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Liu J, Yu L, Castro L, Yan Y, Bushel P, Scappini E, Dixon D. Induction of fibrosis following exposure to bisphenol A and its analogues in 3D human uterine leiomyoma cultures. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:134772. [PMID: 38901254 PMCID: PMC11309888 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134772] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogues (BPAF, BPS) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants used as plastic additives in various daily life products, with many concerns on their role as environmental estrogens. Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) are highly prevalent gynecologic tumors with progressive fibrosis. Fibroids are hormone-responsive and may be the target of environmental estrogens. However, the effects of BPA, BPAF, and BPS exposure on uterine fibrosis are largely unknown. Here, we evaluated fibrosis and the crucial role of TGF-beta signaling in human fibroid tumors, the profibrotic effects of BPA, BPAF or BPS in a human 3D uterine leiomyoma (ht-UtLM) in vitro model, and the long-term outcomes of BPAF exposure in rat uterus. In 3D ht-UtLM spheroids, BPA, BPAF, and BPS all promoted cell proliferation and fibrosis by increasing the production of extracellular matrices. Further mechanistic analysis showed the profibrotic effects were induced by TGF-beta signaling activation mainly through SMAD2/3 pathway and crosstalk with multiple non-SMAD pathways. Furthermore, the profibrotic effects of BPAF were supported by observation of uterine fibrosis in vivo in rats following long-term BPAF exposure. Overall, the 3D ht-UtLM spheroid can be an important model for investigating environment-induced fibrosis in uterine fibroids. BPA and its analogues can induce fibrosis via TGF-beta signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingli Liu
- Molecular Pathogenesis Group, Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology (DTT), NIEHS, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Linda Yu
- Molecular Pathogenesis Group, Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology (DTT), NIEHS, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Lysandra Castro
- Molecular Pathogenesis Group, Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology (DTT), NIEHS, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Yitang Yan
- Molecular Pathogenesis Group, Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology (DTT), NIEHS, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Pierre Bushel
- BlueRock Therapeutics, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Erica Scappini
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, DIR, NIEHS, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Darlene Dixon
- Molecular Pathogenesis Group, Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology (DTT), NIEHS, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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Nicholas SE, Basu SK, Mandal N, Karamichos D. Amelioration of Fibrosis via S1P Inhibition Is Regulated by Inactivation of TGF-β and SPL Pathways in the Human Cornea. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6560. [PMID: 38928268 PMCID: PMC11203819 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126560] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Human corneal fibrosis can lead to opacity and ultimately partial or complete vision loss. Currently, corneal transplantation is the only treatment for severe corneal fibrosis and comes with the risk of rejection and donor shortages. Sphingolipids (SPLs) are known to modulate fibrosis in various tissues and organs, including the cornea. We previously reported that SPLs are tightly related to both, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling and corneal fibrogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and S1P inhibition on specific TGF-β and SPL family members in corneal fibrosis. Healthy human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) were isolated and cultured in EMEM + FBS + VitC (construct medium) on 3D transwells for 4 weeks. The following treatments were prepared in a construct medium: 0.1 ng/mL TGF-β1 (β1), 1 μM sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), and 5 μM Sphingosine kinase inhibitor 2 (I2). Five groups were tested: (1) control (no treatment); rescue groups; (2) β1/S1P; (3) β1/I2; prevention groups; (4) S1P/β1; and (5) I2/β1. Each treatment was administered for 2 weeks with one treatment and switched to another for 2 weeks. Using Western blot analysis, the 3D constructs were examined for the expression of fibrotic markers, SPL, and TGF-β signaling pathway members. Scratch assays from 2D cultures were also utilized to evaluate cell migration We observed reduced fibrotic expression and inactivation of latent TGF-β binding proteins (LTBPs), TGF-β receptors, Suppressor of Mothers Against Decapentaplegic homologs (SMADs), and SPL signaling following treatment with I2 prevention and rescue compared to S1P prevention and rescue, respectively. Furthermore, we observed increased cell migration following stimulation with I2 prevention and rescue groups, with decreased cell migration following stimulation with S1P prevention and rescue groups after 12 h and 18 h post-scratch. We have demonstrated that I2 treatment reduced fibrosis and modulated the inactivation of LTBPs, TGF-β receptors, SPLs, and the canonical downstream SMAD pathway. Further investigations are warranted in order to fully uncover the potential of utilizing SphK I2 as a novel therapy for corneal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Nicholas
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Sandip K. Basu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; (S.K.B.); (N.M.)
| | - Nawajes Mandal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; (S.K.B.); (N.M.)
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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Trujillo Cubillo L, Gurdal M, Zeugolis DI. Corneal fibrosis: From in vitro models to current and upcoming drug and gene medicines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 209:115317. [PMID: 38642593 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Fibrotic diseases are characterised by myofibroblast differentiation, uncontrolled pathological extracellular matrix accumulation, tissue contraction, scar formation and, ultimately tissue / organ dysfunction. The cornea, the transparent tissue located on the anterior chamber of the eye, is extremely susceptible to fibrotic diseases, which cause loss of corneal transparency and are often associated with blindness. Although topical corticosteroids and antimetabolites are extensively used in the management of corneal fibrosis, they are associated with glaucoma, cataract formation, corneoscleral melting and infection, imposing the need of far more effective therapies. Herein, we summarise and discuss shortfalls and recent advances in in vitro models (e.g. transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) / ascorbic acid / interleukin (IL) induced) and drug (e.g. TGF-β inhibitors, epigenetic modulators) and gene (e.g. gene editing, gene silencing) therapeutic strategies in the corneal fibrosis context. Emerging therapeutical agents (e.g. neutralising antibodies, ligand traps, receptor kinase inhibitors, antisense oligonucleotides) that have shown promise in clinical setting but have not yet assessed in corneal fibrosis context are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Trujillo Cubillo
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Charles Institute of Dermatology, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research and School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mehmet Gurdal
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Charles Institute of Dermatology, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research and School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dimitrios I Zeugolis
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Charles Institute of Dermatology, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research and School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland.
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4
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Chandran C, Santra M, Rubin E, Geary ML, Yam GHF. Regenerative Therapy for Corneal Scarring Disorders. Biomedicines 2024; 12:649. [PMID: 38540264 PMCID: PMC10967722 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12030649] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The cornea is a transparent and vitally multifaceted component of the eye, playing a pivotal role in vision and ocular health. It has primary refractive and protective functions. Typical corneal dysfunctions include opacities and deformities that result from injuries, infections, or other medical conditions. These can significantly impair vision. The conventional challenges in managing corneal ailments include the limited regenerative capacity (except corneal epithelium), immune response after donor tissue transplantation, a risk of long-term graft rejection, and the global shortage of transplantable donor materials. This review delves into the intricate composition of the cornea, the landscape of corneal regeneration, and the multifaceted repercussions of scar-related pathologies. It will elucidate the etiology and types of dysfunctions, assess current treatments and their limitations, and explore the potential of regenerative therapy that has emerged in both in vivo and clinical trials. This review will shed light on existing gaps in corneal disorder management and discuss the feasibility and challenges of advancing regenerative therapies for corneal stromal scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Chandran
- Corneal Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Mercy Vision Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA; (C.C.); (M.S.); (E.R.); (M.L.G.)
| | - Mithun Santra
- Corneal Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Mercy Vision Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA; (C.C.); (M.S.); (E.R.); (M.L.G.)
| | - Elizabeth Rubin
- Corneal Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Mercy Vision Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA; (C.C.); (M.S.); (E.R.); (M.L.G.)
| | - Moira L. Geary
- Corneal Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Mercy Vision Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA; (C.C.); (M.S.); (E.R.); (M.L.G.)
| | - Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Corneal Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Mercy Vision Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA; (C.C.); (M.S.); (E.R.); (M.L.G.)
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
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Villabona-Martinez V, Dutra BAL, Sampaio LP, Santhiago MR, Wilson SE. Corneal stromal localization of TGF beta isoforms in spontaneous persistent epithelial defects after PRK in rabbits. Exp Eye Res 2024; 239:109794. [PMID: 38237715 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109794] [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] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) isoform localization in rabbit corneas with spontaneous persistent epithelial defects (PEDs) after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Four cryofixed corneas from a previously reported series of PEDs in rabbits that had PRK were evaluated with triplex immunohistochemistry (IHC) for TGFβ3, myofibroblast marker alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and mesenchymal marker vimentin. One cornea had sufficient remaining tissue for triplex IHC for TGFβ1, TGFβ2, or TGFβ3 (each with α-SMA and vimentin) using isoform-specific antibodies. All three TGFβ isoforms were detected in the subepithelial stroma at and surrounding the PED. Some of each TGFβ isoform co-localized with α-SMA of myofibroblasts, which could be TGFβ isoform autocrine production by myofibroblasts or TGFβ-1, -2, and -3 binding to these myofibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbara A L Dutra
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Ophthalmology at University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lycia P Sampaio
- Department of Ophthalmology at University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Maiti G, Ashworth S, Choi T, Chakravarti S. Molecular cues for immune cells from small leucine-rich repeat proteoglycans in their extracellular matrix-associated and free forms. Matrix Biol 2023; 123:48-58. [PMID: 37793508 PMCID: PMC10841460 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.10.001] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
In this review we highlight emerging immune regulatory functions of lumican, keratocan, fibromodulin, biglycan and decorin, which are members of the small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRP) of the extracellular matrix (ECM). These SLRPs have been studied extensively as collagen-fibril regulatory structural components of the skin, cornea, bone and cartilage in homeostasis. However, SLRPs released from a remodeling ECM, or synthesized by activated fibroblasts and immune cells contribute to an ECM-free pool in tissues and circulation, that may have a significant, but poorly understood foot print in inflammation and disease. Their molecular interactions and the signaling networks they influence also require investigations. Here we present studies on the leucine-rich repeat (LRR) motifs of SLRP core proteins, their evolutionary and functional relationships with other LRR pathogen recognition receptors, such as the toll-like receptors (TLRs) to bring some molecular clarity in the immune regulatory functions of SLRPs. We discuss molecular interactions of fragments and intact SLRPs, and how some of these interactions are likely modulated by glycosaminoglycan side chains. We integrate findings on molecular interactions of these SLRPs together with what is known about their presence in circulation and lymph nodes (LN), which are important sites of immune cell regulation. Recent bulk and single cell RNA sequencing studies have identified subsets of stromal reticular cells that express these SLRPs within LNs. An understanding of the cellular source, molecular interactions and signaling consequences will lead to a fundamental understanding of how SLRPs modulate immune responses, and to therapeutic tools based on these SLRPs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Maiti
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sean Ashworth
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Tansol Choi
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Shukti Chakravarti
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States.
