1
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Rao M, Liu CC, Wang S, Chang KC. Generating ESC-Derived RGCs for Cell Replacement Therapy. Methods Mol Biol 2025; 2848:187-196. [PMID: 39240524 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4087-6_12] [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] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
In several ocular diseases, degeneration of retinal neurons can lead to permanent blindness. Transplantation of stem cell (SC)-derived RGCs has been proposed as a potential therapy for RGC loss. Although there are reports of successful cases of SC-derived RGC transplantation, achieving long-distance regeneration and functional connectivity remains a challenge. To address these hurdles, retinal organoids are being used to study the regulatory mechanism of stem cell transplantation. Here we present a modified protocol for differentiating human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into retinal organoids and transplanting organoid-derived RGCs into the murine eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mishal Rao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Chia-Chun Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shining Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kun-Che Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, Center of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- UPMC Vision Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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2
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Subramani M, Lambrecht B, Ahmad I. Human microglia-derived proinflammatory cytokines facilitate human retinal ganglion cell development and regeneration. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:1092-1106. [PMID: 39059376 PMCID: PMC11368696 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia (μG), the resident immune cells in the central nervous system, surveil the parenchyma to maintain the structural and functional homeostasis of neurons. Besides, they influence neurogenesis and synaptogenesis through complement-mediated phagocytosis. Emerging evidence suggests that μG may also influence development through proinflammatory cytokines. Here, we examined the premise that tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), the two most prominent components of the μG secretome, influence retinal development, specifically the morphological and functional differentiation of human retinal ganglion cells (hRGCs). Using controlled generation of hRGCs and human μG (hμG) from pluripotent stem cells, we demonstrate that TNF-α and IL-1β secreted by unchallenged hμG did not influence hRGC generation. However, their presence significantly facilitated neuritogenesis along with the basal function of hRGCs, which involved the recruitment of the AKT/mTOR pathway. We present ex vivo evidence that proinflammatory cytokines may play an important role in the morphological and physiological maturation of hRGCs, which may be recapitulated for regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murali Subramani
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Brandon Lambrecht
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Iqbal Ahmad
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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3
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Harkin J, Peña KH, Gomes C, Hernandez M, Lavekar SS, So K, Lentsch K, Feder EM, Morrow S, Huang KC, Tutrow KD, Morris A, Zhang C, Meyer JS. A highly reproducible and efficient method for retinal organoid differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2317285121. [PMID: 38870053 PMCID: PMC11194494 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317285121] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived retinal organoids are three-dimensional cellular aggregates that differentiate and self-organize to closely mimic the spatial and temporal patterning of the developing human retina. Retinal organoid models serve as reliable tools for studying human retinogenesis, yet limitations in the efficiency and reproducibility of current retinal organoid differentiation protocols have reduced the use of these models for more high-throughput applications such as disease modeling and drug screening. To address these shortcomings, the current study aimed to standardize prior differentiation protocols to yield a highly reproducible and efficient method for generating retinal organoids. Results demonstrated that through regulation of organoid size and shape using quick reaggregation methods, retinal organoids were highly reproducible compared to more traditional methods. Additionally, the timed activation of BMP signaling within developing cells generated pure populations of retinal organoids at 100% efficiency from multiple widely used cell lines, with the default forebrain fate resulting from the inhibition of BMP signaling. Furthermore, given the ability to direct retinal or forebrain fates at complete purity, mRNA-seq analyses were then utilized to identify some of the earliest transcriptional changes that occur during the specification of these two lineages from a common progenitor. These improved methods also yielded retinal organoids with expedited differentiation timelines when compared to traditional methods. Taken together, the results of this study demonstrate the development of a highly reproducible and minimally variable method for generating retinal organoids suitable for analyzing the earliest stages of human retinal cell fate specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Harkin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Kiersten H. Peña
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Cátia Gomes
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Melody Hernandez
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Sailee S. Lavekar
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Kaman So
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Kelly Lentsch
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Elyse M. Feder
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Sarah Morrow
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Kang-Chieh Huang
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Kaylee D. Tutrow
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Ann Morris
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY40506
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Jason S. Meyer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
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4
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Barolo L, Gigante Y, Mautone L, Ghirga S, Soloperto A, Giorgi A, Ghirga F, Pitea M, Incocciati A, Mura F, Ruocco G, Boffi A, Baiocco P, Di Angelantonio S. Ferritin nanocage-enabled detection of pathological tau in living human retinal cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11533. [PMID: 38773170 PMCID: PMC11109090 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62188-8] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease and Frontotemporal Dementia, are debilitating neurodegenerative disorders marked by cognitive decline. Despite extensive research, achieving effective treatments and significant symptom management remains challenging. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies, with hyperphosphorylated protein units and tau oligomers serving as reliable biomarkers for these conditions. This study introduces a novel approach using nanotechnology to enhance the diagnostic process for tauopathies. We developed humanized ferritin nanocages, a novel nanoscale delivery system, designed to encapsulate and transport a tau-specific fluorophore, BT1, into human retinal cells for detecting neurofibrillary tangles in retinal tissue, a key marker of tauopathies. The delivery of BT1 into living cells was successfully achieved through these nanocages, demonstrating efficient encapsulation and delivery into retinal cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Our experiments confirmed the colocalization of BT1 with pathological forms of tau in living retinal cells, highlighting the method's potential in identifying tauopathies. Using ferritin nanocages for BT1 delivery represents a significant contribution to nanobiotechnology, particularly in neurodegenerative disease diagnostics. This method offers a promising tool for the early detection of tau tangles in retinal tissue, with significant implications for improving the diagnosis and management of tauopathies. This study exemplifies the integration of nanotechnology with biomedical science, expanding the frontiers of nanomedicine and diagnostic techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Barolo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Ylenia Gigante
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
- D-Tails Srl BC, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenza Mautone
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Ghirga
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
- D-Tails Srl BC, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Soloperto
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Giorgi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza-University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Pitea
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
- D-Tails Srl BC, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Incocciati
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Mura
- Research Center on Nanotechnologies Applied to Engineering of Sapienza (CNIS), Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Ruocco
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Department of Physics, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Boffi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
- D-Tails Srl BC, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Baiocco
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy.
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Silvia Di Angelantonio
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy.
- D-Tails Srl BC, 00165, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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5
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Esposito EP, Han IC, Johnson TV. Gene and cell-based therapies for retinal and optic nerve disease. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2024; 205:243-262. [PMID: 39341657 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-90120-8.00016-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Leading causes of blindness worldwide include neurodegenerative diseases of the retina, which cause irreversible loss of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors, and optic neuropathies, which result in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. Because photoreceptor and RGCs do not spontaneously regenerate in mammals, including humans, vision loss from these conditions is, at present, permanent. Recent advances in gene and cell-based therapies have provided new hope to patients affected by these conditions. This chapter reviews the current state and future of these approaches to treating ocular neurodegenerative disease. Gene therapies for retinal degeneration and optic neuropathies primarily focus on correcting known pathogenic mutations that cause inherited conditions to halt progression. There are multiple retinal and optic neuropathy gene therapies in clinical trials, and one retinal gene therapy is approved in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. Cell-based therapies are mutation agnostic and have the potential to repopulate neurons regardless of the underlying etiology of degeneration. While photoreceptor cell replacement is nearing a human clinical trial, RPE transplantation is currently in phase I/II clinical trials. RGC replacement faces numerous logistical challenges, but preclinical research has laid the foundation for functional repair of optic neuropathies to be feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward P Esposito
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ian C Han
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Thomas V Johnson
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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Wong DCS, Harvey JP, Jurkute N, Thomasy SM, Moosajee M, Yu-Wai-Man P, Gilhooley MJ. OPA1 Dominant Optic Atrophy: Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Targets. J Neuroophthalmol 2023; 43:464-474. [PMID: 37974363 PMCID: PMC10645107 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000001830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David C. S. Wong
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences (DCSW, PY-W-M), John van Geest Center for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Cambridge Eye Unit (DCSW, PY-W-M), Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (JPH, NJ, MM, PY-W-M, MJG), London, United Kingdom; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (JPH, NJ, MM, PY-W-M, MJG), London, United Kingdom; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science (SMT), School of Medicine, U.C. Davis, Sacramento, California; Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences (SMT), School of Veterinary Medicine, U.C. Davis, California; Great Ormond Street Hospital (MM), London, United Kingdom; and The Francis Crick Institute (MM), London, United Kingdom
| | - Joshua P. Harvey
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences (DCSW, PY-W-M), John van Geest Center for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Cambridge Eye Unit (DCSW, PY-W-M), Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (JPH, NJ, MM, PY-W-M, MJG), London, United Kingdom; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (JPH, NJ, MM, PY-W-M, MJG), London, United Kingdom; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science (SMT), School of Medicine, U.C. Davis, Sacramento, California; Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences (SMT), School of Veterinary Medicine, U.C. Davis, California; Great Ormond Street Hospital (MM), London, United Kingdom; and The Francis Crick Institute (MM), London, United Kingdom
| | - Neringa Jurkute
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences (DCSW, PY-W-M), John van Geest Center for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Cambridge Eye Unit (DCSW, PY-W-M), Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (JPH, NJ, MM, PY-W-M, MJG), London, United Kingdom; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (JPH, NJ, MM, PY-W-M, MJG), London, United Kingdom; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science (SMT), School of Medicine, U.C. Davis, Sacramento, California; Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences (SMT), School of Veterinary Medicine, U.C. Davis, California; Great Ormond Street Hospital (MM), London, United Kingdom; and The Francis Crick Institute (MM), London, United Kingdom
| | - Sara M. Thomasy
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences (DCSW, PY-W-M), John van Geest Center for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Cambridge Eye Unit (DCSW, PY-W-M), Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (JPH, NJ, MM, PY-W-M, MJG), London, United Kingdom; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (JPH, NJ, MM, PY-W-M, MJG), London, United Kingdom; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science (SMT), School of Medicine, U.C. Davis, Sacramento, California; Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences (SMT), School of Veterinary Medicine, U.C. Davis, California; Great Ormond Street Hospital (MM), London, United Kingdom; and The Francis Crick Institute (MM), London, United Kingdom
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences (DCSW, PY-W-M), John van Geest Center for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Cambridge Eye Unit (DCSW, PY-W-M), Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (JPH, NJ, MM, PY-W-M, MJG), London, United Kingdom; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (JPH, NJ, MM, PY-W-M, MJG), London, United Kingdom; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science (SMT), School of Medicine, U.C. Davis, Sacramento, California; Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences (SMT), School of Veterinary Medicine, U.C. Davis, California; Great Ormond Street Hospital (MM), London, United Kingdom; and The Francis Crick Institute (MM), London, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Yu-Wai-Man
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences (DCSW, PY-W-M), John van Geest Center for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Cambridge Eye Unit (DCSW, PY-W-M), Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (JPH, NJ, MM, PY-W-M, MJG), London, United Kingdom; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (JPH, NJ, MM, PY-W-M, MJG), London, United Kingdom; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science (SMT), School of Medicine, U.C. Davis, Sacramento, California; Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences (SMT), School of Veterinary Medicine, U.C. Davis, California; Great Ormond Street Hospital (MM), London, United Kingdom; and The Francis Crick Institute (MM), London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J. Gilhooley
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences (DCSW, PY-W-M), John van Geest Center for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Cambridge Eye Unit (DCSW, PY-W-M), Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (JPH, NJ, MM, PY-W-M, MJG), London, United Kingdom; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (JPH, NJ, MM, PY-W-M, MJG), London, United Kingdom; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science (SMT), School of Medicine, U.C. Davis, Sacramento, California; Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences (SMT), School of Veterinary Medicine, U.C. Davis, California; Great Ormond Street Hospital (MM), London, United Kingdom; and The Francis Crick Institute (MM), London, United Kingdom
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7
