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Wu D, Chan KE, Lim BXH, Lim DKA, Wong WM, Chai C, Manotosh R, Lim CHL. Management of corneal neovascularization: Current and emerging therapeutic approaches. Indian J Ophthalmol 2024; 72:S354-S371. [PMID: 38648452 PMCID: PMC467007 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_3043_23] [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: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Corneal neovascularization (CoNV) is a sight-threatening condition affecting an estimated 1.4 million people per year, and the incidence is expected to rise. It is a complication of corneal pathological diseases such as infective keratitis, chemical burn, corneal limbal stem cell deficiency, mechanical trauma, and immunological rejection after keratoplasties. CoNV occurs due to a disequilibrium in proangiogenic and antiangiogenic mediators, involving a complex system of molecular interactions. Treatment of CoNV is challenging, and no therapy thus far has been curative. Anti-inflammatory agents such as corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment due to their accessibility and well-studied safety profile. However, they have limited effectiveness and are unable to regress more mature neovascularization. With the advent of advanced imaging modalities and an expanding understanding of its pathogenesis, contemporary treatments targeting a wide array of molecular mechanisms and surgical options are gaining traction. This review aims to summarize evidence regarding conventional and emerging therapeutic options for CoNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duoduo Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Kai En Chan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Blanche Xiao Hong Lim
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dawn Ka-Ann Lim
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wendy Meihua Wong
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Charmaine Chai
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ray Manotosh
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chris Hong Long Lim
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
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2
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Yang Y, Zhong J, Cui D, Jensen LD. Up-to-date molecular medicine strategies for management of ocular surface neovascularization. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 201:115084. [PMID: 37689278 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Ocular surface neovascularization and its resulting pathological changes significantly alter corneal refraction and obstruct the light path to the retina, and hence is a major cause of vision loss. Various factors such as infection, irritation, trauma, dry eye, and ocular surface surgery trigger neovascularization via angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis dependent on VEGF-related and alternative mechanisms. Recent advances in antiangiogenic drugs, nanotechnology, gene therapy, surgical equipment and techniques, animal models, and drug delivery strategies have provided a range of novel therapeutic options for the treatment of ocular surface neovascularization. In this review article, we comprehensively discuss the etiology and mechanisms of corneal neovascularization and other types of ocular surface neovascularization, as well as emerging animal models and drug delivery strategies that facilitate its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Yang
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Junmu Zhong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Longyan First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Longyan 364000, Fujian Province, China
| | - Dongmei Cui
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen 518040, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lasse D Jensen
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of Diagnostics and Specialist Medicine, Unit of Cardiovascular Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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3
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Kumar R, Sinha NR, Mohan RR. Corneal gene therapy: Structural and mechanistic understanding. Ocul Surf 2023; 29:279-297. [PMID: 37244594 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Cornea, a dome-shaped and transparent front part of the eye, affords 2/3rd refraction and barrier functions. Globally, corneal diseases are the leading cause of vision impairment. Loss of corneal function including opacification involve the complex crosstalk and perturbation between a variety of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors generated by corneal keratocytes, epithelial cells, lacrimal tissues, nerves, and immune cells. Conventional small-molecule drugs can treat mild-to-moderate traumatic corneal pathology but requires frequent application and often fails to treat severe pathologies. The corneal transplant surgery is a standard of care to restore vision in patients. However, declining availability and rising demand of donor corneas are major concerns to maintain ophthalmic care. Thus, the development of efficient and safe nonsurgical methods to cure corneal disorders and restore vision in vivo is highly desired. Gene-based therapy has huge potential to cure corneal blindness. To achieve a nonimmunogenic, safe and sustained therapeutic response, the selection of a relevant genes, gene editing methods and suitable delivery vectors are vital. This article describes corneal structural and functional features, mechanistic understanding of gene therapy vectors, gene editing methods, gene delivery tools, and status of gene therapy for treating corneal disorders, diseases, and genetic dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajnish Kumar
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; One-health One-medicine Vision Research Program, Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery & Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow campus, UP, 226028, India
| | - Nishant R Sinha
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; One-health One-medicine Vision Research Program, Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery & Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Rajiv R Mohan
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; One-health One-medicine Vision Research Program, Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery & Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.
