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Yang GN, Sun YBY, Roberts PK, Moka H, Sung MK, Gardner-Russell J, El Wazan L, Toussaint B, Kumar S, Machin H, Dusting GJ, Parfitt GJ, Davidson K, Chong EW, Brown KD, Polo JM, Daniell M. Exploring single-cell RNA sequencing as a decision-making tool in the clinical management of Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 102:101286. [PMID: 38969166 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101286] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has enabled the identification of novel gene signatures and cell heterogeneity in numerous tissues and diseases. Here we review the use of this technology for Fuchs' Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD). FECD is the most common indication for corneal endothelial transplantation worldwide. FECD is challenging to manage because it is genetically heterogenous, can be autosomal dominant or sporadic, and progress at different rates. Single-cell RNA sequencing has enabled the discovery of several FECD subtypes, each with associated gene signatures, and cell heterogeneity. Current FECD treatments are mainly surgical, with various Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitors used to promote endothelial cell metabolism and proliferation following surgery. A range of emerging therapies for FECD including cell therapies, gene therapies, tissue engineered scaffolds, and pharmaceuticals are in preclinical and clinical trials. Unlike conventional disease management methods based on clinical presentations and family history, targeting FECD using scRNA-seq based precision-medicine has the potential to pinpoint the disease subtypes, mechanisms, stages, severities, and help clinicians in making the best decision for surgeries and the applications of therapeutics. In this review, we first discuss the feasibility and potential of using scRNA-seq in clinical diagnostics for FECD, highlight advances from the latest clinical treatments and emerging therapies for FECD, integrate scRNA-seq results and clinical notes from our FECD patients and discuss the potential of applying alternative therapies to manage these cases clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gink N Yang
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yu B Y Sun
- Department of Anatomy and Development Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Philip Ke Roberts
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Vienna, 18-20 Währinger Gürtel, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hothri Moka
- Mogrify Limited, 25 Cambridge Science Park Milton Road, Milton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Min K Sung
- Mogrify Limited, 25 Cambridge Science Park Milton Road, Milton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jesse Gardner-Russell
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Layal El Wazan
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bridget Toussaint
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Satheesh Kumar
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Heather Machin
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Lions Eye Donation Service, Level 7, Smorgon Family Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dusting
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Geraint J Parfitt
- Mogrify Limited, 25 Cambridge Science Park Milton Road, Milton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kathryn Davidson
- Department of Anatomy and Development Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Elaine W Chong
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karl D Brown
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jose M Polo
- Department of Anatomy and Development Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Mark Daniell
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Lions Eye Donation Service, Level 7, Smorgon Family Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Gui Y, He Y, Wang D, Wang S, Zhang Y. Advances in Cell Transplantation Therapy for Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:933-941. [PMID: 37605422 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x18666230821102450] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limbal stem cells (LSCs) are essential for maintaining corneal transparency and ocular surface integrity. Many external factors or genetic diseases can lead to corneal limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), resulting in the loss of barrier and corneal epithelial cell renewal functions. Stem cell transplantation is one of the primary treatments for LSCD, including limbal transplantation and cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation. In addition, a variety of non-limbal stem cell lines have been experimented with for LSCD treatment. Biological scaffolds are also used to support in vitro stem cell culture and transplantation. Here, we review the mechanisms of corneal maintenance by LSCs, the clinical stage and surgical treatment of LSCD, the source of stem cells, and the biological scaffolds required for in vitro culture. METHODS This study is a narrative retrospective study aimed at collecting available information on various aspects of surgical treatments for LSCD. Relevant literature was searched in a range of online databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed from 2005 to March, 2023. RESULTS A total of 397 relevant articles were found, and 49 articles with strong relevance to the studies in this paper were obtained and analyzed. Moreover, 11 of these articles were on the concept of LSCD and the mechanism of LESCs maintaining the corneal epithelium, 3 articles on the staging and grading of LSCD, 17 articles on cell transplantation methods and donor cell sources, and 18 articles on scaffolds for delivering stem cells. We also summarized the advantages and disadvantages of different cell transplantation methods and the benefits and limitations of scaffolds based on the above literature. CONCLUSION The treatment of LSCD is determined by the clinical stage and whether it involves monocular or binocular eyes. Appropriate surgical techniques should be taken for LSCD patients in order to reconstruct the ocular surface, relieve symptoms, and restore visual function. Meanwhile, biological scaffolds assist in the ex vivo culture and implantation of stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Gui