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Do JL, Pedroarena-Leal N, Louie M, Avila Garcia P, Alnihmy A, Patel A, Weinreb RN, Wahlin KJ, La Torre Vila A, Welsbie DS. Mechanical Disruption of the Inner Limiting Membrane In Vivo Enhances Targeting to the Inner Retina. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:25. [PMID: 38117244 PMCID: PMC10741092 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.15.25] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the effects of mechanical disruption of the inner limiting membrane (ILM) on the ability to target interventions to the inner neurosensory retina in a rodent model. Our study used an animal model to gain insight into the normal physiology of the ILM and advances our understanding of the effects of mechanical ILM removal on the viral transduction of retinal ganglion cells and retinal ganglion cell transplantation. Methods The ILM in the in vivo rat eye was disrupted using mechanical forces applied to the vitreoretinal interface. Immunohistology and electron microscopy were used to verify the removal of the ILM in retina flatmounts and sections. To assess the degree to which ILM disruption enhanced transvitreal access to the retina, in vivo studies involving intravitreal injections of adeno-associated virus (AAV) to transduce retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and ex vivo studies involving co-culture of human stem cell-derived RGCs (hRGCs) on retinal explants were performed. RGC transduction efficiency and transplanted hRGC integration with retinal explants were evaluated by immunohistology of the retinas. Results Mechanical disruption of the ILM in the rodent eye was sufficient to remove the ILM from targeted retinal areas while preserving the underlying retinal nerve fiber layer and RGCs. Removal of the ILM enhanced the transduction efficiency of intravitreally delivered AAV threefold (1380.0 ± 290.1 vs. 442.0 ± 249.3 cells/mm2; N = 6; P = 0.034). Removal of the ILM was also sufficient to promote integration of transplanted RGCs within the inner retina. Conclusions The ILM is a barrier to transvitreally delivered agents including viral vectors and cells. Mechanical removal of the ILM is sufficient to enhance access to the inner retina, improve viral transduction efficiencies of RGCs, and enhance cellular integration of transplanted RGCs with the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiun L. Do
- Gleiberman Center for Glaucoma Research, Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Nicole Pedroarena-Leal
- Gleiberman Center for Glaucoma Research, Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Mikaela Louie
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, California, United States
| | - Paula Avila Garcia
- Gleiberman Center for Glaucoma Research, Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Adam Alnihmy
- Gleiberman Center for Glaucoma Research, Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Amit Patel
- Gleiberman Center for Glaucoma Research, Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Robert N. Weinreb
- Gleiberman Center for Glaucoma Research, Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Karl J. Wahlin
- Gleiberman Center for Glaucoma Research, Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Anna La Torre Vila
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, California, United States
| | - Derek S. Welsbie
- Gleiberman Center for Glaucoma Research, Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
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8
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Lo J, Mehta K, Dhillon A, Huang YK, Luo Z, Nam MH, Al Diri I, Chang KC. Therapeutic strategies for glaucoma and optic neuropathies. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 94:101219. [PMID: 37839232 PMCID: PMC10841486 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative eye disease that causes permanent vision impairment. The main pathological characteristics of glaucoma are retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss and optic nerve degeneration. Glaucoma can be caused by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), although some cases are congenital or occur in patients with normal IOP. Current glaucoma treatments rely on medicine and surgery to lower IOP, which only delays disease progression. First-line glaucoma medicines are supported by pharmacotherapy advancements such as Rho kinase inhibitors and innovative drug delivery systems. Glaucoma surgery has shifted to safer minimally invasive (or microinvasive) glaucoma surgery, but further trials are needed to validate long-term efficacy. Further, growing evidence shows that adeno-associated virus gene transduction and stem cell-based RGC replacement therapy hold potential to treat optic nerve fiber degeneration and glaucoma. However, better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of RGC development is needed to provide insight into RGC differentiation from stem cells and help choose target genes for viral therapy. In this review, we overview current progress in RGC development research, optic nerve fiber regeneration, and human stem cell-derived RGC differentiation and transplantation. We also provide an outlook on perspectives and challenges in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Lo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Kamakshi Mehta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Armaan Dhillon
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center and Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Yu-Kai Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan
| | - Ziming Luo
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Mi-Hyun Nam
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center and Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Issam Al Diri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
| | - Kun-Che Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Center of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan.
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9
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Zhang KY, Nagalingam A, Mary S, Aguzzi EA, Li W, Chetla N, Smith B, Paulaitis ME, Edwards MM, Quigley HA, Zack DJ, Johnson TV. Rare intercellular material transfer as a confound to interpreting inner retinal neuronal transplantation following internal limiting membrane disruption. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:2203-2221. [PMID: 37802075 PMCID: PMC10679651 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.09.005] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Intercellular cytoplasmic material transfer (MT) occurs between transplanted and developing photoreceptors and ambiguates cell origin identification in developmental, transdifferentiation, and transplantation experiments. Whether MT is a photoreceptor-specific phenomenon is unclear. Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) replacement, through transdifferentiation or transplantation, holds potential for restoring vision in optic neuropathies. During careful assessment for MT following human stem cell-derived RGC transplantation into mice, we identified RGC xenografts occasionally giving rise to labeling of donor-derived cytoplasmic, nuclear, and mitochondrial proteins within recipient Müller glia. Critically, nuclear organization is distinct between human and murine retinal neurons, which enables unequivocal discrimination of donor from host cells. MT was greatly facilitated by internal limiting membrane disruption, which also augments retinal engraftment following transplantation. Our findings demonstrate that retinal MT is not unique to photoreceptors and challenge the isolated use of species-specific immunofluorescent markers for xenotransplant identification. Assessment for MT is critical when analyzing neuronal replacement interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Y Zhang
- Glaucoma Center for Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Arumugam Nagalingam
- Glaucoma Center for Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stella Mary
- Glaucoma Center for Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Erika A Aguzzi
- Glaucoma Center for Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Weifeng Li
- Glaucoma Center for Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nitin Chetla
- Glaucoma Center for Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Barbara Smith
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael E Paulaitis
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Malia M Edwards
- Glaucoma Center for Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Harry A Quigley
- Glaucoma Center for Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Donald J Zack
- Glaucoma Center for Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology and Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas V Johnson
- Glaucoma Center for Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Cellular and Molecular Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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10
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Soucy JR, Todd L, Kriukov E, Phay M, Malechka VV, Rivera JD, Reh TA, Baranov P. Controlling donor and newborn neuron migration and maturation in the eye through microenvironment engineering. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2302089120. [PMID: 37931105 PMCID: PMC10655587 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2302089120] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ongoing cell therapy trials have demonstrated the need for precision control of donor cell behavior within the recipient tissue. We present a methodology to guide stem cell-derived and endogenously regenerated neurons by engineering the microenvironment. Being an "approachable part of the brain," the eye provides a unique opportunity to study neuron fate and function within the central nervous system. Here, we focused on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs)-the neurons in the retina are irreversibly lost in glaucoma and other optic neuropathies but can potentially be replaced through transplantation or reprogramming. One of the significant barriers to successful RGC integration into the existing mature retinal circuitry is cell migration toward their natural position in the retina. Our in silico analysis of the single-cell transcriptome of the developing human retina identified six receptor-ligand candidates, which were tested in functional in vitro assays for their ability to guide human stem cell-derived RGCs. We used our lead molecule, SDF1, to engineer an artificial gradient in the retina, which led to a 2.7-fold increase in donor RGC migration into the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and a 3.3-fold increase in the displacement of newborn RGCs out of the inner nuclear layer. Only donor RGCs that migrated into the GCL were found to express mature RGC markers, indicating the importance of proper structure integration. Together, these results describe an "in silico-in vitro-in vivo" framework for identifying, selecting, and applying soluble ligands to control donor cell function after transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R. Soucy
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
| | - Levi Todd
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Emil Kriukov
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
| | - Monichan Phay
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
| | - Volha V. Malechka
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
| | - John Dayron Rivera
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
| | - Thomas A. Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Petr Baranov
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
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11
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Bai J, Koos DS, Stepanian K, Fouladian Z, Shayler DWH, Aparicio JG, Fraser SE, Moats RA, Cobrinik D. Episodic live imaging of cone photoreceptor maturation in GNAT2-EGFP retinal organoids. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm050193. [PMID: 37902188 PMCID: PMC10690052 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050193] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluorescent reporter pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal organoids are powerful tools to investigate cell type-specific development and disease phenotypes. When combined with live imaging, they enable direct and repeated observation of cell behaviors within a developing retinal tissue. Here, we generated a human cone photoreceptor reporter line by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing of WTC11-mTagRFPT-LMNB1 human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by inserting enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) coding sequences and a 2A self-cleaving peptide at the N-terminus of guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunit alpha transducin 2 (GNAT2). In retinal organoids generated from these iPSCs, the GNAT2-EGFP alleles robustly and exclusively labeled immature and mature cones. Episodic confocal live imaging of hydrogel immobilized retinal organoids allowed tracking of the morphological maturation of individual cones for >18 weeks and revealed inner segment accumulation of mitochondria and growth at 12.2 μm3 per day from day 126 to day 153. Immobilized GNAT2-EGFP cone reporter organoids provide a valuable tool for investigating human cone development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlun Bai
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Development, Stem Cell, and Regenerative Medicine Program, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - David S. Koos
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Translational Biomedical Imaging Laboratory, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Kayla Stepanian
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Zachary Fouladian
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Development, Stem Cell, and Regenerative Medicine Program, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Dominic W. H. Shayler
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Development, Stem Cell, and Regenerative Medicine Program, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Jennifer G. Aparicio
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Scott E. Fraser
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Translational Biomedical Imaging Laboratory, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Translational Imaging Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Rex A. Moats
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Translational Biomedical Imaging Laboratory, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - David Cobrinik
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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12
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Risner ML, Ribeiro M, McGrady NR, Kagitapalli BS, Chamling X, Zack DJ, Calkins DJ. Neutral sphingomyelinase inhibition promotes local and network degeneration in vitro and in vivo. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:305. [PMID: 37904133 PMCID: PMC10614343 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01291-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cell-to-cell communication is vital for tissues to respond, adapt, and thrive in the prevailing milieu. Several mechanisms mediate intercellular signaling, including tunneling nanotubes, gap junctions, and extracellular vesicles (EV). Depending on local and systemic conditions, EVs may contain cargoes that promote survival, neuroprotection, or pathology. Our understanding of pathologic intercellular signaling has been bolstered by disease models using neurons derived from human pluripotent stems cells (hPSC). METHODS Here, we used hPSC-derived retinal ganglion cells (hRGC) and the mouse visual system to investigate the influence of modulating EV generation on intercellular trafficking and cell survival. We probed the impact of EV modulation on cell survival by decreasing the catabolism of sphingomyelin into ceramide through inhibition of neutral sphingomyelinase (nSMase), using GW4869. We assayed for cell survival in vitro by probing for annexin A5, phosphatidylserine, viable mitochondria, and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. In vivo, we performed intraocular injections of GW4869 and measured RGC and superior colliculus neuron density and RGC anterograde axon transport. RESULTS Following twenty-four hours of dosing hRGCs with GW4869, we found that inhibition of nSMase decreased ceramide and enhanced GM1 ganglioside accumulation. This inhibition also reduced the density of small EVs, increased the density of large EVs, and enriched the pro-apoptotic protein, annexin A5. Reducing nSMase activity increased hRGC apoptosis initiation due to enhanced density and uptake of apoptotic particles, as identified by the annexin A5 binding phospholipid, phosphatidylserine. We assayed intercellular trafficking of mitochondria by developing a coculture system of GW4869-treated and naïve hRGCs. In treated cells, inhibition of nSMase reduced the number of viable mitochondria, while driving mitochondrial reactive oxygen species not only in treated, but also in naive hRGCs added in coculture. In mice, 20 days following a single intravitreal injection of GW4869, we found a significant loss of RGCs and their axonal recipient neurons in the superior colliculus. This followed a more dramatic reduction in anterograde RGC axon transport to the colliculus. CONCLUSION Overall, our data suggest that perturbing the physiologic catabolism of sphingomyelin by inhibiting nSMase reorganizes plasma membrane associated sphingolipids, alters the profile of neuron-generated EVs, and promotes neurodegeneration in vitro and in vivo by shifting the balance of pro-survival versus -degenerative EVs. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Risner
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave S., Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
- Department of Foundational Medical Studies, Eye Research Center, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, 369 Dodge Hall, 118 Library Dr., Rochester, MI, 48309, USA.
