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Molins B, Rodríguez A, Llorenç V, Adán A. Biomaterial engineering strategies for modeling the Bruch's membrane in age-related macular degeneration. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2626-2636. [PMID: 38595281 PMCID: PMC11168499 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01789] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration, a multifactorial inflammatory degenerative retinal disease, ranks as the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. Strikingly, there is a scarcity of curative therapies, especially for the atrophic advanced form of age-related macular degeneration, likely due to the lack of models able to fully recapitulate the native structure of the outer blood retinal barrier, the prime target tissue of age-related macular degeneration. Standard in vitro systems rely on 2D monocultures unable to adequately reproduce the structure and function of the outer blood retinal barrier, integrated by the dynamic interaction of the retinal pigment epithelium, the Bruch's membrane, and the underlying choriocapillaris. The Bruch's membrane provides structural and mechanical support and regulates the molecular trafficking in the outer blood retinal barrier, and therefore adequate Bruch's membrane-mimics are key for the development of physiologically relevant models of the outer blood retinal barrier. In the last years, advances in the field of biomaterial engineering have provided novel approaches to mimic the Bruch's membrane from a variety of materials. This review provides a discussion of the integrated properties and function of outer blood retinal barrier components in healthy and age-related macular degeneration status to understand the requirements to adequately fabricate Bruch's membrane biomimetic systems. Then, we discuss novel materials and techniques to fabricate Bruch's membrane-like scaffolds for age-related macular degeneration in vitro modeling, discussing their advantages and challenges with a special focus on the potential of Bruch's membrane-like mimics based on decellularized tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Molins
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Rodríguez
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Víctor Llorenç
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Clínic d’Oftalmologia (ICOF), Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alfredo Adán
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Clínic d’Oftalmologia (ICOF), Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Spain
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2
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Wu S, Xiao R, Wu Y, Xu L. Advances in tissue engineering of gellan gum-based hydrogels. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 324:121484. [PMID: 37985043 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Gellan Gum (GG) is a large, naturally occurring, linear polysaccharide with a similar structure and biological properties to the extracellular matrix. It's appropriate as a matrix material for the development of different composite materials due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and injectability. Hydrogels made from GG have found various applications in the field of Tissue Engineering (TE) in recent years after being mixed with a variety of other organic and inorganic components. These composites are considered multifunctional developing biomaterials because of their impressive mechanical capabilities, biocompatibility, low cytotoxicity, etc. This review focuses on the emerging advances of GG-based hydrogels in TE, providing an overview of the applications of different types of GG-based composite materials in bone TE, cartilage TE, nervous TE, retina TE, and other fields. Moreover, the investigations of GG-based hydrogels as bioink components for 3D bioprinting in TE will be elucidated. This review offers general guidance for the development of biomaterials related to GG, as well as ideas for future clinical diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanyi Wu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research, Hunan 3D Printing Engineering Research Center of Oral Care, Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Disease and Oral Health, Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Rongjun Xiao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research, Hunan 3D Printing Engineering Research Center of Oral Care, Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Disease and Oral Health, Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yong Wu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Laijun Xu
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China.
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3
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Ladero M, Reche-Sainz JA, Gallardo ME. Hereditary Optic Neuropathies: A Systematic Review on the Interplay between Biomaterials and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:52. [PMID: 38247929 PMCID: PMC10813088 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11010052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Hereditary optic neuropathies (HONs) such as dominant optic atrophy (DOA) and Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) are mitochondrial diseases characterized by a degenerative loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and are a cause of blindness worldwide. To date, there are only limited disease-modifying treatments for these disorders. The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has opened several promising opportunities in the field of HON research and the search for therapeutic approaches. This systematic review is focused on the two most frequent HONs (LHON and DOA) and on the recent studies related to the application of human iPSC technology in combination with biomaterials technology for their potential use in the development of RGC replacement therapies with the final aim of the improvement or even the restoration of the vision of HON patients. To this purpose, the combination of natural and synthetic biomaterials modified with peptides, neurotrophic factors, and other low- to medium-molecular weight compounds, mimicking the ocular extracellular matrices, with human iPSC or iPSC-derived cell retinal progenitors holds enormous potential to be exploited in the near future for the generation of transplantable RGC populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ladero
- FQPIMA Group, Materials and Chemical Engineering Department, Chemical Sciences School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Alberto Reche-Sainz
- Ophthalmology Unit, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain
- Translational Research with iPS Cells Group, Research Institute of Hospital 12 de Octubre, imas12, 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - M. Esther Gallardo