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuxi He
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shurong Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Wang M, Li Y, Wang H, Li M, Wang X, Liu R, Zhang D, Xu W. Corneal regeneration strategies: From stem cell therapy to tissue engineered stem cell scaffolds. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115206. [PMID: 37494785 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal epithelial defects and excessive wound healing might lead to severe complications. As stem cells can self-renew infinitely, they are a promising solution for regenerating the corneal epithelium and treating severe corneal epithelial injury. The chemical and biophysical properties of biological scaffolds, such as the amniotic membrane, fibrin, and hydrogels, can provide the necessary signals for stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Multiple researchers have conducted investigations on these scaffolds and evaluated them as potential therapeutic interventions for corneal disorders. These studies have identified various inherent benefits and drawbacks associated with these scaffolds. In this study, we provided a comprehensive overview of the history and use of various stem cells in corneal repair. We mainly discussed biological scaffolds that are used in stem cell transplantation and innovative materials that are under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Wang
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Laboratory Technology Innovation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, PR China
| | - Ying Li
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Laboratory Technology Innovation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, PR China
| | - Hongqiao Wang
- Blood Purification Department, Qingdao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao Hiser Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, PR China
| | - Meng Li
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Laboratory Technology Innovation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, PR China
| | - Xiaomin Wang
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Laboratory Technology Innovation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, PR China
| | - Rongzhen Liu
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Laboratory Technology Innovation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, PR China
| | - Daijun Zhang
- Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, PR China.
| | - Wenhua Xu
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Laboratory Technology Innovation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, PR China.
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Kumar A, Yun H, Funderburgh ML, Du Y. Regenerative therapy for the Cornea. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 87:101011. [PMID: 34530154 PMCID: PMC8918435 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.101011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cornea is the outmost layer of the eye, unique in its transparency and strength. The cornea not only transmits the light essential for vision, also refracts light, giving focus to images. Each of the three layers of the cornea has properties essential for the function of vision. Although the epithelium can often recover from injury quickly by cell division, loss of limbal stem cells can cause severe corneal surface abnormalities leading to corneal blindness. Disruption of the stromal extracellular matrix and loss of cells determining this structure, the keratocytes, leads to corneal opacity. Corneal endothelium is the inner part of the cornea without self-renewal capacity. It is very important to maintain corneal dehydration and transparency. Permanent damage to the corneal stroma or endothelium can be effectively treated by corneal transplantation; however, there are drawbacks to this procedure, including a shortage of donors, the need for continuing treatment to prevent rejection, and limits to the survival of the graft, averaging 10-20 years. There exists a need for new strategies to promote regeneration of the stromal structure and restore vision. This review highlights critical contributions in regenerative medicine with the aim of corneal reconstruction after injury or disease. These approaches include corneal stromal stem cells, corneal limbal stem cells, embryonic stem cells, and other adult stem cells, as well as induced pluripotent stem cells. Stem cell-derived trophic factors in the forms of secretomes or exosomes for corneal regeneration are also discussed. Corneal sensory nerve regeneration promoting corneal transparency is discussed. This article provides description of the up-to-date options for corneal regeneration and presents exciting possible avenues for future studies toward clinical applications for corneal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Hongmin Yun
