1
|
Kantawala B, Shariff S, Ramadan N, Fawaz V, Hassan Y, Mugisha N, Yenkoyan K, Nazir A, Uwishema O. Revolutionizing neurotherapeutics: blood-brain barrier-on-a-chip technologies for precise drug delivery. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:2794-2804. [PMID: 38694300 PMCID: PMC11060226 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001887] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a critical neurovascular unit regulating substances' passage from the bloodstream to the brain. Its selective permeability poses significant challenges in drug delivery for neurological disorders. Conventional methods often fail due to the BBB's complex structure. Aim The study aims to shed light on their pivotal role in revolutionizing neurotherapeutics and explores the transformative potential of BBB-on-a-Chip technologies in drug delivery research to comprehensively review BBB-on-a-chip technologies, focusing on their design, and substantiate advantages over traditional models. Methods A detailed analysis of existing literature and experimental data pertaining to BBB-on-a-Chip technologies was conducted. Various models, their physiological relevance, and innovative design considerations were examined through databases like Scopus, EbscoHost, PubMed Central, and Medline. Case studies demonstrating enhanced drug transport through BBB-on-a-Chip models were also reviewed, highlighting their potential impact on neurological disorders. Results BBB-on-a-Chip models offer a revolutionary approach, accurately replicating BBB properties. These microphysiological systems enable high-throughput screening, real-time monitoring of drug transport, and precise localization of drugs. Case studies demonstrate their efficacy in enhancing drug penetration, offering potential therapies for diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Conclusion BBB-on-a-Chip models represent a transformative milestone in drug delivery research. Their ability to replicate BBB complexities, offer real-time monitoring, and enhance drug transport holds immense promise for neurological disorders. Continuous research and development are imperative to unlock BBB-on-a-Chip models' full potential, ushering in a new era of targeted, efficient, and safer drug therapies for challenging neurological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Burhan Kantawala
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Centre
| | - Sanobar Shariff
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Centre
| | - Nagham Ramadan
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education
- Faculty of Medicine
| | - Violette Fawaz
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youmna Hassan
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Ahfad University for Women, Omdurman, Sudan
| | - Nadine Mugisha
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education
- Faculty of Global Surgery, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Konstantin Yenkoyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Centre
- Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University named after Mkhitar Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Abubakar Nazir
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pal P, Sambhakar S, Paliwal S, Kumar S, Kalsi V. Biofabrication paradigms in corneal regeneration: bridging bioprinting techniques, natural bioinks, and stem cell therapeutics. JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE. POLYMER EDITION 2024; 35:717-755. [PMID: 38214998 DOI: 10.1080/09205063.2024.2301817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Corneal diseases are a major cause of vision loss worldwide. Traditional methods like corneal transplants from donors are effective but face challenges like limited donor availability and the risk of graft rejection. Therefore, new treatment methods are essential. This review examines the growing field of bioprinting and biofabrication in corneal tissue engineering. We begin by discussing various bioprinting methods such as stereolithography, inkjet, and extrusion printing, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses for eye-related uses. We also explore how biological tissues are made suitable for bioprinting through a process called decellularization, which can be achieved using chemical, physical, or biological methods. The review then looks at natural materials, known as bioinks, used in bioprinting. We focus on materials like gelatin, collagen, fibrin, chitin, chitosan, silk fibroin, and alginate, examining their mechanical and biological properties. The importance of hydrogel scaffolds, particularly those based on collagen and other materials, is also discussed in the context of repairing corneal tissue. Another key area we cover is the use of stem cells in corneal regeneration. We pay special attention to limbal epithelial stem cells and mesenchymal stromal cells, highlighting their roles in this process. The review concludes with an overview of the latest advancements in corneal tissue bioprinting, from early techniques to advanced methods of delivering stem cells using bioengineered materials. In summary, this review presents the current state and future potential of bioprinting and biofabrication in creating functional corneal tissues, highlighting new developments and ongoing challenges with a view towards restoring vision.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Pal
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Radha Kishnpura, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sharda Sambhakar
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Radha Kishnpura, Rajasthan, India
| | - Shailendra Paliwal
- Department of Pharmacy, L.L.R.M Medical College, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shobhit Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vandna Kalsi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xie L, Dong X, Ji J, Ouyang C, Wu J, Hou C, Huang T. Fabrication of bioengineered corneal endothelial grafts using an allogeneic cornea-derived matrix. Mater Today Bio 2024; 25:101003. [PMID: 38434572 PMCID: PMC10907766 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101003] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Corneal endothelial keratoplasty has been the primary treatment method of endothelial decompensation, but it is often limited in clinical practice due to global shortage of donor cornea. Here, we explored using an ultra-thin allogeneic cornea-derived matrix (uACM) films as a substrate for constructing bioengineered corneal endothelial grafts. We evaluated the films' optical, mechanical, and structural properties, and measured the composition of the extracellular matrix. The uACM was an ultrathin and curved cornea-shaped film with favorable optical and mechanical properties. The fabrication process efficiently preserved corneal extracellular matrix composition and significantly decreased cellular components. Moreover, human corneal endothelial cells and rabbit corneal endothelial cells (RCECs) can adhere and grow on the uACM films with a positive expression of the corneal endothelial functional markers Na+/K+-ATPase and ZO-1. The successful transplantation of uACM with RCECs grafts into the rabbit model of endothelial dysfunction via Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty resulted in prompt restoration of corneal transparency and thickness. During the four-week follow-up period, the uACM with RCECs implanted eyes exhibited comparable corneal transparency, central corneal thickness, and endothelial cell count to that of the healthy rabbit. Histologic examination revealed that the grafts were successfully attached and integrated onto the posterior surface of the corneal stroma. The uACM achieved biomimetic reconstruction in terms of both composition and structure, and can be used to construct the bioengineered corneal endothelial grafts. These results indicate that constructing bioengineered corneal endothelial grafts from discarded human corneal tissues may pave the way for generating high-quality corneal endothelial grafts for transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lijie Xie
- Guangdong Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojuan Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianping Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chen Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yu J, Yu N, Tian Y, Fang Y, An B, Feng G, Wu J, Wang L, Hao J, Wang L, Zhou Q, Li W, Wang Y, Hu B. Safety and efficacy of human ESC-derived corneal endothelial cells for corneal endothelial dysfunction. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:201. [PMID: 37932828 PMCID: PMC10629087 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01145-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) has shown tremendous progress in cell-based regenerative medicine. Corneal endothelial dysfunction is associated with the loss and degeneration of corneal endothelial cells (CECs), rendering cell replacement a promising therapeutic strategy. However, comprehensive preclinical assessments of hPSC-derived CECs for this cell therapy remain a challenge. RESULTS Here we defined an adapted differentiation protocol to generate induced corneal endothelial cells (iCECs) consistently and efficiently from clinical-grade human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) with xeno-free medium and manufactured cryopreserved iCECs. Cells express high levels of typical CECs markers and exhibit transendothelial potential properties in vitro typical of iCECs. After rigorous quality control measures, cells meeting all release criteria were available for in vivo studies. We found that there was no overgrowth or tumorigenicity of grafts in immunodeficient mice. After grafting into rabbit models, the surviving iCECs ameliorated edema and recovered corneal opacity. CONCLUSIONS Our work provides an efficient approach for generating iCECs and demonstrates the safety and efficacy of iCECs in disease modeling. Therefore, clinical-grade iCECs are a reliable source for future clinical treatment of corneal endothelial dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yu
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- National Stem Cell Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100864, Beijing, China
| | - Nianye Yu
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- National Stem Cell Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100864, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- National Stem Cell Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100864, Beijing, China
| | - Yifan Fang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Center of the PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bin An
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- National Stem Cell Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Guihai Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- National Stem Cell Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- National Stem Cell Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Liu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- National Stem Cell Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- National Stem Cell Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Liqiang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Center of the PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- National Stem Cell Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100864, Beijing, China.
| | - Yukai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.
