1
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Kang S, Chen EC, Cifuentes H, Co JY, Cole G, Graham J, Hsia R, Kiyota T, Klein JA, Kroll KT, Nieves Lopez LM, Norona LM, Peiris H, Potla R, Romero-Lopez M, Roth JG, Tseng M, Fullerton AM, Homan KA. Complex in vitromodels positioned for impact to drug testing in pharma: a review. Biofabrication 2024; 16:042006. [PMID: 39189069 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad6933] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Recent years have seen the creation and popularization of various complexin vitromodels (CIVMs), such as organoids and organs-on-chip, as a technology with the potential to reduce animal usage in pharma while also enhancing our ability to create safe and efficacious drugs for patients. Public awareness of CIVMs has increased, in part, due to the recent passage of the FDA Modernization Act 2.0. This visibility is expected to spur deeper investment in and adoption of such models. Thus, end-users and model developers alike require a framework to both understand the readiness of current models to enter the drug development process, and to assess upcoming models for the same. This review presents such a framework for model selection based on comparative -omics data (which we term model-omics), and metrics for qualification of specific test assays that a model may support that we term context-of-use (COU) assays. We surveyed existing healthy tissue models and assays for ten drug development-critical organs of the body, and provide evaluations of readiness and suggestions for improving model-omics and COU assays for each. In whole, this review comes from a pharma perspective, and seeks to provide an evaluation of where CIVMs are poised for maximum impact in the drug development process, and a roadmap for realizing that potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serah Kang
- Complex in vitro Systems Group, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of America
| | - Eugene C Chen
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of America
| | - Helen Cifuentes
- Complex in vitro Systems Group, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of America
| | - Julia Y Co
- Complex in vitro Systems Group, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of America
| | - Gabrielle Cole
- Investigative Toxicology, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of America
| | - Jessica Graham
- Product Quality & Occupational Toxicology, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of Americaica
| | - Rebecca Hsia
- Complex in vitro Systems Group, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of America
| | - Tomomi Kiyota
- Investigative Toxicology, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of America
| | - Jessica A Klein
- Complex in vitro Systems Group, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of America
| | - Katharina T Kroll
- Complex in vitro Systems Group, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of America
| | - Lenitza M Nieves Lopez
- Complex in vitro Systems Group, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of America
| | - Leah M Norona
- Investigative Toxicology, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of America
| | - Heshan Peiris
- Human Genetics, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of America
| | - Ratnakar Potla
- Complex in vitro Systems Group, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of America
| | - Monica Romero-Lopez
- Complex in vitro Systems Group, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of America
| | - Julien G Roth
- Complex in vitro Systems Group, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of America
| | - Min Tseng
- Investigative Toxicology, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of America
| | - Aaron M Fullerton
- Investigative Toxicology, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of America
| | - Kimberly A Homan
- Complex in vitro Systems Group, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of America
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2
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Park HS, Bang JH, Jung WH, Yang JY, Shin HJ, Son JH, Han JW, Lee SH, Chung KH, Kim K, Chang HS, Park TK. Development of Non-Invasive miRNA Markers for Assessing the Quality of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Organoids. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8011. [PMID: 39125582 PMCID: PMC11312389 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158011] [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: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Human retinal organoids (ROs) have emerged as valuable tools for studying retinal development, modeling human retinal diseases, and screening drugs. However, their application is limited primarily due to time-intensive generation, high costs, and low reproducibility. Quality assessment of RO differentiation is crucial for their application in research. However, traditional methods such as morphological evaluation and immunohistochemical analysis have limitations due to their lack of precision and invasiveness, respectively. This study aims to identify non-invasive biomarkers for RO differentiation quality using exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs), which are known to reflect cell-specific functions and development in the retina. We differentiated ROs from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and classified them into 'superior' and 'inferior' groups based on morphological and immunohistochemical criteria. Exosomes from the conditioned media were isolated and analyzed for miRNA content. Our findings revealed distinct miRNA profiles between superior and inferior ROs, with superior ROs exhibiting higher miRNA diversity and specifically up- or down-regulated miRNAs. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses indicated that the target genes of these miRNAs are involved in neuron proliferation and differentiation. The study suggests the potential of exosomal hsa-miR-654-3p and hsa-miR-451a as non-invasive biomarkers for real-time monitoring of RO quality, facilitating the development of standardized, efficient, and cost-effective culture methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Song Park
- Divisions of Ophthalmology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Bucheon 14584, Republic of Korea; (H.S.P.); (W.H.J.); (J.W.H.); (S.H.L.)
| | - Ji-Hong Bang
- Department of Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Science Major, Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Republic of Korea; (J.-H.B.); (H.J.S.)
| | - Wook Hyun Jung
- Divisions of Ophthalmology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Bucheon 14584, Republic of Korea; (H.S.P.); (W.H.J.); (J.W.H.); (S.H.L.)
| | - Jin Young Yang
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapy for Retinal Degeneration, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon 31538, Republic of Korea; (J.Y.Y.); (K.H.C.)
| | - Hee Jeong Shin
- Department of Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Science Major, Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Republic of Korea; (J.-H.B.); (H.J.S.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapy for Retinal Degeneration, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon 31538, Republic of Korea; (J.Y.Y.); (K.H.C.)
| | - Ji-Hye Son
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 33151, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jung Woo Han
- Divisions of Ophthalmology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Bucheon 14584, Republic of Korea; (H.S.P.); (W.H.J.); (J.W.H.); (S.H.L.)
| | - Si Hyung Lee
- Divisions of Ophthalmology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Bucheon 14584, Republic of Korea; (H.S.P.); (W.H.J.); (J.W.H.); (S.H.L.)
| | - Kyung Hwun Chung
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapy for Retinal Degeneration, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon 31538, Republic of Korea; (J.Y.Y.); (K.H.C.)
| | - Kyunggon Kim
- Department of Digital Medicine, Brain Korea 21 plus, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan and Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hun Soo Chang
- Department of Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Science Major, Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Republic of Korea; (J.-H.B.); (H.J.S.)
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 33151, Republic of Korea;
| | - Tae Kwann Park
- Divisions of Ophthalmology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Bucheon 14584, Republic of Korea; (H.S.P.); (W.H.J.); (J.W.H.); (S.H.L.)
- Department of Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Science Major, Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Republic of Korea; (J.-H.B.); (H.J.S.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapy for Retinal Degeneration, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon 31538, Republic of Korea; (J.Y.Y.); (K.H.C.)
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Honnell V, Sweeney S, Norrie J, Parks M, Ramirez C, Jannu AJ, Xu B, Teubner B, Lee AY, Bell C, Dyer MA. Evolutionary conservation of VSX2 super-enhancer modules in retinal development. Development 2024; 151:dev202435. [PMID: 38994775 PMCID: PMC11266796 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Super-enhancers (SEs) are expansive regions of genomic DNA that regulate the expression of genes involved in cell identity and cell fate. We recently identified developmental stage- and cell type-specific modules within the murine Vsx2 SE. Here, we show that the human VSX2 SE modules have similar developmental stage- and cell type-specific activity in reporter gene assays. By inserting the human sequence of one VSX2 SE module into a mouse with microphthalmia, eye size was rescued. To understand the function of these SE modules during human retinal development, we deleted individual modules in human embryonic stem cells and generated retinal organoids. Deleting one module results in small organoids, recapitulating the small-eyed phenotype of mice with microphthalmia, while deletion of the other module led to disruptions in bipolar neuron development. This prototypical SE serves as a model for understanding developmental stage- and cell type-specific effects of neurogenic transcription factors with complex expression patterns. Moreover, by elucidating the gene regulatory mechanisms, we can begin to examine how dysregulation of these mechanisms contributes to phenotypic diversity and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Honnell
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Shannon Sweeney
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jackie Norrie
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Madison Parks
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Cody Ramirez
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Asha Jacob Jannu
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Beisi Xu
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Brett Teubner
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Ah Young Lee
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Claire Bell
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Michael A. Dyer
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
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4
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Tamada A, Muguruma K. Recapitulation and investigation of human brain development with neural organoids. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 16:106-117. [PMID: 39007085 PMCID: PMC11240300 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Organoids are 3D cultured tissues derived from stem cells that resemble the structure of living organs. Based on the accumulated knowledge of neural development, neural organoids that recapitulate neural tissue have been created by inducing self-organized neural differentiation of stem cells. Neural organoid techniques have been applied to human pluripotent stem cells to differentiate 3D human neural tissues in culture. Various methods have been developed to generate neural tissues of different regions. Currently, neural organoid technology has several significant limitations, which are being overcome in an attempt to create neural organoids that more faithfully recapitulate the living brain. The rapidly advancing neural organoid technology enables the use of living human neural tissue as research material and contributes to our understanding of the development, structure and function of the human nervous system, and is expected to be used to overcome neurological diseases and for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Tamada
- Department of iPS Cell Applied Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan
| | - Keiko Muguruma
- Department of iPS Cell Applied Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan
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Parameswarappa DC, Bagga DK, Upadhyaya A, Balasubramanian J, Pochaboina V, Muthineni V, Jalali S, Kannabiran C. RPE65 mutations in Leber congenital amaurosis, early-onset severe retinal dystrophy, and retinitis pigmentosa from a tertiary eye care center in India. Ophthalmic Genet 2024; 45:303-312. [PMID: 38323530 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2024.2309559] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mutations in the retinal pigment epithelial 65 kilodalton protein (RPE65) gene are associated with various inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), including Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), early-onset severe retinal dystrophy (EOSRD), and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). We screened for mutations in RPE65 in a series of Indian patients with these IRDs to determine the frequency/types of mutations and to describe the associated phenotypes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Diagnosis of LCA, EOSRD, and RP was made by standard and pre-defined criteria. Patients were evaluated by clinical, retinal imaging, and electrophysiological parameters. Genomic DNA from patients and available family members were used for identifying mutations by direct Sanger sequencing of the RPE65 gene or targeted NGS gene panel for IRDs covering 260+ genes. Variations detected were tested in healthy control populations and for co-segregation with the disease in available family members. RESULTS Mutations were found in eight patients, out of 220 total cases screened, all homozygous for the respective mutant alleles. Seven patients had mutations leading to premature termination codons and one patient had a missense change. The onset of visual loss ranged from birth to <2 years of life. At presentation, RPE mottling in the background retina was present in all cases with macular involvement in five cases with or without vascular attenuation and optic disc pallor. CONCLUSION RPE65 mutations in this series were found in 3.6% of cases associated with severe, early-onset disease, with consistent RPE mottling and variable manifestations with regard to the extent of disc pallor, arteriolar attenuation, and appearance of the macula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika C Parameswarappa
- Srimati Kanuri Santhamma Center for Vitreoretinal Diseases, Anant Bajaj Retina Institute, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Deepak Kumar Bagga
- Meera and L B Deshpande Centre for Sight Enhancement, Institute for Vision Rehabilitation, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Abhishek Upadhyaya
- Srimati Kanuri Santhamma Center for Vitreoretinal Diseases, Anant Bajaj Retina Institute, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Venkatesh Pochaboina
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Genetic Counseling, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Vani Muthineni
- Kallam Anji Reddy Molecular Genetics Laboratory, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Subhadra Jalali
- Srimati Kanuri Santhamma Center for Vitreoretinal Diseases, Anant Bajaj Retina Institute, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Chitra Kannabiran
- Kallam Anji Reddy Molecular Genetics Laboratory, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