| | - Marcio Ribeiro
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave S., Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Nolan R McGrady
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave S., Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Bhanu S Kagitapalli
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave S., Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Xitiz Chamling
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Donald J Zack
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - David J Calkins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave S., Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
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13
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Agarwal D, Dash N, Mazo KW, Chopra M, Avila MP, Patel A, Wong RM, Jia C, Do H, Cheng J, Chiang C, Jurlina SL, Roshan M, Perry MW, Rho JM, Broyer R, Lee CD, Weinreb RN, Gavrilovici C, Oesch NW, Welsbie DS, Wahlin KJ. Human retinal ganglion cell neurons generated by synchronous BMP inhibition and transcription factor mediated reprogramming. NPJ Regen Med 2023; 8:55. [PMID: 37773257 PMCID: PMC10541876 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-023-00327-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In optic neuropathies, including glaucoma, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) die. Cell transplantation and endogenous regeneration offer strategies for retinal repair, however, developmental programs required for this to succeed are incompletely understood. To address this, we explored cellular reprogramming with transcription factor (TF) regulators of RGC development which were integrated into human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) as inducible gene cassettes. When the pioneer factor NEUROG2 was combined with RGC-expressed TFs (ATOH7, ISL1, and POU4F2) some conversion was observed and when pre-patterned by BMP inhibition, RGC-like induced neurons (RGC-iNs) were generated with high efficiency in just under a week. These exhibited transcriptional profiles that were reminiscent of RGCs and exhibited electrophysiological properties, including AMPA-mediated synaptic transmission. Additionally, we demonstrated that small molecule inhibitors of DLK/LZK and GCK-IV can block neuronal death in two pharmacological axon injury models. Combining developmental patterning with RGC-specific TFs thus provided valuable insight into strategies for cell replacement and neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devansh Agarwal
- Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas Dash
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kevin W Mazo
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Manan Chopra
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Maria P Avila
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Amit Patel
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ryan M Wong
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Cairang Jia
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hope Do
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jie Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Colette Chiang
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shawna L Jurlina
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mona Roshan
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael W Perry
- Department of Biological Sciences, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jong M Rho
- Department of Neurosciences, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Risa Broyer
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Cassidy D Lee
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Robert N Weinreb
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Nicholas W Oesch
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Psychology, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Derek S Welsbie
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Karl J Wahlin
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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14
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Soucy JR, Aguzzi EA, Cho J, Gilhooley MJ, Keuthan C, Luo Z, Monavarfeshani A, Saleem MA, Wang XW, Wohlschlegel J, Baranov P, Di Polo A, Fortune B, Gokoffski KK, Goldberg JL, Guido W, Kolodkin AL, Mason CA, Ou Y, Reh TA, Ross AG, Samuels BC, Welsbie D, Zack DJ, Johnson TV. Retinal ganglion cell repopulation for vision restoration in optic neuropathy: a roadmap from the RReSTORe Consortium. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:64. [PMID: 37735444 PMCID: PMC10514988 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00655-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death in glaucoma and other optic neuropathies results in irreversible vision loss due to the mammalian central nervous system's limited regenerative capacity. RGC repopulation is a promising therapeutic approach to reverse vision loss from optic neuropathies if the newly introduced neurons can reestablish functional retinal and thalamic circuits. In theory, RGCs might be repopulated through the transplantation of stem cell-derived neurons or via the induction of endogenous transdifferentiation. The RGC Repopulation, Stem Cell Transplantation, and Optic Nerve Regeneration (RReSTORe) Consortium was established to address the challenges associated with the therapeutic repair of the visual pathway in optic neuropathy. In 2022, the RReSTORe Consortium initiated ongoing international collaborative discussions to advance the RGC repopulation field and has identified five critical areas of focus: (1) RGC development and differentiation, (2) Transplantation methods and models, (3) RGC survival, maturation, and host interactions, (4) Inner retinal wiring, and (5) Eye-to-brain connectivity. Here, we discuss the most pertinent questions and challenges that exist on the path to clinical translation and suggest experimental directions to propel this work going forward. Using these five subtopic discussion groups (SDGs) as a framework, we suggest multidisciplinary approaches to restore the diseased visual pathway by leveraging groundbreaking insights from developmental neuroscience, stem cell biology, molecular biology, optical imaging, animal models of optic neuropathy, immunology & immunotolerance, neuropathology & neuroprotection, materials science & biomedical engineering, and regenerative neuroscience. While significant hurdles remain, the RReSTORe Consortium's efforts provide a comprehensive roadmap for advancing the RGC repopulation field and hold potential for transformative progress in restoring vision in patients suffering from optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Soucy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass. Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erika A Aguzzi
- The Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, England, UK
| | - Julie Cho
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Michael James Gilhooley
- The Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, England, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Casey Keuthan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ziming Luo
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Aboozar Monavarfeshani
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Meher A Saleem
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Health System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Xue-Wei Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Petr Baranov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass. Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Brad Fortune
- Discoveries in Sight Research Laboratories, Devers Eye Institute and Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Health, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kimberly K Gokoffski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - William Guido
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Alex L Kolodkin
- The Solomon H Snyder, Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carol A Mason
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Ophthalmology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yvonne Ou
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ahmara G Ross
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brian C Samuels
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Callahan Eye Hospital, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Derek Welsbie
- Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Donald J Zack
- Glaucoma Center of Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21287 MD, USA
- Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology & Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas V Johnson
- Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology & Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21287 MD, USA.
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15
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Liu W, Shrestha R, Lowe A, Zhang X, Spaeth L. Self-formation of concentric zones of telencephalic and ocular tissues and directional retinal ganglion cell axons. eLife 2023; 12:RP87306. [PMID: 37665325 PMCID: PMC10476969 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87306] [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] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The telencephalon and eye in mammals are originated from adjacent fields at the anterior neural plate. Morphogenesis of these fields generates telencephalon, optic-stalk, optic-disc, and neuroretina along a spatial axis. How these telencephalic and ocular tissues are specified coordinately to ensure directional retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axon growth is unclear. Here, we report self-formation of human telencephalon-eye organoids comprising concentric zones of telencephalic, optic-stalk, optic-disc, and neuroretinal tissues along the center-periphery axis. Initially-differentiated RGCs grew axons towards and then along a path defined by adjacent PAX2+ VSX2+ optic-disc cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing of these organoids not only confirmed telencephalic and ocular identities but also identified expression signatures of early optic-disc, optic-stalk, and RGCs. These signatures were similar to those in human fetal retinas. Optic-disc cells in these organoids differentially expressed FGF8 and FGF9; FGFR inhibitions drastically decreased early RGC differentiation and directional axon growth. Through the RGC-specific cell-surface marker CNTN2 identified here, electrophysiologically excitable RGCs were isolated under a native condition. Our findings provide insight into the coordinated specification of early telencephalic and ocular tissues in humans and establish resources for studying RGC-related diseases such as glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxUnited States
- The Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxUnited States
| | - Rupendra Shrestha
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxUnited States
- The Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxUnited States
| | - Albert Lowe
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxUnited States
| | - Xusheng Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxUnited States
| | - Ludovic Spaeth
- Dominick P Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxUnited States
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16
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Pohl KA, Zhang X, Pham AH, Chan JW, Sadun AA, Yang XJ. Establishing induced pluripotent stem cell lines from two dominant optic atrophy patients with distinct OPA1 mutations and clinical pathologies. Front Genet 2023; 14:1251216. [PMID: 37745862 PMCID: PMC10513078 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1251216] [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: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Dominant optic atrophy (DOA) is an inherited disease that leads to the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the projection neurons that relay visual information from the retina to the brain through the optic nerve. The majority of DOA cases can be attributed to mutations in optic atrophy 1 (OPA1), a nuclear gene encoding a mitochondrial-targeted protein that plays important roles in maintaining mitochondrial structure, dynamics, and bioenergetics. Although OPA1 is ubiquitously expressed in all human tissues, RGCs appear to be the primary cell type affected by OPA1 mutations. DOA has not been extensively studied in human RGCs due to the general unavailability of retinal tissues. However, recent advances in stem cell biology have made it possible to produce human RGCs from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). To aid in establishing DOA disease models based on human PSC-derived RGCs, we have generated iPSC lines from two DOA patients who carry distinct OPA1 mutations and present very different disease symptoms. Studies using these OPA1 mutant RGCs can be correlated with clinical features in the patients to provide insights into DOA disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A. Pohl
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Xiangmei Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Anh H. Pham
- Department of Ophthalmology, Doheny Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Jane W. Chan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Doheny Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Alfredo A. Sadun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Doheny Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Xian-Jie Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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17
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Wong NK, Yip SP, Huang CL. Establishing Functional Retina in a Dish: Progress and Promises of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Retinal Neuron Differentiation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13652. [PMID: 37686457 PMCID: PMC10487913 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713652] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The human eye plays a critical role in vision perception, but various retinal degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can lead to vision loss or blindness. Although progress has been made in understanding retinal development and in clinical research, current treatments remain inadequate for curing or reversing these degenerative conditions. Animal models have limited relevance to humans, and obtaining human eye tissue samples is challenging due to ethical and legal considerations. Consequently, researchers have turned to stem cell-based approaches, specifically induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), to generate distinct retinal cell populations and develop cell replacement therapies. iPSCs offer a novel platform for studying the key stages of human retinogenesis and disease-specific mechanisms. Stem cell technology has facilitated the production of diverse retinal cell types, including retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and photoreceptors, and the development of retinal organoids has emerged as a valuable in vitro tool for investigating retinal neuron differentiation and modeling retinal diseases. This review focuses on the protocols, culture conditions, and techniques employed in differentiating retinal neurons from iPSCs. Furthermore, it emphasizes the significance of molecular and functional validation of the differentiated cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nonthaphat Kent Wong
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shea Ping Yip
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chien-Ling Huang
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
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18
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Liu W, Shrestha R, Lowe A, Zhang X, Spaeth L. Self-formation of concentric zones of telencephalic and ocular tissues and directional retinal ganglion cell axons. eLife 2023; 12:RP87306. [PMID: 37665325 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87306.1] [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] [Indexed: 10/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The telencephalon and eye in mammals are originated from adjacent fields at the anterior neural plate. Morphogenesis of these fields generates telencephalon, optic-stalk, optic-disc, and neuroretina along a spatial axis. How these telencephalic and ocular tissues are specified coordinately to ensure directional retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axon growth is unclear. Here, we report self-formation of human telencephalon-eye organoids comprising concentric zones of telencephalic, optic-stalk, optic-disc, and neuroretinal tissues along the center-periphery axis. Initially-differentiated RGCs grew axons towards and then along a path defined by adjacent PAX2+ VSX2+ optic-disc cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing of these organoids not only confirmed telencephalic and ocular identities but also identified expression signatures of early optic-disc, optic-stalk, and RGCs. These signatures were similar to those in human fetal retinas. Optic-disc cells in these organoids differentially expressed FGF8 and FGF9; FGFR inhibitions drastically decreased early RGC differentiation and directional axon growth. Through the RGC-specific cell-surface marker CNTN2 identified here, electrophysiologically excitable RGCs were isolated under a native condition. Our findings provide insight into the coordinated specification of early telencephalic and ocular tissues in humans and establish resources for studying RGC-related diseases such as glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States