- Translational Research with iPS Cells Group, Research Institute of Hospital 12 de Octubre, imas12, 28041 Madrid, Spain
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4
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Lee IK, Xie R, Luz-Madrigal A, Min S, Zhu J, Jin J, Edwards KL, Phillips MJ, Ludwig AL, Gamm DM, Gong S, Ma Z. Micromolded honeycomb scaffold design to support the generation of a bilayered RPE and photoreceptor cell construct. Bioact Mater 2023; 30:142-153. [PMID: 37575875 PMCID: PMC10415596 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.07.019] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes blindness due to loss of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors (PRs), which comprise the two outermost layers of the retina. Given the small size of the macula and the importance of direct contact between RPE and PRs, the use of scaffolds for targeted reconstruction of the outer retina in later stage AMD and other macular dystrophies is particularly attractive. We developed microfabricated, honeycomb-patterned, biodegradable poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) scaffolds to deliver organized, adjacent layers of RPE and PRs to the subretinal space. Furthermore, an optimized process was developed to photocure PGS, shortening scaffold production time from days to minutes. The resulting scaffolds robustly supported the seeding of human pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE and PRs, either separately or as a dual cell-layered construct. These advanced, economical, and versatile scaffolds can accelerate retinal cell transplantation efforts and benefit patients with AMD and other retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- In-Kyu Lee
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Ruosen Xie
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Agustin Luz-Madrigal
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Seunghwan Min
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Jingcheng Zhu
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Jiahe Jin
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | | | - M. Joseph Phillips
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Allison L. Ludwig
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - David M. Gamm
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Shaoqin Gong
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Zhenqiang Ma
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Department of Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Grainger Institute for Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
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5
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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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6
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Kim SI, Jeon GY, Kim SE, Choe SH, Kim SJ, Seo JS, Kang TW, Song JE, Khang G. Injectable Hydrogel Based on Gellan Gum/Silk Sericin for Application as a Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cell Carrier. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:41331-41340. [PMID: 36406493 PMCID: PMC9670284 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c05113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The damage to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells can lead to vision loss and permanent blindness. Therefore, an effective therapeutic strategy has emerged to replace damaged cells through RPE cell delivery. In this study, we fabricated injectable gellan gum (GG)/silk sericin (SS) hydrogels as a cell carrier by blending GG and SS. To determine the appropriate concentration of SS for human RPE ARPE-19, 0, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.5% (w/v) of SS solution were blended in 1% (w/v) GG solution (GG/SS 0%, GG/SS 0.05%, GG/SS 0.1%, and GG/SS 0.5%, respectively). The physical and chemical properties were measured through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, mass swelling, and weight loss. Also, viscosity, injection force, and compressive tests were used to evaluate mechanical characteristics. Cell proliferation and differentiation of ARPE-19 were evaluated using quantitative dsDNA analysis and real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The addition of SS gave GG/SS hydrogels a compressive strength similar to that of natural RPE tissue, which may well support the growth of RPE and enhance cell proliferation and differentiation. In particular, the GG/SS 0.5% hydrogel showed the most similar compressive strength (about 10 kPa) and exhibited the highest gene expression related to ARPE-19 cell proliferation. These results indicate that GG/SS 0.5% hydrogels can be a promising biomaterial for cell delivery in retina tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo in Kim
- Department
of Bionanotechnology and Bio-Convergence Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Ga Yeong Jeon
- Department
of Bionanotechnology and Bio-Convergence Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Eun Kim
- Department
of Bionanotechnology and Bio-Convergence Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Ho Choe
- Department
of Bionanotechnology and Bio-Convergence Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Jae Kim
- Department
of Bionanotechnology and Bio-Convergence Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Sol Seo
- Department
of Bionanotechnology and Bio-Convergence Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Woong Kang
- Department
of Bionanotechnology and Bio-Convergence Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Eun Song
- Department
of Bionanotechnology and Bio-Convergence Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Gilson Khang
- Department
of Bionanotechnology and Bio-Convergence Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk54896, Republic of Korea
- Department
of PolymerNano Science & Technology and Polymer Materials Fusion
Research Center, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk54896, Republic of Korea
- Department
of Orthopaedic & Traumatology, Airlangga
University, Jl. Airlangga
No. 4−6, Airlangga, Kec. Gubeng, Kota
SBY, Jawa Timur60115, Indonesia
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7
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Lee DH, Lee JH, Pyun YC, Shin ME, Shin EY, Been S, Song JE, Migliaresi C, Motta A, Khang G. Impact of Agarose Hydrogels as Cell Vehicles for Neo Retinal Pigment Epithelium Formation: In Vitro Study. Macromol Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13233-022-0091-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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8
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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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9
