1
|
Molins B, Rodríguez A, Llorenç V, Adán A. Biomaterial engineering strategies for modeling the Bruch's membrane in age-related macular degeneration. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2626-2636. [PMID: 38595281 PMCID: PMC11168499 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration, a multifactorial inflammatory degenerative retinal disease, ranks as the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. Strikingly, there is a scarcity of curative therapies, especially for the atrophic advanced form of age-related macular degeneration, likely due to the lack of models able to fully recapitulate the native structure of the outer blood retinal barrier, the prime target tissue of age-related macular degeneration. Standard in vitro systems rely on 2D monocultures unable to adequately reproduce the structure and function of the outer blood retinal barrier, integrated by the dynamic interaction of the retinal pigment epithelium, the Bruch's membrane, and the underlying choriocapillaris. The Bruch's membrane provides structural and mechanical support and regulates the molecular trafficking in the outer blood retinal barrier, and therefore adequate Bruch's membrane-mimics are key for the development of physiologically relevant models of the outer blood retinal barrier. In the last years, advances in the field of biomaterial engineering have provided novel approaches to mimic the Bruch's membrane from a variety of materials. This review provides a discussion of the integrated properties and function of outer blood retinal barrier components in healthy and age-related macular degeneration status to understand the requirements to adequately fabricate Bruch's membrane biomimetic systems. Then, we discuss novel materials and techniques to fabricate Bruch's membrane-like scaffolds for age-related macular degeneration in vitro modeling, discussing their advantages and challenges with a special focus on the potential of Bruch's membrane-like mimics based on decellularized tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Molins
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Rodríguez
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Víctor Llorenç
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Clínic d’Oftalmologia (ICOF), Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alfredo Adán
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Clínic d’Oftalmologia (ICOF), Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wolfram L, Gimpel C, Schwämmle M, Clark SJ, Böhringer D, Schlunck G. The impact of substrate stiffness on morphological, transcriptional and functional aspects in RPE. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7488. [PMID: 38553490 PMCID: PMC11344127 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56661-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the structure and composition of Bruch's membrane (BrM) and loss of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are associated with various ocular diseases, notably age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as well as several inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). We explored the influence of stiffness as a major BrM characteristic on the RPE transcriptome and morphology. ARPE-19 cells were plated on soft ( E = 30 kPa ) or stiff ( E = 80 kPa ) polyacrylamide gels (PA gels) or standard tissue culture plastic (TCP). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) data on differentially expressed small RNAs (sRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were validated by qPCR, immunofluorescence or western blotting. The microRNA (miRNA) fraction of sRNAs grew with substrate stiffness and distinct miRNAs such as miR-204 or miR-222 were differentially expressed. mRNA targets of differentially expressed miRNAs were stably expressed, suggesting a homeostatic effect of miRNAs. mRNA transcription patterns were substrate stiffness-dependent, including components of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor (MITF) and Dicer. These findings highlight the relevance of mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in cell culture experiments, especially those focusing on ECM-related diseases, such as AMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lasse Wolfram
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Department for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Department for Ophthalmology, University Eye Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Clara Gimpel
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Schlosspark-Klinik Charlottenburg, Berlin, Germany
| | - Melanie Schwämmle
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon J Clark
- Department for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department for Ophthalmology, University Eye Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel Böhringer
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Park S, Laskow TC, Chen J, Guha P, Dawn B, Kim D. Microphysiological systems for human aging research. Aging Cell 2024; 23:e14070. [PMID: 38180277 PMCID: PMC10928588 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in microphysiological systems (MPS), also known as organs-on-a-chip (OoC), enable the recapitulation of more complex organ and tissue functions on a smaller scale in vitro. MPS therefore provide the potential to better understand human diseases and physiology. To date, numerous MPS platforms have been developed for various tissues and organs, including the heart, liver, kidney, blood vessels, muscle, and adipose tissue. However, only a few studies have explored using MPS platforms to unravel the effects of aging on human physiology and the pathogenesis of age-related diseases. Age is one of the risk factors for many diseases, and enormous interest has been devoted to aging research. As such, a human MPS aging model could provide a more predictive tool to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying human aging and age-related diseases. These models can also be used to evaluate preclinical drugs for age-related diseases and translate them into clinical settings. Here, we provide a review on the application of MPS in aging research. First, we offer an overview of the molecular, cellular, and physiological changes with age in several tissues or organs. Next, we discuss previous aging models and the current state of MPS for studying human aging and age-related conditions. Lastly, we address the limitations of current MPS and present future directions on the potential of MPS platforms for human aging research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seungman Park
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of Nevada, Las VegasLas VegasNevadaUSA
| | - Thomas C. Laskow
- Department of MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Jingchun Chen
- Nevada Institute of Personalized MedicineUniversity of Nevada, Las VegasLas VegasNevadaUSA
| | - Prasun Guha
- Nevada Institute of Personalized MedicineUniversity of Nevada, Las VegasLas VegasNevadaUSA
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of Nevada, Las VegasLas VegasNevadaUSA
| | - Buddhadeb Dawn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian School of MedicineUniversity of Nevada, Las VegasLas VegasNevadaUSA
| | - Deok‐Ho Kim
- Department of MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Center for Microphysiological SystemsJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shelton DA, Gefke I, Summers V, Kim YK, Yu H, Getz Y, Ferdous S, Donaldson K, Liao K, Papania JT, Chrenek MA, Boatright JH, Nickerson JM. Age-Related RPE changes in Wildtype C57BL/6J Mice between 2 and 32 Months. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.30.574142. [PMID: 38352604 PMCID: PMC10862734 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.30.574142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Purpose This study provides a systematic evaluation of age-related changes in RPE cell structure and function using a morphometric approach. We aim to better capture nuanced predictive changes in cell heterogeneity that reflect loss of RPE integrity during normal aging. Using C57BL6/J mice ranging from P60-P730, we sought to evaluate how regional changes in RPE shape reflect incremental losses in RPE cell function with advancing age. We hypothesize that tracking global morphological changes in RPE is predictive of functional defects over time. Methods We tested three groups of C57BL/6J mice (young: P60-180; Middle-aged: P365-729; aged: 730+) for function and structural defects using electroretinograms, immunofluorescence, and phagocytosis assays. Results The largest changes in RPE morphology were evident between the young and aged groups, while the middle-aged group exhibited smaller but notable region-specific differences. We observed a 1.9-fold increase in cytoplasmic alpha-catenin expression specifically in the central-medial region of the eye between the young and aged group. There was an 8-fold increase in subretinal, IBA-1-positive immune cell recruitment and a significant decrease in visual function in aged mice compared to young mice. Functional defects in the RPE corroborated by changes in RPE phagocytotic capacity. Conclusions The marked increase of cytoplasmic alpha-catenin expression and subretinal immune cell deposition, and decreased visual output coincide with regional changes in RPE cell morphometrics when stratified by age. These cumulative changes in the RPE morphology showed predictive regional patterns of stress associated with loss of RPE integrity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debresha A. Shelton