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7
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Hadvina R, Lotfy Khaled M, Akoto T, Zhi W, Karamichos D, Liu Y. Exosomes and their miRNA/protein profile in keratoconus-derived corneal stromal cells. Exp Eye Res 2023; 236:109642. [PMID: 37714423 PMCID: PMC10842962 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is a corneal thinning disorder and a leading cause of corneal transplantation worldwide. Exosomes are small, secreted extracellular vesicles (30-150 nm) that mediate cellular communication via their protein, lipid, and nucleic acid content. We aimed to characterize the exosomes secreted by primary corneal fibroblasts from subjects with or without KC. Using human keratoconus stromal fibroblast cells (HKC, n = 4) and healthy stromal fibroblasts (HCF, n = 4), we collected and isolated exosomes using serial ultracentrifugation. Using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) with ZetaView®, we compared the size and concentration of isolated exosomes. Different exosomal markers were identified and quantified using a transmission electron microscope (TEM) (CD81) and Western blot (CD9 and CD63). Exosomal miRNA profiles were determined by qRT-PCR using Exiqon Human panel I miRNA assays of 368 pre-selected miRNAs. Proteomic profiles were determined using a label-free spectral counting method with mass spectrometry. Differential expression analysis for miRNAs and proteins was done using student's t-test with a significance cutoff of p-value ≤0.05. We successfully characterized exosomes isolated from HCFs using several complementary techniques. We found no significant differences in the size, quantity, or morphology between exosomes secreted by HCFs with or without KC. Expression of CD81 was confirmed by immuno-EM, and expression of CD63 and CD9 with western blots in all exosome samples. We detected the expression of 72-144 miRNAs (threshold cycle Ct < 36) in all exosome samples. In HKC-derived exosome samples, miR-328-3p, miR-532-5p, miR-345-5p, and miR-424-5p showed unique expression, while let-7c-5p and miR-665 have increased expression. Protein profiling identified 157 proteins in at least half of the exosome samples, with 38 known exosomal proteins. We identified 12 up- and 2 down-regulated proteins in HKC-derived exosomes. The proteins are involved in membrane-bounded vesicles, cytoskeletal, calcium binding, and nucleotide binding. These proteins are predicted to be regulated by NRF2, miR-205, and TGF-β1, which are involved in KC pathogenesis. We successfully characterized the HKC-derived exosomes and profiled their miRNA and protein contents, suggesting their potential role in KC development. Further studies are necessary to determine if and how these exosomes with differential protein/miRNA profiles contribute to the pathogenesis of KC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Hadvina
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA; Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Mariam Lotfy Khaled
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Theresa Akoto
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Wenbo Zhi
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA.
| | - Yutao Liu
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA; Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA; James & Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
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8
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Shiju TM, Sampaio LP, Martinez VV, Hilgert GSL, Wilson SE. Transforming growth factor beta-3 localization in the corneal response to epithelial-stromal injury and effects on corneal fibroblast transition to myofibroblasts. Exp Eye Res 2023; 235:109631. [PMID: 37633325 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the localization of TGF beta-3 in situ in unwounded rabbit corneas and corneas that had epithelial-stromal injuries produced by photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in rabbits and to evaluate the in vitro effects of TGF beta-3 compared to TGF beta-1 on alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein expression and myofibroblast development in corneal fibroblasts. Forty-eight New Zealand white rabbits underwent either -3 diopter (D) or -9D PRK and were studied from one to eight weeks (four corneas in each group at each time point) after surgery with immunohistochemistry for TGF beta-3, laminin alpha-5, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Rabbit corneal fibroblasts were treated with activated TGF beta-1 and/or TGF beta-3 at different concentrations and duration of exposure and studied with immunocytochemistry for myofibroblast development and the expression of α-SMA using Jess automated Western blotting. TGF beta-3 was detected at high levels in the stroma of unwounded corneas and corneas at one to eight weeks after -3D or -9D PRK, as well as in the epithelium and epithelial basement membrane (EBM). No difference was noted between corneas that healed with and without myofibroblast-mediated fibrosis, although TGF beta-3 was commonly associated with myofibroblasts. TGF beta-3 effects on corneal fibroblasts in vitro were similar to TGF beta-1 in stimulating transition to α-SMA-positive myofibroblasts and promoting α-SMA protein expression. The corneal stromal localization pattern of TGF beta-3 protein in unwounded corneas and corneas after epithelial-stromal injury was found to be higher and different from TGF beta-1 and TGF beta-2 reported in previous studies. TGF beta-3 had similar effects to TGF beta-1 in driving myofibroblast development and α-SMA expression in corneal fibroblasts cultured in medium with 1% fetal bovine serum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lycia Pedral Sampaio
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States; Department of Ophthalmology at University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Steven E Wilson
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States.
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Choi AJ, Hefley BS, Nicholas SE, Cunningham RL, Karamichos D. Novel Correlation between TGF-β1/-β3 and Hormone Receptors in the Human Corneal Stroma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13635. [PMID: 37686439 PMCID: PMC10487450 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the interplay between transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1/T1 and TGF-β3/T3), and sex hormone receptors using our 3D in vitro cornea stroma model. Primary human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) from healthy donors were plated in transwells at 106 cells/well and cultured for four weeks. HCFs were supplemented with stable vitamin C (VitC) and stimulated with T1 or T3. 3D construct proteins were analyzed for the androgen receptor (AR), progesterone receptor (PR), estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ), luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR), KiSS1-derived peptide receptor (KiSS1R/GPR54), and follicle-stimulating hormone subunit beta (FSH-B). In female constructs, T1 significantly upregulated AR, PR, ERα, FSHR, GnRHR, and KiSS1R. In male constructs, T1 significantly downregulated FSHR and FSH-B and significantly upregulated ERα, ERβ, and GnRHR. T3 caused significant upregulation in expressions PR, ERα, ERβ, LHR, FSHR, and GNRHR in female constructs, and significant downregulation of AR, ERα, and FSHR in male constructs. Semi-quantitative Western blot findings present the interplay between sex hormone receptors and TGF-β isoforms in the corneal stroma, which is influenced by sex as a biological variable (SABV). Additional studies are warranted to fully delineate their interactions and signaling mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J. Choi
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; (A.J.C.); (B.S.H.); (S.E.N.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA;
| | - Brenna S. Hefley
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; (A.J.C.); (B.S.H.); (S.E.N.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA;
| | - Sarah E. Nicholas
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; (A.J.C.); (B.S.H.); (S.E.N.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA;
| | - Rebecca L. Cunningham
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA;
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; (A.J.C.); (B.S.H.); (S.E.N.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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Yam GHF, Pi S, Du Y, Mehta JS. Posterior corneoscleral limbus: Architecture, stem cells, and clinical implications. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 96:101192. [PMID: 37392960 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
The limbus is a transition from the cornea to conjunctiva and sclera. In human eyes, this thin strip has a rich variation of tissue structures and composition, typifying a change from scleral irregularity and opacity to corneal regularity and transparency; a variation from richly vascularized conjunctiva and sclera to avascular cornea; the neural passage and drainage of aqueous humor. The limbal stroma is enriched with circular fibres running parallel to the corneal circumference, giving its unique role in absorbing small pressure changes to maintain corneal curvature and refractivity. It contains specific niches housing different types of stem cells for the corneal epithelium, stromal keratocytes, corneal endothelium, and trabecular meshwork. This truly reflects the important roles of the limbus in ocular physiology, and the limbal functionality is crucial for corneal health and the entire visual system. Since the anterior limbus containing epithelial structures and limbal epithelial stem cells has been extensively reviewed, this article is focused on the posterior limbus. We have discussed the structural organization and cellular components of the region beneath the limbal epithelium, the characteristics of stem cell types: namely corneal stromal stem cells, endothelial progenitors and trabecular meshwork stem cells, and recent advances leading to the emergence of potential cell therapy options to replenish their respective mature cell types and to correct defects causing corneal abnormalities. We have reviewed different clinical disorders associated with defects of the posterior limbus and summarized the available preclinical and clinical evidence about the developing topic of cell-based therapy for corneal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Shaohua Pi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Medical School, Singapore.
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Nicholas SE, Choi AJ, Lam TN, Basu SK, Mandal N, Karamichos D. Potentiation of Sphingolipids and TGF-β in the human corneal stroma reveals intricate signaling pathway crosstalks. Exp Eye Res 2023; 231:109487. [PMID: 37084874 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109487] [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: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Corneal haze brought on by fibrosis due to insult can lead to partial or complete vision loss. Currently, corneal transplantation is the gold standard for treating severe corneal fibrosis, which comes with the risk of rejection and the issue of donor tissue shortages. Sphingolipids (SPLs) are known to be associated with fibrosis in various tissues and organs, including the cornea. We previously reported that SPLs are tightly related to Transforming Growth Factor β (TGF-β) signaling and corneal fibrogenesis. This study aimed to elucidate the interplay of SPLs, specifically sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) signaling, and its' interactions with TGF-β signaling through detailed analyses of the corresponding downstream signaling targets in the context of corneal fibrosis, in vitro. Healthy human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) were isolated, plated on polycarbonate membranes, and stimulated with a stable Vitamin C derivative. The 3D constructs were treated with either 5 μM sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), 5 μM SPHK I2 (I2; inhibitor of sphingosine kinase 1, one of the two enzymes responsible for generating S1P in mammalian cells), 0.1 ng/mL TGF-β1, or 0.1 ng/mL TGF-β3. Cultures with control medium-only served as controls. All 3D constructs were examined for protein expression of fibrotic markers, SPLs, TGF-βs, and relevant downstream signaling pathways. This data revealed no significant changes in any LTBP (latent TGF-β binding proteins) expression when stimulated with S1P or I2. However, LTBP1 was significantly upregulated via stimulation of TGF-β1 and TGF-β3, whereas LTBP2 was significantly upregulated only with TGF-β3 stimulation. Significant downregulation of TGF-β receptor II (TGF-βRII) following S1P stimulation but significant upregulation following I2 stimulation was observed. Following TGF-β1, S1P, and I2 stimulation, phospho-SMAD2 (pSMAD2) was significantly downregulated. Furthermore, I2 stimulation led to significant downregulation of SMAD4. Adhesion/proliferation/transcription regulation targets, SRC, FAK, and pERK 1/2 were all significantly downregulated by exogenous S1P, whereas I2 only significantly downregulated FAK. Exogenous TGF-β3 caused significant upregulation of AKT. Interestingly, both I2 and TGF-β3 caused significant downregulation of JNK expression. Lastly, TGF-β1 led to significant upregulation of sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 (S1PR3), whereas TGF-β3 caused significant upregulation of only SphK1. Together with previously published work from our group and others, S1P inhibition exhibits great potential as an efficacious anti-fibrotic modality in human corneal stromal ECM. The current findings shed further light on a very complex and rather incompletely investigated mechanism, and cement the intricate crosstalk between SPLs and TGF-β in corneal fibrogenesis. Future studies will dictate the potential of utilizing SPLs/TGF-β signaling modulators as novel therapeutics in corneal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Nicholas
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas HSC, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Alexander J Choi
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas HSC, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Thi N Lam
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Sandip K Basu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Nawajes Mandal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee HSC, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas HSC, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas HSC, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA.
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12
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Yang Q, Wang S, He Y, Zhang Y. The research progress on the molecular mechanism of corneal cross-linking in keratoconus treatment. Cont Lens Anterior Eye 2023; 46:101795. [PMID: 36549953 DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2022.101795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is a corneal anomaly that is manifested in a limited cone-like bulge with corneal thinning. Many molecules in the cornea change during the development of KC, including various components of the extracellular matrix, cytokines, cell connection, and cell adhesion-related proteins. Several treatment options are available, with corneal cross-linking (CXL) being the treatment of choice for early KC. However, postoperative complications have been reported in some CXL patients, mainly caused by corneal epithelial resection. Despite the fact that some novel approaches have helped to reduce some of the initial post-operative issues, their effectiveness seems to be inferior to that of the original CXL. To keep effectiveness while avoiding these negative effects, it is necessary to study the mechanism of CXL in KC treatment at the molecular level. This article provides a review of the molecular mechanism of CXL in the treatment of KC from four aspects: enzyme activity, signal transduction pathway, corneal-related proteins, and other KC-related molecules, further confirming the feasibility of CXL treatment of KC, providing new ideas for improving CXL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyu Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, 2nd Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China.
| | - Shurong Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, 2nd Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China.
| | - Yuxi He
- Department of Ophthalmology, 2nd Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, 2nd Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China.