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Sarkar S, Panikker P, D’Souza S, Shetty R, Mohan RR, Ghosh A. Corneal Regeneration Using Gene Therapy Approaches. Cells 2023; 12:1280. [PMID: 37174680 PMCID: PMC10177166 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091280] [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: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most remarkable advancements in medical treatments of corneal diseases in recent decades has been corneal transplantation. However, corneal transplants, including lamellar strategies, have their own set of challenges, such as graft rejection, delayed graft failure, shortage of donor corneas, repeated treatments, and post-surgical complications. Corneal defects and diseases are one of the leading causes of blindness globally; therefore, there is a need for gene-based interventions that may mitigate some of these challenges and help reduce the burden of blindness. Corneas being immune-advantaged, uniquely avascular, and transparent is ideal for gene therapy approaches. Well-established corneal surgical techniques as well as their ease of accessibility for examination and manipulation makes corneas suitable for in vivo and ex vivo gene therapy. In this review, we focus on the most recent advances in the area of corneal regeneration using gene therapy and on the strategies involved in the development of such therapies. We also discuss the challenges and potential of gene therapy for the treatment of corneal diseases. Additionally, we discuss the translational aspects of gene therapy, including different types of vectors, particularly focusing on recombinant AAV that may help advance targeted therapeutics for corneal defects and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhradeep Sarkar
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore 560099, Karnataka, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Priyalakshmi Panikker
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore 560099, Karnataka, India
| | - Sharon D’Souza
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore 560010, Karnataka, India
| | - Rohit Shetty
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore 560010, Karnataka, India
| | - Rajiv R. Mohan
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
- One-Health Vision Research Program, Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Arkasubhra Ghosh
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore 560099, Karnataka, India
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Amador C, Shah R, Ghiam S, Kramerov AA, Ljubimov AV. Gene therapy in the anterior eye segment. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 22:104-131. [PMID: 33902406 DOI: 10.2174/1566523221666210423084233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This review provides comprehensive information about the advances in gene therapy in the anterior segment of the eye including cornea, conjunctiva, lacrimal gland, and trabecular meshwork. We discuss gene delivery systems including viral and non-viral vectors as well as gene editing techniques, mainly CRISPR-Cas9, and epigenetic treatments including antisense and siRNA therapeutics. We also provide a detailed analysis of various anterior segment diseases where gene therapy has been tested with corresponding outcomes. Disease conditions include corneal and conjunctival fibrosis and scarring, corneal epithelial wound healing, corneal graft survival, corneal neovascularization, genetic corneal dystrophies, herpetic keratitis, glaucoma, dry eye disease, and other ocular surface diseases. Although most of the analyzed results on the use and validity of gene therapy at the ocular surface have been obtained in vitro or using animal models, we also discuss the available human studies. Gene therapy approaches are currently considered very promising as emerging future treatments of various diseases, and this field is rapidly expanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Amador
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ruchi Shah
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sean Ghiam
- Sackler School of Medicine, New York State/American Program of Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Andrei A Kramerov
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Alexander V Ljubimov
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Challenges and strategies for the delivery of biologics to the cornea. J Control Release 2021; 333:560-578. [PMID: 33857565 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Biologics, like peptides, proteins and nucleic acids, have proven to be promising drugs for the treatment of numerous diseases. However, besides the off label use of the monoclonal antibody bevacizumab for the treatment of corneal neovascularization, to date no other biologics for corneal diseases have reached the market. Indeed, delivering biologics in the eye remains a challenge, especially at the level of the cornea. While it appears to be a rather accessible tissue for the administration of drugs, the cornea in fact presents several anatomical barriers to delivery. In addition, also intracellular delivery barriers need to be overcome to achieve a promising therapeutic outcome with biologics. This review outlines efforts that have been reported to successfully deliver biologics into the cornea. Biochemical and physical methods for achieving delivery of biologics in the cornea are discussed, with a critical view on their efficacy in overcoming corneal barriers.