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Isabelle Gefke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Vivian Summers
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Yong-Kyu Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hanyi Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Department of Computer Science, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Yana Getz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Salma Ferdous
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Kevin Donaldson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Kristie Liao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Jack T. Papania
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Micah A. Chrenek
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Jeffrey H. Boatright
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Atlanta VA Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Decatur, Georgia, United States
| | - John M. Nickerson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Patel SH, Lamba DA. Factors Affecting Stem Cell-Based Regenerative Approaches in Retinal Degeneration. Annu Rev Vis Sci 2023; 9:155-175. [PMID: 37713278 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-vision-120222-012817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Inherited and age-associated vision loss is often associated with degeneration of the cells of the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. The mammalian retina, being a postmitotic neural tissue, does not have the capacity to repair itself through endogenous regeneration. There has been considerable excitement for the development of cell replacement approaches since the isolation and development of culture methods for human pluripotent stem cells, as well as the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells. This has now been combined with novel three-dimensional organoid culture systems that closely mimic human retinal development in vitro. In this review, we cover the current state of the field, with emphasis on the cell delivery challenges, role of the recipient immunological microenvironment, and challenges related to connectivity between transplanted cells and host circuitry both locally and centrally to the different areas of the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sachin H Patel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA;
| | - Deepak A Lamba
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA;
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine & Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rohowetz LJ, Koulen P. Stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium cell therapy: Past and future directions. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1098406. [PMID: 37065847 PMCID: PMC10097914 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1098406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The eyes are relatively immune privileged organs, making them ideal targets for stem cell therapy. Researchers have recently developed and described straightforward protocols for differentiating embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells into retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), making diseases affecting the RPE, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), viable targets for stem cell therapy. With the advent of optical coherence tomography, microperimetry, and various other diagnostic technologies, the ability to document disease progression and monitor response to treatments such as stem cell therapy has been significantly enhanced in recent years. Previous phase I/II clinical trials have employed various cell origins, transplant methods, and surgical techniques to identify safe and efficacious methods of RPE transplantation, and many more are currently underway. Indeed, findings from these studies have been promising and future carefully devised clinical trials will continue to enhance our understanding of the most effective methods of RPE-based stem cell therapy, with the hope to eventually identify treatments for disabling and currently incurable retinal diseases. The purpose of this review is to briefly outline existing outcomes from initial clinical trials, review recent developments, and discuss future directions of clinical research involving stem-cell derived RPE cell transplantation for retinal disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Landon J. Rohowetz
- Vision Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri—Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Peter Koulen
- Vision Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri—Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Missouri—Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Peter Koulen,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Serjanov D, Hyde DR. Extracellular Matrix: The Unexplored Aspects of Retinal Pathologies and Regeneration. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1415:309-317. [PMID: 37440050 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-27681-1_45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Nearly a billion people worldwide are affected by vision-impairing conditions, with retinal degenerative diseases being a major cause of blindness. Unfortunately, such diseases are often permanent and progressive, resulting in further degeneration and loss of sight, due to the human retina possessing little, if any, regenerative capacity. Despite numerous efforts and great progress being made to understand the molecular mechanisms of these diseases and possible therapies, the majority of investigations focused on cell-intrinsic factors. However, the microenvironment surrounding retinal cells throughout these processes also plays an important role, though our current understanding of its involvement remains limited. Here we present a brief overview of the current state of the field of extracellular matrix studies within the retina and its potential roles in retinal diseases and potential therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dmitri Serjanov
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - David R Hyde
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gullapalli VK, Zarbin MA. New Prospects for Retinal Pigment Epithelium Transplantation. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2022; 11:302-313. [PMID: 36041145 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) transplants rescue photoreceptors in selected animal models of retinal degenerative disease. Early clinical studies of RPE transplants as treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) included autologous and allogeneic transplants of RPE suspensions and RPE sheets for atrophic and neovascular complications of AMD. Subsequent studies explored autologous RPE-Bruch membrane-choroid transplants in patients with neovascular AMD with occasional marked visual benefit, which establishes a rationale for RPE transplants in late-stage AMD. More recent work has involved transplantation of autologous and allogeneic stem cell-derived RPE for patients with AMD and those with Stargardt disease. These early-stage clinical trials have employed RPE suspensions and RPE monolayers on biocompatible scaffolds. Safety has been well documented, but evidence of efficacy is variable. Current research involves development of better scaffolds, improved modulation of immune surveillance, and modification of the extracellular milieu to improve RPE survival and integration with host retina.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco A Zarbin
- Iinstitute of Ophthalmology and visual Science, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, US
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Collagen Mimetic Peptides Promote Adherence and Migration of ARPE-19 Cells While Reducing Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137004. [PMID: 35806007 PMCID: PMC9266392 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cells of multiple types produce and interact with the extracellular matrix to maintain structural integrity and promote healthy function within diverse endogenous tissues. Collagen is a critical component of the matrix, and challenges to collagen’s stability in aging, disease, and injury influence survival of adherent epithelial cells. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is important for maintaining proper function of the light-sensitive photoreceptors in the neural retina, in part through synergy with the collagen-rich Bruch’s membrane that promotes RPE adherence. Degradation of Bruch’s is associated with RPE degeneration, which is implicated early in age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide. Collagen mimetic peptides (CMPs) effectively repair damage to collagen helices, which are present in all collagens. Our previous work indicates that in doing so, CMPs promote survival and integrity of affected cells and tissues in models of ocular injury and disease, including wounding of corneal epithelial cells. Here, we show that CMPs increase adherence and migration of the ARPE-19 line of human RPE cells challenged by digestion of their collagen substrate. Application of CMPs also reduced both ARPE-19 secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukins 6 and 8) and production of reactive oxygen species. Taken together, these results suggest that repairing collagen damaged by aging or other pathogenic processes in the posterior eye could improve RPE adherence and survival and, in doing so, reduce the inflammatory and oxidative stress that perpetuates the cycle of destruction at the root of age-related diseases of the outer retina.