- The Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States
| | - Rupendra Shrestha
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States
- The Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States
| | - Albert Lowe
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States
| | - Xusheng Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States
| | - Ludovic Spaeth
- Dominick P Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States
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19
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Subramani M, Van Hook MJ, Ahmad I. Reproducible generation of human retinal ganglion cells from banked retinal progenitor cells: analysis of target recognition and IGF-1-mediated axon regeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1214104. [PMID: 37519299 PMCID: PMC10373790 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1214104] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The selective degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is a common feature in glaucoma, a complex group of diseases, leading to irreversible vision loss. Stem cell-based glaucoma disease modeling, cell replacement, and axon regeneration are viable approaches to understand mechanisms underlying glaucomatous degeneration for neuroprotection, ex vivo stem cell therapy, and therapeutic regeneration. These approaches require direct and facile generation of human RGCs (hRGCs) from pluripotent stem cells. Here, we demonstrate a method for rapid generation of hRGCs from banked human pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal progenitor cells (hRPCs) by recapitulating the developmental mechanism. The resulting hRGCs are stable, functional, and transplantable and have the potential for target recognition, demonstrating their suitability for both ex vivo stem cell approaches to glaucomatous degeneration and disease modeling. Additionally, we demonstrate that hRGCs derived from banked hRPCs are capable of regenerating their axons through an evolutionarily conserved mechanism involving insulin-like growth factor 1 and the mTOR axis, demonstrating their potential to identify and characterize the underlying mechanism(s) that can be targeted for therapeutic regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Iqbal Ahmad
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
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20
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Ferraro G, Gigante Y, Pitea M, Mautone L, Ruocco G, Di Angelantonio S, Leonetti M. A model eye for fluorescent characterization of retinal cultures and tissues. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10983. [PMID: 37415074 PMCID: PMC10326009 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37806-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Many human neural or neurodegenerative diseases strongly affect the ocular and retinal environment showing peculiar alterations which can be employed as specific disease biomarkers. The noninvasive optical accessibility of the retina makes the ocular investigation a potentially competitive strategy for screening, thus the development of retinal biomarkers is rapidly growing. Nevertheless, a tool to study and image biomarkers or biological samples in a human-like eye environment is still missing. Here we report on a modular and versatile eye model designed to host biological samples, such as retinal cultures differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells and ex-vivo retinal tissue, but also suited to host any kind of retinal biomarkers. We characterized the imaging performance of this eye model on standard biomarkers such as Alexa Fluor 532 and Alexa Fluor 594.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ferraro
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science , Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena, 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
- D-Tails s.r.l. BCorp, Via di Torre Rossa, 66, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Y Gigante
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science , Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena, 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
- D-Tails s.r.l. BCorp, Via di Torre Rossa, 66, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - M Pitea
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science , Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena, 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
- D-Tails s.r.l. BCorp, Via di Torre Rossa, 66, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - L Mautone
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science , Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena, 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - G Ruocco
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science , Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena, 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - S Di Angelantonio
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science , Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena, 291, 00161, Rome, Italy.
- D-Tails s.r.l. BCorp, Via di Torre Rossa, 66, 00165, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - M Leonetti
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science , Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena, 291, 00161, Rome, Italy.
- D-Tails s.r.l. BCorp, Via di Torre Rossa, 66, 00165, Rome, Italy.
- Institute of Nanotechnology, Soft and Living Matter Laboratory, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR-NANOTEC), Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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21
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Liu W, Shrestha R, Lowe A, Zhang X, Spaeth L. Self-formation of concentric zones of telencephalic and ocular tissues and directional retinal ganglion cell axons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.22.533827. [PMID: 36993285 PMCID: PMC10055356 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.22.533827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The telencephalon and eye in mammals are originated from adjacent fields at the anterior neural plate. Morphogenesis of these fields generates telencephalon, optic-stalk, optic-disc, and neuroretina along a spatial axis. How these telencephalic and ocular tissues are specified coordinately to ensure directional retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axon growth is unclear. Here, we report the self-formation of human telencephalon-eye organoids comprising concentric zones of telencephalic, optic-stalk, optic-disc, and neuroretinal tissues along the center-periphery axis. Initially-differentiated RGCs grew axons towards and then along a path defined by adjacent PAX2+ optic-disc cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing of CONCEPT organoids not only confirmed telencephalic and ocular identities but also identified expression signatures of early optic-disc, optic-stalk, and RGCs. These signatures were similar to those in human fetal retinas. Optic-disc cells in CONCEPT organoids differentially expressed FGF8 and FGF9 ; FGFR inhibitions drastically decreased RGC differentiation and directional axon growth. Through the identified RGC-specific cell-surface marker CNTN2, electrophysiologically-excitable RGCs were isolated under a native condition. Our findings provide insight into the coordinated specification of early telencephalic and ocular tissues in humans and establish resources for studying RGC-related diseases such as glaucoma. Impact statement A human telencephalon-eye organoid model that exhibited axon growth and pathfinding from retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons is reported; via cell surface marker CNTN2 identified using scRNA-seq, early RGCs were isolated under a native condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
- Department of Genetics
- The Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine
| | - Rupendra Shrestha
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
- Department of Genetics
- The Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine
| | - Albert Lowe
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
- Department of Genetics
| | | | - Ludovic Spaeth
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461
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22
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Kang J, Gong J, Yang C, Lin X, Yan L, Gong Y, Xu H. Application of Human Stem Cell Derived Retinal Organoids in the Exploration of the Mechanisms of Early Retinal Development. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023:10.1007/s12015-023-10553-x. [PMID: 37269529 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10553-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The intricate neural circuit of retina extracts salient features of the natural world and forms bioelectric impulse as the origin of vision. The early development of retina is a highly complex and coordinated process in morphogenesis and neurogenesis. Increasing evidence indicates that stem cells derived human retinal organoids (hROs) in vitro faithfully recapitulates the embryonic developmental process of human retina no matter in the transcriptome, cellular biology and histomorphology. The emergence of hROs greatly deepens on the understanding of early development of human retina. Here, we reviewed the events of early retinal development both in animal embryos and hROs studies, which mainly comprises the formation of optic vesicle and optic cup shape, differentiation of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), photoreceptor cells (PRs) and its supportive retinal pigment epithelium cells (RPE). We also discussed the classic and frontier molecular pathways up to date to decipher the underlying mechanisms of early development of human retina and hROs. Finally, we summarized the application prospect, challenges and cutting-edge techniques of hROs for uncovering the principles and mechanisms of retinal development and related developmental disorder. hROs is a priori selection for studying human retinal development and function and may be a fundamental tool for unlocking the unknown insight into retinal development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Kang
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jing Gong
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Cao Yang
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xi Lin
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Lijuan Yan
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yu Gong
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Sciences Research Center, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Haiwei Xu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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23
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Boal AM, McGrady NR, Chamling X, Kagitapalli BS, Zack DJ, Calkins DJ, Risner ML. Microfluidic Platforms Promote Polarization of Human-Derived Retinal Ganglion Cells That Model Axonopathy. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:1. [PMID: 37010860 PMCID: PMC10080917 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.4.1] [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: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Axons depend on long-range transport of proteins and organelles which increases susceptibility to metabolic stress in disease. The axon initial segment (AIS) is particularly vulnerable due to the high bioenergetic demand of action potential generation. Here, we prepared retinal ganglion cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hRGCs) to probe how axonal stress alters AIS morphology. Methods hRGCs were cultured on coverslips or microfluidic platforms. We assayed AIS specification and morphology by immunolabeling against ankyrin G (ankG), an axon-specific protein, and postsynaptic density 95 (PSD-95), a dendrite-specific protein. Using microfluidic platforms that enable fluidic isolation, we added colchicine to the axon compartment to lesion axons. We verified axonopathy by measuring the anterograde axon transport of cholera toxin subunit B and immunolabeling against cleaved caspase 3 (CC3) and phosphorylated neurofilament H (SMI-34). We determined the influence of axon injury on AIS morphology by immunolabeling samples against ankG and measuring AIS distance from soma and length. Results Based on measurements of ankG and PSD-95 immunolabeling, microfluidic platforms promote the formation and separation of distinct somatic-dendritic versus axonal compartments in hRGCs compared to coverslip cultures. Chemical lesioning of axons by colchicine reduced hRGC anterograde axon transport, increased varicosity density, and enhanced expression of CC3 and SMI-34. Interestingly, we found that colchicine selectively affected hRGCs with axon-carrying dendrites by reducing AIS distance from somas and increasing length, thus suggesting reduced capacity to maintain excitability. Conclusions Thus, microfluidic platforms promote polarized hRGCs that enable modeling of axonopathy. Translational Relevance Microfluidic platforms may be used to assay compartmentalized degeneration that occurs during glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M. Boal
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Nolan R. McGrady
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Xitiz Chamling
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bhanu S. Kagitapalli
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Donald J. Zack
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David J. Calkins
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Michael L. Risner
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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24
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Li W, Berlinicke C, Huang Y, Giera S, McGrath AG, Fang W, Chen C, Takaesu F, Chang X, Duan Y, Kumar D, Chang C, Mao HQ, Sheng G, Dodge JC, Ji H, Madden S, Zack DJ, Chamling X. High-throughput screening for myelination promoting compounds using human stem cell-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. iScience 2023; 26:106156. [PMID: 36852281 PMCID: PMC9958491 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Promoting myelination capacity of endogenous oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) is a promising therapeutic approach for CNS demyelinating disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). To aid in the discovery of myelination-promoting compounds, we generated a genome-engineered human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) line that consists of three reporters: identification-and-purification tag, GFP, and secreted-NanoLuc, driven by the endogenous PDGFRA, PLP1, and MBP genes, respectively. Using this cell line, we established a high-throughput drug screening platform and performed a small-molecule screen, which identified at least two myelination-promoting small-molecule (Ro1138452 and SR2211) that target prostacyclin (IP) receptor and retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γ (RORγ), respectively. Single-cell-transcriptomic analysis of differentiating OPCs treated with these molecules further confirmed that they promote oligodendrocyte differentiation and revealed several pathways that are potentially modulated by them. The molecules and their target pathways provide promising targets for the possible development of remyelination-based therapy for MS and other demyelinating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifeng Li
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Cynthia Berlinicke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Yinyin Huang
- Sanofi Inc., Translational Science, 350 Water Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Stefanie Giera
- Sanofi Inc., Rare and Neurologic Diseases Therapeutic Area, 350 Water Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Anna G. McGrath
- Sanofi Inc., Rare and Neurologic Diseases Therapeutic Area, 350 Water Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Weixiang Fang
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Chaoran Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Felipe Takaesu
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University School of Medicine & Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Xiaoli Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Yukan Duan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Dinesh Kumar
- Sanofi Inc., Translational Science, 350 Water Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Calvin Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Hai-Quan Mao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Whiting School of Engineering Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Guoqing Sheng
