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Suanno G, Genna VG, Maurizi E, Dieh AA, Griffith M, Ferrari G. Cell therapy in the cornea: The emerging role of microenvironment. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 102:101275. [PMID: 38797320 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The cornea is an ideal testing field for cell therapies. Its highly ordered structure, where specific cell populations are sequestered in different layers, together with its accessibility, has allowed the development of the first stem cell-based therapy approved by the European Medicine Agency. Today, different techniques have been proposed for autologous and allogeneic limbal and non-limbal cell transplantation. Cell replacement has also been attempted in cases of endothelial cell decompensation as it occurs in Fuchs dystrophy: injection of cultivated allogeneic endothelial cells is now in advanced phases of clinical development. Recently, stromal substitutes have been developed with excellent integration capability and transparency. Finally, cell-derived products, such as exosomes obtained from different sources, have been investigated for the treatment of severe corneal diseases with encouraging results. Optimization of the success rate of cell therapies obviously requires high-quality cultured cells/products, but the role of the surrounding microenvironment is equally important to allow engraftment of transplanted cells, to preserve their functions and, ultimately, lead to restoration of tissue integrity and transparency of the cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Suanno
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Eye Repair Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Maurizi
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine ''S. Ferrari'', University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Anas Abu Dieh
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - May Griffith
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Giulio Ferrari
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Eye Repair Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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2
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Li S, Sun H, Chen L, Fu Y. Targeting limbal epithelial stem cells: master conductors of corneal epithelial regeneration from the bench to multilevel theranostics. J Transl Med 2024; 22:794. [PMID: 39198892 PMCID: PMC11350997 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05603-y] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The cornea is the outermost layer of the eye and plays an essential role in our visual system. Limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs), which are localized to a highly regulated limbal niche, are the master conductors of corneal epithelial regeneration. Damage to LESCs and their niche may result in limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), a disease confused ophthalmologists so many years and can lead to corneal conjunctivalization, neovascularization, and even blindness. How to restore the LESCs function is the hot topic for ocular scientists and clinicians around the world. This review introduced LESCs and the niche microenvironment, outlined various techniques for isolating and culturing LESCs used in LSCD research, presented common diseases that cause LSCD, and provided a comprehensive overview of both the diagnosis and multiple treatments for LSCD from basic research to clinical therapies, especially the emerging cell therapies based on various stem cell sources. In addition, we also innovatively concluded the latest strategies in recent years, including exogenous drugs, tissue engineering, nanotechnology, exosome and gene therapy, as well as the ongoing clinical trials for treating LSCD in recent five years. Finally, we highlighted challenges from bench to bedside in LSCD and discussed cutting-edge areas in LSCD therapeutic research. We hope that this review could pave the way for future research and translation on treating LSCD, a crucial step in the field of ocular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiding Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, 639 Zhizaoju Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, 639 Zhizaoju Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Liangbo Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, 639 Zhizaoju Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Yao Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, 639 Zhizaoju Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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Vattulainen M, Smits JGA, Arts JA, Lima Cunha D, Ilmarinen T, Skottman H, Zhou H. Deciphering the heterogeneity of differentiating hPSC-derived corneal limbal stem cells through single-cell RNA sequencing. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:1010-1023. [PMID: 38942029 PMCID: PMC11252539 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.06.001] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of the human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) differentiation process stands as a prerequisite for the development of hPSC-based therapeutics. In this study, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed to decipher the heterogeneity during differentiation of three hPSC lines toward corneal limbal stem cells (LSCs). The scRNA-seq data revealed nine clusters encompassing the entire differentiation process, among which five followed the anticipated differentiation path of LSCs. The remaining four clusters were previously undescribed cell states that were annotated as either mesodermal-like or undifferentiated subpopulations, and their prevalence was hPSC line dependent. Distinct cluster-specific marker genes identified in this study were confirmed by immunofluorescence analysis and employed to purify hPSC-derived LSCs, which effectively minimized the variation in the line-dependent differentiation efficiency. In summary, scRNA-seq offered molecular insights into the heterogeneity of hPSC-LSC differentiation, allowing a data-driven strategy for consistent and robust generation of LSCs, essential for future advancement toward clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meri Vattulainen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jos G A Smits
- Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Julian A Arts
- Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Dulce Lima Cunha
- Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Tanja Ilmarinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Heli Skottman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Huiqing Zhou
- Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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Biniazan F, Stoian A, Haykal S. Adipose-Derived Stem Cells: Angiogenetic Potential and Utility in Tissue Engineering. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2356. [PMID: 38397032 PMCID: PMC10889096 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042356] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Adipose tissue (AT) is a large and important energy storage organ as well as an endocrine organ with a critical role in many processes. Additionally, AT is an enormous and easily accessible source of multipotent cell types used in our day for all types of tissue regeneration. The ability of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) to differentiate into other types of cells, such as endothelial cells (ECs), vascular smooth muscle cells, or cardiomyocytes, is used in tissue engineering in order to promote/stimulate the process of angiogenesis. Being a key for future successful clinical applications, functional vascular networks in engineered tissue are targeted by numerous in vivo and ex vivo studies. The article reviews the angiogenic potential of ADSCs and explores their capacity in the field of tissue engineering (TE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Felor Biniazan
- Latner Thoracic Research Laboratories, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street Suite 8N-869, Toronto, ON M5G2C4, Canada; (F.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Alina Stoian
- Latner Thoracic Research Laboratories, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street Suite 8N-869, Toronto, ON M5G2C4, Canada; (F.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Siba Haykal
- Latner Thoracic Research Laboratories, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street Suite 8N-869, Toronto, ON M5G2C4, Canada; (F.B.); (A.S.)
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, 200 Elizabeth Street Suite 8N-869, Toronto, ON M5G2C4, Canada
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Andreev AY, Yu Y, Rogovaya OS, Subbot AM, Vorotelyak EA, Osidak EO, Avetisov SE. [Experimental evaluation of the efficacy of tissue-engineered constructs in the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency]. Vestn Oftalmol 2024; 140:80-89. [PMID: 38739135 DOI: 10.17116/oftalma202414002280] [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] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is one of the leading factors negatively affecting the success of keratoplasty, and its treatment remains an urgent problem in ophthalmology. With the development of regenerative medicine, one of the promising approaches is the transplantation of tissue-engineered constructs from cultured limbal stem cells (LSCs) in biopolymer carriers. PURPOSE This study was conducted to develop an experimental model of LSCD and evaluate the effectiveness of transplantation of a tissue-engineered construct consisting of cultured cells containing a population of LSCs and a collagen carrier. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was performed on 12 rabbits and included several stages. At the first stage, the physiological effects of collagen matrix implantation into the limbal zone were studied. At the second stage, tissue-engineered constructs consisting of LSCs on a collagen matrix were formed and their effect on the regeneration processes in the experimental LSCD model was analyzed. The animals were divided into 2 groups: surgical treatment (transplantation of the tissue-engineered construct) was used in the experimental group, and conservative treatment was used in the control group. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy with photo-registration, fluorescein corneal staining, optical coherence tomography of the anterior segment of the eye, and impression cytology were used to assess the results. RESULTS No side reactions were observed after implantation of the collagen matrix into the limbal zone. One month after surgical treatment of the LSCD model in the experimental group, complete epithelization with minor manifestations of epitheliopathy was observed. In the control group, erosion of the corneal epithelium was noted. The time of corneal epithelization in the experimental and control groups was 9.2±2.95 and 46.20±12.07 days, respectively (p=0.139). According to the data of impression cytology, in the experimental group there were no goblet cells in the central part of the cornea, which indicates the restoration of corneal type epithelial cells, in contrast to the control group. CONCLUSION Transplantation of a tissue-engineered construct from cultured limbal cells on a collagen membrane should be considered as a promising method for the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Yu Andreev