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang S, Lin S, Xue B, Wang C, Yan N, Guan Y, Hu Y, Wen X. Bruch's-Mimetic Nanofibrous Membranes Functionalized with the Integrin-Binding Peptides as a Promising Approach for Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cell Transplantation. Molecules 2022; 27:1429. [PMID: 35209218 PMCID: PMC8874486 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27041429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to develop an ultrathin nanofibrous membrane able to, firstly, mimic the natural fibrous architecture of human Bruch's membrane (BM) and, secondly, promote survival of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells after surface functionalization of fibrous membranes. METHODS Integrin-binding peptides (IBPs) that specifically interact with appropriate adhesion receptors on RPEs were immobilized on Bruch's-mimetic membranes to promote coverage of RPEs. Surface morphologies, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectra, contact angle analysis, Alamar Blue assay, live/dead assay, immunofluorescence staining, and scanning electron microscopy were used to evaluate the outcome. RESULTS Results showed that coated membranes maintained the original morphology of nanofibers. After coating with IBPs, the water contact angle of the membrane surfaces varied from 92.38 ± 0.67 degrees to 20.16 ± 0.81 degrees. RPE cells seeded on IBP-coated membranes showed the highest viability at all time points (Day 1, p < 0.05; Day 3, p < 0.01; Days 7 and 14, p < 0.001). The proliferation rate of RPE cells on uncoated poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) membranes was significantly lower than that of IBP-coated membranes (p < 0.001). SEM images showed a well-organized hexa/polygonal monolayer of RPE cells on IBP-coated membranes. RPE cells proliferated rapidly, contacted, and became confluent. RPE cells formed a tight adhesion with nanofibers under high-magnification SEM. Our findings confirmed that the IBP-coated PCL membrane improved the attachment, proliferation, and viability of RPE cells. In addition, in this study, we used serum-free culture for RPE cells and short IBPs without immunogenicity to prevent graft rejection and immunogenicity during transplantation. CONCLUSIONS These results indicated that the biomimic BM-IBP-RPE nanofibrous graft might be a new, practicable approach to increase the success rate of RPE cell transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaocheng Wang
- Endocrine Department, Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin 300170, China; (S.W.); (N.Y.); (Y.G.)
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Artificial Cell, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center of Public Health Ministry, Tianjin 300170, China
- Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering, School of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (S.L.); (B.X.); (C.W.)
| | - Siyong Lin
- Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering, School of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (S.L.); (B.X.); (C.W.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
| | - Bo Xue
- Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering, School of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (S.L.); (B.X.); (C.W.)
| | - Chenyu Wang
- Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering, School of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (S.L.); (B.X.); (C.W.)
| | - Nana Yan
- Endocrine Department, Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin 300170, China; (S.W.); (N.Y.); (Y.G.)
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Artificial Cell, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center of Public Health Ministry, Tianjin 300170, China
| | - Yueyan Guan
- Endocrine Department, Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin 300170, China; (S.W.); (N.Y.); (Y.G.)
