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Xiao Y, McGhee CNJ, Zhang J. Adult stem cells in the eye: Identification, characterisation, and therapeutic application in ocular regeneration - A review. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024; 52:148-166. [PMID: 38214071 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14309] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Adult stem cells, present in various parts of the human body, are undifferentiated cells that can proliferate and differentiate to replace dying cells within tissues. Stem cells have specifically been identified in the cornea, trabecular meshwork, crystalline lens, iris, ciliary body, retina, choroid, sclera, conjunctiva, eyelid, lacrimal gland, and orbital fat. The identification of ocular stem cells broadens the potential therapeutic strategies for untreatable eye diseases. Currently, stem cell transplantation for corneal and conjunctival diseases remains the most common stem cell-based therapy in ocular clinical management. Lens epithelial stem cells have been applied in the treatment of paediatric cataracts. Several early-phase clinical trials for corneal and retinal regeneration using ocular stem cells are also underway. Extensive preclinical studies using ocular stem cells have been conducted, showing encouraging outcomes. Ocular stem cells currently demonstrate great promise in potential treatments of eye diseases. In this review, we focus on the identification, characterisation, and therapeutic application of adult stem cells in the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Xiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Charles N J McGhee
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Corneal Reconstruction with EGFP-Labelled Limbal Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Rabbit Model of Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065431. [PMID: 36982507 PMCID: PMC10051408 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocular surface reconstruction is essential for treating corneal epithelial defects and vision recovery. Stem cell-based therapy demonstrates promising results but requires further research to elucidate stem cell survival, growth, and differentiation after transplantation in vivo. This study examined the corneal reconstruction promoted by EGFP-labeled limbal mesenchymal stem cells (L-MSCs-EGFP) and their fate after transplantation. EGFP labeling allowed us to evaluate the migration and survival rates of the transferred cells. L-MSCs-EGFP seeded onto decellularized human amniotic membrane (dHAM) were transplanted into rabbits with a modeled limbal stem cell deficiency. The localization and viability of the transplanted cells in animal tissue were analyzed using histology, immunohistochemistry, and confocal microscopy up to 3 months after transplantation. EGFP-labeled cells remained viable for the first 14 days after transplantation. By the 90th day, epithelialization of the rabbit corneas reached 90%, but the presence of viable labeled cells was not observed within the newly formed epithelium. Although labeled cells demonstrated low survivability in host tissue, the squamous corneal-like epithelium was partially restored by the 30th day after transplantation of the tissue-engineered graft. Overall, this study paves the way for further optimization of transplantation conditions and studying the mechanisms of corneal tissue restoration.
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Sonawane A, Vadloori B, Poosala S, Kandarova H, Kulkarni M, Olayanju A, Dey T, Saxena U, Smirnova L, Kanda Y, Reddy J, Dravida S, Biswas S, Vinken M, Gettayacamin M, Ahluwalia A, Mondini F, Bhattacharya S, Kulkarni P, Jacobsen KR, Vangala S, Millás AL. Advances in Animal Models and Cutting-Edge Research in Alternatives: Proceedings of the Second International Conference on 3Rs Research and Progress, Hyderabad, 2021. Altern Lab Anim 2022; 50:156-171. [PMID: 35410493 DOI: 10.1177/02611929221089216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The fact that animal models fail to replicate human disease faithfully is now being widely accepted by researchers across the globe. As a result, they are exploring the use of alternatives to animal models. The time has come to refine our experimental practices, reduce the numbers and eventually replace the animals used in research with human-derived and human-relevant 3-D disease models. Oncoseek Bio-Acasta Health, which is an innovative biotechnology start-up company based in Hyderabad and Vishakhapatnam, India, organises an annual International Conference on 3Rs Research and Progress. In 2021, this conference was on 'Advances in Research Animal Models and Cutting-Edge Research in Alternatives'. This annual conference is a platform that brings together eminent scientists and researchers from various parts of the world, to share recent advances from their research in the field of alternatives to animals including new approach methodologies, and to promote practices to help refine animal experiments where alternatives are not available. This report presents the proceedings of the conference, which was held in hybrid mode (i.e. virtual and in-person) in November 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Helena Kandarova
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Science, Slovakia
| | | | | | - Tuli Dey
- Savitribai Phule Pune University, India
| | | | - Lena Smirnova
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Montip Gettayacamin
- Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC international), USA
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- University of Pisa, and Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Italy
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Derivation and Characterization of EGFP-Labeled Rabbit Limbal Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Potential for Research in Regenerative Ophthalmology. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091134. [PMID: 34572321 PMCID: PMC8465718 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of cell-based approaches to the treatment of various cornea pathologies, including limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), is an area of current interest in regenerative biomedicine. In this context, the shortage of donor material is urgent, and limbal mesenchymal stem cells (L-MSCs) may become a promising cell source for the development of these novel approaches, being established mainly within the rabbit model. In this study, we obtained and characterized rabbit L-MSCs and modified them with lentiviral transduction to express the green fluorescent protein EGFP (L-MSCs-EGFP). L-MSCs and L-MSCs-EGFP express not only stem cell markers specific for mesenchymal stem cells but also ABCG2, ABCB5, ALDH3A1, PAX6, and p63a specific for limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs), as well as various cytokeratins (3/12, 15, 19). L-MSCs-EGFP have been proven to differentiate into adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic directions, as well as to transdifferentiate into epithelial cells. The possibility of using L-MSCs-EGFP to study the biocompatibility of various scaffolds developed to treat corneal pathologies was demonstrated. L-MSCs-EGFP may become a useful tool for studying regenerative processes occurring during the treatment of various corneal pathologies, including LSCD, with the use of cell-based technologies.
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The Role of Extracellular Vesicles Secreted From Thermal Stress-Induced Adipose-Derived Stem Cells on Bone Regeneration. J Craniofac Surg 2021; 32:2245-2250. [PMID: 34516061 DOI: 10.1097/scs.0000000000007901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are responsible for intercellular communication. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived vesicles have been shown to have similar properties as functional mesenchymal stem cells. The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic benefit of EVs obtained from adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSC) on bone repair whereas using ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) biomaterial as a carrier. MATERIALS AND METHOD A single critical size bone defect of 8 mm in diameter was created on the right side of rat calvarium using a custom-made punch needle. Animals were randomly divided into 5 groups: group 1 (no treatment), group 2 (bone graft), group 3 (ß-TCP + ADSC), group 4 (ß-TCP + EV), group 5 (ß-TCP). Eight weeks later, animals were sacrificed and histologic and radiologic evaluation was performed. RESULTS Semiquantitative histologic scoring demonstrated significantly higher bone regeneration scores for groups 2, 3, and 4 compared to group 1. Radiologic imaging showed significantly higher bone mineral density for groups 2, 3, and 5 compared to group 1. There were no significant differences between treatment groups in either histologic or radiologic scoring. CONCLUSIONS Our data showed that EVs provided from thermally induced ADSCs did not show any significant difference in bone regeneration when compared to ADSCs themselves. Future studies should focus on determining the optimum amount and content of EV application since these vary significantly depending on the microenvironment.