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | | | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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Nosrati H, Alizadeh Z, Nosrati A, Ashrafi-Dehkordi K, Banitalebi-Dehkordi M, Sanami S, Khodaei M. Stem cell-based therapeutic strategies for corneal epithelium regeneration. Tissue Cell 2020; 68:101470. [PMID: 33248403 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2020.101470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Any significant loss of vision or blindness caused by corneal damages is referred to as corneal blindness. Corneal blindness is the fourth most common cause of blindness worldwide, representing more than 5% of the total blind population. Currently, corneal transplantation is used to treat many corneal diseases. In some cases, implantation of artificial cornea (keratoprosthesis) is suggested after a patient has had a donor corneal transplant failure. The shortage of donors and the side effects of keratoprosthesis are limiting these approaches. Recently, researchers have been actively pursuing new approaches for corneal regeneration because of these limitations. Nowadays, tissue engineering of different corneal layers (epithelium, stroma, endothelium, or full thickness tissue) is a promising approach that has attracted a great deal of interest from researchers and focuses on regenerative strategies using different cell sources and biomaterials. Various sources of corneal and non-corneal stem cells have shown significant advantages for corneal epithelium regeneration applications. Pluripotent stem cells (embryonic stem cells and iPS cells), epithelial stem cells (derived from oral mucus, amniotic membrane, epidermis and hair follicle), mesenchymal stem cells (bone marrow, adipose-derived, amniotic membrane, placenta, umbilical cord), and neural crest origin stem cells (dental pulp stem cells) are the most promising sources in this regard. These cells could also be used in combination with natural or synthetic scaffolds to improve the efficacy of the therapeutic approach. As the ocular surface is exposed to external damage, the number of studies on regeneration of the corneal epithelium is rising. In this paper, we reviewed the stem cell-based strategies for corneal epithelium regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Nosrati
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Zohreh Alizadeh
- Endometrium and Endometriosis Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Ali Nosrati
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Korosh Ashrafi-Dehkordi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mehdi Banitalebi-Dehkordi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Samira Sanami
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mohammad Khodaei
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Golpayegan University of Technology, Golpayegan, Iran
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Decellularized Human Stromal Lenticules Combine with Corneal Epithelial-Like Cells: A New Resource for Corneal Tissue Engineering. Stem Cells Int 2019; 2019:4252514. [PMID: 31885607 PMCID: PMC6925757 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4252514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The lack of donor corneal tissue or the immunological rejection remains a challenge for individuals with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) who are treated with keratoplasty. Numerous lenticules which were extracted by small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) appear to be useful materials for keratoplasty. In order to reduce the incidence of allograft rejection, lenticules would be decellularized. Lenticules which were treated with liquid nitrogen and nucleases had no cellular and nuclear materials remained. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be generated from the patient who requires keratoplasty, offering an autologous alternative and eliminating the risk of graft rejection. We found that BMP-4, RA, N-2 supplement, hEGF, B27, decellularized human stromal lenticules, conditioned medium, or induction medium promoted the differentiation of human iPSCs with high purity. The results showed that human iPSCs cultured for 4 days in differentiation medium A, 14 days in condition medium, and 1 week in induction medium on decellularized human stromal lenticules developed markedly higher expression of the markers P63, CK3, and CK12 than did those in the other methods. The level of gene expression of the epithelial and pluripotency markers and analysis by scanning electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry also showed successful differentiation. After inducing differentiation in vitro, corneal epithelial-like cells were induced. In the study, we investigated the possibility of a new resource for corneal tissue engineering.
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Strategies for reconstructing the limbal stem cell niche. Ocul Surf 2019; 17:230-240. [PMID: 30633966 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The epithelial cell layer that covers the surface of the cornea provides a protective barrier while maintaining corneal transparency. The rapid and effective turnover of these epithelial cells depends, in part, on the limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) located in a specialized microenvironment known as the limbal niche. Many disorders affecting the regeneration of the corneal epithelium are related to deficiency and/or dysfunction of LESCs and the limbal niche. Current approaches for regenerating the corneal epithelium following significant injuries such as burns and inflammatory attacks are primarily aimed at repopulating the LESCs. This review summarizes and assesses the clinical feasibility and efficacy of current and emerging approaches for reconstruction of the limbal niche. In particular, the application of mesenchymal stem cells along with appropriate biological scaffolds appear to be promising strategies for long-term revitalization of the limbal niche.
