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Yang T, Wang W, Xie L, Chen S, Ye X, Shen S, Chen H, Qi L, Cui Z, Xiong W, Guo Y, Chen J. Investigating retinal explant models cultured in static and perfused systems to test the performance of exosomes secreted from retinal organoids. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 408:110181. [PMID: 38823594 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ex vivo cultures of retinal explants are appropriate models for translational research. However, one of the difficult problems of retinal explants ex vivo culture is that their nutrient supply needs cannot be constantly met. NEW METHOD This study evaluated the effect of perfused culture on the survival of retinal explants, addressing the challenge of insufficient nutrition in static culture. Furthermore, exosomes secreted from retinal organoids (RO-Exos) were stained with PKH26 to track their uptake in retinal explants to mimic the efficacy of exosomal drugs in vivo. RESULTS We found that the retinal explants cultured with perfusion exhibited significantly higher viability, increased NeuN+ cells, and reduced apoptosis compared to the static culture group at Days Ex Vivo (DEV) 4, 7, and 14. The perfusion-cultured retinal explants exhibited reduced mRNA markers for gliosis and microglial activation, along with lower expression of GFAP and Iba1, as revealed by immunostaining. Additionally, RNA-sequencing analysis showed that perfusion culture mainly upregulated genes associated with visual perception and photoreceptor cell maintenance while downregulating the immune system process and immune response. RO-Exos promoted the uptake of PKH26-labelled exosomes and the growth of retinal explants in perfusion culture. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Our perfusion culture system can provide a continuous supply of culture medium to achieve steady-state equilibrium in retinal explant culture. Compared to traditional static culture, it better preserves the vitality, provides better neuroprotection, and reduces glial activation. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a promising ex vivo model for further studies on degenerative retinal diseases and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Qingyuan Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, China
| | - Wenxuan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linyao Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sihui Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuhong Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuhao Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hang Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Qi
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Qingyuan Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, China
| | - Zekai Cui
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yonglong Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jiansu Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Institute of Ophthalmology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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2
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Wagner N, Tsai T, Reinehr S, Theile J, Dick HB, Joachim SC. Retinal debris triggers cytotoxic damage in cocultivated primary porcine RPE cells. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1401571. [PMID: 39114482 PMCID: PMC11303199 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1401571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction One of the most common causes of vision loss in the elderly population worldwide is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Subsequently, the number of people affected by AMD is estimated to reach approximately 288 million by the year 2040. The aim of this study was to develop an ex vivo model that simulates various aspects of the complex AMD pathogenesis. Methods For this purpose, primary porcine retinal pigment epithelial cells (ppRPE) were isolated and cultured. One group was exposed to medium containing sodium iodate (NaIO3) to induce degeneration. The others were exposed to different supplemented media, such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), homogenized porcine retinas (HPR), or rod outer segments (ROOS) for eight days to promote retinal deposits. Then, these ppRPE cells were cocultured with porcine neuroretina explants for another eight days. To assess the viability of ppRPE cells, live/dead assay was performed at the end of the study. The positive RPE65 and ZO1 area was evaluated by immunocytochemistry and the expression of RLBP1, RPE65, and TJP1 was analyzed by RT-qPCR. Additionally, drusen (APOE), inflammation (ITGAM, IL6, IL8, NLRP3, TNF), oxidative stress (NFE2L2, SOD1, SOD2), and hypoxia (HIF1A) markers were investigated. The concentration of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 was determined in medium supernatants from day 16 and 24 via ELISA. Results Live/dead assay suggests that especially exposure to NaIO3 and HPR induced damage to ppRPE cells, leading in a significant ppRPE cell loss. All supplemented media resulted in decreased RPE-characteristic markers (RPE65; ZO-1) and gene expression like RLBP1 and RPE65 in the cultured ppRPE cells. Besides, some inflammatory, oxidative as well as hypoxic stress markers were altered in ppRPE cells cultivated with NaIO3. The application of HPR induced an enhanced APOE expression. Pre-exposure of the ppRPE cells led to a diminished number of cones in all supplemented media groups compared to controls. Discussion Overall, this novel coculture model represents an interesting initial approach to incorporating deposits into coculture to mimic AMD pathogenesis. Nevertheless, the effects of the media used need to be investigated in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Stephanie C. Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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3
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Microglia in Cultured Porcine Retina: Qualitative Immunohistochemical Analyses of Reactive Microglia in the Outer Retina. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24010871. [PMID: 36614320 PMCID: PMC9820911 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010871] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A late stage of several retinal disorders is retinal detachment, a complication that results in rapid photoreceptor degeneration and synaptic damages. Experimental retinal detachment in vivo is an invasive and complicated method performed on anesthetized animals. As retinal detachment may result in visual impairment and blindness, research is of fundamental importance for understanding degenerative processes. Both morphological and ethical issues make the porcine retina a favorable organotypic model for studies of the degenerative processes that follow retinal detachment. In the cultured retina, photoreceptor degeneration and synaptic injuries develop rapidly and correlate with resident microglial cells' transition into a reactive phenotype. In this immunohistochemical study, we have begun to analyze the transition of subsets of reactive microglia which are known to localize close to the outer plexiform layer (OPL) in degenerating in vivo and in vitro retina. Biomarkers for reactive microglia included P2Ry12, CD63 and CD68 and the general microglial markers were CD11b, Iba1 and isolectin B4 (IB4). The reactive microglia markers labeled microglia subpopulations, suggesting that protective or harmful reactive microglia may be present simultaneously in the injured retina. Our findings support the usage of porcine retina cultures for studies of photoreceptor injuries related to retinal detachment.