- National Stem Cell Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China.
| | - Baoyang Hu
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100864, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pan J, Zhang W, Zhu J, Tan J, Huang Y, Mo K, Tong Y, Xie Z, Ke Y, Zheng H, Ouyang H, Shi X, Gao L. Arrested Phase Separation Enables High-Performance Keratoprostheses. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2207750. [PMID: 36680510 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202207750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Corneal transplantation is impeded by donor shortages, immune rejection, and ethical reservations. Pre-made cornea prostheses (keratoprostheses) offer a proven option to alleviate these issues. Ideal keratoprostheses must possess optical clarity and mechanical robustness, but also high permeability, processability, and recyclability. Here, it is shown that rationally controlling the extent of arrested phase separation can lead to optimized multiscale structure that reconciles permeability and transparency, a previously conflicting goal by common pore-forming strategies. The process is simply accomplished by hydrothermally treating a dense and transparent hydrophobic association hydrogel. The examination of multiscale structure evolution during hydrothermal treatment reveals that the phase separation with upper miscibility gap evolves to confer time-dependent pore growth due to slow dynamics of polymer-rich phase which is close to vitrification. Such a process can render a combination of multiple desired properties that equal or surpass those of the state-of-the-art keratoprostheses. In vivo tests confirm that the keratoprosthesis can effectively repair corneal perforation and restore a transparent cornea with treatment outcomes akin to that of allo-keratoplasty. The keratoprosthesis is easy to access and convenient to carry, and thus would be an effective temporary substitute for a corneal allograft in emergency conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiageng Pan
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Gangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Wang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Jin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Jieying Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Ying Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Kunlun Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Yan Tong
- School of Materials, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Zhenhua Xie
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
- Spallation Neutron Source Science Center, Dongguan, 523803, P. R. China
| | - Yubin Ke
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
- Spallation Neutron Source Science Center, Dongguan, 523803, P. R. China
| | - Huade Zheng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guanghzhou, 510640, P. R. China
| | - Hong Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Xuetao Shi
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guanghzhou, 510640, P. R. China
| | - Liang Gao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Gangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Jieyang Branch of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Rongjiang Laboratory), Jieyang, 515200, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhou Q, Li Z, Duan H. iPSC-Derived Corneal Endothelial Cells. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 281:257-276. [PMID: 36882600 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_644] [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: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
The corneal endothelium is the innermost monolayer of the cornea that maintains corneal transparency and thickness. However, adult human corneal endothelial cells (CECs) possess limited proliferative capacity, and injuries can only be repaired by migration and enlargement of resident cells. When corneal endothelial cell density is lower than the critical level (400-500 cells/mm2) due to disease or trauma, corneal endothelial dysfunction will occur and lead to corneal edema. Corneal transplantation remains the most effective clinical treatment therapy but is limited by the global shortage of healthy corneal donors. Recently, researchers have developed several alternative strategies for the treatment of corneal endothelial disease, including the transplantation of cultured human CECs and artificial corneal endothelial replacement. Early-stage results show that these strategies can effectively resolve corneal edema and restore corneal clarity and thickness, but the long-term efficacy and safety remain to be further validated. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represent an ideal cell source for the treatment and drug discovery of corneal endothelial diseases, which can avoid the ethical-related and immune-related problems of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). At present, many approaches have been developed to induce the differentiation of corneal endothelial-like cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Their safety and efficacy for the treatment of corneal endothelial dysfunction have been confirmed in rabbit and nonhuman primate animal models. Therefore, the iPSC-derived corneal endothelial cell model may provide a novel effective platform for basic and clinical research of disease modeling, drug screening, mechanistic investigation, and toxicology testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingjun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zongyi Li
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Haoyun Duan
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Serrano A, Osei KA, Huertas-Bello M, Sabater AL. The Potential of Stem Cells as Treatment for Ocular Surface Diseases. CURRENT OPHTHALMOLOGY REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40135-022-00303-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
|
8
|
Wang Y, Xu L, Zhao J, Liang J, Zhang Z, Li Q, Zhang J, Wan P, Wu Z. Reconstructing auto tissue engineering lamellar cornea with aspartic acid modified acellular porcine corneal stroma and preconditioned limbal stem cell for corneal regeneration. Biomaterials 2022; 289:121745. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
9
|
Bosch BM, Bosch-Rue E, Perpiñan-Blasco M, Perez RA. Design of functional biomaterials as substrates for corneal endothelium tissue engineering. Regen Biomater 2022; 9:rbac052. [PMID: 35958516 PMCID: PMC9362998 DOI: 10.1093/rb/rbac052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal endothelium defects are one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. The actual treatment is transplantation, which requires the use of human cadaveric donors, but it faces several problems, such as global shortage of donors. Therefore, new alternatives are being developed and, among them, cell therapy has gained interest in the last years due to its promising results in tissue regeneration. Nevertheless, the direct administration of cells may sometimes have limited success due to the immune response, hence requiring the combination with extracellular mimicking materials. In this review, we present different methods to obtain corneal endothelial cells from diverse cell sources such as pluripotent or multipotent stem cells. Moreover, we discuss different substrates in order to allow a correct implantation as a cell sheet and to promote an enhanced cell behavior. For this reason, natural or synthetic matrixes that mimic the native environment have been developed. These matrixes have been optimized in terms of their physicochemical properties, such as stiffness, topography, composition and transparency. To further enhance the matrixes properties, these can be tuned by incorporating certain molecules that can be delivered in a sustained manner in order to enhance biological behavior. Finally, we elucidate future directions for corneal endothelial regeneration, such as 3D printing, in order to obtain patient-specific substrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Begona M Bosch
- Universitat Internacional de Catalunya Bioengineering Institute of Technology (BIT), , Sant Cugat del Valles, Barcelona, 08195, Spain
| | - Elia Bosch-Rue
- Universitat Internacional de Catalunya Bioengineering Institute of Technology (BIT), , Sant Cugat del Valles, Barcelona, 08195, Spain
| | - Marina Perpiñan-Blasco
- Universitat Internacional de Catalunya Bioengineering Institute of Technology (BIT), , Sant Cugat del Valles, Barcelona, 08195, Spain
| | - Roman A Perez
- Universitat Internacional de Catalunya Bioengineering Institute of Technology (BIT), , Sant Cugat del Valles, Barcelona, 08195, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sun P, Shen L, Li YB, Du LQ, Wu XY. Long-term observation after transplantation of cultured human corneal endothelial cells for corneal endothelial dysfunction. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:228. [PMID: 35659288 PMCID: PMC9166479 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02889-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Corneal transplantation is the only way to treat serious corneal diseases caused by corneal endothelial dysfunction. However, the shortage of donor corneal tissues and human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) remains a worldwide challenge. We cultivated HCECs by the use of a conditioned medium from orbital adipose-derived stem cells (OASC-CM) in vitro. Then the HCECs were used to treat animal corneal endothelial dysfunction models via cell transplantation. The purpose of this study was to conduct a long-term observation and evaluation after cell transplantation. Methods Orbital adipose-derived stem cells (OASCs) were isolated to prepare the conditioned medium (CM). HCECs were cultivated and expanded by the usage of the CM (CM-HCECs). Then, related corneal endothelial cell (CEC) markers were analyzed by immunofluorescence. The cell proliferation ability was also tested. CM-HCECs were then transplanted into monkey corneal endothelial dysfunction models by injection. We carried out a 24-month postoperative preclinical observation and verified the long-term effect by histological examination and transcriptome sequencing. Results CM-HCECs strongly expressed CEC-related markers and maintained polygonal cell morphology even after 10 passages. At 24 months after cell transplantation, there was a CEC density of more than 2400 cells per square millimeter (range, 2408–2685) in the experimental group. A corneal thickness (CT) of less than 550 μm (range, 490–510) was attained. Gene sequencing showed that the gene expression pattern of CM-HCECs was similar to that of transplanted cells and HCECs. Conclusions Transplantation of CM-HCECs into monkey corneal endothelial dysfunction models resulted in a transparent cornea after 24 months. This research provided a promising prospect of cell-based therapy for corneal endothelial diseases. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-02889-x.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Lin Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuan-Bin Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Li-Qun Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xin-Yi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
The successful transplantation of stem cells has the potential to transform regenerative medicine approaches and open promising avenues to repair, replace, and regenerate diseased, damaged, or aged tissues. However, pre-/post-transplantation issues of poor cell survival, retention, cell fate regulation, and insufficient integration with host tissues constitute significant challenges. The success of stem cell transplantation depends upon the coordinated sequence of stem cell renewal, specific lineage differentiation, assembly, and maintenance of long-term function. Advances in biomaterials can improve pre-/post-transplantation outcomes by integrating biophysiochemical cues and emulating tissue microenvironments. This review highlights leading biomaterials-based approaches for enhancing stem cell transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhushan N Kharbikar
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Priya Mohindra
- UC Berkeley-UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Tejal A Desai
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; UC Berkeley-UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Heydarian M, Rühl E, Rawal R, Kozjak-Pavlovic V. Tissue Models for Neisseria gonorrhoeae Research—From 2D to 3D. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:840122. [PMID: 35223556 PMCID: PMC8873371 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.840122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a human-specific pathogen that causes gonorrhea, the second most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Disease progression, drug discovery, and basic host-pathogen interactions are studied using different approaches, which rely on models ranging from 2D cell culture to complex 3D tissues and animals. In this review, we discuss the models used in N. gonorrhoeae research. We address both in vivo (animal) and in vitro cell culture models, discussing the pros and cons of each and outlining the recent advancements in the field of three-dimensional tissue models. From simple 2D monoculture to complex advanced 3D tissue models, we provide an overview of the relevant methodology and its application. Finally, we discuss future directions in the exciting field of 3D tissue models and how they can be applied for studying the interaction of N. gonorrhoeae with host cells under conditions closely resembling those found at the native sites of infection.