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Xiao YT, Qu JY, Xie HT, Zhang MC, Zhao XY. A Comparison of Methods for Isolation of Limbal Niche Cells: Maintenance of Limbal Epithelial Stem/Progenitor Cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:16. [PMID: 33320169 PMCID: PMC7745628 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.14.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Limbal niche cells (LNCs) play a vital role in the maintenance of limbal epithelial stem/progenitor cells (LESCs). Four methods have been reported to isolate and expand LNCs: digestion by collagenase alone (C-LNC), collagenase following dispase removal of the limbal epithelium (DC-LNC), dissection of dispase-isolated limbal epithelial sheets (D-LNC), and explant cultures of limbal stromal tissues (Ex-LNC). This study aimed to isolate LNCs using those four methods and to compare their capacity to maintain LESCs. Methods LNCs were isolated from the rat corneal limbus by the following methods: C-LNC, DC-LNC, D-LNC, and Ex-LNC. Quantitative real-time PCR and immunofluorescence staining were used to analyze the expression of embryonic stem cell (ESC) markers. The ability to maintain LESCs was assessed on the basis of colony-forming capacity and the expression of progenitor, proliferation, and differentiation markers in three-dimensional (3D) Matrigel and Transwell systems. Notch signaling of LESCs supported by different LNCs in Transwell inserts was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Results DC-LNCs exhibited lower expression of CK12 during isolation and expansion. Among P4-expanded LNCs, DC-LNCs expressed significantly higher levels of Sox2, Oct4, Nanog, and N-cadherin than C-LNCs, D-LNCs, and Ex-LNCs. Compared with other LNCs, DC-LNCs were more effective in maintaining LESCs with higher holoclone-forming efficiency, greater expression of ΔNp63α and Ki67, and lower expression of CK12. DC-LNCs were also more capable of downregulating Notch signaling of LESCs. Conclusions DC-LNCs were more effective in expressing ESC markers and maintaining LESCs compared to other LNCs. This study identifies an optimal method for the isolation of LNCs in tissue engineering and ocular surface reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Xiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Yu Qu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua-Tao Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Chang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Yue Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
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Tseng SCG, Chen SY, Mead OG, Tighe S. Niche regulation of limbal epithelial stem cells: HC-HA/PTX3 as surrogate matrix niche. Exp Eye Res 2020; 199:108181. [PMID: 32795525 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Homeostasis of the corneal epithelium is ultimately maintained by stem cells that reside in a specialized microenvironment within the corneal limbus termed palisades of Vogt. This limbal niche nourishes, protects, and regulates quiescence, self-renewal, and fate decision of limbal epithelial stem/progenitor cells (LEPCs) toward corneal epithelial differentiation. This review focuses on our current understanding of the mechanism by which limbal (stromal) niche cells (LNCs) regulate the aforementioned functions of LEPCs. Based on our discovery and characterization of a unique extracellular matrix termed HC-HA/PTX3 (Heavy chain (HC1)-hyaluronan (HA)/pentraxin 3 (PTX3) complex, "-" denotes covalent linkage; "/" denotes non-covalent binding) in the birth tissue, i.e., amniotic membrane and umbilical cord, we put forth a new paradigm that HC-HA/PTX3 serves as a surrogate matrix niche by maintaining the in vivo nuclear Pax6+ neural crest progenitor phenotype to support quiescence and self-renewal but prevent corneal fate decision of LEPCs. This new paradigm helps explain how limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) develops in aniridia due to Pax6-haplotype deficiency and further explains why transplantation of HC-HA/PTX3-containing amniotic membrane prevents LSCD in acute chemical burns and Stevens Johnson syndrome, augments the success of autologous LEPCs transplantation in patients suffering from partial or total LSCD, and assists ex vivo expansion (engineering) of a graft containing LEPCs. We thus envisage that this new paradigm based on regenerative matrix HC-HA/PTX3 as a surrogate niche can set a new standard for regenerative medicine in and beyond ophthalmology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scheffer C G Tseng
- Research & Development Department, TissueTech, Inc., Miami, FL, 33126, USA; Ocular Surface Center and Ocular Surface Research & Education Foundation, Miami, FL, 33126, USA.
| | - Szu-Yu Chen
- Research & Development Department, TissueTech, Inc., Miami, FL, 33126, USA
| | - Olivia G Mead
- Research & Development Department, TissueTech, Inc., Miami, FL, 33126, USA
| | - Sean Tighe
- Research & Development Department, TissueTech, Inc., Miami, FL, 33126, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
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The Neural Differentiation Potential of Limbal Stem Cells: A Model for Studying the Multipotency of Limbal Stem Cells. Cornea 2019; 38 Suppl 1:S4-S10. [PMID: 31397733 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000002084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the multipotency, especially the neural differentiation potential, of limbal stem cells (LSCs) using a coculture system and to provide a relevant literature review. METHODS Limbal tissue was harvested from adult New Zealand white rabbits and treated with collagenase A. Small pieces of the resulting limbal epithelial sheets were cocultured with a neuroblastoma cell line (Neuro-2A) in transwells. Morphological observation of the growing epithelial sheets was accomplished by microscopy, and marker expression was detected by immunocytochemistry for ßIII-tubulin and microtubule-associated protein 2. A literature review of associated studies was performed. RESULTS In the coculture group, directly adherent colonies of neuron-like (DACN) cells were observed among the growing limbal epithelial sheets from day 3. The DACN cells exhibited neuron-like morphology. The control group comprising limbal cell sheets cultured alone showed a very small number of DACN cells at the end of the culture period (day 14). Immunocytochemical staining revealed that the DACN cells were positive for ßIII-tubulin and microtubule-associated protein 2, confirming the neuronal phenotype of the neuron-like cells. By contrast, the DACN cells in the control group produced negative results. In previous reports, LSCs and niches exhibited neural potential, but most differentiated neural cells were observed as floating spheres, in contrast to the DACN cells observed in the present study. CONCLUSIONS We developed a coculture system of LSCs and Neuro-2A neuroblastoma cells and obtained DACN cells with neural differentiation potential. Our findings confirm the neural potential of LSCs, consistent with previous reports, but in a form other than floating spheres.
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Chen SY, Cheng AMS, Zhang Y, Zhu YT, He H, Mahabole M, Tseng SCG. Pax 6 Controls Neural Crest Potential of Limbal Niche Cells to Support Self-Renewal of Limbal Epithelial Stem Cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9763. [PMID: 31278274 PMCID: PMC6611810 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45100-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
On ocular surface, corneal epithelial stem cells (SC) reside in limbus between cornea and conjunctiva. Pax6, an evolutionally conserved transcription factor essential for eye development, is expressed in post-natal corneal and limbal epithelia progenitors (LEPC) but not in underlying stroma. Because Pax6 is transiently expressed in developing corneal stroma and a subset of limbal and corneal stromal progenitors, we examined the role of Pax6 in limbal niche cells (LNC) in maintaining the phenotype of neural crest (NC) progenitors to support LEPC. Our results showed that nuclear Pax6 staining was found in freshly isolated LNC but not corneal stromal cells. Serial passaged LNC resulted in gradual loss of nuclear Pax6 (46 kDa) staining and neural crest progenitor status defined by the expression of embryonic SCs and NC markers, neurosphere formation, and differentiation into neurons, oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. Gain of function of 46 kDa Pax6 in late-passaged LNC resulted in nuclear Pax6 staining and promotion of the aforementioned NC progenitor status. In an in vitro reunion assay, early passaged LNC and late passaged LNC with overexpression of Pax6 inhibited the expression of corneal epithelial differentiation marker and promoted holoclone by LEPC. Therefore, expression of nuclear 46 kDa Pax6 in LNC plays an important developmental role in maintaining NC progenitor status to support self-renewal of corneal epithelial SCs in the limbal niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szu-Yu Chen
- R&D Department, Tissue Tech, Inc., Miami, FL, 33126, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33136, USA
| | - Anny M S Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Florida International University, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, FL33199, USA.,Ocular Surface Center, and Ocular Surface Research & Education Foundation, Miami, FL, 33126, USA
| | - Yuan Zhang
- R&D Department, Tissue Tech, Inc., Miami, FL, 33126, USA
| | - Ying-Ting Zhu
- R&D Department, Tissue Tech, Inc., Miami, FL, 33126, USA
| | - Hua He
- R&D Department, Tissue Tech, Inc., Miami, FL, 33126, USA
| | - Megha Mahabole
- R&D Department, Tissue Tech, Inc., Miami, FL, 33126, USA
| | - Scheffer C G Tseng
- R&D Department, Tissue Tech, Inc., Miami, FL, 33126, USA. .,Ocular Surface Center, and Ocular Surface Research & Education Foundation, Miami, FL, 33126, USA.