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Usategui-Martín R, Puertas-Neyra K, Galindo-Cabello N, Hernández-Rodríguez LA, González-Pérez F, Rodríguez-Cabello JC, González-Sarmiento R, Pastor JC, Fernandez-Bueno I. Retinal Neuroprotective Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Secretome Through Modulation of Oxidative Stress, Autophagy, and Programmed Cell Death. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:27. [PMID: 35486068 PMCID: PMC9055551 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.4.27] [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] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Degenerative mechanisms of retinal neurodegenerative diseases (RND) share common cellular and molecular signalization pathways. Curative treatment does not exist and cell-based therapy, through the paracrine properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), is a potential unspecific treatment for RND. This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective capability of human bone marrow (bm) MSC secretome and its potential to modulate retinal responses to neurodegeneration. Methods An in vitro model of spontaneous retinal neurodegeneration was used to compare three days of monocultured neuroretina (NR), NR cocultured with bmMSC, and NR cultured with bmMSC secretome. We evaluated retinal morphology markers (Lectin peanut agglutinin, rhodopsin, protein kinase C α isoform, neuronal-specific nuclear protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein, TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling, and vimentin) and proteins involved in apoptosis (apoptosis-inductor factor, caspase-3), necroptosis (MLKL), and autophagy (p62). Besides, we analyzed the relative mRNA expression through qPCR of genes involved in apoptosis (BAX, BCL2, CASP3, CASP8, CASP9), necroptosis (MLKL, RIPK1, RIPK3), autophagy (ATG7, BCLIN1, LC3B, mTOR, SQSTM1), oxidative stress (COX2, CYBA, CYBB, GPX6, SOD1, TXN2, TXNRD1) and inflammation (IL1, IL6, IL10, TGFb1, TNFa). Results The bmMSC secretome preserves retinal morphology, limits pro-apoptotic- and pro-necroptotic-related gene and protein expression, modulates autophagy-related genes and proteins, and stimulates the activation of antioxidant-associated genes. Conclusions The neuroprotective ability of the bmMSC secretome is associated with activation of antioxidant machinery, modulation of autophagy, and inhibition of apoptosis and necroptosis during retinal degeneration. The neuroprotective effect of bmMSC secretomes in the presence/absence of MSC looks similar. Our current results reinforce the hypothesis that the human bmMSC secretome slows retinal neurodegeneration and may be a therapeutic option for treating RND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Usategui-Martín
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada, Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.,Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud, Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain.,RetiBrain (RED2018-102499-T), Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Kevin Puertas-Neyra
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada, Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Nadia Galindo-Cabello
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada, Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.,Postgraduate Unit, Faculty of Biological Sciences, National University of San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Fernando González-Pérez
- Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology (GIR BIOFORGE), CIBER-BBN, Edificio LUCIA, Universidad de Valladolid, Paseo Belén 19, Valladolid, Spain
| | - José Carlos Rodríguez-Cabello
- Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain.,Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology (GIR BIOFORGE), CIBER-BBN, Edificio LUCIA, Universidad de Valladolid, Paseo Belén 19, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Rogelio González-Sarmiento
- Molecular Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Cancer, University of Salamanca-CSIC, Salamanca, Spain
| | - José Carlos Pastor
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada, Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.,Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud, Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain.,RetiBrain (RED2018-102499-T), Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ivan Fernandez-Bueno
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada, Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.,Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud, Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain.,RetiBrain (RED2018-102499-T), Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Valladolid, Spain
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5
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Stem cell transplantation as a progressing treatment for retinitis pigmentosa. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 387:177-205. [PMID: 35001210 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03551-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) are of the major causes of vision loss in developed countries. Despite the unclear pathophysiology, treatment methods have been investigated vastly in the past decades. This review article mainly discusses the advances in application of stem cell and progenitor transplantation for retinitis pigmentosa. Stem cell sources such as mesenchymal stem cells, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, neural stem cells, retinal progenitor cells, and olfactory ensheathing cells are discussed separately in addition to a brief description of two approaches for treatment of early-stage RP, including gene therapy and nutritional therapy.
