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Alam J, Yaman E, Silva GCV, Chen R, de Paiva CS, Stepp MA, Pflugfelder SC. Single cell analysis of short-term dry eye induced changes in cornea immune cell populations. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1362336. [PMID: 38560382 PMCID: PMC10978656 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1362336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Dry eye causes corneal inflammation, epitheliopathy and sensorineural changes. This study evaluates the hypothesis that dry eye alters the percentages and transcriptional profiles of immune cell populations in the cornea. Methods Desiccating stress (DS) induced dry eye was created by pharmacologic suppression of tear secretion and exposure to drafty low humidity environment. Expression profiling of corneal immune cells was performed by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Cell differentiation trajectories and cell fate were modeled through RNA velocity analysis. Confocal microscopy was used to immunodetect corneal immune cells. Irritation response to topical neurostimulants was assessed. Results Twelve corneal immune cell populations based on their transcriptional profiles were identified at baseline and consist of monocytes, resident (rMP) and MMP12/13 high macrophages, dendritic cells (cDC2), neutrophils, mast cells, pre T/B cells, and innate (γDT, ILC2, NK) and conventional T and B lymphocytes. T cells and resident macrophages (rMP) were the largest populations in the normal cornea comprising 18.6 and 18.2 percent, respectively. rMP increased to 55.2% of cells after 5 days of DS. Significant changes in expression of 1,365 genes (adj p < 0.0001) were noted in rMP with increases in cytokines and chemokines (Tnf, Cxcl1, Ccl12, Il1rn), inflammatory markers (Vcam, Adam17, Junb), the TAM receptor (Mertk), and decreases in complement and MHCII genes. A differentiation trajectory from monocytes to terminal state rMP was found. Phagocytosis, C-type lectin receptor signaling, NF-kappa B signaling and Toll-like receptor signaling were among the pathways with enhanced activity in these cells. The percentage of MRC1+ rMPs increased in the cornea and they were observed in the basal epithelium adjacent to epithelial nerve plexus. Concentration of the chemokine CXCL1 increased in the cornea and it heightened irritation/pain responses to topically applied hypertonic saline. Conclusion These findings indicate that DS recruits monocytes that differentiate to macrophages with increased expression of inflammation associated genes. The proximity of these macrophages to cornea nerves and their expression of neurosensitizers suggests they contribute to the corneal sensorineural changes in dry eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jehan Alam
- Ocular Surface Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ebru Yaman
- Ocular Surface Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Gerda Cristal Villalba Silva
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Rui Chen
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Cintia S. de Paiva
- Ocular Surface Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Mary Ann Stepp
- Departments of Anatomy, Regenerative Biology and Ophthalmology, The George Washington University Medical School and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Stephen C. Pflugfelder
- Ocular Surface Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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Tarvestad-Laise KE, Ceresa BP. Modulating Growth Factor Receptor Signaling to Promote Corneal Epithelial Homeostasis. Cells 2023; 12:2730. [PMID: 38067157 PMCID: PMC10706396 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The corneal epithelium is the first anatomical barrier between the environment and the cornea; it is critical for proper light refraction onto the retina and prevents pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses) from entering the immune-privileged eye. Trauma to the highly innervated corneal epithelium is extremely painful and if not resolved quickly or properly, can lead to infection and ultimately blindness. The healthy eye produces its own growth factors and is continuously bathed in tear fluid that contains these proteins and other nutrients to maintain the rapid turnover and homeostasis of the ocular surface. In this article, we review the roles of growth factors in corneal epithelial homeostasis and regeneration and some of the limitations to their use therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate E. Tarvestad-Laise
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Brian P. Ceresa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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Ahsanuddin S, Wu AY. Single-cell transcriptomics of the ocular anterior segment: a comprehensive review. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:3334-3350. [PMID: 37138096 PMCID: PMC10156079 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02539-3] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Elucidating the cellular and genetic composition of ocular tissues is essential for uncovering the pathophysiology of ocular diseases. Since the introduction of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) in 2009, vision researchers have performed extensive single-cell analyses to better understand transcriptome complexity and heterogeneity of ocular structures. This technology has revolutionized our ability to identify rare cell populations and to make cross-species comparisons of gene expression in both steady state and disease conditions. Importantly, single-cell transcriptomic analyses have enabled the identification of cell-type specific gene markers and signalling pathways between ocular cell populations. While most scRNA-seq studies have been conducted on retinal tissues, large-scale transcriptomic atlases pertaining to the ocular anterior segment have also been constructed in the past three years. This timely review provides vision researchers with an overview of scRNA-seq experimental design, technical limitations, and clinical applications in a variety of anterior segment-related ocular pathologies. We review open-access anterior segment-related scRNA-seq datasets and illustrate how scRNA-seq can be an indispensable tool for the development of targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Ahsanuddin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Albert Y Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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4