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Comparison of Human Denuded Amniotic Membrane and Porcine Small Intestine Submucosa as Scaffolds for Limbal Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2018; 14:744-754. [DOI: 10.1007/s12015-018-9819-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Grimm D, Egli M, Krüger M, Riwaldt S, Corydon TJ, Kopp S, Wehland M, Wise P, Infanger M, Mann V, Sundaresan A. Tissue Engineering Under Microgravity Conditions-Use of Stem Cells and Specialized Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2018; 27:787-804. [PMID: 29596037 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2017.0242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Experimental cell research studying three-dimensional (3D) tissues in space and on Earth using new techniques to simulate microgravity is currently a hot topic in Gravitational Biology and Biomedicine. This review will focus on the current knowledge of the use of stem cells and specialized cells for tissue engineering under simulated microgravity conditions. We will report on recent advancements in the ability to construct 3D aggregates from various cell types using devices originally created to prepare for spaceflights such as the random positioning machine (RPM), the clinostat, or the NASA-developed rotating wall vessel (RWV) bioreactor, to engineer various tissues such as preliminary vessels, eye tissue, bone, cartilage, multicellular cancer spheroids, and others from different cells. In addition, stem cells had been investigated under microgravity for the purpose to engineer adipose tissue, cartilage, or bone. Recent publications have discussed different changes of stem cells when exposed to microgravity and the relevant pathways involved in these biological processes. Tissue engineering in microgravity is a new technique to produce organoids, spheroids, or tissues with and without scaffolds. These 3D aggregates can be used for drug testing studies or for coculture models. Multicellular tumor spheroids may be interesting for radiation experiments in the future and to reduce the need for in vivo experiments. Current achievements using cells from patients engineered on the RWV or on the RPM represent an important step in the advancement of techniques that may be applied in translational Regenerative Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Grimm
- 1 Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University , Aarhus C, Denmark .,2 Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University , Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marcel Egli
- 3 Institute of Medical Engineering, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts , Hergiswil, Switzerland
| | - Marcus Krüger
- 2 Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University , Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Riwaldt
- 1 Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University , Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Thomas J Corydon
- 1 Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University , Aarhus C, Denmark .,4 Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital , Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sascha Kopp
- 2 Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University , Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Markus Wehland
- 2 Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University , Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Petra Wise
- 5 Hematology/Oncology, University of Southern California , Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Manfred Infanger
- 2 Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University , Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Vivek Mann
- 6 Department of Biology, Texas Southern University , Houston, Texas
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Cieślar-Pobuda A, Rafat M, Knoflach V, Skonieczna M, Hudecki A, Małecki A, Urasińska E, Ghavami S, Łos MJ. Human induced pluripotent stem cell differentiation and direct transdifferentiation into corneal epithelial-like cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:42314-42329. [PMID: 27275539 PMCID: PMC5173137 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The corneal epithelium is maintained by a small pool of tissue stem cells located at the limbus. Through certain injuries or diseases this pool of stem cells may get depleted. This leads to visual impairment. Standard treatment options include autologous or allogeneic limbal stem cell (LSC) transplantation, however graft rejection and chronic inflammation lowers the success rate over long time. Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have opened new possibilities for treating various diseases with patient specific cells, eliminating the risk of immune rejection. In recent years, several protocols have been developed, aimed at the differentiation of iPS cells into the corneal epithelial lineage by mimicking the environmental niche of limbal stem cells. However, the risk of teratoma formation associated with the use of iPS cells hinders most applications from lab into clinics. Here we show that the differentiation of iPS cells into corneal epithelial cells results in the expression of corneal epithelial markers showing a successful differentiation, but the process is long and the level of gene expression for the pluripotency markers does not vanish completely. Therefore we set out to determine a direct transdifferentiation approach to circumvent the intermediate state of pluripotency (iPS-stage). The resulting cells, obtained by direct transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into limbal cells, exhibited corneal epithelial cell morphology and expressed corneal epithelial markers. Hence we shows for the first time a direct transdifferentiation of human dermal fibroblasts into the corneal epithelial lineage that may serve as source for corneal epithelial cells for transplantation approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Cieślar-Pobuda
- Stem Cell Group, Nordic EMBL Partnership, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Automatic Control, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Mehrdad Rafat
- LinkoCare Life Sciences AB, Mjärdevi Science Park, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Viktoria Knoflach
- Unit of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry & Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magdalena Skonieczna
- Institute of Automatic Control, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland.,Center for Biotechnology, Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
| | | | - Andrzej Małecki
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Physiotherapy, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Urasińska
- Department of Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Seaid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Marek J Łos
- LinkoCare Life Sciences AB, Mjärdevi Science Park, Linköping, Sweden.,Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Physiotherapy, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
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13
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Gonzalez G, Sasamoto Y, Ksander BR, Frank MH, Frank NY. Limbal stem cells: identity, developmental origin, and therapeutic potential. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2017; 7. [PMID: 29105366 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The cornea is our window to the world and our vision is critically dependent on corneal clarity and integrity. Its epithelium represents one of the most rapidly regenerating mammalian tissues, undergoing full-turnover over the course of approximately 1-2 weeks. This robust and efficient regenerative capacity is dependent on the function of stem cells residing in the limbus, a structure marking the border between the cornea and the conjunctiva. Limbal stem cells (LSC) represent a quiescent cell population with proliferative capacity residing in the basal epithelial layer of the limbus within a cellular niche. In addition to LSC, this niche consists of various cell populations such as limbal stromal fibroblasts, melanocytes and immune cells as well as a basement membrane, all of which are essential for LSC maintenance and LSC-driven regeneration. The LSC niche's components are of diverse developmental origin, a fact that had, until recently, prevented precise identification of molecularly defined LSC. The recent success in prospective LSC isolation based on ABCB5 expression and the capacity of this LSC population for long-term corneal restoration following transplantation in preclinical in vivo models of LSC deficiency underline the considerable potential of pure LSC formulations for clinical therapy. Additional studies, including genetic lineage tracing of the developmental origin of LSC will further improve our understanding of this critical cell population and its niche, with important implications for regenerative medicine. WIREs Dev Biol 2018, 7:e303. doi: 10.1002/wdev.303 This article is categorized under: Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Stem Cells and Disease Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Tissue Stem Cells and Niches Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Gonzalez
- Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yuzuru Sasamoto
- Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bruce R Ksander
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Markus H Frank
- Transplant Research Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Natasha Y Frank
- Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Coppola A, Tomasello L, Pitrone M, Cillino S, Richiusa P, Pizzolanti G, Giordano C. Human limbal fibroblast-like stem cells induce immune-tolerance in autoreactive T lymphocytes from female patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2017; 8:154. [PMID: 28673339 PMCID: PMC5496215 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-017-0611-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Due to their “natural immune privilege” and immunoregulatory properties human fibroblast-like limbal stem cells (f-LSCs) have acquired great interest as a potential tool for achieving immunotolerance. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is the most common thyroid autoimmune disease and cause of hypothyroidism. To date, conventional hormone replacement therapy and unspecific immunosuppressive regimens cannot provide a definitive cure for HT subjects. We explored the immunosuppressant potential of human f-LSCs on circulating lymphomonocytes (PBMCs) collected from healthy donors and female HT patients. Methods We assessed the immunophenotyping of f-LSCs, both untreated and after 48 h of proinflammatory cytokine exposure, by means of quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and flow cytometry. The immunosuppressant effects of f-LSCs on healthy activated PBMCs were investigated in cell-cell contact and transwell settings through cell cycle assay, acridine orange staining, and caspase-3 detection. We also studied T-cell responses and possible Treg conversion by means of flow cytometry. Functional assays were conducted in activated HT lymphocytes cocultured with f-LSCs after carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester labeling and intracellular detection of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Results The hypo-immunogenicity of the f-LSC population depended on both cell contact and soluble factors produced, as well as the undetectable expression of all those molecules required to fully activate T lymphocytes. Following exposure to Th1 cytokines, f-LSCs augmented expression of programmed death-ligand 1 and 2 (PDL-1 and -2), indoleamine-pyrrole-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), interleukin (IL)-6, and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) while maintaining their negative phenotype for major histocompatibility (MHC) class II and costimulatory molecules. During coculture, f-LSCs suppressed up to 40% of proliferation in healthy activated PBMCs, arrested them in the G0/G1 cell cycle phase without inducing apoptosis cascade, inverted the CD4/CD8 ratio, and promoted sustained expression of the immunomodulator marker CD69. Under coculture conditions the Th imbalance of autoreactive T cells from female HT patients was fully restored. Conclusions Our study describes an in vitro coculture system able to prevent inappropriate activation of autoreactive T lymphocytes of female HT patients and to generate a tolerogenic environment even in an inflammatory background. Further investigations are necessary to establish whether this stem cell-based therapy approach in HT could avoid lifetime hormone replacement therapy by inducing T-cell education. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13287-017-0611-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonina Coppola