Collapse
|
13
|
Li Z, Duan H, Jia Y, Zhao C, Li W, Wang X, Gong Y, Dong C, Ma B, Dou S, Zhang B, Li D, Cao Y, Xie L, Zhou Q, Shi W. Long-term corneal recovery by simultaneous delivery of hPSC-derived corneal endothelial precursors and nicotinamide. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:146658. [PMID: 34981789 PMCID: PMC8718141 DOI: 10.1172/jci146658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) hold great promise for the treatment of various human diseases. However, their therapeutic benefits and mechanisms for treating corneal endothelial dysfunction remain undefined. Here, we developed a therapeutic regimen consisting of the combination of hPSC-derived corneal endothelial precursors (CEPs) with nicotinamide (NAM) for effective treatment of corneal endothelial dysfunction. In rabbit and nonhuman primate models, intracameral injection of CEPs and NAM achieved long-term recovery of corneal clarity and thickness, similar with the therapeutic outcome of cultured human corneal endothelial cells (CECs). The transplanted human CEPs exhibited structural and functional integration with host resident CECs. However, the long-term recovery relied on the stimulation of endogenous endothelial regeneration in rabbits, but predominantly on the replacing function of transplanted cells during the 3-year follow-up in nonhuman primates, which resemble human corneal endothelium with limited regenerative capacity. Mechanistically, NAM ensured in vivo proper maturation of transplanted CEPs into functional CECs by preventing premature senescence and endothelial-mesenchymal transition within the TGF-β–enriched aqueous humor. Together, we provide compelling experimental evidence and mechanistic insights of simultaneous delivery of CEPs and NAM as a potential approach for treating corneal endothelial dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zongyi Li
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Haoyun Duan
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanni Jia
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Can Zhao
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenjing Li
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yajie Gong
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chunxiao Dong
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Bochao Ma
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shengqian Dou
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dongfang Li
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yihai Cao
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor, and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lixin Xie
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qingjun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Weiyun Shi
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Jameson JF, Pacheco MO, Nguyen HH, Phelps EA, Stoppel WL. Recent Advances in Natural Materials for Corneal Tissue Engineering. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:161. [PMID: 34821727 PMCID: PMC8615221 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8110161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the incidence of corneal dysfunctions and diseases worldwide and the limited availability of healthy, human donors, investigators are working to generate engineered cellular and acellular therapeutic approaches as alternatives to corneal transplants from human cadavers. These engineered strategies aim to address existing complications with human corneal transplants, including graft rejection, infection, and complications resulting from surgical methodologies. The main goals of these research endeavors are to (1) determine ideal mechanical properties, (2) devise methodologies to improve the efficacy of engineered corneal grafts and cell-based therapies, and (3) optimize transplantation of engineered tissue structures in the eye. Thus, recent innovations have sought to address these challenges through both in vitro and in vivo studies. This review covers recent work aimed at evaluating engineered materials, potential therapeutic cells, and the resulting cell-material interactions that lead to optimal corneal graft properties. Furthermore, we discuss promising strategies in corneal tissue engineering techniques and in vivo studies in animal models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie F. Jameson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (J.F.J.); (M.O.P.)
| | - Marisa O. Pacheco
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (J.F.J.); (M.O.P.)
| | - Henry H. Nguyen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;
| | - Edward A. Phelps
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;
| | - Whitney L. Stoppel
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (J.F.J.); (M.O.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wang X, Dong C, Zhou Q, Duan H, Zou D, Gong Y, Ma B, Li Z, Shi W. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor PJ34 protects against UVA-induced oxidative damage in corneal endothelium. Apoptosis 2021; 26:600-611. [PMID: 34581992 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-021-01690-0] [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] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is one of the main causes for corneal endothelial blindness, which is characterized by the progressive decline of corneal endothelial cells. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) was reported to be involved in cell death and apoptosis of several diseases. However, the role of PARP1 in the progression of FECD remains elusive. In the present study, we reported that UVA irradiation caused the corneal endothelial damage and corneal edema in mice, which was accompanied with the elevated activity of PARP1 and PAR. The PARP1 inhibitor PJ34 resolved the corneal edema and protected corneal endothelium from UVA-induced oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, PARP1 inhibition exerted its anti-apoptotic effects through downregulation of the phosphorylation levels of JNK1/2 and p38 MAPK and subsequently the increase of MKP-1. Our results suggest that PARP1 inhibition protects corneal endothelium from UVA-induced oxidative damage, which provides a potential alternative strategy for the therapy of FECD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 5 Yan'erdao Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Chunxiao Dong
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 5 Yan'erdao Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Qingjun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 5 Yan'erdao Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Haoyun Duan
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 5 Yan'erdao Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Dulei Zou
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 5 Yan'erdao Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yajie Gong
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 5 Yan'erdao Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Bochao Ma
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 5 Yan'erdao Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Zongyi Li
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 5 Yan'erdao Road, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Weiyun Shi
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 5 Yan'erdao Road, Qingdao, 266071, China.
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Goals and Challenges of Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Corneal Blindness Due to Limbal Deficiency. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13091483. [PMID: 34575560 PMCID: PMC8466237 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal failure is a highly prevalent cause of blindness. One special cause of corneal failure occurs due to malfunction or destruction of the limbal stem cell niche, upon which the superficial cornea depends for homeostatic maintenance and wound healing. Failure of the limbal niche is referred to as limbal stem cell deficiency. As the corneal epithelial stem cell niche is easily accessible, limbal stem cell-based therapy and regenerative medicine applied to the ocular surface are among the most highly advanced forms of this novel approach to disease therapy. However, the challenges are still great, including the development of cell-based products and understanding how they work in the patient's eye. Advances are being made at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels to alter disease processes and to reduce or eliminate blindness. Efforts must be coordinated from the most basic research to the most clinically oriented projects so that cell-based therapies can become an integrated part of the therapeutic armamentarium to fight corneal blindness. We undoubtedly are progressing along the right path because cell-based therapy for eye diseases is one of the most successful examples of global regenerative medicine.
