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Surovtseva MA, Krasner KY, Kim II, Surovtsev NV, Chepeleva EV, Bondarenko NA, Lykov AP, Bgatova NP, Alshevskaya AA, Trunov AN, Chernykh VV, Poveshchenko OV. Reversed Corneal Fibroblasts Therapy Restores Transparency of Mouse Cornea after Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7053. [PMID: 39000162 PMCID: PMC11241278 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell-based therapies using corneal stromal stem cells (CSSC), corneal keratocytes, or a combination of both suppress corneal scarring. The number of quiescent keratocytes in the cornea is small; it is difficult to expand them in vitro in quantities suitable for transplantation. This study examined the therapeutic effect of corneal fibroblasts reversed into keratocytes (rCF) in a mouse model of mechanical corneal injury. The therapeutic effect of rCF was studied in vivo (slit lamp, optical coherence tomography) and ex vivo (transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence staining). Injection of rCF into the injured cornea was accompanied by recovery of corneal thickness, improvement of corneal transparency, reduction of type III collagen in the stroma, absence of myofibroblasts, and the improvement in the structural organization of collagen fibers. TEM results showed that 2 months after intrastromal injection of cells, there was a decrease in the fibril density and an increase in the fibril diameter and the average distance between collagen fibrils. The fibrils were well ordered and maintained the short-range order and the number of nearest-neighbor fibrils, although the averaged distance between them increased. Our results demonstrated that the cell therapy of rCF from ReLEx SMILe lenticules promotes the recovery of transparent corneal stroma after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Surovtseva
- Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology Branch of Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 2 Timakova Str., 630060 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Kristina Yu Krasner
- Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology Branch of Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 2 Timakova Str., 630060 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Novosibirsk Branch of S. Fedorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, 10 Kolkhidskaya Str., 630096 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Irina I Kim
- Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology Branch of Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 2 Timakova Str., 630060 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Nikolay V Surovtsev
- Institute of Automation and Electrometry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 1 Academician Koptyug St., 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Elena V Chepeleva
- Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology Branch of Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 2 Timakova Str., 630060 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Natalia A Bondarenko
- Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology Branch of Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 2 Timakova Str., 630060 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alexander P Lykov
- Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology Branch of Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 2 Timakova Str., 630060 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Nataliya P Bgatova
- Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology Branch of Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 2 Timakova Str., 630060 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alina A Alshevskaya
- Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Russian Federation, 2, Building 4 Bolshaya Pirogovskaya St., 119048 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander N Trunov
- Novosibirsk Branch of S. Fedorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, 10 Kolkhidskaya Str., 630096 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Valery V Chernykh
- Novosibirsk Branch of S. Fedorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, 10 Kolkhidskaya Str., 630096 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Olga V Poveshchenko
- Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology Branch of Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 2 Timakova Str., 630060 Novosibirsk, Russia
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Riau AK, Look Z, Yam GHF, Boote C, Ma Q, Han EJY, Binte M Yusoff NZ, Ong HS, Goh TW, Binte Halim NSH, Mehta JS. Impact of keratocyte differentiation on corneal opacity resolution and visual function recovery in male rats. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4959. [PMID: 38862465 PMCID: PMC11166667 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49008-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Intrastromal cell therapy utilizing quiescent corneal stromal keratocytes (qCSKs) from human donor corneas emerges as a promising treatment for corneal opacities, aiming to overcome limitations of traditional surgeries by reducing procedural complexity and donor dependency. This investigation demonstrates the therapeutic efficacy of qCSKs in a male rat model of corneal stromal opacity, underscoring the significance of cell-delivery quality and keratocyte differentiation in mediating corneal opacity resolution and visual function recovery. Quiescent CSKs-treated rats display improvements in escape latency and efficiency compared to wounded, non-treated rats in a Morris water maze, demonstrating improved visual acuity, while stromal fibroblasts-treated rats do not. Advanced imaging, including multiphoton microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, and transmission electron microscopy, revealed that qCSK therapy replicates the native cornea's collagen fibril morphometry, matrix order, and ultrastructural architecture. These findings, supported by the expression of keratan sulfate proteoglycans, validate qCSKs as a potential therapeutic solution for corneal opacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andri K Riau
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Zhuojian Look
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Gary H F Yam
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Craig Boote
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Qian Ma
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Evelina J Y Han
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
| | - Nur Zahirah Binte M Yusoff
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
| | - Hon Shing Ong
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
- Corneal and External Eye Disease Department, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, 168751, Singapore
| | - Tze-Wei Goh
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
| | | | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, 169856, Singapore.
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.
- Corneal and External Eye Disease Department, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, 168751, Singapore.
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3
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Torabizadeh F, Talaei-Khozani T, Yaghobi A, Walker M, Mirzaei E. Enhancing chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells through synergistic effects of cellulose nanocrystals and plastic compression in collagen-based hydrogel for cartilage formation. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 272:132848. [PMID: 38830491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Collagen-based (COL) hydrogels could be a promising treatment option for injuries to the articular cartilage (AC) becuase of their similarity to AC native extra extracellular matrix. However, the high hydration of COL hydrogels poses challenges for AC's mechanical properties. To address this, we developed a hydrogel platform that incorporating cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) within COL and followed by plastic compression (PC) procedure to expel the excessive fluid out. This approach significantly improved the mechanical properties of the hydrogels and enhanced the chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Radially confined PC resulted in higher collagen fibrillar densities together with reducing fibril-fibril distances. Compressed hydrogels containing CNCs exhibited the highest compressive modulus and toughness. MSCs encapsulated in these hydrogels were initially affected by PC, but their viability improved after 7 days. Furthermore, the morphology of the cells and their secretion of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) were positively influenced by the compressed COL-CNC hydrogel. Our findings shed light on the combined effects of PC and CNCs in improving the physical and mechanical properties of COL and their role in promoting chondrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid Torabizadeh
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Tahereh Talaei-Khozani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Atefeh Yaghobi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Matthew Walker
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Esmaeil Mirzaei
