1
|
Feinberg K, Tajdaran K, Mirmoeini K, Daeschler SC, Henriquez MA, Stevens KE, Mulenga CM, Hussain A, Hamrah P, Ali A, Gordon T, Borschel GH. The Role of Sensory Innervation in Homeostatic and Injury-Induced Corneal Epithelial Renewal. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12615. [PMID: 37628793 PMCID: PMC10454376 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The cornea is the window through which we see the world. Corneal clarity is required for vision, and blindness occurs when the cornea becomes opaque. The cornea is covered by unique transparent epithelial cells that serve as an outermost cellular barrier bordering between the cornea and the external environment. Corneal sensory nerves protect the cornea from injury by triggering tearing and blink reflexes, and are also thought to regulate corneal epithelial renewal via unknown mechanism(s). When protective corneal sensory innervation is absent due to infection, trauma, intracranial tumors, surgery, or congenital causes, permanent blindness results from repetitive epithelial microtraumas and failure to heal. The condition is termed neurotrophic keratopathy (NK), with an incidence of 5:10,000 people worldwide. In this report, we review the currently available therapeutic solutions for NK and discuss the progress in our understanding of how the sensory nerves induce corneal epithelial renewal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Feinberg
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Kiana Tajdaran
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Kaveh Mirmoeini
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Simeon C. Daeschler
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Hospital, Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University of Heidelberg, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Mario A. Henriquez
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Katelyn E. Stevens
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Chilando M. Mulenga
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Arif Hussain
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Pedram Hamrah
- Cornea Service, New England Eye Center, Tufts Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Asim Ali
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3A9, Canada
| | - Tessa Gordon
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Gregory H. Borschel
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wilson SE. The corneal fibroblast: The Dr. Jekyll underappreciated overseer of the responses to stromal injury. Ocul Surf 2023; 29:53-62. [PMID: 37080483 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To review the functions of corneal fibroblasts in wound healing. METHODS Literature review. RESULTS Corneal fibroblasts arise in the corneal stroma after anterior, posterior or limbal injuries and are derived from keratocytes. Transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 and TGFβ2, along with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), are the major modulators of the keratocyte to corneal fibroblast transition, while fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, TGFβ3, and retinoic acid are thought to regulate the transition of corneal fibroblasts back to keratocytes. Adequate and sustained levels of TGFβ1 and/or TGFβ2, primarily from epithelium, tears, aqueous humor, and corneal endothelium, drive the development of corneal fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Myofibroblasts have been shown in vitro to transition back to corneal fibroblasts, although apoptosis of myofibroblasts has been documented as a major contributor to the resolution of fibrosis in several in situ corneal injury models. Corneal fibroblasts, aside from their role as a major progenitor to myofibroblasts, also perform many critical functions in the injured cornea, including the production of critical basement membrane (BM) components during regeneration of the epithelial BM and Descemet's membrane, production of non-basement membrane-associated stromal collagen type IV to control and downregulate TGFβ effects on stromal cells, release of chemotactic chemokines that attract bone marrow-derived cells to the injured stroma, production of growth factors that modulate regeneration and maturation of the overlying epithelium, and production of collagens and other ECM components that contribute to stromal integrity after injury. CONCLUSIONS Corneal fibroblasts are major contributors to and overseers of the corneal response to injuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven E Wilson