Collapse
|
17
|
Sun B, Bikkuzin T, Li X, Shi Y, Zhang H. Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells-Derived Corneal Endothelial-Like Cells Promote Corneal Transparency in a Rabbit Model of Bullous Keratopathy. Stem Cells Dev 2021; 30:856-864. [PMID: 34128390 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2020.0205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The corneal endothelium (CE) is vital for the cornea to maintain its transparency. However, CE dysfunction occurs due to aging, intraocular surgery, trauma, dystrophy, etc. Corneal transplantation is the only method to clinically treat CE dysfunction; however, this treatment strategy faces the disadvantages of a global cornea shortage, graft failure, and severe side effects. There is a recognized need for a substitute for the CE. Stem cells are becoming increasingly common for the treatment of human diseases. In fact, several studies have documented the induction of corneal endothelial-like cells (CECs) from stem cells, but an ideal procedure has not yet been established. Thus, this study aimed at exploring a more efficient and robust differentiation method. We used a modified approach to differentiate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into CECs. After the identification of differentiated CECs, the CECs were injected into the anterior chambers of the eyes of a rabbit model of bullous keratopathy. The rabbits were maintained in the eye-down position to ensure that the cells attached to the cornea. The results showed that corneal edema was alleviated in the rabbits injected with CECs compared with that in the rabbits belonging to the control group. This study extends the ability to differentiate iPSCs into CECs and provides a potential strategy for the treatment of reduced visual acuity caused by CE deficiency in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baoqi Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Timur Bikkuzin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Russia
| | - Xuran Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Shen L, Sun P, Du L, Zhu J, Ju C, Guo H, Wu X. Long-Term Observation and Sequencing Analysis of SKPs-Derived Corneal Endothelial Cell-Like Cells for Treating Corneal Endothelial Dysfunction. Cell Transplant 2021; 30:9636897211017830. [PMID: 34053246 PMCID: PMC8182626 DOI: 10.1177/09636897211017830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal endothelial dysfunction is a principal cause of visual deficiency. Corneal transplantation is the most effective treatment for corneal endothelial dysfunction. However, a severe shortage of available donor corneas or human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) remains a global challenge. Previously, we acquired corneal endothelial cell-like cells (CEC-like cells) derived from human skin-derived precursors (SKPs). CEC-like cells were injected into rabbit and monkey corneal endothelial dysfunction models and exerted excellent therapeutic effect. In this study, we prolonged the clinical observation in the monkey experiment for 2 years. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing were carried out to confirm the existence of CEC-like cells. Histological examinations were carried out to show the corneal morphology. Further transcriptome sequencing was also carried out on HCEC, CEC-like cells before transplantation and after transplantation. We found that the monkeys cornea remained transparent and normal thickness. The total endothelial cell density decreased gradually, but tended to be stable and remained in a normal range during 2-year observation. The CEC-like cells persist during observation and could adapt to the microenvironment after transplantation. The gene expression pattern of CEC-like cells was similar to HCEC and changed slightly after transplantation. In conclusion, this study presented a brand-new insight into CEC-like cells and further provided a promising prospect of cell-based therapy for corneal endothelial dysfunction. The renewable cell source, novel derivation method and simple treatment strategy may be clinically applied in regenerative medicine in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, The affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Liqun Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chengqun Ju
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xinyi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gong Y, Duan H, Wang X, Zhao C, Li W, Dong C, Li Z, Zhou Q. Transplantation of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural crest cells for corneal endothelial regeneration. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:214. [PMID: 33781330 PMCID: PMC8008577 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02267-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The corneal endothelium maintains corneal hydration through the barrier and pump function, while its dysfunction may cause corneal edema and vision reduction. Considering its development from neural crest cells (NCCs), here we investigated the efficacy of the human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived NCCs for corneal endothelial regeneration in rabbits. METHODS Directed differentiation of hiPSC-derived NCCs was achieved using the chemically defined medium containing GSK-3 inhibitor and TGF-β inhibitor. The differentiated cells were characterized by immunofluorescence staining, FACS analysis, and in vitro multi-lineage differentiation capacity. For in vivo functional evaluation, 1.0 × 106 hiPSC-derived NCCs or NIH-3 T3 fibroblasts (as control) combined with 100 μM Y-27632 were intracamerally injected into the anterior chamber of rabbits following removal of corneal endothelium. Rabbit corneal thickness and phenotype changes of the transplanted cells were examined at 7 and 14 days with handy pachymeter, dual-immunofluorescence staining, and quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS The hiPSC-derived NCCs were differentiated homogenously through 7 days of induction and exhibited multi-lineage differentiation capacity into peripheral neurons, mesenchymal stem cells, and corneal keratocytes. After 7 days of intracameral injection in rabbit, the hiPSC-derived NCCs led to a gradual recovery of normal corneal thickness and clarity, when comparing to control rabbit with fibroblasts injection. However, the recovery efficacy after 14 days deteriorated and caused the reappearance of corneal edema. Mechanistically, the transplanted cells exhibited the impaired maturation, cellular senescence, and endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EnMT) after the early stage of the in vivo directional differentiation. CONCLUSIONS Transplantation of the hiPSC-derived NCCs rapidly restored rabbit corneal thickness and clarity. However, the long-term recovery efficacy was impaired by the improper maturation, senescence, and EnMT of the transplanted cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Gong
- Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 6699 Qingdao Road, Jinan, 271016, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 5 Yan'erdao Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Haoyun Duan
- Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 6699 Qingdao Road, Jinan, 271016, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 5 Yan'erdao Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 5 Yan'erdao Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, 372 Jingsi Road, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Can Zhao
- Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 6699 Qingdao Road, Jinan, 271016, China
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, 372 Jingsi Road, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Wenjing Li
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 5 Yan'erdao Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Chunxiao Dong
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 5 Yan'erdao Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, 372 Jingsi Road, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Zongyi Li
- Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 6699 Qingdao Road, Jinan, 271016, China.
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 5 Yan'erdao Road, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Qingjun Zhou
- Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 6699 Qingdao Road, Jinan, 271016, China.
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 5 Yan'erdao Road, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Liu XN, Mi SL, Chen Y, Wang Y. Corneal stromal mesenchymal stem cells: reconstructing a bioactive cornea and repairing the corneal limbus and stromal microenvironment. Int J Ophthalmol 2021; 14:448-455. [PMID: 33747824 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2021.03.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal stroma-derived mesenchymal stem cells (CS-MSCs) are mainly distributed in the anterior part of the corneal stroma near the corneal limbal stem cells (LSCs). CS-MSCs are stem cells with self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation potential. A large amount of data confirmed that CS-MSCs can be induced to differentiate into functional keratocytes in vitro, which is the motive force for maintaining corneal transparency and producing a normal corneal stroma. CS-MSCs are also an important component of the limbal microenvironment. Furthermore, they are of great significance in the reconstruction of ocular surface tissue and tissue engineering for active biocornea construction. In this paper, the localization and biological characteristics of CS-MSCs, the use of CS-MSCs to reconstruct a tissue-engineered active biocornea, and the repair of the limbal and matrix microenvironment by CS-MSCs are reviewed, and their application prospects are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Ning Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Hospital of Xi'an; Shaanxi Institute of Ophthalmology, Shaanxi Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmology Diseases of Shaanxi Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Sheng-Li Mi
- Open FIESTA Center, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, China.,Biomanufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yun Chen
- Open FIESTA Center, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Hospital of Xi'an; Shaanxi Institute of Ophthalmology, Shaanxi Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmology Diseases of Shaanxi Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Parekh M, Romano V, Hassanin K, Testa V, Wongvisavavit R, Ferrari S, Haneef A, Willoughby C, Ponzin D, Jhanji V, Sharma N, Daniels J, Kaye SB, Ahmad S, Levis HJ. Biomaterials for corneal endothelial cell culture and tissue engineering. J Tissue Eng 2021; 12:2041731421990536. [PMID: 33643603 PMCID: PMC7894589 DOI: 10.1177/2041731421990536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The corneal endothelium is the posterior monolayer of cells that are responsible for maintaining overall transparency of the avascular corneal tissue via pump function. These cells are non-regenerative in vivo and therefore, approximately 40% of corneal transplants undertaken worldwide are a result of damage or dysfunction of endothelial cells. The number of available corneal donor tissues is limited worldwide, hence, cultivation of human corneal endothelial cells (hCECs) in vitro has been attempted in order to produce tissue engineered corneal endothelial grafts. Researchers have attempted to recreate the current gold standard treatment of replacing the endothelial layer with accompanying Descemet's membrane or a small portion of stroma as support with tissue engineering strategies using various substrates of both biologically derived and synthetic origin. Here we review the potential biomaterials that are currently in development to support the transplantation of a cultured monolayer of hCECs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Parekh