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13
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Shrestha P, Whelchel AE, Nicholas SE, Liang W, Ma JX, Karamichos D. Monocarboxylate Transporters: Role and Regulation in Corneal Diabetes. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2022; 2022:6718566. [PMID: 36340268 PMCID: PMC9629935 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6718566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases that is known to cause structural and functional ocular complications. In the human cornea, DM-related complications affect the epithelium, stroma, and nerves. Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) are a family of proton-linked plasma membrane transporters that carry monocarboxylates across plasma membranes. In the context of corneal health and disease, their role, presence, and function are largely undetermined and solely focused on the most common MCT isoforms, 1 through 4. In this study, we investigated the regulation of MCT1, 2, 4, 5, 8, and 10, in corneal DM, using established 3D self-assembled extracellular matrix (ECM) in vitro models. Primary stromal corneal fibroblasts were isolated from healthy (HCFs), type I (T1DMs), and type II (T2DMs) DM donors. Monoculture 3D constructs were created by stimulating stromal cells on transwells with stable vitamin C for two or four weeks. Coculture 3D constructs were created by adding SH-SY5Y neurons at two different densities, 12 k and 500 k, on top of the monocultures. Our data showed significant upregulation of MCT1 at 4 weeks for HCF, T1DM, and T2DM monocultures, as well as the 500 k nerve cocultures. MCT8 was significantly upregulated in HCF and T1DM monocultures and all of the 500 k nerve cocultures. Further, MCT10 was only expressed at 4 weeks for all cocultures and was limited to HCFs and T1DMs in monocultures. Immunofluorescence analysis showed cytoplasmic MCT expression for all cell types and significant downregulation of both MCT2 and MCT4 in HCFs, when compared to T1DMs and T2DMs. Herein, we reveal the existence and modulation of MCTs in the human diabetic cornea in vitro. Changes appeared dependent on neuronal density, suggesting that MCTs are very likely critical to the neuronal defects observed in diabetic keratopathy/neuropathy. Further studies are warranted in order to fully delineate the role of MCTs in corneal diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan Shrestha
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3430 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Amy E. Whelchel
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Sarah E. Nicholas
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3430 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Wentao Liang
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 575 N Patterson Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 575 N Patterson Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3430 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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14
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Fibrotic Response of Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells to Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 3 and Autotaxin in Aqueous Humor. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091231. [PMID: 36139071 PMCID: PMC9496180 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examines the potential role of transforming growth factor-beta 3 (TGF-β3) on the fibrotic response of cultured human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells. The relationships and trans-signaling interactions between TGF-β3 and autotaxin (ATX) in HTM cells were also examined. The levels of TGF-β and ATX in the aqueous humor (AH) of patients were measured by an immunoenzymetric assay. The TGF-β3-induced expression of the fibrogenic markers, fibronectin, collagen type I alpha 1 chain, and alpha-smooth muscle actin, and ATX were examined by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunocytochemistry, and the trans-signaling regulatory effect of TGF-β3 on ATX expression was also evaluated. In HTM cells, the significant upregulation of ATX was induced by TGF-β3 at a concentration of 0.1 ng/mL, corresponding to the physiological concentration in the AH of patients with exfoliative glaucoma (XFG). However, higher concentrations of TGF-β3 significantly suppressed ATX expression. TGF-β3 regulated ATX transcription and signaling in HTM cells, inducing the upregulation of fibrogenic proteins in a dose-dependent manner. Trans-signaling of TGF-β3 regulated ATX transcription, protein expression, and signaling, and was thereby suggested to induce fibrosis of the trabecular meshwork. Modulation of trans-signaling between TGF-β3 and ATX may be key to elucidate the pathology of XFG, and for the development of novel treatment modalities.
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15
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Baik JE, Park HJ, Kataru RP, Savetsky IL, Ly CL, Shin J, Encarnacion EM, Cavali MR, Klang MG, Riedel E, Coriddi M, Dayan JH, Mehrara BJ. TGF-β1 mediates pathologic changes of secondary lymphedema by promoting fibrosis and inflammation. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e758. [PMID: 35652284 PMCID: PMC9160979 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Secondary lymphedema is a common complication of cancer treatment, and previous studies have shown that the expression of transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGF‐β1), a pro‐fibrotic and anti‐lymphangiogenic growth factor, is increased in this disease. Inhibition of TGF‐β1 decreases the severity of the disease in mouse models; however, the mechanisms that regulate this improvement remain unknown. Methods Expression of TGF‐β1 and extracellular matrix molecules (ECM) was assessed in biopsy specimens from patients with unilateral breast cancer‐related lymphedema (BCRL). The effects of TGF‐β1 inhibition using neutralizing antibodies or a topical formulation of pirfenidone (PFD) were analyzed in mouse models of lymphedema. We also assessed the direct effects of TGF‐β1 on lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) using transgenic mice that expressed a dominant‐negative TGF‐β receptor selectively on LECs (LECDN‐RII). Results The expression of TGF‐β1 and ECM molecules is significantly increased in BCRL skin biopsies. Inhibition of TGF‐β1 in mouse models of lymphedema using neutralizing antibodies or with topical PFD decreased ECM deposition, increased the formation of collateral lymphatics, and inhibited infiltration of T cells. In vitro studies showed that TGF‐β1 in lymphedematous tissues increases fibroblast, lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC), and lymphatic smooth muscle cell stiffness. Knockdown of TGF‐β1 responsiveness in LECDN‐RII resulted in increased lymphangiogenesis and collateral lymphatic formation; however, ECM deposition and fibrosis persisted, and the severity of lymphedema was indistinguishable from controls. Conclusions Our results show that TGF‐β1 is an essential regulator of ECM deposition in secondary lymphedema and that inhibition of this response is a promising means of treating lymphedema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Eun Baik
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Hyeung Ju Park
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Raghu P Kataru
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Ira L Savetsky
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Catherine L Ly
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jinyeon Shin
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Elizabeth M Encarnacion
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Michele R Cavali
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Mark G Klang
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Elyn Riedel
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Michelle Coriddi
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Joseph H Dayan
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Babak J Mehrara
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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16
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Xu H, Sapienza JS, Jin Y, Lin J, Zheng X, Dong H, Diao H, Zhao Y, Gao J, Tang J, Feng X, Micceri D, Zeng H, Lin D. Lamellar Keratoplasty Using Acellular Bioengineering Cornea (BioCorneaVetTM) for the Treatment of Feline Corneal Sequestrum: A Retrospective Study of 62 Eyes (2018–2021). Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12081016. [PMID: 35454262 PMCID: PMC9026742 DOI: 10.3390/ani12081016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Corneal sequestrum is a specific and common corneal disease in cats. Surgery treatment is the recommended option. Acellular bioengineering cornea (ABC) is a popular and effective corneal transplantation material. However, no study has been published to evaluate the effectiveness and outcome of ABC lamellar transplantation for the treatment of feline corneal sequestrum (FCS). The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the surgical effect of ABC lamellar transplantation in the treatment of FCS. All cats were diagnosed with FCS. All eyes received ABC lamellar transplantation for the first time, including 61 cats (62 eyes), aged 6–120 months. The average sequestrum size was 7.98 mm, with a medium of 7.75 mm (range, 4.75–11.75 mm), and the sequestrum thickness included 200 microns for 1 eye (1.61%), 300 microns for 28 eyes (45.16%), 400 microns for 29 eyes (46.77%), and 450 microns for 4 eyes (6.45%). All eyes retained vision after surgical treatment, and there was no recurrence during the follow-up period. This study has several limitations, including incomplete unification and standardization of data collection, some vacancies of follow-up time, inconsistency between then optical coherence tomography(OCT) examination and postoperative photo collection. Despite several limitations, our results show that ABC is easy to obtain and store, and has the choice of different sizes and thicknesses to achieve rapid corneal healing, and satisfactory visual and cosmetic effects in FCS treatment. Acellular bioengineering cornea can be a good alternative for the treatment of FCS. Abstract To retrospectively evaluate the effectiveness and outcome of lamellar keratoplasty using acellular bioengineering cornea (BioCorneaVetTM) for the treatment of feline corneal sequestrum (FCS). The medical records of cats diagnosed with FCS that underwent lamellar keratoplasty with BioCorneaVetTM between 2018 and 2021 with a minimum of 3 months of follow-up were reviewed. Follow-up examinations were performed weekly for 3 months, and then optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination was performed on select patients at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months post-operatively. A total of 61 cats (30 left eyes and 32 right eyes) were included. The Persian breed was overrepresented, 48/61 (78.69%). Four different thicknesses of acellular bioengineering cornea were used (200, 300, 400, or 450 microns), and the mean graft size was 8.23 mm (range, 5.00–12.00 mm). Minor complications were composed of partial dehiscence, and protrusion of the graft occurred in 7/62 eyes (11.29%). The median postoperative follow-up was 12.00 months (range, 3–41 months). A good visual outcome was achieved in 60/62 eyes (96.77%), and a mild to moderate corneal opacification occurred in 2/62 (3.23%). No recurrence of corneal sequestrum was observed. From the results, lamellar keratoplasty using acellular bioengineering cornea (BioCorneaVetTM) is an effective treatment for FCS, providing a good tectonic support and natural collagen framework, and resulting in satisfactory visual and cosmetic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihao Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; (H.X.); (Y.J.); (J.L.); (H.D.); (H.D.); (Y.Z.); (J.G.)
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, No. 160, Xueyuan Road, Rongchang District, Chongqing 402460, China; (X.Z.); (J.T.); (X.F.); (H.Z.)
| | - John S. Sapienza
- Long Island Veterinary Specialists, Plainview, NY 11803, USA; (J.S.S.); (D.M.)
| | - Yipeng Jin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; (H.X.); (Y.J.); (J.L.); (H.D.); (H.D.); (Y.Z.); (J.G.)
| | - Jiahao Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; (H.X.); (Y.J.); (J.L.); (H.D.); (H.D.); (Y.Z.); (J.G.)
| | - Xiaobo Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, No. 160, Xueyuan Road, Rongchang District, Chongqing 402460, China; (X.Z.); (J.T.); (X.F.); (H.Z.)
| | - Haodi Dong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; (H.X.); (Y.J.); (J.L.); (H.D.); (H.D.); (Y.Z.); (J.G.)
| | - Hongxiu Diao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; (H.X.); (Y.J.); (J.L.); (H.D.); (H.D.); (Y.Z.); (J.G.)
| | - Ying Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; (H.X.); (Y.J.); (J.L.); (H.D.); (H.D.); (Y.Z.); (J.G.)
| | - Jiafeng Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; (H.X.); (Y.J.); (J.L.); (H.D.); (H.D.); (Y.Z.); (J.G.)
| | - Jing Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, No. 160, Xueyuan Road, Rongchang District, Chongqing 402460, China; (X.Z.); (J.T.); (X.F.); (H.Z.)
| | - Xueqian Feng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, No. 160, Xueyuan Road, Rongchang District, Chongqing 402460, China; (X.Z.); (J.T.); (X.F.); (H.Z.)
| | - Danielle Micceri
- Long Island Veterinary Specialists, Plainview, NY 11803, USA; (J.S.S.); (D.M.)
| | - Haoran Zeng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, No. 160, Xueyuan Road, Rongchang District, Chongqing 402460, China; (X.Z.); (J.T.); (X.F.); (H.Z.)
| | - Degui Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; (H.X.); (Y.J.); (J.L.); (H.D.); (H.D.); (Y.Z.); (J.G.)
- Correspondence:
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17
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Nishtala K, Panigrahi T, Shetty R, Kumar D, Khamar P, Mohan RR, Deshpande V, Ghosh A. Quantitative Proteomics Reveals Molecular Network Driving Stromal Cell Differentiation: Implications for Corneal Wound Healing. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052572. [PMID: 35269714 PMCID: PMC8910342 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The differentiation of keratocytes to fibroblasts and myofibroblasts is an essential requisite during corneal wound closure. The aim of this study is to uncover factors involved in differentiation-dependent alteration in the protein profile of human corneal stromal cells using quantitative proteomics. Human corneal fibroblasts were cultured and differentiated into keratocytes in serum-free media and myofibroblasts through treatment with TGF-β. The protein cell lysates from the donors were tryptic and were digested and labeled using a 3-plex iTRAQ kit. The labeled peptides were subjected to LCMS analysis. Biological functional analysis revealed a set of crucial proteins involved in the differentiation of human corneal stromal cells which were found to be significantly enriched. The selected proteins were further validated by immunohistochemistry. Quantitative proteomics identified key differentially expressed proteins which are involved in cellular signaling pathways. Proteins involved in integrin signaling (Ras-RAP1b, TLN and FN) and SLIT-ROBO pathways (PFN1, CAPR1, PSMA5) as well as extracellular matrix proteins (SERPINH1, SPARC, ITGβ1, CRTAP) showed enhanced expression in corneal fibroblasts and myofibroblasts compared to keratocytes, indicating their possible role in wound healing. Corneal stromal cell differentiation is associated with the activation of diverse molecular pathways critical for the repair of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. Identified proteins such as profilin 1 and talin could play a tentative role in corneal healing and serve as a potential target to treat corneal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnatej Nishtala
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore 560099, India; (K.N.); (T.P.); (D.K.)
| | - Trailokyanath Panigrahi
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore 560099, India; (K.N.); (T.P.); (D.K.)
| | - Rohit Shetty
- Cornea and Refractive Services, Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore 560010, India; (R.S.); (P.K.)
| | - Dhanananajay Kumar
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore 560099, India; (K.N.); (T.P.); (D.K.)
| | - Pooja Khamar
- Cornea and Refractive Services, Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore 560010, India; (R.S.); (P.K.)
| | - Rajiv R. Mohan
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA;
- Department of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Vrushali Deshpande
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore 560099, India; (K.N.); (T.P.); (D.K.)