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Zhu J, Slevin M, Guo BQ, Zhu SR. Induced pluripotent stem cells as a potential therapeutic source for corneal epithelial stem cells. Int J Ophthalmol 2018; 11:2004-2010. [PMID: 30588437 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2018.12.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal blindness caused by limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is one of the most common debilitating eye disorders. Thus far, the most effective treatment for LSCD is corneal transplantation, which is often hindered by the shortage of donors. Pluripotent stem cell technology including embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have opened new avenues for treating this disease. iPSCs-derived corneal epithelial cells provide an autologous and unlimited source of cells for the treatment of LSCD. On the other hand, iPSCs of LSCD patients can be used for iPSCs-corneal disease model and new drug discovery. However, prior to clinical trial, the efficacy and safety of these cells in patients with LSCD should be proved. Here we focused on the current status of iPSCs-derived corneal epithelial cells used for cell therapy as well as for corneal disease modeling. The challenges and potential of iPSCs-derived corneal epithelial cells as a choice for clinical treatment in corneal disease were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhu
- Queen Mary School, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Mark Slevin
- School of Healthcare Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M15GD, United Kingdom.,Research Institute of Brain Vascular Disease, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Bao-Qiang Guo
- School of Healthcare Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M15GD, United Kingdom.,Research Institute of Brain Vascular Disease, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shou-Rong Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, Shandong Province, China
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Pluripotent Stem Cells and Other Innovative Strategies for the Treatment of Ocular Surface Diseases. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2017; 12:171-8. [PMID: 26779895 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-016-9643-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cornea provides two thirds of the refractive power of the eye and protection against insults such as infection and injury. The outermost tissue of the cornea is renewed by stem cells located in the limbus. Depletion or destruction of these stem cells may lead to blinding limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) that concerns millions of patients around the world. Innovative strategies based on adult stem cell therapies have been developed in the recent years but they are still facing numerous unresolved issues, and the long term results can be deceiving. Today there is a clear need to improve these therapies, and/or to develop new approaches for the treatment of LSCD. Here, we review the current cell-based therapies used for the treatment of ocular diseases, and discuss the potential of pluripotent stem cells (embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells) in corneal repair. As the secretion of paracrine factors is known to have a crucial role in maintaining stem cell homeostasis and in wound repair, we also consider the therapeutic potential of a promising novel pathway, the exosomes. Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles that have the ability to transfer RNAs and proteins to recipient cells, and several studies demonstrated their role in cell protection and wound healing. Exosomes could circumvent the hurdles of stem-cell based approaches, and they could become a strong candidate as an alternative therapy for ocular surface diseases.
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Wound-Healing Studies in Cornea and Skin: Parallels, Differences and Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18061257. [PMID: 28604651 PMCID: PMC5486079 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18061257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The cornea and the skin are both organs that provide the outer barrier of the body. Both tissues have developed intrinsic mechanisms that protect the organism from a wide range of external threats, but at the same time also enable rapid restoration of tissue integrity and organ-specific function. The easy accessibility makes the skin an attractive model system to study tissue damage and repair. Findings from skin research have contributed to unravelling novel fundamental principles in regenerative biology and the repair of other epithelial-mesenchymal tissues, such as the cornea. Following barrier disruption, the influx of inflammatory cells, myofibroblast differentiation, extracellular matrix synthesis and scar formation present parallel repair mechanisms in cornea and skin wound healing. Yet, capillary sprouting, while pivotal in proper skin wound healing, is a process that is rather associated with pathological repair of the cornea. Understanding the parallels and differences of the cellular and molecular networks that coordinate the wound healing response in skin and cornea are likely of mutual importance for both organs with regard to the development of regenerative therapies and understanding of the disease pathologies that affect epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. Here, we review the principal events in corneal wound healing and the mechanisms to restore corneal transparency and barrier function. We also refer to skin repair mechanisms and their potential implications for regenerative processes in the cornea.