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Duan C, Ding C, Sun X, Mao S, Liang Y, Liu X, Ding X, Chen J, Tang S. Retinal organoids with X-linked retinoschisis RS1 (E72K) mutation exhibit a photoreceptor developmental delay and are rescued by gene augmentation therapy. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:152. [PMID: 38816767 PMCID: PMC11140964 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03767-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS) is an inherited disease caused by RS1 gene mutation, which leads to retinal splitting and visual impairment. The mechanism of RS1-associated retinal degeneration is not fully understood. Besides, animal models of XLRS have limitations in the study of XLRS. Here, we used human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived retinal organoids (ROs) to investigate the disease mechanisms and potential treatments for XLRS. METHODS hiPSCs reprogrammed from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of two RS1 mutant (E72K) XLRS patients were differentiated into ROs. Subsequently, we explored whether RS1 mutation could affect RO development and explore the effectiveness of RS1 gene augmentation therapy. RESULTS ROs derived from RS1 (E72K) mutation hiPSCs exhibited a developmental delay in the photoreceptor, retinoschisin (RS1) deficiency, and altered spontaneous activity compared with control ROs. Furthermore, the delays in development were associated with decreased expression of rod-specific precursor markers (NRL) and photoreceptor-specific markers (RCVRN). Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene augmentation with RS1 at the photoreceptor immature stage rescued the rod photoreceptor developmental delay in ROs with the RS1 (E72K) mutation. CONCLUSIONS The RS1 (E72K) mutation results in the photoreceptor development delay in ROs and can be partially rescued by the RS1 gene augmentation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunwen Duan
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | | | - Xihao Sun
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shengru Mao
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | | | - Xinyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiansu Chen
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Shibo Tang
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Guangzhou Aier Eye Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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7
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Becker S, L'Ecuyer Z, Jones BW, Zouache MA, McDonnell FS, Vinberg F. Modeling complex age-related eye disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 100:101247. [PMID: 38365085 PMCID: PMC11268458 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101247] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Modeling complex eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma poses significant challenges, since these conditions depend highly on age-related changes that occur over several decades, with many contributing factors remaining unknown. Although both diseases exhibit a relatively high heritability of >50%, a large proportion of individuals carrying AMD- or glaucoma-associated genetic risk variants will never develop these diseases. Furthermore, several environmental and lifestyle factors contribute to and modulate the pathogenesis and progression of AMD and glaucoma. Several strategies replicate the impact of genetic risk variants, pathobiological pathways and environmental and lifestyle factors in AMD and glaucoma in mice and other species. In this review we will primarily discuss the most commonly available mouse models, which have and will likely continue to improve our understanding of the pathobiology of age-related eye diseases. Uncertainties persist whether small animal models can truly recapitulate disease progression and vision loss in patients, raising doubts regarding their usefulness when testing novel gene or drug therapies. We will elaborate on concerns that relate to shorter lifespan, body size and allometries, lack of macula and a true lamina cribrosa, as well as absence and sequence disparities of certain genes and differences in their chromosomal location in mice. Since biological, rather than chronological, age likely predisposes an organism for both glaucoma and AMD, more rapidly aging organisms like small rodents may open up possibilities that will make research of these diseases more timely and financially feasible. On the other hand, due to the above-mentioned anatomical and physiological features, as well as pharmacokinetic and -dynamic differences small animal models are not ideal to study the natural progression of vision loss or the efficacy and safety of novel therapies. In this context, we will also discuss the advantages and pitfalls of alternative models that include larger species, such as non-human primates and rabbits, patient-derived retinal organoids, and human organ donor eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Becker
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Zia L'Ecuyer
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Bryan W Jones
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Moussa A Zouache
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Fiona S McDonnell
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Frans Vinberg
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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8
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McDonald A, Wijnholds J. Retinal Ciliopathies and Potential Gene Therapies: A Focus on Human iPSC-Derived Organoid Models. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2887. [PMID: 38474133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The human photoreceptor function is dependent on a highly specialised cilium. Perturbation of cilial function can often lead to death of the photoreceptor and loss of vision. Retinal ciliopathies are a genetically diverse range of inherited retinal disorders affecting aspects of the photoreceptor cilium. Despite advances in the understanding of retinal ciliopathies utilising animal disease models, they can often lack the ability to accurately mimic the observed patient phenotype, possibly due to structural and functional deviations from the human retina. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can be utilised to generate an alternative disease model, the 3D retinal organoid, which contains all major retinal cell types including photoreceptors complete with cilial structures. These retinal organoids facilitate the study of disease mechanisms and potential therapies in a human-derived system. Three-dimensional retinal organoids are still a developing technology, and despite impressive progress, several limitations remain. This review will discuss the state of hiPSC-derived retinal organoid technology for accurately modelling prominent retinal ciliopathies related to genes, including RPGR, CEP290, MYO7A, and USH2A. Additionally, we will discuss the development of novel gene therapy approaches targeting retinal ciliopathies, including the delivery of large genes and gene-editing techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew McDonald
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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9
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Zhao H, Yan F. Retinal Organoids: A Next-Generation Platform for High-Throughput Drug Discovery. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:495-508. [PMID: 38079086 PMCID: PMC10837228 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10661-8] [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] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Retinal diseases are leading causes of blindness globally. Developing new drugs is of great significance for preventing vision loss. Current drug discovery relies mainly on two-dimensional in vitro models and animal models, but translation to human efficacy and safety is biased. In recent years, the emergence of retinal organoid technology platforms, utilizing three-dimensional microenvironments to better mimic retinal structure and function, has provided new platforms for exploring pathogenic mechanisms and drug screening. This review summarizes the latest advances in retinal organoid technology, emphasizing its application advantages in high-throughput drug screening, efficacy and toxicity evaluation, and translational medicine research. The review also prospects the combination of emerging technologies such as organ-on-a-chip, 3D bioprinting, single cell sequencing, gene editing with retinal organoid technology, which is expected to further optimize retinal organoid models and advance the diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongkun Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Eye Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Fei Yan
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Basic Medicine School, Kunming Medical University, 1168 Yuhua Street, Chunrong West Road, Chenggong District, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China.
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10
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Lei Q, Xiang K, Cheng L, Xiang M. Human retinal organoids with an OPA1 mutation are defective in retinal ganglion cell differentiation and function. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:68-83. [PMID: 38101398 PMCID: PMC10828684 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.11.004] [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: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA), mostly caused by heterozygous OPA1 mutations and characterized by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss and optic nerve degeneration, is one of the most common types of inherited optic neuropathies. Previous work using a two-dimensional (2D) differentiation model of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has investigated ADOA pathogenesis but failed to agree on the effect of OPA1 mutations on RGC differentiation. Here, we use 3D retinal organoids capable of mimicking in vivo retinal development to resolve the issue. We generated isogenic iPSCs carrying the hotspot OPA1 c.2708_2711delTTAG mutation and found that the mutant variant caused defective initial and terminal differentiation and abnormal electrophysiological properties of organoid-derived RGCs. Moreover, this variant inhibits progenitor proliferation and results in mitochondrial dysfunction. These data demonstrate that retinal organoids coupled with gene editing serve as a powerful tool to definitively identify disease-related phenotypes and provide valuable resources to further investigate ADOA pathogenesis and screen for ADOA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiannan Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Kangjian Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Lin Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Mengqing Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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11
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Qu Z, Batz Z, Singh N, Marchal C, Swaroop A. Stage-specific dynamic reorganization of genome topology shapes transcriptional neighborhoods in developing human retinal organoids. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113543. [PMID: 38048222 PMCID: PMC10790351 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113543] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We have generated a high-resolution Hi-C map of developing human retinal organoids to elucidate spatiotemporal dynamics of genomic architecture and its relationship with gene expression patterns. We demonstrate progressive stage-specific alterations in DNA topology and correlate these changes with transcription of cell-type-restricted gene markers during retinal differentiation. Temporal Hi-C reveals a shift toward A compartment for protein-coding genes and B compartment for non-coding RNAs, displaying high and low expression, respectively. Notably, retina-enriched genes are clustered near lost boundaries of topologically associated domains (TADs), and higher-order assemblages (i.e., TAD cliques) localize in active chromatin regions with binding sites for eye-field transcription factors. These genes gain chromatin contacts at their transcription start site as organoid differentiation proceeds. Our study provides a global view of chromatin architecture dynamics associated with diversification of cell types during retinal development and serves as a foundational resource for in-depth functional investigations of retinal developmental traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zepeng Qu
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration, and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, MSC0610, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Zachary Batz
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration, and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, MSC0610, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nivedita Singh
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration, and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, MSC0610, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Claire Marchal
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration, and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, MSC0610, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; In silichrom Ltd, 15 Digby Road, Newbury RG14 1TS, UK
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration, and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, MSC0610, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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12
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Wadkin LE, Makarenko I, Parker NG, Shukurov A, Figueiredo FC, Lako M. Human Stem Cells for Ophthalmology: Recent Advances in Diagnostic Image Analysis and Computational Modelling. CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2023; 9:57-66. [PMID: 38145008 PMCID: PMC10739444 DOI: 10.1007/s40778-023-00229-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review To explore the advances and future research directions in image analysis and computational modelling of human stem cells (hSCs) for ophthalmological applications. Recent Findings hSCs hold great potential in ocular regenerative medicine due to their application in cell-based therapies and in disease modelling and drug discovery using state-of-the-art 2D and 3D organoid models. However, a deeper characterisation of their complex, multi-scale properties is required to optimise their translation to clinical practice. Image analysis combined with computational modelling is a powerful tool to explore mechanisms of hSC behaviour and aid clinical diagnosis and therapy. Summary Many computational models draw on a variety of techniques, often blending continuum and discrete approaches, and have been used to describe cell differentiation and self-organisation. Machine learning tools are having a significant impact in model development and improving image classification processes for clinical diagnosis and treatment and will be the focus of much future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. E. Wadkin
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - I. Makarenko
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - N. G. Parker
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - A. Shukurov
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - F. C. Figueiredo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - M. Lako
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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13
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Ivanchenko MV, Hathaway DM, Mulhall EM, Booth KT, Wang M, Peters CW, Klein AJ, Chen X, Li Y, György B, Corey DP. PCDH15 Dual-AAV Gene Therapy for Deafness and Blindness in Usher Syndrome Type 1F. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.09.566447. [PMID: 38014037 PMCID: PMC10680673 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.09.566447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Usher syndrome type 1F (USH1F), resulting from mutations in the protocadherin-15 (PCDH15) gene, is characterized by congenital lack of hearing and balance, and progressive blindness in the form of retinitis pigmentosa. In this study, we explore a novel approach for USH1F gene therapy, exceeding the single AAV packaging limit by employing a dual adeno-associated virus (AAV) strategy to deliver the full-length PCDH15 coding sequence. We demonstrate the efficacy of this strategy in mouse USH1F models, effectively restoring hearing and balance in these mice. Importantly, our approach also proves successful in expressing PCDH15 in clinically relevant retinal models, including human retinal organoids and non-human primate retina, showing efficient targeting of photoreceptors and proper protein expression in the calyceal processes. This research represents a major step toward advancing gene therapy for USH1F and the multiple challenges of hearing, balance, and vision impairment.