- Faculty of Brain Sciences, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Venice, Italy
| | - Vito Romano
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool Broadgreen University Hospital, Liverpool, UK.,Instituto Universitario Fernandez-Vega, Universidad de Oviedo and Fundacion de Investigacion on Oftalmologica, Oviedo, Spain.,Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kareem Hassanin
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool Broadgreen University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Valeria Testa
- Eye Clinic, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Rintra Wongvisavavit
- Faculty of Brain Sciences, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Sciences, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Stefano Ferrari
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Venice, Italy
| | - Atikah Haneef
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Colin Willoughby
- School of biomedical sciences, University of Ulster, Belfast, UK
| | - Diego Ponzin
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Venice, Italy
| | - Vishal Jhanji
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Namrata Sharma
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Julie Daniels
- Faculty of Brain Sciences, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stephen B Kaye
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool Broadgreen University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Faculty of Brain Sciences, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Trust Foundation, London, UK
| | - Hannah J Levis
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Nosrati H, Abpeikar Z, Mahmoudian ZG, Zafari M, Majidi J, Alizadeh A, Moradi L, Asadpour S. Corneal epithelium tissue engineering: recent advances in regeneration and replacement of corneal surface. Regen Med 2020; 15:2029-2044. [PMID: 33169642 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2019-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, many corneal diseases are treated by corneal transplantation, artificial corneal implantation or, in severe cases, keratoprosthesis. Owing to the shortage of cornea donors and the risks involved with artificial corneal implants, such as infection transmission, researchers continually seek new approaches for corneal regeneration. Corneal tissue engineering is a promising approach that has attracted much attention from researchers and is focused on regenerative strategies using various biomaterials in combination with different cell types. These constructs should have the ability to mimic the native tissue microenvironment and present suitable optical, mechanical and biological properties. In this article, we review studies that have focused on the current clinical techniques for corneal replacement. We also describe tissue-engineering and cell-based approaches for corneal regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Nosrati
- Department of Tissue Engineering & Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Zahra Abpeikar
- Department of Tissue Engineering & Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Zahra Gholami Mahmoudian
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Medical School, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mahdi Zafari
- Department of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jafar Majidi
- Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Science Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Akram Alizadeh
- Department of Tissue Engineering & Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Lida Moradi
- The Ronald O Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University, School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, New York University, School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016 USA
| | - Shiva Asadpour
- Department of Tissue Engineering & Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.,Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Science Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Khalili M, Asadi M, Kahroba H, Soleyman MR, Andre H, Alizadeh E. Corneal endothelium tissue engineering: An evolution of signaling molecules, cells, and scaffolds toward 3D bioprinting and cell sheets. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:3275-3303. [PMID: 33090510 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cornea is an avascular and transparent tissue that focuses light on retina. Cornea is supported by the corneal-endothelial layer through regulation of hydration homeostasis. Restoring vision in patients afflicted with corneal endothelium dysfunction-mediated blindness most often requires corneal transplantation (CT), which faces considerable constrictions due to donor limitations. An emerging alternative to CT is corneal endothelium tissue engineering (CETE), which involves utilizing scaffold-based methods and scaffold-free strategies. The innovative scaffold-free method is cell sheet engineering, which typically generates cell layers surrounded by an intact extracellular matrix, exhibiting tunable release from the stimuli-responsive surface. In some studies, scaffold-based or scaffold-free technologies have been reported to achieve promising outcomes. However, yet some issues exist in translating CETE from bench to clinical practice. In this review, we compare different corneal endothelium regeneration methods and elaborate on the application of multiple cell types (stem cells, corneal endothelial cells, and endothelial precursors), signaling molecules (growth factors, cytokines, chemical compounds, and small RNAs), and natural and synthetic scaffolds for CETE. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of three-dimensional bioprinting strategies and simulation of Descemet's membrane by biomimetic topography. Finally, we dissected the recent advances, applications, and prospects of cell sheet engineering for CETE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Khalili
- Drug Applied Research Center and Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Asadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Houman Kahroba
- Biomedicine Institute, and Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Soleyman
- CinnaGen Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Helder Andre
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Effat Alizadeh
- Drug Applied Research Center and Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ghareeb AE, Lako M, Figueiredo FC. Recent Advances in Stem Cell Therapy for Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency: A Narrative Review. Ophthalmol Ther 2020; 9:809-831. [PMID: 32970311 PMCID: PMC7708613 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-020-00305-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Destruction of the limbus and depletion of limbal stem cells (LSCs), the adult progenitors of the corneal epithelium, leads to limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). LSCD is a rare, progressive ocular surface disorder which results in conjunctivalisation and neovascularisation of the corneal surface. Many strategies have been used in the treatment of LSCD, the common goal of which is to regenerate a self-renewing, transparent, and uniform epithelium on the corneal surface. The development of these techniques has frequently resulted from collaboration between stem cell translational scientists and ophthalmologists. Direct transplantation of autologous or allogeneic limbal tissue from a healthy donor eye is regarded by many as the technique of choice. Expansion of harvested LSCs in vitro allows smaller biopsies to be taken from the donor eye and is considered safer and more acceptable to patients. This technique may be utilised in unilateral cases (autologous) or bilateral cases (living related donor). Recently developed, simple limbal epithelial transplant (SLET) can be performed with equally small biopsies but does not require in vitro cell culture facilities. In the case of bilateral LSCD, where autologous limbal tissue is not available, autologous oral mucosa epithelium can be expanded in vitro and transplanted to the diseased eye. Data on long-term outcomes (over 5 years of follow-up) for many of these procedures is needed, and it remains unclear how they produce a self-renewing epithelium without recreating the vital stem cell niche. Bioengineering techniques offer the ability to re-create the physical characteristics of the stem cell niche, while induced pluripotent stem cells offer an unlimited supply of autologous LSCs. In vivo confocal microscopy and anterior segment OCT will complement impression cytology in the diagnosis, staging, and follow-up of LSCD. In this review we analyse recent advances in the pathology, diagnosis, and treatment of LSCD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali E Ghareeb
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.,Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Francisco C Figueiredo
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Shiju TM, Carlos de Oliveira R, Wilson SE. 3D in vitro corneal models: A review of current technologies. Exp Eye Res 2020; 200:108213. [PMID: 32890484 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models are excellent tools for studying complex biological systems because of their physiological similarity to in vivo studies, cost-effectiveness and decreased reliance on animals. The influence of tissue microenvironment on the cells, cell-cell interaction and the cell-matrix interactions can be elucidated in 3D models, which are difficult to mimic in 2D cultures. In order to develop a 3D model, the required cell types are derived from the tissues or stem cells. A 3D tissue/organ model typically includes all the relevant cell types and the microenvironment corresponding to that tissue/organ. For instance, a full corneal 3D model is expected to have epithelial, stromal, endothelial and nerve cells, along with the extracellular matrix and membrane components associated with the cells. Although it is challenging to develop a corneal 3D model, several attempts have been made and various technologies established which closely mimic the in vivo environment. In this review, three major technologies are highlighted: organotypic cultures, organoids and 3D bioprinting. Also, several combinations of organotypic cultures, such as the epithelium and stroma or endothelium and neural cultures are discussed, along with the disease relevance and potential applications of these models. In the future, new biomaterials will likely promote better cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions in organotypic corneal cultures.