- The Cole Eye Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ong HS, Riau AK, Yam GHF, Yusoff NZBM, Han EJY, Goh TW, Lai RC, Lim SK, Mehta JS. Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes as Immunomodulatory Therapy for Corneal Scarring. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7456. [PMID: 37108619 PMCID: PMC10144287 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal scarring is a leading cause of worldwide blindness. Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been reported to promote corneal wound healing through secreted exosomes. This study investigated the wound healing and immunomodulatory effects of MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-exo) in corneal injury through an established rat model of corneal scarring. After induction of corneal scarring by irregular phototherapeutic keratectomy (irrPTK), MSC exosome preparations (MSC-exo) or PBS vehicle as controls were applied to the injured rat corneas for five days. The animals were assessed for corneal clarity using a validated slit-lamp haze grading score. Stromal haze intensity was quantified using in-vivo confocal microscopy imaging. Corneal vascularization, fibrosis, variations in macrophage phenotypes, and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated using immunohistochemistry techniques and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) of the excised corneas. Compared to the PBS control group, MSC-exo treatment group had faster epithelial wound closure (0.041), lower corneal haze score (p = 0.002), and reduced haze intensity (p = 0.004) throughout the follow-up period. Attenuation of corneal vascularisation based on CD31 and LYVE-1 staining and reduced fibrosis as measured by fibronectin and collagen 3A1 staining was also observed in the MSC-exo group. MSC-exo treated corneas also displayed a regenerative immune phenotype characterized by a higher infiltration of CD163+, CD206+ M2 macrophages over CD80+, CD86+ M1 macrophages (p = 0.023), reduced levels of pro-inflammatory IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α, and increased levels of anti-inflammatory IL-10. In conclusion, topical MSC-exo could alleviate corneal insults by promoting wound closure and reducing scar development, possibly through anti-angiogenesis and immunomodulation towards a regenerative and anti-inflammatory phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hon Shing Ong
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Corneal and External Diseases Department, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore
| | - Andri K. Riau
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | | | - Evelina J. Y. Han
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Tze-Wei Goh
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Ruenn Chai Lai
- Institute of Medical Biology & Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | - Sai Kiang Lim
- Institute of Medical Biology & Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | - Jodhbir S. Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Corneal and External Diseases Department, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wilson SE. Topical Losartan: Practical Guidance for Clinical Trials in the Prevention and Treatment of Corneal Scarring Fibrosis and Other Eye Diseases and Disorders. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2023; 39:191-206. [PMID: 36877777 PMCID: PMC10079252 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2022.0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that impedes transforming growth factor (TGF) beta signaling by inhibiting activation of signal transduction molecule extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Studies supported the efficacy of topical losartan in decreasing scarring fibrosis after rabbit Descemetorhexis, alkali burn, and photorefractive keratectomy injuries, and in case reports of humans with scarring fibrosis after surgical complications. Clinical studies are needed to explore the efficacy and safety of topical losartan in the prevention and treatment of corneal scarring fibrosis, and other eye diseases and disorders where TGF beta has a role in pathophysiology. These include scarring fibrosis associated with corneal trauma, chemical burns, infections, surgical complications, and persistent epithelial defects, as well as conjunctival fibrotic diseases, such as ocular cicatricial pemphigoid and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Research is also needed to explore the efficacy and safety of topical losartan for hypothesized treatment of transforming growth factor beta-induced (TGFBI)-related corneal dystrophies (Reis-Bu¨cklers corneal dystrophy, lattice corneal dystrophy type 1, and granular corneal dystrophies type 1 and type 2) where deposited mutant protein expression is modulated by TGF beta. Investigations could also explore the efficacy and safety of topical losartan treatments to reduce conjunctival bleb scarring and shunt encapsulation following glaucoma surgical procedures. Losartan and sustained release drug delivery devices could be efficacious in treating intraocular fibrotic diseases. Dosing suggestions and precautions that should be considered in trials of losartan are detailed. Losartan, as an adjuvant to current treatments, has the potential to augment pharmacological therapeutics for many ocular diseases and disorders where TGF beta plays a central role in pathophysiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven E. Wilson