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6
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Chen M, Ren C, Ren B, Fang Y, Li Q, Zeng Y, Li Y, Chen F, Bian B, Liu Y. Human Retinal Progenitor Cells Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles Delay Retinal Degeneration: A Paradigm for Cell-free Therapy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:748956. [PMID: 34912217 PMCID: PMC8667779 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.748956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration is a leading cause of irreversible vision impairment and blindness worldwide. Previous studies indicate that subretinal injection of human retinal progenitor cells (hRPCs) can delay the progression of retinal degeneration, preserve retinal function, and protect photoreceptor cells from death, albeit the mechanism is not well understood. In this study, small extracellular vesicles derived from hRPCs (hRPC-sEVs) were injected into the subretinal space of retinal dystrophic RCS rats. We find that hRPC-sEVs significantly preserve the function of retina and thickness of the outer nuclear layer (ONL), reduce the apoptosis of photoreceptors in the ONL, and suppress the inflammatory response in the retina of RCS rats. In vitro, we have shown that hRPC-sEV treatment could significantly reserve the low-glucose preconditioned apoptosis of photoreceptors and reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in microglia. Pathway analysis predicted the target genes of hRPC-sEV microRNAs involved in inflammation related biological processes and significantly enriched in processes autophagy, signal release, regulation of neuron death, and cell cycle. Collectively, our study suggests that hRPC-sEVs might be a favorable agent to delay retinal degeneration and highlights as a new paradigm for cell-free therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunge Ren
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Bangqi Ren
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Yajie Fang
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiyou Li
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuxiao Zeng
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Yijian Li
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Fang Chen
- Department of Medical Technology, Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing, China
| | - Baishijiao Bian
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China.,Army 953 Hospital, Shigatse Branch of Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Shigatse, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
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7
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Schnichels S, Schultheiss M, Klemm P, Blak M, Herrmann T, Melchinger M, Bartz-Schmidt KU, Löscher M, Zeck G, Spitzer MS, Hurst J. Cyclosporine A Protects Retinal Explants against Hypoxia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910196. [PMID: 34638537 PMCID: PMC8508578 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The retina is a complex neurological tissue and is extremely sensitive to an insufficient supply of oxygen. Hypoxia plays a major role in several retinal diseases, and often results in the loss of cells that are essential for vision. Cyclosporine A (CsA) is a widely used immunosuppressive drug. Furthermore, treatment with CsA has neuroprotective effects in several neurologic disorders. No data are currently available on the tolerated concentration of CsA when applied to the retina. To reveal the most effective dose, retinal explants from rat eyes were exposed to different CsA concentrations (1-9 µg/mL). Immunohistochemistry with brain-specific homeobox/POU domain protein 3a (Brn3a) and TUNEL staining was performed to determine the percentage of total and apoptotic retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), as well as the responses of micro- and macroglial cells. Furthermore, optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans were performed to measure the changes in retinal thickness, and recordings with multielectrode array (MEA) were performed to evaluate spontaneous RGC spiking. To examine the neuroprotective effects, retinas were subjected to a hypoxic insult by placing them in a nitrogen-streamed hypoxic chamber prior to CsA treatment. In the biocompatibility tests, the different CsA concentrations had no negative effect on RGCs and microglia. Neuroprotective effects after a hypoxic insult on RGCs was demonstrated at a concentration of 9 µg/mL CsA. CsA counteracted the hypoxia-induced loss of RGCs, reduced the percentage of TUNEL+ RGCs, and prevented a decrease in retinal thickness. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that CsA can effectively protect RGCs from hypoxia, and the administered concentrations were well tolerated. Further in vivo studies are needed to determine whether local CsA treatment may be a suitable option for hypoxic retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Schnichels
- Centre for Ophthalmology Tübingen, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.S.); (P.K.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (K.-U.B.-S.); (M.L.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Maximilian Schultheiss
- Clinic for Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Patricia Klemm
- Centre for Ophthalmology Tübingen, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.S.); (P.K.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (K.-U.B.-S.); (M.L.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Matthias Blak
- Centre for Ophthalmology Tübingen, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.S.); (P.K.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (K.-U.B.-S.); (M.L.); (M.S.S.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Klinikum Stuttgart, 70174 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Thoralf Herrmann
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Tübingen, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany;
| | - Marion Melchinger
- Centre for Ophthalmology Tübingen, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.S.); (P.K.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (K.-U.B.-S.); (M.L.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Karl-Ulrich Bartz-Schmidt
- Centre for Ophthalmology Tübingen, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.S.); (P.K.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (K.-U.B.-S.); (M.L.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Marina Löscher
- Centre for Ophthalmology Tübingen, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.S.); (P.K.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (K.-U.B.-S.); (M.L.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Günther Zeck
- Institute of Electrodynamics, Microwave and Circuit Engineering, TU Wien, 1040 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Martin Stehphan Spitzer
- Centre for Ophthalmology Tübingen, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.S.); (P.K.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (K.-U.B.-S.); (M.L.); (M.S.S.)
- Clinic for Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - José Hurst
- Centre for Ophthalmology Tübingen, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.S.); (P.K.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (K.-U.B.-S.); (M.L.); (M.S.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-7071/29-87-883
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8
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Fernandez-Bueno I, Usategui-Martin R. Ex Vivo Model of Spontaneous Neuroretinal Degeneration for Evaluating Stem Cells' Paracrine Properties. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2269:125-137. [PMID: 33687676 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1225-5_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Ex vivo neuroretina cultures closely resemble in vivo conditions, retaining the complex neuroretina cells dynamics, connections, and functionality, under controlled conditions. Therefore, these models have allowed advancing in the knowledge of retinal physiology and pathobiology over the years. Furthermore, the ex vivo neuroretina models represent an adequate tool for evaluating stem cell therapies over neuroretinal degeneration processes.Here, we describe a physically separated co-culture of neuroretina explants with stem cells to evaluate the effect of stem cells paracrine properties on spontaneous neuroretinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Fernandez-Bueno
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Campus Miguel Delibes, Paseo de Belén 17, Valladolid, Spain.
- Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain.
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain.
| | - Ricardo Usategui-Martin
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Campus Miguel Delibes, Paseo de Belén 17, Valladolid, Spain
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9
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Johansson K, Svensson LA, Mohlin C. Morphological analyzes of microglia heterogeneity and dynamics during photoreceptor degeneration in vitro: Presumptive dark microglia in porcine retina. Exp Eye Res 2020; 200:108217. [PMID: 32896534 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In the adult retina, ramifying microglia interact with the outer plexiform layer (OPL) monitoring the synaptic integrity between photoreceptors and post-synaptic target cells. Microglia are reactive during photoreceptor diseases, but their disease-related function(s) are not fully understood. Retinal explant cultures are model systems used to study degenerative events including photoreceptor degeneration and gliosis. Our culture paradigm, with adult porcine retinas subjected to coculture with human A-retinal pigment epithelia-19 (ARPE) cells, is an experimental approach resulting in improved photoreceptor survival and reduced gliosis. Under the in vitro pathological conditions with photoreceptor degeneration, reactive Iba1-and CD11b-immunoreactive microglia and their processes positioned in proximity with the OPL and among photoreceptor outer segments. Coculture for 3 days with ARPE-cells resulted in a significantly increased density of microglia at the OPL. After 5 days of culture, the density of microglia at the OPL was similar between coculture and control specimens. Electron microscopy revealed the presence of two subtypes of microglia: one exhibiting a dark nucleus and cytosol with dilated endoplasmic reticulum, vacuoles, endosomes and mitochondrial variations. This subtype localized close to synaptic structures in the OPL. The other subtype appeared as pale phagocytic microglia localized among degenerating outer segments. The Iba1-and CD11b-immunoreactive microglia in degenerating retina may be of two separate subtypes, which differ in localization, subcellular morphology and perhaps function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Camilla Mohlin
- Department of Chemistry and Biomedicine, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
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10
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Schnichels S, Paquet-Durand F, Löscher M, Tsai T, Hurst J, Joachim SC, Klettner A. Retina in a dish: Cell cultures, retinal explants and animal models for common diseases of the retina. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 81:100880. [PMID: 32721458 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
For many retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy (DR), the exact pathogenesis is still unclear. Moreover, the currently available therapeutic options are often unsatisfactory. Research designed to remedy this situation heavily relies on experimental animals. However, animal models often do not faithfully reproduce human disease and, currently, there is strong pressure from society to reduce animal research. Overall, this creates a need for improved disease models to understand pathologies and develop treatment options that, at the same time, require fewer or no experimental animals. Here, we review recent advances in the field of in vitro and ex vivo models for AMD, glaucoma, and DR. We highlight the difficulties associated with studies on complex diseases, in which both the initial trigger and the ensuing pathomechanisms are unclear, and then delineate which model systems are optimal for disease modelling. To this end, we present a variety of model systems, ranging from primary cell cultures, over organotypic cultures and whole eye cultures, to animal models. Specific advantages and disadvantages of such models are discussed, with a special focus on their relevance to putative in vivo disease mechanisms. In many cases, a replacement of in vivo research will mean that several different in vitro models are used in conjunction, for instance to analyze and validate causative molecular pathways. Finally, we argue that the analytical decomposition into appropriate cell and tissue model systems will allow making significant progress in our understanding of complex retinal diseases and may furthermore advance the treatment testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Schnichels
- University Eye Hospital, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Germany.
| | - François Paquet-Durand
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marina Löscher
- University Eye Hospital, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Teresa Tsai
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - José Hurst
- University Eye Hospital, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stephanie C Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Alexa Klettner
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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11
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Usategui-Martín R, Puertas-Neyra K, García-Gutiérrez MT, Fuentes M, Pastor JC, Fernandez-Bueno I. Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome Exhibits a Neuroprotective Effect over In Vitro Retinal Photoreceptor Degeneration. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 17:1155-1166. [PMID: 32514411 PMCID: PMC7267685 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Retinal photoreceptor degeneration occurs frequently in several neurodegenerative retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, or genetic retinal diseases related to the photoreceptors. Despite the impact on daily life and the social and economic consequences, there is no cure for these diseases. Considering this, cell-based therapy may be an optimal therapeutic option. This study evaluated the neuroprotective in vitro potential of a secretome of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for retinal photoreceptors in vitro. We analyzed the photoreceptor morphologic changes and the paracrine factors secreted by human bone marrow MSCs in a physically separated co-culture with degenerated neuroretinas, using organotypic neuroretinal cultures. The results showed that the secretome of human bone marrow MSCs had a neuroprotective effect over the neuroretinal general organization and neuropreserved the photoreceptors from degeneration probably by secretion of neuroprotective proteins. The study of the expression of 1,000 proteins showed increased paracrine factors secreted by MSCs that could be crucial in the neuroprotective effect of the stem cell secretome over in vitro retinal degeneration. The current results reinforce the hypothesis that the paracrine effect of the human bone marrow MSCs may slow photoreceptor neurodegeneration and be a therapeutic option in retinal photoreceptor degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Usategui-Martín
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Kevin Puertas-Neyra
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - María-Teresa García-Gutiérrez