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Artificial Cell, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center of Public Health Ministry, Tianjin 300170, China
| | - Yuntao Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
| | - Xuejun Wen
- Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering, School of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (S.L.); (B.X.); (C.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
- International Institute for Biomedical Biomaterials (IBM), Zhengzhou 450018, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Liu YV, Konar G, Aziz K, Tun SBB, Hua CHE, Tan B, Tian J, Luu CD, Barathi VA, Singh MS. Localized Structural and Functional Deficits in a Nonhuman Primate Model of Outer Retinal Atrophy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:8. [PMID: 34643661 PMCID: PMC8525844 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.13.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Cell-based therapy development for geographic atrophy (GA) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is hampered by the paucity of models of localized photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration. We aimed to characterize the structural and functional deficits in a laser-induced nonhuman primate model, including an analysis of the choroid. Methods Macular laser photocoagulation was applied in four macaques. Fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), dye angiography, and OCT-angiography were conducted over 4.5 months, with histological correlation. Longitudinal changes in spatially resolved macular dysfunction were measured using multifocal electroretinography (MFERG). Results Lesion features, depending on laser settings, included photoreceptor layer degeneration, inner retinal sparing, skip lesions, RPE elevation, and neovascularization. The intralesional choroid was degenerated. The normalized mean MFERG amplitude within lesions was consistently lower than control regions (0.94 ± 0.35 vs. 1.10 ± 0.27, P = 0.032 at month 1, 0.67 ± 0.22 vs. 0.83 ± 0.15, P = 0.0002 at month 2, and 0.97 ± 0.31 vs. 1.20 ± 0.21, P < 0.0001 at month 3.5). The intertest variation of mean MFERG amplitudes in rings 1 to 5 ranged from 13.0% to 26.0% in normal eyes. Conclusions Laser application in this model caused localized outer retinal, RPE, and choriocapillaris loss. Localized dysfunction was apparent by MFERG in the first month after lesion induction. Correlative structure-function testing may be useful for research on the functional effects of stem cell-based therapy for GA. MFERG amplitude data should be interpreted in the context of relatively high intertest variability of the rings that correspond to the central macula. Sustained choroidal insufficiency may limit long-term subretinal graft viability in this model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying V Liu
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Gregory Konar
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Kanza Aziz
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Sai Bo Bo Tun
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Candice Ho Ee Hua
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bingyao Tan
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore, Singapore.,SERI-NTU Advanced Ocular Engineering (STANCE), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jing Tian
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, United States
| | - Chi D Luu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Victoria, Australia.,Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Veluchamy A Barathi
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore, Singapore.,Academic Clinical Program in Ophthalmology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mandeep S Singh
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chinchilla B, Fernandez-Godino R. AMD-Like Substrate Causes Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in iPSC-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Wild Type but Not C3-Knockout. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158183. [PMID: 34360950 PMCID: PMC8348968 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Bruch's membrane (BrM) is a five-layered extracellular matrix (ECM) that supports the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Normal age-related changes in the BrM may lead to RPE cell damage and ultimately to the onset and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the most common cause of visual loss among the elderly. A role for the complement system in AMD pathology has been established, but the disease mechanisms are poorly understood, which hampers the design of efficient therapies to treat millions of patients. In an effort to identify the mechanisms that lead from normal aging to pathology, we have developed a cell-based model using complement deficient human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived RPE cells cultured on an AMD-like ECM that mimics BrM. The data present evidence that changes in the ECM result in loss of differentiation and promote epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of healthy RPE cells. This pathological process is mediated by complement activation and involves the formation of a randomly oriented collagen meshwork that drives the dedifferentiation of the RPE monolayer. Genetic ablation of complement component 3 has a protective effect against EMT but does not prevent the abnormal deposition of collagens. These findings offer new insights into the sequence of events that initiate AMD and may guide the design of efficient therapies to treat this disease with unmet medical needs.
Collapse
|
13
|
The Evolution of Fabrication Methods in Human Retina Regeneration. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11094102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Optic nerve and retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) often cause permanent sight loss. Currently, a limited number of retinal diseases can be treated. Hence, new strategies are needed. Regenerative medicine and especially tissue engineering have recently emerged as promising alternatives to repair retinal degeneration and recover vision. Here, we provide an overview of retinal anatomy and diseases and a comprehensive review of retinal regeneration approaches. In the first part of the review, we present scaffold-free approaches such as gene therapy and cell sheet technology while in the second part, we focus on fabrication techniques to produce a retinal scaffold with a particular emphasis on recent trends and advances in fabrication techniques. To this end, the use of electrospinning, 3D bioprinting and lithography in retinal regeneration was explored.
Collapse
|
14
|
Li H, Yu H, Kim YK, Wang F, Teodoro G, Jiang Y, Nickerson JM, Kong J. Computational Model-Based Estimation of Mouse Eyeball Structure From Two-Dimensional Flatmount Microscopy Images. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:25. [PMID: 34004004 PMCID: PMC8088229 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.4.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells serve as a supporter for the metabolism and visual function of photoreceptors and a barrier for photoreceptor protection. Morphology dynamics, spatial organization, distribution density, and growth patterns of RPE cells are important for further research on these RPE main functions. To enable such investigations within the authentic eyeball structure, a new method for estimating the three-dimensional (3D) eyeball sphere from two-dimensional tissue flatmount microscopy images was investigated. Methods An error-correction term was formulated to compensate for the reconstruction error as a result of tissue distortions. The effect of the tissue-distortion error was evaluated by excluding partial data points from the low- and high-latitude zones. The error-correction parameter was learned automatically using a set of samples with the ground truth eyeball diameters measured with noncontact light-emitting diode micrometry at submicron accuracy and precision. Results The analysis showed that the error-correction term in the reconstruction model is a valid method for modeling tissue distortions in the tissue flatmount preparation steps. With the error-correction model, the average relative error of the estimated eyeball diameter was reduced from 14% to 5%, and the absolute error was reduced from 0.22 to 0.03 mm. Conclusions A new method for enabling RPE morphometry analysis with respect to locations on an eyeball sphere was created, an important step in increasing RPE research and eye disease diagnosis. Translational Relevance This method enables one to derive RPE cell information from the 3D eyeball surface and helps characterize eyeball volume growth patterns under diseased conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongxiao Li
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Hanyi Yu
- Department of Computer Science, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yong-Kyu Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Fusheng Wang
- Department of Computer Science, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - George Teodoro
- Department of Computer Science, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Yi Jiang
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Jun Kong
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Anomalous Angiogenesis in Retina. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9020224. [PMID: 33671578 PMCID: PMC7927046 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may cause severe loss of vision or blindness, particularly in elderly people. Exudative AMD is characterized by the angiogenesis of blood vessels growing from underneath the macula, crossing the blood–retina barrier (which comprises Bruch’s membrane (BM) and the retinal pigmentation epithelium (RPE)), leaking blood and fluid into the retina and knocking off photoreceptors. Here, we simulate a computational model of angiogenesis from the choroid blood vessels via a cellular Potts model, as well as BM, RPE cells, drusen deposits and photoreceptors. Our results indicate that improving AMD may require fixing the impaired lateral adhesion between RPE cells and with BM, as well as diminishing Vessel Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Jagged proteins that affect the Notch signaling pathway. Our numerical simulations suggest that anti-VEGF and anti-Jagged therapies could temporarily halt exudative AMD while addressing impaired cellular adhesion, which could be more effective over a longer time-span.