- The Cole Eye Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Taherkhani A, Khodadadi P, Samie L, Azadian Z, Bayat Z. Flavonoids as Strong Inhibitors of MAPK3: A Computational Drug Discovery Approach. Int J Anal Chem 2023; 2023:8899240. [PMID: 37090055 PMCID: PMC10121358 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8899240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3) mediates the onset, progression, metastasis, drug resistance, and poor prognosis in various malignancies, including glioma, liver, ovarian, thyroid, lung, breast, gastric, and oral cancers. Negative regulation of MAPK3 expression using miRNAs has led to therapeutic effects in cancer. Objectives The present study performed molecular docking and dynamics simulation to identify potential MAPK3 inhibitors from natural flavonoids, possibly leading to drug development in cancer therapy. Methods A computational drug discovery approach was performed using the AutoDock tool to identify potential MAPK3 inhibitors from 46 plant-based flavonoids. A cross-validation study was executed using the Schrödinger Maestro docking tool. Molecular dynamics (MD) was executed to evaluate the stability of docked poses between the top-ranked compounds and the MAPK3 catalytic domain. Interactions among the most potent MAPK3 inhibitors and residues within the receptor's active site were studied using the BIOVIA Discovery Studio Visualizer before and after 100 ns MD simulations. Results Kaempferol 3-rutinoside-4'-glucoside, kaempferol 3-rutinoside-7-sophoroside, rutin, and vicenin-2 exhibited a magnificent binding affinity to the receptor's active site. In addition, the stability of the docked poses of these compounds seemed to be stable after ∼45 ns computer simulations. Conclusion The present study suggests that kaempferol 3-rutinoside-4'-glucoside, kaempferol 3-rutinoside-7-sophoroside, rutin, and vicenin-2 could strongly bind to the MAPK3 catalytic site and could be assigned as a potent inhibitor for MAPK3. These findings may be helpful in the treatment of various cancers. However, further validation experiments are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Taherkhani
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Parita Khodadadi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Lida Samie
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Zahra Azadian
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Zeynab Bayat
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
The Yin and Yang of Mesenchymal Cells in the Corneal Stromal Fibrosis Response to Injury: The Cornea as a Model of Fibrosis in Other Organs. Biomolecules 2022; 13:biom13010087. [PMID: 36671472 PMCID: PMC9855862 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal cells (keratocytes, corneal fibroblasts, and myofibroblasts), as well as mesenchymal progenitor bone marrow-derived fibrocytes, are the major cellular contributors to stromal fibrosis after injury to the cornea. Corneal fibroblasts, in addition to being major progenitors to myofibroblasts, also have anti-fibrotic functions in (1) the production of non-basement membrane collagen type IV that binds activated transforming growth factor (TGF) beta-1 and TGF beta-2 to downregulate TGF beta effects on cells in the injured stroma, (2) the production of chemokines that modulate the entry of bone marrow-derived cells into the stroma, (3) the production of hepatocyte growth factor and keratinocyte growth factor to regulate corneal epithelial healing, (4) the cooperation with the epithelium or corneal endothelium in the regeneration of the epithelial basement membrane and Descemet's membrane, and other functions. Fibrocytes also serve as major progenitors to myofibroblasts in the corneal stroma. Thus, mesenchymal cells and mesenchymal cell progenitors serve Yin and Yang functions to inhibit and promote tissue fibrosis depending on the overall regulatory milieu within the injured stroma.
Collapse
|
7
|
Combined Therapy Using Human Corneal Stromal Stem Cells and Quiescent Keratocytes to Prevent Corneal Scarring after Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136980. [PMID: 35805991 PMCID: PMC9267074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal blindness due to scarring is conventionally treated by corneal transplantation, but the shortage of donor materials has been a major issue affecting the global success of treatment. Pre-clinical and clinical studies have shown that cell-based therapies using either corneal stromal stem cells (CSSC) or corneal stromal keratocytes (CSK) suppress corneal scarring at lower levels. Further treatments or strategies are required to improve the treatment efficacy. This study examined a combined cell-based treatment using CSSC and CSK in a mouse model of anterior stromal injury. We hypothesize that the immuno-regulatory nature of CSSC is effective to control tissue inflammation and delay the onset of fibrosis, and a subsequent intrastromal CSK treatment deposited collagens and stromal specific proteoglycans to recover a native stromal matrix. Using optimized cell doses, our results showed that the effect of CSSC treatment for suppressing corneal opacities was augmented by an additional intrastromal CSK injection, resulting in better corneal clarity. These in vivo effects were substantiated by a further downregulated expression of stromal fibrosis genes and the restoration of stromal fibrillar organization and regularity. Hence, a combined treatment of CSSC and CSK could achieve a higher clinical efficacy and restore corneal transparency, when compared to a single CSSC treatment.