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Shin S, Choi EJ, Moon SW, Lee SB, Chung YJ, Lee SH. Leprosy-specific subsets of macrophages and Schwann cells identified by single-cell RNA-sequencing. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 250:154821. [PMID: 37757621 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
In Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae)-infection, inflammatory cells' subsets and dynamics as well as the interactions with Schwann cells have remained elusive. We investigated individual cells in M. leprae-inoculated nude mice by single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq). For macrophages, we dissected two M1-like subsets and five M2-like subsets, where lipid-associated signatures were pervasive in both M1-like and M2-like subsets. There were four macrophage trajectories showing: (i) pro-inflammatory (M1), (ii) lipid metabolism-related (M2), (iii) anti-inflammatory (M2), and (iv) interferon-stimulated gene-related (M2) fates. They displayed early divergence without ever rejoining along the paths, suggesting simultaneous or continuous stimuli for macrophage activation in leprosy. The scRNA-seq predicted Schwann cell-macrophage interactions (Notch1-Jag1, Plxnb1-Sema4d interactions). An immature Schwann cell subset showing Tfap2a expression was identified, indicating Schwann cell dedifferentiation in leprosy tissues. Expressions of Notch1, Jag1, Plxnb1, Sema4d, and Tfap2a were validated in mouse or human leprosy tissues by immunohistochemistry. We identified both pro-inflammatory and inflammation-resolution signatures, where lipid-associated signatures were pervasive to the macrophages, representing leprosy-specific macrophage states for prolonged and repeated episodes of inflammation and resolution. Our study identified refined molecular states and interactions of macrophages and Schwann cells, suggesting novel insights into the pathogenesis of unhealed inflammation with neuropathy and potential therapeutic targets for leprosy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Shin
- Departments of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Republic of Korea; Integrated Research Center for Genome Polymorphism, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ji Choi
- Departments of Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Won Moon
- Departments of Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Republic of Korea; Departments of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Beom Lee
- Institute of Hansen's Disease, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Republic of Korea; Departments of Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeun-Jun Chung
- Departments of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Republic of Korea; Integrated Research Center for Genome Polymorphism, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Republic of Korea; Cancer Evolution Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sug Hyung Lee
- Departments of Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Republic of Korea; Departments of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Republic of Korea; Cancer Evolution Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Republic of Korea.
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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.
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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
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Lin JB, Shen X, Pfeifer CW, Shiau F, Santeford A, Ruzycki PA, Clark BS, Liu Q, Huang AJW, Apte RS. Dry eye disease in mice activates adaptive corneal epithelial regeneration distinct from constitutive renewal in homeostasis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2204134120. [PMID: 36595669 PMCID: PMC9926235 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2204134120] [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: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Many epithelial compartments undergo constitutive renewal in homeostasis but activate unique regenerative responses following injury. The clear corneal epithelium is crucial for vision and is renewed from limbal stem cells (LSCs). Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we profiled the mouse corneal epithelium in homeostasis, aging, diabetes, and dry eye disease (DED), where tear deficiency predisposes the cornea to recurrent injury. In homeostasis, we capture the transcriptional states that accomplish continuous tissue turnover. We leverage our dataset to identify candidate genes and gene networks that characterize key stages across homeostatic renewal, including markers for LSCs. In aging and diabetes, there were only mild changes with <15 dysregulated genes. The constitutive cell types that accomplish homeostatic renewal were conserved in DED but were associated with activation of cell states that comprise "adaptive regeneration." We provide global markers that distinguish cell types in homeostatic renewal vs. adaptive regeneration and markers that specifically define DED-elicited proliferating and differentiating cell types. We validate that expression of SPARC, a marker of adaptive regeneration, is also induced in corneal epithelial wound healing and accelerates wound closure in a corneal epithelial cell scratch assay. Finally, we propose a classification system for LSC markers based on their expression fidelity in homeostasis and disease. This transcriptional dissection uncovers the dramatically altered transcriptional landscape of the corneal epithelium in DED, providing a framework and atlas for future study of these ocular surface stem cells in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph B. Lin
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences Neurosciences Graduate Program, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Xiaolei Shen
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Charles W. Pfeifer