Collapse
|
26
|
Decellularized porcine cornea-derived hydrogels for the regeneration of epithelium and stroma in focal corneal defects. Ocul Surf 2020; 18:748-760. [PMID: 32841745 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2020.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hydrogels derived from decellularized tissues provide superior biocompatibility, tenability and tissue-specific extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Based on the preparation of decellularized porcine cornea (DPC), here we developed an injectable and transparent hydrogel for the regeneration of epithelium and stroma in focal corneal defects. METHODS The DPC-derived hydrogel was prepared with N-cyclohexyl-N'-(2-morpholinethyl) carbodiimide metho-p-toluenesulfonate/N-hydroxysuccinimide (CMC/NHS) as cross-linkers. The characteristics of the hydrogel were analyzed and its cytocompatibility was assessed by Live/Dead and Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8 assays. Immunofluorescence staining, quantitative PCR and Western blot analyses were performed to assess the relative protein and gene expression in corneal fibroblasts on hydrogel. The safety and efficiency of the hydrogel for repairing focal corneal defects in rabbit were measured by slit-lamp, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), confocal microscopy and histological analyses. RESULTS The DPC-derived hydrogel cross-linked with CMC/NHS assumed favorable transparency, exhibited distinct mechanical properties and preserved the ECM components of native porcine cornea (NPC). In vitro experiments showed that the hydrogel maintained the phenotype, supported the proliferation and promoted the ECM synthesis of corneal fibroblasts. When injected onto rabbit corneas, the hydrogel rapidly covered, solidified and formed a smooth surface on the focal defect. Corneal epithelium was fully regenerated within 3 days. The thickness of the corneal epithelium and stroma was restored at 12 weeks after surgery without significant inflammation or scar formation. Notably, the hydrogel showed no harmful effects on the resident stroma and endothelium. CONCLUSIONS The DPC-derived hydrogel may represent a promising biomaterial for corneal epithelial and stromal regeneration.
Collapse
|
27
|
Zhao C, Zhou Q, Duan H, Wang X, Jia Y, Gong Y, Li W, Dong C, Li Z, Shi W. Laminin 511 Precoating Promotes the Functional Recovery of Transplanted Corneal Endothelial Cells. Tissue Eng Part A 2020; 26:1158-1168. [PMID: 32495687 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2020.0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal endothelial dysfunction is a major cause of corneal blindness and is mainly treated by corneal transplantation. However, the global shortage of donor cornea hampers its application. Intracameral injection of cultured primary corneal endothelial cells (CECs) was recently confirmed in clinical trials. However, abnormal adhesion of the grafted CECs affects the application of this strategy. In this study, we explored if laminin 511 (LN511) improves the therapeutic function of the intracameral CEC injection for corneal endothelial dysfunction. To mimic the late stage of corneal endothelial diseases, intense scraping was developed to remove CECs and extracellular matrix of the posterior Descemet's membrane (DM) without DM removal in rabbits. Then, Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (DPBS) and LN511 were intracamerally injected as the control and intervention groups, respectively. We found that the injected LN511 could settle and form a coating on the posterior surface of DM. After CEC transplantation, corneal clarity of rabbits in the LN511 group was rapidly recovered within 7 days, whereas the corneal recovery took 14 days in the DPBS group. Corneal thickness of LN511 group decreased to 413.3 ± 20.8 μm 7 days after operation, which was significantly lower than 1086.3 ± 78.6 μm of DPBS group (p < 0.01). Moreover, for the grafted CECs, LN511 promoted the rapid adhesion, tight junction formation, and expression of Na+/K+-ATPase and ZO-1. In vitro analysis revealed that the functions of LN511 on the cultured human CECs mechanistically depended on the cell density and the nuclear-cytoplasmic translocation of the Yes-associated protein. Our study demonstrated that LN511 precoating promoted the adhesion of the transplanted CECs and enhanced the functional regeneration of the corneal endothelium. Thus, our data suggested that the strategy of LN511 precoating and CECs' intracameral injection could be a potential method for the therapy of corneal endothelial dysfunction. Impact statement Intracameral injection of cultured corneal endothelial cells (CECs) is a potential alternative therapy for corneal endothelial dysfunction and has been proven to be effective in clinical trials. However, abnormal adhesion of the grafted CECs affects its application. In this study, intense scraping was developed to remove CECs and extracellular matrix of the posterior Descemet's membrane (DM) without DM removal for the therapy of late stage of corneal endothelial diseases. Laminin 511 was intracamerally injected to form a coating, improve the posterior DM, enhance the adhesion of the grafted CECs, and promote the functional regeneration of CEC transplantation through Yes-associated protein signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Can Zhao
- Department of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China.,State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Qingjun Zhou
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China.,State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Haoyun Duan
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China.,State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China.,State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanni Jia
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Eye Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Yajie Gong
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China.,State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Wenjing Li
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China.,State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Chunxiao Dong
- Department of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China.,State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Zongyi Li
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China.,State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Weiyun Shi
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China.,State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Eye Hospital, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Bioengineering of Human Corneal Endothelial Cells from Single- to Four-Dimensional Cultures. CURRENT OPHTHALMOLOGY REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40135-020-00244-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
29
|
da Mata Martins TM, da Silva Cunha P, Rodrigues MA, de Carvalho JL, de Souza JE, de Carvalho Oliveira JA, Gomes DA, de Goes AM. Epithelial basement membrane of human decellularized cornea as a suitable substrate for differentiation of embryonic stem cells into corneal epithelial-like cells. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2020; 116:111215. [PMID: 32806330 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.111215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The ability to decellularize and recellularize the corneas deemed unsuitable for transplantation may increase the number of available grafts. Decellularized corneas (DCs) may provide a natural microenvironment for cell adhesion and differentiation. Despite this, no study to date has evaluated their efficacy as a substrate for the induction of stem cell differentiation into corneal cells. The present study aimed to compare the efficiency of NaCl and NaCl plus nucleases methods to decellularize whole human corneas, and to investigate the effect of epithelial basement membrane (EBM) of whole DCs on the ability of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to differentiate into corneal epithelial-like cells when cultured in animal serum-free differentiation medium. As laminin is the major component of EBM, we also investigated its effect on hESCs differentiation. The decellularization efficiency and integrity of the extracellular matrix (ECM) obtained were investigated by histology, electron microscopy, DNA quantification, immunofluorescence, and nuclear staining. The ability of hESCs to differentiate into corneal epithelial-like cells when seeded on the EBM of DCs or laminin-coated wells was evaluated by immunofluorescence and RT-qPCR analyses. NaCl treatment alone, without nucleases, was insufficient to remove cellular components, while NaCl plus nucleases treatment resulted in efficient decellularization and preservation of the ECM. Unlike cells induced to differentiate on laminin, hESCs differentiated on DCs expressed high levels of corneal epithelial-specific markers, keratin 3 and keratin 12. It was demonstrated for the first time that the decellularized matrices had a positive effect on the differentiation of hESCs towards corneal epithelial-like cells. Such a strategy supports the potential applications of human DCs and hESCs in corneal epithelium tissue engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Maria da Mata Martins
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Pricila da Silva Cunha
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Michele Angela Rodrigues
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Juliana Lott de Carvalho
- Department of Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasilia, QS 07 - Lote 01, EPCT - Taguatinga, Brasília, Distrito Federal 71966-700, Brazil; Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, Distrito Federal 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Joyce Esposito de Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Junnia Alvarenga de Carvalho Oliveira
- Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Dawidson Assis Gomes
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alfredo Miranda de Goes
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