Collapse
|
8
|
Bargagna‐Mohan P, Schultz G, Rheaume B, Trakhtenberg EF, Robson P, Pal‐Ghosh S, Stepp MA, Given KS, Macklin WB, Mohan R. Corneal nonmyelinating Schwann cells illuminated by single-cell transcriptomics and visualized by protein biomarkers. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:731-749. [PMID: 33197966 PMCID: PMC7894186 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The cornea is the most innervated tissue in the human body. Myelinated axons upon inserting into the peripheral corneal stroma lose their myelin sheaths and continue into the central cornea wrapped by only nonmyelinating corneal Schwann cells (nm-cSCs). This anatomical organization is believed to be important for central vision. Here we employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), microscopy, and transgenics to characterize these nm-cSCs of the central cornea. Using principal component analysis, uniform manifold approximation and projection, and unsupervised hierarchal cell clustering of scRNA-seq data derived from central corneal cells of male rabbits, we successfully identified several clusters representing different corneal cell types, including a unique cell cluster representing nm-cSCs. To confirm protein expression of cSC genes, we performed cross-species validation, employing corneal whole-mount immunostaining with confocal microscopy in mouse corneas. The expression of several representative proteins of nm-cSCs were validated. As the proteolipid protein 1 (PLP1) gene was also expressed in nm-cSCs, we explored the Plp1-eGFP transgenic reporter mouse line to visualize cSCs. Specific and efficient eGFP expression was observed in cSCs in adult mice of different ages. Of several putative cornea-specific SC genes identified, Dickkopf-related protein 1 was shown to be present in nm-cSCs. Taken together, our findings, for the first time, identify important insights and tools toward the study nm-cSCs in isolated tissue and adult animals. We expect that our results will advance the future study of nm-cSCs in applications of nerve repair, and provide a resource for the study of corneal sensory function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Bargagna‐Mohan
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of Connecticut Health CenterFarmingtonCTUSA
| | - Gwendolyn Schultz
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of Connecticut Health CenterFarmingtonCTUSA
| | - Bruce Rheaume
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of Connecticut Health CenterFarmingtonCTUSA
| | | | - Paul Robson
- Department of Genetics & Genome SciencesUniversity of Connecticut Health CenterFarmingtonCTUSA
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic MedicineFarmingtonCTUSA
| | - Sonali Pal‐Ghosh
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative BiologyGeorge Washington University Medical SchoolWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Mary Ann Stepp
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative BiologyGeorge Washington University Medical SchoolWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Katherine S. Given
- Department of Cell and Developmental BiologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraCOUSA
| | - Wendy B. Macklin
- Department of Cell and Developmental BiologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraCOUSA
| | - Royce Mohan
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of Connecticut Health CenterFarmingtonCTUSA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wilson SE, Sampaio LP, Shiju TM, Carlos de Oliveira R. Fibroblastic and bone marrow-derived cellularity in the corneal stroma. Exp Eye Res 2020; 202:108303. [PMID: 33068626 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The unwounded, normal corneal stroma is a relatively simple, avascular tissue populated with quiescent keratocytes, along with corneal nerves and a few resident dendritic and monocyte/macrophage cells. In the past, the resting keratocytes were thought of as a homogenous cellular population, but recent work has shown local variations in vimentin and nestin expression, and responsiveness to transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. Studies have also supported there being "stromal stem cells" in localized areas. After corneal wounding, depending on the site and severity of injury, profound changes in stromal cellularity occur. Anterior or posterior injuries to the epithelium or endothelium, respectively, trigger apoptosis of adjacent keratocytes. Many contiguous keratocytes transition to keratocan-negative corneal fibroblasts that are proliferative and produce limited amounts of disorganized extracellular matrix components. Simultaneously, large numbers of bone marrow-derived cells, including monocytes, neutrophils, fibrocytes and lymphocytes, invade the stroma from the limbal blood vessels. Ongoing adequate levels of TGFβ1, TGFβ2 and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) from epithelium, tears, endothelium and aqueous humor that penetrate defective or absent epithelial barrier function (EBF) and epithelial basement membrane (EBM) and/or Descemet's basement membrane (DBM) drive corneal fibroblasts and fibrocytes to differentiate into alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA)-positive myofibroblasts. If the EBF, EBM and/or DBM are repaired or replaced in a timely manner, typically measured in weeks, then corneal fibroblast and fibrocyte progeny, deprived of requisite levels of TGFβ1 and TGFβ2, undergo apoptosis or revert to their precursor cell-types. If the EBF, EBM and/or DBM are not repaired or replaced, stromal levels of TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 remain elevated, and mature myofibroblasts are generated from corneal fibroblasts and fibrocyte precursors that produce prodigious amounts of disordered extracellular matrix materials associated with scarring fibrosis. This fibrotic stromal matrix persists, at least until the EBF, EBM and/or DBM are regenerated or replaced, and keratocytes remove and reorganize the affected stromal matrix.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven E Wilson
- Cole Eye Institute, I-32, Cleveland Clinic, 9500, Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, United States.