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Aharony I, Michowiz S, Goldenberg-Cohen N. The promise of stem cell-based therapeutics in ophthalmology. Neural Regen Res 2017; 12:173-180. [PMID: 28400789 PMCID: PMC5361491 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.200793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The promising role of cellular therapies in the preservation and restoration of visual function has prompted intensive efforts to characterize embryonic, adult, and induced pluripotent stem cells for regenerative purposes. Three main approaches to the use of stem cells have been described: sustained drug delivery, immunomodulation, and differentiation into various ocular structures. Studies of the differentiation capacity of all three types of stem cells into epithelial, neural, glial and vascular phenotypes have reached proof-of-concept in culture, but the correction of vision is still in the early developmental stages, and the requirements for effective in vivo implementation are still unclear. We present an overview of some of the preclinical findings on stem-cell rescue and regeneration of the cornea and retina in acute injury and degenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Aharony
- The Krieger Eye Research Laboratory, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Petach Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shalom Michowiz
- The Krieger Eye Research Laboratory, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Petach Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Neurosurgery, Rabin Medical Center - Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Nitza Goldenberg-Cohen
- The Krieger Eye Research Laboratory, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Petach Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Ophthalmology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
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12
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Mathan JJ, Ismail S, McGhee JJ, McGhee CNJ, Sherwin T. Sphere-forming cells from peripheral cornea demonstrate the ability to repopulate the ocular surface. Stem Cell Res Ther 2016; 7:81. [PMID: 27250558 PMCID: PMC4888426 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-016-0339-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The limbus forms the outer rim of the cornea at the corneoscleral junction and harbours a population of stem cells for corneal maintenance. Injuries to the limbus, through disease or accidents such as chemical injuries or burns, may lead to significant visual impairment due to depletion of the native stem cells of the tissue. METHODS Sphere-forming cells were isolated from peripheral cornea for potential use as transplantable elements for limbal stem cell repopulation and limbal reconstruction. Immunocytochemistry, live cell imaging and quantitative PCR were used to characterize spheres and elucidate activity post implantation into human cadaveric corneal tissue. RESULTS Spheres stained positively for stem cell markers ∆NP63α, ABCG2 and ABCB5 as well as the basal limbal marker and putative niche marker, notch 1. In addition, spheres also stained positively for markers of corneal cells, vimentin, keratin 3, keratocan and laminin, indicating a heterogeneous mix of stromal and epithelial-origin cells. Upon implantation into decellularized corneoscleral tissue, 3D, polarized and radially orientated cell migration with cell proliferation was observed. Cells migrated out from the spheres and repopulated the entire corneal surface over 14 days. Post-implantation analysis revealed qualitative evidence of stem, stromal and epithelial cell markers while quantitative PCR showed a quantitative reduction in keratocan and laminin expression indicative of an enhanced progenitor cell response. Proliferation, quantified by PCNA expression, significantly increased at 4 days subsequently followed by a decrease at day 7 post implantation. CONCLUSION These observations suggest great promise for the potential of peripheral corneal spheres as transplantable units for corneal repair, targeting ocular surface regeneration and stem cell repopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy John Mathan
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Salim Ismail
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Jennifer Jane McGhee
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Charles Ninian John McGhee
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Trevor Sherwin
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand.