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Molins B, Mesquida M, Adan A. Bioengineering approaches for modelling retinal pathologies of the outer blood-retinal barrier. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022:101097. [PMID: 35840488 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Alterations of the junctional complex of the outer blood-retinal barrier (oBRB), which is integrated by the close interaction of the retinal pigment epithelium, the Bruch's membrane, and the choriocapillaris, contribute to the loss of neuronal signalling and subsequent vision impairment in several retinal inflammatory disorders such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Reductionist approaches into the mechanisms that underlie such diseases have been hindered by the absence of adequate in vitro models using human cells to provide the 3D dynamic architecture that enables expression of the in vivo phenotype of the oBRB. Conventional in vitro cell models are based on 2D monolayer cellular cultures, unable to properly recapitulate the complexity of living systems. The main drawbacks of conventional oBRB models also emerge from the cell sourcing, the lack of an appropriate Bruch's membrane analogue, and the lack of choroidal microvasculature with flow. In the last years, the advent of organ-on-a-chip, bioengineering, and stem cell technologies is providing more advanced 3D models with flow, multicellularity, and external control over microenvironmental properties. By incorporating additional biological complexity, organ-on-a-chip devices can mirror physiologically relevant properties of the native tissue while offering additional set ups to model and study disease. In this review we first examine the current understanding of oBRB biology as a functional unit, highlighting the coordinated contribution of the different components to barrier function in health and disease. Then we describe recent advances in the use of pluripotent stem cells-derived retinal cells, Bruch's membrane analogues, and co-culture techniques to recapitulate the oBRB. We finally discuss current advances and challenges of oBRB-on-a-chip technologies for disease modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Molins
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marina Mesquida
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alfredo Adan
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Instituto Clínic de Oftalmología, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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10
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The Use of Polymer Blends in the Treatment of Ocular Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071431. [PMID: 35890326 PMCID: PMC9322751 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071431] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The eye is an organ with limited drug access due to its anatomical and physiological barriers, and the usual forms of ocular administration are limited in terms of drug penetration, residence time, and bioavailability, as well as low patient compliance. Hence, therapeutic innovations in new drug delivery systems (DDS) have been widely explored since they show numerous advantages over conventional methods, besides delivering the content to the eye without interfering with its normal functioning. Polymers are usually used in DDS and many of them are applicable to ophthalmic use, especially biodegradable ones. Even so, it can be a hard task to find a singular polymer with all the desirable properties to deliver the best performance, and combining two or more polymers in a blend has proven to be more convenient, efficient, and cost-effective. This review was carried out to assess the use of polymer blends as DDS. The search conducted in the databases of Pubmed and Scopus for specific terms revealed that although the physical combination of polymers is largely applied, the term polymer blend still has low compliance.
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11
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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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12
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Wang J, Tao Z, Deng H, Cui Y, Xu Z, Lyu Q, Zhao J. Therapeutic implications of nanodrug and tissue engineering for retinal pigment epithelium-related diseases. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:5657-5677. [PMID: 35352082 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr08337f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), as a single layer of cells that performs multiple functions posteriorly in the eye, is a promising target site for the prevention and treatment of several clinical diseases, including proliferative diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, chorionic neovascularization, and retinitis pigmentosa. In recent decades, several nanodrug delivery platforms and tissue-engineered RPE have been widely developed to treat RPE-related diseases. This work summarizes the recent advances in nanoplatforms and tissue engineering scaffolds developed in these fields. The diseases associated with pathological RPE and their common therapy strategies are first introduced. Then, the recent progress made with a variety of drug delivery systems is presented, with an emphasis on the modification strategies of nanomaterials for targeted delivery. Tissue engineering-mediated RPE transplantation for treating these diseases is subsequently described. Finally, the clinical translation challenges in these fields are discussed in depth. This article will offer readers a better understanding of emerging nanotechnology and tissue engineering related to the treatment of RPE-related diseases and could facilitate their widespread use in experiments in vivo and in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Wang
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen Eye Hospital affiliated to Jinan University, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Zhengyang Tao
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen Eye Hospital affiliated to Jinan University, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Hongwei Deng
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen Eye Hospital affiliated to Jinan University, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Yubo Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, China.
| | - Zhirong Xu
- Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121000, P.R. China
| | - Qinghua Lyu
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen Eye Hospital affiliated to Jinan University, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China.
- Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, China.