| | - Lycia Pedral Sampaio
- Cole Eye Institute, I-32, Cleveland Clinic, 9500, Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Thomas Michael Shiju
- Cole Eye Institute, I-32, Cleveland Clinic, 9500, Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Saikia P, Crabb JS, Dibbin LL, Juszczak MJ, Willard B, Jang GF, Shiju TM, Crabb JW, Wilson SE. Quantitative proteomic comparison of myofibroblasts derived from bone marrow and cornea. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16717. [PMID: 33028893 PMCID: PMC7541534 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73686-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are fibroblastic cells that function in wound healing, tissue repair and fibrosis, and arise from bone marrow (BM)-derived fibrocytes and a variety of local progenitor cells. In the cornea, myofibroblasts are derived primarily from stromal keratocytes and from BM-derived fibrocytes after epithelial-stromal and endothelial-stromal injuries. Quantitative proteomic comparison of mature alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)+ myofibroblasts (verified by immunocytochemistry for vimentin, α-SMA, desmin, and vinculin) generated from rabbit corneal fibroblasts treated with transforming growth factor (TGF) beta-1 or generated directly from cultured BM treated with TGF beta-1 was pursued for insights into possible functional differences. Paired cornea-derived and BM-derived α-SMA+ myofibroblast primary cultures were generated from four New Zealand white rabbits and confirmed to be myofibroblasts by immunocytochemistry. Paired cornea- and BM-derived myofibroblast specimens from each rabbit were analyzed by LC MS/MS iTRAQ technology using an Orbitrap Fusion Lumos Tribrid mass spectrometer, the Mascot search engine, the weighted average quantification method and the UniProt rabbit and human databases. From 2329 proteins quantified with ≥ 2 unique peptides from ≥ 3 rabbits, a total of 673 differentially expressed (DE) proteins were identified. Bioinformatic analysis of DE proteins with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis implicate progenitor-dependent functional differences in myofibroblasts that could impact tissue development. Our results suggest BM-derived myofibroblasts may be more prone to the formation of excessive cellular and extracellular material that are characteristic of fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paramananda Saikia
- Cole Eye Institute, I-32, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Jack S Crabb
- Cole Eye Institute, I-32, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Luciana L Dibbin
- Cole Eye Institute, I-32, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Madison J Juszczak
- Cole Eye Institute, I-32, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | | | - Geeng-Fu Jang
- Cole Eye Institute, I-32, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Thomas Michael Shiju
- Cole Eye Institute, I-32, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - John W Crabb
- Cole Eye Institute, I-32, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
- Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
| | - Steven E Wilson
- Cole Eye Institute, I-32, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
- Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wilson SE. Corneal myofibroblasts and fibrosis. Exp Eye Res 2020; 201:108272. [PMID: 33010289 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA)+ cells that have a critical role in the corneal stromal response to infections, injuries, and surgeries, and which produce corneal scarring fibrosis when they develop in excess. These contractile and opaque cells-produce large amounts of disordered extracellular matrix (ECM)-and develop from keratocyte-derived corneal fibroblasts or bone marrow-derived fibrocytes, and possibly other cell types, in response to TGFβ1, TGFβ2 and PDGF from the epithelium, tears, endothelium, and other stromal cells. Recent proteomic analyses have revealed that the myofibroblasts that develop from different progenitors aren't interchangeable, but have major differences in protein expression and functions. Absence or defective regeneration of the epithelial basement membrane (EBM) and/or Descemet's basement membrane (DBM) results in development and persistence of myofibroblasts in the corneal stroma. The functions of myofibroblasts in the cornea include production of volume-additive ECM, tissue contraction, production of various growth factors, cytokines and chemokines that regulate stromal cells, including other myofibroblasts, production of collagenases and metalloproteinases involved in tissue remodeling, and the expression of toll-like receptors that likely have critical roles in the clearance of bacteria and viruses causing corneal infections.