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Di.Bi.M.I.S., University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy.,ATeN (Advanced Technologies Network Center), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Laura Tomasello
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Di.Bi.M.I.S., University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy.,ATeN (Advanced Technologies Network Center), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Pitrone
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Di.Bi.M.I.S., University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy.,ATeN (Advanced Technologies Network Center), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Pierina Richiusa
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Di.Bi.M.I.S., University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pizzolanti
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Di.Bi.M.I.S., University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy. .,ATeN (Advanced Technologies Network Center), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Carla Giordano
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Di.Bi.M.I.S., University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy. .,ATeN (Advanced Technologies Network Center), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
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15
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Tomasello L, Musso R, Cillino G, Pitrone M, Pizzolanti G, Coppola A, Arancio W, Di Cara G, Pucci-Minafra I, Cillino S, Giordano C. Donor age and long-term culture do not negatively influence the stem potential of limbal fibroblast-like stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2016; 7:83. [PMID: 27296060 PMCID: PMC4906894 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-016-0342-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In regenerative medicine the maintenance of stem cell properties is of crucial importance. Ageing is considered a cause of reduced stemness capability. The limbus is a stem niche of easy access and harbors two stem cell populations: epithelial stem cells and fibroblast-like stem cells. Our aim was to investigate whether donor age and/or long-term culture have any influence on stem cell marker expression and the profiles in the fibroblast-like stem cell population. METHODS Fibroblast-like stem cells were isolated and digested from 25 limbus samples of normal human corneo-scleral rings and long-term cultures were obtained. SSEA4 expression and sphere-forming capability were evaluated; cytofluorimetric assay was performed to detect the immunophenotypes HLA-DR, CD45, and CD34 and the principle stem cell markers ABCG2, OCT3/4, and NANOG. Molecular expression of the principal mesenchymal stem cell genes was investigated by real-time PCR. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometric sequencing were performed and a stable proteomic profile was identified. The proteins detected were explored by gene ontology and STRING analysis. The data were reported as means ± SD, compared by Student's unpaired t test and considering p < 0.05 as statistically significant. RESULTS The isolated cells did not display any hematopoietic surface marker (CD34 and CD45) and HLA-DR and they maintained these features in long-term culture. The expression of the stemness genes and the multilineage differentiation under in-vitro culture conditions proved to be well maintained. Proteomic analysis revealed a fibroblast-like stem cell profile of 164 proteins with higher expression levels. Eighty of these showed stable expression levels and were involved in maintenance of "the stem gene profile"; 84 were differentially expressed and were involved in structural activity. CONCLUSIONS The fibroblast-like limbal stem cells confirmed that they are a robust source of adult stem cells and that they have good plasticity, good proliferative capability, and long-term maintenance of stem cell properties, independently of donor age and long-term culture conditions. Our findings confirm that limbal fibroblast-like stem cells are highly promising for application in regenerative medicine and that in-vitro culture steps do not influence their stem cell properties. Moreover, the proteomic data enrich our knowledge of fibroblast-like stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tomasello
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Di.Bi.M.I.S., University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosa Musso
- Centro di Oncobiologia Sperimentale (COBS), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cillino
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Pitrone
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Di.Bi.M.I.S., University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pizzolanti
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Di.Bi.M.I.S., University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy
- ATeN (Advanced Technologies Network Center), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonina Coppola
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Di.Bi.M.I.S., University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Walter Arancio
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Di.Bi.M.I.S., University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Carla Giordano
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Di.Bi.M.I.S., University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
- ATeN (Advanced Technologies Network Center), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
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16
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Zhang Y, Sun H, Liu Y, Chen S, Cai S, Zhu Y, Guo P. The Limbal Epithelial Progenitors in the Limbal Niche Environment. Int J Med Sci 2016; 13:835-840. [PMID: 27877075 PMCID: PMC5118754 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.16563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Limbal epithelial progenitors are stem cells located in limbal palisades of vogt. In this review, we present the audience with recent evidence that limbal epithelial progenitors may be a powerful stem cell resource for the cure of human corneal stem cell deficiency. Further understanding of their mechanism may shed lights to the future successful application of stem cell therapy not only to the eye tissue, but also to the other tissues in the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhang
- Research and Development Department, TissueTech, Inc., 7000 SW 97th Avenue, Suite 212, Miami, FL 33173, USA
| | - Hong Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yongsong Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yan' An Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Shuangling Chen
- Research and Development Department, TissueTech, Inc., 7000 SW 97th Avenue, Suite 212, Miami, FL 33173, USA
| | - Subo Cai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yingting Zhu
- Research and Development Department, TissueTech, Inc., 7000 SW 97th Avenue, Suite 212, Miami, FL 33173, USA
| | - Ping Guo
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry & Ophthalmology of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen, 518000, China
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17
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Feng W, Lv S, Cui J, Han X, Du J, Sun J, Wang K, Wang Z, Lu X, Guo J, Oda K, Amizuka N, Xu X, Li M. Histochemical examination of adipose derived stem cells combined with β-TCP for bone defects restoration under systemic administration of 1α,25(OH)2D3. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2015; 54:133-41. [PMID: 26046276 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2015.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Revised: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of osteogenic differentiated adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) loaded beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) in the restoration of bone defects under intraperitoneal administration of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3(1α,25(OH)2D3). ADSCs were isolated from the fat tissue of 8 week old Wister rats and co-cultured with β-TCP for 21 days under osteogenic induction. Then the ADSC-β-TCP complexes were implanted into bone defects in the femora of rats. 1α,25(OH)2D3 (VD) or normal saline (NS) was administrated intraperitoneally every other day after the surgery. Femora were harvested at day 7, day 14 and day 28 post-surgery. There were 4 groups for all specimens: β-TCP-NS group; β-TCP-ADSC-NS group; β-TCP-VD group and β-TCP-ADSC-VD group. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was up-regulated obviously in ADSC groups compared with non-ADSC groups at day 7, day 14 and day 28, although high expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) was only seen at day 7. Furthermore, the number of TRAP-positive osteoclasts and the expression of cathepsin K (CK) were significantly decreased in VD groups compared with non-VD groups at day 7 and day 14. As a most significant finding, the β-TCP-ADSC-VD group showed the highest BV/TV ratio compared with the other three groups at day 28. Taken together, ADSC-loaded β-TCP under the administration of 1α,25(OH)2D3 made a promising therapy for bone defects restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Feng
- Department of Bone Metabolism, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Jinan, China
| | - Shengyu Lv
- Department of Bone Metabolism, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jian Cui
- Department of Bone Metabolism, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiuchun Han
- Department of Bone Metabolism, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Jinan, China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Bone Metabolism, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Bone Metabolism, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Jinan, China
| | - Kefeng Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhenming Wang
- Key Lab of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiong Lu
- Key Lab of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Guo
- Department of Bone Metabolism, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Jinan, China
| | - Kimimitsu Oda
- Division of Biochemistry, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Norio Amizuka
- Department of Developmental Biology of Hard Tissue, Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Bone Metabolism, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Jinan, China
| | - Minqi Li
- Department of Bone Metabolism, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Jinan, China.