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14
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Kruczek K, Swaroop A. Patient stem cell-derived in vitro disease models for developing novel therapies of retinal ciliopathies. Curr Top Dev Biol 2023; 155:127-163. [PMID: 38043950 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Primary cilia are specialized organelles on the surface of almost all cells in vertebrate tissues and are primarily involved in the detection of extracellular stimuli. In retinal photoreceptors, cilia are uniquely modified to form outer segments containing components required for the detection of light in stacks of membrane discs. Not surprisingly, vision impairment is a frequent phenotype associated with ciliopathies, a heterogeneous class of conditions caused by mutations in proteins required for formation, maintenance and/or function of primary cilia. Traditionally, immortalized cell lines and model organisms have been used to provide insights into the biology of ciliopathies. The advent of methods for reprogramming human somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells has enabled the generation of in vitro disease models directly from patients suffering from ciliopathies. Such models help us in investigating pathological mechanisms specific to human physiology and in developing novel therapeutic approaches. In this article, we review current protocols to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells into retinal cell types, and discuss how these cellular and/or organoid models can be utilized to interrogate pathobiology of ciliopathies affecting the retina and for testing prospective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Kruczek
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.
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15
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Honnell V, Sweeney S, Norrie J, Ramirez C, Xu B, Teubner B, Lee AY, Bell C, Dyer MA. Identification of Evolutionarily Conserved VSX2 Enhancers in Retinal Development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.17.562742. [PMID: 37905144 PMCID: PMC10614883 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.17.562742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Super-enhancers (SEs) are expansive regions of genomic DNA that regulate the expression of genes involved in cell identity and cell fate. Recently, we found that distinct modules within a murine SE regulate gene expression of master regulatory transcription factor Vsx2 in a developmental stage- and cell-type specific manner. Vsx2 is expressed in retinal progenitor cells as well as differentiated bipolar neurons and Müller glia. Mutations in VSX2 in humans and mice lead to microphthalmia due to a defect in retinal progenitor cell proliferation. Deletion of a single module within the Vsx2 SE leads to microphthalmia. Deletion of a separate module within the SE leads to a complete loss of bipolar neurons, yet the remainder of the retina develops normally. Furthermore, the Vsx2 SE is evolutionarily conserved in vertebrates, suggesting that these modules are important for retinal development across species. In the present study, we examine the ability of these modules to drive retinal development between species. By inserting the human build of one Vsx2 SE module into a mouse with microphthalmia, eye size was rescued. To understand the implications of these SE modules in a model of human development, we generated human retinal organoids. Deleting one module results in small organoids, recapitulating the small-eyed phenotype of mice with microphthalmia, while deletion of the other module leads to a complete loss of ON cone bipolar neurons. This prototypical SE serves as a model for uncoupling developmental stage- and cell-type specific effects of neurogenic transcription factors with complex expression patterns. Moreover, by elucidating the gene regulatory mechanisms, we can begin to examine how dysregulation of these mechanisms contributes to phenotypic diversity and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Honnell
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA
| | - Shannon Sweeney
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA
| | - Jackie Norrie
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA
| | - Cody Ramirez
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA
| | - Beisi Xu
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA
| | - Brett Teubner
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA
| | - Ah Young Lee
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Claire Bell
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Michael A. Dyer
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA
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16
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Sanjurjo-Soriano C, Jimenez-Medina C, Erkilic N, Cappellino L, Lefevre A, Nagel-Wolfrum K, Wolfrum U, Van Wijk E, Roux AF, Meunier I, Kalatzis V. USH2A variants causing retinitis pigmentosa or Usher syndrome provoke differential retinal phenotypes in disease-specific organoids. HGG ADVANCES 2023; 4:100229. [PMID: 37654703 PMCID: PMC10465966 DOI: 10.1016/j.xhgg.2023.100229] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an emblematic clinical and genetic heterogeneity associated with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). The most common form is retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a rod-cone dystrophy caused by pathogenic variants in over 80 different genes. Further complexifying diagnosis, different variants in individual RP genes can also alter the clinical phenotype. USH2A is the most prevalent gene for autosomal-recessive RP and one of the most challenging because of its large size and, hence, large number of variants. Moreover, USH2A variants give rise to non-syndromic and syndromic RP, known as Usher syndrome (USH) type 2, which is associated with vision and hearing loss. The lack of a clear genotype-phenotype correlation or prognostic models renders diagnosis highly challenging. We report here a long-awaited differential non-syndromic RP and USH phenotype in three human disease-specific models: fibroblasts, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and mature iPSC-derived retinal organoids. Moreover, we identified distinct retinal phenotypes in organoids from multiple RP and USH individuals, which were validated by isogenic-corrected controls. Non-syndromic RP organoids showed compromised photoreceptor differentiation, whereas USH organoids showed a striking and unexpected cone phenotype. Furthermore, complementary clinical investigations identified macular atrophy in a high proportion of USH compared with RP individuals, further validating our observations that USH2A variants differentially affect cones. Overall, identification of distinct non-syndromic RP and USH phenotypes in multiple models provides valuable and robust readouts for testing the pathogenicity of USH2A variants as well as the efficacy of therapeutic approaches in complementary cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Sanjurjo-Soriano
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Carla Jimenez-Medina
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Nejla Erkilic
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Luisina Cappellino
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Arnaud Lefevre
- National Reference Centre for Inherited Sensory Diseases, University of Montpellier, CHU, Montpellier, France
| | - Kerstin Nagel-Wolfrum
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Molecular Cell Biology, and Photoreceptor Cell Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Neurobiology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Uwe Wolfrum
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Molecular Cell Biology, and Photoreceptor Cell Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Erwin Van Wijk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing, & Genes, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Anne-Françoise Roux
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, University of Montpellier, CHU, Montpellier, France
| | - Isabelle Meunier
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- National Reference Centre for Inherited Sensory Diseases, University of Montpellier, CHU, Montpellier, France
| | - Vasiliki Kalatzis
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
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17
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Chakrabarty K, Nayak D, Debnath J, Das D, Shetty R, Ghosh A. Retinal organoids in disease modeling and drug discovery: Opportunities and challenges. Surv Ophthalmol 2023:S0039-6257(23)00127-3. [PMID: 37778668 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Diseases leading to retinal cell loss can cause severe visual impairment and blindness. The lack of effective therapies to address retinal cell loss and the absence of intrinsic regeneration in the human retina leads to an irreversible pathological condition. Progress in recent years in the generation of human three-dimensional retinal organoids from pluripotent stem cells makes it possible to recreate the cytoarchitecture and associated cell-cell interactions of the human retina in remarkable detail. These human three-dimensional retinal organoid systems made of distinct retinal cell types and possessing contextual physiological responses allow the study of human retina development and retinal disease pathology in a way animal model and two-dimensional cell cultures were unable to achieve. We describe the derivation of retinal organoids from human pluripotent stem cells and their application for modeling retinal disease pathologies, while outlining the opportunities and challenges for its application in academia and industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koushik Chakrabarty
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
| | - Divyani Nayak
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Jayasree Debnath
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Debashish Das
- Stem Cell Research Lab, GROW Lab, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Rohit Shetty
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Narayana Nethralaya Eye Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Arkasubhra Ghosh
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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18
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Wong NK, Yip SP, Huang CL. Establishing Functional Retina in a Dish: Progress and Promises of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Retinal Neuron Differentiation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13652. [PMID: 37686457 PMCID: PMC10487913 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The human eye plays a critical role in vision perception, but various retinal degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can lead to vision loss or blindness. Although progress has been made in understanding retinal development and in clinical research, current treatments remain inadequate for curing or reversing these degenerative conditions. Animal models have limited relevance to humans, and obtaining human eye tissue samples is challenging due to ethical and legal considerations. Consequently, researchers have turned to stem cell-based approaches, specifically induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), to generate distinct retinal cell populations and develop cell replacement therapies. iPSCs offer a novel platform for studying the key stages of human retinogenesis and disease-specific mechanisms. Stem cell technology has facilitated the production of diverse retinal cell types, including retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and photoreceptors, and the development of retinal organoids has emerged as a valuable in vitro tool for investigating retinal neuron differentiation and modeling retinal diseases. This review focuses on the protocols, culture conditions, and techniques employed in differentiating retinal neurons from iPSCs. Furthermore, it emphasizes the significance of molecular and functional validation of the differentiated cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nonthaphat Kent Wong