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Claros-Chacaltana FDY, Kobashigawa KK, Padua IRM, Valdetaro GP, Aldrovani M, Laus JL. Corneal angiogenesis based on different protocols of alkaline cauterization in murine models. Acta Cir Bras 2017; 32:607-616. [PMID: 28902936 DOI: 10.1590/s0102-865020170080000002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To establish and compare protocols of alkaline cauterization for inducing corneal angiogenesis in murine models. Methods: Twenty-four adult Wistar rats were distributed into four groups (G1, G2, G3, and G4). The right eye cornea from each rat was cauterized using filter paper (3 mm), soaked in a solution of silver and potassium nitrates (3:1). Cauterization times were 10 (G1 and G4), or 20 seconds (G2 and G3). Cauterized corneas were washed with Ringer's lactate solution. The filter paper was either removed before washing (G1 and G2), or kept on the corneas (G3 and G4). Corneas were photographed at multiple time points (2, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, and 15 days after the procedure), and neovascularization parameters were assayed. Results: Neovascularization was observed in 66% of G1 corneas, and 100% of G2, G3, and G4 corneas. On day 15, G1 corneas showed smaller vascularized areas (12.63 ± 12.59%) compared to those in the G3 (41.95 ± 17.32%) and G4 (33 ± 11.74%) (P < 0.05) groups. Conclusions: The silver and potassium nitrate solution effectively induced corneal angiogenesis. The G2, G3, and G4 protocols showed excellent reproducibility, and induced vascularization in 100% of corneas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flor Diana Yokoay Claros-Chacaltana
- MSc, Fellow PhD degree, Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, Universidade Esatdual de São Paulo, FCAV-UNESP, Jaboticabal-SP, Brazil. Conception and design of the study; acquisition, analysis and interpretation of data; manuscript writing
| | - Karina Kamachi Kobashigawa
- MS, Fellow PhD degree, Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, FCAV-UNESP, Jaboticabal-SP, Brazil. Acquisition, analysis and interpretation of data; critical revision
| | - Ivan Ricardo Martinez Padua
- PhD, Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, FCAV-UNESP, Jaboticabal-SP, Brazil. Acquisition of data, critical revision
| | - Gisele Pereira Valdetaro
- MS, Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, FCAV-UNESP, Jaboticabal-SP, Brazil. Acquisition of data, critical revision
| | - Marcela Aldrovani
- PhD, Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, FCAV-UNESP, Jaboticabal-SP, Brazil. Analysis and interpretation of data, critical revision, final approval
| | - José Luiz Laus
- PhD, Associate Professor, Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, FCAV-UNESP, Jaboticabal-SP, Brazil. Critical revision, final approval
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Lu Y, Ai J, Gessler D, Su Q, Tran K, Zheng Q, Xu X, Gao G. Efficient Transduction of Corneal Stroma by Adeno-Associated Viral Serotype Vectors for Implications in Gene Therapy of Corneal Diseases. Hum Gene Ther 2016; 27:598-608. [PMID: 27001051 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2015.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Disease, Shanghai, China
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Jianzhong Ai
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dominic Gessler
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Qin Su
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Karen Tran
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Qiang Zheng
- Research and Development Department, Chengdu Kanghong Pharmaceuticals Group Company, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xun Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
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Reichard M, Weiss H, Poletti E, Ruggeri A, Guthoff RF, Stachs O, Baltrusch S. Age-Related Changes in Murine Corneal Nerves. Curr Eye Res 2015; 41:1021-1028. [PMID: 26642890 DOI: 10.3109/02713683.2015.1088952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study is to determine age-related morphological changes in the corneal subbasal nerve plexus (SNP) in two inbred mouse strains. MATERIALS AND METHODS The corneal SNP was investigated by in vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) in 0.5-, 1-, 1.5-, and 2-year-old C57BL/6J mice and in 0.5- and 1-year-old BALB/c mice (n = 4 per age category and strain; 10 images per mouse). Fixed corneal samples from C57BL/6J mice were also analyzed after PGP9.5 staining. Nerve fiber density (NFD) was determined using the semi-automated NeuronJ program. In addition, a new custom-designed, fully automated computerized technique based on oriented multiscale matched filtering was tested to objectify and accelerate image analysis. RESULTS C57BL/6J mice showed low NFD (11.7 ± 0.5 mm/mm2). Aging from 0.5 to 1, 1.5, and 2 years resulted in significant reductions in subbasal NFD by 34%, 49%, and 66%, respectively. The decline in nerve fibers revealed by in vivo CLSM together with NeuronJ quantification was confirmed by ex vivo immunohistochemical analyses. Subbasal NFD in BALB/c mice (30.0 ± 1.4 mm/mm2) was 3-fold higher than in C57BL/6J mice. Aging from 0.5 to 1 year resulted in a significant 17% reduction in NFD. With the automated approach, NFD of 22.6 ± 2.9 mm/mm2 and a 45% reduction during aging was determined from the same images. CONCLUSIONS An age-related reduction in subbasal corneal nerve fibers was observed. The differing extent of reduction in the two mouse strains may be accounted for by genetic factors. Automated NFD quantification of corneal nerve fibers in mice appears to be a useful, reliable, objective, and time-saving tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Reichard