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Guclu H, Sattarpanah S, Gurlu V. Association of Changes in Thickness of Limbal Epithelial and Stroma with Corneal Scars Detected by High-Resolution Anterior Segment Optic Coherence Tomography. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2024; 241:744-750. [PMID: 35504299 DOI: 10.1055/a-1842-2683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the corneal central and limbal thickness in cornea scar patients using high-resolution anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and to determine the changes in the limbal region due to the corneal scar. Also, to evaluate tear film parameters in scar patients. METHODS Thirty patients with central corneal scar and 30 control subjects. The control subjects were healthy individuals who came to our clinic for routine ophthalmological examination. They were enrolled in this matched case-control study. Central epithelial thickness (ET), stromal thickness (ST), limbal epithelial thickness (LET), and limbal stromal thickness (LST) were analyzed using high-resolution AS-OCT. For evaluation of the ocular surface, the following techniques were used: tear break-up time (BUT) employing standard sterile strips of fluorescein sodium, Schirmer test-I (SCH), and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) Questionnaire. RESULTS The mean central ET of the patient group was 51.5 ± 12.4 µm, while the mean central ET of the control group was 59.2 ± 9.0 µm. There was a statistically significant difference between patients and controls (p = 0.008). The mean LST of the patients was 747.9 ± 115.7 µm, and the mean LST of the controls was 726.3 ± 79.7 µm. There was a statistically significant difference between patients and controls according to BUT (p = 0.009) and SCH (p = 0.04). However, there was no significant difference between OSDI results of patients and controls (p = 0.08). CONCLUSION Corneal monitoring with high-resolution AS-OCT is a simple, noninvasive, useful technique for corneal scar patients. Cornea scars cause decreased ET. This result could be associated with lower tear film parameters in scar patients. The scar length is associated with higher intraocular pressure (IOP) values. Decreased LET and increased LST were detected in scar patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hande Guclu
- Ophthalmology, Trakya University, Faculty of Medicine, Edirne, Turkey
| | | | - Vuslat Gurlu
- Ophthalmology, Trakya University, Faculty of Medicine, Edirne, Turkey
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Salvante ERG, Popoiu AV, Barb AC, Cosma AA, Fenesan MP, Saxena AK, Popoiu TA, Boia ES, Stanciulescu MC, Caplar BD, Dorobantu FR, Cimpean AM. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Based Analysis of In Vivo Polymers and Collagen Scaffolds Inducing Vascularization. In Vivo 2024; 38:620-629. [PMID: 38418141 PMCID: PMC10905450 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.13481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Biomaterials are essential in modern medicine, both for patients and research. Their ability to acquire and maintain functional vascularization is currently debated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the vascularization induced by two collagen-based scaffolds (with 2D and 3D structures) and one non-collagen scaffold implanted on the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). MATERIALS AND METHODS Classical stereomicroscopic image vascular assessment was enhanced with the IKOSA software by using two applications: the CAM assay and the Network Formation Assay, evaluating the vessel branching potential, vascular area, as well as tube length and thickness. RESULTS Both collagen-based scaffolds induced non-inflammatory angiogenesis, but the non-collagen scaffold induced a massive inflammation followed by inflammatory-related angiogenesis. Vessels branching points/Region of Interest (Px^2) and Vessel branching points/Vessel total area (Px^2), increased exponentially until day 5 of the experiment certifying a sustained and continuous angiogenic process induced by 3D collagen scaffolds. CONCLUSION Collagen-based scaffolds may be more suitable for neovascularization compared to non-collagen scaffolds. The present study demonstrates the potential of the CAM model in combination with AI-based software for the evaluation of vascularization in biomaterials. This approach could help to reduce and replace animal experimentation in the pre-screening of biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anca Voichita Popoiu
- Emergency Hospital for Children Louis Turcanu, Timisoara, Romania
- Center of Expertise for Rare Vascular Disease in Children, Louis Turcanu Children Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alina Cristina Barb
- Doctoral School, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Microscopic Morphology/Histology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
- OncoHelp Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Andrei Alexandru Cosma
- Doctoral School, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Microscopic Morphology/Histology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
- OncoHelp Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Mihaela Pasca Fenesan
- Doctoral School, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Microscopic Morphology/Histology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
- OncoHelp Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Amulya K Saxena
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Chelsea Children's Hospital, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Fdn Trust, Imperial College London, London, U.K
| | - Tudor Alexandru Popoiu
- Doctoral School, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Eugen Sorin Boia
- Center of Expertise for Rare Vascular Disease in Children, Louis Turcanu Children Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
- Department XV of Orthopaedics, Traumatology, Urology and Medical Imaging, Discipline of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Maria Corina Stanciulescu
- Center of Expertise for Rare Vascular Disease in Children, Louis Turcanu Children Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
- Department XV of Orthopaedics, Traumatology, Urology and Medical Imaging, Discipline of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Borislav Dusan Caplar
- Doctoral School, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Prostheses Technology and Dental Materials, Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Florica Ramona Dorobantu
- Department of Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
| | - Anca Maria Cimpean
- Center of Expertise for Rare Vascular Disease in Children, Louis Turcanu Children Hospital, Timisoara, Romania;
- Department of Microscopic Morphology/Histology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
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Huang J, Jiang T, Li J, Qie J, Cheng X, Wang Y, Zhou T, Liu J, Han H, Yao K, Yu L. Biomimetic Corneal Stroma for Scarless Corneal Wound Healing via Structural Restoration and Microenvironment Modulation. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302889. [PMID: 37988231 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302889] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Corneal injury-induced stromal scarring causes the most common subtype of corneal blindness, and there is an unmet need to promote scarless corneal wound healing. Herein, a biomimetic corneal stroma with immunomodulatory properties is bioengineered for scarless corneal defect repair. First, a fully defined serum-free system is established to derive stromal keratocytes (hAESC-SKs) from a current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP)-grade human amniotic epithelial stem cells (hAESCs), and RNA-seq is used to validate the phenotypic transition. Moreover, hAESC-SKs are shown to possess robust immunomodulatory properties in addition to the keratocyte phenotype. Inspired by the corneal stromal extracellular matrix (ECM), a photocurable gelatin-based hydrogel is fabricated to serve as a scaffold for hAESC-SKs for bioengineering of a biomimetic corneal stroma. The rabbit corneal defect model is used to confirm that this biomimetic corneal stroma rapidly restores the corneal structure, and effectively reshapes the tissue microenvironment via proteoglycan secretion to promote transparency and inhibition of the inflammatory cascade to alleviate fibrosis, which synergistically reduces scar formation by ≈75% in addition to promoting wound healing. Overall, the strategy proposed here provides a promising solution for scarless corneal defect repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Huang
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection & College of Life Sciences-iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Tuoying Jiang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection & College of Life Sciences-iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Jinying Li
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection & College of Life Sciences-iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Health Industry, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, P. R. China
| | - Jiqiao Qie
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Cheng
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Yiyao Wang
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Tinglian Zhou
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Jia Liu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection & College of Life Sciences-iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Haijie Han
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, P. R. China
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Luyang Yu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection & College of Life Sciences-iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
