebkowski
- Program in Biological Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Lincoln V. Johnson
- Program in Biological Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Dennis O. Clegg
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; (J.K.B.); (B.O.P.); (M.K.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.Y.); (S.M.); (D.G.C.); (D.O.C.)
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Regenerative Patch Technologies LLC, Portola Valley, CA 94028, USA; (J.S.L.); (L.V.J.)
- Program in Biological Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
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132
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Gullapalli VK, Zarbin MA. New Prospects for Retinal Pigment Epithelium Transplantation. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2022; 11:302-313. [PMID: 36041145 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) transplants rescue photoreceptors in selected animal models of retinal degenerative disease. Early clinical studies of RPE transplants as treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) included autologous and allogeneic transplants of RPE suspensions and RPE sheets for atrophic and neovascular complications of AMD. Subsequent studies explored autologous RPE-Bruch membrane-choroid transplants in patients with neovascular AMD with occasional marked visual benefit, which establishes a rationale for RPE transplants in late-stage AMD. More recent work has involved transplantation of autologous and allogeneic stem cell-derived RPE for patients with AMD and those with Stargardt disease. These early-stage clinical trials have employed RPE suspensions and RPE monolayers on biocompatible scaffolds. Safety has been well documented, but evidence of efficacy is variable. Current research involves development of better scaffolds, improved modulation of immune surveillance, and modification of the extracellular milieu to improve RPE survival and integration with host retina.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco A Zarbin
- Iinstitute of Ophthalmology and visual Science, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, US
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Xue Y, Lin B, Chen JT, Tang WC, Browne AW, Seiler MJ. The Prospects for Retinal Organoids in Treatment of Retinal Diseases. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2022; 11:314-327. [PMID: 36041146 PMCID: PMC9966053 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration (RD) is a significant cause of incurable blindness worldwide. Photoreceptors and retinal pigmented epithelium are irreversibly damaged in advanced RD. Functional replacement of photoreceptors and/or retinal pigmented epithelium cells is a promising approach to restoring vision. This paper reviews the current status and explores future prospects of the transplantation therapy provided by pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal organoids (ROs). This review summarizes the status of rodent RD disease models and discusses RO culture and analytical tools to evaluate RO quality and function. Finally, we review and discuss the studies in which RO-derived cells or sheets were transplanted. In conclusion, methods to derive ROs from pluripotent stem cells have significantly improved and become more efficient in recent years. Meanwhile, more novel technologies are applied to characterize and validate RO quality. However, opportunity remains to optimize tissue differentiation protocols and achieve better RO reproducibility. In order to screen high-quality ROs for downstream applications, approaches such as noninvasive and label-free imaging and electrophysiological functional testing are promising and worth further investigation. Lastly, transplanted RO-derived tissues have allowed improvements in visual function in several RD models, showing promises for clinical applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuntian Xue
- Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - Bin Lin
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - Jacqueline T. Chen
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - William C. Tang
- Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - Andrew W. Browne
- Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - Magdalene J. Seiler
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Irvine, CA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA
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Liu M, Yang F, Xu Y. Global Trends of Stem Cell Precision Medicine Research (2018–2022): A Bibliometric Analysis. Front Surg 2022; 9:888956. [PMID: 35813047 PMCID: PMC9260221 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.888956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundStem cells are a group of cells that can self-renew and have multiple differentiation capabilities. Shinya Yamanaka first discovered a method to convert somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells in 2006. Stem cell therapy can be summarized into three aspects (regenerative treatment, therapy targeted at stem cells, and establishment of disease models). Disease models are mainly established by induced pluripotent stem cells, and the research of stem cell precision medicine has been promising in recent years. Based on the construction of 3D, patient-specific disease models from pluripotent induced stem cells, proper research on disease development and treatment prognosis can be realized. Bibliometric analysis is an efficient way to quickly understand global trends and hotspots in this field.MethodsA literature search of stem cell precision medicine research from 2018 to 2022 was carried out using the Web of Science Core Collection.VOSviewer, R-bibliometrix, and CiteSpace software programs were employed to perform the bibliometric analysis.ResultsA total of 552 publications were retrieved from 2018 to 2022. Annual publication outputs trended upward and reached a peak of 172 in 2021. The United States contributed the most publications (160, 29.0%) to the field, followed by China (63, 11.4%) and Italy (60, 10.9%). International academic collaborations were active. CANCERS was considered the most productive journal with 18 documents. NATURE was the most co-cited journal with 1860 times citations. The most cited document was entitled “Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Cardiovascular Disease Modeling and Precision Medicine: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association” with 9 times local citations. “ precision medicine” (n = 89, 12.64%), “personalized medicine” (n = 72, 10.23%), “stem cells” (n = 43, 4.40%), and “induced pluripotent stem cells” (n = 41, 5.82%), “cancer stem cells” (n = 31, 4%), “organoids” (n = 26, 3.69%) were the top 6 frequent keywords.ConclusionThe present study performs a comprehensive investigation concerning stem cell precision medicine (2018–2022) for the first time. This research field is developing, and a deeper exploration of 3D patient-specific organoid disease models is worth more research in the future.