Collapse
|
12
|
Cui XW, Ren JY, Gu YH, Li QF, Wang ZC. NF1, Neurofibromin and Gene Therapy: Prospects of Next-Generation Therapy. Curr Gene Ther 2020; 20:100-108. [PMID: 32767931 DOI: 10.2174/1566523220666200806111451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 [NF1] is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder affecting multiple organs. NF1 is well known for its various clinical manifestations, including café-au-late macules, Lisch nodules, bone deformity and neurofibromas. However, there is no effective therapy for NF1. Current therapies are aimed at alleviating NF1 clinical symptoms but not curing the disease. By altering pathogenic genes, gene therapy regulates cell activities at the nucleotide level. In this review, we described the structure and functions of neurofibromin domains, including GAP-related domain [GRD], cysteine-serine rich domain [CSRD], leucine-rich domain [LRD] and C-terminal domain [CTD], which respectively alter downstream pathways. By transfecting isolated sequences of these domains, researchers can partially restore normal cell functions in neurofibroma cell lines. Furthermore, recombinant transgene sequences may be designed to encode truncated proteins, which is functional and easy to be packaged into viral vectors. In addition, the treatment effect of gene therapy is also determined by various factors such as the vectors selection, transgene packaging strategies and drug administration. We summarized multiple NF1 gene therapy strategies and discussed their feasibility from multiple angles. Different protein domains alter the function and downstream pathways of neurofibromin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Wei Cui
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jie-Yi Ren
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yi-Hui Gu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Qing-Feng Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Zhi-Chao Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Purpose This review highlights the roles of fibrocytes—their origin, markers, regulation and functions—including contributions to corneal wound healing and fibrosis. Methods Literature review. Results Peripheral blood fibroblast-like cells, called fibrocytes, are primarily generated as mature collagen-producing cells in the bone marrow. They are likely derived from the myeloid lineage, although the exact precursor remains unknown. Fibrocytes are identified by a combination of expressed markers, such as simultaneous expression of CD34 or CD45 or CD11b and collagen type I or collagen type III. Fibrocytes migrate into the wound from the blood where they participate in pathogen clearance, tissue regeneration, wound closure and angiogenesis. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and adiponectin induce expression of α-smooth muscle actin and extracellular matrix proteins through activation of Smad3 and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase pathways, respectively. Fibrocytes are important contributors to the cornea wound healing response and there are several mechanisms through which fibrocytes contribute to fibrosis in the cornea and other organs, such as their differentiation into myofibroblasts, production of matrix metalloproteinase, secretion of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase, and release of TGF-β1. In some tissues, fibrocytes may also contribute to the basement membrane regeneration and to the resolution of fibrosis. Conclusions New methods that block fibrocyte generation, fibrocyte migration, and their differentiation into myofibroblasts, as well as their production of matrix metalloproteinases, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase, and TGF-β1, have therapeutic potential to reduce the accumulation of collagens, maintain tissue integrity and retard or prevent the development of fibrosis.
Collapse
|
14
|
Wilson SE. Coordinated Modulation of Corneal Scarring by the Epithelial Basement Membrane and Descemet's Basement Membrane. J Refract Surg 2020; 35:506-516. [PMID: 31393989 DOI: 10.3928/1081597x-20190625-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide an overview of the importance of the coordinated role of the epithelial basement membrane (EBM) and Descemet's basement membrane (DBM) in modulating scarring (fibrosis) in the cornea after injuries, infections, surgeries, and diseases of the cornea. METHODS Literature review. RESULTS Despite their molecular and ultrastructural differences, the EBM and DBM act in a coordinated fashion to modulate the entry of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and other growth factors from the epithelium/tear film and aqueous humor, respectively, into the corneal stroma where persistent levels of these modulators trigger the development and persistence of myofibroblasts that produced disordered, opaque extracellular matrix not usually present in the corneal stroma. The development of these myofibroblasts and the extracellular matrix they produce is often detrimental to visual function of the cornea after penetrating keratoplasty, LASIK buttonhole flaps, persistent epithelial defects, microbial keratitis, Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty, or Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty, while being beneficial in other situations such as the scarred edge of LASIK flaps and donor-recipient interface in penetrating keratoplasty. Efforts to modulate the repair or replacement of the EBM and DBM, and thereby the development or disappearance of myofibroblasts, should be a major emphasis of treatments provided by refractive and corneal surgeries, infections, trauma, or diseases of the cornea. CONCLUSIONS The EBM and DBM are critical modulators of the localization of profibrotic growth factors, such as TGF-β, that modulate the development and persistence of myofibroblasts that produce corneal scars (stromal fibrosis). Therapeutic efforts to regenerate or repair EBM and/or DBM, and interfere with the development of myofibroblasts or facilitate their disappearance are often the key to clinical outcomes. [J Refract Surg. 2019;35(8):506-516.].