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Santra M, Geary ML, Rubin E, Hsu MYS, Funderburgh ML, Chandran C, Du Y, Dhaliwal DK, Jhanji V, Yam GHF. Good manufacturing practice production of human corneal limbus-derived stromal stem cells and in vitro quality screening for therapeutic inhibition of corneal scarring. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:11. [PMID: 38185673 PMCID: PMC10773078 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03626-8] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells in the adult corneal stroma (named corneal stromal stem cells, CSSCs) inhibit corneal inflammation and scarring and restore corneal clarity in pre-clinical corneal injury models. This cell therapy could alleviate the heavy reliance on donor materials for corneal transplantation to treat corneal opacities. Herein, we established Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) protocols for CSSC isolation, propagation, and cryostorage, and developed in vitro quality control (QC) metric for in vivo anti-scarring potency of CSSCs in treating corneal opacities. METHODS A total of 24 donor corneal rims with informed consent were used-18 were processed for the GMP optimization of CSSC culture and QC assay development, while CSSCs from the remaining 6 were raised under GMP-optimized conditions and used for QC validation. The cell viability, growth, substrate adhesion, stem cell phenotypes, and differentiation into stromal keratocytes were assayed by monitoring the electric impedance changes using xCELLigence real-time cell analyzer, quantitative PCR, and immunofluorescence. CSSC's conditioned media were tested for the anti-inflammatory activity using an osteoclastogenesis assay with mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells. In vivo scar inhibitory outcomes were verified using a mouse model of anterior stromal injury caused by mechanical ablation using an Algerbrush burring. RESULTS By comparatively assessing various GMP-compliant reagents with the corresponding non-GMP research-grade chemicals used in the laboratory-based protocols, we finalized GMP protocols covering donor limbal stromal tissue processing, enzymatic digestion, primary CSSC culture, and cryopreservation. In establishing the in vitro QC metric, two parameters-stemness stability of ABCG2 and nestin and anti-inflammatory ability (rate of inflammation)-were factored into a novel formula to calculate a Scarring Index (SI) for each CSSC batch. Correlating with the in vivo scar inhibitory outcomes, the CSSC batches with SI < 10 had a predicted 50% scar reduction potency, whereas cells with SI > 10 were ineffective to inhibit scarring. CONCLUSIONS We established a full GMP-compliant protocol for donor CSSC cultivation, which is essential toward clinical-grade cell manufacturing. A novel in vitro QC-in vivo potency correlation was developed to predict the anti-scarring efficacy of donor CSSCs in treating corneal opacities. This method is applicable to other cell-based therapies and pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mithun Santra
- Corneal Regeneration Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Moira L Geary
- Corneal Regeneration Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Rubin
- Corneal Regeneration Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael Y S Hsu
- Immunologic Monitoring and Cellular Products Laboratory, Hillman Cancer Centre, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Martha L Funderburgh
- Corneal Regeneration Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Christine Chandran
- Corneal Regeneration Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Deepinder K Dhaliwal
- Corneal Regeneration Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Vishal Jhanji
- Corneal Regeneration Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Corneal Regeneration Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mercy Vision Institute, University of Pittsburgh, 1622 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
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8
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Yam GHF, Pi S, Du Y, Mehta JS. Posterior corneoscleral limbus: Architecture, stem cells, and clinical implications. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 96:101192. [PMID: 37392960 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101192] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
The limbus is a transition from the cornea to conjunctiva and sclera. In human eyes, this thin strip has a rich variation of tissue structures and composition, typifying a change from scleral irregularity and opacity to corneal regularity and transparency; a variation from richly vascularized conjunctiva and sclera to avascular cornea; the neural passage and drainage of aqueous humor. The limbal stroma is enriched with circular fibres running parallel to the corneal circumference, giving its unique role in absorbing small pressure changes to maintain corneal curvature and refractivity. It contains specific niches housing different types of stem cells for the corneal epithelium, stromal keratocytes, corneal endothelium, and trabecular meshwork. This truly reflects the important roles of the limbus in ocular physiology, and the limbal functionality is crucial for corneal health and the entire visual system. Since the anterior limbus containing epithelial structures and limbal epithelial stem cells has been extensively reviewed, this article is focused on the posterior limbus. We have discussed the structural organization and cellular components of the region beneath the limbal epithelium, the characteristics of stem cell types: namely corneal stromal stem cells, endothelial progenitors and trabecular meshwork stem cells, and recent advances leading to the emergence of potential cell therapy options to replenish their respective mature cell types and to correct defects causing corneal abnormalities. We have reviewed different clinical disorders associated with defects of the posterior limbus and summarized the available preclinical and clinical evidence about the developing topic of cell-based therapy for corneal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Shaohua Pi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Medical School, Singapore.
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Yam GHF, Yang T, Geary ML, Santra M, Funderburgh M, Rubin E, Du Y, Sahel JA, Jhanji V, Funderburgh JL. Human corneal stromal stem cells express anti-fibrotic microRNA-29a and 381-5p - A robust cell selection tool for stem cell therapy of corneal scarring. J Adv Res 2023; 45:141-155. [PMID: 35623612 PMCID: PMC10006527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Corneal blindness due to scarring is treated with corneal transplantation. However, a global problem is the donor material shortage. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that cell-based therapy using corneal stromal stem cells (CSSCs) suppresses corneal scarring, potentially mediated by specific microRNAs transported in extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, not every CSSC batch from donors achieves similar anti-scarring effects. OBJECTIVES To examine miRNA profiles in EVs from human CSSCs showing "healing" versus "non-healing" effects on corneal scarring and to design a tool to select CSSCs with strong healing potency for clinical applications. METHODS Small RNAs from CSSC-EVs were extracted for Nanostring nCounter Human miRNA v3 assay. MicroRNAs expressed > 20 folds in "healing" EVs (P < 0.05) were subject to enriched gene ontology (GO) term analysis. MiRNA groups with predictive regulation on inflammatory and fibrotic signalling were studied by mimic transfection to (1) mouse macrophages (RAW264.7) for M1 phenotype assay; (2) human corneal keratocytes for cytokine-induced fibrosis, and (3) human CSSCs for corneal scar prevention in vivo. The expression of miR-29a was screened in additional CSSC batches and the anti-scarring effect of cells was validated in mouse corneal wounds. RESULTS Twenty-one miRNAs were significantly expressed in "healing" CSSC-EVs and 9 miRNA groups were predicted to associate with inflammatory and fibrotic responses, and tissue regeneration (P <10-6). Overexpression of miR-29a and 381-5p significantly prevented M1 phenotype transition in RAW264.7 cells after lipopolysaccharide treatment, suppressed transforming growth factor β1-induced fibrosis marker expression in keratocytes, and reduced scarring after corneal injury. High miR-29a expression in EV fractions distinguished human CSSCs with strong healing potency, which inhibited corneal scarring in vivo. CONCLUSION We characterized the anti-inflammatory and fibrotic roles of miR-29a and 381-5p in CSSCs, contributing to scar prevention. MiR-29a expression in EVs distinguished CSSCs with anti-scarring quality, identifying good quality cells for a scarless corneal healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States.
| | - Tianbing Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Moira L Geary
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Mithun Santra
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Martha Funderburgh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Elizabeth Rubin
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Jose A Sahel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Vishal Jhanji
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - James L Funderburgh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
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10
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Cardoso LMDF, Barreto T, Gama JFG, Alves LA. Natural Biopolymers as Additional Tools for Cell Microencapsulation Applied to Cellular Therapy. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14132641. [PMID: 35808686 PMCID: PMC9268758 DOI: 10.3390/polym14132641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the limitations in organ, tissue or cellular transplantations is graft rejection. To minimize or prevent this, recipients must make use of immunosuppressive drugs (IS) throughout their entire lives. However, its continuous use generally causes several side effects. Although some IS dose reductions and withdrawal strategies have been employed, many patients do not adapt to these protocols and must return to conventional IS use. Therefore, many studies have been carried out to offer treatments that may avoid IS administration in the long term. A promising strategy is cellular microencapsulation. The possibility of microencapsulating cells originates from the opportunity to use biomaterials that mimic the extracellular matrix. This matrix acts as a support for cell adhesion and the syntheses of new extracellular matrix self-components followed by cell growth and survival. Furthermore, by involving the cells in a polymeric matrix, the matrix acts as an immunoprotective barrier, protecting cells against the recipient’s immune system while still allowing essential cell survival molecules to diffuse bilaterally through the polymer matrix pores. In addition, this matrix can be associated with IS, thus diminishing systemic side effects. In this context, this review will address the natural biomaterials currently in use and their importance in cell therapy.