- a Department of Ophthalmology , University of Rostock , Rostock , Germany
| | - Heike Weiss
- b Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Rostock , Rostock , Germany
| | - Enea Poletti
- c Department of Information Engineering , University of Padua , Padua , Italy
| | - Alfredo Ruggeri
- c Department of Information Engineering , University of Padua , Padua , Italy
| | - Rudolf F Guthoff
- a Department of Ophthalmology , University of Rostock , Rostock , Germany
| | - Oliver Stachs
- a Department of Ophthalmology , University of Rostock , Rostock , Germany
| | - Simone Baltrusch
- b Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Rostock , Rostock , Germany
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Serratrice N, Cubizolle A, Ibanes S, Mestre-Francés N, Bayo-Puxan N, Creyssels S, Gennetier A, Bernex F, Verdier JM, Haskins ME, Couderc G, Malecaze F, Kalatzis V, Kremer EJ. Corrective GUSB transfer to the canine mucopolysaccharidosis VII cornea using a helper-dependent canine adenovirus vector. J Control Release 2014; 181:22-31. [PMID: 24607662 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2013] [Revised: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Corneal transparency is maintained, in part, by specialized fibroblasts called keratocytes, which reside in the fibrous lamellae of the stroma. Corneal clouding, a condition that impairs visual acuity, is associated with numerous diseases, including mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type VII. MPS VII is due to deficiency in β-glucuronidase (β-glu) enzymatic activity, which leads to accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and secondary accumulation of gangliosides. Here, we tested the efficacy of canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) vectors to transduce keratocyte in vivo in mice and nonhuman primates, and ex vivo in dog and human corneal explants. Following efficacy studies, we asked if we could treat corneal clouding by the injection a helper-dependent (HD) CAV-2 vector (HD-RIGIE) harboring the human cDNA coding for β-glu (GUSB) in the canine MPS VII cornea. β-Glu activity, GAG content, and lysosome morphology and physiopathology were analyzed. We found that HD-RIGIE injections efficiently transduced coxsackievirus adenovirus receptor-expressing keratocytes in the four species and, compared to mock-injected controls, improved the pathology in the canine MPS VII cornea. The key criterion to corrective therapy was the steady controlled release of β-glu and its diffusion throughout the collagen-dense stroma. These data support the continued evaluation of HD CAV-2 vectors to treat diseases affecting corneal keratocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Serratrice
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS 5535, Montpellier, France; Université de Montpellier I, Montpellier, France; Université Montpellier 2, Montpellier, France
| | - Aurelie Cubizolle
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS 5535, Montpellier, France; Université de Montpellier I, Montpellier, France; Université Montpellier 2, Montpellier, France
| | - Sandy Ibanes
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS 5535, Montpellier, France; Université de Montpellier I, Montpellier, France; Université Montpellier 2, Montpellier, France
| | - Nadine Mestre-Francés
- Université Montpellier 2, Montpellier, France; Inserm U710, Montpellier, France; Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes, Paris, France
| | - Neus Bayo-Puxan
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS 5535, Montpellier, France; Université de Montpellier I, Montpellier, France; Université Montpellier 2, Montpellier, France
| | - Sophie Creyssels
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS 5535, Montpellier, France; Université de Montpellier I, Montpellier, France; Université Montpellier 2, Montpellier, France
| | - Aurelie Gennetier
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS 5535, Montpellier, France; Université de Montpellier I, Montpellier, France; Université Montpellier 2, Montpellier, France
| | - Florence Bernex
- Institut Régional du Cancer Montpellier, Inserm U896, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Michel Verdier
- Université Montpellier 2, Montpellier, France; Inserm U710, Montpellier, France; Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes, Paris, France
| | - Mark E Haskins
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Guilhem Couderc
- Tissue Bank, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Francois Malecaze
- Inserm U563, Toulouse, France; Departement d'Ophtalmologie, Hôpital Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Vasiliki Kalatzis
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS 5535, Montpellier, France; Université de Montpellier I, Montpellier, France; Université Montpellier 2, Montpellier, France
| | - Eric J Kremer
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS 5535, Montpellier, France; Université de Montpellier I, Montpellier, France; Université Montpellier 2, Montpellier, France.