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shea Ping Yip
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chien-Ling Huang
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
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19
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Park B, Bang S, Hwang KS, Cha YK, Kwak J, Tran NL, Kim HS, Park S, Oh SJ, Im M, Chung S, Kim J, Park TH, Song HS, Kim HN, Kim JH. Eye-Mimicked Neural Network Composed of Photosensitive Neural Spheroids with Human Opsin Proteins. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2302996. [PMID: 37377148 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202302996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
An in vitro model, composed of the short-wavelength human opsins and rhodopsins, is created. Two types of photosensitive neural spheroids are transfected for selective reaction under bluish-purple and green lights. These are employed to two devices with intact neuron and neural-spheroid to study the interaction. By photostimulation, the photosensitive spheroid initiated photoactivation, and the signal generated from its body is transmitted to adjacent neural networks. Specifically, the signal traveled through the axon bundle in narrow gap from photosensitive spheroid to intact spheroid as an eye-to-brain model including optic nerve. The whole process with photosensitive spheroid is monitored by calcium ion detecting fluorescence images. The results of this study can be applied to examine vision restoration and novel photosensitive biological systems with spectral sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byeongho Park
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Seokyoung Bang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Dongguk University, Goyang, 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Seob Hwang
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Kyung Cha
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Jisung Kwak
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Na Ly Tran
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Suk Kim
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Subeen Park
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Ja Oh
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Maesoon Im
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Sooyoung Chung
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongbaeg Kim
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Tai Hyun Park
- Department of Nutritional Science and Food Management, Ewha Womans University, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Seok Song
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Nam Kim
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei-KIST Convergence Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hun Kim
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
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20
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Yu J, Yin Y, Leng Y, Zhang J, Wang C, Chen Y, Li X, Wang X, Liu H, Liao Y, Jin Y, Zhang Y, Lu K, Wang K, Wang X, Wang L, Zheng F, Gu Z, Li Y, Fan Y. Emerging strategies of engineering retinal organoids and organoid-on-a-chip in modeling intraocular drug delivery: current progress and future perspectives. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 197:114842. [PMID: 37105398 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Retinal diseases are a rising concern as major causes of blindness in an aging society; therapeutic options are limited, and the precise pathogenesis of these diseases remains largely unknown. Intraocular drug delivery and nanomedicines offering targeted, sustained, and controllable delivery are the most challenging and popular topics in ocular drug development and toxicological evaluation. Retinal organoids (ROs) and organoid-on-a-chip (ROoC) are both emerging as promising in-vitro models to faithfully recapitulate human eyes for retinal research in the replacement of experimental animals and primary cells. In this study, we review the generation and application of ROs resembling the human retina in cell subtypes and laminated structures and introduce the emerging engineered ROoC as a technological opportunity to address critical issues. On-chip vascularization, perfusion, and close inter-tissue interactions recreate physiological environments in vitro, whilst integrating with biosensors facilitates real-time analysis and monitoring during organogenesis of the retina representing engineering efforts in ROoC models. We also emphasize that ROs and ROoCs hold the potential for applications in modeling intraocular drug delivery in vitro and developing next-generation retinal drug delivery strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaheng Yu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, and with the School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yuqi Yin
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, and with the School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yubing Leng
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, and with the School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jingcheng Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, and with the School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Yanyun Chen
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xiaorui Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, and with the School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xudong Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, and with the School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, and with the School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yulong Liao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, and with the School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yishan Jin
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, and with the School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yihan Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, and with the School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Keyu Lu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, and with the School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Kehao Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, and with the School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China; Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, and with the School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China; Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Lizhen Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, and with the School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China; Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Fuyin Zheng
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, and with the School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China; Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Zhongze Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Yinghui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China.
| | - Yubo Fan
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, and with the School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China; Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China.
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21
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Characterization of Primary Cilia Formation in Human ESC-Derived Retinal Organoids. Stem Cells Int 2023; 2023:6494486. [PMID: 36684387 PMCID: PMC9859708 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6494486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Primary cilia are conserved organelles found in polarized mammalian cells that regulate neuronal growth, migration, and differentiation. Proper cilia formation is essential during eye development. Our previous reports found that both amacrine and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) contain primary cilia in primate and rodent retinas. However, whether primary cilia are present in the inner retina of human retinal organoids remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to characterize the primary cilia distribution in human embryonic stem cell (hESC-derived retinal organoid development. Materials and Methods Retinal organoids were differentiated from a hESC line, harvested at various developmental timepoints (day 44-day 266), and immunostained with antibodies for primary cilia, including Arl13b (for the axoneme), AC3, and Centrin3 (for the basal body). AP2α, Prox1, GAD67, Calretinin, GFAP, PKCα, and Chx10 antibodies as well as Brn3b-promoted tdTomato expression were used to visualize retinal cell types. Results A group of ciliated cells were present in the inner aspects of retinal organoids from day 44 to day 266 in culture. Ciliated Chx10-positive retinal progenitor cells, GFAP-positive astrocytes, and PKCα-positive rod-bipolar cells were detected later during development (day 176 to day 266). Ciliation persisted during all stages of retinal developmental in AP2α-positive amacrine cells, but it was decreased in Brn3b-positive retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) at later time points. Additionally, AC3-positive astrocytes significantly decreased during the later stages of organoid formation. Conclusions Amacrine cells in retinal organoids retain cilia throughout development, whereas RGC ciliation gradually and progressively decreases with organoid maturation.
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22
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Re-formation of synaptic connectivity in dissociated human stem cell-derived retinal organoid cultures. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2213418120. [PMID: 36598946 PMCID: PMC9926218 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2213418120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived retinal organoids (ROs) can efficiently and reproducibly generate retinal neurons that have potential for use in cell replacement strategies [Capowski et al., Development 146, dev171686 (2019)]. The ability of these lab-grown retinal neurons to form new synaptic connections after dissociation from ROs is key to building confidence in their capacity to restore visual function. However, direct evidence of reestablishment of retinal neuron connectivity via synaptic tracing has not been reported to date. The present study employs an in vitro, rabies virus-based, monosynaptic retrograde tracing assay [Wickersham et al., Neuron 53, 639-647 (2007); Sun et al., Mol. Neurodegener. 14, 8 (2019)] to identify de novo synaptic connections among early retinal cell types following RO dissociation. A reproducible, high-throughput approach for labeling and quantifying traced retinal cell types was developed. Photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells-the primary neurons of interest for retinal cell replacement-were the two major contributing populations among the traced presynaptic cells. This system provides a platform for assessing synaptic connections in cultured retinal neurons and sets the stage for future cell replacement studies aimed at characterizing or enhancing synaptogenesis. Used in this manner, in vitro synaptic tracing is envisioned to complement traditional preclinical animal model testing, which is limited by evolutionary incompatibilities in synaptic machinery inherent to human xenografts.