Collapse
|
15
|
Belin S, Ornaghi F, Shackleford G, Wang J, Scapin C, Lopez-Anido C, Silvestri N, Robertson N, Williamson C, Ishii A, Taveggia C, Svaren J, Bansal R, Schwab MH, Nave K, Fratta P, D’Antonio M, Poitelon Y, Feltri ML, Wrabetz L. Neuregulin 1 type III improves peripheral nerve myelination in a mouse model of congenital hypomyelinating neuropathy. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:1260-1273. [PMID: 30535360 PMCID: PMC6452193 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelin sheath thickness is precisely regulated and essential for rapid propagation of action potentials along myelinated axons. In the peripheral nervous system, extrinsic signals from the axonal protein neuregulin 1 (NRG1) type III regulate Schwann cell fate and myelination. Here we ask if modulating NRG1 type III levels in neurons would restore myelination in a model of congenital hypomyelinating neuropathy (CHN). Using a mouse model of CHN, we improved the myelination defects by early overexpression of NRG1 type III. Surprisingly, the improvement was independent from the upregulation of Egr2 or essential myelin genes. Rather, we observed the activation of MAPK/ERK and other myelin genes such as peripheral myelin protein 2 and oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein. We also confirmed that the permanent activation of MAPK/ERK in Schwann cells has detrimental effects on myelination. Our findings demonstrate that the modulation of axon-to-glial NRG1 type III signaling has beneficial effects and improves myelination defects during development in a model of CHN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Belin
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Francesca Ornaghi
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- SR-TIGET, IRCCS, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Ghjuvan’Ghjacumu Shackleford
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Cristina Scapin
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Nicholas Silvestri
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Neil Robertson
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Courtney Williamson
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Akihiro Ishii
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Carla Taveggia
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - John Svaren
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Rashmi Bansal
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Markus H Schwab
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Klaus Nave
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Pietro Fratta
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Maurizio D’Antonio
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Yannick Poitelon
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - M Laura Feltri
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Lawrence Wrabetz
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Medeiros CS, Saikia P, de Oliveira RC, Lassance L, Santhiago MR, Wilson SE. Descemet's Membrane Modulation of Posterior Corneal Fibrosis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:1010-1020. [PMID: 30884531 PMCID: PMC6424532 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-26451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of removal of Descemet's basement membrane and endothelium compared with removal of the endothelium alone on posterior corneal fibrosis. Methods Twelve New Zealand White rabbits were included in the study. Six eyes had removal of the Descemet's membrane-endothelial complex over the central 8 mm of the cornea. Six eyes had endothelial removal with an olive-tipped cannula over the central 8 mm of the cornea. All corneas developed stromal edema. Corneas in both groups were cryofixed in optimum cutting temperature (OCT) formula at 1 month after surgery. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed for α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), keratocan, CD45, nidogen-1, vimentin, and Ki-67, and a TUNEL assay was performed to detect apoptosis. Results Six of six corneas that had Descemet's membrane-endothelial removal developed posterior stromal fibrosis populated with SMA+ myofibroblasts, whereas zero of six corneas that had endothelial removal alone developed fibrosis or SMA+ myofibroblasts (P < 0.01). Myofibroblasts in the fibrotic zone of corneas that had Descemet's membrane-endothelial removal were undergoing both mitosis and apoptosis at 1 month after surgery. A zone between keratocan+ keratocytes and SMA+ myofibroblasts contained keratocan-SMA-vimentin+ cells that were likely CD45- corneal fibroblasts and CD45+ fibrocytes. Conclusions Descemet's basement membrane has an important role in modulating posterior corneal fibrosis after injury that is analogous to the role of the epithelial basement membrane in modulating anterior corneal fibrosis after injury. Fibrotic areas had myofibroblasts undergoing mitosis and apoptosis, indicating that fibrosis is in dynamic flux.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla S. Medeiros
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luciana Lassance
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Marcony R. Santhiago
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Steven E. Wilson
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Berkowski WM, Gibson DJ, Seo S, Proietto LR, Whitley RD, Schultz GS, Plummer CE. Assessment of Topical Therapies for Improving the Optical Clarity Following Stromal Wounding in a Novel Ex Vivo Canine Cornea Model. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 59:5509-5521. [DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-23085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- William M. Berkowski
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Daniel J. Gibson
- Institute for Wound Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - SooJung Seo
- Institute for Wound Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Laura R. Proietto
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - R. David Whitley