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11
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Kumar A, Yun H, Funderburgh ML, Du Y. Regenerative therapy for the Cornea. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 87:101011. [PMID: 34530154 PMCID: PMC8918435 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.101011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cornea is the outmost layer of the eye, unique in its transparency and strength. The cornea not only transmits the light essential for vision, also refracts light, giving focus to images. Each of the three layers of the cornea has properties essential for the function of vision. Although the epithelium can often recover from injury quickly by cell division, loss of limbal stem cells can cause severe corneal surface abnormalities leading to corneal blindness. Disruption of the stromal extracellular matrix and loss of cells determining this structure, the keratocytes, leads to corneal opacity. Corneal endothelium is the inner part of the cornea without self-renewal capacity. It is very important to maintain corneal dehydration and transparency. Permanent damage to the corneal stroma or endothelium can be effectively treated by corneal transplantation; however, there are drawbacks to this procedure, including a shortage of donors, the need for continuing treatment to prevent rejection, and limits to the survival of the graft, averaging 10-20 years. There exists a need for new strategies to promote regeneration of the stromal structure and restore vision. This review highlights critical contributions in regenerative medicine with the aim of corneal reconstruction after injury or disease. These approaches include corneal stromal stem cells, corneal limbal stem cells, embryonic stem cells, and other adult stem cells, as well as induced pluripotent stem cells. Stem cell-derived trophic factors in the forms of secretomes or exosomes for corneal regeneration are also discussed. Corneal sensory nerve regeneration promoting corneal transparency is discussed. This article provides description of the up-to-date options for corneal regeneration and presents exciting possible avenues for future studies toward clinical applications for corneal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Hongmin Yun
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | | | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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12
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Advances in Regulatory Strategies of Differentiating Stem Cells towards Keratocytes. Stem Cells Int 2022; 2022:5403995. [PMID: 35140792 PMCID: PMC8820938 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5403995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal injury is a commonly encountered clinical problem which led to vision loss and impairment that affects millions of people worldwide. Currently, the available treatment in clinical practice is corneal transplantation, which is limited by the accessibility of donors. Corneal tissue engineering appears to be a promising alternative for corneal repair. However, current experimental strategies of corneal tissue engineering are insufficient due to inadequate differentiation of stem cell into keratocytes and thus cannot be applied in clinical practice. In this review, we aim to clarify the role and effectiveness of both biochemical factors, physical regulation, and the combination of both to induce stem cells to differentiate into keratocytes. We will also propose novel perspectives of differentiation strategy that may help to improve the efficiency of corneal tissue engineering.
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13
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Wang L, Zhang D, Ren Y, Guo S, Li J, Ma S, Yao M, Guan F. Injectable hyaluronic acid hydrogel loaded with BMSC and NGF for traumatic brain injury treatment. Mater Today Bio 2022; 13:100201. [PMID: 35024600 PMCID: PMC8733324 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2021.100201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Injectable hydrogel has the advantage to fill the defective area and thereby shows promise as therapeutic implant or cell/drug delivery vehicle for tissue repair. In this study, an injectable hyaluronic acid hydrogel in situ dual-enzymatically cross-linked by galactose oxidase (GalOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was synthesized and optimized, and the therapeutic effect of this hydrogel encapsulated with bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) and nerve growth factors (NGF) for traumatic brain injury (TBI) mice was investigated. Results from in vitro experiments showed that either tyramine-modified hyaluronic acid hydrogels (HT) or NGF loaded HT hydrogels (HT/NGF) possessed good biocompatibility. More importantly, the HT hydrogels loaded with BMSC and NGF could facilitate the survival and proliferation of endogenous neural cells probably by neurotrophic factors release and neuroinflammation regulation, and consequently improved the neurological function recovery and accelerated the repair process in a C57BL/6 TBI mice model. All these findings highlight that this injectable, BMSC and NGF-laden HT hydrogel has enormous potential for TBI and other tissue repair therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yikun Ren
- School of Life Science, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China
| | - Shen Guo
- School of Life Science, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China
| | - Jinrui Li
- School of Life Science, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China
| | - Shanshan Ma
- School of Life Science, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China
| | - Minghao Yao
- School of Life Science, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China
| | - Fangxia Guan
- School of Life Science, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China
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14
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Bonferoni MC, Caramella C, Catenacci L, Conti B, Dorati R, Ferrari F, Genta I, Modena T, Perteghella S, Rossi S, Sandri G, Sorrenti M, Torre ML, Tripodo G. Biomaterials for Soft Tissue Repair and Regeneration: A Focus on Italian Research in the Field. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13091341. [PMID: 34575417 PMCID: PMC8471088 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue repair and regeneration is an interdisciplinary field focusing on developing bioactive substitutes aimed at restoring pristine functions of damaged, diseased tissues. Biomaterials, intended as those materials compatible with living tissues after in vivo administration, play a pivotal role in this area and they have been successfully studied and developed for several years. Namely, the researches focus on improving bio-inert biomaterials that well integrate in living tissues with no or minimal tissue response, or bioactive materials that influence biological response, stimulating new tissue re-growth. This review aims to gather and introduce, in the context of Italian scientific community, cutting-edge advancements in biomaterial science applied to tissue repair and regeneration. After introducing tissue repair and regeneration, the review focuses on biodegradable and biocompatible biomaterials such as collagen, polysaccharides, silk proteins, polyesters and their derivatives, characterized by the most promising outputs in biomedical science. Attention is pointed out also to those biomaterials exerting peculiar activities, e.g., antibacterial. The regulatory frame applied to pre-clinical and early clinical studies is also outlined by distinguishing between Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products and Medical Devices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bice Conti
- Correspondence: (M.C.B.); (B.C.); (F.F.)