- Correspondence: (V.D.); (A.G.)
| | - Arkasubhra Ghosh
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore 560099, India; (K.N.); (T.P.); (D.K.)
- Correspondence: (V.D.); (A.G.)
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Dhanya R. Quercetin for managing type 2 diabetes and its complications, an insight into multitarget therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 146:112560. [PMID: 34953390 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quercetin, a bioflavonoid abundant in grapefruit, onion, berries, etc., has vast therapeutic potential, especially against Type 2 diabetes and its complications. Quercetin showed similar effects as that of metformin, (widely prescribed antidiabetic drug) in cell lines models (Sajan et al., 2010; Dhanya et al., 2017). In vivo findings also showcase it as a promising agent against diabetes and its pathophysiological complications. SCOPE AND APPROACH Quercetin can be produced on a large scale through a novel fermentation-based glycosylation strategy from cheap substrates and can be utilized as a dietary supplement. The review focuses on the mounting evidence pointing to Quercetin as a promising candidate for managing type 2 diabetes and its oxidative stress mediated pathophysiological complications. CONCLUSION Quercetin acts on multiple targets of diabetes and regulates key signalling pathways which improve the symptoms as well as the complications of Type 2 diabetes. However further studies are needed to improve the bioavailability and to establish a dosing regimen for Quercetin.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Dhanya
- Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes Biology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thycaud Post, Poojappura, Trivandrum 695014, Kerala, India.
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Yeung V, Sriram S, Tran JA, Guo X, Hutcheon AEK, Zieske JD, Karamichos D, Ciolino JB. FAK Inhibition Attenuates Corneal Fibroblast Differentiation In Vitro. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1682. [PMID: 34827680 PMCID: PMC8616004 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal fibrosis (or scarring) occurs in response to ocular trauma or infection, and by reducing corneal transparency, it can lead to visual impairment and blindness. Studies highlight important roles for transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and -β3 as modulators in corneal wound healing and fibrosis, leading to increased extracellular matrix (ECM) components and expression of α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), a myofibroblast marker. In this study, human corneal fibroblasts (hCF) were cultured as a monolayer culture (2D) or on poly-transwell membranes to generate corneal stromal constructs (3D) that were treated with TGF-β1, TGF-β3, or TGF-β1 + FAK inhibitor (FAKi). Results show that hCF 3D constructs treated with TGF-β1 or TGF-β3 impart distinct effects on genes involved in wound healing and fibrosis-ITGAV, ITGB1, SRC and ACTA2. Notably, in the 3D construct model, TGF-β1 enhanced αSMA and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) protein expression, whereas TGF-β3 did not. In addition, in both the hCF 2D cell and 3D construct models, we found that TGF-β1 + FAKi attenuated TGF-β1-mediated myofibroblast differentiation, as shown by abrogated αSMA expression. This study concludes that FAK signaling is important for the onset of TGF-β1-mediated myofibroblast differentiation, and FAK inhibition may provide a novel beneficial therapeutic avenue to reduce corneal scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Yeung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.S.); (J.A.T.); (X.G.); (A.E.K.H.); (J.D.Z.); (J.B.C.)
| | - Sriniwas Sriram
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.S.); (J.A.T.); (X.G.); (A.E.K.H.); (J.D.Z.); (J.B.C.)
| | - Jennifer A. Tran
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.S.); (J.A.T.); (X.G.); (A.E.K.H.); (J.D.Z.); (J.B.C.)
| | - Xiaoqing Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.S.); (J.A.T.); (X.G.); (A.E.K.H.); (J.D.Z.); (J.B.C.)
| | - Audrey E. K. Hutcheon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.S.); (J.A.T.); (X.G.); (A.E.K.H.); (J.D.Z.); (J.B.C.)
| | - James D. Zieske
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.S.); (J.A.T.); (X.G.); (A.E.K.H.); (J.D.Z.); (J.B.C.)
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Joseph B. Ciolino
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.S.); (J.A.T.); (X.G.); (A.E.K.H.); (J.D.Z.); (J.B.C.)
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20
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Liu S, Qin D, Yan Y, Wu J, Meng L, Huang W, Wang L, Chen X, Zhang L. Metabolic nuclear receptors coordinate energy metabolism to regulate Sox9 + hepatocyte fate. iScience 2021; 24:103003. [PMID: 34505013 PMCID: PMC8417399 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103003] [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] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research has indicated the adult liver Sox9+ cells located in the portal triads contribute to the physiological maintenance of liver mass and injury repair. However, the physiology and pathology regulation mechanisms of adult liver Sox9+ cells remain unknown. Here, PPARα and FXR bound to the shared site in Sox9 promoter with opposite transcriptional outputs. PPARα activation enhanced the fatty acid β-oxidation, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, thus promoting proliferation and differentiation of Sox9+ hepatocytes along periportal (PP)-perivenous (PV) axis. However, FXR activation increased glycolysis but decreased OXPHOS and ATP production, therefore preventing proliferation of Sox9+ hepatocytes along PP-PV axis by promoting Sox9+ hepatocyte self-renewal. Our research indicates that metabolic nuclear receptors play critical roles in liver progenitor Sox9+ hepatocyte homeostasis to initiate or terminate liver injury-induced cell proliferation and differentiation, suggesting that PPARα and FXR are potential therapeutic targets for modulating liver regeneration. PPARα promotes Sox9 expression and FXR inhibits Sox9 expression PPARα promotes proliferation and differentiation of Sox9+ hepatocytes FXR promotes Sox9+ hepatocyte self-renewal PPARα and FXR coordinate energy metabolism to regulate Sox9+ hepatocyte fate
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghui Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Bio-medical Center, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hu Bei 430070, China
| | - Dan Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Bio-medical Center, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hu Bei 430070, China
| | - Yi Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Bio-medical Center, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hu Bei 430070, China
| | - Jiayan Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Bio-medical Center, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hu Bei 430070, China
| | - Lihua Meng
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Bio-medical Center, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hu Bei 430070, China
| | - Wendong Huang
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Liqiang Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, 28th Fuxing Road, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Xiangmei Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, 28th Fuxing Road, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Lisheng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Bio-medical Center, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hu Bei 430070, China
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21
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McKay TB, Priyadarsini S, Rowsey T, Karamichos D. Arginine Supplementation Promotes Extracellular Matrix and Metabolic Changes in Keratoconus. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082076. [PMID: 34440845 PMCID: PMC8394349 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is a common corneal ectatic disease that affects 1:500–1:2000 people worldwide and is associated with a progressive thinning of the corneal stroma that may lead to severe astigmatism and visual deficits. Riboflavin-mediated collagen crosslinking currently remains the only approved treatment to halt progressive corneal thinning associated with KC by improving the biomechanical properties of the stroma. Treatments designed to increase collagen deposition by resident corneal stromal keratocytes remain elusive. In this study, we evaluated the effects of arginine supplementation on steady-state levels of arginine and arginine-related metabolites (e.g., ornithine, proline, hydroxyproline, spermidine, and putrescine) and collagen protein expression by primary human corneal fibroblasts isolated from KC and non-KC (healthy) corneas and cultured in an established 3D in vitro model. We identified lower cytoplasmic arginine and spermidine levels in KC-derived constructs compared to healthy controls, which corresponded with overall higher gene expression of arginase. Arginine supplementation led to a robust increase in cytoplasmic arginine, ornithine, and spermidine levels in controls only and a significant increase in collagen type I secretion in KC-derived constructs. Further studies evaluating safety and efficacy of arginine supplementation are required to elucidate the potential therapeutic applications of modulating collagen deposition in the context of KC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina B McKay
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | | | - Tyler Rowsey
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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22
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Jhanji V, Billig I, Yam GHF. Cell-Free Biological Approach for Corneal Stromal Wound Healing. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:671405. [PMID: 34122095 PMCID: PMC8193853 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.671405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal opacification is the fourth most common cause of blindness globally behind cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. The standard treatment of serious corneal scarring is corneal transplantation. Though it is effective for restoring vision, the treatment outcome is not optimal, due to limitations such as long-term graft survival, lifelong use of immunosuppressants, and a loss of corneal strength. Regulation of corneal stromal wound healing, along with inhibition or downregulation of corneal scarring is a promising approach to prevent corneal opacification. Pharmacological approaches have been suggested, however these are fraught with side effects. Tissue healing is an intricate process that involves cell death, proliferation, differentiation, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Current research on stromal wound healing is focused on corneal characteristics such as the immune response, angiogenesis, and cell signaling. Indeed, promising new technologies with the potential to modulate wound healing are under development. In this review, we provide an overview of cell-free strategies and some approaches under development that have the potential to control stromal fibrosis and scarring, especially in the context of early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Jhanji
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Isabelle Billig
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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23
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Wilson SE. TGF beta -1, -2 and -3 in the modulation of fibrosis in the cornea and other organs. Exp Eye Res 2021; 207:108594. [PMID: 33894227 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The TGF beta-1, -2 and -3 isoforms are transcribed from different genes but bind to the same receptors and signal through the same canonical and non-canonical signal transduction pathways. There are numerous regulatory mechanisms controlling the action of each isoform that include the organ-specific cells producing latent TGF beta growth factors, multiple effectors that activate the isoforms, ECM-associated SLRPs and basement membrane components that modulate the activity and localization of the isoforms, other interactive cytokine-growth factor receptor systems, such as PDGF and CTGF, TGF beta receptor expression on target cells, including myofibroblast precursors, receptor binding competition, positive and negative signal transduction effectors, and transcription and translational regulatory mechanisms. While there has long been the view that TGF beta-1and TGF beta-2 are pro-fibrotic, while TGF beta-3 is anti-fibrotic, this review suggests that view is too simplistic, at least in adult tissues, since TGF beta-3 shares far more similarities in its modulation of fibrotic gene expression with TGF beta-1 and TGF beta-2, than it does differences, and often the differences are subtle. Rather, TGF beta-3 should be seen as a fibro-modulatory partner to the other two isoforms that modulates a nuanced and better controlled response to injury. The complex interplay between the three isoforms and numerous interactive proteins, in the context of the cellular milieu, controls regenerative non-fibrotic vs. fibrotic healing in a response to injury in a particular organ, as well as the resolution of fibrosis, when that occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven E Wilson
- The Cole Eye Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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24
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Wilson SE. Interleukin-1 and Transforming Growth Factor Beta: Commonly Opposing, but Sometimes Supporting, Master Regulators of the Corneal Wound Healing Response to Injury. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:8. [PMID: 33825855 PMCID: PMC8039470 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.4.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Interleukin (IL)-1α/IL-1β and transforming growth factor (TGF)β1/TGFβ2 have both been promoted as “master regulators” of the corneal wound healing response due to the large number of processes each regulates after injury or infection. The purpose of this review is to highlight the interactions between these systems in regulating corneal wound healing. Methods We conducted a systematic review of the literature. Results Both regulator pairs bind to receptors expressed on keratocytes, corneal fibroblasts, and myofibroblasts, as well as bone marrow-derived cells that include fibrocytes. IL-1α and IL-1β modulate healing functions, such as keratocyte apoptosis, chemokine production by corneal fibroblasts, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) production by keratocytes and corneal fibroblasts, expression of metalloproteinases and collagenases by corneal fibroblasts, and myofibroblast apoptosis. TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 stimulate the development of myofibroblasts from keratocyte and fibrocyte progenitor cells, and adequate stromal levels are requisite for the persistence of myofibroblasts. Conversely, TGFβ3, although it functions via the same TGF beta I and II receptors, may, at least in some circumstances, play a more antifibrotic role—although it also upregulates the expression of many profibrotic genes. Conclusions The overall effects of these two growth factor-cytokine-receptor systems in controlling the corneal wound healing response must be coordinated during the wound healing response to injury or infection. The activities of both systems must be downregulated in coordinated fashion to terminate the response to injury and eliminate fibrosis. Translational Relevance A better standing of the IL-1 and TGFβ systems will likely lead to better approaches to control the excessive healing response to infections and injuries leading to scarring corneal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven E Wilson
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
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25
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Suppression of TGF-β1 signaling by Matrigel via FAK signaling in cultured human trabecular meshwork cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7319. [PMID: 33795740 PMCID: PMC8016910 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86591-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The trabecular meshwork (TM) is composed of TM cells and beams of the extracellular matrix, together contributing to aqueous humor (AH) outflow resistance. Herein, we validated that our culture system on 2D Matrigel expressed putative TM markers and myocilin, of which the latter was upregulated by dexamethasone. Continuous passage of these cells on 2D Matrigel resulted in a gradual loss of expression of these markers. However, such a loss was restored by seeding cells in 3D Matrigel where expression of TM markers was further upregulated upon continuous passage. In contrast, TM cells seeded on fibronectin, collagen I/IV, or laminin lost expression of these markers and turned into myofibroblasts with expression of αSMA, which were dose-dependently upregulated by TGF-β1/TGF-β2. TM cells in 3D Matrigel also expressed TGF-β1/TGF-β3 despite challenge of TGF-β1. The maintenance of TM phenotype by 3D Matrigel was linked to inhibition of canonical TGF-β signaling and activation of pFAK-pSrc-pP190RhoGAP-P120RasGAP signaling. These findings indicate that basement membrane matrix with low rigidity plays an active role in maintaining TM phenotype in the presence of TGF-β1 and shed light on its physiological role. Furthermore, abnormal matrices may perpetuate the pathological TM phenotype when the level of TGF-β2 is elevated in glaucoma patients.