Collapse
|
16
|
Cell-Based Therapies for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1256:265-293. [PMID: 33848006 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-66014-7_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. The pathogenesis of AMD involves dysfunction and loss of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a monolayer of cells that provide nourishment and functional support for the overlying photoreceptors. RPE cells in mammals are not known to divide, renew or regenerate in vivo, and in advanced AMD, RPE loss leads to degeneration of the photoreceptors and impairment of vision. One possible therapeutic approach would be to support and replace the failing RPE cells of affected patients, and indeed moderate success of surgical procedures in which relatively healthy autologous RPE from the peripheral retina of the same eye was transplanted under the retina in the macular area suggested that RPE replacement could be a means to attenuate photoreceptor cell loss. This prompted exploration of the possibility to use pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) as a potential source for "healthy and young" RPE cells for such cell-based therapy of AMD. Various approaches ranging from the use of allogeneic embryonic stem cells to autologous induced pluripotent stem cells are now being tested within early clinical trials. Such PSC-derived RPE cells are either injected into the subretinal space as a suspension, or transplanted as a monolayer patch upon scaffold support. Although most of these approaches are at early clinical stages, safety of the RPE product has been demonstrated by several of these studies. Here, we review the concept of cell-based therapy of AMD and provide an update on current progress in the field of RPE transplantation.
Collapse
|
17
|
Shen Y. Stem cell therapies for retinal diseases: from bench to bedside. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:1347-1368. [PMID: 32794020 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01960-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
As the human retina has no regenerative ability, stem cell interventions represent potential therapies for various blinding retinal diseases. This type of therapy has been extensively studied in the human eyes through decades of preclinical studies. The safety profiles shown in clinical trials thus far have indicated that these strategies should be further explored. There are still challenges with regard to cell source, cell delivery, immuno-related adverse events and long-term maintenance of the therapeutic effects. Retinal stem cell therapy is likely to be most successful with a combination of multiple technologies, such as gene therapy. The purpose of this review is to present a synthetical and systematic coverage of stem cell therapies that target retinal diseases from bench to bedside, intending to appeal to both junior specialists and the broader community of clinical investigators alike. This review will only focus on therapies that have already been studied in clinical trials. This review summarizes key concepts, highlights the main studies in human patients and discusses the current challenges and potential methods to reduce safety concerns while enhancing the therapeutic effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuening Shen
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London , 11-43 Bath St, London, EC1V 9EL, UK. .,Department of Medical Retina, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 162 City Road, London, EC1V 2PD, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
West EL, Ribeiro J, Ali RR. Development of Stem Cell Therapies for Retinal Degeneration. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2020; 12:cshperspect.a035683. [PMID: 31818854 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a035683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Degenerative retinal disease is the major cause of sight loss in the developed world and currently there is a lack of effective treatments. As the loss of vision is directly the result of the loss of retinal cells, effective cell replacement through stem-cell-based therapies may have the potential to treat a great number of retinal diseases whatever their underlying etiology. The eye is an ideal organ to develop cell therapies as it is immune privileged, and modern surgical techniques enable precise delivery of cells to the retina. Furthermore, a range of noninvasive diagnostic tests and high-resolution imaging techniques facilitate the evaluation of any therapeutic intervention. In this review, we evaluate the progress to date of current cell therapy strategies for retinal repair, focusing on transplantation of pluripotent stem-cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma L West
- Division of Molecular Therapy, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
| | - Joana Ribeiro
- Division of Molecular Therapy, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
| | - Robin R Ali
- Division of Molecular Therapy, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom.,Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
EMT and EndMT: Emerging Roles in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124271. [PMID: 32560057 PMCID: PMC7349630 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndMT) are physiological processes required for normal embryogenesis. However, these processes can be hijacked in pathological conditions to facilitate tissue fibrosis and cancer metastasis. In the eye, EMT and EndMT play key roles in the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis, the end-stage of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that leads to profound and permanent vision loss. Predominant in subretinal fibrotic lesions are matrix-producing mesenchymal cells believed to originate from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and/or choroidal endothelial cells (CECs) through EMT and EndMT, respectively. Recent evidence suggests that EMT of RPE may also be implicated during the early stages of AMD. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) is a key cytokine orchestrating both EMT and EndMT. Investigations in the molecular mechanisms underpinning EMT and EndMT in AMD have implicated a myriad of contributing factors including signaling pathways, extracellular matrix remodelling, oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction. Questions arise as to differences in the mesenchymal cells derived from these two processes and their distinct mechanistic contributions to the pathogenesis of AMD. Detailed discussion on the AMD microenvironment highlights the synergistic interactions between RPE and CECs that may augment the EMT and EndMT processes in vivo. Understanding the differential regulatory networks of EMT and EndMT and their contributions to both the dry and wet forms of AMD can aid the development of therapeutic strategies targeting both RPE and CECs to potentially reverse the aberrant cellular transdifferentiation processes, regenerate the retina and thus restore vision.