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences Neurosciences Graduate Program, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Fion Shiau
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Andrea Santeford
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Philip A. Ruzycki
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Brian S. Clark
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Qin Liu
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Andrew J. W. Huang
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Rajendra S. Apte
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
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7
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The transcriptional profile of keloidal Schwann cells. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:1886-1900. [PMID: 36333467 PMCID: PMC9722693 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00874-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, a specific Schwann cell type with profibrotic and tissue regenerative properties that contributes to keloid formation has been identified. In the present study, we reanalyzed published single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) studies of keloids, healthy skin, and normal scars to reliably determine the specific gene expression profile of keloid-specific Schwann cell types in more detail. We were able to confirm the presence of the repair-like, profibrotic Schwann cell type in the datasets of all three studies and identified a specific gene-set for these Schwann cells. In contrast to keloids, in normal scars, the number of Schwann cells was not increased, nor was their gene expression profile distinctly different from that of Schwann cells of normal skin. In addition, our bioinformatics analysis provided evidence for a role of transcription factors of the AP1, STAT, and KLF families, and members of the IER genes in the dedifferentiation process of keloidal Schwann cells. Together, our analysis strengthens the role of the profibrotic Schwann cell type in the formation of keloids. Knowledge of the exact gene expression profile of these Schwann cells will facilitate their identification in other organs and diseases.
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8
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Xu M, Wang S, Jiang Y, Wang J, Xiong Y, Dong W, Yao Q, Xing Y, Liu F, Chen Z, Yu D. Single-Cell RNA-Seq Reveals the Heterogeneity of Cell Communications between Schwann Cells and Fibroblasts within the Microenvironment in Vestibular Schwannoma. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2022; 192:1230-1249. [PMID: 35750260 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Vestibular schwannomas (VSs), which develop from Schwann cells (SCs) of the vestibular nerve, are the most prevalent benign tumors of the cerebellopontine angle and internal auditory canal. Despite advances in treatment, the cellular components and mechanisms of VS tumor progression remain unclear. Here, we performed single-cell RNA-sequencing on clinically surgically isolated VS samples and clarified their cellular composition in a sophisticated manner, including the heterogeneous SC subtypes. Advanced bioinformatics analysis also revealed the associated biological functions, pseudotime trajectory, and transcriptional network of the SC subgroups. We also found that there was tight intercellular communication between SCs and tumor-associated fibroblasts via integrin and growth factor signaling and that the gene expression differences in SCs and fibroblasts determined the heterogeneity of cellular communication in different individuals. Our findings suggest a microenvironmental mechanism underlying the development of VS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maoxiang Xu
- Otolaryngology Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengming Wang
- Otolaryngology Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yumeng Jiang
- Otolaryngology Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Otolaryngology Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanping Xiong
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wenqi Dong
- Otolaryngology Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingxiu Yao
- Otolaryngology Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yazhi Xing
- Otolaryngology Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Otolaryngology Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhengnong Chen
- Otolaryngology Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China.
| | - Dongzhen Yu
- Otolaryngology Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Nimodipine Exerts Beneficial Effects on the Rat Oligodendrocyte Cell Line OLN-93. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12040476. [PMID: 35448007 PMCID: PMC9029615 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12040476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Therapy is currently limited to drugs that interfere with the immune system; treatment options that primarily mediate neuroprotection and prevent neurodegeneration are not available. Here, we studied the effects of nimodipine on the rat cell line OLN-93, which resembles young mature oligodendrocytes. Nimodipine is a dihydropyridine that blocks the voltage-gated L-type calcium channel family members Cav1.2 and Cav1.3. Our data show that the treatment of OLN-93 cells with nimodipine induced the upregulation of myelin genes, in particular of proteolipid protein 1 (Plp1), which was confirmed by a significantly greater expression of PLP1 in immunofluorescence analysis and the presence of myelin structures in the cytoplasm at the ultrastructural level. Whole-genome RNA sequencing additionally revealed the upregulation of genes that are involved in neuroprotection, remyelination, and antioxidation pathways. Interestingly, the observed effects were independent of Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 because OLN-93 cells do not express these channels, and there was no measurable response pattern in patch-clamp analysis. Taking into consideration previous studies that demonstrated a beneficial effect of nimodipine on microglia, our data support the notion that nimodipine is an interesting drug candidate for the treatment of MS and other demyelinating diseases.