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26
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Garrison CM, Schwarzbauer JE. Fibronectin fibril alignment is established upon initiation of extracellular matrix assembly. Mol Biol Cell 2021; 32:739-752. [PMID: 33625865 PMCID: PMC8108514 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e20-08-0533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The physical structure of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is tissue-specific and fundamental to normal tissue function. Proper alignment of ECM fibers is essential for the functioning of a variety of tissues. While matrix assembly in general has been intensively investigated, little is known about the mechanisms required for formation of aligned ECM fibrils. We investigated the initiation of fibronectin (FN) matrix assembly using fibroblasts that assemble parallel ECM fibrils and found that matrix assembly sites, where FN fibrillogenesis is initiated, were oriented in parallel at the cell poles. We show that these polarized matrix assembly sites progress into fibrillar adhesions and ultimately into aligned FN fibrils. Cells that assemble an unaligned meshwork matrix form matrix assembly sites around the cell periphery, but the distribution of matrix assembly sites in these cells could be modulated through micropatterning or mechanical stretch. While an elongated cell shape corresponds with a polarized matrix assembly site distribution, these two features are not absolutely linked, since we discovered that transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1) enhances matrix assembly site polarity and assembly of aligned fibrils independent of cell elongation. We conclude that the ultimate orientation of FN fibrils is determined by the alignment and distribution of matrix assembly sites that form during the initial stages of cell–FN interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly M Garrison
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
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27
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Witherel CE, Sao K, Brisson BK, Han B, Volk SW, Petrie RJ, Han L, Spiller KL. Regulation of extracellular matrix assembly and structure by hybrid M1/M2 macrophages. Biomaterials 2021; 269:120667. [PMID: 33450585 PMCID: PMC7870567 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM) assembly surrounding implanted biomaterials is the hallmark of the foreign body response, in which implants become encapsulated in thick fibrous tissue that prevents their proper function. While macrophages are known regulators of fibroblast behavior, how their phenotype influences ECM assembly and the progression of the foreign body response is poorly understood. In this study, we used in vitro models with physiologically relevant macrophage phenotypes, as well as controlled release of macrophage-modulating cytokines from gelatin hydrogels implanted subcutaneously in vivo to investigate the role of macrophages in ECM assembly. Primary human macrophages were polarized to four distinct phenotypes, which have each been associated with fibrosis, including pro-inflammatory M1, pro-healing M2, and a hybrid M1/M2, generated by exposing macrophages to M1-and M2-promoting stimuli simultaneously. Additionally, macrophages were first polarized to M1 and then to M2 (M1→M2) to generate a phenotype typically observed during normal wound healing. Human dermal fibroblasts that were cultured in macrophage-conditioned media upregulated numerous genes involved in regulation of ECM assembly, especially in M2-conditioned media. Hybrid M1/M2 macrophage-conditioned media caused fibroblasts to produce a matrix with thicker and less aligned fibers, while M2 macrophage-conditioned media caused the formation of a more aligned matrix with thinner fibers. Gelatin methacrylate hydrogels containing interleukin-4 (IL4) and IL13-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles were designed to promote the M2 phenotype in a murine subcutaneous in vivo model. NanoString multiplex gene expression analysis of hydrogel explants showed that hydrogels without cytokines caused mostly M1 phenotype markers to be highly expressed at an early time point (3 days), but the release of IL4+IL13 promoted upregulation of M2 markers and genes associated with regulation of ECM assembly, such as Col5a1 and Col6a1. Biochemical analysis and second harmonic generation microscopy showed that the release of IL4+IL13 increased total sulfated glycosaminoglycan content and decreased fibril alignment, which is typically associated with less fibrotic tissue. Together, these results show that hybrid M1/M2 macrophages regulate ECM assembly, and that shifting the balance towards M2 may promote architectural and compositional changes in ECM with enhanced potential for downstream remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E Witherel
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kimheak Sao
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Becky K Brisson
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Biao Han
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Susan W Volk
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ryan J Petrie
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lin Han
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kara L Spiller
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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28
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Guérin LP, Le-Bel G, Desjardins P, Couture C, Gillard E, Boisselier É, Bazin R, Germain L, Guérin SL. The Human Tissue-Engineered Cornea (hTEC): Recent Progress. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031291. [PMID: 33525484 PMCID: PMC7865732 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Each day, about 2000 U.S. workers have a job-related eye injury requiring medical treatment. Corneal diseases are the fifth cause of blindness worldwide. Most of these diseases can be cured using one form or another of corneal transplantation, which is the most successful transplantation in humans. In 2012, it was estimated that 12.7 million people were waiting for a corneal transplantation worldwide. Unfortunately, only 1 in 70 patients received a corneal graft that same year. In order to provide alternatives to the shortage of graftable corneas, considerable progress has been achieved in the development of living corneal substitutes produced by tissue engineering and designed to mimic their in vivo counterpart in terms of cell phenotype and tissue architecture. Most of these substitutes use synthetic biomaterials combined with immortalized cells, which makes them dissimilar from the native cornea. However, studies have emerged that describe the production of tridimensional (3D) tissue-engineered corneas using untransformed human corneal epithelial cells grown on a totally natural stroma synthesized by living corneal fibroblasts, that also show appropriate histology and expression of both extracellular matrix (ECM) components and integrins. This review highlights contributions from laboratories working on the production of human tissue-engineered corneas (hTECs) as future substitutes for grafting purposes. It overviews alternative models to the grafting of cadaveric corneas where cell organization is provided by the substrate, and then focuses on their 3D counterparts that are closer to the native human corneal architecture because of their tissue development and cell arrangement properties. These completely biological hTECs are therefore very promising as models that may help understand many aspects of the molecular and cellular mechanistic response of the cornea toward different types of diseases or wounds, as well as assist in the development of novel drugs that might be promising for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis-Philippe Guérin
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Gaëtan Le-Bel
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Pascale Desjardins
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Camille Couture
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Elodie Gillard
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Élodie Boisselier
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Richard Bazin
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Lucie Germain
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Sylvain L. Guérin
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-418-682-7565
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Svolacchia F, Svolacchia L. Adipose tissue micrograft in a scaffold of plasma-gel combined with platelet-derived growth factors in dermal wrinkle regeneration. SCRIPTA MEDICA 2021. [DOI: 10.5937/scriptamed52-30316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The dermal aging process and the formation of deep wrinkles are a biological involution that also involves the regeneration system of cells immersed in the extracellular matrix and the papillary dermis. The progressive loss of niches of adult stem cells (MSCs) is more evident after the first third of life; it increases the phenotypic expression and the characteristics of the tissue senescence process. The purpose of this study was to clinically demonstrate that in viable micrograft there may be an improvement of deep wrinkles and surrounding tissues. Methods: This study involved 11 female patients who underwent the correction of deep dermal wrinkles through a suspension containing 0.8 mL of viable micrografts in a 5 mL plasma gel scaffold, obtained from the centrifugation of a 20 cc venous sample peripheral blood, gelled by heat in a dry steriliser and the buffy coat coming from the same venous sample, in order verify overtime the improvement of the interested anatomical area. Individual signs of wrinkles and the degree of correction obtained for each treatment and each area were objectively evaluated by using a 10-0 visual analog scale (VAS), Modified Vancouver scale and Berardesca's scale. Results: With this technique excellent results were obtained. In fact, wrinkles were improved, as well as surrounding tissues, even after 60 days, as shown by the Berardesca's, VAS and Modified Vancouver scales. Conclusion: This retrospective clinical evaluation allowed us to consider the excellent clinical results obtained with this method for the treatment of deep wrinkles and surrounding tissues, through a suspension of progenitors with MSCs derived from adipose tissue (ADSCa) in a not inflammatory plasma gel scaffold combined with buffy coat.