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18
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Katikireddy KR, Dana R, Jurkunas UV. Differentiation potential of limbal fibroblasts and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to corneal epithelial cells. Stem Cells 2014; 32:717-29. [PMID: 24022965 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Revised: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The cornea is covered by a stratified epithelium that is renewed by stem cells located in the peripheral region of the cornea known as the limbus. This stroma of the limbus contains stromal keratocytes that, when expanded in culture, are termed limbal fibroblasts (LFs). It is thought that LFs exhibit similar characteristics to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM MSCs) and help maintain the epithelial stem cell phenotype in the limbal region. In this study, we aimed at reprogramming stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 (SSEA4+) LFs and BM MSCs into corneal epithelial lineage using a three-dimensional culture system and embryonic stem cell medium. After enrichment, SSEA4+ cells showed a higher level of stem cell marker expression such as Sox2, Oct4, Nanog, Rex1, ABCG2, and TRA-1-60, and colony-forming efficiency than did SSEA4- cells. SSEA4+, as compared to SSEA4- cells, had a greater propensity to form spheres that, in turn, were induced into ectodermal lineage and further differentiated into functional corneal epithelium. Results show that LFs were similar to BM MSCs in marker profiles, and together with the differences noted between SSEA4+ and SSEA4- cells, point to LFs' being tissue-specific MSCs. However, LFs showed a greater potential for differentiation into corneal epithelium, indicating the potential importance of tissue-specific adult progenitors in their reprogramming capacity into cells of interest. This study opens a new avenue for investigating the molecular mechanism involved in maintaining a limbal stem cell niche and thus a potentially important clinical application to treat corneal epithelial stem cell loss.
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Chen X, Thomson H, Cooke J, Scott J, Hossain P, Lotery A. Adult limbal neurosphere cells: a potential autologous cell resource for retinal cell generation. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108418. [PMID: 25271851 PMCID: PMC4182722 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Corneal limbus is a readily accessible region at the front of the eye, separating the cornea and sclera. Neural colonies (neurospheres) can be generated from adult corneal limbus invitro. We have previously shown that these neurospheres originate from neural crest stem/progenitor cells and that they can differentiate into functional neurons invitro. The aim of this study was to investigate whether mouse and human limbal neurosphere cells (LNS) could differentiate towards a retinal lineage both invivo and invitro following exposure to a developing retinal microenvironment. In this article we show that LNS can be generated from adult mice and aged humans (up to 97 years) using a serum free culture assay. Following culture with developing mouse retinal cells, we detected retinal progenitor cell markers, mature retinal/neuronal markers and sensory cilia in the majority of mouse LNS experiments. After transplantation into the sub-retinal space of neonatal mice, mouse LNS cells expressed photoreceptor specific markers, but no incorporation into host retinal tissue was seen. Human LNS cells also expressed retinal progenitor markers at the transcription level but mature retinal markers were not observed invitro or invivo. This data highlights that mouse corneal limbal stromal progenitor cells can transdifferentiate towards a retinal lineage. Complete differentiation is likely to require more comprehensive regulation; however, the accessibility and plasticity of LNS makes them an attractive cell resource for future study and ultimately therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Chen
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Heather Thomson
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica Cooke
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol Eye Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Scott
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Parwez Hossain
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Eye Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Lotery
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Eye Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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20
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Mariappan I, Kacham S, Purushotham J, Maddileti S, Siamwala J, Sangwan VS. Spatial distribution of niche and stem cells in ex vivo human limbal cultures. Stem Cells Transl Med 2014; 3:1331-41. [PMID: 25232182 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2014-0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells at the limbus mediate corneal epithelial regeneration and regulate normal tissue homeostasis. Ex vivo cultured limbal epithelial transplantations are being widely practiced in the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency. In this report, we examined whether the limbal niche cells that nurture and regulate epithelial stem cells coexist in ex vivo limbal cultures. We also compared the inherent differences between explant and suspension culture systems in terms of spatial distribution of niche cells and their effect on epithelial stem cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation in vitro. We report that the stem cell content of both culture systems was similar, explaining the comparable clinical outcomes reported using these two methods. We also showed that the niche cells get expanded in culture and the nestin-positive cells migrate at the leading edges to direct epithelial cell migration in suspension cultures, whereas they are limited to the intact niche in explant cultures. We provide evidence that C/EBPδ-positive, p15-positive, and quiescent, label-retaining, early activated stem cells migrate at the leading edges to regulate epithelial cell proliferation in explant cultures, and this position effect is lost in early suspension cultures. However, in confluent suspension cultures, the stem cells and niche cells interact with each another, migrate in spiraling patterns, and self-organize to form three-dimensional niche-like compartments resembling the limbal crypts and thereby reestablish the position effect. These 3D-sphere clusters are enriched with nestin-, vimentin-, S100-, and p27-positive niche cells and p15-, p21-, p63α-, C/EBPδ-, ABCG2-, and Pax6-positive quiescent epithelial stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indumathi Mariappan
- Sudhakar and Sreekanth Ravi Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, C-TRACER, and Cornea and Anterior Segment Services, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India; University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Santhosh Kacham
- Sudhakar and Sreekanth Ravi Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, C-TRACER, and Cornea and Anterior Segment Services, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India; University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Jyothi Purushotham
- Sudhakar and Sreekanth Ravi Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, C-TRACER, and Cornea and Anterior Segment Services, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India; University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Savitri Maddileti
- Sudhakar and Sreekanth Ravi Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, C-TRACER, and Cornea and Anterior Segment Services, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India; University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Jamila Siamwala
- Sudhakar and Sreekanth Ravi Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, C-TRACER, and Cornea and Anterior Segment Services, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India; University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Virender Singh Sangwan
- Sudhakar and Sreekanth Ravi Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, C-TRACER, and Cornea and Anterior Segment Services, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India; University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
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Liang CM, Weng SJ, Tsai TH, Li IH, Lu PH, Ma KH, Tai MC, Chen JT, Cheng CY, Huang YS. Neurotrophic and neuroprotective potential of human limbus-derived mesenchymal stromal cells. Cytotherapy 2014; 16:1371-83. [PMID: 24996595 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2014.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Revised: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS The purpose of this study was to examine neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects of limbus stroma-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (L-MSCs) on cortical neurons in vitro and in vivo. METHODS Cultured L-MSCs were characterized by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence through the use of specific MSC marker antibodies. Conditioned media were collected from normoxia- and hypoxia-treated L-MSCs to assess neurotrophic effects. Neuroprotective potentials were evaluated through the use of in vitro hypoxic cortical neuron culture and in vivo rat focal cerebral ischemia models. Neuronal morphology was confirmed by immunofluorescence with the use of anti-MAP2 antibody. Post-ischemic infarct volume and motor behavior were assayed by means of triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and open-field testing, respectively. Human growth antibody arrays and enzyme-linked immunoassays were used to analyze trophic/growth factors contained in conditioned media. RESULTS Isolated human L-MSCs highly expressed CD29, CD90 and CD105 but not CD34 and CD45. Mesenchymal lineage cell surface expression pattern and differentiation capacity were identical to MSCs derived form human bone marrow and adipose tissue. The L-MSC normoxic and hypoxic conditioned media both promoted neurite outgrowth in cultured cortical neurons. Hypoxic conditioned medium showed superior neurotrophic function and neuroprotective potential with reduced ischemic brain injury and improved functional recovery in rat focal cerebral ischemia models. Human growth factor arrays and enzyme-linked immunoassays measurements showed neuroprotective and growth-associated cytokines (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], VEGFR3, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, insulin-like growth factor -2 and hepatocyte growth factor) contained in conditioned media. Hypoxic exposure caused VEGF and brain-derived neurotrophic factor upregulation, possibly contributing to neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects. CONCLUSIONS L-MSCs can secrete various neurotrophic factors stimulating neurite outgrowth and protecting neurons against brain ischemic injury through paracrine mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Min Liang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Aerospace and Undersea Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Ju Weng
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Han Tsai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Hsun Li
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Hui Lu
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Hsing Ma
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Cheng Tai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jiann-Torng Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yi Cheng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuahn-Sieh Huang
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
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22
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Localisation of epithelial cells capable of holoclone formation in vitro and direct interaction with stromal cells in the native human limbal crypt. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94283. [PMID: 24714106 PMCID: PMC3979808 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) are essential to maintain the transparent ocular surface required for vision. Despite great advances in our understanding of ocular stem cell biology over the last decade, the exact location of the LESC niche remains unclear. In the present study we have used in vitro clonal analysis to confirm that limbal crypts provide a niche for the resident LESCs. We have used high-resolution imaging of the basal epithelial layer at the limbus to identify cells with a morphology consistent with stem cells that were only present within the basal layer of the limbal crypts. These cells are proximal to limbal stromal cells suggesting direct cell-to-cell interaction. Serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBFSEM) confirmed that the putative LESCs are indeed in direct contact with cells in the underlying stroma, a contact that is facilitated by focal basement membrane interruptions. Limbal mesenchymal cells previously identified in the human limbus collocate in the crypt-rich limbal stromal area in the vicinity of LESCs and may be involved in the cell-to-cell contact revealed by SBFSEM. We also observed a high population of melanocytes within the basal layer of the limbal crypts. From these observations we present a three dimensional reconstruction of the LESC niche in which the stem cell is closely associated and maintained by both dendritic pigmented limbal melanocytes and elongated limbal stromal cells.