- Sanofi Inc., Rare and Neurologic Diseases Therapeutic Area, 350 Water Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
| | - James C. Dodge
- Sanofi Inc., Rare and Neurologic Diseases Therapeutic Area, 350 Water Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Hongkai Ji
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Stephen Madden
- Sanofi Inc., Translational Science, 350 Water Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Donald J. Zack
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Xitiz Chamling
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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25
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Bai J, Koos DS, Stepanian K, Fouladian Z, Shayler DWH, Aparicio JG, Fraser SE, Moats RA, Cobrinik D. Episodic live imaging of cone photoreceptor maturation in GNAT2-EGFP retinal organoids. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.28.530518. [PMID: 36909527 PMCID: PMC10002746 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.28.530518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent reporter pluripotent stem cell (PSC) derived retinal organoids are powerful tools to investigate cell type-specific development and disease phenotypes. When combined with live imaging, they enable direct and repeated observation of cell behaviors within a developing retinal tissue. Here, we generated a human cone photoreceptor reporter line by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing of WTC11-mTagRFPT-LMNB1 human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by inserting enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) coding sequences and a 2A self-cleaving peptide at the N-terminus of Guanine Nucleotide-Binding Protein Subunit Alpha Transducin 2 (GNAT2). In retinal organoids generated from these iPSCs, the GNAT2-EGFP allele robustly and exclusively labeled both immature and mature cones starting at culture day 34. Episodic confocal live imaging of hydrogel immobilized retinal organoids allowed tracking of morphological maturation of individual cones for >18 weeks and revealed inner segment accumulation of mitochondria and growth at 12.2 cubic microns per day from day 126 to day 153. Immobilized GNAT2-EGFP cone reporter organoids provide a valuable tool for investigating human cone development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlun Bai
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Development, Stem Cell, and Regenerative Medicine Program, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David S. Koos
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Translational Biomedical Imaging Laboratory, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kayla Stepanian
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zachary Fouladian
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Development, Stem Cell, and Regenerative Medicine Program, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dominic W. H. Shayler
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Development, Stem Cell, and Regenerative Medicine Program, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer G. Aparicio
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Scott E. Fraser
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Translational Biomedical Imaging Laboratory, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Translational Imaging Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rex A. Moats
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Translational Biomedical Imaging Laboratory, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David Cobrinik
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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26
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Surma M, Anbarasu K, Dutta S, Olivera Perez LJ, Huang KC, Meyer JS, Das A. Enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis promotes neuroprotection in human pluripotent stem cell derived retinal ganglion cells. Commun Biol 2023; 6:218. [PMID: 36828933 PMCID: PMC9957998 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04576-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunctions are widely afflicted in central nervous system (CNS) disorders with minimal understanding on how to improve mitochondrial homeostasis to promote neuroprotection. Here we have used human stem cell differentiated retinal ganglion cells (hRGCs) of the CNS, which are highly sensitive towards mitochondrial dysfunctions due to their unique structure and function, to identify mechanisms for improving mitochondrial quality control (MQC). We show that hRGCs are efficient in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis through rapid degradation and biogenesis of mitochondria under acute damage. Using a glaucomatous Optineurin mutant (E50K) stem cell line, we show that at basal level mutant hRGCs possess less mitochondrial mass and suffer mitochondrial swelling due to excess ATP production load. Activation of mitochondrial biogenesis through pharmacological inhibition of the Tank binding kinase 1 (TBK1) restores energy homeostasis, mitigates mitochondrial swelling with neuroprotection against acute mitochondrial damage for glaucomatous E50K hRGCs, revealing a novel neuroprotection mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Surma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Kavitha Anbarasu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Sayanta Dutta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | | | - Kang-Chieh Huang
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Jason S Meyer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Arupratan Das
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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Subramani M, Hook MV, Rajamoorthy M, Qiu F, Ahmad I. Human Retinal Ganglion Cells Respond to Evolutionarily Conserved Chemotropic Cues for Intra Retinal Guidance and Regeneration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.01.526677. [PMID: 36778442 PMCID: PMC9915675 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.01.526677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) connect the retina with the higher centers in the brain for visual perception. Their degeneration leads to irreversible vision loss in glaucoma patients. Since human RGCs (hRGCs) are born during fetal development and connections with the central targets are established before birth, the mechanism underlying their axon growth and guidance remains poorly understood. Here, using RGCs directly generated from human embryonic stem cells, we demonstrate that hRGCs express a battery of guidance receptors. These receptors allow hRGCs to read the spatially arrayed chemotropic cues in the developing rat retina for the centripetal orientation of axons toward the optic disc, suggesting that the mechanism of intra-retinal guidance is conserved in hRGCs. The centripetal orientation of hRGCs axons is not only in response to chemo-repulsion but also involves chemo-attraction, mediated by Netrin-1/DCC interactions. The spatially arrayed chemotropic cues differentially influence hRGCs physiological responses, suggesting that neural activity of hRGCs may facilitate axon growth during inter-retinal guidance. Additionally, we demonstrate that Netrin-1/DCC interactions, besides promoting axon growth, facilitate hRGCs axon regeneration by recruiting the mTOR signaling pathway. The diverse influence of Netrin-1/DCC interactions ranging from axon growth to regeneration may involve recruitment of multiple intracellular signaling pathways as revealed by transcriptome analysis of hRGCs. From the perspective of ex-vivo stem cell approach to glaucomatous degeneration, our findings posit that ex-vivo generated human RGCs are capable of reading the intra-retinal cues for guidance toward the optic disc, the first step toward connecting with the central target to restore vision.
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Huang KC, Gomes C, Shiga Y, Belforte N, VanderWall KB, Lavekar SS, Fligor CM, Harkin J, Di Polo A, Meyer JS. Autophagy disruption reduces mTORC1 activation leading to retinal ganglion cell neurodegeneration associated with glaucoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.04.522687. [PMID: 36711831 PMCID: PMC9881969 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.04.522687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy dysfunction has been associated with several neurodegenerative diseases including glaucoma, characterized by the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). However, the mechanisms by which autophagy dysfunction promotes RGC damage remain unclear. Here, we hypothesized that perturbation of the autophagy pathway results in increased autophagic demand, thereby downregulating signaling through mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), a negative regulator of autophagy, contributing to the degeneration of RGCs. We identified an impairment of autophagic-lysosomal degradation and decreased mTORC1 signaling via activation of the stress sensor adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), along with subsequent neurodegeneration in RGCs differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) with a glaucoma-associated variant of Optineurin (OPTN-E50K). Similarly, the microbead occlusion model of glaucoma resulting in ocular hypertension also exhibited autophagy disruption and mTORC1 downregulation. Pharmacological inhibition of mTORC1 in hPSC-derived RGCs recapitulated disease-related neurodegenerative phenotypes in otherwise healthy RGCs, while the mTOR-independent induction of autophagy reduced protein accumulation and restored neurite outgrowth in diseased OPTN-E50K RGCs. Taken together, these results highlight an important balance between autophagy and mTORC1 signaling essential for RGC homeostasis, while disruption to these pathways contributes to neurodegenerative features in glaucoma, providing a potential therapeutic target to prevent neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Chieh Huang
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN USA
| | - Cátia Gomes
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN USA
| | - Yukihiro Shiga
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Belforte
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kirstin B. VanderWall
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN USA
| | - Sailee S. Lavekar
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN USA
| | - Clarisse M. Fligor
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN USA
| | - Jade Harkin
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN USA
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jason S. Meyer
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN USA
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Huang KC, Gomes C, Meyer JS. Retinal Ganglion Cells in a Dish: Current Strategies and Recommended Best Practices for Effective In Vitro Modeling of Development and Disease. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 281:83-102. [PMID: 36907969 PMCID: PMC10497719 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_642] [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] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
The ability to derive retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) provides an extraordinary opportunity to study the development of RGCs as well as cellular mechanisms underlying their degeneration in optic neuropathies. In the past several years, multiple approaches have been established that allow for the generation of RGCs from hPSCs, with these methods greatly improved in more recent studies to yield mature RGCs that more faithfully recapitulate phenotypes within the eye. Nevertheless, numerous differences still remain between hPSC-RGCs and those found within the human eye, with these differences likely explained at least in part due to the environment in which hPSC-RGCs are grown. With the ultimate goal of generating hPSC-RGCs that most closely resemble those within the retina for proper studies of retinal development, disease modeling, as well as cellular replacement, we review within this manuscript the current effective approaches for the differentiation of hPSC-RGCs, as well as how they have been applied for the investigation of RGC neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma. Furthermore, we provide our opinions on the characteristics of RGCs necessary for their use as effective in vitro disease models and importantly, how these current systems should be improved to more accurately reflect disease states. The establishment of characteristics in differentiated hPSC-RGCs that more effectively mimic RGCs within the retina will not only enable their use as effective models of RGC development, but will also create a better disease model for the identification of mechanisms underlying the neurodegeneration of RGCs in disease states such as glaucoma, further facilitating the development of therapeutic approaches to rescue RGCs from degeneration in disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Chieh Huang
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Cátia Gomes
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jason S Meyer
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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Cvekl A, Camerino MJ. Generation of Lens Progenitor Cells and Lentoid Bodies from Pluripotent Stem Cells: Novel Tools for Human Lens Development and Ocular Disease Etiology. Cells 2022; 11:3516. [PMID: 36359912 PMCID: PMC9658148 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into specialized tissues and organs represents a powerful approach to gain insight into those cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating human development. Although normal embryonic eye development is a complex process, generation of ocular organoids and specific ocular tissues from pluripotent stem cells has provided invaluable insights into the formation of lineage-committed progenitor cell populations, signal transduction pathways, and self-organization principles. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent advances in generation of adenohypophyseal, olfactory, and lens placodes, lens progenitor cells and three-dimensional (3D) primitive lenses, "lentoid bodies", and "micro-lenses". These cells are produced alone or "community-grown" with other ocular tissues. Lentoid bodies/micro-lenses generated from human patients carrying mutations in crystallin genes demonstrate proof-of-principle that these cells are suitable for mechanistic studies of cataractogenesis. Taken together, current and emerging advanced in vitro differentiation methods pave the road to understand molecular mechanisms of cataract formation caused by the entire spectrum of mutations in DNA-binding regulatory genes, such as PAX6, SOX2, FOXE3, MAF, PITX3, and HSF4, individual crystallins, and other genes such as BFSP1, BFSP2, EPHA2, GJA3, GJA8, LIM2, MIP, and TDRD7 represented in human cataract patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleš Cvekl
- Departments Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Michael John Camerino
- Departments Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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31
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Croteau LP, Risner ML, Wareham LK, McGrady NR, Chamling X, Zack DJ, Calkins DJ. Ex Vivo Integration of Human Stem Retinal Ganglion Cells into the Mouse Retina. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203241. [PMID: 36291110 PMCID: PMC9600680 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203241] [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: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell replacement therapies may be key in achieving functional recovery in neurodegenerative optic neuropathies diseases such as glaucoma. One strategy that holds promise in this regard is the use of human embryonic stem cell and induced pluripotent stem-derived retinal ganglion cells (hRGCs). Previous hRGC transplantation studies have shown modest success. This is in part due to the low survival and integration of the transplanted cells in the host retina. The field is further challenged by mixed assays and outcome measurements that probe and determine transplantation success. Thefore, we have devised a transplantation assay involving hRGCs and mouse retina explants that bypasses physical barriers imposed by retinal membranes. We show that hRGC neurites and somas are capable of invading mouse explants with a subset of hRGC neurites being guided by mouse RGC axons. Neonatal mouse retina explants, and to a lesser extent, adult explants, promote hRGC integrity and neurite outgrowth. Using this assay, we tested whether suppmenting cultures with brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the adenylate cyclase activator, forskolin, enhances hRGC neurite integration, neurite outgrowth, and integrity. We show that supplementing cultures with a combination BDNF and forskolin strongly favors hRGC integrity, increasing neurite outgrowth and complexity as well as the invasion of mouse explants. The transplantation assay presented here is a practical tool for investigating strategies for testing and optimizing the integration of donor cells into host tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis-Philippe Croteau