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15
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Guo Y, Xue Y, Wang P, Cui Z, Cao J, Liu S, Yu Q, Zeng Q, Zhu D, Xie M, Zhang J, Li Z, Liu H, Zhong J, Chen J. Muse cell spheroids have therapeutic effect on corneal scarring wound in mice and tree shrews. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/562/eaaw1120. [PMID: 32967971 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaw1120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell therapy holds promises for treating corneal scarring. Here, we use multilineage-differentiating stress-enduring (Muse) cells to study their differentiation and therapeutic potential for treating corneal injury. Muse cells were isolated from lipoaspirate, which presented biphenotype properties of both pluripotent stem cells and some mesenchymal stem cells. Muse cells expanded by about 100-fold from the initial seeding cell number to Muse spheroids with the maintenance of the Muse cell phenotype and high cell viability at 33 days by static spheroid culture. We revealed that Muse spheroids were activated by the dynamic rotary cell culture system (RCCS), as characterized by increased stemness, improved activity, and enhanced adherence. Gene and protein expression of the pluripotent markers OCT3/4, SOX2, and NANOG and of the proliferation marker KI67 in Muse spheroids cultured under RCCS were higher than those in the static group. These activated Muse spheroids enabled ready differentiation into corneal stromal cells (CSCs) expressing characteristic marker genes and proteins. Furthermore, implantation of Muse cells-differentiated CSCs (Muse-CSCs) laden assembled with two orthogonally stacked stretched compressed collagen (cell-SCC) in mouse and tree shrew wounded corneas prevented the formation of corneal scarring, increased corneal re-epithelialization and nerve regrowth, and reduced the severity of corneal inflammation and neovascularization. cell-SCC retained the capacity to suppress corneal scarring after long-distance cryopreserved transport. Thus, Muse cell therapy is a promising avenue for developing therapeutics for treating corneal scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonglong Guo
- Ophthalmology Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Ophthalmology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunxia Xue
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peiyuan Wang
- Ophthalmology Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zekai Cui
- Aier Eye Institute, 18th floor, the New century building, #198 Furong Middle Road, Changsha, Hunan 410015, China
| | - Jixing Cao
- Ophthalmology Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiwei Liu
- Ophthalmology Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Quan Yu
- Centric Laboratory, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiaolang Zeng
- Ophthalmology Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Deliang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Information and Sensing Technologies, Guangdong Higher Educational Institutes, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Mengyuan Xie
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Information and Sensing Technologies, Guangdong Higher Educational Institutes, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Information and Sensing Technologies, Guangdong Higher Educational Institutes, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zhijie Li
- Ophthalmology Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Ophthalmology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Liu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingxiang Zhong
- Ophthalmology Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiansu Chen
- Ophthalmology Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China. .,Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Ophthalmology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Aier Eye Institute, 18th floor, the New century building, #198 Furong Middle Road, Changsha, Hunan 410015, China
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16
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Jhanji V, Billig I, Yam GHF. Cell-Free Biological Approach for Corneal Stromal Wound Healing. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:671405. [PMID: 34122095 PMCID: PMC8193853 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.671405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal opacification is the fourth most common cause of blindness globally behind cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. The standard treatment of serious corneal scarring is corneal transplantation. Though it is effective for restoring vision, the treatment outcome is not optimal, due to limitations such as long-term graft survival, lifelong use of immunosuppressants, and a loss of corneal strength. Regulation of corneal stromal wound healing, along with inhibition or downregulation of corneal scarring is a promising approach to prevent corneal opacification. Pharmacological approaches have been suggested, however these are fraught with side effects. Tissue healing is an intricate process that involves cell death, proliferation, differentiation, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Current research on stromal wound healing is focused on corneal characteristics such as the immune response, angiogenesis, and cell signaling. Indeed, promising new technologies with the potential to modulate wound healing are under development. In this review, we provide an overview of cell-free strategies and some approaches under development that have the potential to control stromal fibrosis and scarring, especially in the context of early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Jhanji
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Isabelle Billig
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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17
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Salvatore L, Gallo N, Natali ML, Terzi A, Sannino A, Madaghiele M. Mimicking the Hierarchical Organization of Natural Collagen: Toward the Development of Ideal Scaffolding Material for Tissue Regeneration. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:644595. [PMID: 33987173 PMCID: PMC8112590 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.644595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological materials found in living organisms, many of which are proteins, feature a complex hierarchical organization. Type I collagen, a fibrous structural protein ubiquitous in the mammalian body, provides a striking example of such a hierarchical material, with peculiar architectural features ranging from the amino acid sequence at the nanoscale (primary structure) up to the assembly of fibrils (quaternary structure) and fibers, with lengths of the order of microns. Collagen plays a dominant role in maintaining the biological and structural integrity of various tissues and organs, such as bone, skin, tendons, blood vessels, and cartilage. Thus, "artificial" collagen-based fibrous assemblies, endowed with appropriate structural properties, represent ideal substrates for the development of devices for tissue engineering applications. In recent years, with the ultimate goal of developing three-dimensional scaffolds with optimal bioactivity able to promote both regeneration and functional recovery of a damaged tissue, numerous studies focused on the capability to finely modulate the scaffold architecture at the microscale and the nanoscale in order to closely mimic the hierarchical features of the extracellular matrix and, in particular, the natural patterning of collagen. All of these studies clearly show that the accurate characterization of the collagen structure at the submolecular and supramolecular levels is pivotal to the understanding of the relationships between the nanostructural/microstructural properties of the fabricated scaffold and its macroscopic performance. Several studies also demonstrate that the selected processing, including any crosslinking and/or sterilization treatments, can strongly affect the architecture of collagen at various length scales. The aim of this review is to highlight the most recent findings on the development of collagen-based scaffolds with optimized properties for tissue engineering. The optimization of the scaffolds is particularly related to the modulation of the collagen architecture, which, in turn, impacts on the achieved bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Salvatore
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Nunzia Gallo
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Maria Lucia Natali
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Alberta Terzi
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sannino
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Marta Madaghiele
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
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18
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Alió Del Barrio JL, Arnalich-Montiel F, De Miguel MP, El Zarif M, Alió JL. Corneal stroma regeneration: Preclinical studies. Exp Eye Res 2020; 202:108314. [PMID: 33164825 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Corneal grafting is one of the most common and successful forms of human tissue transplantation in the world, but the need for corneal grafting is growing and availability of human corneal donor tissue to fulfill this increasing demand is not assured worldwide. The stroma is responsible for many features of the cornea, including its strength, refractive power and transparency, so enormous efforts have been put into replicating the corneal stroma in the laboratory to find an alternative to classical corneal transplantation. Unfortunately this has not been yet accomplished due to the extreme difficulty in mimicking the highly complex ultrastructure of the corneal stroma, and none of the obtained substitutes that have been assayed has been able to replicate this complexity yet. In general, they can neither match the mechanical properties nor recreate the local nanoscale organization and thus the transparency and optical properties of a normal cornea. In this context, there is an increasing interest in cellular therapy of the corneal stroma using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from either ocular or extraocular sources, as they have proven to be capable of producing new collagen within the host stroma, modulate preexisting scars and enhance transparency by corneal stroma remodeling. Despite some early clinical data is already available, in the current article we will summary the available preclinical evidence about the topic corneal stroma regeneration. Both, in vitro and in vivo experiments in the animal model will be shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge L Alió Del Barrio
- Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery Unit, Vissum (Miranza Group), Alicante, Spain; Division of Ophthalmology, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - Francisco Arnalich-Montiel
- IRYCIS. Ophthalmology Department. Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain; Cornea Unit. Hospital Vissum Madrid (Miranza Group), Madrid, Spain
| | - María P De Miguel
- Cell Engineering Laboratory, IdiPAZ, La Paz Hospital Research Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jorge L Alió
- Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery Unit, Vissum (Miranza Group), Alicante, Spain; Division of Ophthalmology, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain.