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Gregory S. Schultz
- Institute for Wound Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Caryn E. Plummer
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Mohan R. Eye of the beholder: Rare eye diseases in focus. J Neurosci Res 2018; 97:3-6. [PMID: 30444055 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Royce Mohan
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Chen CC, Yu J, Ng HY, Lee AKX, Chen CC, Chen YS, Shie MY. The Physicochemical Properties of Decellularized Extracellular Matrix-Coated 3D Printed Poly(ε-caprolactone) Nerve Conduits for Promoting Schwann Cells Proliferation and Differentiation. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 11:E1665. [PMID: 30205596 PMCID: PMC6164117 DOI: 10.3390/ma11091665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Although autologous nerve grafting remains the gold standard treatment for peripheral nerve injuries, alternative methods such as development of nerve guidance conduits have since emerged and evolved to counter the many disadvantages of nerve grafting. However, the efficacy and viability of current nerve conduits remain unclear in clinical trials. Here, we focused on a novel decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) and polydopamine (PDA)-coated 3D-printed poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-based conduits, whereby the PDA surface modification acts as an attachment platform for further dECM attachment. We demonstrated that dECM/PDA-coated PCL conduits possessed higher mechanical properties when compared to human or animal nerves. Such modifications were proved to affect cell behaviors. Cellular behaviors and neuronal differentiation of Schwann cells were assessed to determine for the efficacies of the conduits. There were some cell-specific neuronal markers, such as Nestin, neuron-specific class III beta-tubulin (TUJ-1), and microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Nestin expressions were found to be 0.65-fold up-regulated, while TUJ1 expressions were 2.3-fold up-regulated and MAP2 expressions were 2.5-fold up-regulated when compared to Ctl. The methodology of PDA coating employed in this study can be used as a simple model to immobilize dECM onto PCL conduits, and the results showed that dECM/PDA-coated PCL conduits can as a practical and clinically viable tool for promoting regenerative outcomes in larger peripheral nerve defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Chia Chen
- Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan.
- Linsen Chinese Medicine and Kunming Branch, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei 10341, Taiwan.
| | - Joyce Yu
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan.
- 3D Printing Medical Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan.
| | - Hooi-Yee Ng
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan.
- 3D Printing Medical Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan.
| | - Alvin Kai-Xing Lee
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan.
- 3D Printing Medical Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Chang Chen
- 3D Printing Medical Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan.
- Master Program for Biomedical Engineering, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan.
| | - Yueh-Sheng Chen
- Biomaterials Translational Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan.
- Lab of Biomaterials, School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan.
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan.
| | - Ming-You Shie
- 3D Printing Medical Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan.
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan.
- School of Dentistry, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wilson SE, Marino GK, Torricelli AAM, Medeiros CS. Injury and defective regeneration of the epithelial basement membrane in corneal fibrosis: A paradigm for fibrosis in other organs? Matrix Biol 2017. [PMID: 28625845 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Myofibroblast-mediated fibrosis is important in the pathophysiology of diseases in most organs. The cornea, the transparent anterior wall of the eye that functions to focus light on the retina, is commonly affected by fibrosis and provides an optimal model due to its simplicity and accessibility. Severe injuries to the cornea, including infection, surgery, and trauma, may trigger the development of myofibroblasts and fibrosis in the normally transparent connective tissue stroma. Ultrastructural studies have demonstrated that defective epithelial basement membrane (EBM) regeneration after injury underlies the development of myofibroblasts from both bone marrow- and keratocyte-derived precursor cells in the cornea. Defective EBM permits epithelium-derived transforming growth factor beta, platelet-derived growth factor, and likely other modulators, to penetrate the stroma at sustained levels necessary to drive the development of vimentin+ alpha-smooth muscle actin+ desmin+ (V+A+D+) mature myofibroblasts and promote their persistence. Defective versus normal EBM regeneration likely relates to the severity of the stromal injury and a resulting decrease in fibroblasts (keratocytes) and their contribution of EBM components, including laminin alpha-3 and nidogen-2. Corneal fibrosis may resolve over a period of months to years if the inciting injury is eliminated through keratocyte-facilitated regeneration of normal EBM, ensuing apoptosis of myofibroblasts, and reorganization of disordered extracellular matrix by repopulating keratocytes. We hypothesize the corneal model of fibrosis associated with defective BM regeneration and myofibroblast development after epithelial or parenchymal injury may be a paradigm for the development of fibrosis in other organs where chronic injury or defective BM underlies the pathophysiology of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven E Wilson
- The Cole Eye Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States.
| | | | | | - Carla S Medeiros
- The Cole Eye Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|