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Mut SR, Mishra S, Vazquez M. A Microfluidic Eye Facsimile System to Examine the Migration of Stem-like Cells. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13030406. [PMID: 35334698 PMCID: PMC8954941 DOI: 10.3390/mi13030406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Millions of adults are affected by progressive vision loss worldwide. The rising incidence of retinal diseases can be attributed to damage or degeneration of neurons that convert light into electrical signals for vision. Contemporary cell replacement therapies have transplanted stem and progenitor-like cells (SCs) into adult retinal tissue to replace damaged neurons and restore the visual neural network. However, the inability of SCs to migrate to targeted areas remains a fundamental challenge. Current bioengineering projects aim to integrate microfluidic technologies with organotypic cultures to examine SC behaviors within biomimetic environments. The application of neural phantoms, or eye facsimiles, in such systems will greatly aid the study of SC migratory behaviors in 3D. This project developed a bioengineering system, called the μ-Eye, to stimulate and examine the migration of retinal SCs within eye facsimiles using external chemical and electrical stimuli. Results illustrate that the imposed fields stimulated large, directional SC migration into eye facsimiles, and that electro-chemotactic stimuli produced significantly larger increases in cell migration than the individual stimuli combined. These findings highlight the significance of microfluidic systems in the development of approaches that apply external fields for neural repair and promote migration-targeted strategies for retinal cell replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Ryan Mut
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
| | - Shawn Mishra
- Regeneron, 777 Old Saw Mill River Rd, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA;
| | - Maribel Vazquez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 599 Taylor Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
- Correspondence:
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14
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Andreazzoli M, Barravecchia I, De Cesari C, Angeloni D, Demontis GC. Inducible Pluripotent Stem Cells to Model and Treat Inherited Degenerative Diseases of the Outer Retina: 3D-Organoids Limitations and Bioengineering Solutions. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092489. [PMID: 34572137 PMCID: PMC8471616 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal degenerations (IRD) affecting either photoreceptors or pigment epithelial cells cause progressive visual loss and severe disability, up to complete blindness. Retinal organoids (ROs) technologies opened up the development of human inducible pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) for disease modeling and replacement therapies. However, hiPSC-derived ROs applications to IRD presently display limited maturation and functionality, with most photoreceptors lacking well-developed outer segments (OS) and light responsiveness comparable to their adult retinal counterparts. In this review, we address for the first time the microenvironment where OS mature, i.e., the subretinal space (SRS), and discuss SRS role in photoreceptors metabolic reprogramming required for OS generation. We also address bioengineering issues to improve culture systems proficiency to promote OS maturation in hiPSC-derived ROs. This issue is crucial, as satisfying the demanding metabolic needs of photoreceptors may unleash hiPSC-derived ROs full potential for disease modeling, drug development, and replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ivana Barravecchia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | | | - Debora Angeloni
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Gian Carlo Demontis
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Correspondence: (M.A.); (G.C.D.)
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15
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Ludwig AL, Gamm DM. Outer Retinal Cell Replacement: Putting the Pieces Together. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:15. [PMID: 34724034 PMCID: PMC8572485 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.10.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases (RDDs) affecting photoreceptors (PRs) are one of the most prevalent sources of incurable blindness worldwide. Due to a lack of endogenous repair mechanisms, functional cell replacement of PRs and/or retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells are among the most anticipated approaches for restoring vision in advanced RDD. Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) technologies have accelerated development of outer retinal cell therapies as they provide a theoretically unlimited source of donor cells. Human PSC-RPE replacement therapies have progressed rapidly, with several completed and ongoing clinical trials. Although potentially more promising, hPSC-PR replacement therapies are still in their infancy. A first-in-human trial of hPSC-derived neuroretinal transplantation has recently begun, but a number of questions regarding survival, reproducibility, functional integration, and mechanism of action remain. The discovery of biomaterial transfer between donor and PR cells has highlighted the need for rigorous safety and efficacy studies of PR replacement. In this review, we briefly discuss the history of neuroretinal and PR cell transplantation to identify remaining challenges and outline a stepwise approach to address specific pieces of the outer retinal cell replacement puzzle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison L. Ludwig
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David M. Gamm
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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16