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Molina-Ruiz FJ, Introna C, Bombau G, Galofre M, Canals JM. Standardization of Cell Culture Conditions and Routine Genomic Screening under a Quality Management System Leads to Reduced Genomic Instability in hPSCs. Cells 2022; 11:cells11131984. [PMID: 35805069 PMCID: PMC9265327 DOI: 10.3390/cells11131984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have generated unprecedented interest in the scientific community, given their potential applications in regenerative medicine, disease modeling, toxicology and drug screening. However, hPSCs are prone to acquire genomic alterations in vitro, mainly due to suboptimal culture conditions and inappropriate routines to monitor genome integrity. This poses a challenge to both the safety of clinical applications and the reliability of basic and translational hPSC research. In this study, we aim to investigate if the implementation of a Quality Management System (QMS) such as ISO9001:2015 to ensure reproducible and standardized cell culture conditions and genomic screening strategies can decrease the prevalence of genomic alterations affecting hPSCs used for research applications. To this aim, we performed a retrospective analysis of G-banding karyotype and Comparative Genomic Hybridization array (aCGH) data generated by our group over a 5-year span of different hESC and hiPSC cultures. This work demonstrates that application of a QMS to standardize cell culture conditions and genomic monitoring routines leads to a striking improvement of genomic stability in hPSCs cultured in vitro, as evidenced by a reduced probability of potentially pathogenic chromosomal aberrations and subchromosomal genomic alterations. These results support the need to implement QMS in academic laboratories performing hPSC research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J. Molina-Ruiz
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (F.J.M.-R.); (C.I.); (G.B.); (M.G.)
- Creatio, Production and Validation Center of Advanced Therapies, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Networked Biomedical Research Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders (CIBERNED), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clelia Introna
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (F.J.M.-R.); (C.I.); (G.B.); (M.G.)
- Creatio, Production and Validation Center of Advanced Therapies, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Networked Biomedical Research Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders (CIBERNED), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Georgina Bombau
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (F.J.M.-R.); (C.I.); (G.B.); (M.G.)
- Creatio, Production and Validation Center of Advanced Therapies, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Networked Biomedical Research Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders (CIBERNED), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Galofre
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (F.J.M.-R.); (C.I.); (G.B.); (M.G.)
- Creatio, Production and Validation Center of Advanced Therapies, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Networked Biomedical Research Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders (CIBERNED), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep M. Canals
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (F.J.M.-R.); (C.I.); (G.B.); (M.G.)