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Michael L. Risner
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Lauren K. Wareham
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Nolan R. McGrady
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Xitiz Chamling
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Donald J. Zack
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - David J. Calkins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Correspondence:
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32
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Sladen PE, Jovanovic K, Guarascio R, Ottaviani D, Salsbury G, Novoselova T, Chapple JP, Yu-Wai-Man P, Cheetham ME. Modelling autosomal dominant optic atrophy associated with OPA1 variants in iPSC-derived retinal ganglion cells. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:3478-3493. [PMID: 35652445 PMCID: PMC9558835 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal dominant optic atrophy (DOA) is the most common inherited optic neuropathy, characterized by the preferential loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), resulting in optic nerve degeneration and progressive bilateral central vision loss. More than 60% of genetically confirmed patients with DOA carry variants in the nuclear OPA1 gene, which encodes for a ubiquitously expressed, mitochondrial GTPase protein. OPA1 has diverse functions within the mitochondrial network, facilitating inner membrane fusion and cristae modelling, regulating mitochondrial DNA maintenance and coordinating mitochondrial bioenergetics. There are currently no licensed disease-modifying therapies for DOA and the disease mechanisms driving RGC degeneration are poorly understood. Here, we describe the generation of isogenic, heterozygous OPA1 null induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) (OPA1+/-) through clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 gene editing of a control cell line, in conjunction with the generation of DOA patient-derived iPSC carrying OPA1 variants, namely, the c.2708_2711delTTAG variant (DOA iPSC), and previously reported missense variant iPSC line (c.1334G>A, DOA plus [DOA]+ iPSC) and CRISPR/Cas9 corrected controls. A two-dimensional (2D) differentiation protocol was used to study the effect of OPA1 variants on iPSC-RGC differentiation and mitochondrial function. OPA1+/-, DOA and DOA+ iPSC showed no differentiation deficit compared to control iPSC lines, exhibiting comparable expression of all relevant markers at each stage of differentiation. OPA1+/- and OPA1 variant iPSC-RGCs exhibited impaired mitochondrial homeostasis, with reduced bioenergetic output and compromised mitochondrial DNA maintenance. These data highlight mitochondrial deficits associated with OPA1 dysfunction in human iPSC-RGCs, and establish a platform to study disease mechanisms that contribute to RGC loss in DOA, as well as potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E Sladen
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | | | | | - Daniele Ottaviani
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, and Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua 35129, Italy
| | - Grace Salsbury
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Tatiana Novoselova
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - J Paul Chapple
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Patrick Yu-Wai-Man
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, UK
- Cambridge Eye Unit, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge University Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
- Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair and MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
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33
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Das A, Imanishi Y. Drug Discovery Strategies for Inherited Retinal Degenerations. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:1338. [PMID: 36138817 PMCID: PMC9495580 DOI: 10.3390/biology11091338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Inherited retinal degeneration is a group of blinding disorders afflicting more than 1 in 4000 worldwide. These disorders frequently cause the death of photoreceptor cells or retinal ganglion cells. In a subset of these disorders, photoreceptor cell death is a secondary consequence of retinal pigment epithelial cell dysfunction or degeneration. This manuscript reviews current efforts in identifying targets and developing small molecule-based therapies for these devastating neuronal degenerations, for which no cures exist. Photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells are metabolically demanding owing to their unique structures and functional properties. Modulations of metabolic pathways, which are disrupted in most inherited retinal degenerations, serve as promising therapeutic strategies. In monogenic disorders, great insights were previously obtained regarding targets associated with the defective pathways, including phototransduction, visual cycle, and mitophagy. In addition to these target-based drug discoveries, we will discuss how phenotypic screening can be harnessed to discover beneficial molecules without prior knowledge of their mechanisms of action. Because of major anatomical and biological differences, it has frequently been challenging to model human inherited retinal degeneration conditions using small animals such as rodents. Recent advances in stem cell-based techniques are opening new avenues to obtain pure populations of human retinal ganglion cells and retinal organoids with photoreceptor cells. We will discuss concurrent ideas of utilizing stem-cell-based disease models for drug discovery and preclinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arupratan Das
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Yoshikazu Imanishi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Nie Z, Wang C, Chen J, Ji Y, Zhang H, Zhao F, Zhou X, Guan MX. Abnormal morphology and function in retinal ganglion cells derived from patients-specific iPSCs generated from individuals with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 32:231-243. [PMID: 35947995 PMCID: PMC9840204 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a maternally inherited eye disease that results from degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGC). Mitochondrial ND4 11778G > A mutation, which affects structural components of complex I, is the most prevalent LHON-associated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation worldwide. The m.11778G > A mutation is the primary contributor underlying the development of LHON and X-linked PRICKLE3 allele (c.157C > T, p.Arg53Trp) linked to biogenesis of ATPase interacts with m.11778G > A mutation to cause LHON. However, the lack of appropriate cell and animal models of LHON has been significant obstacles for deep elucidation of disease pathophysiology, specifically the tissue-specific effects. Using RGC-like cells differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from members of one Chinese family (asymptomatic subjects carrying only m.11778G > A mutation or PRICKLE3 p.Arg53Trp mutation, symptomatic individuals bearing both m.11778G > A and PRICKLE3 p.Arg53Trp mutations and control lacking these mutations), we demonstrated the deleterious effects of mitochondrial dysfunctions on the morphology and functions of RGCs. Notably, iPSCs bearing only m.11778G > A or p.Arg53Trp mutation exhibited mild defects in differentiation to RGC-like cells. The RGC-like cells carrying only m.11778G > A or p.Arg53Trp mutation displayed mild defects in RGC morphology, including the area of soma and numbers of neurites, electrophysiological properties, ATP contents and apoptosis. Strikingly, those RGC-like cells derived from symptomatic individuals harboring both m.11778G > A and p.Arg53Trp mutations displayed greater defects in the development, morphology and functions than those in cells bearing single mutation. These findings provide new insights into pathophysiology of LHON arising from RGC deficiencies caused by synergy between m.11778G > A and PRICKLE3 p.Arg53Trp mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yanchun Ji
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,Institute of Genetics and Department of Human Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongxing Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Fuxin Zhao
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiangtian Zhou
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Min-Xin Guan
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at: Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China. Tel: 86-571-88206916; Fax: 86-571-88982377;
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35
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Zhang KY, Johnson TV. Analyses of transplanted human retinal ganglion cell morphology and localization in murine organotypic retinal explant culture. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101328. [PMID: 35496811 PMCID: PMC9043871 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) transplantation has the potential to restore vision in optic neuropathy, but donor neuron survival and retinal integration remain challenging. Here, we present a protocol for ex vivo human RGC transplantation on flatmounted murine organotypic retinal explants, providing a robust platform for studying donor RGC survival, dendritic stratification, topographic distribution, donor-host interactions, and pro-engraftment strategies. The protocol includes microscopy-based analyses to evaluate donor cell engraftment and can be adapted to various donor cell types or culture systems. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Zhang et al. (2021a, 2021b). Protocol for murine organotypic retinal explant culture with RGC transplantation Proteolytic digestion of the internal limiting membrane enhances engraftment Microscopy-based analyses quantify donor RGC survival and topology Three-dimensional microscopy reconstructions localize donor neurite engraftment
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36
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Zhang Q, Li Y, Zhuo Y. Synaptic or Non-synaptic? Different Intercellular Interactions with Retinal Ganglion Cells in Optic Nerve Regeneration. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:3052-3072. [PMID: 35266115 PMCID: PMC9016027 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02781-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Axons of adult neurons in the mammalian central nervous system generally fail to regenerate by themselves, and few if any therapeutic options exist to reverse this situation. Due to a weak intrinsic potential for axon growth and the presence of strong extrinsic inhibitors, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) cannot regenerate their axons spontaneously after optic nerve injury and eventually undergo apoptosis, resulting in permanent visual dysfunction. Regarding the extracellular environment, research to date has generally focused on glial cells and inflammatory cells, while few studies have discussed the potentially significant role of interneurons that make direct connections with RGCs as part of the complex retinal circuitry. In this study, we provide a novel angle to summarize these extracellular influences following optic nerve injury as "intercellular interactions" with RGCs and classify these interactions as synaptic and non-synaptic. By discussing current knowledge of non-synaptic (glial cells and inflammatory cells) and synaptic (mostly amacrine cells and bipolar cells) interactions, we hope to accentuate the previously neglected but significant effects of pre-synaptic interneurons and bring unique insights into future pursuit of optic nerve regeneration and visual function recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yiqing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Yehong Zhuo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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Harvey JP, Sladen PE, Yu-Wai-Man P, Cheetham ME. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Inherited Optic Neuropathies-Disease Modeling and Therapeutic Development. J Neuroophthalmol 2022; 42:35-44. [PMID: 34629400 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000001375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inherited optic neuropathies (IONs) cause progressive irreversible visual loss in children and young adults. There are limited disease-modifying treatments, and most patients progress to become severely visually impaired, fulfilling the legal criteria for blind registration. The seminal discovery of the technique for reprogramming somatic nondividing cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has opened several exciting opportunities in the field of ION research and treatment. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A systematic review of the literature was conducted with PubMed using the following search terms: autosomal dominant optic atrophy, ADOA, dominant optic atrophy, DOA, Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, LHON, optic atrophy, induced pluripotent stem cell, iPSC, iPSC derived, iPS, stem cell, retinal ganglion cell, and RGC. Clinical trials were identified on the ClinicalTrials.gov website. RESULTS This review article is focused on disease modeling and the therapeutic strategies being explored with iPSC technologies for the 2 most common IONs, namely, dominant optic atrophy and Leber hereditary optic neuropathy. The rationale and translational advances for cell-based and gene-based therapies are explored, as well as opportunities for neuroprotection and drug screening. CONCLUSIONS iPSCs offer an elegant, patient-focused solution to the investigation of the genetic defects and disease mechanisms underpinning IONs. Furthermore, this group of disorders is uniquely amenable to both the disease modeling capability and the therapeutic potential that iPSCs offer. This fast-moving area will remain at the forefront of both basic and translational ION research in the coming years, with the potential to accelerate the development of effective therapies for patients affected with these blinding diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Paul Harvey
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (JPH, PES, PY-W-M, MC), London, United Kingdom; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (JPH, PY-W-M), London, United Kingdom; Department of Clinical Neurosciences (PY-W-M), Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; and Department of Clinical Neurosciences (PY-W-M), John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair and MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Chang KC, Liu PF, Chang CH, Lin YC, Chen YJ, Shu CW. The interplay of autophagy and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis and therapy of retinal degenerative diseases. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:1. [PMID: 34980273 PMCID: PMC8725349 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00736-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is mainly caused by intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which is highly associated with normal physiological homeostasis and the pathogenesis of diseases, particularly ocular diseases. Autophagy is a self-clearance pathway that removes oxidized cellular components and regulates cellular ROS levels. ROS can modulate autophagy activity through transcriptional and posttranslational mechanisms. Autophagy further triggers transcription factor activation and degrades impaired organelles and proteins to eliminate excessive ROS in cells. Thus, autophagy may play an antioxidant role in protecting ocular cells from oxidative stress. Nevertheless, excessive autophagy may cause autophagic cell death. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of interaction between ROS and autophagy and their roles in the pathogenesis of several ocular diseases, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), and optic nerve atrophy, which are major causes of blindness. The autophagy modulators used to treat ocular diseases are further discussed. The findings of the studies reviewed here might shed light on the development and use of autophagy modulators for the future treatment of ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Che Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Neurobiology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Feng Liu
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, PhD Program in Life Science, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsuan Chang
- Institute of BioPharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 70, Lianhai Rd., Gushan Dist., Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Cheng Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ju Chen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wen Shu
- Institute of BioPharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 70, Lianhai Rd., Gushan Dist., Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan.
