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Wang M, Li Y, Wang H, Li M, Wang X, Liu R, Zhang D, Xu W. Corneal regeneration strategies: From stem cell therapy to tissue engineered stem cell scaffolds. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115206. [PMID: 37494785 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal epithelial defects and excessive wound healing might lead to severe complications. As stem cells can self-renew infinitely, they are a promising solution for regenerating the corneal epithelium and treating severe corneal epithelial injury. The chemical and biophysical properties of biological scaffolds, such as the amniotic membrane, fibrin, and hydrogels, can provide the necessary signals for stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Multiple researchers have conducted investigations on these scaffolds and evaluated them as potential therapeutic interventions for corneal disorders. These studies have identified various inherent benefits and drawbacks associated with these scaffolds. In this study, we provided a comprehensive overview of the history and use of various stem cells in corneal repair. We mainly discussed biological scaffolds that are used in stem cell transplantation and innovative materials that are under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Wang
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Laboratory Technology Innovation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, PR China
| | - Ying Li
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Laboratory Technology Innovation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, PR China
| | - Hongqiao Wang
- Blood Purification Department, Qingdao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao Hiser Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, PR China
| | - Meng Li
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Laboratory Technology Innovation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, PR China
| | - Xiaomin Wang
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Laboratory Technology Innovation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, PR China
| | - Rongzhen Liu
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Laboratory Technology Innovation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, PR China
| | - Daijun Zhang
- Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, PR China.
| | - Wenhua Xu
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Laboratory Technology Innovation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, PR China.
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Wang P, Deng Z, Li A, Li R, Huang W, Cui J, Chen S, Li B, Zhang S. β-Catenin promotes long-term survival and angiogenesis of peripheral blood mesenchymal stem cells via the Oct4 signaling pathway. EXPERIMENTAL & MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2022; 54:1434-1449. [PMID: 36050404 PMCID: PMC9535028 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00839-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell therapy has been extensively studied to improve heart function following myocardial infarction; however, its therapeutic potency is limited by low rates of engraftment, survival, and differentiation. Here, we aimed to determine the roles of the β-catenin/Oct4 signaling axis in the regulation of long-term survival and angiogenesis of peripheral blood mesenchymal stem cells (PBMSCs). These cells were obtained from rat abdominal aortic blood. We showed that β-catenin promotes the self-renewal, antiapoptotic effects, and long-term survival of PBMSCs by activating the Oct4 pathway through upregulation of the expression of the antiapoptotic factors Bcl2 and survivin and the proangiogenic cytokine bFGF and suppression of the levels of the proapoptotic factors Bax and cleaved caspase-3. β-Catenin overexpression increased Oct4 expression. β-Catenin knockdown suppressed Oct4 expression in PBMSCs. However, β-catenin levels were not affected by Oct4 overexpression or knockdown. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays proved that β-catenin directly regulates Oct4 transcription in PBMSCs. In vivo, PBMSCs overexpressing β-catenin showed high survival in infarcted hearts and resulted in better myocardial repair. Further functional analysis identified Oct4 as the direct upstream regulator of Ang1, bFGF, HGF, VEGF, Bcl2, and survivin, which cooperatively drive antiapoptosis and angiogenesis of engrafted PBMSCs. These findings revealed the regulation of β-catenin in PBMSCs by the Oct4-mediated antiapoptotic/proangiogenic signaling axis and provide a breakthrough point for improving the long-term survival and therapeutic effects of PBMSCs. Boosting expression of a specific gene has allowed researchers to generate stem cells with increased capacity for tissue repair after a heart attack. Several studies have shown that treatment with a population of circulating cells known as ‘peripheral blood mesenchymal stem cells’ (PBMSCs) can regenerate cardiac tissue. These cells generally have a short lifespan when used therapeutically, but researchers led by Shaoheng Zhang at Jinan University in Guangzhou China have increased long-term survival and performance by boosting expression of the gene encoding β-catenin, a protein that promotes cell survival and proliferation. PBMSCs expressing increased levels of β-catenin preserved heart function in a rat model of heart attack, stimulating blood vessel growth and improving animal survival. This study also reveals proteins regulated by β-catenin, which could potentially be exploited for finer control of PBMSC function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengzhen Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510220, P.R. China.,Guangzhou Institute of Traumatic Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510220, P.R. China
| | - Zhanyu Deng
- Department of Cardiology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510220, P.R. China
| | - Aiguo Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510220, P.R. China
| | - Rongsen Li
- Department of Cardiology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510220, P.R. China
| | - Weiguang Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510220, P.R. China
| | - Jin Cui
- Department of Cardiology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510220, P.R. China
| | - Songsheng Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510220, P.R. China
| | - Biao Li
- Department of Cardiology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510220, P.R. China
| | - Shaoheng Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510220, P.R. China.