- Creatio, Production and Validation Center of Advanced Therapies, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Networked Biomedical Research Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders (CIBERNED), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-934-035-288
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Cooper F, Tsakiridis A. Towards clinical applications of in vitro-derived axial progenitors. Dev Biol 2022; 489:110-117. [PMID: 35718236 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The production of the tissues that make up the mammalian embryonic trunk takes place in a head-tail direction, via the differentiation of posteriorly-located axial progenitor populations. These include bipotent neuromesodermal progenitors (NMPs), which generate both spinal cord neurectoderm and presomitic mesoderm, the precursor of the musculoskeleton. Over the past few years, a number of studies have described the derivation of NMP-like cells from mouse and human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). In turn, these have greatly facilitated the establishment of PSC differentiation protocols aiming to give rise efficiently to posterior mesodermal and neural cell types, which have been particularly challenging to produce using previous approaches. Moreover, the advent of 3-dimensional-based culture systems incorporating distinct axial progenitor-derived cell lineages has opened new avenues toward the functional dissection of early patterning events and cell vs non-cell autonomous effects. Here, we provide a brief overview of the applications of these cell types in disease modelling and cell therapy and speculate on their potential uses in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fay Cooper
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, School of Bioscience, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom; Neuroscience Institute, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Anestis Tsakiridis
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, School of Bioscience, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom; Neuroscience Institute, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom.
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137
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Dehghan S, Mirshahi R, Shoae-Hassani A, Naseripour M. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells-derived retinal pigmented epithelium, a new horizon for cells-based therapies for age-related macular degeneration. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:217. [PMID: 35619143 PMCID: PMC9137077 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02894-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration is the hallmark of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD, as one of the most common causes of irreversible visual impairment worldwide, remains in need of an appropriate approach to restore retinal function. Wet AMD, which is characterized by neovascular formation, can be stabilized by currently available therapies, including laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy, and intraocular injections of anti-VEFG (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor) therapy or a combination of these modalities. Unlike wet AMD, there is no effective therapy for progressive dry (non-neovascular) AMD. However, stem cell-based therapies, a part of regenerative medicine, have shown promising results for retinal degenerative diseases such as AMD. The goal of RPE cell therapy is to return the normal structure and function of the retina by re-establishing its interaction with photoreceptors, which is essential to vision. Considering the limited source of naturally occurring RPE cells, recent progress in stem cell research has allowed the generation of RPE cells from human pluripotent cells, both embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). Since iPSCs face neither ethical arguments nor significant immunological considerations when compared to ESCs, they open a new horizon for cell therapy of AMD. The current study aims to discuss AMD, review the protocols for making human iPSCs-derived RPEs, and summarize recent developments in the field of iPSC-derived RPEs cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Dehghan
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Eye Research Center, The Five Senses Health Institute, Rassoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Mirshahi
- Eye Research Center, The Five Senses Health Institute, Rassoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Shoae-Hassani
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masood Naseripour
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Eye Research Center, The Five Senses Health Institute, Rassoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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[Optogenetics and cell replacement in retinology : Regenerative ophthalmology-What we can do!]. Ophthalmologe 2022; 119:910-918. [PMID: 35536395 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-022-01631-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
For many degenerative retinal diseases that progressively lead to blindness, no treatment options are available so far. In recent years, several innovative therapies have been experimentally explored, which are promising because they are independent of the genetic cause of the degenerative disease. One of these is optogenetics, which involves light-sensitive proteins that selectively act as ion channels or ion pumps to control the potential of the treated cell. Thus, these cells can be stimulated or inhibited by light, quasi functionally remote controlled. In this way artificial photoreceptors are induced from the remaining cells, which has already been successfully employed in animal experiments. This type of treatment is already being tested on patients and leads to an improvement in vision, but so far only data from one patient are available. The use of optogenetics additionally requires special eyeglasses to adapt the light impulses in adequate strength and wavelength for the respective optogenes. Another exciting approach is cell replacement therapy of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor cells to exchange degenerated cell material. This appears to be very successful for RPE cells in clinical trials. Obtaining human photoreceptors from stem cells is technically possible, but very laborious. The integration of the transplanted photoreceptors into the host retinal tissue also needs further optimization for broader clinical applications; however, both cell replacement and optogenetics approaches are promising, so that the translation from basic research into clinical application will be successful.