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de Oliveira RC, Tye G, Sampaio LP, Shiju TM, DeDreu J, Menko AS, Santhiago MR, Wilson SE. TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 proteins in corneas with and without stromal fibrosis: Delayed regeneration of apical epithelial growth factor barrier and the epithelial basement membrane in corneas with stromal fibrosis. Exp Eye Res 2021; 202:108325. [PMID: 33263285 PMCID: PMC7856119 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression and localization of transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 and TGFβ2 in rabbit corneas that healed with and without stromal fibrosis, and to further study defective perlecan incorporation in the epithelial basement membrane (EBM) in corneas with scarring fibrosis. A total of 120 female rabbits had no surgery, -4.5D PRK, or -9D PRK. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed at time points from unwounded to eight weeks after surgery, with four corneas at each time point in each group. Multiplex IHC was performed for TGFβ1 or TGFβ2, with Image-J quantitation, and keratocan, vimentin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA), perlecan, laminin-alpha 5, nidogen-1 or CD11b. Corneas at the four-week peak for myofibroblast and fibrosis development were evaluated using Imaris 3D analysis. Delayed regeneration of both an apical epithelial growth factor barrier and EBM barrier function, including defective EBM perlecan incorporation, was greater in high injury -9D PRK corneas compared to -4.5D PRK corneas without fibrosis. Defective apical epithelial growth factor barrier and EBM allowed epithelial and tear TGFβ1 and tear TGFβ2 to enter the corneal stroma to drive myofibroblast generation in the anterior stroma from vimentin-positive corneal fibroblasts, and likely fibrocytes. Vimentin-positive cells and unidentified vimentin-negative, CD11b-negative cells also produce TGFβ1 and/or TGFβ2 in the stroma in some corneas. TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 were at higher levels in the anterior stroma in the weeks preceding myofibroblast development in the -9D group. All -9D corneas (beginning two to three weeks after surgery), and four -4.5D PRK corneas developed significant SMA + myofibroblasts and stromal fibrosis. Both the apical epithelial growth factor barrier and/or EBM barrier functions tended to regenerate weeks earlier in -4.5D PRK corneas without fibrosis, compared to -4.5D or -9D PRK corneas with fibrosis. SMA-positive myofibroblasts were markedly reduced in most corneas by eight weeks after surgery. The apical epithelial growth factor barrier and EBM barrier limit TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 entry into the corneal stroma to modulate corneal fibroblast and myofibroblast development associated with scarring stromal fibrosis. Delayed regeneration of these barriers in corneas with more severe injuries promotes myofibroblast development, prolongs myofibroblast viability and triggers stromal scarring fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George Tye
- The Cole Eye Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | | | - JodiRae DeDreu
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - A Sue Menko
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marcony R Santhiago
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil and, University of Southern California Roski Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Steven E Wilson
- The Cole Eye Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Weng L, Funderburgh JL, Khandaker I, Geary ML, Yang T, Basu R, Funderburgh ML, Du Y, Yam GHF. The anti-scarring effect of corneal stromal stem cell therapy is mediated by transforming growth factor β3. EYE AND VISION 2020; 7:52. [PMID: 33292650 PMCID: PMC7607765 DOI: 10.1186/s40662-020-00217-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Corneal stromal stem cells (CSSC) reduce corneal inflammation, prevent fibrotic scarring, and regenerate transparent stromal tissue in injured corneas. These effects rely on factors produced by CSSC to block the fibrotic gene expression. This study investigated the mechanism of the scar-free regeneration effect. Methods Primary human CSSC (hCSSC) from donor corneal rims were cultivated to passage 3 and co-cultured with mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells induced to M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype by treatment with interferon-γ and lipopolysaccharides, or to M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype by interleukin-4, in a Transwell system. The time-course expression of human transforming growth factor β3 (hTGFβ3) and hTGFβ1 were examined by immunofluorescence and qPCR. TGFβ3 knockdown for > 70% in hCSSC [hCSSC-TGFβ3(si)] was achieved by small interfering RNA transfection. Naïve CSSC and hCSSC-TGFβ3(si) were transplanted in a fibrin gel to mouse corneas, respectively, after wounding by stromal ablation. Corneal clarity and the expression of mouse inflammatory and fibrosis genes were examined. Results hTGFβ3 was upregulated by hCSSC when co-cultured with RAW cells under M1 condition. Transplantation of hCSSC to wounded mouse corneas showed significant upregulation of hTGFβ3 at days 1 and 3 post-injury, along with the reduced expression of mouse inflammatory genes (CD80, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 5, lipocalin 2, plasminogen activator urokinase receptor, pro-platelet basic protein, and secreted phosphoprotein 1). By day 14, hCSSC treatment significantly reduced the expression of fibrotic and scar tissue genes (fibronectin, hyaluronan synthase 2, Secreted protein acidic and cysteine rich, tenascin C, collagen 3a1 and α-smooth muscle actin), and the injured corneas remained clear. However, hCSSC-TGFβ3(si) lost these anti-inflammatory and anti-scarring functions, and the wounded corneas showed intense scarring. Conclusion This study has demonstrated that the corneal regenerative effect of hCSSC is mediated by TGFβ3, inducing a scar-free tissue response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Weng
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.,Shanghai Lanhe Optometry and Ophthalmology Clinic, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - James L Funderburgh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Irona Khandaker
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Moira L Geary
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Tianbing Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Rohan Basu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Martha L Funderburgh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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Wilson SE, Sampaio LP, Shiju TM, Carlos de Oliveira R. Fibroblastic and bone marrow-derived cellularity in the corneal stroma. Exp Eye Res 2020; 202:108303. [PMID: 33068626 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The unwounded, normal corneal stroma is a relatively simple, avascular tissue populated with quiescent keratocytes, along with corneal nerves and a few resident dendritic and monocyte/macrophage cells. In the past, the resting keratocytes were thought of as a homogenous cellular population, but recent work has shown local variations in vimentin and nestin expression, and responsiveness to transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. Studies have also supported there being "stromal stem cells" in localized areas. After corneal wounding, depending on the site and severity of injury, profound changes in stromal cellularity occur. Anterior or posterior injuries to the epithelium or endothelium, respectively, trigger apoptosis of adjacent keratocytes. Many contiguous keratocytes transition to keratocan-negative corneal fibroblasts that are proliferative and produce limited amounts of disorganized extracellular matrix components. Simultaneously, large numbers of bone marrow-derived cells, including monocytes, neutrophils, fibrocytes and lymphocytes, invade the stroma from the limbal blood vessels. Ongoing adequate levels of TGFβ1, TGFβ2 and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) from epithelium, tears, endothelium and aqueous humor that penetrate defective or absent epithelial barrier function (EBF) and epithelial basement membrane (EBM) and/or Descemet's basement membrane (DBM) drive corneal fibroblasts and fibrocytes to differentiate into alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA)-positive myofibroblasts. If the EBF, EBM and/or DBM are repaired or replaced in a timely manner, typically measured in weeks, then corneal fibroblast and fibrocyte progeny, deprived of requisite levels of TGFβ1 and TGFβ2, undergo apoptosis or revert to their precursor cell-types. If the EBF, EBM and/or DBM are not repaired or replaced, stromal levels of TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 remain elevated, and mature myofibroblasts are generated from corneal fibroblasts and fibrocyte precursors that produce prodigious amounts of disordered extracellular matrix materials associated with scarring fibrosis. This fibrotic stromal matrix persists, at least until the EBF, EBM and/or DBM are regenerated or replaced, and keratocytes remove and reorganize the affected stromal matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven E Wilson
- Cole Eye Institute, I-32, Cleveland Clinic, 9500, Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, United States.
| | - Lycia Pedral Sampaio
- Cole Eye Institute, I-32, Cleveland Clinic, 9500, Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Thomas Michael Shiju
- Cole Eye Institute, I-32, Cleveland Clinic, 9500, Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Frangogiannis N. Transforming growth factor-β in tissue fibrosis. J Exp Med 2020; 217:e20190103. [PMID: 32997468 PMCID: PMC7062524 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20190103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 522] [Impact Index Per Article: 130.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
TGF-β is extensively implicated in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. In fibrotic lesions, spatially restricted generation of bioactive TGF-β from latent stores requires the cooperation of proteases, integrins, and specialized extracellular matrix molecules. Although fibroblasts are major targets of TGF-β, some fibrogenic actions may reflect activation of other cell types, including macrophages, epithelial cells, and vascular cells. TGF-β–driven fibrosis is mediated through Smad-dependent or non-Smad pathways and is modulated by coreceptors and by interacting networks. This review discusses the role of TGF-β in fibrosis, highlighting mechanisms of TGF-β activation and signaling, the cellular targets of TGF-β actions, and the challenges of therapeutic translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Frangogiannis
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
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Pal-Ghosh S, Tadvalkar G, Lieberman VR, Guo X, Zieske JD, Hutcheon A, Stepp MA. Transient Mitomycin C-treatment of human corneal epithelial cells and fibroblasts alters cell migration, cytokine secretion, and matrix accumulation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13905. [PMID: 31554858 PMCID: PMC6761181 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50307-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A single application of Mitomycin C (MMC) is used clinically in ophthalmology to reduce scarring and enhance wound resolution after surgery. Here we show in vitro that a 3-hour MMC treatment of primary and telomerase immortalized human corneal limbal epithelial (HCLE) cells impacts their migration and adhesion. Transient MMC treatment induces HCLE expression of senescence associated secretory factors, cytokine secretion, and deposition of laminin 332 for several days. Transient MMC treatment also reduces migration and deposition of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1)-stimulated collagen by corneal fibroblasts. Using conditioned media from control and MMC treated cells, we demonstrate that factors secreted by MMC-treated corneal epithelial cells attenuate collagen deposition by HCFs whereas those secreted by MMC-treated HCFs do not. These studies are the first to probe the roles played by corneal epithelial cells in reducing collagen deposition by corneal fibroblasts in response to MMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali Pal-Ghosh
- George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, 2300 I St. NW, Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| | - Gauri Tadvalkar
- George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, 2300 I St. NW, Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| | - Verna Rose Lieberman
- George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, 2300 I St. NW, Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| | - Xiaoqing Guo
- Schepens Eye Research Institute/Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 20 Staniford St, Boston, MA, 02114-2500, USA
| | - James D Zieske
- Schepens Eye Research Institute/Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 20 Staniford St, Boston, MA, 02114-2500, USA
| | - Audrey Hutcheon
- Schepens Eye Research Institute/Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 20 Staniford St, Boston, MA, 02114-2500, USA
| | - Mary Ann Stepp
- George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, 2300 I St. NW, Washington, DC, 20037, USA. .,George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Ophthalmology, 2300 I St. NW, Washington, DC, 20037, USA.
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Sharif R, Khaled ML, McKay TB, Liu Y, Karamichos D. Transcriptional profiling of corneal stromal cells derived from patients with keratoconus. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12567. [PMID: 31467338 PMCID: PMC6715750 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48983-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is a multi-factorial corneal ectasia with unknown etiology affecting approximately 1:2000 people worldwide. Dysregulated gene expression, using RNA-Seq technology, have been reported in KC corneal tissue. However, the differential expression of genes, in KC corneal stromal cells have been widely ignored. We utilized mRNA-Seq to analyze gene expression in primary human corneal stromal cells derived from five non-Keratoconus healthy (HCF) and four Keratoconus (HKC) donors. Selected genes were further validated using real time PCR (RT-PCR). We have identified 423 differentially expressed genes with 187 down- and 236 up-regulated in KC-affected corneal stromal cells. Gene ontology analysis using WebGestalt indicates the enrichment of genes involved in cell migration, extracellular matrix, adherens junction, and MAPK signaling. Our protein-protein interaction network analysis identified several network seeds, such as EGFR, NEDD4, SNTA1, LGALS3BP, HSPB1, SDC2, MME, and HIF1A. Our work provides an otherwise unknown information on the transcriptional changes in HKCs, and reveals critical mechanisms of the cellular compartment. It also highlights the importance of human-based in vitro studies on a disease that currently lacks strong biomarkers and animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabab Sharif
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73104, USA
| | - Mariam L Khaled
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, United States
| | - Tina B McKay
- Schepens Eye Research Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Yutao Liu
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, United States.
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73104, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73104, USA.