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de Jong S, Gagliardi G, Garanto A, de Breuk A, Lechanteur YTE, Katti S, van den Heuvel LP, Volokhina EB, den Hollander AI. Implications of genetic variation in the complement system in age-related macular degeneration. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 84:100952. [PMID: 33610747 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the main cause of vision loss among the elderly in the Western world. While AMD is a multifactorial disease, the complement system was identified as one of the main pathways contributing to disease risk. The strong link between the complement system and AMD was demonstrated by genetic associations, and by elevated complement activation in local eye tissue and in the systemic circulation of AMD patients. Several complement inhibitors have been and are being explored in clinical trials, but thus far with limited success, leaving the majority of AMD patients without treatment options to date. This indicates that there is still a gap of knowledge regarding the functional implications of the complement system in AMD pathogenesis and how to bring these towards clinical translation. Many different experimental set-ups and disease models have been used to study complement activation in vivo and in vitro, and recently emerging patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and genome-editing techniques open new opportunities to study AMD disease mechanisms and test new therapeutic strategies in the future. In this review we provide an extensive overview of methods employed to understand the molecular processes of complement activation in AMD pathogenesis. We discuss the findings, advantages and challenges of each approach and conclude with an outlook on how recent, exciting developments can fill in current knowledge gaps and can aid in the development of effective complement-targeting therapeutic strategies in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah de Jong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Giuliana Gagliardi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Alejandro Garanto
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Anita de Breuk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Yara T E Lechanteur
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Suresh Katti
- Gemini Therapeutics Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Lambert P van den Heuvel
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Elena B Volokhina
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Anneke I den Hollander
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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17
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Belgio B, Boschetti F, Mantero S. Towards an In Vitro Retinal Model to Study and Develop New Therapies for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:bioengineering8020018. [PMID: 33499168 PMCID: PMC7911334 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8020018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in the elderly worldwide. So far, the etiology and the progression of AMD are not well known. Animal models have been developed to study the mechanisms involved in AMD; however, according to the "Three Rs" principle, alternative methods have been investigated. Here we present a strategy to develop a "Three Rs" compliant retinal three-dimensional (3D) in vitro model, including a Bruch's membrane model and retina pigment epithelium (RPE) layer. First, tensile testing was performed on porcine retina to set a reference for the in vitro model. The results of tensile testing showed a short linear region followed by a plastic region with peaks. Then, Bruch's membrane (BrM) was fabricated via electrospinning by using Bombyx mori silk fibroin (BMSF) and polycaprolactone (PCL). The BrM properties and ARPE-19 cell responses to BrM substrates were investigated. The BrM model displayed a thickness of 44 µm, with a high porosity and an average fiber diameter of 1217 ± 101 nm. ARPE-19 cells adhered and spread on the BMSF/PCL electrospun membranes. In conclusion, we are developing a novel 3D in vitro retinal model towards the replacement of animal models in AMD studies.
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18
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Marcos LF, Wilson SL, Roach P. Tissue engineering of the retina: from organoids to microfluidic chips. J Tissue Eng 2021; 12:20417314211059876. [PMID: 34917332 PMCID: PMC8669127 DOI: 10.1177/20417314211059876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advancements in tissue engineering, challenges remain for fabricating functional tissues that incorporate essential features including vasculature and complex cellular organisation. Monitoring of engineered tissues also raises difficulties, particularly when cell population maturity is inherent to function. Microfluidic, or lab-on-a-chip, platforms address the complexity issues of conventional 3D models regarding cell numbers and functional connectivity. Regulation of biochemical/biomechanical conditions can create dynamic structures, providing microenvironments that permit tissue formation while quantifying biological processes at a single cell level. Retinal organoids provide relevant cell numbers to mimic in vivo spatiotemporal development, where conventional culture approaches fail. Modern bio-fabrication techniques allow for retinal organoids to be combined with microfluidic devices to create anato-physiologically accurate structures or 'retina-on-a-chip' devices that could revolution ocular sciences. Here we present a focussed review of retinal tissue engineering, examining the challenges and how some of these have been overcome using organoids, microfluidics, and bioprinting technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis F Marcos
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Samantha L Wilson
- Centre for Biological Engineering, School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Paul Roach
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, UK
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19
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Ghareeb AE, Lako M, Steel DH. Coculture techniques for modeling retinal development and disease, and enabling regenerative medicine. Stem Cells Transl Med 2020; 9:1531-1548. [PMID: 32767661 PMCID: PMC7695644 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.20-0201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell-derived retinal organoids offer the opportunity to cure retinal degeneration of wide-ranging etiology either through the study of in vitro models or the generation of tissue for transplantation. However, despite much work in animals and several human pilot studies, satisfactory therapies have not been developed. Two major challenges for retinal regenerative medicine are (a) physical cell-cell interactions, which are critical to graft function, are not formed and (b) the host environment does not provide suitable queues for development. Several strategies offer to improve the delivery, integration, maturation, and functionality of cell transplantation. These include minimally invasive delivery, biocompatible material vehicles, retinal cell sheets, and optogenetics. Optimizing several variables in animal models is practically difficult, limited by anatomical and disease pathology which is often different to humans, and faces regulatory and ethical challenges. High-throughput methods are needed to experimentally optimize these variables. Retinal organoids will be important to the success of these models. In their current state, they do not incorporate a representative retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-photoreceptor interface nor vascular elements, which influence the neural retina phenotype directly and are known to be dysfunctional in common retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. Advanced coculture techniques, which emulate the RPE-photoreceptor and RPE-Bruch's-choriocapillaris interactions, can incorporate disease-specific, human retinal organoids and overcome these drawbacks. Herein, we review retinal coculture models of the neural retina, RPE, and choriocapillaris. We delineate the scientific need for such systems in the study of retinal organogenesis, disease modeling, and the optimization of regenerative cell therapies for retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali E. Ghareeb