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Guo XL, Chen JS. Research on induced pluripotent stem cells and the application in ocular tissues. Int J Ophthalmol 2015; 8:818-25. [PMID: 26309885 DOI: 10.3980/j.issn.2222-3959.2015.04.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were firstly induced from mouse fibroblasts since 2006, and then the research on iPSCs had made great progress in the following years. iPSCs were established from different somatic cells through DNA, RNA, protein or small molecule pathways and transduction vehicles. With continuous improvement of technology on reprogramming, the induction of iPSCs became more secure and effective, and showed enormous promise for clinical applications. We reviewed different reprogramming of somatic cells, four kinds of pathways of reprogramming and three types of transduction vehicles, and discuss the research of iPSCs in ophthalmology and the prospect of iPSCs applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ling Guo
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jian-Su Chen
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong Province, China ; Eye Institute, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong Province, China ; Department of Ophthalmology, the First Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong Province, China
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Abstract
Corneal wound healing is a complex process involving cell death, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Many similarities are observed in the healing processes of corneal epithelial, stromal and endothelial cells, as well as cell-specific differences. Corneal epithelial healing largely depends on limbal stem cells and remodeling of the basement membrane. During stromal healing, keratocytes get transformed to motile and contractile myofibroblasts largely due to activation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) system. Endothelial cells heal mostly by migration and spreading, with cell proliferation playing a secondary role. In the last decade, many aspects of wound healing process in different parts of the cornea have been elucidated, and some new therapeutic approaches have emerged. The concept of limbal stem cells received rigorous experimental corroboration, with new markers uncovered and new treatment options including gene and microRNA therapy tested in experimental systems. Transplantation of limbal stem cell-enriched cultures for efficient re-epithelialization in stem cell deficiency and corneal injuries has become reality in clinical setting. Mediators and course of events during stromal healing have been detailed, and new treatment regimens including gene (decorin) and stem cell therapy for excessive healing have been designed. This is a very important advance given the popularity of various refractive surgeries entailing stromal wound healing. Successful surgical ways of replacing the diseased endothelium have been clinically tested, and new approaches to accelerate endothelial healing and suppress endothelial-mesenchymal transformation have been proposed including Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor eye drops and gene therapy to activate TGF-β inhibitor SMAD7. Promising new technologies with potential for corneal wound healing manipulation including microRNA, induced pluripotent stem cells to generate corneal epithelium, and nanocarriers for corneal drug delivery are discussed. Attention is also paid to problems in wound healing understanding and treatment, such as lack of specific epithelial stem cell markers, reliable identification of stem cells, efficient prevention of haze and stromal scar formation, lack of data on wound regulating microRNAs in keratocytes and endothelial cells, as well as virtual lack of targeted systems for drug and gene delivery to select corneal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander V Ljubimov
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Departments of Biomedical Sciences and Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Mehrnoosh Saghizadeh
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Departments of Biomedical Sciences and Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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16
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Sati A, Shukla S, Lal I, Sangwan VS. Treating limbal stem cell deficiency: current and emerging therapies. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2015. [DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2015.1035253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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17
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Potential Role of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (IPSCs) for Cell-Based Therapy of the Ocular Surface. J Clin Med 2015; 4:318-42. [PMID: 26239129 PMCID: PMC4470127 DOI: 10.3390/jcm4020318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2014] [Revised: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The integrity and normal function of the corneal epithelium are crucial for maintaining the cornea’s transparency and vision. The existence of a cell population with progenitor characteristics in the limbus maintains a dynamic of constant epithelial repair and renewal. Currently, cell-based therapies for bio replacement—cultured limbal epithelial transplantation (CLET) and cultured oral mucosal epithelial transplantation (COMET)—present very encouraging clinical results for treating limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) and restoring vision. Another emerging therapeutic approach consists of obtaining and implementing human progenitor cells of different origins in association with tissue engineering methods. The development of cell-based therapies using stem cells, such as human adult mesenchymal or induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs), represent a significant breakthrough in the treatment of certain eye diseases, offering a more rational, less invasive, and better physiological treatment option in regenerative medicine for the ocular surface. This review will focus on the main concepts of cell-based therapies for the ocular surface and the future use of IPSCs to treat LSCD.