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Rolfsen ML, Frisard NE, Stern EM, Foster TP, Bhattacharjee PS, McFerrin Jr HE, Clement C, Rodriguez PC, Lukiw WJ, Bergsma DR, Ochoa AC, Hill JM. Corneal neovascularization: a review of the molecular biology and current therapies. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1586/eop.13.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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12
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Lee JK, Park SR, Jung BK, Jeon YK, Lee YS, Kim MK, Kim YG, Jang JY, Kim CW. Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells suppress angiogenesis by down-regulating VEGF expression in breast cancer cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e84256. [PMID: 24391924 PMCID: PMC3877259 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 438] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are small membrane vesicles released by a variety of cell types. Exosomes contain genetic materials, such as mRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs), implying that they may play a pivotal role in cell-to-cell communication. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which potentially differentiate into multiple cell types, can migrate to the tumor sites and have been reported to exert complex effects on tumor progression. To elucidate the role of MSCs within the tumor microenvironment, previous studies have suggested various mechanisms such as immune modulation and secreted factors of MSCs. However, the paracrine effects of MSC-derived exosomes on the tumor microenvironment remain to be explored. The hypothesis of this study was that MSC-derived exosomes might reprogram tumor behavior by transferring their molecular contents. To test this hypothesis, exosomes from MSCs were isolated and characterized. MSC-derived exosomes exhibited different protein and RNA profiles compared with their donor cells and these vesicles could be internalized by breast cancer cells. The results demonstrated that MSC-derived exosomes significantly down-regulated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in tumor cells, which lead to inhibition of angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, miR-16, a miRNA known to target VEGF, was enriched in MSC-derived exosomes and it was partially responsible for the anti-angiogenic effect of MSC-derived exosomes. The collective results suggest that MSC-derived exosomes may serve as a significant mediator of cell-to-cell communication within the tumor microenvironment and suppress angiogenesis by transferring anti-angiogenic molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Kuen Lee
- Tumor Immunity Medical Research Center, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sae-Ra Park
- Tumor Immunity Medical Research Center, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bong-Kwang Jung
- Tumor Immunity Medical Research Center, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yoon-Kyung Jeon
- Tumor Immunity Medical Research Center, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yeong-Shin Lee
- Tumor Immunity Medical Research Center, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Min-Kyoung Kim
- Tumor Immunity Medical Research Center, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yong-Goo Kim
- Tumor Immunity Medical Research Center, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji-Young Jang
- Tumor Immunity Medical Research Center, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chul-Woo Kim
- Tumor Immunity Medical Research Center, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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13
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Corneal gene therapy: basic science and translational perspective. Ocul Surf 2013; 11:150-64. [PMID: 23838017 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2012.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2012] [Revised: 10/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Corneal blindness is the third leading cause of blindness worldwide. Gene therapy is an emerging technology for corneal blindness due to the accessibility and immune-privileged nature of the cornea, ease of vector administration and visual monitoring, and ability to perform frequent noninvasive corneal assessment. Vision restoration by gene therapy is contingent upon vector and mode of therapeutic gene introduction into targeted cells/tissues. Numerous efficacious vectors, delivery techniques, and approaches have evolved in the last decade for developing gene-based interventions for corneal diseases. Maximizing the potential benefits of gene therapy requires efficient and sustained therapeutic gene expression in target cells, low toxicity, and a high safety profile. This review describes the basic science associated with many gene therapy vectors and the present progress of gene therapy carried out for various ocular surface disorders and diseases.