- Sunderland Eye Infirmary, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation TrustSunderlandUK
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle UniversityNewcastle‐upon‐TyneUK
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle UniversityNewcastle‐upon‐TyneUK
| | - David H. Steel
- Sunderland Eye Infirmary, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation TrustSunderlandUK
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle UniversityNewcastle‐upon‐TyneUK
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20
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Kosheleva NV, Efremov YM, Shavkuta BS, Zurina IM, Zhang D, Zhang Y, Minaev NV, Gorkun AA, Wei S, Shpichka AI, Saburina IN, Timashev PS. Cell spheroid fusion: beyond liquid drops model. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12614. [PMID: 32724115 PMCID: PMC7387529 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69540-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological self-assembly is crucial in the processes of development, tissue regeneration, and maturation of bioprinted tissue-engineered constructions. The cell aggregates-spheroids-have become widely used model objects in the study of this phenomenon. Existing approaches describe the fusion of cell aggregates by analogy with the coalescence of liquid droplets and ignore the complex structural properties of spheroids. Here, we analyzed the fusion process in connection with structure and mechanical properties of the spheroids from human somatic cells of different phenotypes: mesenchymal stem cells from the limbal eye stroma and epithelial cells from retinal pigment epithelium. A nanoindentation protocol was applied for the mechanical measurements. We found a discrepancy with the liquid drop fusion model: the fusion was faster for spheroids from epithelial cells with lower apparent surface tension than for mesenchymal spheroids with higher surface tension. This discrepancy might be caused by biophysical processes such as extracellular matrix remodeling in the case of mesenchymal spheroids and different modes of cell migration. The obtained results will contribute to the development of more realistic models for spheroid fusion that would further provide a helpful tool for constructing cell aggregates with required properties both for fundamental studies and tissue reparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastasia V Kosheleva
- FSBSI "Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology", 8, Baltiyskaya st., Moscow, 125315, Russia.
- FSBEI FPE "Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education" of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia, 2/1, Barrikadnaya St., Moscow, 125993, Russia.
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 12-1, Leninskie Gory, Moscow, 119234, Russia.
| | - Yuri M Efremov
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 8-2, Trubetskaya St., Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Boris S Shavkuta
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 8-2, Trubetskaya St., Moscow, 119991, Russia
- Institute of Photonic Technologies, Research Center "Crystallography and Photonics" RAS, 2, Pionerskaya st., Troitsk, Moscow, 142190, Russia
| | - Irina M Zurina
- FSBSI "Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology", 8, Baltiyskaya st., Moscow, 125315, Russia
- FSBEI FPE "Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education" of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia, 2/1, Barrikadnaya St., Moscow, 125993, Russia
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 8-2, Trubetskaya St., Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Deying Zhang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Wake Forest University Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Nikita V Minaev
- Institute of Photonic Technologies, Research Center "Crystallography and Photonics" RAS, 2, Pionerskaya st., Troitsk, Moscow, 142190, Russia
| | - Anastasiya A Gorkun
- FSBSI "Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology", 8, Baltiyskaya st., Moscow, 125315, Russia
- FSBEI FPE "Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education" of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia, 2/1, Barrikadnaya St., Moscow, 125993, Russia
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 8-2, Trubetskaya St., Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Shicheng Wei
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Central Laboratory, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, China
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Anastasia I Shpichka
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 8-2, Trubetskaya St., Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Irina N Saburina
- FSBSI "Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology", 8, Baltiyskaya st., Moscow, 125315, Russia
- FSBEI FPE "Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education" of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia, 2/1, Barrikadnaya St., Moscow, 125993, Russia
| | - Peter S Timashev
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 8-2, Trubetskaya St., Moscow, 119991, Russia
- Institute of Photonic Technologies, Research Center "Crystallography and Photonics" RAS, 2, Pionerskaya st., Troitsk, Moscow, 142190, Russia
- Department of Polymers and Composites, N.N. Semenov Institute of Chemical Physics, 4, Kosygin st., Moscow, 119991, Russia
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1‑3, Leninskiye Gory, Moscow, 119991, Russia
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21
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Singh MS, Park SS, Albini TA, Canto-Soler MV, Klassen H, MacLaren RE, Takahashi M, Nagiel A, Schwartz SD, Bharti K. Retinal stem cell transplantation: Balancing safety and potential. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 75:100779. [PMID: 31494256 PMCID: PMC7056514 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.100779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell transplantation holds great promise as a potential treatment for currently incurable retinal degenerative diseases that cause poor vision and blindness. Recently, safety data have emerged from several Phase I/II clinical trials of retinal stem cell transplantation. These clinical trials, usually run in partnership with academic institutions, are based on sound preclinical studies and are focused on patient safety. However, reports of serious adverse events arising from cell therapy in other poorly regulated centers have now emerged in the lay and scientific press. While progress in stem cell research for blindness has been greeted with great enthusiasm by patients, scientists, doctors and industry alike, these adverse events have raised concerns about the safety of retinal stem cell transplantation and whether patients are truly protected from undue harm. The aim of this review is to summarize and appraise the safety of human retinal stem cell transplantation in the context of its potential to be developed into an effective treatment for retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandeep S Singh