Collapse
|
20
|
MicroRNA profiling reveals important functions of miR-125b and let-7a during human retinal pigment epithelial cell differentiation. Exp Eye Res 2020; 190:107883. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|
21
|
Fields MA, Del Priore LV, Adelman RA, Rizzolo LJ. Interactions of the choroid, Bruch's membrane, retinal pigment epithelium, and neurosensory retina collaborate to form the outer blood-retinal-barrier. Prog Retin Eye Res 2019; 76:100803. [PMID: 31704339 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.100803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The three interacting components of the outer blood-retinal barrier are the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), choriocapillaris, and Bruch's membrane, the extracellular matrix that lies between them. Although previously reviewed independently, this review integrates these components into a more wholistic view of the barrier and discusses reconstitution models to explore the interactions among them. After updating our understanding of each component's contribution to barrier function, we discuss recent efforts to examine how the components interact. Recent studies demonstrate that claudin-19 regulates multiple aspects of RPE's barrier function and identifies a barrier function whereby mutations of claudin-19 affect retinal development. Co-culture approaches to reconstitute components of the outer blood-retinal barrier are beginning to reveal two-way interactions between the RPE and choriocapillaris. These interactions affect barrier function and the composition of the intervening Bruch's membrane. Normal or disease models of Bruch's membrane, reconstituted with healthy or diseased RPE, demonstrate adverse effects of diseased matrix on RPE metabolism. A stumbling block for reconstitution studies is the substrates typically used to culture cells are inadequate substitutes for Bruch's membrane. Together with human stem cells, the alternative substrates that have been designed offer an opportunity to engineer second-generation culture models of the outer blood-retinal barrier.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Fields
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University School of Medicine, PO Box 208061, New Haven, CT, 06520-8061, USA
| | - Lucian V Del Priore
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University School of Medicine, PO Box 208061, New Haven, CT, 06520-8061, USA
| | - Ron A Adelman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University School of Medicine, PO Box 208061, New Haven, CT, 06520-8061, USA
| | - Lawrence J Rizzolo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University School of Medicine, PO Box 208061, New Haven, CT, 06520-8061, USA; Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, PO Box 208062, New Haven, CT, 06520-8062, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
|
23
|
Abstract
The availability of noninvasive high-resolution imaging technology, the immune-suppressive nature of the subretinal space, and the existence of surgical techniques that permit transplantation surgery to be a safe procedure all render the eye an ideal organ in which to begin cell-based therapy in the central nervous system. A number of early stage clinical trials are underway to assess the safety and feasibility of cell-based therapy for retinal blindness. Cell-based therapy using embryonic stem cell-derived differentiated cells (e.g., retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)), neural progenitor cells, photoreceptor precursors, and bone marrow-derived hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells has demonstrated successful rescue and/or replacement in preclinical models of human retinal degenerative disease. Additional research is needed to identify the mechanisms that control synapse formation/disjunction (to improve photoreceptor transplant efficacy), to identify factors that limit RPE survival in areas of geographic atrophy (to improve RPE transplant efficacy in eyes with age-related macular degeneration), and to identify factors that regulate immune surveillance of the subretinal space (to improve long-term photoreceptor and RPE transplant survival).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Zarbin
- Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Singh MS, MacLaren RE. Stem Cell Treatment for Age-Related Macular Degeneration: the Challenges. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2018; 59:AMD78-AMD82. [PMID: 30025109 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mandeep S Singh
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford and Oxford University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Cai H, Gong J, Del Priore LV, Tezel TH, Fields MA. Culturing of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells on an Ex Vivo Model of Aged Human Bruch's Membrane. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 29708536 PMCID: PMC5933494 DOI: 10.3791/57084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Aside from vitamins and antioxidants recommended by the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, there is no effective therapy for "dry," or atrophic age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which represents 90% of the cases. Therapies are needed to slow or retard the development of geographic atrophy (GA), and understanding Bruch's membrane pathology is part of this process. Alterations in human Bruch's membrane precede the progression of AMD by contributing to the damage of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Given the lack of sufficient animal models to study AMD, ex vivo models of aged human Bruch's membrane serve as a useful tool to study the behavior of RPE cells from immortalized and primary cell lines as well as RPE lines derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Here, we present a detailed method that allows one to determine the effects of RPE cell behavior seeded on harvested human Bruch's membrane explants from human donors, including attachment, apoptosis and proliferation, ability to phagocytize photoreceptor outer segments, establishment of polarity, and gene expression. This assay provides an ex vivo model of aged Bruch's membrane to assess the functional characteristics of RPE cells when seeded on aged/compromised extracellular matrix.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Cai
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale School of Medicine
| | - Jie Gong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale School of Medicine
| | | | - Tongalp H Tezel
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University School of Medicine
| | - Mark A Fields
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale School of Medicine;
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Tan YSE, Shi PJ, Choo CJ, Laude A, Yeong WY. Tissue engineering of retina and Bruch’s membrane: a review of cells, materials and processes. Br J Ophthalmol 2018; 102:1182-1187. [DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2017-311390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2017] [Revised: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The biological, structural and functional configuration of Bruch’s membrane (BM) is significantly relevant to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other chorioretinal diseases, and AMD is one of the leading causes of blindness in the elderly worldwide. The configuration may worsen along with the ageing of retinal pigment epithelium and BM that finally leads to AMD. Thus, the scaffold-based tissue-engineered retina provides an innovative alternative for retinal tissue repair. The cell and material requirements for retinal repair are discussed including cell sheet engineering, decellularised membrane and tissue-engineered membranes. Further, the challenges and potential in realising a whole tissue model construct for retinal regeneration are highlighted herein. This review article provides a framework for future development of tissue-engineered retina as a preclinical model and possible treatments for AMD.