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Lorenzini PA, Chew RSE, Tan CW, Yong JY, Zhang F, Zheng J, Roca X. Human PRPF40B regulates hundreds of alternative splicing targets and represses a hypoxia expression signature. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2019; 25:905-920. [PMID: 31088860 PMCID: PMC6633195 DOI: 10.1261/rna.069534.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Altered splicing contributes to the pathogenesis of human blood disorders including myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and leukemias. Here we characterize the transcriptomic regulation of PRPF40B, which is a splicing factor mutated in a small fraction of MDS patients. We generated a full PRPF40B knockout (KO) in the K562 cell line by CRISPR/Cas9 technology and rescued its levels by transient overexpression of wild-type (WT), P383L or P540S MDS alleles. Using RNA sequencing, we identified hundreds of differentially expressed genes and alternative splicing (AS) events in the KO that are rescued by WT PRPF40B, with a majority also rescued by MDS alleles, pointing to mild effects of these mutations. Among the PRPF40B-regulated AS events, we found a net increase in exon inclusion in the KO, suggesting that this splicing factor primarily acts as a repressor. PRPF40B-regulated splicing events are likely cotranscriptional, affecting exons with A-rich downstream intronic motifs and weak splice sites especially for 5' splice sites, consistent with its PRP40 yeast ortholog being part of the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein. Loss of PRPF40B in K562 induces a KLF1 transcriptional signature, with genes involved in iron metabolism and mainly hypoxia, including related pathways like cholesterol biosynthesis and Akt/MAPK signaling. A cancer database analysis revealed that PRPF40B is lowly expressed in acute myeloid leukemia, whereas its paralog PRPF40A expression is high as opposed to solid tumors. Furthermore, these factors negatively or positively correlated with hypoxia regulator HIF1A, respectively. Our data suggest a PRPF40B role in repressing hypoxia in myeloid cells, and that its low expression might contribute to leukemogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Alberto Lorenzini
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637551 Singapore, Singapore
- Nanyang Institute of Technology in Health and Medicine, Interdisciplinary Graduate School (IGS), Nanyang Technological University, 637551 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Resilind Su Ern Chew
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637551 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cheryl Weiqi Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637551 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jing Yen Yong
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637551 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fan Zhang
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 637551 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jie Zheng
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 637551 Singapore, Singapore
- School of Information Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong District, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xavier Roca
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637551 Singapore, Singapore
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Ma J, Lwigale P. Transformation of the Transcriptomic Profile of Mouse Periocular Mesenchyme During Formation of the Embryonic Cornea. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:661-676. [PMID: 30786278 PMCID: PMC6383728 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-26018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Defects in neural crest development are a major contributing factor in corneal dysgenesis, but little is known about the genetic landscape during corneal development. The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed transcriptome profile and evaluate changes in gene expression during mouse corneal development. Methods RNA sequencing was used to uncover the transcriptomic profile of periocular mesenchyme (pNC) isolated at embryonic day (E) 10.5 and corneas isolated at E14.5 and E16.5. The spatiotemporal expression of several differentially expressed genes was validated by in situ hybridization. Results Analysis of the whole-transcriptome profile between pNC and embryonic corneas identified 3815 unique differentially expressed genes. Pathway analysis revealed an enrichment of differentially expressed genes involved in signal transduction (retinoic acid, transforming growth factor-β, and Wnt pathways) and transcriptional regulation. Conclusions Our analyses, for the first time, identify a large number of differentially expressed genes during progressive stages of mouse corneal development. Our data provide a comprehensive transcriptomic profile of the developing cornea. Combined, these data serve as a valuable resource for the identification of novel regulatory networks crucial for the advancement of studies in congenital defects, stem cell therapy, bioengineering, and adult corneal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Ma
- BioSciences Department, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Peter Lwigale
- BioSciences Department, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States
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Zhu L, Titone R, Robertson DM. The impact of hyperglycemia on the corneal epithelium: Molecular mechanisms and insight. Ocul Surf 2019; 17:644-654. [PMID: 31238114 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is reaching epidemic levels worldwide and with it, there is a significant increase in complications associated with the disease. T2DM affects virtually all organ systems including the eye. While frequently overlooked, diabetic keratopathy is the most common ocular complication of diabetes and can manifest in mild to severe forms, the latter of which poses a major threat to vision. As the initial barrier between the environment and the eye, the corneal epithelium functions in innate immune defense. Compromise of this barrier may predispose the cornea to infection and can hinder the refractive capabilities of the eye. The clinical burden in patients with diabetic keratopathy lies primarily in the inability of the corneal epithelium to repair damage and maintain its tight barrier function. Current therapies for diabetic keratopathy are supportive, centering on the prevention of infection and promotion of an optimal healing environment. With no clear disease-modifying agent identified as of yet, a thorough understanding of the pathophysiology that underlies the development of diabetic keratopathy at the cellular level is critical to identify and develop potential therapeutic agents capable of promoting corneal re-epithelialization to accelerate the wound healing process. The focus of this review is to examine what is known regarding the cellular and molecular mechanisms needed to maintain epithelial homeostasis and how it goes awry in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, United States
| | - Rossella Titone
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, United States
| | - Danielle M Robertson
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, United States.
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Zieske JD, Hutcheon AEK, Guo X. Extracellular Vesicles and Cell-Cell Communication in the Cornea. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2019; 303:1727-1734. [PMID: 31136100 PMCID: PMC6881515 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
One question that has intrigued cell biologists for many years is, "How do cells interact to influence one another's activity?" The discovery of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and the fact that they carry cargo, which directs cells to undergo changes in morphology and gene expression, has revolutionized this field of research. Little is known regarding the role of EVs in the cornea; however, we have demonstrated that EVs isolated from corneal epithelial cells direct corneal keratocytes to initiate fibrosis. Intriguingly, our data suggest that EVs do not penetrate epithelial basement membrane (BM), perhaps providing a mechanism explaining the importance of BM in the lack of scarring in scrape wounds. Since over 100-million people worldwide suffer from visual impairment as a result of corneal scarring, the role of EVs may be vital to understanding the mechanisms of wound repair. Therefore, we investigated EVs in ex vivo and in vivo-like three-dimensional cultures of human corneal cells using transmission electron microscopy. Some of the major findings were all three major cell types (epithelial, fibroblast, and endothelial cells) appear to release EVs, EVs can be identified using TEM, and EVs appeared to be involved in cell-cell communication. Interestingly, while our previous publication suggests that EVs do not penetrate the epithelial BM, it appears that EVs penetrate the much thicker endothelial BM (Descemet's membrane). These findings indicate the huge potential of EV research in the cornea and wound healing, and suggest that during homeostasis the endothelium and stromal cells are in communication. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 The Authors. The Anatomical Record published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Anatomists.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Zieske
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute/Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Audrey E K Hutcheon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute/Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xiaoqing Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute/Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Volatier TLA, Figueiredo FC, Connon CJ. Keratoconus at a Molecular Level: A Review. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2019; 303:1680-1688. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.24090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Che J. Connon
- Institute of Genetic MedicineNewcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne UK
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41
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Castro N, Gillespie SR, Bernstein AM. Ex Vivo Corneal Organ Culture Model for Wound Healing Studies. J Vis Exp 2019. [PMID: 30829330 PMCID: PMC7641194 DOI: 10.3791/58562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The cornea has been used extensively as a model system to study wound healing. The ability to generate and utilize primary mammalian cells in two dimensional (2D) and three dimensional (3D) culture has generated a wealth of information not only about corneal biology but also about wound healing, myofibroblast biology, and scarring in general. The goal of the protocol is an assay system for quantifying myofibroblast development, which characterizes scarring. We demonstrate a corneal organ culture ex vivo model using pig eyes. In this anterior keratectomy wound, corneas still in the globe are wounded with a circular blade called a trephine. A plug of approximately 1/3 of the anterior cornea is removed including the epithelium, the basement membrane, and the anterior part of the stroma. After wounding, corneas are cut from the globe, mounted on a collagen/agar base, and cultured for two weeks in supplemented-serum free medium with stabilized vitamin C to augment cell proliferation and extracellular matrix secretion by resident fibroblasts. Activation of myofibroblasts in the anterior stroma is evident in the healed cornea. This model can be used to assay wound closure, the development of myofibroblasts and fibrotic markers, and for toxicology studies. In addition, the effects of small molecule inhibitors as well as lipid-mediated siRNA transfection for gene knockdown can be tested in this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nileyma Castro
- Department of Ophthalmology, SUNY Upstate Medical University
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42
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Loukovitis E, Sfakianakis K, Syrmakesi P, Tsotridou E, Orfanidou M, Bakaloudi DR, Stoila M, Kozei A, Koronis S, Zachariadis Z, Tranos P, Kozeis N, Balidis M, Gatzioufas Z, Fiska A, Anogeianakis G. Genetic Aspects of Keratoconus: A Literature Review Exploring Potential Genetic Contributions and Possible Genetic Relationships with Comorbidities. Ophthalmol Ther 2018; 7:263-292. [PMID: 30191404 PMCID: PMC6258591 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-018-0144-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Keratoconus (KC) is a complex, genetically heterogeneous, multifactorial degenerative disorder that is accompanied by corneal ectasia which usually progresses asymmetrically. With an incidence of approximately 1 per 2000 and 2 cases per 100,000 population presenting annually, KC follows an autosomal recessive or dominant pattern of inheritance and is, apparently, associated with genes that interact with environmental, genetic, and/or other factors. This is an important consideration in refractive surgery in the case of familial KC, given the association of KC with other genetic disorders and the imbalance between dizygotic twins. The present review attempts to identify the genetic loci contributing to the different KC clinical presentations and relate them to the common genetically determined comorbidities associated with KC. METHODS The PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and GeneCards databases were screened for KC-related articles published in English between January 2006 and November 2017. Keyword combinations of "keratoconus," "risk factor(s)," "genetics," "genes," "genetic association(s)," and "cornea" were used. In total, 217 articles were retrieved and analyzed, with greater weight placed on the more recent literature. Further bibliographic research based on the 217 articles revealed another 124 relevant articles that were included in this review. Using the reviewed literature, an attempt was made to correlate genes and genetic risk factors with KC characteristics and genetically related comorbidities associated with KC based on genome-wide association studies, family-based linkage analysis, and candidate-gene approaches. RESULTS An association matrix between known KC-related genes and KC symptoms and/or clinical signs together with an association matrix between identified KC genes and genetically related KC comorbidities/syndromes were constructed. CONCLUSION Twenty-four genes were identified as potential contributors to KC and 49 KC-related comorbidities/syndromes were found. More than 85% of the known KC-related genes are involved in glaucoma, Down syndrome, connective tissue disorders, endothelial dystrophy, posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy, and cataract.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Konstantinos Sfakianakis
- Division of Surgical Anatomy, Laboratory of Anatomy, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Panagiota Syrmakesi
- AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloníki, Greece
- Ophthalmica Eye Institute, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Eleni Tsotridou
- Ophthalmica Eye Institute, Thessaloníki, Greece
- Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Myrsini Orfanidou
- Ophthalmica Eye Institute, Thessaloníki, Greece
- Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Dimitra Rafailia Bakaloudi
- Ophthalmica Eye Institute, Thessaloníki, Greece
- Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Maria Stoila
- Ophthalmica Eye Institute, Thessaloníki, Greece
- Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Athina Kozei
- Ophthalmica Eye Institute, Thessaloníki, Greece
- School of Pharmacology, University of Nicosia, Makedonitissis, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Zisis Gatzioufas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aliki Fiska
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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Kivanany PB, Grose KC, Tippani M, Su S, Petroll WM. Assessment of Corneal Stromal Remodeling and Regeneration after Photorefractive Keratectomy. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12580. [PMID: 30135552 PMCID: PMC6105640 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30372-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
This study utilizes high resolution multi-dimensional imaging to identify temporal and spatial changes in cell/extracellular matrix (ECM) patterning mediating cell migration, fibrosis, remodeling and regeneration during wound healing. Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) was performed on rabbits. In some cases, 5([4,6-dichlorotriazin-2yl]-amino)fluorescein (DTAF) was applied immediately after surgery to differentiate native vs. cell-secreted collagen. Corneas were assessed 3–180 days postoperatively using in vivo confocal microscopy, and cell/ECM patterning was evaluated in situ using multiphoton and second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging. 7 days post-PRK, migrating fibroblasts below the ablation site were co-aligned with the stromal lamellae. At day 21, randomly patterned myofibroblasts developed on top of the ablation site; whereas cells underneath were elongated, co-aligned with collagen, and lacked stress fibers. Over time, fibrotic tissue was remodeled into more transparent stromal lamellae. By day 180, stromal thickness was almost completely restored. Stromal regrowth occurred primarily below the ablation interface, and was characterized by co-localization of gaps in DTAF labeling with elongated cells and SHG collagen signaling. Punctate F-actin labeling was detected along cells co-aligned with DTAF and non-DTAF labeled collagen, suggesting cell-ECM interactions. Overall, collagen lamellae appear to provide a template for fibroblast patterning during wound healing that mediates stromal repopulation, regeneration and remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pouriska B Kivanany
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kyle C Grose
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Madhavi Tippani
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Shan Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - W Matthew Petroll
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. .,Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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Bartakova A, Kuzmenko O, Alvarez-Delfin K, Kunzevitzky NJ, Goldberg JL. A Cell Culture Approach to Optimized Human Corneal Endothelial Cell Function. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2018; 59:1617-1629. [PMID: 29625488 PMCID: PMC5869002 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-23637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Cell-based therapies to replace corneal endothelium depend on culture methods to optimize human corneal endothelial cell (HCEC) function and minimize endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EnMT). Here we explore contribution of low-mitogenic media on stabilization of phenotypes in vitro that mimic those of HCECs in vivo. Methods HCECs were isolated from cadaveric donor corneas and expanded in vitro, comparing continuous presence of exogenous growth factors (“proliferative media”) to media without those factors (“stabilizing media”). Identity based on canonical morphology and expression of surface marker CD56, and function based on formation of tight junction barriers measured by trans-endothelial electrical resistance assays (TEER) were assessed. Results Primary HCECs cultured in proliferative media underwent EnMT after three to four passages, becoming increasingly fibroblastic. Stabilizing the cells before each passage by switching them to a media low in mitogenic growth factors and serum preserved canonical morphology and yielded a higher number of cells. HCECs cultured in stabilizing media increased both expression of the identity marker CD56 and also tight junction monolayer integrity compared to cells cultured without stabilization. Conclusions HCECs isolated from donor corneas and expanded in vitro with a low-mitogenic media stabilizing step before each passage demonstrate more canonical structural and functional features and defer EnMT, increasing the number of passages and total canonical cell yield. This approach may facilitate development of HCEC-based cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Bartakova
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Olga Kuzmenko
- Byers Eye Institute and Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States
| | - Karen Alvarez-Delfin
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Florida, United States
| | - Noelia J Kunzevitzky
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States.,Byers Eye Institute and Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States.,Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Florida, United States.,Emmecell, Bridgewater, Connecticut, United States
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States.,Byers Eye Institute and Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States.,Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Florida, United States
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45
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Cui Z, Zeng Q, Liu S, Zhang Y, Zhu D, Guo Y, Xie M, Mathew S, Cai D, Zhang J, Chen J. Cell-laden and orthogonal-multilayer tissue-engineered corneal stroma induced by a mechanical collagen microenvironment and transplantation in a rabbit model. Acta Biomater 2018; 75:183-199. [PMID: 29883810 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Revised: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The development of functional therapies for corneal repair and regeneration is a pressing issue. Corneal stroma provides the principal functions of the cornea. However, because of the highly organized nature of the stromal matrix, the attempts to reproduce corneal stroma might follow a scar model. Here, we have developed a protocol for the efficient generation of a cell-laden and orthogonal-multilayer tissue-engineered (TE) corneal stroma, which is induced by the mechanical effects of compressed collagen (CC) or stretched compressed collagen (SCC). Within SCC, with applied compression and force extension, collagen microfibres and corneal stromal cells (CSCs) are arranged orderly, while collagen fibres and CSCs in CC are randomly arranged. Dehydrated SCC has higher tensile strength than dehydrated CC. Hydrated SCC has similar transparency with hydrated native corneal stroma. Compared with those cultured on tissue culture plates (TCP), down-regulation of the genes and proteins of cytoskeleton, activation, proliferation, collagen and TRPV4, up-regulation of proteoglycans, gap junction proteins and TRPA1 are in CSCs of CC and SCC. Moreover, SCC and CC grafts displayed biocompatibility and integration with host corneal tissue after rabbit intra-corneal stromal transplantation by wk 6 under slit lamp microscopy, in vivo confocal microscopy and histological examination. The SCC model facilitates the construction of physiological feature TE corneal stroma, which serves as a foundation for physiological TE construction of other tissues. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The development of functional therapies for corneal repair and regeneration is a pressing issue. Corneal stroma provides the principal functions of the cornea. Here, we have developed a protocol for the efficient generation of a cell-laden and orthogonal-multilayer tissue-engineered (TE) corneal stroma, which is induced by the mechanical effects of compressed collagen (CC) or stretched compressed collagen (SCC). These models facilitate the construction of physiological feature TE corneal stroma, which serves as a foundation for physiological TE construction of other tissues and helps to reverse fibrosis pathologies in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekai Cui
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Qiaolang Zeng
- The Department of Ophthalmology, the First Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Shiwei Liu
- The Department of Ophthalmology, the First Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Information and Sensing Technologies of Guangdong Higher Educational Institutes, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Deliang Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Yonglong Guo
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Mengyuan Xie
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Information and Sensing Technologies of Guangdong Higher Educational Institutes, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Sanjana Mathew
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Dongqing Cai
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Information and Sensing Technologies of Guangdong Higher Educational Institutes, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China.