McKay TB, Ford A, Wang S, Cairns DM, Parker RN, Deardorff PM, Ghezzi CE, Kaplan DL. Assembly and Application of a Three-Dimensional Human Corneal Tissue Model. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 81:e84. [PMID: 31529796 DOI: 10.1002/cptx.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cornea provides a functional barrier separating the outside environment from the intraocular environment, thereby protecting posterior segments of the eye from infection and damage. Pathological changes that compromise the structure or integrity of the cornea may occur as a result of injury or disease and can lead to debilitating effects on visual acuity. Over 10 million people worldwide are visually impaired or blind due to corneal opacity. Thus, physiologically relevant in vitro approaches to predict corneal toxicity of chemicals or effective treatments for disease prior to ocular exposure, as well as to study the corneal effects of systemic, chronic conditions, such as diabetes, are needed to reduce use of animal testing and accelerate therapeutic development. We have previously bioengineered an innervated corneal tissue model using silk protein scaffolds to recapitulate the structural and mechanical elements of the anterior cornea and to model the functional aspects of corneal sensation with the inclusion of epithelial, stromal, and neural components. The purpose of this unit is to provide a step-by-step guide for preparation, assembly, and application of this three-dimensional corneal tissue system to enable the study of corneal tissue biology. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tina B McKay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Andrew Ford
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Siran Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Dana M Cairns
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Rachael N Parker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Phillip M Deardorff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Chiara E Ghezzi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Wang K, Man K, Liu J, Liu Y, Chen Q, Zhou Y, Yang Y. Microphysiological Systems: Design, Fabrication, and Applications. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:3231-3257. [PMID: 33204830 PMCID: PMC7668566 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b01667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Microphysiological systems, including organoids, 3-D printed tissue constructs and organ-on-a-chips (organ chips), are physiologically relevant in vitro models and have experienced explosive growth in the past decades. Different from conventional, tissue culture plastic-based in vitro models or animal models, microphysiological systems recapitulate key microenvironmental characteristics of human organs and mimic their primary functions. The advent of microphysiological systems is attributed to evolving biomaterials, micro-/nanotechnologies and stem cell biology, which enable the precise control over the matrix properties and the interactions between cells, tissues and organs in physiological conditions. As such, microphysiological systems have been developed to model a broad spectrum of organs from microvasculature, eye, to lung and many others to understand human organ development and disease pathology and facilitate drug discovery. Multiorgans-on-a-chip systems have also been developed by integrating multiple associated organ chips in a single platform, which allows to study and employ the organ function in a systematic approach. Here we first discuss the design principles of microphysiological systems with a focus on the anatomy and physiology of organs, and then review the commonly used fabrication techniques and biomaterials for microphysiological systems. Subsequently, we discuss the recent development of microphysiological systems, and provide our perspectives on advancing microphysiological systems for preclinical investigation and drug discovery of human disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76207, United States
| | - Kun Man
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76207, United States
| | - Jiafeng Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76207, United States
| | - Yang Liu
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, United States
| | - Qi Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology of Fujian Province, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
| | - Yong Zhou
- Department of Emergency, Xinqiao Hospital, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76207, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Wang X, Majumdar S, Soiberman U, Webb JN, Chung L, Scarcelli G, Elisseeff JH. Multifunctional synthetic Bowman's membrane-stromal biomimetic for corneal reconstruction. Biomaterials 2020; 241:119880. [PMID: 32097748 PMCID: PMC7236884 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.119880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
As the outermost layer of the eye, the cornea is vulnerable to physical and chemical trauma, which can result in loss of transparency and lead to corneal blindness. Given the global corneal donor shortage, there is an unmet need for biocompatible corneal substitutes that have high transparency, mechanical integrity and regenerative potentials. Herein we engineered a dual-layered collagen vitrigel containing biomimetic synthetic Bowman's membrane (sBM) and stromal layer (sSL). The sBM supported rapid epithelial cell migration, maturation and multilayer formation, and the sSL containing tissue-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) microparticles presented a biomimetic lamellar ultrastructure mimicking the native corneal stroma. The incorporation of tissue-derived microparticles in sSL layer significantly enhanced the mechanical properties and suturability of the implant without compromising the transparency after vitrification. In vivo performance of the vitrigel in a rabbit anterior lamellar keratoplasty model showed full re-epithelialization within 14 days and integration of the vitrigel with the host tissue stroma by day 30. The migrated epithelial cells formed functional multilayer with limbal stem cell marker p63 K14 expressed in the lower layer, epithelial marker K3 and K12 expressed through the layers and tight junction protein ZO-1 expressed by the multilayers. Corneal fibroblasts migrated into the implants to facilitate host/implant integration and corneal stromal regeneration. In summary, these results suggest that the multi-functional layers of this novel collagen vitrigel exhibited significantly improved biological performance as corneal substitute by harnessing a fast re-epithelialization and stromal regeneration potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokun Wang
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shoumyo Majumdar
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Uri Soiberman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joshua N Webb
- A. James Clark School of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Liam Chung
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Giuliano Scarcelli
- A. James Clark School of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer H Elisseeff
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Wang Q, Zhou H, Sun Y, Cao C, Pang K. Modified acellular porcine corneal matrix in deep lamellar transplantation of rabbit cornea. J Biomater Appl 2020; 34:1092-1104. [PMID: 31896290 DOI: 10.1177/0885328219898372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study presents to develop a modified acellular porcine corneal matrix (MAPCM) to maintain high transparency, stability and biocompatibility as a rabbit deep cornea replacement using 1-ethyl-3–(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide crosslinking and a mild decellularization technique. Scaffolds are translucent and remain higher amount of glycosaminoglycans after decellularization than acellular porcine corneal matrix (APCM). Enzymatic degradation kinetics and mechanical properties of scaffolds are regulated by 1-ethyl-3–(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide -crosslinking density. The porous structure and ultrastructure of collagenous lamellae are maintained, and the pore size of MAPCM crosslinked with 0.5% (w/v) 1-ethyl-3–(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide is 13.26 ± 1.65 µm, similar to that of normal porcine cornea. The transmittance of MAPCM gets 79.1 ± 0.45 to 92.7 ± 1.4% in the visible light range. Results from a CCK-8 assay indicate that MAPCM gets higher cell proliferation rate of rabbit corneal stroma cells than APCM. Since collagen fibres structural integrity and regularity of MAPCM are retained after crosslinking, the opacity and stability of MAPCM are better than those of APCM within 4 weeks of animal implantation. In addition, there is no indication of an immune response or neovascularization in or around the transplanted disc. These results reveal that MAPCM may be a more suitable scaffold for corneal substitute construction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hang Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yongqiang Sun
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chengbo Cao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,School of Biomedical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Kunpeng Pang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Corneal Epithelial-Stromal Fibroblast Constructs to Study Cell-Cell Communication in Vitro. Bioengineering (Basel) 2019; 6:bioengineering6040110. [PMID: 31817298 PMCID: PMC6956392 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering6040110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell–cell communication plays a fundamental role in mediating corneal wound healing following injury or infection. Depending on the severity of the wound, regeneration of the cornea and the propensity for scar development are influenced by the acute resolution of the pro-fibrotic response mediated by closure of the wound via cellular and tissue contraction. Damage of the corneal epithelium, basement membrane, and anterior stroma following a superficial keratectomy is known to lead to significant provisional matrix deposition, including secretion of fibronectin and thrombospondin-1, as well as development of a corneal scar. In addition, corneal wounding has previously been shown to promote release of extracellular vesicles from the corneal epithelium, which, in addition to soluble factors, may play a role in promoting tissue regeneration. In this study, we report the development and characterization of a co-culture system of human corneal epithelial cells and corneal stromal fibroblasts cultured for 4 weeks to allow extracellular matrix deposition and tissue maturation. The secretion of provisional matrix components, as well as small and large extracellular vesicles, was apparent within the constructs, suggesting cell–cell communication between epithelial and stromal cell populations. Laminin-1β was highly expressed by the corneal epithelial layer with the presence of notable patches of basement membrane identified by transmission electron microscopy. Interestingly, we identified expression of collagen type III, fibronectin, and thrombospondin-1 along the epithelial–stromal interface similar to observations seen in vivo following a keratectomy, as well as expression of the myofibroblast marker, α-smooth muscle actin, within the stroma. Our results suggest that this corneal epithelial–stromal model may be useful in the study of the biochemical phenomena that occur during corneal wound healing.