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139
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Ortolan D, Sharma R, Volkov A, Maminishkis A, Hotaling NA, Huryn LA, Cukras C, Di Marco S, Bisti S, Bharti K. Single-cell-resolution map of human retinal pigment epithelium helps discover subpopulations with differential disease sensitivity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2117553119. [PMID: 35522714 PMCID: PMC9171647 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2117553119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Regional phenotypic and functional differences in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) monolayer have been suggested to account for regional susceptibility in ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), late-onset retinal degeneration (L-ORD), and choroideremia (CHM). However, a comprehensive description of human topographical RPE diversity is not yet available, thus limiting the understanding of regional RPE diversity and degenerative disease sensitivity in the eye. To develop a complete morphometric RPE map of the human eye, artificial intelligence–based software was trained to recognize, segment, and analyze RPE borders. Five statistically different, concentric RPE subpopulations (P1 to P5) were identified using cell area as a parameter, including a subpopulation (P4) with cell area comparable to that of macular cells in the far periphery of the eye. This work provides a complete reference map of human RPE subpopulations and their location in the eye. In addition, the analysis of cadaver non-AMD and AMD eyes and ultra-widefield fundus images of patients revealed differential vulnerability of the five RPE subpopulations to different retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Ortolan
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Ruchi Sharma
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Andrei Volkov
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Arvydas Maminishkis
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Nathan A. Hotaling
- Information Resources Technology Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Laryssa A. Huryn
- Ophthalmic Clinical Genetics Section, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Catherine Cukras
- Unit on Clinical Investigation of Retinal Disease, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Stefano Di Marco
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Silvia Bisti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute, 00136 Roma, Italy
| | - Kapil Bharti
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
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140
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Gene-independent therapeutic interventions to maintain and restore light sensitivity in degenerating photoreceptors. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 90:101065. [PMID: 35562270 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative retinal diseases are a prime cause of blindness in industrialized countries. In many cases, there are no therapeutic treatments, although they are essential to improve patients' quality of life. A set of disease-causing genes, which primarily affect photoreceptors, has already been identified and is of major interest for developing gene therapies. Nevertheless, depending on the nature and the state of the disease, gene-independent strategies are needed. Various strategies to halt disease progression or maintain function of the retina are under research. These therapeutic interventions include neuroprotection, direct reprogramming of affected photoreceptors, the application of non-coding RNAs, the generation of artificial photoreceptors by optogenetics and cell replacement strategies. During recent years, major breakthroughs have been made such as the first optogenetic application to a blind patient whose visual function partially recovered by targeting retinal ganglion cells. Also, RPE cell transplantation therapies are under clinical investigation and show great promise to improve visual function in blind patients. These cells are generated from human stem cells. Similar therapies for replacing photoreceptors are extensively tested in pre-clinical models. This marks just the start of promising new cures taking advantage of developments in the areas of genetic engineering, optogenetics, and stem-cell research. In this review, we present the recent therapeutic advances of gene-independent approaches that are currently under clinical evaluation. Our main focus is on photoreceptors as these sensory cells are highly vulnerable to degenerative diseases, and are crucial for light detection.
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141
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Kashani AH. Stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium transplantation in age-related macular degeneration: recent advances and challenges. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2022; 33:211-218. [PMID: 35200164 DOI: 10.1097/icu.0000000000000838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss in the world with more than 80% of the prevalence accounted for by the nonneovascular (NNAMD) or 'dry' form of the disease. NNAMD does not have any definitive treatment once vision loss has ensued and presents a major unmet medical need. This review will highlight stem cell-based therapies that are a promising form of treatment for advanced NNAMD. RECENT FINDINGS In the past decade, clinical trials utilizing both induced pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE and human embryonic stem cell-derived RPE have been aggressively pursued as potential treatments of RPE loss and prevention of overlying neurosensory atrophy. While promising preliminary results demonstrating safety and potential efficacy have been published, new challenges have also been identified. These include selecting the most appropriate cell-based therapy, identifying and managing potential immune response as well as characterizing anatomic and functional efficacy. In this review, we will discuss some of these challenges in light of the available data from several early phase clinical trials and discuss the strategies that are being considered to further advance the field. SUMMARY Cell-based therapies demonstrate promising potential to treat advanced stages of NNAMD. Several early phase clinical trials using both induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and human embryonic stem cell derived (hESC) have demonstrated safety and preliminary signs of efficacy and highlighted remaining challenges which appear surmountable. These challenges include development of selection criteria for use of cell suspensions versus RPE sheets, especially in light of immunological properties of RPE that are intrinsic to the status of RPE differentiation in each of these cell formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir H Kashani