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Preparation and In Vitro Characterization of Gelatin Methacrylate for Corneal Tissue Engineering. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2021; 19:59-72. [PMID: 34665455 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-021-00393-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corneal disease is second only to cataract considered as the leading cause of blindness in the world, with high morbidity. Construction of corneal substitutes in vitro by tissue engineering technology to achieve corneal regeneration has become a research hotspot in recent years. We conducted in-depth research on the biocompatibility, physicochemical and mechanical properties of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBM-MSCs)-seeded gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) as a bioengineered cornea. METHODS Four kinds of GelMA with different concentrations (7, 10, 15 and 30%) were prepared, and their physic-chemical, optical properties, and biocompatibility with rBM-MSCs were characterized. MTT, live/dead staining, cell morphology, immunofluorescence staining and gene expression of keratocyte markers were performed. RESULTS 7%GelMA hydrogel had higher equilibrium water content and porosity, better optical properties and hydrophilicity. In addition, it is more beneficial to the growth and proliferation of rBM-MSCs. However, the 30%GelMA hydrogel had the best mechanical properties, and could be more conducive to promote the differentiation of rBM-MSCs into keratocyte-like cells. CONCLUSION As a natural biological scaffold, GelMA hydrogel has good biocompatibility. And it has the ability to promote the differentiation of rBM-MSCs into keratocyte-like cells, which laid a theoretical and experimental foundation for further tissue-engineered corneal stromal transplantation, and provided a new idea for the source of seeded cells in corneal tissue engineering.
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Park SW, Park S, Choi HK, Park HJ, Yu W, Kim HS, Jeon M, Chung SC, Ban K, Moon S, Bae YM. Blue laser-induced selective vasorelaxation by the activation of NOSs. Microvasc Res 2021; 136:104165. [PMID: 33845105 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2021.104165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Phototherapy has been tried for treating cardiovascular diseases. In particular, ultraviolet and blue visible lights were suggested to be useful due to their nitric oxide (NO)-production ability in the skin. However, the effects of blue light on the arterial contractility are controversial. Here, we hypothesized that appropriate protocol of blue laser can induce selective vasorelaxation by activating vasodilating signaling molecules in arteries. Using organ chamber arterial mechanics, NO assay, Matrigel assay, and microarray, we showed that a 200-Hz, 300-μs, 445-nm pulsed-laser (total energy of 600 mJ; spot size 4 mm) induced selective vasorelaxation, without vasocontraction in rat mesenteric arteries. The laser stimulation increased NO production in the cord blood-endothelial progenitor cells (CB-EPCs). Both the laser-induced vasorelaxation and NO production were inhibited by a non-selective, pan-NO synthase inhibitor, L-NG-Nitro arginine methyl ester. Microarray study in CB-EPCs suggested up-regulation of cryptochrome (CRY)2 as well as NO synthase (NOS)1 and NOSTRIN (NOS trafficking) by the laser. In conclusion, this study suggests that the 445-nm blue puled-laser can induce vasorelaxation possibly via the CRY photoreceptors and NOSs activation. The blue laser-therapy would be useful for treating systemic hypertension as well as improving local blood flow depending on the area of irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Woong Park
- Medical Services, Eulji University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do 13135, South Korea
| | - Soonjung Park
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 143-701, South Korea
| | - Hea Kyung Choi
- Medical Services, Eulji University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do 13135, South Korea
| | - Hyun Ji Park
- Department of Physiology, KU Open Innovation Center, Research Institute of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Chungju, South Korea
| | - Wonjong Yu
- Department of Physical Therapy, Eulji University, 13135, South Korea
| | - Hyung-Sik Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, BK21+ Research Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of ICT Convergence Engineering, College of Science & Technology, Konkuk University Chungju, Chungbuk 380-701, South Korea
| | - Mina Jeon
- Department of Physiology, KU Open Innovation Center, Research Institute of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Chungju, South Korea
| | - Soon-Cheol Chung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, BK21+ Research Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of ICT Convergence Engineering, College of Science & Technology, Konkuk University Chungju, Chungbuk 380-701, South Korea
| | - Kiwon Ban
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Sunghwan Moon
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 143-701, South Korea; Division of Stem Cell Research, T&R Biofab Co. Ltd, Seongnam-si 13494, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young Min Bae
- Department of Physiology, KU Open Innovation Center, Research Institute of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Chungju, South Korea.