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14
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Hippert C, Ibanes S, Serratrice N, Court F, Malecaze F, Kremer EJ, Kalatzis V. Corneal transduction by intra-stromal injection of AAV vectors in vivo in the mouse and ex vivo in human explants. PLoS One 2012; 7:e35318. [PMID: 22523585 PMCID: PMC3327666 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0035318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2011] [Accepted: 03/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cornea is a transparent, avascular tissue that acts as the major refractive surface of the eye. Corneal transparency, assured by the inner stroma, is vital for this role. Disruption in stromal transparency can occur in some inherited or acquired diseases. As a consequence, light entering the eye is blocked or distorted, leading to decreased visual acuity. Possible treatment for restoring transparency could be via viral-based gene therapy. The stroma is particularly amenable to this strategy due to its immunoprivileged nature and low turnover rate. We assayed the potential of AAV vectors to transduce keratocytes following intra-stromal injection in vivo in the mouse cornea and ex vivo in human explants. In murine and human corneas, we transduced the entire stroma using a single injection, preferentially targeted keratocytes and achieved long-term gene transfer (up to 17 months in vivo in mice). Of the serotypes tested, AAV2/8 was the most promising for gene transfer in both mouse and man. Furthermore, transgene expression could be transiently increased following aggression to the cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Hippert
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Universités Montpellier I & II, Montpellier, France
| | - Sandy Ibanes
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Universités Montpellier I & II, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Serratrice
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Universités Montpellier I & II, Montpellier, France
| | - Franck Court
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Universités Montpellier I & II, Montpellier, France
| | - François Malecaze
- Inserm U563, Toulouse, France
- Département d'Ophtalmologie, Hôpital Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Eric J. Kremer
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Universités Montpellier I & II, Montpellier, France
| | - Vasiliki Kalatzis
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Universités Montpellier I & II, Montpellier, France
- * E-mail:
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15
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Mohan RR, Tovey JCK, Sharma A, Tandon A. Gene therapy in the cornea: 2005--present. Prog Retin Eye Res 2011; 31:43-64. [PMID: 21967960 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2011.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Revised: 08/31/2011] [Accepted: 09/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Successful restoration of vision in human patients with gene therapy affirmed its promise to cure ocular diseases and disorders. The efficacy of gene therapy is contingent upon vector and mode of therapeutic DNA introduction into targeted cells/tissues. The cornea is an ideal tissue for gene therapy due to its ease of access and relative immune-privilege. Considerable progress has been made in the field of corneal gene therapy in last 5 years. Several new gene transfer vectors, techniques and approaches have evolved. Although corneal gene therapy is still in its early stages of development, the potential of gene-based interventions to treat corneal abnormalities has begun to surface. Identification of next generation viral and nanoparticle vectors, characterization of delivered gene levels, localization, and duration in the cornea, and significant success in controlling corneal disorders, particularly fibrosis and angiogenesis, in experimental animal disease models, with no major side effects have propelled gene therapy a step closer toward establishing gene-based therapies for corneal blindness. Recently, researchers have assessed the delivery of therapeutic genes for corneal diseases and disorders due to trauma, infections, chemical, mechanical, and surgical injury, and/or abnormal wound healing. This review provides an update on the developments in gene therapy for corneal diseases and discusses the barriers that hinder its utilization for delivering genes in the cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv R Mohan
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, 800 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65201, USA.