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
The corneal stroma comprises 90% of the corneal thickness and is critical for the cornea's transparency and refractive function necessary for vision. When the corneal stroma is altered by disease, injury, or scarring, however, an irreversible loss of transparency can occur. Corneal stromal pathology is the cause of millions of cases of blindness globally, and although corneal transplantation is the standard therapy, a severe global deficit of donor corneal tissue and eye banking infrastructure exists, and is unable to meet the overwhelming need. An alternative approach is to harness the endogenous regenerative ability of the corneal stroma, which exhibits self-renewal of the collagenous extracellular matrix under appropriate conditions. To mimic endogenous stromal regeneration, however, is a challenge. Unlike the corneal epithelium and endothelium, the corneal stroma is an exquisitely organized extracellular matrix containing stromal cells, proteoglycans and corneal nerves that is difficult to recapitulate in vitro. Nevertheless, much progress has recently been made in developing stromal equivalents, and in this review the most recent approaches to stromal regeneration therapy are described and discussed. Novel approaches for stromal regeneration include human or animal corneal and/or non-corneal tissue that is acellular or is decellularized and/or re-cellularized, acellular bioengineered stromal scaffolds, tissue adhesives, 3D bioprinting and stromal stem cell therapy. This review highlights the techniques and advances that have achieved first clinical use or are close to translation for eventual therapeutic application in repairing and regenerating the corneal stroma, while the potential of these novel therapies for achieving effective stromal regeneration is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neil Lagali
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Ophthalmology, Sørlandet Hospital Arendal, Arendal, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Seow WY, Kandasamy K, Peh GSL, Mehta JS, Sun W. Ultrathin, Strong, and Cell-Adhesive Agarose-Based Membranes Engineered as Substrates for Corneal Endothelial Cells. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2019; 5:4067-4076. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b00610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yang Seow
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, #07-01, Singapore 138669
| | - Karthikeyan Kandasamy
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, #07-01, Singapore 138669
| | - Gary S. L. Peh
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Jodhbir S. Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - William Sun
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, #07-01, Singapore 138669
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
White IA, Sabater AL. Current strategies for human corneal endothelial regeneration. Regen Med 2019; 14:257-261. [PMID: 31070511 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2018-0105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ian A White
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Alfonso L Sabater
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Chen LH, Sung TC, Lee HHC, Higuchi A, Su HC, Lin KJ, Huang YR, Ling QD, Kumar SS, Alarfaj AA, Munusamy MA, Nasu M, Chen DC, Hsu ST, Chang Y, Lee KF, Wang HC, Umezawa A. Xeno-free and feeder-free culture and differentiation of human embryonic stem cells on recombinant vitronectin-grafted hydrogels. Biomater Sci 2019; 7:4345-4362. [DOI: 10.1039/c9bm00418a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Xeno-free culture and cardiomyocyte differentiation of human embryonic stem cells on vitronectin-grafted hydrogels by adjusting surface charge and elasticity.
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) provide a personalized approach to study conditions and diseases including those of the eye that lack appropriate animal models to facilitate the development of novel therapeutics. Corneal disease is one of the most common causes of blindness. Hence, significant efforts are made to develop novel therapeutic approaches including stem cell-derived strategies to replace the diseased or damaged corneal tissues, thus restoring the vision. The use of adult limbal stem cells in the management of corneal conditions has been clinically successful. However, its limited availability and phenotypic plasticity necessitate the need for alternative stem cell sources to manage corneal conditions. Mesenchymal and embryonic stem cell-based approaches are being explored; nevertheless, their limited differentiation potential and ethical concerns have posed a significant hurdle in its clinical use. hiPSCs have emerged to fill these technical and ethical gaps to render clinical utility. In this review, we discuss and summarize protocols that have been devised so far to direct differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to different corneal cell phenotypes. With the summarization, our review intends to facilitate an understanding which would allow developing efficient and robust protocols to obtain specific corneal cell phenotype from hPSCs for corneal disease modeling and for the clinics to treat corneal diseases and injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rohit Shetty
- Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Narayana Nethralaya, Bengaluru, India
| | - Arkasubhra Ghosh
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bengaluru, India
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Jia Y, Li W, Duan H, Li Z, Zhou Q, Shi W. Mini-Sheet Injection for Cultured Corneal Endothelial Transplantation. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2018; 24:474-479. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2018.0077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yanni Jia
- Department of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Wenjing Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Haoyun Duan
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Zongyi Li
- Department of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Qingjun Zhou
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Weiyun Shi
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Palchesko RN, Carrasquilla SD, Feinberg AW. Natural Biomaterials for Corneal Tissue Engineering, Repair, and Regeneration. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7:e1701434. [PMID: 29845780 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201701434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Corneal blindness is a major cause of vision loss, estimated to affect over 10 million people worldwide. Once impaired through clouding or shape change, the best treatment option for restoring vision is corneal transplantation using full or partial thickness cadaveric grafts. However, donor corneas are globally limited and face rejection and graft failure, similar to other transplanted organs. Thus, there is a need for viable alternatives to donor corneas in order to increase supply, reduce rejection, and to minimize variability in tissue quality. To address this, researchers have developed new materials and strategies to tissue engineer full or partial thickness cornea grafts in order to repair, regenerate, or replace the diseased cornea. This progress report first reviews the anatomy and physiology of the cornea to frame the biological requirements and discuss the injuries and diseases that necessitate the need fortransplantation, as well as the requirements for a suitable donor tissue alternative. This is followed by recent progress using naturally derived biomaterials including silk, collagen, amniotic membranes, and decellularized corneas. Finally, remaining challenges in the field as they relate to the biomaterials discussed are identified, and the future research directions that should result in further advances in restoring corneal vision are highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachelle N. Palchesko
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh PA 15213 USA
- Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration; University of Pittsburgh and UPMC; Pittsburgh PA 15213 USA
| | | | - Adam W. Feinberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh PA 15213 USA
- Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration; University of Pittsburgh and UPMC; Pittsburgh PA 15213 USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering; Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh PA 15213 USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Chen Z, You J, Liu X, Cooper S, Hodge C, Sutton G, Crook JM, Wallace GG. Biomaterials for corneal bioengineering. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 13:032002. [PMID: 29021411 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/aa92d2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Corneal transplantation is an important surgical treatment for many common corneal diseases. However, a worldwide shortage of tissue from suitable corneal donors has meant that many people are not able to receive sight-restoring operations. In addition, rejection is a major cause of corneal transplant failure. Bioengineering corneal tissue has recently gained widespread attention. In order to facilitate corneal regeneration, a range of materials is currently being investigated. The ideal substrate requires sufficient tectonic durability, biocompatibility with cultured cellular elements, transparency, and perhaps biodegradability and clinical compliance. This review considers the anatomy and function of the native cornea as a precursor to evaluating a variety of biomaterials for corneal regeneration including key characteristics for optimal material form and function. The integration of appropriate cells with the most appropriate biomaterials is also discussed. Taken together, the information provided offers insight into the requirements for fabricating synthetic and semisynthetic corneas for in vitro modeling of tissue development and disease, pharmaceutical screening, and in vivo application for regenerative medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Chen
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Squires Way, Fairy Meadow, New South Wales 2519, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Sun P, Shen L, Zhang C, Du L, Wu X. Promoting the expansion and function of human corneal endothelial cells with an orbital adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned medium. Stem Cell Res Ther 2017; 8:287. [PMID: 29262856 PMCID: PMC5738836 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-017-0737-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corneal endothelial dysfunction causes severe impairment of vision. The only solution is corneal transplantation. However, this treatment is hampered by a worldwide shortage of donor corneas. New therapies may replace the conventional donor corneal transplantation alongside the developments in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, but sufficient functional corneal endothelial cells (CECs) are essential. The aim of this study was to promote the expansion and function of human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) in vitro and in vivo. METHODS The phenotypes of human orbital adipose-derived stem cells (OASCs) were detected by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. HCECs were isolated and cultured using a conditioned medium obtained from OASCs (OASC-CM) in vitro. Related cell markers of HCECs were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot, and immunofluorescence. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and the wound healing assay were performed to evaluate the proliferation ability of the cells. The cultured HCECs were then transplanted into rabbit and monkey corneal endothelial dysfunction models by cell injection. RESULTS CD29, CD105, CD49e, CD166, and vimentin were highly expressed in cultured human OASCs. The CEC-relative markers zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), Na+/K+ ATPase, N-cadherin, Col8a2, and SLC4A4 were expressed in HCECs cultured by OASC-CM. The HCECs were able to maintain polygonal cell morphology and good proliferative capacity. In animal experiments, corneal transparency was achieved after the injection of HCECs, which demonstrated the good repair capacity of the cells. CONCLUSIONS The proliferation abilities of the cells were significantly enhanced, and related functional markers were strongly positive, while HCEC morphology was maintained using OASC-CM. HCECs obtained some stem cell-like properties. This preclinical study confirmed the therapeutic ability of the HCECs in vivo. Our findings demonstrated that cultured HCECs with OASC-CM might be a promising source for research and clinical treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China.,The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Canwei Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Liqun Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|