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
| | - Susanna S Park
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California-Davis Eye Center, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Thomas A Albini
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - M Valeria Canto-Soler
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Research Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Henry Klassen
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute and Stem Cell Research Center, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford and Oxford University Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Aaron Nagiel
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA; USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90007, USA
| | - Steven D Schwartz
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; Edythe and Eli Broad Stem Cell Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Kapil Bharti
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 90892, USA
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22
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Vazquez M. Electro-chemotactic stimuli for cell replacement therapy in neurosensory retina. Neural Regen Res 2020; 15:450-452. [PMID: 31571654 PMCID: PMC6921348 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.266056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maribel Vazquez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University: The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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23
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Pena CD, Zhang S, Majeska R, Venkatesh T, Vazquez M. Invertebrate Retinal Progenitors as Regenerative Models in a Microfluidic System. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101301. [PMID: 31652654 PMCID: PMC6829900 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Regenerative retinal therapies have introduced progenitor cells to replace dysfunctional or injured neurons and regain visual function. While contemporary cell replacement therapies have delivered retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) within customized biomaterials to promote viability and enable transplantation, outcomes have been severely limited by the misdirected and/or insufficient migration of transplanted cells. RPCs must achieve appropriate spatial and functional positioning in host retina, collectively, to restore vision, whereas movement of clustered cells differs substantially from the single cell migration studied in classical chemotaxis models. Defining how RPCs interact with each other, neighboring cell types and surrounding extracellular matrixes are critical to our understanding of retinogenesis and the development of effective, cell-based approaches to retinal replacement. The current article describes a new bio-engineering approach to investigate the migratory responses of innate collections of RPCs upon extracellular substrates by combining microfluidics with the well-established invertebrate model of Drosophila melanogaster. Experiments utilized microfluidics to investigate how the composition, size, and adhesion of RPC clusters on defined extracellular substrates affected migration to exogenous chemotactic signaling. Results demonstrated that retinal cluster size and composition influenced RPC clustering upon extracellular substrates of concanavalin (Con-A), Laminin (LM), and poly-L-lysine (PLL), and that RPC cluster size greatly altered collective migratory responses to signaling from Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), a primary chemotactic agent in Drosophila. These results highlight the significance of examining collective cell-biomaterial interactions on bio-substrates of emerging biomaterials to aid directional migration of transplanted cells. Our approach further introduces the benefits of pairing genetically controlled models with experimentally controlled microenvironments to advance cell replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline D Pena
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City College of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA.
| | - Stephanie Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The State University of New York at Binghamton, NY 13902, USA.
| | - Robert Majeska
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City College of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA.
| | - Tadmiri Venkatesh
- Department of Biology, City College of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA.
| | - Maribel Vazquez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA.
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24
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Reversible Mechanical Regulation and Splicing Ability of Alginate-Based Gel Based on Photo-Responsiveness of Molecular-Level Conformation. MATERIALS 2019; 12:ma12182919. [PMID: 31505857 PMCID: PMC6766279 DOI: 10.3390/ma12182919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, benefiting from the sensitive molecular conformation transversion in azobenzene, a new strategy for fabricating alginate gels with the abilities of splicing and photo-responsive mechanical adjustment is reported. Firstly, a 4,4’-azobis(benzoylhydrazide) (Azo-hydrazide) linker was used to crosslink alginate physically via the electrostatic interaction between hydrazide groups and carboxyl groups. It was then shaped and transferred in situ to a chemically crosslinked gel via 450 nm light irradiation. Under the irradiation, the molecular conformation change of azobenzene in the linker was able to form covalent bonds at the crosslinking points of the gels. Furthermore, the reversible conformation transformation of azobenzene was able to induce the increase and decrease of the storage modulus under irradiation with 365 nm light and 450 nm light, respectively, while also providing gel-like mechanical properties, depending upon the irradiation time and given wavelength. Meanwhile, the results also indicated that active groups could contribute to the splicing ability of the gel and construct a hollow cavity structure. It is believed that this work could provide a versatile strategy for preparing photo-responsive gels with reversibly tunable mechanical properties.