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16
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Woo JK, Choi Y, Oh SH, Jeong JH, Choi DH, Seo HS, Kim CW. Mucin 1 enhances the tumor angiogenic response by activation of the AKT signaling pathway. Oncogene 2011; 31:2187-98. [PMID: 21927028 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2011.410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Although the hyper-glycosylated transmembrane protein Mucin 1 (MUC1) is aberrantly overexpressed in human breast carcinoma, the biological significance of MUC1 overexpression is unclear. This study showed that MUC1 expression promoted the synthesis and secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) through the AKT signaling pathway. Increase VEGF production through MUC1 expression had a number of effect. First, MUC1 transfection increased expression of VEGF in breast cancer cells. Second, MUC1-mediated VEGF induction was attenuated by a chemical inhibitor of AKT or MUC1 knock-down by MUC1 siRNA. Third, MUC1 expression led to the activation of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, which correlated with VEGF expression. In addition, when MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells were directly injected into NOD/SCID mice, MUC1 expression accelerated xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Finally, MUC1 expression enhanced tumor growth and angiogenesis in a PyMT-MMTV/hMUC1 transgenic mouse model. Concurrent with these results, analysis of a human tissue microarray identified a high correlation between MUC1 and VEGF expression in human breast carcinoma. The current report is the first to demonstrate that MUC1 expression promotes angiogenesis in human breast cancer in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K Woo
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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17
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Corneal transparency: genesis, maintenance and dysfunction. Brain Res Bull 2009; 81:198-210. [PMID: 19481138 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2009.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2009] [Revised: 04/14/2009] [Accepted: 05/20/2009] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Optimal vision is contingent upon transparency of the cornea. Corneal neovascularization, trauma and, surgical procedures such as photorefractive keratectomy and graft rejection after penetrating keratoplasty can lead to corneal opacification. In this article we identify the underlying basis of corneal transparency and factors that compromise the integrity of the cornea. With evidence from work on animal models and clinical studies, we explore the molecular mechanisms of both corneal avascularity and its dysfunction. We also seek to review therapeutic regimens that can safely salvage and restore corneal transparency.
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18
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Efficient lentiviral gene transfer into corneal stroma cells using a femtosecond laser. Gene Ther 2009; 16:933-8. [PMID: 19387484 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2009.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We investigated a new procedure for gene transfer into the stroma of pig cornea for the delivery of therapeutic factors. A delimited space was created at 110 mum depth with a LDV femtosecond laser in pig corneas, and a HIV1-derived lentiviral vector expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) (LV-CMV-GFP) was injected into the pocket. Corneas were subsequently dissected and kept in culture as explants. After 5 days, histological analysis of the explants revealed that the corneal pockets had closed and that the gene transfer procedure was efficient over the whole pocket area. Almost all the keratocytes were transduced in this area. Vector diffusion at right angles to the pocket's plane encompasses four (endothelium side) to 10 (epithelium side) layers of keratocytes. After 21 days, the level of transduction was similar to the results obtained after 5 days. The femtosecond laser technique allows a reliable injection and diffusion of lentiviral vectors to efficiently transduce stromal cells in a delimited area. Showing the efficacy of this procedure in vivo could represent an important step toward treatment or prevention of recurrent angiogenesis of the corneal stroma.
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19
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20
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Kommineni VK, Nagineni CN, William A, Detrick B, Hooks JJ. IFN-gamma acts as anti-angiogenic cytokine in the human cornea by regulating the expression of VEGF-A and sVEGF-R1. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2008; 374:479-84. [PMID: 18639520 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.07.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2008] [Accepted: 07/10/2008] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory processes within the cornea are known to be associated with corneal neovascularization (CN). We examined the effects of inflammatory mediators on the expression of angiogenic factors by corneal cells. TNF-alpha and IL-1 induced VEGF-A secretion by corneal fibroblasts (HCRF) and this was inhibited significantly by IFN-gamma. Constitutively secreted VEGF-A by corneal epithelial cells (HCE) was not affected by these cytokines. Moreover, sVEGF-R1(sFlt-1) secretion by HCRF was stimulated significantly by IFN-gamma. JAK-STAT pathway inhibitor reversed the effects of IFN-gamma on VEGF-A and sFlt-1 secretion by HCRF. RT-PCR analysis showed that IFN-gamma influences the expression of VEGF-A and sFlt-1 by affecting their mRNA level. IFN-gamma inhibited TGF-beta induced VEGF-A secretion but not sVEGF-R1 secretion. This is the first report demonstrating the inhibitory and stimulatory effects of IFN-gamma on VEGF-A and sFlt-1 secretion, respectively. Our results suggest that IFN-gamma acts as an anti-angiogenic cytokine in the human cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay K Kommineni
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 7, Room 200, 7 Memorial Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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