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10
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Schwann cells contribute to keloid formation. Matrix Biol 2022; 108:55-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Collin J, Queen R, Zerti D, Bojic S, Dorgau B, Moyse N, Molina MM, Yang C, Dey S, Reynolds G, Hussain R, Coxhead JM, Lisgo S, Henderson D, Joseph A, Rooney P, Ghosh S, Clarke L, Connon C, Haniffa M, Figueiredo F, Armstrong L, Lako M. A single cell atlas of human cornea that defines its development, limbal progenitor cells and their interactions with the immune cells. Ocul Surf 2021; 21:279-298. [PMID: 33865984 PMCID: PMC8343164 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2021.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Single cell (sc) analyses of key embryonic, fetal and adult stages were performed to generate a comprehensive single cell atlas of all the corneal and adjacent conjunctival cell types from development to adulthood. Methods Four human adult and seventeen embryonic and fetal corneas from 10 to 21 post conception week (PCW) specimens were dissociated to single cells and subjected to scRNA- and/or ATAC-Seq using the 10x Genomics platform. These were embedded using Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) and clustered using Seurat graph-based clustering. Cluster identification was performed based on marker gene expression, bioinformatic data mining and immunofluorescence (IF) analysis. RNA interference, IF, colony forming efficiency and clonal assays were performed on cultured limbal epithelial cells (LECs). Results scRNA-Seq analysis of 21,343 cells from four adult human corneas and adjacent conjunctivas revealed the presence of 21 cell clusters, representing the progenitor and differentiated cells in all layers of cornea and conjunctiva as well as immune cells, melanocytes, fibroblasts, and blood/lymphatic vessels. A small cell cluster with high expression of limbal progenitor cell (LPC) markers was identified and shown via pseudotime analysis to give rise to five other cell types representing all the subtypes of differentiated limbal and corneal epithelial cells. A novel putative LPCs surface marker, GPHA2, expressed on the surface of 0.41% ± 0.21 of the cultured LECs, was identified, based on predominant expression in the limbal crypts of adult and developing cornea and RNAi validation in cultured LECs. Combining scRNA- and ATAC-Seq analyses, we identified multiple upstream regulators for LPCs and demonstrated a close interaction between the immune cells and limbal progenitor cells. RNA-Seq analysis indicated the loss of GPHA2 expression and acquisition of proliferative limbal basal epithelial cell markers during ex vivo LEC expansion, independently of the culture method used. Extending the single cell analyses to keratoconus, we were able to reveal activation of collagenase in the corneal stroma and a reduced pool of limbal suprabasal cells as two key changes underlying the disease phenotype. Single cell RNA-Seq of 89,897 cells obtained from embryonic and fetal cornea indicated that during development, the conjunctival epithelium is the first to be specified from the ocular surface epithelium, followed by the corneal epithelium and the establishment of LPCs, which predate the formation of limbal niche by a few weeks. Conclusions Our scRNA-and ATAC-Seq data of developing and adult cornea in steady state and disease conditions provide a unique resource for defining genes/pathways that can lead to improvement in ex vivo LPCs expansion, stem cell differentiation methods and better understanding and treatment of ocular surface disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Collin
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK
| | - Rachel Queen
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK
| | - Darin Zerti
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK
| | - Sanja Bojic
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK
| | - Birthe Dorgau
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK
| | - Nicky Moyse
- Newcastle Cellular Therapies Facility, Newcastle University and Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Marina Moya Molina
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK
| | - Chunbo Yang
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK
| | - Sunanda Dey
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Israel
| | - Gary Reynolds
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK
| | - Rafiqul Hussain
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK
| | - Jonathan M Coxhead
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK
| | - Steven Lisgo
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK
| | - Deborah Henderson
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK
| | - Agatha Joseph
- NHS Blood and Transplant Tissue and Eye Services, Liverpool, UK
| | - Paul Rooney
- NHS Blood and Transplant Tissue and Eye Services, Liverpool, UK
| | - Saurabh Ghosh
- Sunderland Eye Infirmary, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Sunderland, UK
| | - Lucy Clarke
- UK Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Infirmary and Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Che Connon
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK
| | - Muzlifah Haniffa
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK
| | - Francisco Figueiredo
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK; UK Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Infirmary and Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Lyle Armstrong
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK.
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK.
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12
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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.
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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
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