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19
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Mahdavi SS, Abdekhodaie MJ, Mashayekhan S, Baradaran-Rafii A, Djalilian AR. Bioengineering Approaches for Corneal Regenerative Medicine. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2020; 17:567-593. [PMID: 32696417 PMCID: PMC7373337 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-020-00262-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the cornea is responsible for transmitting and focusing light into the eye, injury or pathology affecting any layer of the cornea can cause a detrimental effect on visual acuity. Aging is also a reason for corneal degeneration. Depending on the level of the injury, conservative therapies and donor tissue transplantation are the most common treatments for corneal diseases. Not only is there a lack of donor tissue and risk of infection/rejection, but the inherent ability of corneal cells and layers to regenerate has led to research in regenerative approaches and treatments. METHODS In this review, we first discussed the anatomy of the cornea and the required properties for reconstructing layers of the cornea. Regenerative approaches are divided into two main categories; using direct cell/growth factor delivery or using scaffold-based cell delivery. It is expected delivered cells migrate and integrate into the host tissue and restore its structure and function to restore vision. Growth factor delivery also has shown promising results for corneal surface regeneration. Scaffold-based approaches are categorized based on the type of scaffold, since it has a significant impact on the efficiency of regeneration, into the hydrogel and non-hydrogel based scaffolds. Various types of cells, biomaterials, and techniques are well covered. RESULTS The most important characteristics to be considered for biomaterials in corneal regeneration are suitable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and transparency. Moreover, a curved shape structure and spatial arrangement of the fibrils have been shown to mimic the corneal extracellular matrix for cells and enhance cell differentiation. CONCLUSION Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine approaches showed to have promising outcomes for corneal regeneration. However, besides proper mechanical and optical properties, other factors such as appropriate sterilization method, storage, shelf life and etc. should be taken into account in order to develop an engineered cornea for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sharareh Mahdavi
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, 1393 Azadi Ave., Tehran, 11365-11155, Iran
| | - Mohammad J Abdekhodaie
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, 1393 Azadi Ave., Tehran, 11365-11155, Iran.
| | - Shohreh Mashayekhan
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, 1393 Azadi Ave., Tehran, 11365-11155, Iran
| | - Alireza Baradaran-Rafii
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, SBUMS, Arabi Ave, Daneshjoo Blvd, Velenjak, Tehran, 19839-63113, Iran
| | - Ali R Djalilian
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1200 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
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20
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Tidu A, Schanne-Klein MC, Borderie VM. Development, structure, and bioengineering of the human corneal stroma: A review of collagen-based implants. Exp Eye Res 2020; 200:108256. [PMID: 32971095 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Bio-engineering technologies are currently used to produce biomimetic artificial corneas that should present structural, chemical, optical, and biomechanical properties close to the native tissue. These properties are mainly supported by the corneal stroma which accounts for 90% of corneal thickness and is mainly made of collagen type I. The stromal collagen fibrils are arranged in lamellae that have a plywood-like organization. The fibril diameter is between 25 and 35 nm and the interfibrillar space about 57 nm. The number of lamellae in the central stroma is estimated to be 300. In the anterior part, their size is 10-40 μm. They appear to be larger in the posterior part of the stroma with a size of 60-120 μm. Their thicknesses also vary from 0.2 to 2.5 μm. During development, the acellular corneal stroma, which features a complex pattern of organization, serves as a scaffold for mesenchymal cells that invade and further produce the cellular stroma. Several pathways including Bmp4, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, retinoic acid, and TGF-β, in addition to EFTFs including the mastering gene Pax-6, are involved in corneal development. Besides, retinoic acid and TGF- β seem to have a crucial role in the neural crest cell migration in the stroma. Several technologies can be used to produce artificial stroma. Taking advantage of the liquid-crystal properties of acid-soluble collagen, it is possible to produce transparent stroma-like matrices with native-like collagen I fibrils and plywood-like organization, where epithelial cells can adhere and proliferate. Other approaches include the use of recombinant collagen, cross-linkers, vitrification, plastically compressed collagen or magnetically aligned collagen, providing interesting optical and mechanical properties. These technologies can be classified according to collagen type and origin, presence of telopeptides and native-like fibrils, structure, and transparency. Collagen matrices feature transparency >80% for the appropriate 500-μm thickness. Non-collagenous matrices made of biopolymers including gelatin, silk, or fish scale have been developed which feature interesting properties but are less biomimetic. These bioengineered matrices still need to be colonized by stromal cells to fully reproduce the native stroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélien Tidu
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Centre Hospitalier, National d'Ophtalmologie des 15-20, 75571, Paris, France; Groupe de Recherche Clinique 32, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Claire Schanne-Klein
- Laboratory for Optics and Biosciences, LOB, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, Inserm, Université Paris-Saclay, 91128, Palaiseau, France
| | - Vincent M Borderie
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Centre Hospitalier, National d'Ophtalmologie des 15-20, 75571, Paris, France; Groupe de Recherche Clinique 32, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.
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21
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Khandaker I, Funderburgh JL, Geary ML, Funderburgh ML, Jhanji V, Du Y, Hin-Fai Yam G. A novel transgenic mouse model for corneal scar visualization. Exp Eye Res 2020; 200:108270. [PMID: 32979396 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Corneal opacities affect vision for millions of individuals worldwide. Fibrotic scar tissues accumulate in reaction to inflammatory responses and remain permanently in corneal stroma, and conventionally correctable only by donor corneal transplantation. Numerous studies have explored innovative approaches to reverse corneal scarring through non-surgical means; however, existing mouse models limit these studies, due to the lack of visibility of scar tissue in mouse corneas with steep curvature. Here, we reported that corneal scarring was modelled using a transgenic mouse line, Tg(Col3a1-EGFP)DJ124Gsat, in which enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) reporter expression was driven by the promoter of collagen 3a1 (COL3a1), a stromal fibrosis gene. Similar to wildtype, Col3a1-EGFP transgenic corneas developed opacities after wounding by alkali burn and mechanical ablation, respectively, as examined under stereomicroscopy and Spectral Domain optical coherent tomography. The time course induction of EGFP was aligned with Col3a1 upregulation and matched with the elevated expression of other fibrosis genes (α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin and tenascin C). Measured by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, increased number of EGFP expressing cells and fluorescent intensities were correlated to corneal thickening and scar volume. After treatment with human corneal stromal stem cells or their exosomes, EGFP expression was downregulated together with the reduction of scar volume and fibrosis gene expression. These results have demonstrated that the transgenic mouse line, Tg(Col3a1-EGFP)DJ124Gsat, can be a valuable tool for the detection of corneal fibrosis and scarring in vivo, and will be useful in monitoring the changes of corneal fibrosis over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irona Khandaker
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
| | - James L Funderburgh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
| | - Moira L Geary
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
| | - Martha L Funderburgh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
| | - Vishal Jhanji
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
| | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States.
| | - Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States.
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22
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McKay TB, Hutcheon AEK, Guo X, Zieske JD, Karamichos D. Modeling the cornea in 3-dimensions: Current and future perspectives. Exp Eye Res 2020; 197:108127. [PMID: 32619578 PMCID: PMC8116933 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The cornea is an avascular, transparent ocular tissue that serves as a refractive and protective structure for the eye. Over 90% of the cornea is composed of a collagenous-rich extracellular matrix within the stroma with the other 10% composed by the corneal epithelium and endothelium layers and their corresponding supporting collagen layers (e.g., Bowman's and Descemet's membranes) at the anterior and posterior cornea, respectively. Due to its prominent role in corneal structure, tissue engineering approaches to model the human cornea in vitro have focused heavily on the cellular and functional properties of the corneal stroma. In this review, we discuss model development in the context of culture dimensionality (e.g., 2-dimensional versus 3-dimensional) and expand on the optical, biomechanical, and cellular functions promoted by the culture microenvironment. We describe current methods to model the human cornea with focus on organotypic approaches, compressed collagen, bioprinting, and self-assembled stromal models. We also expand on co-culture applications with the inclusion of relevant corneal cell types, such as epithelial, stromal keratocyte or fibroblast, endothelial, and neuronal cells. Further advancements in corneal tissue model development will markedly improve our current understanding of corneal wound healing and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina B McKay
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Audrey E K Hutcheon
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Xiaoqing Guo
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - James D Zieske
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA.