Collapse
|
27
|
Hu JL, Todhunter ME, LaBarge MA, Gartner ZJ. Opportunities for organoids as new models of aging. J Cell Biol 2017; 217:39-50. [PMID: 29263081 PMCID: PMC5748992 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201709054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The biology of aging is challenging to study, particularly in humans. As a result, model organisms are used to approximate the physiological context of aging in humans. However, the best model organisms remain expensive and time-consuming to use. More importantly, they may not reflect directly on the process of aging in people. Human cell culture provides an alternative, but many functional signs of aging occur at the level of tissues rather than cells and are therefore not readily apparent in traditional cell culture models. Organoids have the potential to effectively balance between the strengths and weaknesses of traditional models of aging. They have sufficient complexity to capture relevant signs of aging at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels, while presenting an experimentally tractable alternative to animal studies. Organoid systems have been developed to model many human tissues and diseases. Here we provide a perspective on the potential for organoids to serve as models for aging and describe how current organoid techniques could be applied to aging research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Hu
- University of California Berkeley-University of California San Francisco Graduate Program in Bioengineering, San Francisco, CA
| | - Michael E Todhunter
- Center for Cancer and Aging, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope, Duarte, CA
| | - Mark A LaBarge
- Center for Cancer and Aging, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope, Duarte, CA
| | - Zev J Gartner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA .,National Science Foundation Center for Cellular Construction, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.,Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kearns VR, Tasker J, Akhtar R, Bachhuka A, Vasilev K, Sheridan CM, Williams RL. The formation of a functional retinal pigment epithelium occurs on porous polytetrafluoroethylene substrates independently of the surface chemistry. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE. MATERIALS IN MEDICINE 2017; 28:124. [PMID: 28707136 PMCID: PMC5509835 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-017-5926-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Subretinal transplantation of functioning retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells may have the potential to preserve or restore vision in patients affected by blinding diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). One of the critical steps in achieving this is the ability to grow a functioning retinal pigment epithelium, which may need a substrate on which to grow and to aid transplantation. Tailoring the physical and chemical properties of the substrate should help the engineered tissue to function in the long term. The purpose of the study was to determine whether a functioning monolayer of RPE cells could be produced on expanded polytetrafluoroethylene substrates modified by either an ammonia plasma treatment or an n-Heptylamine coating, and whether the difference in surface chemistries altered the extracellular matrix the cells produced. Primary human RPE cells were able to form a functional, cobblestone monolayer on both substrates, but the formation of an extracellular matrix to exhibit a network structure took months, whereas on non-porous substrates with the same surface chemistry, a similar appearance was observed after a few weeks. This study suggests that the surface chemistry of these materials may not be the most critical factor in the development of growth of a functional monolayer of RPE cells as long as the cells can attach and proliferate on the surface. This has important implications in the design of strategies to optimise the clinical outcomes of subretinal transplant procedures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria R Kearns
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Jack Tasker
- Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Riaz Akhtar
- Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Akash Bachhuka
- School of Engineering, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, Adelaide, SA, 5095, Australia
| | - Krasimir Vasilev
- School of Engineering, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, Adelaide, SA, 5095, Australia
| | - Carl M Sheridan
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rachel L Williams
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
White CE, Olabisi RM. Scaffolds for retinal pigment epithelial cell transplantation in age-related macular degeneration. J Tissue Eng 2017; 8:2041731417720841. [PMID: 28794849 PMCID: PMC5524239 DOI: 10.1177/2041731417720841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In several retinal degenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, the retinal pigment epithelium, a highly functionalized cell monolayer, becomes dysfunctional. These retinal diseases are marked by early retinal pigment epithelium dysfunction reducing its ability to maintain a healthy retina, hence making the retinal pigment epithelium an attractive target for treatment. Cell therapies, including bolus cell injections, have been investigated with mixed results. Since bolus cell injection does not promote the proper monolayer architecture, scaffolds seeded with retinal pigment epithelium cells and then implanted have been increasingly investigated. Such cell-seeded scaffolds address both the dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium cells and age-related retinal changes that inhibit the efficacy of cell-only therapies. Currently, several groups are investigating retinal therapies using seeded cells from a number of cell sources on a variety of scaffolds, such as degradable, non-degradable, natural, and artificial substrates. This review describes the variety of scaffolds that have been developed for the implantation of retinal pigment epithelium cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corina E White
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Ronke M Olabisi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Bracha P, Moore NA, Ciulla TA. Induced pluripotent stem cell-based therapy for age-related macular degeneration. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2017; 17:1113-1126. [PMID: 28664762 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2017.1346079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In age-related macular degeneration (AMD), stem cells could possibly replace or regenerate disrupted pathologic retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and produce supportive growth factors and cytokines such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived RPE was first subretinally transplanted in a neovascular AMD patient in 2014. Areas covered: Induced PSCs are derived from the introduction of transcription factors to adult cells under specific cell culture conditions, followed by differentiation into RPE cells. Induced PSC-derived RPE cells exhibit ion transport, membrane potential, polarized VEGF secretion and gene expression that is similar to native RPE. Despite having similar in vitro function, morphology, immunostaining and microscopic analysis, it remains to be seen if iPSC-derived RPE can replicate the myriad of in vivo functions, including immunomodulatory effects, of native RPE cells. Historically, adjuvant RPE transplantation during CNV resections were technically difficult and complicated by immune rejection. Autologous iPSCs are hypothesized to reduce the risk of immune rejection, but their production is time-consuming and expensive. Alternatively, allogenic transplantation using human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched iPSCs, similar to HLA-matched organ transplantation, is currently being investigated. Expert opinion: Challenges to successful transplantation with iPSCs include surgical technique, a pathologic subretinal microenvironment, possible immune rejection, and complications of immunosuppression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bracha
- a Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology , Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis , IN , USA
| | - Nicholas A Moore