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Manuel Fuentes
- Proteomics Unit, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC), University of Salamanca, Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain.,Department of Medicine and General Cytometry Service-Nucleus, CIBERONC CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC), University of Salamanca, Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - José Carlos Pastor
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain.,Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain.,Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, 47011 Valladolid, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ivan Fernandez-Bueno
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain.,Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, 47011 Valladolid, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
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12
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Zhu D, Xie M, Gademann F, Cao J, Wang P, Guo Y, Zhang L, Su T, Zhang J, Chen J. Protective effects of human iPS-derived retinal pigmented epithelial cells on retinal degenerative disease. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:98. [PMID: 32131893 PMCID: PMC7055119 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01608-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal disease characterized by progressive loss of photoreceptor cells. This study aim at exploring the effect of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC-RPE) on the retina of retinal degeneration 10 (rd10) mice, which are characterized with progressive photoreceptor death. Methods We generated RPE from hiPSCs by sequential supplementation with retinal-inducing factors and RPE specification signaling factors. The three-dimensional (3D) spheroid culture method was used to obtain optimal injectable hiPSC-RPE cells. Subretinal space transplantation was conducted to deliver hiPSC-RPE cells into the retina of rd10 mice. Neurotrophic factor secretion from transplanted hiPSC-RPE cells was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunostaining, Western blotting, electroretinography (ERG), and visual behavior testing were performed to determine the effects of hiPSC-RPE on the retinal visual function in rd10 mice. Results Our data demonstrated that hiPSC-RPE cells exhibited classic RPE properties and phenotype after the sequential RPE induction from hiPSCs. hiPSC-RPE cells co-cultured with mouse retinal explants or retinal ganglion cells 5 (RGC5) exhibited decreased apoptosis. The viability and functional properties of hiPSC-RPE cells were enhanced by 3D spheroid culture. Transplanted hiPSC-derived RPE cells were identified by immunostaining with human nuclear antigen staining in the retina of rd10 14 days after subretinal space injection. The pigment epithelium-derived factor level was increased significantly. The expression of CD68, microglial activation marker, reduced after transplantation. The light avoidance behavior and ERG visual function in rd10 mice improved by the transplantation of hiPSC-RPE cells. Conclusion Our findings suggest that injectable hiPSC-RPE cells after 3D spheroid culture can rescue the structure and function of photoreceptors by sub-retinal transplantation, which lay the foundation for future clinical cell therapy to treat RP and other retinal degeneration diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deliang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Information and Sensing Technologies of Guangdong Higher Educational Institutes, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengyuan Xie
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Information and Sensing Technologies of Guangdong Higher Educational Institutes, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fabian Gademann
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jixing Cao
- Eye Institute, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peiyuan Wang
- Eye Institute, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yonglong Guo
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Eye Institute, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Su
- Eye Institute, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Information and Sensing Technologies of Guangdong Higher Educational Institutes, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jiansu Chen
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China. .,Eye Institute, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China. .,Aier Eye Institute, Furong Middle Road, Changsha, China.
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13
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Puertas-Neyra K, Usategui-Martín R, Coco RM, Fernandez-Bueno I. Intravitreal stem cell paracrine properties as a potential neuroprotective therapy for retinal photoreceptor neurodegenerative diseases. Neural Regen Res 2020; 15:1631-1638. [PMID: 32209762 PMCID: PMC7437593 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.276324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerations are the leading causes of irreversible visual loss worldwide. Many pathologies included under this umbrella involve progressive degeneration and ultimate loss of the photoreceptor cells, with age-related macular degeneration and inherited and ischemic retinal diseases the most relevant. These diseases greatly impact patients’ daily lives, with accompanying marked social and economic consequences. However, the currently available treatments only delay the onset or slow progression of visual impairment, and there are no cures for these photoreceptor diseases. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are being investigated, such as gene therapy, optogenetics, cell replacement, or cell-based neuroprotection. Specifically, stem cells can secrete neurotrophic, immunomodulatory, and anti-angiogenic factors that potentially protect and preserve retinal cells from neurodegeneration. Further, neuroprotection can be used in different types of retinal degenerative diseases and at different disease stages, unlike other potential therapies. This review summarizes stem cell-based paracrine neuroprotective strategies for photoreceptor degeneration, which are under study in clinical trials, and the latest preclinical studies. Effective retinal neuroprotection could be the next frontier in photoreceptor diseases, and the development of novel neuroprotective strategies will address the unmet therapeutic needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Puertas-Neyra
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Usategui-Martín
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Rosa M Coco
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada, Universidad de Valladolid; Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León; Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud, Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ivan Fernandez-Bueno
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada, Universidad de Valladolid; Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León; Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud, Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain