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23
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Joshi VP, Vaishnavi K S, Ojha SK, Singh V, Basu S. A reliable animal model of corneal stromal opacity: Development and validation using in vivo imaging. Ocul Surf 2020; 18:681-688. [PMID: 32735950 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2020.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To validate an animal model of corneal stromal opacity by using objective vision-independent in vivo imaging metrics. METHODS This was a prospective study, with two arms: (i) observational human arm which included 14 patients with healed unilateral ulcerative keratitis; and (ii) experimental rabbit arm, which included 6 New Zealand white rabbits. A 3-mm central wound was created in the left eye of the rabbits by manually removing 200-250 μm of the superficial stroma, followed by rotating-burr application. Both groups underwent photography, high-resolution anterior segment optical coherence tomography, and Scheimpflug imaging using similar diagnostic platforms and standardized image capturing protocols. Parameters studied were relative change in (i) corneal thickness; (ii) corneal epithelial: stromal (E:S) reflectivity ratio; (iii) corneal stromal light scattering using densitometry; and (iv) central corneal keratometry. RESULTS In the experimental arm, there was a significant decrease in corneal thickness (273 ± 51.3 vs. 407.3 ± 10.3 μm, p = 0.0038), E:S reflectivity ratio (0.71 ± 0.09 vs. 0.99 ± 0.06, p = 0.0018), and keratometry (40.4 ± 2.3 vs. 45.8 ± 0.9D, p = 0.0033) and increase in densitometry (54.2 ± 11.65 vs.18.7 ± 3.8 GSU, p = 0.0001) from baseline, which stabilized at 4 to 8-weeks post-wounding (p > 0.3632). At 8-weeks, the relative change from baseline in corneal thickness (28.4 ± 13.5% vs.22.4 ± 13%, p = 0.368), E:S reflectivity ratio (28.1 ± 11.5% vs. 30.6 ± 8.9%, p = 0.603), corneal densitometry (204.17 ± 97.3% vs. 304.9 ± 113.6%, p = 0.1113), and central corneal keratometry (13.6 ± 6.9% vs. 18.9 ± 7.4%, p = 0.1738) in rabbits was similar to human corneal scars. CONCLUSION The animal model of corneal opacification was objectively comparable to human post-keratitis scars and can be valuable for in vivo evaluation of emerging therapies for corneal opacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineet Pramod Joshi
- Centre for Innovation, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India; The Cornea Institute, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | | | | | - Vivek Singh
- Center for Ocular Regeneration (CORE), LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India; Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
| | - Sayan Basu
- The Cornea Institute, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India; Center for Ocular Regeneration (CORE), LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India; Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
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24
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Isolation and Culture of Corneal Stromal Stem Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2020. [PMID: 32542596 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0599-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
An increasing body of evidence authenticates the benefit of corneal stroma-derived stem cells (CSSCs) in tissue engineering and regeneration oriented research, and potentially in the development of clinically relevant cellular therapies. Postmortem corneal tissue obtained from otherwise discarded material after keratoplasties is oftentimes the source of the cells for ex vivo research. Relatively easy to isolate and cultivate as well as inexpensive to culture, CSSCs now represent a well-described cell type with attributes of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These include differentiation- and immunosuppressive potential, as well as a favorable capacity to expand in vitro. Here, we in detail describe two straightforward methods to isolate and establish CSSC cultures ex vivo.
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25
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Yam GHF, Riau AK, Funderburgh ML, Mehta JS, Jhanji V. Keratocyte biology. Exp Eye Res 2020; 196:108062. [PMID: 32442558 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The study of corneal stromal keratocytes is motivated by its strong association with corneal health and visual function. They play a dominant role in the maintenance of corneal homeostasis and transparency through the production of collagens, proteoglycans and corneal crystallins. Trauma-induced apoptosis of keratocytes and replacement by fibroblasts and myofibroblasts disrupt the stromal matrix organization, resulting in corneal haze formation and vision loss. It is, therefore, important to understand the biology and behaviours of keratocytes and the associated stromal cell types (like fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, stromal stem cells) in wound healing, corneal pathologies (including keratoconus, keratitis, endothelial disorders) as well as different ophthalmic situations (such as collagen crosslinking/photodynamic treatment, keratoplasty and refractive surgery, and topical medications). The recent development of ex vivo propagation of keratocytes and stromal stem cells, and their translational applications, either via stromal injection or incorporated in bioscaffold, have been shown to restore the corneal transparency and regenerate native stromal tissue in animal models of corneal haze and other disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary H F Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Andri K Riau
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
| | | | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Vishal Jhanji
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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26
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Ghoubay D, Borderie M, Grieve K, Martos R, Bocheux R, Nguyen TM, Callard P, Chédotal A, Borderie VM. Corneal stromal stem cells restore transparency after N 2 injury in mice. Stem Cells Transl Med 2020; 9:917-935. [PMID: 32379938 PMCID: PMC7381812 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.19-0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal scarring associated with various corneal conditions is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that corneal stromal stem cells have a therapeutic effect and are able to restore the extracellular matrix organization and corneal transparency in vivo. We first developed a mouse model of corneal stromal scar induced by liquid nitrogen (N2) application. We then reversed stromal scarring by injecting mouse or human corneal stromal stem cells in injured cornea. To characterize the mouse model developed in this study and the therapeutic effect of corneal stromal stem cells, we used a combination of in vivo (slit lamp, optical coherence tomography, in vivo confocal microscopy, optical coherence tomography shear wave elastography, and optokinetic tracking response) and ex vivo (full field optical coherence microscopy, flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy, and histology) techniques. The mouse model obtained features early inflammation, keratocyte apoptosis, keratocyte transformation into myofibroblasts, collagen type III synthesis, impaired stromal ultrastructure, corneal stromal haze formation, increased corneal rigidity, and impaired visual acuity. Injection of stromal stem cells in N2‐injured cornea resulted in improved corneal transparency associated with corneal stromal stem cell migration and growth in the recipient stroma, absence of inflammatory response, recipient corneal epithelial cell growth, decreased collagen type III stromal content, restored stromal ultrastructure, decreased stromal haze, decreased corneal rigidity, and improved vision. Our study demonstrates the ability of corneal stromal stem cells to promote regeneration of transparent stromal tissue after corneal scarring induced by liquid nitrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djida Ghoubay
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France.,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des 15-20, DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DHOS CIC, Paris, France
| | - Marie Borderie
- Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des 15-20, DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DHOS CIC, Paris, France
| | - Kate Grieve
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Raphaël Martos
- Laboratoire de Recherche Vasculaire Translationnelle, INSERM U1148, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Romain Bocheux
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences (LOB) École polytechnique, CNRS UMR 7645, INSERM U 1182, Palaiseau cedex, France
| | - Thu-Mai Nguyen
- Institut Langevin Ondes et images CNRS UMR 7587, INSERM U979 Physiques des ondes pour la médecine, ESPCI, Paris, France
| | - Patrice Callard
- Sorbonne Université, APHP, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Alain Chédotal
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Vincent M Borderie
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France.,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des 15-20, DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DHOS CIC, Paris, France
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27