| | - Jiansu Chen
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China; The Department of Ophthalmology, the First Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China; Institute of Ophthalmology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China; Aier Eye Institute, #198 Furong Middle Road, Changsha 410015, PR China.
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Lee A, Karamichos D, Onochie OE, Hutcheon AEK, Rich CB, Zieske JD, Trinkaus-Randall V. Hypoxia modulates the development of a corneal stromal matrix model. Exp Eye Res 2018; 170:127-137. [PMID: 29496505 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 02/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Deposition of matrix proteins during development and repair is critical to the transparency of the cornea. While many cells respond to a hypoxic state that can occur in a tumor, the cornea is exposed to hypoxia during development prior to eyelid opening and during the diurnal sleep cycle where oxygen levels can drop from 21% to 8%. In this study, we used 2 three-dimensional (3-D) models to examine how stromal cells respond to periods of acute hypoxic states. The first model, a stromal construct model, is a 3-D stroma-like construct that consists of human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) stimulated by a stable form of ascorbate for 1, 2, and 4 weeks to self-assemble their own extracellular matrix. The second model, a corneal organ culture model, is a corneal wound-healing model, which consists of wounded adult rat corneas that were removed and placed in culture to heal. Both models were exposed to either normoxic or hypoxic conditions for varying time periods, and the expression and/or localization of matrix proteins was assessed. No significant changes were detected in Type V collagen, which is associated with Type I collagen fibrils; however, significant changes were detected in the expression of both the small leucine-rich repeating proteoglycans and the larger heparan sulfate proteoglycan, perlecan. Also, hypoxia decreased both the number of Cuprolinic blue-positive glycosaminoglycan chains along collagen fibrils and Sulfatase 1, which modulates the effect of heparan sulfate by removing the 6-O-sulfate groups. In the stromal construct model, alterations were seen in fibronectin, similar to those that occur in development and after injury. These changes in fibronectin after injury were accompanied by changes in proteoglycans. Together these findings indicate that acute hypoxic changes alter the physiology of the cornea, and these models will allow us to manipulate the conditions in the extracellular environment in order to study corneal development and trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, 80 E. Concord St., Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute/Mass. Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Obianamma E Onochie
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, 80 E. Concord St., Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Audrey E K Hutcheon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute/Mass. Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Celeste B Rich
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, 80 E. Concord St., Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - James D Zieske
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute/Mass. Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Vickery Trinkaus-Randall
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, 80 E. Concord St., Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
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Ziaei M, Greene C, Green CR. Wound healing in the eye: Therapeutic prospects. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 126:162-176. [PMID: 29355667 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In order to maintain a smooth optical surface the corneal epithelium has to continuously renew itself so as to maintain its function as a barrier to fluctuating external surroundings and various environmental insults. After trauma, the cornea typically re-epithelializes promptly thereby minimizing the risk of infection, opacification or perforation. A persistent epithelial defect (PED) is usually referred to as a non-healing epithelial lesion after approximately two weeks of treatment with standard therapies to no avail. They occur following exposure to toxic agents, mechanical injury, and ocular surface infections and are associated with significant clinical morbidity in patients, resulting in discomfort or visual loss. In the case of deeper corneal injury and corneal pathology the wound healing cascade can also extend to the corneal stroma, the layer below the epithelium. Although significant progress has been made in recent years, pharmaco-therapeutic agents that promote corneal healing remain limited. This article serves as a review of current standard therapies, recently introduced alternative therapies gaining in popularity, and a look into the newest developments into ocular wound healing.
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Sharif R, Priyadarsini S, Rowsey TG, Ma JX, Karamichos D. Corneal Tissue Engineering: An In Vitro Model of the Stromal-nerve Interactions of the Human Cornea. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 29443018 DOI: 10.3791/56308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering has gained substantial recognition due to the high demand for human cornea replacements with an estimated 10 million people worldwide suffering from corneal vision loss1. To address the demand for viable human corneas, significant progress in three-dimensional (3D) tissue engineering has been made2,3,4. These cornea models range from simple monolayer systems to multilayered models, leading to 3D full-thickness corneal equivalents2. However, the use of a 3D tissue-engineered cornea in the context of in vitro disease models studied to date lacks resemblance to the multilayered 3D corneal tissue structure, function, and the networking of different cell types (i.e., nerve, epithelium, stroma, and endothelium)2,3. In addition, the demand for in vitro cornea tissue models has increased in an attempt to reduce animal testing for pharmaceutical products. Thus, more sophisticated models are required to better match systems to human physiological requirements, and the development of a model that is more relevant to the patient population is absolutely necessary. Given that multiple cell types in the cornea are affected by diseases and dystrophies, such as Keratoconus, Diabetic Keratopathy, and Fuchs, this model includes a 3D co-culture model of primary human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) from healthy donors and neurons from the SH-SY5Y cell line. This allows us for the first time to investigate the interactions between the two cell types within the human corneal tissue. We believe that this model could potentially dissect the underlying mechanisms associated with the stromal-nerve interactions of corneal diseases that exhibit nerve damages. This 3D model mirrors the basic anatomical and physiological nature of the corneal tissue in vivo and can be used in the future as a tool for investigating corneal defects as well as screening the efficacy of various agents before animal testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabab Sharif
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
| | - Shrestha Priyadarsini
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
| | - Tyler G Rowsey
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Physiology, Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center;
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Sharif R, Hjortdal J, Sejersen H, Frank G, Karamichos D. Human in vitro Model Reveals the Effects of Collagen Cross-linking on Keratoconus Pathogenesis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12517. [PMID: 28970517 PMCID: PMC5624875 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12598-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is a corneal thinning disorder that leads to severe vision impairment As opposed to corneal transplantation; corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) is a relatively non-invasive procedure that leads to an increase in corneal stiffness. In order to evaluate the effect of CXL on human corneal stromal cells in vitro, we developed a 3-D in vitro CXL model, using primary Human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) from healthy patients and Human Keratoconus fibroblasts (HKCs) from KC patients. Cells were plated on transwell polycarbonate membranes and stimulated by a stable vitamin C. CXL was performed using a mixed riboflavin 0.1% PBS solution followed by UVA irradiation. Our data revealed no significant apoptosis in either HCFs or HKCs following CXL. However, corneal fibrosis markers, Collagen III and α-smooth muscle actin, were significantly downregulated in CXL HKCs. Furthermore, a significant downregulation was seen in SMAD3, SMAD7, and phosphorylated SMADs -2 and -3 expression in CXL HKCs, contrary to a significant upregulation in both SMAD2 and Lysyl oxidase expression, compared to HCFs. Our novel 3-D in vitro model can be utilized to determine the cellular and molecular effects on the human corneal stroma post CXL, and promises to establish optimized treatment modalities in patients with KC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabab Sharif
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Jesper Hjortdal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Henrik Sejersen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Garett Frank
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
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50
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Unravelling the interplay of sphingolipids and TGF-β signaling in the human corneal stroma. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182390. [PMID: 28806736 PMCID: PMC5555661 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To delineate the role of Sphingolipids (SPLs) in the human cornea and their cross-talks with transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) in order to develop novel, non-invasive therapies. Methods Human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) were harvested from healthy donors, stimulated with Vitamin C to promote extracellular matrix assembly, treated with exogenous sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) or sphingosine kinase inhibitor 2 (SPHK I2) and isolated after 4 weeks for further analysis. Results Data showed that S1P led to a significant decrease in cellular migration where SPHK I2 just delayed it for 24h. Significant modulation of the sphingolipid pathway was also noted. Sphingosine kinase-1 (SphK1) was significantly downregulated upon exogenous stimulation with S1P at a concentration of 5μM and Sphingosine kinase-2 (SphK2) was also significantly downregulated at concentrations of 0.01μM, 0.1μM, and 5μM; whereas no effects were observed upon stimulation with SPHK I2. S1PR3 was significantly downregulated by 0.1μM and 5μM S1P and upregulated by 5μM and 10μM SPHK I2. Furthermore, both S1P and SPHK I2 regulated corneal fibrosis markers such as alpha-smooth muscle actin, collagen I, III, and V. We also investigated the interplay between two TGF-β isoforms and S1P/SPHK I2 treatments and found that TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 were both significantly upregulated with the 0.1μM S1P but were significantly downregulated with the 5μM S1P concentration. When TGF-β1 was compared directly to TGF-β3 expression, we observed that TGF-β3 was significantly downregulated compared to TGF-β1 in the 5μM concentration of S1P. No changes were observed upon SPHK I2 treatment. Conclusion Our study delineates the role of sphingolipids in the human cornea and highlights their different activities based on the cell/tissue type.
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