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14
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Maliha AM, Kuehn S, Hurst J, Herms F, Fehr M, Bartz-Schmidt KU, Dick HB, Joachim SC, Schnichels S. Diminished apoptosis in hypoxic porcine retina explant cultures through hypothermia. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4898. [PMID: 30894574 PMCID: PMC6427006 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41113-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simulation of hypoxic processes in vitro can be achieved through cobalt chloride (CoCl2), which induces strong neurodegeneration. Hypoxia plays an important role in the progression of several retinal diseases. Thus, we investigated whether hypoxia can be reduced by hypothermia. Porcine retinal explants were cultivated for four and eight days and hypoxia was mimicked by adding 300 µM CoCl2 from day one to day three. Hypothermia treatment (30 °C) was applied simultaneously. Retinal ganglion, bipolar and amacrine cells, as well as microglia were evaluated via immunohistological and western blot analysis. Furthermore, quantitative real-time PCR was performed to analyze cellular stress and apoptosis. In addition, the expression of specific marker for the previously described cell types were investigated. A reduction of ROS and stress markers HSP70, iNOS, HIF-1α was achieved via hypothermia. In accordance, an inhibition of apoptotic proteins (caspase 3, caspase 8) and the cell cycle arrest gene p21 was found in hypothermia treated retinae. Furthermore, neurons of the inner retina were protected by hypothermia. In this study, we demonstrate that hypothermia lowers hypoxic processes and cellular stress. Additionally, hypothermia inhibits apoptosis and protects neurons. Hence, this seems to be a promising treatment for retinal neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Maliha
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sandra Kuehn
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - José Hurst
- University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Centre for Ophthalmology Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Fenja Herms
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Fehr
- Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Karl U Bartz-Schmidt
- University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Centre for Ophthalmology Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - H Burkhard Dick
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Stephanie C Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Sven Schnichels
- University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Centre for Ophthalmology Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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15
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Rettinger CL, Wang HC. Current Advancements in the Development and Characterization of Full-Thickness Adult Neuroretina Organotypic Culture Systems. Cells Tissues Organs 2019; 206:119-132. [PMID: 30879015 DOI: 10.1159/000497296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy constitute the leading cause of blindness in the industrialized world. There is a continuous demand in investigative ophthalmic research for the development of new treatment modalities for retinal therapy. Unfortunately, efforts to identify novel neuroprotective and neuroregenerative agents have often been hindered by an experimental model gap that exists between high-throughput methods via dissociated cells and preclinical animal models. Even though dissociated cell culture is rapid and high-throughput, it is limited in its ability to reproduce the in vivo conditions. In contrast, preclinical animal models may offer greater fidelity, albeit they lack efficiency and experimental control. Retina explant cultures provide an ideal bridge to close this gap and have been used to study an array of biological processes such as retinal development and neurodegeneration. However, it is often difficult to interpret findings from these studies due to the wide variety of experimental species and culture methods used. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current ex vivo neuroretina culture methods and assessments, with a focus on their suitability, advantages, and disadvantages, along with novel insights and perspectives on the organotypic culture model as a high-throughput platform for screening promising molecules for retinal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L Rettinger
- Ocular and Sensory Trauma Task Area, U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, USA,
| | - Heuy-Ching Wang
- Ocular and Sensory Trauma Task Area, U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, USA
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16
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Jones MK, Lu B, Chen DZ, Spivia WR, Mercado AT, Ljubimov AV, Svendsen CN, Van Eyk JE, Wang S. In Vitro and In Vivo Proteomic Comparison of Human Neural Progenitor Cell-Induced Photoreceptor Survival. Proteomics 2019; 19:e1800213. [PMID: 30515959 PMCID: PMC6422354 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201800213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases lead to blindness with few treatments. Various cell-based therapies are aimed to slow the progression of vision loss by preserving light-sensing photoreceptor cells. A subretinal injection of human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) into the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat model of retinal degeneration has aided in photoreceptor survival, though the mechanisms are mainly unknown. Identifying the retinal proteomic changes that occur following hNPC treatment leads to better understanding of neuroprotection. To mimic the retinal environment following hNPC injection, a co-culture system of retinas and hNPCs is developed. Less cell death occurs in RCS retinal tissue co-cultured with hNPCs than in retinas cultured alone, suggesting that hNPCs provide retinal protection in vitro. Comparison of ex vivo and in vivo retinas identifies nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) mediated oxidative response signaling as an hNPC-induced pathway. This is the first study to compare proteomic changes following treatment with hNPCs in both an ex vivo and in vivo environment, further allowing the use of ex vivo modeling for mechanisms of retinal preservation. Elucidation of the protein changes in the retina following hNPC treatment may lead to the discovery of mechanisms of photoreceptor survival and its therapeutic for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa K. Jones
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
| | - Bin Lu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
| | - Dawn Z. Chen
- Advanced Clinical Biosystems Research Institute, The Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Weston R. Spivia
- Advanced Clinical Biosystems Research Institute, The Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
| | - Augustus T. Mercado
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
| | - Alexander V. Ljubimov
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Clive N. Svendsen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