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18
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Science and Art of Cell-Based Ocular Surface Regeneration. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 319:45-106. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Hsu CC, Peng CH, Hung KH, Lee YY, Lin TC, Jang SF, Liu JH, Chen YT, Woung LC, Wang CY, Tsa CY, Chiou SH, Chen SJ, Chang YL. Stem Cell Therapy for Corneal Regeneration Medicine and Contemporary Nanomedicine for Corneal Disorders. Cell Transplant 2014; 24:1915-30. [PMID: 25506885 DOI: 10.3727/096368914x685744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The ocular surface is the outermost part of the visual system that faces many extrinsic or intrinsic threats, such as chemical burn, infectious pathogens, thermal injury, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, ocular pemphegoid, and other autoimmune diseases. The cornea plays an important role in conducting light into the eyes and protecting intraocular structures. Several ocular surface diseases will lead to the neovascularization or conjunctivalization of corneal epithelium, leaving opacified optical media. It is believed that some corneal limbal cells may present stem cell-like properties and are capable of regenerating corneal epithelium. Therefore, cultivation of limbal cells and reconstruction of the ocular surface with these limbal cell grafts have attracted tremendous interest in the past few years. Currently, stem cells are found to potentiate regenerative medicine by their capability of differentiation into multiple lineage cells. Among these, the most common cell sources for clinical use are embryonic, adult, and induced stem cells. Different stem cells have varied specific advantages and limitations for in vivo and in vitro expansion. Other than ocular surface diseases, culture and transplantation of corneal endothelial cells is another major issue for corneal decompensation and awaits further studies to find out comprehensive solutions dealing with nonregenerative corneal endothelium. Recently, studies of in vitro endothelium culture and ρ-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor have gained encouraging results. Some clinical trials have already been finished and achieved remarkable vision recovery. Finally, nanotechnology has shown great improvement in ocular drug delivery systems during the past two decades. Strategies to reconstruct the ocular surface could combine with nanoparticles to facilitate wound healing, drug delivery, and even neovascularization inhibition. In this review article, we summarized the major advances of corneal limbal stem cells, limbal stem cell deficiency, corneal endothelial cell culture/transplantation, and application of nanotechnology on ocular surface reconstruction. We also illustrated potential applications of current knowledge for the future treatment of ocular surface diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Chien Hsu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Sareen D, Saghizadeh M, Ornelas L, Winkler MA, Narwani K, Sahabian A, Funari VA, Tang J, Spurka L, Punj V, Maguen E, Rabinowitz YS, Svendsen CN, Ljubimov AV. Differentiation of human limbal-derived induced pluripotent stem cells into limbal-like epithelium. Stem Cells Transl Med 2014; 3:1002-12. [PMID: 25069777 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2014-0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Limbal epithelial stem cell (LESC) deficiency (LSCD) leads to corneal abnormalities resulting in compromised vision and blindness. LSCD can be potentially treated by transplantation of appropriate cells, which should be easily expandable and bankable. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a promising source of transplantable LESCs. The purpose of this study was to generate human iPSCs and direct them to limbal differentiation by maintaining them on natural substrata mimicking the native LESC niche, including feederless denuded human amniotic membrane (HAM) and de-epithelialized corneas. These iPSCs were generated with nonintegrating vectors from human primary limbal epithelial cells. This choice of parent cells was supposed to enhance limbal cell differentiation from iPSCs by partial retention of parental epigenetic signatures in iPSCs. When the gene methylation patterns were compared in iPSCs to parental LESCs using Illumina global methylation arrays, limbal-derived iPSCs had fewer unique methylation changes than fibroblast-derived iPSCs, suggesting retention of epigenetic memory during reprogramming. Limbal iPSCs cultured for 2 weeks on HAM developed markedly higher expression of putative LESC markers ABCG2, ΔNp63α, keratins 14, 15, and 17, N-cadherin, and TrkA than did fibroblast iPSCs. On HAM culture, the methylation profiles of select limbal iPSC genes (including NTRK1, coding for TrkA protein) became closer to the parental cells, but fibroblast iPSCs remained closer to parental fibroblasts. On denuded air-lifted corneas, limbal iPSCs even upregulated differentiated corneal keratins 3 and 12. These data emphasize the importance of the natural niche and limbal tissue of origin in generating iPSCs as a LESC source with translational potential for LSCD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhruv Sareen