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39
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Fu Y, Gao X, He GH, Chen S, Gu ZH, Zhang YL, Li LY. Protective effects of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell exosomes in a diabetic rat model through live retinal imaging. Int J Ophthalmol 2021; 14:1828-1833. [PMID: 34926195 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2021.12.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess the protective effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell exosomes (hucMSC-Exs) in a diabetic rat model by using a variety of retinal bioassays. METHODS hucMSCs were subjected to differential ultracentrifugation for the collection of exosomes, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) using a NanoSight analysis system and Western blotting (WB) were used to analyze the expression of surface marker proteins such as CD63, CD9 and Calnexin. Streptozotocin (STZ) was injected into the intraperitoneal cavity to establish a diabetic model. Rats were divided into a normal group, diabetic group and hucMSC-Ex group. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and other live imaging methods were used to observe the fundus of the rats. Finally, the eyeballs of rats from each group were collected for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to further analyze the retinal structure. RESULTS Through TEM, NTA and WB, we successfully isolated hucMSC-Exs. Subsequent FFA and OCT confirmed that hucMSC-Exs effectively prevented early retinal vascular damage and thickening of the retina. Finally, HE staining of rat retinal sections revealed that exosomes effectively alleviated retinal structure disruption caused by diabetes. CONCLUSION hucMSC-Exs have a protective effect on the retina in diabetic rat through FFA, OCT and HE staining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baoding No.1 Central Hospital, Baoding 071000, Hebei Province, China.,Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300020, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- College of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Guang-Hui He
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin 300020, China.,Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300020, China.,Ophthalmic Center of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Hospital, Urumqi 830002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Song Chen
- College of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.,Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin 300020, China.,Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300020, China
| | - Zhao-Hui Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baoding No.1 Central Hospital, Baoding 071000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yue-Ling Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baoding No.1 Central Hospital, Baoding 071000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Li-Ying Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baoding No.1 Central Hospital, Baoding 071000, Hebei Province, China
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Dromel PC, Singh D, Andres E, Likes M, Kurisawa M, Alexander-Katz A, Spector M, Young M. A bioinspired gelatin-hyaluronic acid-based hybrid interpenetrating network for the enhancement of retinal ganglion cells replacement therapy. NPJ Regen Med 2021; 6:85. [PMID: 34930951 PMCID: PMC8688498 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-021-00195-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomaterial-based cell replacement approaches to regenerative medicine are emerging as promising treatments for a wide array of profound clinical problems. Here we report an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) composed of gelatin-hydroxyphenyl propionic acid and hyaluronic acid tyramine that is able to enhance intravitreal retinal cell therapy. By tuning our bioinspired hydrogel to mimic the vitreous chemical composition and mechanical characteristics we were able to improve in vitro and in vivo viability of human retinal ganglion cells (hRGC) incorporated into the IPN. In vivo vitreal injections of cell-bearing IPN in rats showed extensive attachment to the inner limiting membrane of the retina, improving with hydrogels stiffness. Engrafted hRGC displayed signs of regenerating processes along the optic nerve. Of note was the decrease in the immune cell response to hRGC delivered in the gel. The findings compel further translation of the gelatin-hyaluronic acid IPN for intravitreal cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre C Dromel
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Deepti Singh
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eliot Andres
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Motoichi Kurisawa
- A*STAR Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Myron Spector
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Young
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Yazdankhah M, Ghosh S, Shang P, Stepicheva N, Hose S, Liu H, Chamling X, Tian S, Sullivan ML, Calderon MJ, Fitting CS, Weiss J, Jayagopal A, Handa JT, Sahel JA, Zigler JS, Kinchington PR, Zack DJ, Sinha D. BNIP3L-mediated mitophagy is required for mitochondrial remodeling during the differentiation of optic nerve oligodendrocytes. Autophagy 2021; 17:3140-3159. [PMID: 33404293 PMCID: PMC8526037 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2020.1871204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell axons are heavily myelinated (98%) and myelin damage in the optic nerve (ON) severely affects vision. Understanding the molecular mechanism of oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) differentiation into mature oligodendrocytes will be essential for developing new therapeutic approaches for ON demyelinating diseases. To this end, we developed a new method for isolation and culture of ON-derived oligodendrocyte lineage cells and used it to study OPC differentiation. A critical aspect of cellular differentiation is macroautophagy/autophagy, a catabolic process that allows for cell remodeling by degradation of excess or damaged cellular molecules and organelles. Knockdown of ATG9A and BECN1 (pro-autophagic proteins involved in the early stages of autophagosome formation) led to a significant reduction in proliferation and survival of OPCs. We also found that autophagy flux (a measure of autophagic degradation activity) is significantly increased during progression of oligodendrocyte differentiation. Additionally, we demonstrate a significant change in mitochondrial dynamics during oligodendrocyte differentiation, which is associated with a significant increase in programmed mitophagy (selective autophagic clearance of mitochondria). This process is mediated by the mitophagy receptor BNIP3L (BCL2/adenovirus E1B interacting protein 3-like). BNIP3L-mediated mitophagy plays a crucial role in the regulation of mitochondrial network formation, mitochondrial function and the viability of newly differentiated oligodendrocytes. Our studies provide novel evidence that proper mitochondrial dynamics is required for establishment of functional mitochondria in mature oligodendrocytes. These findings are significant because targeting BNIP3L-mediated programmed mitophagy may provide a novel therapeutic approach for stimulating myelin repair in ON demyelinating diseases.Abbreviations: A2B5: a surface antigen of oligodendrocytes precursor cells, A2B5 clone 105; ACTB: actin, beta; APC: an antibody to label mature oligodendrocytes, anti-adenomatous polyposis coli clone CC1; ATG5: autophagy related 5; ATG7: autophagy related 7; ATG9A: autophagy related 9A; AU: arbitrary units; BafA1: bafilomycin A1; BCL2: B cell leukemia/lymphoma 2; BECN1: beclin 1, autophagy related; BNIP3: BCL2/adenovirus E1B interacting protein 3; BNIP3L/NIX: BCL2/adenovirus E1B interacting protein 3-like; CASP3: caspase 3; CNP: 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase; Ctl: control; COX8: cytochrome c oxidase subunit; CSPG4/NG2: chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4; DAPI: 4'6-diamino-2-phenylindole; DNM1L: dynamin 1-like; EGFP: enhanced green fluorescent protein; FACS: fluorescence-activated cell sorting; FIS1: fission, mitochondrial 1; FUNDC1: FUN14 domain containing 1; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; GFAP: glial fibrillary growth factor; GFP: green fluorescent protein; HsESC: human embryonic stem cell; IEM: immunoelectron microscopy; LAMP1: lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1; LC3B: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3; MBP: myelin basic protein; MFN2: mitofusin 2; Mito-Keima: mitochondria-targeted monomeric keima-red; Mito-GFP: mitochondria-green fluorescent protein; Mito-RFP: mitochondria-red fluorescent protein; MitoSOX: red mitochondrial superoxide probe; MKI67: antigen identified by monoclonal antibody Ki 67; MMP: mitochondrial membrane potential; O4: oligodendrocyte marker O4; OLIG2: oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2; ON: optic nerve; OPA1: OPA1, mitochondrial dynamin like GTPase; OPC: oligodendrocyte progenitor cell; PDL: poly-D-lysine; PINK1: PTEN induced putative kinase 1; PRKN/Parkin: parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase; RFP: red fluorescent protein; RGC: retinal ganglion cell; ROS: reactive oxygen species; RT-PCR: real time polymerase chain reaction; SEM: standard error of the mean; SOD2: superoxide dismutase 2, mitochondrial; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; TEM: transmission electron microscopy; TMRM: tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester; TOMM20: translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20; TUBB: tubulin, beta; TUBB3: tubulin, beta 3 class III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meysam Yazdankhah
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sayan Ghosh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Peng Shang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nadezda Stepicheva
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stacey Hose
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Haitao Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Xitiz Chamling
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shenghe Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mara L.G. Sullivan
- Department of Cell Biology and Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael Joseph Calderon
- Department of Cell Biology and Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Christopher S. Fitting
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Joseph Weiss
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - James T. Handa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Institut De La Vision, INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - J. Samuel Zigler
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Paul R. Kinchington
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Donald J. Zack
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Debasish Sinha
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Fan J, Liu J, Liu J, Chen C, Koutalos Y, Crosson CE. Evidence for ceramide induced cytotoxicity in retinal ganglion cells. Exp Eye Res 2021; 211:108762. [PMID: 34499916 PMCID: PMC8511283 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108762] [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: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Ceramides are bioactive compounds that play important roles in regulating cellular responses to extracellular stimuli and stress. Previous studies have shown that ceramides contribute to retinal degeneration associated with ischemic and ocular hypertensive stress. Acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) is one of the major enzymes responsible for the stress-induced generation of ceramides. The goals of this study are to investigate the effects of ceramides on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and of ASMase inhibition in ocular hypertensive mice. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived RGCs and primary cultures of human optic nerve head astrocytes were used to characterize the response to C2-ceramide. Microbead-induced ocular hypertension in the ASMase heterozygote mouse model was used to confirm the physiological relevance of in vitro studies. In mice, RGC function and morphology were assessed with pattern ERG (pERG) and immunofluorescence. The addition of C2-ceramide to iPSC-derived RGCs produced a significant concentration- and time-dependent reduction in cell numbers when compared to control cultures. While the addition of C2-ceramide to astrocytes did not affect viability, it resulted in a 2.6-fold increase in TNF-α secretion. The addition of TNF-α or conditioned media from C2-ceramide-treated astrocytes to RGC cultures significantly reduced cell numbers by 56.1 ± 8.4% and 24.7 ± 4.8%, respectively. This cytotoxic response to astrocyte-conditioned media was blocked by TNF-α antibody. In ASMase heterozygote mice, functional and morphological analyses of ocular hypertensive eyes reveal significantly less RGC degeneration when compared with hypertensive eyes from wild-type mice. These results provide evidence that ceramides can induce RGC cell death by acting directly, as well as indirectly via the secretion of TNF-α from optic nerve head astrocytes. In vivo studies in mice provide evidence that ceramides derived through the activity of ASMase contribute to ocular hypertensive injury. Together these results support the importance of ceramides in the pathogenesis of ocular hypertensive injury to the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fan
- Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Ophthalmology, 167 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
| | - Jiali Liu
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, 274 Middle Zhijiang Road, Jingan District, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Ophthalmology, 167 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Chunhe Chen
- Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Ophthalmology, 167 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Yiannis Koutalos
- Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Ophthalmology, 167 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Craig E Crosson
- Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Ophthalmology, 167 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
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43