| | - Jennifer E. Van Eyk
- Advanced Clinical Biosystems Research Institute, The Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Shaomei Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles
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17
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Donato L, Scimone C, Nicocia G, D'Angelo R, Sidoti A. Role of oxidative stress in Retinitis pigmentosa: new involved pathways by an RNA-Seq analysis. Cell Cycle 2018; 18:84-104. [PMID: 30569795 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2018.1558873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a very heterogeneous inherited ocular disorder group characterized by progressive retinal disruption. Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration, due to oxidative stress which arrests the metabolic support to photoreceptors, represents one of the principal causes of RP. Here, the role of oxidative stress in RP onset and progression was analyzed by a comparative whole transcriptome analysis of human RPE cells, treated with 100 µg/ml of oxLDL and untreated, at different time points. Experiment was thrice repeated and performed on Ion ProtonTM sequencing system. Data analysis, including low quality reads trimming and gene expression quantification, was realized by CLC Genomics Workbench software. The whole analysis highlighted 14 clustered "macro-pathways" and many sub-pathways, classified by selection of 5271 genes showing the highest alteration of expression. Among them, 23 genes were already known to be RP causative ones (15 over-expressed and 8 down-expressed), and their enrichment and intersection analyses highlighted new 77 candidate related genes (49 over-expressed and 28 down-expressed). A final filtering analysis then highlighted 29 proposed candidate genes. This data suggests that many new genes, not yet associated with RP, could influence its etiopathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Donato
- a Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine , University of Messina , Messina , Italy.,b Department of Cutting-Edge Medicine and Therapies, Biomolecular Strategies and Neuroscience, Section of Applied Neuroscience, Molecular Genetics and Predictive Medicine , I.E.ME.S.T. ., Palermo , Italy
| | - Concetta Scimone
- a Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine , University of Messina , Messina , Italy.,b Department of Cutting-Edge Medicine and Therapies, Biomolecular Strategies and Neuroscience, Section of Applied Neuroscience, Molecular Genetics and Predictive Medicine , I.E.ME.S.T. ., Palermo , Italy
| | - Giacomo Nicocia
- c Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Rosalia D'Angelo
- a Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine , University of Messina , Messina , Italy.,b Department of Cutting-Edge Medicine and Therapies, Biomolecular Strategies and Neuroscience, Section of Applied Neuroscience, Molecular Genetics and Predictive Medicine , I.E.ME.S.T. ., Palermo , Italy
| | - Antonina Sidoti
- a Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine , University of Messina , Messina , Italy.,b Department of Cutting-Edge Medicine and Therapies, Biomolecular Strategies and Neuroscience, Section of Applied Neuroscience, Molecular Genetics and Predictive Medicine , I.E.ME.S.T. ., Palermo , Italy
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18
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Mohlin C, Delbro D, Kvanta A, Johansson K. Evaluation of Congo Red Staining in Degenerating Porcine Photoreceptors In Vitro: Protective Effects by Structural and Trophic Support. J Histochem Cytochem 2018; 66:631-641. [PMID: 29624116 PMCID: PMC6116089 DOI: 10.1369/0022155418768222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Congo red (CR) is a histological stain used for the detection of extracellular amyloids mediating various neurodegenerative diseases. Given that damaged photoreceptors appear to degenerate similarly to other nerve cells, CR staining was evaluated in experimentally injured porcine retina. CR staining appeared mostly as discrete cytosolic deposits with no obvious plaque formation during the investigated time period. Increases of CR labeling coincided temporally with the known accumulation of mislocalized opsins and increases of cell death. Coculture, either with human retinal pigment epithelium (ARPE) or human neural progenitor (ReN) cells, was accompanied by a significant reduction of CR labeling. Of particular interest was the reduction of CR labeling in cone photoreceptors, which are important for the perception of color and fine details and afflicted in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Electron microscopy revealed inclusions in the inner segment, cell body, and occasionally synaptic terminals of photoreceptor cells in cultured specimens. Closer examinations indicated the presence of different types of inclusions resembling protein aggregates as well as inclusion bodies. The current results indicate that injury-related response resulted in accumulation of CR deposits in photoreceptor cells, and that trophic and/or structural support attenuated this response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Mohlin
- Department of Chemistry and Biomedicine,
Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Dick Delbro
- School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University,
Örebro, Sweden
| | - Anders Kvanta
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Section for
Ophthalmology and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet,
Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kjell Johansson
- Department of Science, Kristianstad University,
Kristianstad, Sweden
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19
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Rettinger CL, Wang HC. Quantitative Assessment of Retina Explant Viability in a Porcine Ex Vivo Neuroretina Model. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2018; 34:521-530. [PMID: 29924674 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2018.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Given that porcine and human retinas have similar structures and characteristics, ex vivo culture of porcine neuroretina provides an attractive model for studying mechanisms of human retinal injury and degenerative disease. Here, we describe the method that was used to establish and characterize an adult porcine retina culture system as a rapid screening tool for retinal survival in real time. METHODS Neuroretina explants 8 mm in diameter were harvested from adult swine and cultured on porous cell culture inserts with adjustable heights. Retina explant viability was evaluated at 1, 4, 7, 11, and 14 days of culture using a resazurin-based metabolic assay. The explants were analyzed morphologically through immunohistochemistry for glial activation and apoptosis. Morphometric analysis was also performed on hematoxylin and eosin-stained retina sections from each time point. RESULTS The viability of retina explants gradually decreased over time in culture. The laminar structure of the neuroretina was well preserved during the first 7 days. However, by day 14, most explants showed significant loss of cells in each laminar layer and obvious thinning. Overall, the progressive loss of retinal lamination and thickness, and increase in apoptotic nuclei with activated hypertrophic Müller cells were well correlated with the metabolic activity of the ex vivo neuroretina explants. CONCLUSIONS This study was the first report to describe the use of a high-throughput and quantitative method for monitoring retina explant viability in real time. Ex vivo neuroretina cultures closely mimic the functional dynamics of the organ, and can be used efficiently to screen novel therapeutics for retinal neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L Rettinger