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23
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Völkner M, Wagner F, Kurth T, Sykes AM, Del Toro Runzer C, Ebner LJA, Kavak C, Alexaki VI, Cimalla P, Mehner M, Koch E, Karl MO. Modeling inducible neuropathologies of the retina with differential phenotypes in organoids. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1106287. [PMID: 37213216 PMCID: PMC10196395 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1106287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases remain incompletely understood and therapies are needed. Stem cell-derived organoid models facilitate fundamental and translational medicine research. However, to which extent differential neuronal and glial pathologic processes can be reproduced in current systems is still unclear. Here, we tested 16 different chemical, physical, and cell functional manipulations in mouse retina organoids to further explore this. Some of the treatments induce differential phenotypes, indicating that organoids are competent to reproduce distinct pathologic processes. Notably, mouse retina organoids even reproduce a complex pathology phenotype with combined photoreceptor neurodegeneration and glial pathologies upon combined (not single) application of HBEGF and TNF, two factors previously associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Pharmacological inhibitors for MAPK signaling completely prevent photoreceptor and glial pathologies, while inhibitors for Rho/ROCK, NFkB, and CDK4 differentially affect them. In conclusion, mouse retina organoids facilitate reproduction of distinct and complex pathologies, mechanistic access, insights for further organoid optimization, and modeling of differential phenotypes for future applications in fundamental and translational medicine research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Völkner
- Technische Universität Dresden, Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Dresden, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Felix Wagner
- Technische Universität Dresden, Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Dresden, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Kurth
- Technische Universität Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technology Platform Core Facility Electron Microscopy and Histology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Alex M. Sykes
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Lynn J. A. Ebner
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Cagri Kavak
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Vasileia Ismini Alexaki
- Technische Universität Dresden, Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Peter Cimalla
- Technische Universität Dresden, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Clinical Sensoring and Monitoring, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mirko Mehner
- Technische Universität Dresden, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Clinical Sensoring and Monitoring, Dresden, Germany
| | - Edmund Koch
- Technische Universität Dresden, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Clinical Sensoring and Monitoring, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mike O. Karl
- Technische Universität Dresden, Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Dresden, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
- *Correspondence: Mike O. Karl, ,
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24
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Li M, Gao L, Zhao L, Zou T, Xu H. Toward the next generation of vascularized human neural organoids. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:31-54. [PMID: 35993813 DOI: 10.1002/med.21922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Thanks to progress in the development of three-dimensional (3D) culture technologies, human central nervous system (CNS) development and diseases have been gradually deciphered by using organoids derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) or human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Selforganized neural organoids (NOs) have been used to mimic morphogenesis and functions of specific organs in vitro. Many NOs have been reproduced in vitro, such as those mimicking the human brain, retina, and spinal cord. However, NOs fail to capitulate to the maturation and complexity of in vivo neural tissues. The persistent issues with current NO cultivation protocols are inadequate oxygen supply and nutrient diffusion due to the absence of vascular networks. In vivo, the developing CNS is interpenetrated by vasculature that not only supplies oxygen and nutrients but also provides a structural template for neuronal growth. To address these deficiencies, recent studies have begun to couple NO culture with bioengineering techniques and methodologies, including genetic engineering, coculture, multidifferentiation, microfluidics and 3D bioprinting, and transplantation, which might promote NO maturation and create more functional NOs. These cutting-edge methods could generate an ever more reliable NO model in vitro for deciphering the codes of human CNS development, disease progression, and translational application. In this review, we will summarize recent technological advances in culture strategies to generate vascularized NOs (vNOs), with a special focus on cerebral- and retinal-organoid models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Li
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Lixiong Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Zou
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Haiwei Xu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
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25
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Arjmand B, Rabbani Z, Soveyzi F, Tayanloo-Beik A, Rezaei-Tavirani M, Biglar M, Adibi H, Larijani B. Advancement of Organoid Technology in Regenerative Medicine. REGENERATIVE ENGINEERING AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2023; 9:83-96. [PMID: 35968268 PMCID: PMC9360642 DOI: 10.1007/s40883-022-00271-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Organoids are three-dimensional cultures of stem cells in an environment similar to the body's extracellular matrix. This is also a novel development in the realm of regenerative medicine. Stem cells can begin to develop into 3D structures by modifying signaling pathways. To form organoids, stem cells are transplanted into the extracellular matrix. Organoids have provided the required technologies to reproduce human tissues. As a result, it might be used in place of animal models in scientific study. The key goals of these investigations are research into viral and genetic illnesses, malignancies, and extracellular vesicles, pharmaceutical discovery, and organ transplantation. Organoids can help pave the road for precision medicine through genetic editing, pharmaceutical development, and cell therapy. Methods PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus were used to search for all relevant papers written in English (1907-2021). The study abstracts were scrutinized. Studies on the use of stem-cell-derived organoids in regenerative medicine, organoids as 3D culture models for EVs analysis, and organoids for precision medicine were included. Articles with other irrelevant aims, meetings, letters, commentaries, congress and conference abstracts, and articles with no available full texts were excluded. Results According to the included studies, organoids have various origins, types, and applications in regenerative and precision medicine, as well as an important role in studying extracellular vesicles. Conclusion Organoids are considered a bridge that connects preclinical studies to clinical ones. However, the lack of a standardized protocol and other barriers addressed in this review, hinder the vast use of this technology. Lay Summary Organoids are 3D stem cell propagations in biological or synthetic scaffolds that mimic ECM to allow intercellular or matrix-cellular crosstalk. Because these structures are similar to organs in the body, they can be used as research models. Organoids are medicine's future hope for organ transplantation, tumor biobank formation, and the development of precision medicine. Organoid models can be used to study cell-to-cell interactions as well as effective factors like inflammation and aging. Bioengineering technologies are also used to define the size, shape, and composition of organoids before transforming them into precise structures. Finally, the importance of organoid applications in regenerative medicine has opened a new window for a better understanding of biological research, as discussed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Arjmand
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Rabbani
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faezeh Soveyzi
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akram Tayanloo-Beik
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mahmood Biglar
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Adibi
- Diabetes Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bagher Larijani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Agarwal D, Kuhns R, Dimitriou CN, Barlow E, Wahlin KJ, Enke RA. Bulk RNA sequencing analysis of developing human induced pluripotent cell-derived retinal organoids. Sci Data 2022; 9:759. [PMID: 36494376 PMCID: PMC9734101 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-022-01853-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinogenesis involves the transformation of the anterior developing brain into organized retinal lamellae coordinated by intricate gene signalling networks. This complex process has been investigated in several model organisms such as birds, fish, mammals and amphibians, yet many facets of retinal development are different in humans and remain unexplored. In this regard, human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived 3D retinal organoids and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) have emerged as key technologies that have facilitated the discovery of previously unknown details about cell fate specification and gene regulation in the retina. Here we utilized hPSCs integrated with fluorescent reporter genes (SIX6-p2A-eGFP/CRX-p2A-h2b-mRuby3) to generate retinal organoids and carry out bulk RNA sequencing of samples encompassing the majority of retinogenesis (D0-D280). This data set will serve as a valuable reference for the vision research community to characterize differentially expressed genes in the developing human eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devansh Agarwal
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology at the Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Rian Kuhns
- Department of Biology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, 22807, USA
| | | | - Emmalyn Barlow
- Department of Biology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, 22807, USA
| | - Karl J Wahlin
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology at the Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Ray A Enke
- Department of Biology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, 22807, USA.
- The Center for Genome & Metagenome Studies, James Madison University Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg, VA, 22807, USA.
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27
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Chien Y, Hsiao YJ, Chou SJ, Lin TY, Yarmishyn AA, Lai WY, Lee MS, Lin YY, Lin TW, Hwang DK, Lin TC, Chiou SH, Chen SJ, Yang YP. Nanoparticles-mediated CRISPR-Cas9 gene therapy in inherited retinal diseases: applications, challenges, and emerging opportunities. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:511. [DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01717-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractInherited Retinal Diseases (IRDs) are considered one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. However, the majority of them still lack a safe and effective treatment due to their complexity and genetic heterogeneity. Recently, gene therapy is gaining importance as an efficient strategy to address IRDs which were previously considered incurable. The development of the clustered regularly-interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system has strongly empowered the field of gene therapy. However, successful gene modifications rely on the efficient delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 components into the complex three-dimensional (3D) architecture of the human retinal tissue. Intriguing findings in the field of nanoparticles (NPs) meet all the criteria required for CRISPR-Cas9 delivery and have made a great contribution toward its therapeutic applications. In addition, exploiting induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology and in vitro 3D retinal organoids paved the way for prospective clinical trials of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in treating IRDs. This review highlights important advances in NP-based gene therapy, the CRISPR-Cas9 system, and iPSC-derived retinal organoids with a focus on IRDs. Collectively, these studies establish a multidisciplinary approach by integrating nanomedicine and stem cell technologies and demonstrate the utility of retina organoids in developing effective therapies for IRDs.
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28
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Qian S, Mao J, Liu Z, Zhao B, Zhao Q, Lu B, Zhang L, Mao X, Cheng L, Cui W, Zhang Y, Sun X. Stem cells for organoids. SMART MEDICINE 2022; 1:e20220007. [PMID: 39188738 PMCID: PMC11235201 DOI: 10.1002/smmd.20220007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Organoids are three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems that simulate the structures and functions of organs, involving applications in disease modeling, drug screening, and cellular developmental biology. The material matrix in organoids can provide a 3D environment for stem cells to differentiate into different cell types and continuously self-renew, thereby realizing the in vitro culture of organs, which has received extensive attention in recent years. However, some challenges still exist in organoids, including low maturity, high heterogeneity, and lack of spatiotemporal regulation. Therefore, in this review, we summarized the culturing protocols and various applications of stem cell-derived organoids and proposed insightful thoughts for engineering stem cells into organoids in view of the current shortcomings, to achieve the further application and clinical translation of stem cells and engineered stem cells in organoid research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shutong Qian
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Jiayi Mao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Zhimo Liu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Binfan Zhao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Qiuyu Zhao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Bolun Lu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Liucheng Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xiyuan Mao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Liying Cheng
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Wenguo Cui
- Department of OrthopaedicsShanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint DiseasesShanghai Institute of Traumatology and OrthopaedicsRuijin HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yuguang Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xiaoming Sun
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
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Berber P, Bondarenko S, Michaelis L, Weber BHF. Transient Retention of Photoreceptor Outer Segments in Matrigel-Embedded Retinal Organoids. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314893. [PMID: 36499228 PMCID: PMC9739155 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal organoids (ROs) are three-dimensional retinal tissues, which are differentiated in vitro from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), ultimately forming all main retinal cell types under defined culture conditions. ROs show several highly specialized retinal features, including the outgrowth of photoreceptor outer segments (OSs). In vivo, the photoreceptor OSs are enveloped and maintained by protrusions of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, the so-called apical microvilli, while ROs fail to recapitulate this critical interaction in culture development. Here, we define specific co-culture conditions aiming to compensate for the missing physical proximity of RPE and OSs in RO development. Accordingly, functional RPE cells and ROs were differentiated simultaneously from the same iPSC clone, the former resulting in byproduct RPE or bRPE cells. While some co-culture approaches indicated a temporary functional interaction between bRPE and RO photoreceptors, they did not improve the photoreceptor histoarchitecture. In contrast, embedding ROs in a basement membrane extract without bRPE cells showed a robust improvement in the rate of photoreceptor OS retention. RO embedding is a quick and easy method that greatly enhances the preservation of photoreceptor OSs, an important structure for modelling retinal diseases with the involvement of photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Berber