- Department of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Engineering, T Boone Pickens Professorship in Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Rashidi H, Leong YC, Venner K, Pramod H, Fei QZ, Jones OJR, Moulding D, Sowden JC. Generation of 3D retinal tissue from human pluripotent stem cells using a directed small molecule-based serum-free microwell platform. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6646. [PMID: 35459774 PMCID: PMC9033780 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10540-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases are a leading cause of blindness worldwide with debilitating life-long consequences for the affected individuals. Cell therapy is considered a potential future clinical intervention to restore and preserve sight by replacing lost photoreceptors and/or retinal pigment epithelium. Development of protocols to generate retinal tissue from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC), reliably and at scale, can provide a platform to generate photoreceptors for cell therapy and to model retinal disease in vitro. Here, we describe an improved differentiation platform to generate retinal organoids from hPSC at scale and free from time-consuming manual microdissection steps. The scale up was achieved using an agarose mould platform enabling generation of uniform self-assembled 3D spheres from dissociated hPSC in microwells. Subsequent retinal differentiation was efficiently achieved via a stepwise differentiation protocol using a number of small molecules. To facilitate clinical translation, xeno-free approaches were developed by substituting Matrigel™ and foetal bovine serum with recombinant laminin and human platelet lysate, respectively. Generated retinal organoids exhibited important features reminiscent of retinal tissue including correct site-specific localisation of proteins involved in phototransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Rashidi
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, Birth Defects Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Yeh Chwan Leong
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, Birth Defects Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Kerrie Venner
- UCL Institute of Neurology, Queens Square, University College London, London, UK
| | - Hema Pramod
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, Birth Defects Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Qi-Zhen Fei
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, Birth Defects Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Owen J R Jones
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, Birth Defects Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Dale Moulding
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, Birth Defects Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Jane C Sowden
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, Birth Defects Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK.
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Menon A, Vijayavenkataraman S. Novel vision restoration techniques: 3D bioprinting, gene and stem cell therapy, optogenetics, and the bionic eye. Artif Organs 2022; 46:1463-1474. [PMID: 35373344 DOI: 10.1111/aor.14241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vision restoration has been one of the most sought-after goals of ophthalmology because of its inception. Despite these problems being tackled from numerous different perspectives, a concrete solution has not yet been achieved. An optimal solution will have significant implications on the patient's quality of life, socioeconomic status, and mental health. METHODS This article will explore new and innovative approaches with one common aim-to restore functional vision for the visually impaired. These novel techniques include 3D bioprinting, stem cell therapy, gene therapy, implantable devices, and optogenetics. RESULTS While the techniques mentioned above show significant promise, they are currently in various stages of development ranging from clinical trials to commercial availability. Restoration of minimal vision in specific cases has already been achieved by the different methods but optimization of different parameters like biocompatibility, spatiotemporal resolution, and minimizing the costs are essential for widespread use. CONCLUSION The developments over the past decade have resulted in multiple milestones in each of the techniques with many solutions getting approved by the FDA. This article will compare these novel techniques and highlight the major advantages and drawbacks of each of them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhay Menon
- The Vijay Lab, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sanjairaj Vijayavenkataraman
- The Vijay Lab, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, New York, USA
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144
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Yang JW, Chen CY, Yu ZY, Chung JH, Liu X, Wu CY, Chen GY. An electroactive hybrid biointerface for enhancing neuronal differentiation and axonal outgrowth on bio-subretinal chip. Mater Today Bio 2022; 14:100253. [PMID: 35464741 PMCID: PMC9018446 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal prostheses offer viable vision restoration therapy for patients with blindness. However, a critical requirement for maintaining the stable performance of electrical stimulation and signal transmission is the biocompatibility of the electrode interface. Here, we demonstrated a functionalized electrode-neuron biointerface composed of an annealed graphene oxide-collagen (aGO-COL) composite and neuronal cells. The aGO-COL exhibited an electroactive 3D crumpled surface structure and enhanced the differentiation efficiency of PC-12 cells. It is integrated into a photovoltaic self-powered retinal chip to develop a biohybrid retinal implant that facilitates biocompatibility and tissue regeneration. Moreover, aGO-COL micropatterns fabricated via 3D bioprinting can be used to create neuronal cell microarrays, which supports the possibility of retaining the high spatial resolution achieved through electrical stimulation of the retinal chip. This study paves the way for the next generation of biohybrid retinal implants based on biointerfaces. Electroactive aGO-COL composites with 3D crumpled surface structures can effectively improve neuronal cell differentiation. The aGO-COL biointerface facilitates the development of a biohybrid retinal implant that integrates neuronal cells. The printed aGO-COL micropatterns support the creation of neuronal cell microarrays with specific patterns. This achievement reveals an excellent opportunity to bridge the gap between biological and artificial implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Wei Yang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300093, Taiwan
- Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300093, Taiwan
| | - Chong-You Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300093, Taiwan
- Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300093, Taiwan
| | - Zih-Yu Yu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300093, Taiwan
| | - Johnson H.Y. Chung
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
| | - Xiao Liu
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
| | - Chung-Yu Wu
- Institute of Electronics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300093, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Yu Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300093, Taiwan
- Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300093, Taiwan
- Corresponding author. Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300093, Taiwan.
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145
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Jin C, Ou Q, Chen J, Wang T, Zhang J, Wang Z, Wang Y, Tian H, Xu JY, Gao F, Wang J, Li J, Lu L, Xu GT. Chaperone-mediated autophagy plays an important role in regulating retinal progenitor cell homeostasis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:136. [PMID: 35365237 PMCID: PMC8973999 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02809-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the function and regulatory mechanism of IFITM3 in mouse neural retinal progenitor cells (mNRPCs), which was found to be very important not only in the development of the retina in embryos but also in NRPCs after birth. METHODS Published single-cell sequencing data were used to analyze IFITM3 expression in mNRPCs. RNA interference was used to knock down the expression of IFITM3. CCK-8 assays were used to analyze cell viability. RNA-seq was used to assess mRNA expression, as confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR, and immunofluorescence assays and western blots were used to validate the levels of relative proteins, and autophagy flux assay. Lysosomal trackers were used to track the organelle changes. RESULTS The results of single-cell sequencing data showed that IFITM3 is highly expressed in the embryo, and after birth, RNA-seq showed high IFITM3 expression in mNRPCs. Proliferation and cell viability were greatly reduced after IFITM3 was knocked down. The cell membrane system and lysosomes were dramatically changed, and lysosomes were activated and evidently agglomerated in RAMP-treated cells. The expression of LAMP1 was significantly increased with lysosome agglomeration after treatment with rapamycin (RAMP). Further detection showed that SQSTM1/P62, HSC70 and LAMP-2A were upregulated, while no significant difference in LC3A/B expression was observed; no autophagic flux was generated. CONCLUSION IFITM3 regulates mNRPC viability and proliferation mainly through chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) but not macroautophagy (MA). IFITM3 plays a significant role in maintaining the homeostasis of progenitor cell self-renewal by sustaining low-level activation of CMA to eliminate deleterious factors in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caixia Jin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingjian Ou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jieping Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Teaching Laboratory Center of Medicine and Life Science, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibin Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Ying Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Furong Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiao Li
- Teaching Laboratory Center of Medicine and Life Science, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixia Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Guo-Tong Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China. .,Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
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146
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Komninos C, Pissas T, Mekki L, Flores B, Bloch E, Vercauteren T, Ourselin S, Da Cruz L, Bergeles C. Surgical biomicroscopy-guided intra-operative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) image super-resolution. Int J Comput Assist Radiol Surg 2022; 17:877-883. [PMID: 35364774 PMCID: PMC9110549 DOI: 10.1007/s11548-022-02603-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Intra-retinal delivery of novel sight-restoring therapies will require the precision of robotic systems accompanied by excellent visualisation of retinal layers. Intra-operative Optical Coherence Tomography (iOCT) provides cross-sectional retinal images in real time but at the cost of image quality that is insufficient for intra-retinal therapy delivery.This paper proposes a super-resolution methodology that improves iOCT image quality leveraging spatiotemporal consistency of incoming iOCT video streams. Methods To overcome the absence of ground truth high-resolution (HR) images, we first generate HR iOCT images by fusing spatially aligned iOCT video frames. Then, we automatically assess the quality of the HR images on key retinal layers using a deep semantic segmentation model. Finally, we use image-to-image translation models (Pix2Pix and CycleGAN) to enhance the quality of LR images via quality transfer from the estimated HR domain. Results Our proposed methodology generates iOCT images of improved quality according to both full-reference and no-reference metrics. A qualitative study with expert clinicians also confirms the improvement in the delineation of pertinent layers and in the reduction of artefacts. Furthermore, our approach outperforms conventional denoising filters and the learning-based state-of-the-art. Conclusions The results indicate that the learning-based methods using the estimated, through our pipeline, HR domain can be used to enhance the iOCT image quality. Therefore, the proposed method can computationally augment the capabilities of iOCT imaging helping this modality support the vitreoretinal surgical interventions of the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Komninos
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 7EU, UK.