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- Krasnov Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ya Yu
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - O S Rogovaya
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - A M Subbot
- Krasnov Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - E A Vorotelyak
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - S E Avetisov
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- Krasnov Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
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Wan Y, Ding Y. Strategies and mechanisms of neuronal reprogramming. Brain Res Bull 2023; 199:110661. [PMID: 37149266 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic injury and neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) are difficult to treat due to the poorly regenerative nature of neurons. Engrafting neural stem cells into the CNS is a classic approach for neuroregeneration. Despite great advances, stem cell therapy still faces the challenges of overcoming immunorejection and achieving functional integration. Neuronal reprogramming, a recent innovation, converts endogenous non-neuronal cells (e.g., glial cells) into mature neurons in the adult mammalian CNS. In this review, we summarize the progress of neuronal reprogramming research, mainly focusing on strategies and mechanisms of reprogramming. Furthermore, we highlight the advantages of neuronal reprogramming and outline related challenges. Although the significant development has been made in this field, several findings are controversial. Even so, neuronal reprogramming, especially in vivo reprogramming, is expected to become an effective treatment for CNS neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Cadenas-Martin M, Arnalich-Montiel F, Miguel MPD. Derivation of Limbal Stem Cells from Human Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032350. [PMID: 36768672 PMCID: PMC9916480 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 10 million individuals have blindness due to limbal stem cell (LSCs) deficiency, one of the most challenging problems in ophthalmology. To replenish the LSC pool, an autologous extraocular cell source is appropriate, thereby avoiding the risk of immune rejection, the need for immunosuppression and the risk of damaging the contralateral eye. In recent years, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) have been a key element in ocular regenerative medicine. In this study, we developed a protocol for deriving human LSCs from ADSCs compatible with the standard carrier human amniotic membrane, helping provide a stem cell pool capable of maintaining proper corneal epithelial homeostasis. The best protocol included an ectodermal induction step by culturing ADSCs with media containing fetal bovine serum, transforming growth factor-β inhibitor SB-505124, Wnt inhibitor IWP-2 and FGF2 for 7 days, followed by an LSC induction step of culture in modified supplemental hormonal epithelial medium supplemented with pigment epithelium-derived factor and keratinocyte growth factor for 10 additional days. The optimal differentiation efficiency was achieved when cells were cultured in this manner over vitronectin coating, resulting in up to 50% double-positive αp63/BMI-1 cells. The results of this project will benefit patients with LSC deficiency, aiding the restoration of vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cadenas-Martin
- Cell Engineering Laboratory, La Paz University Hospital Health Research Institute, IdiPAZ, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Arnalich-Montiel
- Ophthalmology Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria P De Miguel
- Ophthalmology Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-912-071458
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Transcriptomic Landscape and Functional Characterization of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Limbal Epithelial Progenitor Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233752. [PMID: 36497012 PMCID: PMC9737332 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is a complex, multifactorial disease affecting limbal epithelial progenitor cells (LEPC), which are essential for maintaining corneal stability and transparency. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived (hiPSC-) LEPC are a promising cell source for the treatment of LSCD. However, their similarity to native tissue-derived (T-) LEPC and their functional characterization has not been studied in detail. Here, we show that hiPSC-LEPC and T-LEPC have rather similar gene expression patterns, colony-forming ability, wound-healing capacity, and melanosome uptake. In addition, hiPSC-LEPC exhibited lower immunogenicity and reduced the proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells compared with T-LEPC. Similarly, the hiPSC-LEPC secretome reduced the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells more than the T-LEPC secretome. Moreover, hiPSC-LEPC successfully repopulated decellularized human corneolimbal (DHC/L) scaffolds with multilayered epithelium, while basal deposition of fibrillary material was observed. These findings suggest that hiPSC-LEPC exhibited functional properties close to native LEPC and that hiPSC-LEPC-DHC/L scaffolds might be feasible for transplantation in patients suffering from LSCD in the future. Although hiPSC-LEPC-based stem cell therapy is promising, the current study also revealed new challenges, such as abnormal extracellular matrix deposition, that need to be overcome before hiPSC-LEPC-based stem cell therapies are viable.
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