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sofiia Bondarenko
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Michaelis
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Heinrich Friedrich Weber
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Human Genetics, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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30
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Arthur P, Muok L, Nathani A, Zeng EZ, Sun L, Li Y, Singh M. Bioengineering Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Organoids and Optic Vesicle-Containing Brain Organoids for Ocular Diseases. Cells 2022; 11:3429. [PMID: 36359825 PMCID: PMC9653705 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal organoids are three-dimensional (3D) structures derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) that mimic the retina's spatial and temporal differentiation, making them useful as in vitro retinal development models. Retinal organoids can be assembled with brain organoids, the 3D self-assembled aggregates derived from hPSCs containing different cell types and cytoarchitectures that resemble the human embryonic brain. Recent studies have shown the development of optic cups in brain organoids. The cellular components of a developing optic vesicle-containing organoids include primitive corneal epithelial and lens-like cells, retinal pigment epithelia, retinal progenitor cells, axon-like projections, and electrically active neuronal networks. The importance of retinal organoids in ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, Stargardt disease, retinitis pigmentosa, and diabetic retinopathy are described in this review. This review highlights current developments in retinal organoid techniques, and their applications in ocular conditions such as disease modeling, gene therapy, drug screening and development. In addition, recent advancements in utilizing extracellular vesicles secreted by retinal organoids for ocular disease treatments are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy Arthur
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | - Laureana Muok
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Aakash Nathani
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | - Eric Z. Zeng
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Mandip Singh
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
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Spiegel SJ, Sadun AA. Solutions to a Radical Problem: Overview of Current and Future Treatment Strategies in Leber's Hereditary Opic Neuropathy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13205. [PMID: 36361994 PMCID: PMC9656544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) is the most common primary mitochondrial DNA disorder. It is characterized by bilateral severe central subacute vision loss due to specific loss of Retinal Ganglion Cells and their axons. Historically, treatment options have been quite limited, but ongoing clinical trials show promise, with significant advances being made in the testing of free radical scavengers and gene therapy. In this review, we summarize management strategies and rational of treatment based on current insights from molecular research. This includes preventative recommendations for unaffected genetic carriers, current medical and supportive treatments for those affected, and emerging evidence for future potential therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J. Spiegel
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Alfredo A. Sadun
- Jules Stein and Doheny Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Kruczek K, Qu Z, Welby E, Shimada H, Hiriyanna S, English MA, Zein WM, Brooks BP, Swaroop A. In vitro modeling and rescue of ciliopathy associated with IQCB1/NPHP5 mutations using patient-derived cells. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:2172-2186. [PMID: 36084637 PMCID: PMC9561628 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the IQ calmodulin-binding motif containing B1 (IQCB1)/NPHP5 gene encoding the ciliary protein nephrocystin 5 cause early-onset blinding disease Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), together with kidney dysfunction in Senior-Løken syndrome. For in vitro disease modeling, we obtained dermal fibroblasts from patients with NPHP5-LCA that were reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and differentiated into retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and retinal organoids. Patient fibroblasts and RPE demonstrated aberrantly elongated ciliary axonemes. Organoids revealed impaired development of outer segment structures, which are modified primary cilia, and mislocalization of visual pigments to photoreceptor cell soma. All patient-derived cells showed reduced levels of CEP290 protein, a critical cilia transition zone component interacting with NPHP5, providing a plausible mechanism for aberrant ciliary gating and cargo transport. Disease phenotype in NPHP5-LCA retinal organoids could be rescued by adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated IQCB1/NPHP5 gene augmentation therapy. Our studies thus establish a human disease model and a path for treatment of NPHP5-LCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Kruczek
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, MSC0610, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Zepeng Qu
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, MSC0610, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Emily Welby
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, MSC0610, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hiroko Shimada
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, MSC0610, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Suja Hiriyanna
- Ocular Gene Therapy Core, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Milton A English
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, MSC0610, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Wadih M Zein
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Brian P Brooks
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, MSC0610, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Sanjurjo-Soriano C, Erkilic N, Damodar K, Boukhaddaoui H, Diakatou M, Garita-Hernandez M, Mamaeva D, Dubois G, Jazouli Z, Jimenez-Medina C, Goureau O, Meunier I, Kalatzis V. Retinoic acid delays initial photoreceptor differentiation and results in a highly structured mature retinal organoid. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:478. [PMID: 36114559 PMCID: PMC9482314 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03146-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal organoids are a valuable tool for disease modelling and therapeutic development. Many efforts have been made over the last decade to optimise protocols for the generation of organoids that correctly mimic the human retina. Most protocols use common media supplements; however, protocol-dependent variability impacts data interpretation. To date, the lack of a systematic comparison of a given protocol with or without supplements makes it difficult to determine how they influence the differentiation process and morphology of the retinal organoids. METHODS A 2D-3D differentiation method was used to generate retinal organoids, which were cultured with or without the most commonly used media supplements, notably retinoic acid. Gene expression was assayed using qPCR analysis, protein expression using immunofluorescence studies, ultrastructure using electron microscopy and 3D morphology using confocal and biphoton microscopy of whole organoids. RESULTS Retinoic acid delayed the initial stages of differentiation by modulating photoreceptor gene expression. At later stages, the presence of retinoic acid led to the generation of mature retinal organoids with a well-structured stratified photoreceptor layer containing a predominant rod population. By contrast, the absence of retinoic acid led to cone-rich organoids with a less organised and non-stratified photoreceptor layer. CONCLUSIONS This study proves the importance of supplemented media for culturing retinal organoids. More importantly, we demonstrate for the first time that the role of retinoic acid goes beyond inducing a rod cell fate to enhancing the organisation of the photoreceptor layer of the mature organoid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Sanjurjo-Soriano
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), Univ Montpellier, Inserm, Montpellier, France.
| | - Nejla Erkilic
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), Univ Montpellier, Inserm, Montpellier, France
- National Reference Centre for Inherited Sensory Diseases, Univ Montpellier, CHU, Montpellier, France
| | - Krishna Damodar
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), Univ Montpellier, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Hassan Boukhaddaoui
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), Univ Montpellier, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Michalitsa Diakatou
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), Univ Montpellier, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Marcela Garita-Hernandez
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), Univ Montpellier, Inserm, Montpellier, France
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daria Mamaeva
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), Univ Montpellier, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Gregor Dubois
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), Univ Montpellier, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Zhour Jazouli
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), Univ Montpellier, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Carla Jimenez-Medina
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), Univ Montpellier, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Olivier Goureau
- Institut de La Vision, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Meunier
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), Univ Montpellier, Inserm, Montpellier, France
- National Reference Centre for Inherited Sensory Diseases, Univ Montpellier, CHU, Montpellier, France
| | - Vasiliki Kalatzis
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), Univ Montpellier, Inserm, Montpellier, France.
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Li YP, Wang YT, Wang W, Zhang X, Shen RJ, Jin K, Jin LW, Jin ZB. Second hit impels oncogenesis of retinoblastoma in patient-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal organoids: direct evidence for Knudson's theory. PNAS NEXUS 2022; 1:pgac162. [PMID: 36714839 PMCID: PMC9802398 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a type of malignant tumor due to abnormal retinogenesis with biallelic mutations of the RB1 gene. Its pathogenesis has been proposed as a "two-mutation hypothesis" by Knudson since 1971; however, there remain some debates on disease onset sufficiency of the biallelic RB1 mutations. To obtain straightforward evidence for this hypothesis, we investigated whether two-hit mutations of the RB1 gene drive tumorigenesis in patient-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived human retinal organoids (hROs) and whether single allelic mutation hiPSC-derived hROs exhibit molecular and cellular defects. We generated hiPSCs with a heterozygous germline mutation (RB1m1/ wt ) from a Rb patient. A second-allele RB1 gene mutation was knocked in to produce compound heterozygous mutations (RB1m1/m2 ) in the hiPSCs. These two hiPSC lines were independently developed into hROs through a stepwise differentiation. The hiPSC-RB1m1/m2 derived organoids demonstrated tumorigenesis in dishes, consistent with Rb profiles in spatiotemporal transcriptomes, in which developmentally photoreceptor fate-determining markers, CRX and OTX2, were highly expressed in hiPSC-RB1m1/m2 derived hROs. Additionally, ARR3+ maturing cone precursors were co-labeled with proliferative markers Ki67 or PCNA, in agreement with the consensus that human Rb is originated from maturing cone precursors. Finally, we demonstrated that retinal cells of hROs with monoallelic RB1 mutation were abnormal in molecular aspects due to its haploinsufficiency. In conclusion, this study provides straightforward supporting evidence in a way of reverse genetics for "two-hit hypothesis" in the Rb tumorigenesis and opens new avenues for development of early intervention and treatment of Rb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ping Li
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Ya-Ting Wang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Ren-Juan Shen
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Kangxin Jin
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Li-Wen Jin
- Quanzhou Aier Eye Hospital, Quanzhou 362017, China
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Song Q, Zhang Y, Zhang M, Ma X, Zhang Q, Zhao C, Zhang Z, Zhao H, Hu W, Zhang X, Ren X, An M, Yang J, Liu Y. Identifying gene variants underlying the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy based on integrated genomic and transcriptomic analysis of clinical extreme phenotypes. Front Genet 2022; 13:929049. [PMID: 36035153 PMCID: PMC9399422 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.929049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication and the leading cause of blindness in patients with type 2 diabetes. DR has been shown to be closely correlated with blood glucose levels and the duration of diabetes. However, the onset and progression of DR also display clinical heterogeneity. We applied whole-exome sequencing and RNA-seq approaches to study the gene mutation and transcription profiles in three groups of diabetic patients with extreme clinical phenotypes in DR onset, timing, and disease progression, aiming to identify genetic variants that may play roles in the pathogenesis of DR. We identified 23 putatively pathogenic genes, and ingenuity pathway analysis of these mutated genes reveals their functional association with glucose metabolism, diabetic complications, neural system activity, and dysregulated immune responses. In addition, ten potentially protective genes were also proposed. These findings shed light on the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of DR and may provide potential targets for developing new strategies to combat DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoling Song
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- Innovation Platform of Marine Drug Screening and Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuchao Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Minghui Zhang
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- Innovation Platform of Marine Drug Screening and Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaoli Ma
- Department of Endocrinology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Qianyue Zhang
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- Innovation Platform of Marine Drug Screening and Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Chenyang Zhao
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhongwen Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Huichen Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Wenchao Hu
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xinxin Zhang
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- Innovation Platform of Marine Drug Screening and Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiwen Ren
- Department of Emergency, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Ming An
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Jinbo Yang