| | - Theodoros Pissas
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 7EU, UK.,Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences, University College London, London, W1W 7TS, UK
| | - Lina Mekki
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 7EU, UK
| | | | - Edward Bloch
- Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences, University College London, London, W1W 7TS, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Tom Vercauteren
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 7EU, UK
| | - Sébastien Ourselin
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 7EU, UK
| | - Lyndon Da Cruz
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, EC1V 2PD, UK.,Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Christos Bergeles
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 7EU, UK
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147
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Maeda T, Mandai M, Sugita S, Kime C, Takahashi M. Strategies of pluripotent stem cell-based therapy for retinal degeneration: update and challenges. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:388-404. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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148
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Mano F, Gandhi JK, da Silva RP, Silva ADA, Iezzi L, Iezzi R, Pulido JS, Marmorstein AD. Methodological Approach to Improve Surgical Outcomes of a Pig Subretinal Implantation Model. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:24. [PMID: 35486039 PMCID: PMC9055557 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.4.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To improve outcomes for subretinal implantation surgery in pigs. Methods Analysis of variables affecting the success of subretinal implantation surgery was performed on videos of 37 surgeries. Ex vivo experiments were conducted to measure intraocular pressure (IOP) and test various prototyped implanters for effectiveness at maintaining IOP. Results A video analysis revealed a prolonged sclerotomy open time owing to a combination of uncontrolled bleeding and excessive fluid outflow often resulting in retinal prolapse. Precauterization of the choroid before full-thickness sclerotomy (n = 10) resulted in a reduced incidence of uncontrolled bleeding from 39.1% (9/23) versus 0% (0/10) (P = 0.005) and improved implantation success from 73% to 90%. An ex vivo analysis of the IOP revealed a mean decrease in the IOP from 30.2 ± 3.0 mm Hg to 5.0 ± 2.1 mm Hg after a fully penetrating sclerotomy. To address this situation, we produced a series of plugs that integrated with a custom implant insertion device to seal the sclerotomy during implantation. The use of the plugs was cumbersome, however, and so we opted instead to increase the width of the inserter tip to fill the open sclerotomy. This improved device restored and maintained IOP during implantation (27.1 ± 1.9 mm Hg). Combined with precauterization the improved inserter resulted in 100% successful implantation (n = 4). Conclusions For subretinal implantation in pigs, a modified procedure to precauterize the choroid before sclerotomy combined with an instrument that better fills the scleral opening decreases bleeding, hypotony, and open sclerotomy time, improving the success rate. Translational Relevance Better management of IOP and bleeding from a sclerotomy will improve implant-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fukutaro Mano
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jarel K Gandhi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Lucas Iezzi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Raymond Iezzi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jose S Pulido
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Alan D Marmorstein
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, USA
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149
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The Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)-Preventing Mechanism of Natural Products. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10040678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is related to central visual loss in elderly people and, based on the increment in the percentage of the aging population, the number of people suffering from AMD could increase. AMD is initiated by retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell death, finally leading to neovascularization in the macula lutea. AMD is an uncurable disease, but the symptom can be suppressed. The current therapy of AMD can be classified into four types: device-based treatment, anti-inflammatory drug treatment, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment, and natural product treatment. All these therapies have adverse effects, however early AMD therapy used with products has several advantages, as it can prevent RPE cell apoptosis in safe doses. Cell death (apoptosis) is caused by various factors, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, carbonyl stress, and a deficiency in essential components for cells, and RPE cell death is related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and carbonyl stress. Some natural products have anti-oxidative effects, anti-inflammation effects, and/or anti-carbonylation effects. The AMD preventive mechanism of natural products varies, with some natural products activating one or more anti-apoptotic pathways, such as the Nrf2/HO-1 anti-oxidative pathway, the anti-inflammasome pathway, and the anti-carbonyl pathway. As AMD drug candidates from natural products effectively inhibit RPE cell death, they have the potential to be developed as drugs for preventing early (dry) AMD.