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Park IS, Kim BK, Truong MD, Yang HS, Park SH, Park HS, Choi BH, Won BH, Min BH. Corneal Repair with Adhesive Cell Sheets of Fetal Cartilage-Derived Stem Cells. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2021; 18:187-198. [PMID: 33415672 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-020-00317-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corneal scarring or disease may lead to severe corneal opacification and consequently, severe loss of vision due to the complete loss of corneal epithelial cells. We studied the use of epithelial cell sheets differentiated from fetal cartilage-derived stem cells (FCSC) to resurface damaged cornea. METHODS The FCSC were isolated from the femoral head of immature cartilage tissue. The ability of the FCSCs to differentiate into corneal epithelial cells was evaluated using differentiation media at 2 days and 7 days post-seeding. A sheet fabricated of FCSCs was also used for the differentiation assay. The results of the in vitro studies were evaluated by immunocytochemistry and Western blots for corneal epithelial cell markers (CK3/12 and Pax6) and limbal epithelial stem cell markers (ABCG2 and p63). To test the material in vivo, an FCSC-sheet was applied as a treatment in a chemically burned rabbit model. The healing ability was observed histologically one week after treatment. RESULTS The in vitro experiments showed morphological changes in the FCSCs at two and seven days of culture. The differentiated cells from the FCSCs or the FCSC-sheet expressed corneal epithelial cells markers. FCSC were create cell sheet that successfully differentiated into corneal epithelial cells and had sufficient adhesion so that it could be fused to host tissue after suture to the ocular surface with silk suture. The implanted cell sheet maintained its transparency and the cells were alive a week after implantation. CONCLUSION These results suggest that carrier-free sheets fabricated of FCSCs have the potential to repair damaged corneal surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- In-Su Park
- Cell Therapy Center, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 World cup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong Kook Kim
- Cell Therapy Center, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 World cup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Minh-Dung Truong
- Cell Therapy Center, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 World cup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Seok Yang
- Ophthalmologic Department, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 World cup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hyug Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Soon Park
- Nunevit Eye Clinic, 772 Gayadea-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan, 47285, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Hyune Choi
- Department of Physiology, Inha University College of Medicine, 100 Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Bae Hie Won
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 World cup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung-Hyun Min
- Cell Therapy Center, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 World cup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16499, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 World cup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16499, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, 164 World cup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16499, Republic of Korea.
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Nosrati H, Alizadeh Z, Nosrati A, Ashrafi-Dehkordi K, Banitalebi-Dehkordi M, Sanami S, Khodaei M. Stem cell-based therapeutic strategies for corneal epithelium regeneration. Tissue Cell 2020; 68:101470. [PMID: 33248403 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2020.101470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Any significant loss of vision or blindness caused by corneal damages is referred to as corneal blindness. Corneal blindness is the fourth most common cause of blindness worldwide, representing more than 5% of the total blind population. Currently, corneal transplantation is used to treat many corneal diseases. In some cases, implantation of artificial cornea (keratoprosthesis) is suggested after a patient has had a donor corneal transplant failure. The shortage of donors and the side effects of keratoprosthesis are limiting these approaches. Recently, researchers have been actively pursuing new approaches for corneal regeneration because of these limitations. Nowadays, tissue engineering of different corneal layers (epithelium, stroma, endothelium, or full thickness tissue) is a promising approach that has attracted a great deal of interest from researchers and focuses on regenerative strategies using different cell sources and biomaterials. Various sources of corneal and non-corneal stem cells have shown significant advantages for corneal epithelium regeneration applications. Pluripotent stem cells (embryonic stem cells and iPS cells), epithelial stem cells (derived from oral mucus, amniotic membrane, epidermis and hair follicle), mesenchymal stem cells (bone marrow, adipose-derived, amniotic membrane, placenta, umbilical cord), and neural crest origin stem cells (dental pulp stem cells) are the most promising sources in this regard. These cells could also be used in combination with natural or synthetic scaffolds to improve the efficacy of the therapeutic approach. As the ocular surface is exposed to external damage, the number of studies on regeneration of the corneal epithelium is rising. In this paper, we reviewed the stem cell-based strategies for corneal epithelium regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Nosrati
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Zohreh Alizadeh
- Endometrium and Endometriosis Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Ali Nosrati
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Korosh Ashrafi-Dehkordi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mehdi Banitalebi-Dehkordi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Samira Sanami
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mohammad Khodaei
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Golpayegan University of Technology, Golpayegan, Iran
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