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25
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Photoreceptor cell replacement in macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa: A pluripotent stem cell-based approach. Prog Retin Eye Res 2019; 71:1-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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26
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Almouemen N, Kelly HM, O'Leary C. Tissue Engineering: Understanding the Role of Biomaterials and Biophysical Forces on Cell Functionality Through Computational and Structural Biotechnology Analytical Methods. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2019; 17:591-598. [PMID: 31080565 PMCID: PMC6502738 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the past 25 years, tissue engineering (TE) has grown enormously as a science and as an industry. Although classically concerned with the recapitulation of tissue and organ formation in our body for regenerative medicine, the evolution of TE research is intertwined with progress in other fields through the examination of cell function and behaviour in isolated biomimetic microenvironments. As such, TE applications now extend beyond the field of tissue regeneration research, operating as a platform for modifiable, physiologically-representative in vitro models with the potential to improve the translation of novel therapeutics into the clinic through a more informed understanding of the relevant molecular biology, structural biology, anatomy, and physiology. By virtue of their biomimicry, TE constructs incorporate features of extracellular macrostructure, molecular adhesive moieties, and biomechanical properties, converging with computational and structural biotechnology advances. Accordingly, this mini-review serves to contextualise TE for the computational and structural biotechnology reader and provides an outlook on how the disciplines overlap with respect to relevant advanced analytical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Almouemen
- School of Pharmacy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Dept. of Anatomy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Helena M. Kelly
- School of Pharmacy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Dept. of Anatomy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Cian O'Leary
- School of Pharmacy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Dept. of Anatomy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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27
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Dorgau B, Felemban M, Hilgen G, Kiening M, Zerti D, Hunt NC, Doherty M, Whitfield P, Hallam D, White K, Ding Y, Krasnogor N, Al-Aama J, Asfour HZ, Sernagor E, Lako M. Decellularised extracellular matrix-derived peptides from neural retina and retinal pigment epithelium enhance the expression of synaptic markers and light responsiveness of human pluripotent stem cell derived retinal organoids. Biomaterials 2019; 199:63-75. [PMID: 30738336 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Tissue specific extracellular matrices (ECM) provide structural support and enable access to molecular signals and metabolites, which are essential for directing stem cell renewal and differentiation. To mimic this phenomenon in vitro, tissue decellularisation approaches have been developed, resulting in the generation of natural ECM scaffolds that have comparable physical and biochemical properties of the natural tissues and are currently gaining traction in tissue engineering and regenerative therapies due to the ease of standardised production, and constant availability. In this manuscript we report the successful generation of decellularised ECM-derived peptides from neural retina (decel NR) and retinal pigment epithelium (decel RPE), and their impact on differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to retinal organoids. We show that culture media supplementation with decel RPE and RPE-conditioned media (CM RPE) significantly increases the generation of rod photoreceptors, whilst addition of decel NR and decel RPE significantly enhances ribbon synapse marker expression and the light responsiveness of retinal organoids. Photoreceptor maturation, formation of correct synapses between retinal cells and recording of robust light responses from hPSC-derived retinal organoids remain unresolved challenges for the field of regenerative medicine. Enhanced rod photoreceptor differentiation, synaptogenesis and light response in response to addition of decellularised matrices from RPE and neural retina as shown herein provide a novel and substantial advance in generation of retinal organoids for drug screening, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birthe Dorgau
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, UK
| | | | | | | | - Darin Zerti
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, UK
| | | | | | | | - Dean Hallam
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, UK
| | | | - Yuchun Ding
- Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex Biosystems (ICOS) Research Group, Newcastle University, UK
| | - Natalio Krasnogor
- Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex Biosystems (ICOS) Research Group, Newcastle University, UK
| | - Jumana Al-Aama
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Princess Al-Jawhara Center of Excellence in Research of Hereditary Disorders, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hani Z Asfour
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Princess Al-Jawhara Center of Excellence in Research o Hereditary Disorders, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Majlinda Lako
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, UK.
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