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- Innovation Platform of Marine Drug Screening and Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuantao Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
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36
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Lewin AS, Smith WC. Gene Therapy for Rhodopsin Mutations. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2022; 12:a041283. [PMID: 35940643 PMCID: PMC9435570 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in RHO, the gene for rhodopsin, account for a large fraction of autosomal-dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP). Patients fall into two clinical classes, those with early onset, pan retinal photoreceptor degeneration, and those who experience slowly progressive disease. The latter class of patients are candidates for photoreceptor-directed gene therapy, while former may be candidates for delivery of light-responsive proteins to interneurons or retinal ganglion cells. Gene therapy for RHO adRP may be targeted to the mutant gene at the DNA or RNA level, while other therapies preserve the viability of photoreceptors without addressing the underlying mutation. Correcting the RHO gene and replacing the mutant RNA show promise in animal models, while sustaining viable photoreceptors has the potential to delay the loss of central vision and may preserve photoreceptors for gene-directed treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred S Lewin
- Departments of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
| | - W Clay Smith
- Departments of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
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37
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Uppada S, Zou D, Scott EM, Ko G, Pflugfelder S, Kumar MNVR, Ganugula R. Paclitaxel and Urolithin A Prevent Histamine-Induced Neurovascular Breakdown Alike, in an Ex Vivo Rat Eye Model. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:2092-2098. [PMID: 35574761 PMCID: PMC9928511 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00692] [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: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurovascular eye problems are better prevented than managed or treated. Despite growing concern of occurrence in aging populations and development secondary to diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, we currently have very few options to tackle this global problem. Creating effective and high-throughput screening strategies is as important as the intervention itself. Here, we present for the first time a robust ex vivo rat eye model of histamine-induced vascular damage for investigating the therapeutic potential of paclitaxel (PTX) and urolithin A (UA) as alternatives to dexamethasone for preventing vascular damage in the retina. Extensive loss of vascularization and apoptosis were observed in the histamine-challenged group and successfully prevented in the intervention groups, more significantly in the PTX and UA. These important early results indicate that PTX and UA could be developed as potential preventive strategies for a wide variety of retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srijayaprakash Uppada
- The Center for Convergent Bioscience and Medicine (CCBM), The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401, United States; College of Community Health Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401, United States
| | - Dianxiong Zou
- College of Community Health Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401, United States
| | - Erin M. Scott
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Gladys Ko
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Stephen Pflugfelder
- Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - M. N. V. Ravi Kumar
- The Center for Convergent Bioscience and Medicine (CCBM), The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401, United States; College of Community Health Sciences and Alabama Life Research Institute, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401, United States; Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401, United States
| | - Raghu Ganugula
- The Center for Convergent Bioscience and Medicine (CCBM), The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401, United States; College of Community Health Sciences and Alabama Life Research Institute, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401, United States
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38
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Lange J, Zhou H, McTague A. Cerebral Organoids and Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapeutics: Challenges and Opportunities. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:941528. [PMID: 35836547 PMCID: PMC9274522 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.941528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of stem cell-derived cerebral organoids has already advanced our understanding of disease mechanisms in neurological diseases. Despite this, many remain without effective treatments, resulting in significant personal and societal health burden. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are one of the most widely used approaches for targeting RNA and modifying gene expression, with significant advancements in clinical trials for epilepsy, neuromuscular disorders and other neurological conditions. ASOs have further potential to address the unmet need in other neurological diseases for novel therapies which directly target the causative genes, allowing precision treatment. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived cerebral organoids represent an ideal platform in which to evaluate novel ASO therapies. In patient-derived organoids, disease-causing mutations can be studied in the native genetic milieu, opening the door to test personalized ASO therapies and n-of-1 approaches. In addition, CRISPR-Cas9 can be used to generate isogenic iPSCs to assess the effects of ASOs, by either creating disease-specific mutations or correcting available disease iPSC lines. Currently, ASO therapies face a number of challenges to wider translation, including insufficient uptake by distinct and preferential cell types in central nervous system and inability to cross the blood brain barrier necessitating intrathecal administration. Cerebral organoids provide a practical model to address and improve these limitations. In this review we will address the current use of organoids to test ASO therapies, opportunities for future applications and challenges including those inherent to cerebral organoids, issues with organoid transfection and choice of appropriate read-outs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Lange
- Department for Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research Into Rare Disease in Children, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Haiyan Zhou
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amy McTague
- Department for Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research Into Rare Disease in Children, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Amy McTague,
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Advances of Engineered Hydrogel Organoids within the Stem Cell Field: A Systematic Review. Gels 2022; 8:gels8060379. [PMID: 35735722 PMCID: PMC9222364 DOI: 10.3390/gels8060379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Organoids are novel in vitro cell culture models that enable stem cells (including pluripotent stem cells and adult stem cells) to grow and undergo self-organization within a three-dimensional microenvironment during the process of differentiation into target tissues. Such miniature structures not only recapitulate the histological and genetic characteristics of organs in vivo, but also form tissues with the capacity for self-renewal and further differentiation. Recent advances in biomaterial technology, particularly hydrogels, have provided opportunities to improve organoid cultures; by closely integrating the mechanical and chemical properties of the extracellular matrix microenvironment, with novel synthetic materials and stem cell biology. This systematic review critically examines recent advances in various strategies and techniques utilized for stem-cell-derived organoid culture, with particular emphasis on the application potential of hydrogel technology in organoid culture. We hope this will give a better understanding of organoid cultures for modelling diseases and tissue engineering applications.
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Guan Y, Wang Y, Zheng D, Xie B, Xu P, Gao G, Zhong X. Generation of an RCVRN-eGFP Reporter hiPSC Line by CRISPR/Cas9 to Monitor Photoreceptor Cell Development and Facilitate the Cell Enrichment for Transplantation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:870441. [PMID: 35573687 PMCID: PMC9096726 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.870441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell-based cell therapies are considered to be promising treatments for retinal disorders with dysfunction or death of photoreceptors. However, the enrichment of human photoreceptors suitable for transplantation has been highly challenging so far. This study aimed to generate a photoreceptor-specific reporter human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) line using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, which harbored an enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) sequence at the endogenous locus of the pan photoreceptor marker recoverin (RCVRN). After confirmation of successful targeting and gene stability, three-dimensional retinal organoids were induced from this reporter line. The RCVRN-eGFP reporter faithfully replicated endogenous protein expression of recoverin and revealed the developmental characteristics of photoreceptors during retinal differentiation. The RCVRN-eGFP specifically and steadily labeled photoreceptor cells from photoreceptor precursors to mature rods and cones. Additionally, abundant eGFP-positive photoreceptors were enriched by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and their transcriptome signatures were revealed by RNA sequencing and data analysis. Moreover, potential clusters of differentiation (CD) biomarkers were extracted for the enrichment of photoreceptors for clinical applications, such as CD133 for the positive selection of photoreceptors. Altogether, the RCVRN-eGFP reporter hiPSC line was successfully established and the first global expression database of recoverin-positive photoreceptors was constructed. These achievements will provide a powerful tool for dynamically monitoring photoreceptor cell development and purification of human photoreceptors, thus facilitating photoreceptor cell therapy for advanced retinal disorders.
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Martinelli I, Tayebati SK, Tomassoni D, Nittari G, Roy P, Amenta F. Brain and Retinal Organoids for Disease Modeling: The Importance of In Vitro Blood–Brain and Retinal Barriers Studies. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071120. [PMID: 35406683 PMCID: PMC8997725 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain and retinal organoids are functional and dynamic in vitro three-dimensional (3D) structures derived from pluripotent stem cells that spontaneously organize themselves to their in vivo counterparts. Here, we review the main literature data of how these organoids have been developed through different protocols and how they have been technically analyzed. Moreover, this paper reviews recent advances in using organoids to model neurological and retinal diseases, considering their potential for translational applications but also pointing out their limitations. Since the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and blood–retinal barrier (BRB) are understood to play a fundamental role respectively in brain and eye functions, both in health and in disease, we provide an overview of the progress in the development techniques of in vitro models as reliable and predictive screening tools for BBB and BRB-penetrating compounds. Furthermore, we propose potential future directions for brain and retinal organoids, in which dedicated biobanks will represent a novel tool for neuroscience and ophthalmology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilenia Martinelli
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.K.T.); (G.N.); (F.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Seyed Khosrow Tayebati
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.K.T.); (G.N.); (F.A.)
| | - Daniele Tomassoni
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (D.T.); (P.R.)
| | - Giulio Nittari
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.K.T.); (G.N.); (F.A.)
| | - Proshanta Roy
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (D.T.); (P.R.)
| | - Francesco Amenta
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.K.T.); (G.N.); (F.A.)
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42
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Bucher K, Rodriguez-Bocanegra E, Fischer MD. Benefits and Shortcomings of Laboratory Model Systems in the Development of Genetic Therapies. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2022; 239:263-269. [PMID: 35316853 DOI: 10.1055/a-1757-9879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapeutic approaches promise treatment or even a cure of diseases that were previously untreatable. Retinal gene therapies tested in clinical trials comprise a wide range of different strategies, including gene supplementation therapies, in vivo gene editing, modulation of splicing mechanisms, or the suppression of gene expression. To guarantee efficient transfer of genetic material into the respective target cells while avoiding major adverse effects, the development of genetic therapies requires appropriate in vitro model systems that allow tests of efficacy and safety of the gene therapeutic approach. In this review, we introduce various in vitro models of different levels of complexity used in the development of genetic therapies and discuss their respective benefits and shortcomings using the example of adeno-associated virus-based retinal gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Bucher
- University Eye Hospital, University Hospital Tübingen Clinic of Ophthalmology, Tubingen, Germany.,Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University Hospital Tübingen Clinic of Ophthalmology, Tubingen, Germany
| | | | - M Dominik Fischer
- University Eye Hospital, University Hospital Tübingen Clinic of Ophthalmology, Tubingen, Germany.,Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University Hospital Tübingen Clinic of Ophthalmology, Tubingen, Germany.,Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.,Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Oxford, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Bellapianta A, Cetkovic A, Bolz M, Salti A. Retinal Organoids and Retinal Prostheses: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2922. [PMID: 35328339 PMCID: PMC8953078 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the progress of modern medicine in the last decades, millions of people diagnosed with retinal dystrophies (RDs), such as retinitis pigmentosa, or age-related diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, are suffering from severe visual impairment or even legal blindness. On the one hand, the reprogramming of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and the progress of three-dimensional (3D) retinal organoids (ROs) technology provide a great opportunity to study, understand, and even treat retinal diseases. On the other hand, research advances in the field of electronic retinal prosthesis using inorganic photovoltaic polymers and the emergence of organic semiconductors represent an encouraging therapeutical strategy to restore vision to patients at the late onset of the disease. This review will provide an overview of the latest advancement in both fields. We first describe the retina and the photoreceptors, briefly mention the most used RD animal models, then focus on the latest RO differentiation protocols, carry out an overview of the current technology on inorganic and organic retinal prostheses to restore vision, and finally summarize the potential utility and applications of ROs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ahmad Salti
- Center for Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinic for Ophthalmology and Optometry, Johannes Kepler University Linz, 4020 Linz, Austria; (A.B.); (A.C.); (M.B.)