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Eye Program, and Departments of Biomedical Sciences, Neurosurgery, Genomics Core, and Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Bioinformatics Core and Division of Hematology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mehrnoosh Saghizadeh
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Eye Program, and Departments of Biomedical Sciences, Neurosurgery, Genomics Core, and Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Bioinformatics Core and Division of Hematology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Loren Ornelas
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Eye Program, and Departments of Biomedical Sciences, Neurosurgery, Genomics Core, and Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Bioinformatics Core and Division of Hematology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Michael A Winkler
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Eye Program, and Departments of Biomedical Sciences, Neurosurgery, Genomics Core, and Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Bioinformatics Core and Division of Hematology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kavita Narwani
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Eye Program, and Departments of Biomedical Sciences, Neurosurgery, Genomics Core, and Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Bioinformatics Core and Division of Hematology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Anais Sahabian
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Eye Program, and Departments of Biomedical Sciences, Neurosurgery, Genomics Core, and Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Bioinformatics Core and Division of Hematology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Vincent A Funari
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Eye Program, and Departments of Biomedical Sciences, Neurosurgery, Genomics Core, and Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Bioinformatics Core and Division of Hematology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jie Tang
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Eye Program, and Departments of Biomedical Sciences, Neurosurgery, Genomics Core, and Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Bioinformatics Core and Division of Hematology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lindsay Spurka
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Eye Program, and Departments of Biomedical Sciences, Neurosurgery, Genomics Core, and Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Bioinformatics Core and Division of Hematology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Vasu Punj
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Eye Program, and Departments of Biomedical Sciences, Neurosurgery, Genomics Core, and Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Bioinformatics Core and Division of Hematology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ezra Maguen
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Eye Program, and Departments of Biomedical Sciences, Neurosurgery, Genomics Core, and Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Bioinformatics Core and Division of Hematology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yaron S Rabinowitz
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Eye Program, and Departments of Biomedical Sciences, Neurosurgery, Genomics Core, and Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Bioinformatics Core and Division of Hematology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Clive N Svendsen
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Eye Program, and Departments of Biomedical Sciences, Neurosurgery, Genomics Core, and Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Bioinformatics Core and Division of Hematology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alexander V Ljubimov
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Eye Program, and Departments of Biomedical Sciences, Neurosurgery, Genomics Core, and Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Bioinformatics Core and Division of Hematology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Keeping an eye on decellularized corneas: a review of methods, characterization and applications. J Funct Biomater 2013; 4:114-61. [PMID: 24956084 PMCID: PMC4030906 DOI: 10.3390/jfb4030114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Revised: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The worldwide limited availability of suitable corneal donor tissue has led to the development of alternatives, including keratoprostheses (Kpros) and tissue engineered (TE) constructs. Despite advances in bioscaffold design, there is yet to be a corneal equivalent that effectively mimics both the native tissue ultrastructure and biomechanical properties. Human decellularized corneas (DCs) could offer a safe, sustainable source of corneal tissue, increasing the donor pool and potentially reducing the risk of immune rejection after corneal graft surgery. Appropriate, human-specific, decellularization techniques and high-resolution, non-destructive analysis systems are required to ensure reproducible outputs can be achieved. If robust treatment and characterization processes can be developed, DCs could offer a supplement to the donor corneal pool, alongside superior cell culture systems for pharmacology, toxicology and drug discovery studies.
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