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Giannone AA, Sellitto C, Rosati B, McKinnon D, White TW. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Analysis of the Early Postnatal Mouse Lens Epithelium. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:37. [PMID: 37870847 PMCID: PMC10599162 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.13.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The lens epithelium maintains the overall health of the organ. We used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology to assess transcriptional heterogeneity between cells in the postnatal day 2 (P2) epithelium and identify distinct epithelial cell subtypes. Analysis of these data was used to better understand lens growth, differentiation, and homeostasis on P2. Methods scRNA-seq on P2 mouse lenses was performed using the 10x Genomics Chromium Single Cell 3' Kit (v3.1) and short-read Illumina sequencing. Sequence alignment and preprocessing of data were conducted using 10x Genomics Cell Ranger software. Seurat was employed for preprocessing, quality control, dimensionality reduction, and cell clustering, and Monocle was utilized for trajectory analysis to understand the developmental progression of the lens cells. CellChat and GO analyses were used to explore cell-cell communication networks and signaling interactions. Results Lens epithelial cells (LECs) were divided into seven subclusters, classified by specific gene markers. The expression of crystallin, cell-cycle, and metabolic genes was not uniform, indicating distinct functional roles of LECs. Trajectory analysis predicted a bifurcation of differentiating and cycling cells from an Igfbp5+ progenitor pool. We also identified heterogeneity in signaling molecules and pathways, suggesting that cycling and progenitor subclusters have prominent roles in coordinating crosstalk. Conclusions scRNA-seq corroborated many known markers of epithelial differentiation and proliferation while providing further insight into the pathways and genes directing these processes. Interestingly, we demonstrated that the developing epithelium can be divided into distinct subpopulations. These clusters reflect the transcriptionally diverse roles of the epithelium in proliferation, signaling, and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne A. Giannone
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States
| | - Caterina Sellitto
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States
| | - Barbara Rosati
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York, United States
| | - David McKinnon
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States
| | - Thomas W. White
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States
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Boix-Lemonche G, Nagymihaly RM, Lumi X, Petrovski G. The human lens is capable of trilineage differentiation towards osteo-, chondro-, and adipogenesis-a model for studying cataract pathogenesis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1164795. [PMID: 37324433 PMCID: PMC10264667 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1164795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential for trilineage differentiation of cells in tissues represents a model for studying disease pathogenesis and regeneration pathways. Human lens trilineage differentiation has not yet been demonstrated, and so has calcification and osteogenic differentiation of human lens epithelial cells in the whole human lens. Such changes can pose a risk for complications during cataract surgery. Human lens capsules (n = 9) from cataract patients undergoing uneventful surgery were trilineage-differentiated toward osteogenesis, chondrogenesis, and adipogenesis. Furthermore, whole human healthy lenses (n = 3) collected from cadaveric eyes were differentiated into bone and characterized by immunohistochemistry. The cells in the human lens capsules were capable of undergoing trilineage differentiation, while the whole human healthy lenses could undergo osteogenesis differentiation, expressing osteocalcin, collagen I, and pigment epithelium-derived factor. We, hereby, show an ex vivo model for cataract formation through different stages of opacification, as well as provide in vivo evidence from patients undergoing calcified lens extraction with bone-like consistency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Boix-Lemonche
- Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Eye Research and Innovative Diagnostics, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Xhevat Lumi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Goran Petrovski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Eye Research and Innovative Diagnostics, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Split School of Medicine and University Hospital Centre, Split, Croatia
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3
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Konopińska J, Młynarczyk M, Dmuchowska DA, Obuchowska I. Posterior Capsule Opacification: A Review of Experimental Studies. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10132847. [PMID: 34199147 PMCID: PMC8269180 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10132847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is the most common complication of cataract surgery. It causes a gradual deterioration of visual acuity, which would otherwise improve after a successful procedure. Despite recent advances in ophthalmology, this complication has not been eradicated, and the incidence of PCO can be as high as 10%. This article reviews the literature concerning the pathomechanism of PCO and examines the biochemical pathways involved in its formation and methods to prevent this complication. We also review the reported tests performed in cell cultures under laboratory conditions and in experimental animal models and in ex vivo human lens capsules. Finally, we describe research involving human eyes in the clinical setting and pharmacological methods that may reduce the frequency of PCO. Due to the multifactorial etiology of PCO, in vitro studies make it possible to assess the factors contributing to its complications and search for new therapeutic targets. Not all pathways involved in cell proliferation, migration, and contraction of the lens capsule are reproducible in laboratory conditions; moreover, PCO in humans and laboratory animals may be additionally stimulated by various degrees of postoperative reactions depending on the course of surgery. Therefore, further studies are necessary.