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Dos Santos A, Balayan A, Funderburgh ML, Ngo J, Funderburgh JL, Deng SX. Differentiation Capacity of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Keratocyte Lineage. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:3013-3023. [PMID: 31310658 PMCID: PMC6636549 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.19-27008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been extensively studied for their capacity to enhance wound healing and represent a promising research field for generating cell therapies for corneal scars. In the present study, we investigated MSCs from different tissues and their potential to differentiate toward corneal keratocytes. Methods Adipose-derived stem cells, bone marrow MSCs, umbilical cord stem cells, and corneal stromal stem cells (CSSCs) were characterized by their expression of surface markers CD105, CD90, and CD73, and their multilineage differentiation capacity into adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes. MSCs were also evaluated for their potential to differentiate toward keratocytes, and for upregulation of the anti-inflammatory protein TNFα-stimulated gene-6 (TNFAIP6) after simulation by IFN-γ and TNF-α. Results Keratocyte lineage induction was achieved in all MSCs as indicated by the upregulated expression of keratocyte markers, including keratocan, lumican, and carbohydrate sulfotransferase. TNFAIP6 response to inflammatory stimulation was observed only in CSSCs; increasing by 3-fold compared with the control (P < 0.05). Conclusions Based on our findings, CSSCs appeared to have the greatest differentiation potential toward the keratocyte lineage and the greatest anti-inflammatory properties in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelie Dos Santos
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Alis Balayan
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Martha L Funderburgh
- Eye and Ear Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - John Ngo
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - James L Funderburgh
- Eye and Ear Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Sophie X Deng
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
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28
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Abstract
The corneal stroma comprises 90% of the corneal thickness and is critical for the cornea's transparency and refractive function necessary for vision. When the corneal stroma is altered by disease, injury, or scarring, however, an irreversible loss of transparency can occur. Corneal stromal pathology is the cause of millions of cases of blindness globally, and although corneal transplantation is the standard therapy, a severe global deficit of donor corneal tissue and eye banking infrastructure exists, and is unable to meet the overwhelming need. An alternative approach is to harness the endogenous regenerative ability of the corneal stroma, which exhibits self-renewal of the collagenous extracellular matrix under appropriate conditions. To mimic endogenous stromal regeneration, however, is a challenge. Unlike the corneal epithelium and endothelium, the corneal stroma is an exquisitely organized extracellular matrix containing stromal cells, proteoglycans and corneal nerves that is difficult to recapitulate in vitro. Nevertheless, much progress has recently been made in developing stromal equivalents, and in this review the most recent approaches to stromal regeneration therapy are described and discussed. Novel approaches for stromal regeneration include human or animal corneal and/or non-corneal tissue that is acellular or is decellularized and/or re-cellularized, acellular bioengineered stromal scaffolds, tissue adhesives, 3D bioprinting and stromal stem cell therapy. This review highlights the techniques and advances that have achieved first clinical use or are close to translation for eventual therapeutic application in repairing and regenerating the corneal stroma, while the potential of these novel therapies for achieving effective stromal regeneration is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Lagali
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Ophthalmology, Sørlandet Hospital Arendal, Arendal, Norway
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29
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Shojaati G, Khandaker I, Funderburgh ML, Mann MM, Basu R, Stolz DB, Geary ML, Dos Santos A, Deng SX, Funderburgh JL. Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reduce Corneal Fibrosis and Inflammation via Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Delivery of miRNA. Stem Cells Transl Med 2019; 8:1192-1201. [PMID: 31290598 PMCID: PMC6811691 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.18-0297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells from corneal stromal stem cells (CSSC) prevent fibrotic scarring and stimulate regeneration of transparent stromal tissue after corneal wounding in mice. These effects rely on the ability of CSSC to block neutrophil infiltration into the damaged cornea. The current study investigated the hypothesis that tissue regeneration by CSSC is mediated by secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs). CSSC produced EVs 130-150 nm in diameter with surface proteins that include CD63, CD81, and CD9. EVs from CSSC reduced visual scarring in murine corneal wounds as effectively as did live cells, but EVs from human embryonic kidney (HEK)293T cells had no regenerative properties. CSSC EV treatment of wounds decreased expression of fibrotic genes Col3a1 and Acta2, blocked neutrophil infiltration, and restored normal tissue morphology. CSSC EVs labeled with carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester dye, rapidly fused with corneal epithelial and stromal cells in culture, transferring microRNA (miRNA) to the target cells. Knockdown of mRNA for Alix, a component of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport, using siRNA, resulted in an 85% reduction of miRNA in the secreted EVs. The EVs with reduced miRNA were ineffective at blocking corneal scarring. Furthermore, CSSC with reduced Alix expression also lost their regenerative function, suggesting EVs as an obligate component in the delivery of miRNA. The results of these studies support an essential role for extracellular vesicles in the process by which CSSC cells block scarring and initiate regeneration of transparent corneal tissue after wounding. EVs appear to serve as a delivery vehicle for miRNA, which affects the regenerative action. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2019;8:1192-1201.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golnar Shojaati
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Kantonsspital Winterthur, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Irona Khandaker
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Martha L Funderburgh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mary M Mann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rohan Basu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Donna B Stolz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Moira L Geary
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Aurélie Dos Santos
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sophie X Deng
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - James L Funderburgh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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30
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Yang W, Han J, Ma J, Feng Y, Hou Q, Wang Z, Yu T. Prediction of key gene function in spinal muscular atrophy using guilt by association method based on network and gene ontology. Exp Ther Med 2019; 17:2561-2566. [PMID: 30906446 PMCID: PMC6425128 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.7216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Guilt by association (GBA) algorithm has been widely used to predict gene functions statistically, and a network-based approach may increase the confidence and veracity of identifying molecular signatures for diseases. The aim of the present study was to suggest a gene ontology (GO)-based method by integrating the GBA algorithm and network, to identify key gene functions for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The inference of predicting key gene functions was comprised of four steps, preparing gene lists and sets; extracting differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using microarray data [linear models for microarray data (limma)] package; constructing a co-expression matrix on gene lists using the Spearman correlation coefficient method; and predicting gene functions by GBA algorithm. Ultimately, key gene functions were predicted according to the area under the curve (AUC) index for GO terms and the GO terms with AUC >0.7 were determined as the optimal gene functions for SMA. A total of 484 DEGs and 466 background GO terms were regarded as gene lists and sets for the subsequent analyses, respectively. The predicted results obtained from the network-based GBA approach showed 141 gene sets had a good classified performance with AUC >0.5. Most significantly, 3 gene sets with AUC >0.7 were denoted as seed gene functions for SMA, including cell morphogenesis, which is involved in differentiation and ossification. In conclusion, we have predicted 3 key gene functions for SMA compared with control utilizing network-based GBA algorithm. The findings may provide great insights to reveal pathological and molecular mechanism underlying SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjiu Yang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, P.R. China
| | - Jing Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, P.R. China
| | - Jinfeng Ma
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, P.R. China
| | - Yujie Feng
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, P.R. China
| | - Qingxian Hou
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, P.R. China
| | - Zhijie Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, P.R. China
| | - Tengbo Yu
- Sports Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, P.R. China
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