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Lim MN, Hussin NH, Othman A, Umapathy T, Gurbind S, Baharuddin P, Jamal R, Zakaria Z. Comparative global gene expression profile of human limbal stromal cells, bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells, adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells and foreskin fibroblasts. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.7243/2054-717x-1-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Abstract
The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye and comprises three distinct cell layers. One of these cell layers is a self-renewing epithelium long believed to harbor a resident stem cell population. The location and characteristics of corneal epithelial stem cells have now been confirmed by several research groups, and these cells are currently applied therapeutically. The corneal stroma and endothelium are largely quiescent after infancy, and until recently they were not considered to undergo self-renewal or to maintain stem cells. This view was overturned during the last two decades. At present, cell populations with characteristics of adult stem cells are routinely isolated and characterized from the limbal stroma and the corneal -endothelium. This chapter describes methods for isolation and culture of limbal stromal cells and corneal endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naresh Polisetti
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Xie HT, Chen SY, Li GG, Tseng SCG. Isolation and expansion of human limbal stromal niche cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2012; 53:279-86. [PMID: 22167096 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.11-8441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Limbal stromal niche cells heterogeneously express embryonic stem cell (SC) markers. This study was conducted to isolate and expand them and to prove that their phenotype is critical for supporting SCs. METHODS Human limbus was isolated by dispase or collagenase. Single cells were seeded on coated, 2D, or 3D Matrigel and were serially passaged in modified embryonic SC medium (MESCM), supplemented hormonal epithelial medium (SHEM), or Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium plus 10% fetal bovine serum (DF) before they were seeded in 3D Matrigel. Sphere growth was achieved by mixing expanded single cells with dispase-isolated epithelial cells in 3D Matrigel. Expression of SC markers was analyzed by qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot; SC clonal growth was measured on 3T3 feeder layers. RESULTS Collagenase, but not dispase, isolated subjacent mesenchymal cells, of which the expression of Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, Rex1, SSEA4, N-cadherin, and CD34 was promoted in MESCM more than SHEM or DF. Reunion of PCK+ and Vim+ cells generated spheres in 3D Matrigel, but spindle cells emerged on 2D or coated Matrigel. Serial passages on coated Matrigel resulted in rapid expansion of spindle cells, of which the expression of ESC markers had declined but could be regained after reseeding in 3D Matrigel in MESCM but not in SHEM or DF. Resultant epithelial spheres mixed with spindle cells expanded in MESCM expressed more p63α, less CK12, and more holoclones than those mixed with spindle cells expanded in DF. CONCLUSIONS Limbal stromal niche cells expressing SC markers can be isolated and expanded to prevent differentiation and maintain clonal growth of limbal epithelial progenitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Tao Xie
- R&D Department, TissueTech, Inc., Ocular Surface Center, and Ocular Surface Research and Education Foundation, Miami, Florida 33173, USA
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Criscimanna A, Zito G, Taddeo A, Richiusa P, Pitrone M, Morreale D, Lodato G, Pizzolanti G, Citarrella R, Galluzzo A, Giordano C. In vitro generation of pancreatic endocrine cells from human adult fibroblast-like limbal stem cells. Cell Transplant 2011; 21:73-90. [PMID: 21669045 DOI: 10.3727/096368911x580635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cells might provide unlimited supply of transplantable cells for β-cell replacement therapy in diabetes. The human limbus is a highly specialized region hosting a well-recognized population of epithelial stem cells, which sustain the continuous renewal of the cornea, and the recently identified stromal fibroblast-like stem cells (f-LSCs), with apparent broader plasticity. However, the lack of specific molecular markers for the identification of the multipotent limbal subpopulation has so far limited the investigation of their differentiation potential. In this study we show that the human limbus contains uncommitted cells that could be potentially harnessed for the treatment of diabetes. Fourteen limbal biopsies were obtained from patients undergoing surgery for ocular diseases not involving the conjunctiva or corneal surface. We identified a subpopulation of f-LSCs characterized by robust proliferative capacity, expressing several pluripotent stem cell markers and exhibiting self-renewal ability. We then demonstrated the potential of f-LSCs to differentiate in vitro into functional insulin-secreting cells by developing a four-step differentiation protocol that efficiently directed f-LSCs towards the pancreatic endocrine cell fate. The expression of specific endodermal, pancreatic, islet, and β-cell markers, as well as functional properties of f-LSC-derived insulin-producing cells, were evaluated during differentiation. With our stage-specific approach, up to 77% of f-LSCs eventually differentiated into cells expressing insulin (also assessed as C-peptide) and exhibited phenotypic features of mature β-cells, such as expression of critical transcription factors and presence of secretory granules. Although insulin content was about 160-fold lower than what observed in adult islets, differentiated cells processed ∼98% of their proinsulin content, similar to mature β-cells. Moreover, they responded in vitro in a regulated manner to multiple secretory stimuli, including glucose. In conclusion, f-LSCs represent a possible relevant source of autologous, transplantable, insulin-producing cells that could be tested for the reversal of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Criscimanna
- Sezione di Endocrinologia, Dipartimento Biomedico di Medicina Interna e Specialistica, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Chen SY, Hayashida Y, Chen MY, Xie HT, Tseng SCG. A new isolation method of human limbal progenitor cells by maintaining close association with their niche cells. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2011; 17:537-48. [PMID: 21175372 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2010.0609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In human corneal epithelium, self-renewal and fate decision of stem cells are highly regulated in a niche microenvironment called palisades of Vogt in the limbus. Herein, we discovered that digestion with dispase, which cleaves off the basement membrane, did not remove the entire basal epithelial progenitor cells. In contrast, digestion with collagenase isolated on cluster consisting of not only entire epithelial progenitor cells but also their closely associated mesenchymal cells because of better preservation of some basement membrane matrix. Collagenase isolated more basal epithelial progenitor cells, which were p63α+ and small in the size (8 μm in diameter), and generated significantly more holoclones and meroclones on 3T3 fibroblast feeder layers than dispase. Further, collagenase isolated more small pan-cytokeratin-/p63α-/vimentin+ cells with the size as small as 5 μm in diameter and heterogeneously expressing vimentin, Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, Rex1, Nestin, N-cadherin, SSEA4, and CD34. Maintenance of close association between them led to clonal growth in a serum-free, low-calcium medium, whereas disruption of such association by trypsin/EDTA resulted in no clonal growth unless cocultured with 3T3 fibroblast feeder layers. Similarly, on epithelially denuded amniotic membrane, maintenance of such association led to consistent and robust epithelial outgrowth, which was also abolished by trypsin/EDTA. Epithelial outgrowth generated by collagenase-isolated clusters was significantly larger in diameter and its single cells yielded more holoclones on 3T3 fibroblast feeder layers than that from dispase-isolated sheets. This new isolation method can be used for exploring how limbal epithelial stem cells are regulated by their native niche cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szu-Yu Chen
- Ocular Surface Center, TissueTech, Inc., Miami, Florida 33173, USA
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Molecular and cellular characterization of expanded and cryopreserved human limbal epithelial stem cells reveal unique immunological properties. Exp Eye Res 2011; 92:47-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2010.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2010] [Revised: 10/15/2010] [Accepted: 11/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Effects of fibroblast origin and phenotype on the proliferative potential of limbal epithelial progenitor cells. Exp Eye Res 2010; 92:10-9. [PMID: 20970420 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2010.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2010] [Revised: 09/15/2010] [Accepted: 10/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The current study investigates potential differences in fibroblast phenotype across the anterior segment of the human eye with the aim to understanding factors that support the regenerative function of human limbal epithelial progenitor cells (LEPs) during wound healing. Separate cultures of fibroblasts were established from the cornea, limbus and sclera by growth in serum-supplemented medium. The resulting cultures were examined for potential differences in morphology and growth rate, as well as expression of CD34, CD45, CD90, CD141, CD271, vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-sma). Finally, cultures were examined for their ability to support the growth of LEPs. While all cultures grew at a similar rate, scleral cultures often contained larger and more irregularly shaped cells which stained positive for α-sma. Western blotting confirmed a gradient of α-sma expression with lowest levels in corneal cultures. All three cultures stained positively for CD90 and vimentin, and were negative for CD34, CD45, CD141 and CD271. Only limbal or corneal irradiated fibroblasts supported the establishment of LEP cultures. While LEP colony forming efficiency and prominent expression of ABCG2, C/EBPδ and p63 was similar with either limbal or corneal fibroblasts, limbal fibroblasts supported significantly better growth. These results indicate that scleral fibroblasts have an increased capacity for myofibroblast formation which appears to negatively impact on their ability to support LEP growth. Superior growth of LEPs in the presence of limbal fibroblasts indicates a role for limbal fibroblasts in promoting the proliferation of limbal epithelium during wound healing.