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Subretinal Implantation of Human Primary RPE Cells Cultured on Nanofibrous Membranes in Minipigs. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030669. [PMID: 35327471 PMCID: PMC8945676 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The development of primary human retinal pigmented epithelium (hRPE) for clinical transplantation purposes on biodegradable scaffolds is indispensable. We hereby report the results of the subretinal implantation of hRPE cells on nanofibrous membranes in minipigs. Methods: The hRPEs were collected from human cadaver donor eyes and cultivated on ultrathin nanofibrous carriers prepared via the electrospinning of poly(L-lactide-co-DL-lactide) (PDLLA). “Libechov” minipigs (12–36 months old) were used in the study, supported by preoperative tacrolimus immunosuppressive therapy. The subretinal implantation of the hRPE-nanofibrous carrier was conducted using general anesthesia via a custom-made injector during standard three-port 23-gauge vitrectomy, followed by silicone oil endotamponade. The observational period lasted 1, 2, 6 and 8 weeks, and included in vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the retina, as well as post mortem immunohistochemistry using the following antibodies: HNAA and STEM121 (human cell markers); Bestrophin and CRALBP (hRPE cell markers); peanut agglutining (PNA) (cone photoreceptor marker); PKCα (rod bipolar marker); Vimentin, GFAP (macroglial markers); and Iba1 (microglial marker). Results: The hRPEs assumed cobblestone morphology, persistent pigmentation and measurable trans-epithelial electrical resistance on the nanofibrous PDLLA carrier. The surgical delivery of the implants in the subretinal space of the immunosuppressed minipigs was successfully achieved and monitored by fundus imaging and OCT. The implanted hRPEs were positive for HNAA and STEM121 and were located between the minipig’s neuroretina and RPE layers at week 2 post-implantation, which was gradually attenuated until week 8. The neuroretina over the implants showed rosette or hypertrophic reaction at week 6. The implanted cells expressed the typical RPE marker bestrophin throughout the whole observation period, and a gradual diminishing of the CRALBP expression in the area of implantation at week 8 post-implantation was observed. The transplanted hRPEs appeared not to form a confluent layer and were less capable of keeping the inner and outer retinal segments intact. The cone photoreceptors adjacent to the implant scaffold were unchanged initially, but underwent a gradual change in structure after hRPE implantation; the retina above and below the implant appeared relatively healthy. The glial reaction of the transplanted and host retina showed Vimentin and GFAP positivity from week 1 onward. Microglial activation appeared in the retinal area of the transplant early after the surgery, which seemed to move into the transplant area over time. Conclusions: The differentiated hRPEs can serve as an alternative cell source for RPE replacement in animal studies. These cells can be cultivated on nanofibrous PDLLA and implanted subretinally into minipigs using standard 23-gauge vitrectomy and implantation injector. The hRPE-laden scaffolds demonstrated relatively good incorporation into the host retina over an eight-week observation period, with some indication of a gliotic scar formation, and a likely neuroinflammatory response in the transplanted area despite the use of immunosuppression.
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