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Saha A, Capowski E, Fernandez Zepeda MA, Nelson EC, Gamm DM, Sinha R. Cone photoreceptors in human stem cell-derived retinal organoids demonstrate intrinsic light responses that mimic those of primate fovea. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:460-471.e3. [PMID: 35104442 PMCID: PMC9093561 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
High-definition vision in humans and nonhuman primates is initiated by cone photoreceptors located within a specialized region of the retina called the fovea. Foveal cone death is the ultimate cause of central blindness in numerous retinal dystrophies, including macular degenerative diseases. 3D retinal organoids (ROs) derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) hold tremendous promise to model and treat such diseases. To achieve this goal, RO cones should elicit robust and intrinsic light-evoked electrical responses (i.e., phototransduction) akin to adult foveal cones, which has not yet been demonstrated. Here, we show strong, graded, repetitive, and wavelength-specific light-evoked responses from RO cones. The photoresponses and membrane physiology of a significant fraction of these lab-generated cones are comparable with those of intact ex vivo primate fovea. These results greatly increase confidence in ROs as potential sources of functional human cones for cell replacement therapies, drug testing, and in vitro models of retinal dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aindrila Saha
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Cellular and Molecular Biology Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | | | - Emma C Nelson
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David M Gamm
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Cellular and Molecular Biology Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Raunak Sinha
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Cellular and Molecular Biology Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
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Salbaum KA, Shelton ER, Serwane F. Retina organoids: Window into the biophysics of neuronal systems. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2022; 3:011302. [PMID: 38505227 PMCID: PMC10903499 DOI: 10.1063/5.0077014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
With a kind of magnetism, the human retina draws the eye of neuroscientist and physicist alike. It is attractive as a self-organizing system, which forms as a part of the central nervous system via biochemical and mechanical cues. The retina is also intriguing as an electro-optical device, converting photons into voltages to perform on-the-fly filtering before the signals are sent to our brain. Here, we consider how the advent of stem cell derived in vitro analogs of the retina, termed retina organoids, opens up an exploration of the interplay between optics, electrics, and mechanics in a complex neuronal network, all in a Petri dish. This review presents state-of-the-art retina organoid protocols by emphasizing links to the biochemical and mechanical signals of in vivo retinogenesis. Electrophysiological recording of active signal processing becomes possible as retina organoids generate light sensitive and synaptically connected photoreceptors. Experimental biophysical tools provide data to steer the development of mathematical models operating at different levels of coarse-graining. In concert, they provide a means to study how mechanical factors guide retina self-assembly. In turn, this understanding informs the engineering of mechanical signals required to tailor the growth of neuronal network morphology. Tackling the complex developmental and computational processes in the retina requires an interdisciplinary endeavor combining experiment and theory, physics, and biology. The reward is enticing: in the next few years, retina organoids could offer a glimpse inside the machinery of simultaneous cellular self-assembly and signal processing, all in an in vitro setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elijah R. Shelton
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Chirco KR, Chew S, Moore AT, Duncan JL, Lamba DA. Allele-specific gene editing to rescue dominant CRX-associated LCA7 phenotypes in a retinal organoid model. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:2690-2702. [PMID: 34653402 PMCID: PMC8580887 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cases of Leber congenital amaurosis caused by mutations in CRX (LCA7) exhibit an early form of the disease and show signs of significant photoreceptor dysfunction and eventual loss. To establish a translational in vitro model system to study gene-editing-based therapies, we generated LCA7 retinal organoids harboring a dominant disease-causing mutation in CRX. Our LCA7 retinal organoids develop signs of immature and dysfunctional photoreceptor cells, providing us with a reliable in vitro model to recapitulate LCA7. Furthermore, we performed a proof-of-concept study in which we utilize allele-specific CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing to knock out mutant CRX and saw moderate rescue of photoreceptor phenotypes in our organoids. This work provides early evidence for an effective approach to treat LCA7, which can be applied more broadly to other dominant genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen R Chirco
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Divison of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA; Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Shereen Chew
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Anthony T Moore
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jacque L Duncan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Deepak A Lamba
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Zhang X, Wang W, Jin ZB. Retinal organoids as models for development and diseases. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2021; 10:33. [PMID: 34719743 PMCID: PMC8557999 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-021-00097-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The evolution of pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal organoids (ROs) has brought remarkable opportunities for developmental studies while also presenting new therapeutic avenues for retinal diseases. With a clear understanding of how well these models mimic native retinas, such preclinical models may be crucial tools that are widely used for the more efficient translation of studies into novel treatment strategies for retinal diseases. Genetic modifications or patient-derived ROs can allow these models to simulate the physical microenvironments of the actual disease process. However, we are currently at the beginning of the three-dimensional (3D) RO era, and a general quantitative technology for analyzing ROs derived from numerous differentiation protocols is still missing. Continued efforts to improve the efficiency and stability of differentiation, as well as understanding the disparity between the artificial retina and the native retina and advancing the current treatment strategies, will be essential in ensuring that these scientific advances can benefit patients with retinal disease. Herein, we briefly discuss RO differentiation protocols, the current applications of RO as a disease model and the treatments for retinal diseases by using RO modeling, to have a clear view of the role of current ROs in retinal development and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Zi-Bing Jin
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing, 100730, China.
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Martinez Velazquez LA, Ballios BG. The Next Generation of Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics for Inherited Retinal Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111542. [PMID: 34768969 PMCID: PMC8583900 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) are a diverse group of conditions that are often characterized by the loss of photoreceptors and blindness. Recent innovations in molecular biology and genomics have allowed us to identify the causative defects behind these dystrophies and to design therapeutics that target specific mechanisms of retinal disease. Recently, the FDA approved the first in vivo gene therapy for one of these hereditary blinding conditions. Current clinical trials are exploring new therapies that could provide treatment for a growing number of retinal dystrophies. While the field has had early success with gene augmentation strategies for treating retinal disease based on loss-of-function mutations, many novel approaches hold the promise of offering therapies that span the full spectrum of causative mutations and mechanisms. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the approaches currently in development including a discussion of retinal neuroprotection, gene therapies (gene augmentation, gene editing, RNA modification, optogenetics), and regenerative stem or precursor cell-based therapies. Our review focuses on technologies that are being developed for clinical translation or are in active clinical trials and discusses the advantages and limitations for each approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian G. Ballios
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3A9, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Li J, Chen Y, Ouyang S, Ma J, Sun H, Luo L, Chen S, Liu Y. Generation and Staging of Human Retinal Organoids Based on Self-Formed Ectodermal Autonomous Multi-Zone System. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:732382. [PMID: 34631711 PMCID: PMC8493070 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.732382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Methods for stem cell-derived, three-dimensional retinal organoids induction have been established and shown great potential for retinal development modeling and drug screening. Herein, we reported an exogenous-factors-free and robust method to generate retinal organoids based on “self-formed ectodermal autonomous multi-zone” (SEAM) system, a two-dimensional induction scheme that can synchronously generate multiple ocular cell lineages. Characterized by distinct morphological changes, the differentiation of the obtained retinal organoids could be staged into the early and late differentiation phases. During the early differentiation stage, retinal ganglion cells, cone photoreceptor cells (PRs), amacrine cells, and horizontal cells developed; whereas rod PRs, bipolar cells, and Müller glial cells were generated in the late differentiation phase, resembling early-phase and late-phase retinogenesis in vivo. Additionally, we modified the maintenance strategy for the retinal organoids and successfully promoted their long-term survival. Using 3D immunofluorescence image reconstruction and transmission electron microscopy, the substantial mature PRs with outer segment, inner segment and ribbon synapse were demonstrated. Besides, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) was induced with distinct boundary and the formation of ciliary margin was observed by co-suspending retina organoids with the zone containing RPE. The obtained RPE could be expanded and displayed similar marker expression, ultrastructural feature and functional phagocytosis to native RPE. Thus, this research described a simple and robust system which enabled generation of retina organoids with substantial mature PRs, RPE and the ciliary margin without the need of exogenous factors, providing a new platform for research of retinogenesis and retinal translational application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yijia Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingyu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lixia Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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50
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Villarejo-Zori B, Jiménez-Loygorri JI, Zapata-Muñoz J, Bell K, Boya P. New insights into the role of autophagy in retinal and eye diseases. Mol Aspects Med 2021; 82:101038. [PMID: 34620506 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2021.101038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is a fundamental homeostatic pathway that mediates the degradation and recycling of intracellular components. It serves as a key quality control mechanism, especially in non-dividing cells such as neurons. Proteins, lipids, and even whole organelles are engulfed in autophagosomes and delivered to the lysosome for elimination. The retina is a light-sensitive tissue located in the back of the eye that detects and processes visual images. Vision is a highly demanding process, making the eye one of the most metabolically active tissues in the body and photoreceptors display glycolytic metabolism, even in the presence of oxygen. The retina and eye are also exposed to other stressors that can impair their function, including genetic mutations and age-associated changes. Autophagy, among other pathways, is therefore a key process for the preservation of retinal homeostasis. Here, we review the roles of both canonical and non-canonical autophagy in normal retinal function. We discuss the most recent studies investigating the participation of autophagy in eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy and its role protecting photoreceptors in several forms of retinal degeneration. Finally, we consider the therapeutic potential of strategies that target autophagy pathways to treat prevalent retinal and eye diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Villarejo-Zori
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Margarita Salas Center for Biological Research, CSIC, Ramiro de Maetzu, 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Ignacio Jiménez-Loygorri
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Margarita Salas Center for Biological Research, CSIC, Ramiro de Maetzu, 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Zapata-Muñoz
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Margarita Salas Center for Biological Research, CSIC, Ramiro de Maetzu, 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Katharina Bell
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Republic of Singapore
| | - Patricia Boya
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Margarita Salas Center for Biological Research, CSIC, Ramiro de Maetzu, 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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