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Ahmadiankia N, Ebrahimi M, Hosseini A, Baharvand H. Effects of different extracellular matrices and co-cultures on human limbal stem cell expansion in vitro. Cell Biol Int 2009; 33:978-87. [PMID: 19559803 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellbi.2009.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2008] [Revised: 03/06/2009] [Accepted: 06/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
To elucidate the effect of extracellular matrices (ECMs) and related and nonrelated-limbal feeder cells as substitutes for the in vivo niche on the phenotype and genotype of the limbal stem cell (SC) expansion in vitro, human limbal SCs were used. The limbus explants were expanded on human amniotic membrane (AM), commercial ECMs including matrigel (MAT), collagen (COL), and control (no ECM) in presence and absence of feeder cells including human limbal fibroblasts (LFs), a limbus-specific cell and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Proliferation, cell death, immunocytochemistry, expression of specific genes, ultrastructural characteristics, and size and granularity of expanded human limbal SCs in different groups were evaluated. The growth, cell proliferation, and survival of limbal SCs were enhanced by AM and MAT matrices. Ultrastructure and expression of stemness markers revealed that there was no significance difference between AM and MAT. However, flow cytometric analysis showed that the size and granularity of cultured cells increased in the presence of MAT and COL as well as in no ECM group. Moreover, co-culturing of limbal explants with LFs and MEFs on AM and MAT groups, enhanced the expansion and survival of cultured cells in comparison with others. In conclusion, the cultivation of human limbal explants on AM co-culturing with human LFs promises to be a good model for preparing undifferentiated epithelial sheets suitable for transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naghmeh Ahmadiankia
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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Takács L, Tóth E, Berta A, Vereb G. Stem cells of the adult cornea: from cytometric markers to therapeutic applications. Cytometry A 2009; 75:54-66. [PMID: 19051301 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.20671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cornea is a major protective shield of the interior of the eye and represents two thirds of its refractive power. It is made up of three tissue layers that have different developmental origins: the outer, epithelial layer develops from the ectoderm overlying the lens vesicle, whereas the stroma and the endothelium have mesenchymal origin. In the adult organism, the outermost corneal epithelium is the most exposed to environmental damage, and its constant renewal is assured by the epithelial stem cells that reside in the limbus, the circular border of the cornea. Cell turnover in the stromal layer is very slow and the endothelial cells probably do not reproduce in the adult organism. However, recent experimental evidence indicates that stem cells may be found in these layers. Damage to any of the corneal layers leads to loss of transparency and low vision. Corneal limbal stem cell deficiency results in severe ocular surface disease and its treatment by transplantating ex vivo expanded limbal epithelial cells is becoming widely accepted today. Stromal and endothelial stem cells are potential tools of tissue engineering and regenerative therapies of corneal ulcers and endothelial cell loss. In the past few years, intensive research has focused on corneal stem cells aiming to improve the outcomes of the current corneal stem cell transplantation techniques. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on corneal epithelial, stromal and endothelial stem cells. Special emphasis is placed on the molecular markers that may help to identify these cells, and the recently revealed mechanisms that could maintain their "stemness" or drive their differentiation. The techniques for isolating and culturing/expanding these cells are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Takács
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, Hungary
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Corneal, limbal, and conjunctival epithelium of bovine eyes imaged in vitro by using a confocal laser scanning microscope. Cornea 2008; 27:344-8. [PMID: 18362665 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0b013e31815caa7f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide a description of the distribution and cell morphology, by using fluorescent markers and confocal laser scanning microscopy, of the corneal, limbal, and conjunctival epithelium of bovine eyes in vitro. METHODS Fresh enucleated bovine eyes were dissected within 2 hours postmortem. Central cornea, limbus, and bulbar conjunctiva were imaged with confocal microscopy after staining with acridine orange (AO) or calcein-acetoxymethyl and ethidium homodimer-1. Epithelial thickness, cell density, cell lamination, and cell morphology were evaluated at these 3 locations. RESULTS Corneal epithelium was the thickest, and the conjunctival epithelium was the thinnest. The cell morphology was similar to that found in previous histologic studies, and the cell density gradually decreased from the basal to superficial layers. Nuclear AO staining particles increased from basal to superficial cells. Limbal superficial epithelial cells showed less AO staining than corneal and conjunctival superficial cells. CONCLUSIONS Confocal results of the corneal central, limbal, and conjunctival morphology are similar to those found in traditional microscopic observations. Bovine central corneal epithelium is thicker than limbal epithelium. However, the nuclear AO staining pattern of unfixed ocular surface epithelium of bovine eyes in vitro might represent the cell differentiation status. With the aid of the fluorescence dye, confocal laser scanning microscopy can provide unique morphometric information about corneal, limbal, and conjunctival epithelial cells.
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LaBarge MA, Petersen OW, Bissell MJ. Of microenvironments and mammary stem cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 3:137-46. [PMID: 17873346 PMCID: PMC3004778 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-007-0024-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/1999] [Revised: 11/30/1999] [Accepted: 11/30/1999] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
In most adult tissues there reside pools of stem and progenitor cells inside specialized microenvironments referred to as niches. The niche protects the stem cells from inappropriate expansion and directs their critical functions. Thus guided, stem cells are able to maintain tissue homeostasis throughout the ebb and flow of metabolic and physical demands encountered over a lifetime. Indeed, a pool of stem cells maintains mammary gland structure throughout development, and responds to the physiological demands associated with pregnancy. This review discusses how stem cells were identified in both human and mouse mammary glands; each requiring different techniques that were determined by differing biological needs and ethical constraints. These studies together create a robust portrait of mammary gland biology and identify the location of the stem cell niche, elucidate a developmental hierarchy, and suggest how the niche might be manipulated for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A LaBarge
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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Nadri S, Soleimani M, Kiani J, Atashi A, Izadpanah R. Multipotent mesenchymal stem cells from adult human eye conjunctiva stromal cells. Differentiation 2007; 76:223-31. [PMID: 17825086 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-0436.2007.00216.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Identification of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from alternative sources has provided an exciting prospect for intensive investigation. This work focused on characterizing a new source of MSCs from stromal cells from human eye conjunctiva. In this study, after conjunctiva biopsies and culture of stromal segment of this tissue, fibroblast-like (SH2+, SH3+, CD29+, CD44+, CD166+, CD13+) human stromal cells, which can be differentiated toward the osteogenic, adipogenic, chondrogenic, and neurogenic lineages, were obtained. These cells expressed Oct-4, Nanog, Rex-1 genes, and some lineage-specific markers like cardiac actin and Keratin. Taken together, the results indicate that conjunctiva stromal-derived cells are a new source of multipotent MSCs and despite originating from an adult source, they express undifferentiated stem cell markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samad Nadri
- Stem Cell Department, Stem Cell Technology Co. Ltd, Tehran, Iran
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Epithelial stem cells of the eye surface, of the cornea and of the conjunctiva, have the ability to give rise to self renewal and progeny production of differentiated cells with no apparent limit. The two epithelia are separated from each other by the transition zone of the limbus. The mechanisms adopted by stem cells of the two epithelia to accomplish their different characteristics, and how their survival, replacement and unequal division that generates differentiated progeny formation are controlled, are complex and still poorly understood. They can be learned only by understanding how stem cells/progenitors are regulated by their neighbouring cells, that may themselves be differently unspecialised, forming particular microenvironments, known as 'niches'. Stem cells operate by signals and a variety of intercellular interactions and extracellular substrates with adjacent cells in the niche. Technical advances are now making it possible to identify zones in the corneal limbus and conjunctiva that can house stem cells, to isolate and expand them ex vivo and to control their behaviour creating optimal niche conditions. With improvements in biotechnology, regenerative cornea and conjunctiva transplantation using adult epithelial stem cells becomes now a reality. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Here we review our current understanding of stem cell niches and illustrate recent significant progress for identification and characterization of adult epithelial stem cells/progenitors at cellular, molecular and mechanistic levels, improvement in cell culture techniques for their selective expansion ex vivo and prospects for a variety of therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- R P Revoltella
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council of Italy, Pisa, Italy.