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Koch CR, D'Antin JC, Tresserra F, Barraquer RI, Michael R. Histological comparison of in vitro and in vivo development of peripheral posterior capsule opacification in human donor tissue. Exp Eye Res 2019; 188:107807. [PMID: 31539543 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In order to study the mechanisms involved in the development of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) we compared in vivo developed PCO with PCO formed in tissue culture with focus on the periphery of the lens capsule to evaluate lens regeneration potential. We studied three human tissue groups: Cultured lens capsules after mock cataract surgery (n = 6, 30 days), lens capsules from donors that had previously undergone cataract surgery (IOL capsules) (n = 12) and intact lenses (n = 6). All samples were stained with Vimentin, alpha Smooth Muscle Actin, Picro Sirius Red (for collagen) and Paired box protein (Pax6). We found that cultured capsules and less developed IOL capsules consisted mainly of monolayers of mesenchymal cells, while more developed IOL capsules, contained lens epithelial cells (LECs), globular cells and lens fiber cells. Many IOL capsule samples expressed collagen I and III in areas where cells were in contact with the IOL. Pax6 had a similar dispersed distribution in less developed IOL capsules and cultured capsules, while more developed IOL capsules and intact lenses, concentrated Pax6 in LECs at the equatorial lens bow. The similarities between cultured capsules and less developed IOL capsules indicate that our in vitro developed PCO is comparable to early in vivo developed PCO. The similar morphology of more developed IOL capsules and intact lenses seems to indicate an attempt at lens regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Ribeiro Koch
- Institut Universitari Barraquer, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Ophthalmology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Justin Christopher D'Antin
- Institut Universitari Barraquer, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Oftalmología Barraquer, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Rafael I Barraquer
- Institut Universitari Barraquer, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Oftalmología Barraquer, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Ralph Michael
- Institut Universitari Barraquer, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Oftalmología Barraquer, Barcelona, Spain
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Farnoodian M, Kinter JB, Yadranji Aghdam S, Zaitoun I, Sorenson CM, Sheibani N. Expression of pigment epithelium-derived factor and thrombospondin-1 regulate proliferation and migration of retinal pigment epithelial cells. Physiol Rep 2015; 3:3/1/e12266. [PMID: 25602019 PMCID: PMC4387751 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.12266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss among elderly. Although the pathogenesis of AMD is associated with retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) dysfunction and abnormal neovascularization the detailed mechanisms remain unresolved. RPE is a specialized monolayer of epithelial cells with important functions in ocular homeostasis. Pathological RPE damage contributes to major ocular conditions including retinal degeneration and irreversible loss of vision in AMD. RPE cells also assist in the maintenance of the ocular angiogenic balance by production of positive and negative regulatory factors including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), thrombospondin‐1 (TSP1), and pigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF). The altered production of PEDF and TSP1, as endogenous inhibitors of angiogenesis and inflammation, by RPE cells have been linked to pathogenesis of AMD and choroidal and retinal neovascularization. However, lack of simple methods for isolation and culture of mouse RPE cells has resulted in limited knowledge regarding the cell autonomous role of TSP1 and PEDF in RPE cell function. Here, we describe a method for routine isolation and propagation of RPE cells from wild‐type, TSP1, and PEDF‐deficient mice, and have investigated their impact on RPE cell function. We showed that expression of TSP1 and PEDF significantly impacted RPE cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, oxidative state, and phagocytic activity with minimal effect on their basal rate of apoptosis. Together, our results indicated that the expression of PEDF and TSP1 by RPE cells play crucial roles not only in regulation of ocular vascular homeostasis but also have significant impact on their cellular function. Here, we report the isolation of RPE cells from wild‐type and transgenic mice retina. We demonstrate that lack of thrompospondin‐1 or pigment epithelium‐derived factor impacts the proliferation, migration, adhesion, oxidative state, and phagocytic activity of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Farnoodian
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Clinical Investigation Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - James B Kinter
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Clinical Investigation Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Saeed Yadranji Aghdam
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Clinical Investigation Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Ismail Zaitoun
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Clinical Investigation Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Christine M Sorenson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Nader Sheibani
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Clinical Investigation Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
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Pintwala R, Postnikoff C, Molladavoodi S, Gorbet M. Coculture with intraocular lens material-activated macrophages induces an inflammatory phenotype in lens epithelial cells. J Biomater Appl 2014; 29:1119-32. [PMID: 25281645 DOI: 10.1177/0885328214552711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide, requiring surgical implantation of an intraocular lens. Despite evidence of leukocyte ingress into the postoperative lens, few studies have investigated the leukocyte response to intraocular lens materials. A novel coculture model was developed to examine macrophage activation by hydrophilic acrylic (poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)) and hydrophobic acrylic (polymethylmethacrylate) commercial intraocular lens. The human monocytic cell line THP-1 was differentiated into macrophages and cocultured with human lens epithelial cell line (HLE-B3) with or without an intraocular lens for one, two, four, or six days. Using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, expression of the macrophage activation marker CD54 (intercellular adhesion molecule-1) and production of reactive oxygen species via the fluorogenic probe 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate were examined in macrophages. α-Smooth muscle actin, a transdifferentiation marker, was characterized in lens epithelial cells. The poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) intraocular lens prevented adhesion but induced significant macrophage activation (p < 0.03) versus control (no intraocular lens), while the polymethylmethacrylate intraocular lens enabled adhesion and multinucleated fusion, but induced no significant activation. Coculture with either intraocular lens increased reactive oxygen species production in macrophages after one day (p < 0.03) and increased expression of α-smooth muscle actin in HLE B-3 after six days, although only poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) induced a significant difference versus control (p < 0.01). Our results imply that-contrary to prior uveal biocompatibility understanding-macrophage adherence is not necessary for a strong inflammatory response to an intraocular lens, with hydrophilic surfaces inducing higher activation than hydrophobic surfaces. These findings provide a new method of inquiry into uveal biocompatibility, specifically through the quantification of cell-surface markers of leukocyte activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Pintwala
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cameron Postnikoff
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sara Molladavoodi
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maud Gorbet
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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Eldred JA, Dawes LJ, Wormstone IM. The lens as a model for fibrotic disease. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2011; 366:1301-19. [PMID: 21402588 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2010.0341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis affects multiple organs and is associated with hyperproliferation, cell transdifferentiation, matrix modification and contraction. It is therefore essential to discover the key drivers of fibrotic events, which in turn will facilitate the development of appropriate therapeutic strategies. The lens is an elegant experimental model to study the processes that give rise to fibrosis. The molecular and cellular organization of the lens is well defined and consequently modifications associated with fibrosis can be clearly assessed. Moreover, the avascular and non-innervated properties of the lens allow effective in vitro studies to be employed that complement in vivo systems and relate to clinical data. Using the lens as a model for fibrosis has direct relevance to millions affected by lens disorders, but also serves as a valuable experimental tool to understand fibrosis per se.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Eldred
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
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Gene silencing of CD47 and antibody ligation of thrombospondin-1 enhance ischemic tissue survival in a porcine model: implications for human disease. Ann Surg 2008; 247:860-8. [PMID: 18438125 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0b013e31816c4006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insufficient tissue perfusion underlies many acute and chronic diseases. Tissue perfusion in turn requires adequate blood flow, determined in large part by the relative state of relaxation or constriction of arterial vessels. Nitric oxide (NO) produced by vascular cells modulates blood flow and tissue perfusion by relaxing and dilating arteries. Recently, we reported that the secreted protein thrombospondin-1 (TSP1), through its cell surface receptor CD47, limits the ability of NO to relax and dilate blood vessels and thus decreases tissue perfusion. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that blocking TSP1-CD47 signaling increases ischemic tissue survival in random cutaneous porcine flaps. METHODS Random cutaneous flaps 2 x 10 cm2 were raised in white hairless Yucatan miniature pigs and were treated with a monoclonal antibody to TSP1, an antisense morpholino oligonucleotide to CD47 or control agents and tissue survival assessed. Primary vascular smooth muscle cell cultured from Yucatan pigs were also treated with the same agents +/- and an NO donor (DEA/NO) and cGMP quantified. RESULTS Antibody blockade of TSP1 or morpholino suppression of CD47 dramatically enhanced survival of random tissue flaps. These responses correlated with increased blood vessel patency and tissue blood flow on vessel injection studies. NO-stimulated cGMP flux in Yucatan vascular smooth muscle cell was abrogated after antibody or morpholino treatment. CONCLUSION Antibody ligation of TSP1 or antisense morpholino knock down of CD47 greatly increased tissue survival to ischemia. Given the similarity between porcine and human soft tissues these results suggest significant therapeutic potential for people.
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Hiscott P, Paraoan L, Choudhary A, Ordonez JL, Al-Khaier A, Armstrong DJ. Thrombospondin 1, thrombospondin 2 and the eye. Prog Retin Eye Res 2006; 25:1-18. [PMID: 15996506 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2005.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Thrombospondin 1 and thrombospondin 2 (TSP1 and TSP2), which comprise the subgroup A thrombospondins, are matricellular proteins. As matricellular proteins, they modulate interactions between cells and the cellular environment, regulate cell adhesion and typically are expressed during tissue formative processes. In general, TSP1 and TSP2 counter angiogenesis (including tumour angiogenesis) and play important but contrasting roles during cutaneous repair. The two proteins are involved in development, including that of the eye, although evidence suggests that they have their greatest impact during tissue production in the adult. In the normal adult eye, they tend to be found at sites of ongoing matrix synthesis or cell-matrix interactions. At these sites, the two proteins possibly influence cellular differentiation and/or basement membrane deposition. TSP1 is also present in the intraocular fluids and drainage pathway, where it may function in maintaining the anti-angiogenic environment and in intraocular pressure control, respectively. TSP1 could also be involved in ocular immune privilege. Unlike in skin wounds, where TSP1 is derived from the blood and is present only in the early phases of repair, ocular tissue damage appears to lead to protacted TSP1 synthesis by local cells. This response might help suppress angiogenesis in the transparent tissues of the eye and so lessen visual axis opacification following injury. However, TSP2, which is also produced by damaged ophthalmic tissue and may be especially important in matrix organisation, seems to augment contraction in anomalous intraocular fibrosis. Elucidating the roles of TSP1 and TSP2 in ocular physiology and pathobiology may lead to improved therapies for neovascular, neoplastic, reparative and other ophthalmic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Hiscott
- Unit of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Science, University Clinical Departments, The Duncan Building, University of Liverpool, Daulby Street, Liverpool L69 3GA, UK.
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