- Ocular and Sensory Trauma Task Area, United States Army Institute of Surgical Research , Fort Sam Houston, Texas
| | - Heuy-Ching Wang
- Ocular and Sensory Trauma Task Area, United States Army Institute of Surgical Research , Fort Sam Houston, Texas
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20
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Mohlin C, Sandholm K, Kvanta A, Ekdahl KN, Johansson K. A model to study complement involvement in experimental retinal degeneration. Ups J Med Sci 2018; 123:28-42. [PMID: 29436895 PMCID: PMC5901466 DOI: 10.1080/03009734.2018.1431744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The complement system (CS) plays a role in the pathogenesis of a number of ocular diseases, including diabetic retinopathy (DR), glaucoma, uveitis, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Given that many of the complex eye-related degenerative diseases have limited treatment opportunities, we aimed to mimic the in vivo retinal degenerative process by developing a relevant co-culture system. METHOD AND MATERIALS The adult porcine retina was co-cultured with the spontaneously arising human retinal pigment epithelial cells-19 (ARPE-19). RESULTS Inflammatory activity was found after culture and included migrating microglial cells, gliosis, cell death, and CS activation (demonstrated by a minor increase in the secreted anaphylotoxin C3a in co-culture). CS components, including C1q, C3, C4, soluble C5b-9, and the C5a receptor, were expressed in the retina and/or ARPE cells after culture. C1q, C3, and CS regulators such as C4 binding protein (C4BP), factor H (CFH), and factor I (CFI) were secreted after culture. DISCUSSION Thus, our research indicates that this co-culturing system may be useful for investigations of the CS and its involvement in experimental neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Mohlin
- Linnaeus University Faculty of Health and Life Science, Linnaeus Center of Biomaterials Chemistry, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
- CONTACT Camilla Mohlin Linnaeus Center of Biomaterials Chemistry, Linnaeus University, 391 82 Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Kerstin Sandholm
- Linnaeus University Faculty of Health and Life Science, Linnaeus Center of Biomaterials Chemistry, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Anders Kvanta
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Section for Ophthalmology and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristina N. Ekdahl
- Linnaeus University Faculty of Health and Life Science, Linnaeus Center of Biomaterials Chemistry, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kjell Johansson
- School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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Beltramo E, Lopatina T, Mazzeo A, Arroba AI, Valverde AM, Hernández C, Simó R, Porta M. Effects of the neuroprotective drugs somatostatin and brimonidine on retinal cell models of diabetic retinopathy. Acta Diabetol 2016; 53:957-964. [PMID: 27552833 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-016-0895-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Diabetic retinopathy is considered a microvascular disease, but recent evidence has underlined early involvement of the neuroretina with interactions between microvascular and neural alterations. Topical administration of somatostatin (SST), a neuroprotective molecule with antiangiogenic properties, prevents diabetes-induced retinal neurodegeneration in animals. The α2-adrenergic receptor agonist brimonidine (BRM) decreases vitreoretinal vascular endothelial growth factor and inhibits blood-retinal barrier breakdown in diabetic rats. However, SST and BRM effects on microvascular cells have not yet been studied. We investigated the behaviour of these drugs on the crosstalk between microvasculature and neuroretina. METHODS Expression of SST receptors 1-5 in human retinal pericytes (HRP) was checked. We subsequently evaluated the effects of diabetic-like conditions (high glucose and/or hypoxia) with/without SST/BRM on HRP survival. Endothelial cells (EC) and photoreceptors were maintained in the above conditions and their conditioned media (CM) used to culture HRP. Vice versa, HRP-CM was used on EC and photoreceptors. Survival parameters were assessed. RESULTS HRP express the SST receptor 1 (SSTR1). Glucose fluctuations mimicking those occurring in diabetic subjects are more damaging for pericytes and photoreceptors than stable high glucose and hypoxic conditions. SST/BRM added to HRP in diabetic-like conditions decrease EC apoptosis. However, neither SST nor BRM changed the response of pericytes and neuroretina-vascular crosstalk under diabetic-like conditions. CONCLUSIONS Retinal pericytes express SSTR1, indicating that they can be a target for SST. Exposure to SST/BRM had no adverse effects, direct or mediated by the neuroretina, suggesting that these molecules could be safely evaluated for the treatment of ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Beltramo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso AM Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy.
| | - Tatiana Lopatina
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso AM Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Aurora Mazzeo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso AM Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Ana I Arroba
- Alberto Sols Biomedical Research Institute (IIBm) (CSIC/UAM), C/Arturo Duperier 4, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Disorders (CIBERdem), ISCIII, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Angela M Valverde
- Alberto Sols Biomedical Research Institute (IIBm) (CSIC/UAM), C/Arturo Duperier 4, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Disorders (CIBERdem), ISCIII, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Hernández
- Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Disorders (CIBERdem), ISCIII, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Unit, Institut de Recerca Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron (VHIR), Pg. Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Simó
- Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Disorders (CIBERdem), ISCIII, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Unit, Institut de Recerca Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron (VHIR), Pg. Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Massimo Porta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso AM Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
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