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Villadsen R, Fridriksdottir AJ, Rønnov-Jessen L, Gudjonsson T, Rank F, LaBarge MA, Bissell MJ, Petersen OW. Evidence for a stem cell hierarchy in the adult human breast. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 177:87-101. [PMID: 17420292 PMCID: PMC2064114 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.200611114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 270] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Cellular pathways that contribute to adult human mammary gland architecture and lineages have not been previously described. In this study, we identify a candidate stem cell niche in ducts and zones containing progenitor cells in lobules. Putative stem cells residing in ducts were essentially quiescent, whereas the progenitor cells in the lobules were more likely to be actively dividing. Cells from ducts and lobules collected under the microscope were functionally characterized by colony formation on tissue culture plastic, mammosphere formation in suspension culture, and morphogenesis in laminin-rich extracellular matrix gels. Staining for the lineage markers keratins K14 and K19 further revealed multipotent cells in the stem cell zone and three lineage-restricted cell types outside this zone. Multiparameter cell sorting and functional characterization with reference to anatomical sites in situ confirmed this pattern. The proposal that the four cell types are indeed constituents of an as of yet undescribed stem cell hierarchy was assessed in long-term cultures in which senescence was bypassed. These findings identify an adult human breast ductal stem cell activity and its earliest descendants.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Villadsen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, and Zoophysiological Laboratory, University of Copenhagen, and Department of Pathology, State University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Duret C, Gerbal-Chaloin S, Ramos J, Fabre JM, Jacquet E, Navarro F, Blanc P, Sa-Cunha A, Maurel P, Daujat-Chavanieu M. Isolation, characterization, and differentiation to hepatocyte-like cells of nonparenchymal epithelial cells from adult human liver. Stem Cells 2007; 25:1779-90. [PMID: 17412893 DOI: 10.1634/stemcells.2006-0664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Activation and proliferation of human liver progenitor cells has been observed during acute and chronic liver diseases. Our goal was to investigate the presence of these putative progenitors in the liver of patients who underwent lobectomy for various reasons but did not show any hepatic insufficiency. Hepatic lesions were evaluated by histological analysis. Nonparenchymal epithelial (NPE) cells were isolated from samples of human liver resections located at a distance from the lesion that motivated the operation and were cultured and characterized. These cells exhibited a marked proliferative potential. They did not express the classic set of stem cell/progenitor markers (Oct-4, Rex-1, alpha-fetoprotein, CD90, c-kit, and CD34) and were faintly positive for albumin. When cultured at confluence in the presence of hepatocyte growth factor and either epidermal growth factor or fibroblast growth factor-4, they entered a differentiation process toward hepatocytes. Their phenotype was quantitatively compared with that of mature human hepatocytes in primary culture. Differentiated NPE cells expressed albumin; alpha1-antitrypsin; fibrinogen; hepatobiliary markers such as cytokeratins 7, 19, and 8/18; liver-enriched transcription factors; and genes characterized by either a fetal (cytochrome P4503A7 and glutathione S-transferase pi) or a mature (tyrosine aminotransferase, tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase, glutathione S-transferase alpha, and cytochrome P4503A4) expression pattern. NPE cells could be isolated from the liver of several patients, irrespective of the absence or presence of lesions, and differentiated toward hepatocyte-like cells with an intermediate hepatobiliary and mature/immature phenotype. These cells are likely to represent a resident progenitor population of the adult human liver, even in the absence of hepatic failure. Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Duret
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Montpellier, France
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Abstract
Stem cell biology has provided constant alteration if not reversal of dogma related to the understanding of the behaviors of primitive and dynamic cells. This review summarizes recent findings on dynamic changes of phenotype that accompany the in vitro growth and differentiation of not only stem and progenitor cells, but also differentiated cells derived from a variety of normal and pathological tissues. As there are examples of apparent dedifferentiation and transdifferentiation of neural cells that appear to be terminally differentiated, there is a need to reconsider elements of cellular fate choice that have relevance to neurooncology and neural repair. Recent findings of dynamic behaviors and mixed phenotype of both normal and cancer stem cells suggest that some of the diverse lineage attributes of different solid tumors may owe their existence to dynamic cellular phenotypy gone awry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis A Steindler
- The Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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Daniels JT, Harris AR, Mason C. Corneal epithelial stem cells in health and disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 2:247-54. [PMID: 17625261 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-006-0053-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/1999] [Revised: 11/30/1999] [Accepted: 11/30/1999] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The cornea on the front surface of the eye provides our window to the world. Maintenance of corneal transparency is dependent on the integrity and functionality of the outermost corneal epithelium which itself is maintained throughout life by a population of limbal epithelial stem cells (LESC). If this adult stem cell population is depleted by injury or disease, the transparency of the cornea and therefore vision is threatened. LESC deficiency results in corneal opacification, inflammation, vascularization, and severe discomfort. Cultured LESC therapy is one of only several examples of the successful use of an adult stem cell therapy in patients. Hence, the ready accessibility of a transparent stem cell niche and the clinical precedence for use of stem cell therapy make the cornea a unique and excellent model for the study of adult stem cells in health and disease. This review will discuss our current understanding of LESC biology, pathology, and therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie T Daniels
- Cells for Sight Transplantation and Research Programme, Ocular Repair and Regeneration Biology Unit, Division of Pathology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL
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Vascotto SG, Griffith M. Localization of candidate stem and progenitor cell markers within the human cornea, limbus, and bulbar conjunctiva in vivo and in cell culture. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 288:921-31. [PMID: 16779811 DOI: 10.1002/ar.a.20346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Corneal diseases are some of the most prevalent causes of blindness worldwide. While the most common treatment for corneal blindness is the transplantation of cadaver corneas, expanded limbal stem cells are finding recent application. Unknown, however, is the identity of the actual repopulating stem cell fraction utilized in both treatments and the critical factors governing successful engraftment and repopulation. In order to localize potential stem cell populations in vivo, we have immunohistochemically mapped a battery of candidate stem and progenitor cell markers including c-Kit and other growth factor receptors, nuclear markers including DeltaNp63, as well as adhesion factors across the cornea and distal sclera. Cell populations that differentially and specifically stained for some of these markers include the basal and superficial limbal/conjunctival epithelium and scattered cells within the substantia propria of the bulbar conjunctiva. We have also determined that the culture of differentiated cornea epithelial cells as dissociated and explant cultures induces the expression of several markers previously characterized as candidate limbal stem cell markers. This study provides a foundation to explore candidate corneal stem cell populations. As well, we show that expression of traditional stem cell markers may not be reliable indicator of stem cell content during limbal stem cell expansion in vitro and could contribute to the variable success rates of corneal stem cell transplantation.
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