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Risner ML, Pasini S, Chamling X, McGrady NR, Goldberg JL, Zack DJ, Calkins DJ. Intrinsic Morphologic and Physiologic Development of Human Derived Retinal Ganglion Cells In Vitro. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:1. [PMID: 34383881 PMCID: PMC8362626 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.10.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Human retinal ganglion cells (hRGC) derived from human pluripotent stem cells are promising candidates to model, protect, and replace degenerating RGCs. Here, we examined intrinsic morphologic and physiologic development of hRGCs. Methods We used CRISPR-Cas9 to selectively express tdTomato under the RGC-specific promoter, BRN3B. Human pluripotent stem cells were chemically differentiated into hRGCs and cultured up to 7 weeks. We measured soma area, neurite complexity, synaptic protein, axon-related messenger RNA and protein, and voltage-dependent responses. Results Soma area, neurite complexity, and postsynaptic density protein 95 increased over time. Soma area and neurite complexity increased proportionally week to week, and this relationship was dynamic, strengthening between 2 and 3 weeks and diminishing by 4 weeks. Postsynaptic density 95 localization was dependent on culture duration. After 1 to 2 weeks, postsynaptic density 95 localized within somas but redistributed along neurites after 3 to 4 weeks. Axon initial segment scaffolding protein, Ankyrin G, expression also increased over time, and by 7 weeks, Ankyrin G often localized within putative axons. Voltage-gated inward currents progressively developed, but outward currents matured by 4 weeks. Current-induced spike generation increased over time but limited by depolarization block. Conclusions Human RGCs develop up to 7 weeks after culture. Thus, the state of hRGC maturation should be accounted for in designing models and treatments for optic neuropathies. Translational Relevance We characterized hRGC morphologic and physiologic development towards identifying key time points when hRGCs express mechanisms that may be harnessed to enhance the efficacy of neuroprotective and cell replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Risner
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Silvia Pasini
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Xitiz Chamling
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nolan R McGrady
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Donald J Zack
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David J Calkins
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Wagstaff EL, Heredero Berzal A, Boon CJF, Quinn PMJ, ten Asbroek ALMA, Bergen AA. The Role of Small Molecules and Their Effect on the Molecular Mechanisms of Early Retinal Organoid Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7081. [PMID: 34209272 PMCID: PMC8268497 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Early in vivo embryonic retinal development is a well-documented and evolutionary conserved process. The specification towards eye development is temporally controlled by consecutive activation or inhibition of multiple key signaling pathways, such as the Wnt and hedgehog signaling pathways. Recently, with the use of retinal organoids, researchers aim to manipulate these pathways to achieve better human representative models for retinal development and disease. To achieve this, a plethora of different small molecules and signaling factors have been used at various time points and concentrations in retinal organoid differentiations, with varying success. Additions differ from protocol to protocol, but their usefulness or efficiency has not yet been systematically reviewed. Interestingly, many of these small molecules affect the same and/or multiple pathways, leading to reduced reproducibility and high variability between studies. In this review, we make an inventory of the key signaling pathways involved in early retinogenesis and their effect on the development of the early retina in vitro. Further, we provide a comprehensive overview of the small molecules and signaling factors that are added to retinal organoid differentiation protocols, documenting the molecular and functional effects of these additions. Lastly, we comparatively evaluate several of these factors using our established retinal organoid methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie L. Wagstaff
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Andrea Heredero Berzal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.H.B.); (C.J.F.B.)
| | - Camiel J. F. Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.H.B.); (C.J.F.B.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter M. J. Quinn
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology & Cell Biology, Institute of Human Nutrition, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center—New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | | | - Arthur A. Bergen
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.H.B.); (C.J.F.B.)
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN-KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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45
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Retinal Ganglion Cell Transplantation: Approaches for Overcoming Challenges to Functional Integration. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061426. [PMID: 34200991 PMCID: PMC8228580 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As part of the central nervous system, mammalian retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) lack significant regenerative capacity. Glaucoma causes progressive and irreversible vision loss by damaging RGCs and their axons, which compose the optic nerve. To functionally restore vision, lost RGCs must be replaced. Despite tremendous advancements in experimental models of optic neuropathy that have elucidated pathways to induce endogenous RGC neuroprotection and axon regeneration, obstacles to achieving functional visual recovery through exogenous RGC transplantation remain. Key challenges include poor graft survival, low donor neuron localization to the host retina, and inadequate dendritogenesis and synaptogenesis with afferent amacrine and bipolar cells. In this review, we summarize the current state of experimental RGC transplantation, and we propose a set of standard approaches to quantifying and reporting experimental outcomes in order to guide a collective effort to advance the field toward functional RGC replacement and optic nerve regeneration.
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46
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Fligor CM, Lavekar SS, Harkin J, Shields PK, VanderWall KB, Huang KC, Gomes C, Meyer JS. Extension of retinofugal projections in an assembled model of human pluripotent stem cell-derived organoids. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:2228-2241. [PMID: 34115986 PMCID: PMC8452489 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of the visual system involves the coordination of spatial and temporal events to specify the organization of varied cell types, including the elongation of axons from retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) to post-synaptic targets in the brain. Retinal organoids recapitulate many features of retinal development, yet have lacked downstream targets into which RGC axons extend, limiting the ability to model projections of the human visual system. To address these issues, retinal organoids were generated and organized into an in vitro assembloid model of the visual system with cortical and thalamic organoids. RGCs responded to environmental cues and extended axons deep into assembloids, modeling the projections of the visual system. In addition, RGC survival was enhanced in long-term assembloids, overcoming prior limitations of retinal organoids in which RGCs are lost. Overall, these approaches will facilitate studies of human visual system development, as well as diseases or injuries to this critical pathway. Human stem cell-derived RGC axons respond to target-derived cues Assembloids were generated between retinal, thalamic, and cortical organoids Retinofugal projections robustly extend toward thalamic targets
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarisse M Fligor
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN, USA
| | - Sailee S Lavekar
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN, USA
| | - Jade Harkin
- Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Gateway Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA
| | - Priya K Shields
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN, USA
| | - Kirstin B VanderWall
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN, USA
| | - Kang-Chieh Huang
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN, USA
| | - Cátia Gomes
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA
| | - Jason S Meyer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA; Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA.
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47
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Advances in Regeneration of Retinal Ganglion Cells and Optic Nerves. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094616. [PMID: 33924833 PMCID: PMC8125313 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder due to the dysfunction of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). RGCs function as the only output neurons conveying the detected light information from the retina to the brain, which is a bottleneck of vision formation. RGCs in mammals cannot regenerate if injured, and RGC subtypes differ dramatically in their ability to survive and regenerate after injury. Recently, novel RGC subtypes and markers have been uncovered in succession. Meanwhile, apart from great advances in RGC axon regeneration, some degree of experimental RGC regeneration has been achieved by the in vitro differentiation of embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells or in vivo somatic cell reprogramming, which provides insights into the future therapy of myriad neurodegenerative disorders. Further approaches to the combination of different factors will be necessary to develop efficacious future therapeutic strategies to promote ultimate axon and RGC regeneration and functional vision recovery following injury.
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48
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Zhang KY, Johnson TV. The internal limiting membrane: Roles in retinal development and implications for emerging ocular therapies. Exp Eye Res 2021; 206:108545. [PMID: 33753089 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Basement membranes help to establish, maintain, and separate their associated tissues. They also provide growth and signaling substrates for nearby resident cells. The internal limiting membrane (ILM) is the basement membrane at the ocular vitreoretinal interface. While the ILM is essential for normal retinal development, it is dispensable in adulthood. Moreover, the ILM may constitute a significant barrier to emerging ocular therapeutics, such as viral gene therapy or stem cell transplantation. Here we take a neurodevelopmental perspective in examining how retinal neurons, glia, and vasculature interact with individual extracellular matrix constituents at the ILM. In addition, we review evidence that the ILM may impede novel ocular therapies and discuss approaches for achieving retinal parenchymal targeting of gene vectors and cell transplants delivered into the vitreous cavity by manipulating interactions with the ILM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Y Zhang
- Glaucoma Center of Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Maumenee B-110, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Thomas V Johnson
- Glaucoma Center of Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Maumenee B-110, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
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49
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Single-Cell Transcriptomic Comparison of Human Fetal Retina, hPSC-Derived Retinal Organoids, and Long-Term Retinal Cultures. Cell Rep 2021; 30:1644-1659.e4. [PMID: 32023475 PMCID: PMC7901645 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To study the development of the human retina, we use single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) at key fetal stages and follow the development of the major cell types as well as populations of transitional cells. We also analyze stem cell (hPSC)-derived retinal organoids; although organoids have a very similar cellular composition at equivalent ages as the fetal retina, there are some differences in gene expression of particular cell types. Moreover, the inner retinal lamination is disrupted at more advanced stages of organoids compared with fetal retina. To determine whether the disorganization in the inner retina is due to the culture conditions, we analyze retinal development in fetal retina maintained under similar conditions. These retinospheres develop for at least 6 months, displaying better inner retinal lamination than retinal organoids. Our single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) comparisons of fetal retina, retinal organoids, and retinospheres provide a resource for developing better in vitro models for retinal disease.
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50
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Shen J, Wang Y, Yao K. Protection of retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma: Current status and future. Exp Eye Res 2021; 205:108506. [PMID: 33609512 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a neuropathic disease that causes optic nerve damage, loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), and visual field defects. Most glaucoma patients have no early signs or symptoms. Conventional pharmacological glaucoma medications and surgeries that focus on lowering intraocular pressure are not sufficient; RGCs continue to die, and the patient's vision continues to decline. Recent evidence has demonstrated that neuroprotective approaches could be a promising strategy for protecting against glaucoma. In the case of glaucoma, neuroprotection aims to prevent or slow down disease progression by mitigating RGCs death and optic nerve degeneration. Notably, new pharmacologic medications such as antiglaucomatous agents, antibiotics, dietary supplementation, novel neuroprotective molecules, neurotrophic factors, translational methods such as gene therapy and cell therapy, and electrical stimulation-based physiotherapy are emerging to attenuate the death of RGCs, or to make RGCs resilient to attacks. Understanding the roles of these interventions in RGC protection may offer benefits over traditional pharmacological medications and surgeries. In this review, we summarize the recent neuroprotective strategy for glaucoma, both in clinical trials and in laboratory research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhui Shen
- Eye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China; Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Yuanqi Wang
- Eye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China; Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China; Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China.
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