- a Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology , Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis , IN , USA
| | - Thomas A Ciulla
- a Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology , Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis , IN , USA.,b Retina Service , Midwest Eye Institute , Indianapolis , IN , USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
White C, DiStefano T, Olabisi R. The influence of substrate modulus on retinal pigment epithelial cells. J Biomed Mater Res A 2017; 105:1260-1266. [PMID: 28028920 PMCID: PMC6519294 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.35992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 12/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Although transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells has shown promise for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases, this therapeutic approach is not without challenges. Two major challenges are RPE cell dedifferentiation and inflammatory response following transplantation. The aim of this work is to understand how the rigidity of a scaffold, a relatively unexplored design aspect in retinal tissue engineering, affects RPE cells, particularly the pathways associated with the aforementioned challenges. Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) of varying molecular weights from 3.4 to 20 kDa were photopolymerized to fabricate scaffolds. The Young's modulus of the scaffolds varied from 60 to 1200 kPa. A cell study was then conducted to test the effects of scaffold rigidity on RPE cells. A cell adhesion peptide motif of arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-serine (RGDS) was conjugated to 60 and 1200 kPa scaffolds and ARPE-19 cells, a human RPE cell line, were seeded onto these hydrogels. Cells grown on scaffolds demonstrated qualitatively different adhesion properties, metabolic activity, and gene expression at an mRNA level. IL-6 and MCP-1, two inflammation markers known to recruit microglial into the retina, had the same expression pattern with cells having the highest expression on the high modulus scaffold and lowest expression on the control substrate. This study demonstrates that scaffold rigidity, an important design parameter in other areas of tissue engineering, affects cell adhesion, activity, and expression of RPE cells. Though more exploration is needed, this begins to lay a foundation for optimizing scaffold rigidity to promote long-term success of RPE scaffolds. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1260-1266, 2017.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corina White
- Biomedical Engineering, The State University of New Jersey, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Tyler DiStefano
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration, and Repair, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ronke Olabisi
- Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Sorkio A, Haimi S, Verdoold V, Juuti-Uusitalo K, Grijpma D, Skottman H. Poly(trimethylene carbonate) as an elastic biodegradable film for human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 11:3134-3144. [DOI: 10.1002/term.2221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anni Sorkio
- BioMediTech; University of Tampere; Tampere Finland
| | - Suvi Haimi
- BioMediTech; University of Tampere; Tampere Finland
- MIRA Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Technical Medicine and Department of Biomaterials Science and Technology; University of Twente; Enschede The Netherlands
| | - Vincent Verdoold
- MIRA Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Technical Medicine and Department of Biomaterials Science and Technology; University of Twente; Enschede The Netherlands
| | | | - Dirk Grijpma
- MIRA Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Technical Medicine and Department of Biomaterials Science and Technology; University of Twente; Enschede The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Agrahari V, Agrahari V, Mandal A, Pal D, Mitra AK. How are we improving the delivery to back of the eye? Advances and challenges of novel therapeutic approaches. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2016; 14:1145-1162. [DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2017.1272569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vibhuti Agrahari
- School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Vivek Agrahari
- School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Abhirup Mandal
- School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Dhananjay Pal
- School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Ashim K. Mitra
- School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Potential of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) for Treating Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Cells 2016; 5:cells5040044. [PMID: 27941641 PMCID: PMC5187528 DOI: 10.3390/cells5040044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of stem cell biology has rapidly evolved in the last few decades. In the area of regenerative medicine, clinical applications using stem cells hold the potential to be a powerful tool in the treatment of a wide variety of diseases, in particular, disorders of the eye. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are promising technologies that can potentially provide an unlimited source of cells for cell replacement therapy in the treatment of retinal degenerative disorders such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Stargardt disease, and other disorders. ESCs and iPSCs have been used to generate retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and their functional behavior has been tested in vitro and in vivo in animal models. Additionally, iPSC-derived RPE cells provide an autologous source of cells for therapeutic use, as well as allow for novel approaches in disease modeling and drug development platforms. Clinical trials are currently testing the safety and efficacy of these cells in patients with AMD. In this review, the current status of iPSC disease modeling of AMD is discussed, as well as the challenges and potential of this technology as a viable option for cell replacement therapy in retinal degeneration.
Collapse
|
35
|
Koss MJ, Falabella P, Stefanini FR, Pfister M, Thomas BB, Kashani AH, Brant R, Zhu D, Clegg DO, Hinton DR, Humayun MS. Subretinal implantation of a monolayer of human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium: a feasibility and safety study in Yucatán minipigs. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2016; 254:1553-1565. [PMID: 27335025 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-016-3386-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE A subretinal implant termed CPCB-RPE1 is currently being developed to surgically replace dystrophic RPE in patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and severe vision loss. CPCB-RPE1 is composed of a terminally differentiated, polarized human embryonic stem cell-derived RPE (hESC-RPE) monolayer pre-grown on a biocompatible, mesh-supported submicron parylene C membrane. The objective of the present delivery study was to assess the feasibility and 1-month safety of CPCB-RPE1 implantation in Yucatán minipigs, whose eyes are similar to human eyes in size and gross retinal anatomy. METHODS This was a prospective, partially blinded, randomized study in 14 normal-sighted female Yucatán minipigs (aged 2 months, weighing 24-35 kg). Surgeons were blinded to the randomization codes and postoperative and post-mortem assessments were performed in a blinded manner. Eleven minipigs received CPCB-RPE1 while three control minipigs underwent sham surgery that generated subretinal blebs. All animals except two sham controls received combined local (Ozurdex™ dexamethasone intravitreal implant) and systemic (tacrolimus) immunosuppression or local immunosuppression alone. Correct placement of the CPCB-RPE1 implant was assessed by in vivo optical coherence tomography and post-mortem histology. hESC-RPE cells were identified using immunohistochemistry staining for TRA-1-85 (a human marker) and RPE65 (an RPE marker). As the study results of primary interest were nonnumerical no statistical analysis or tests were conducted. RESULTS CPCB-RPE1 implants were reliably placed, without implant breakage, in the subretinal space of the minipig eye using surgical techniques similar to those that would be used in humans. Histologically, hESC-RPE cells were found to survive as an intact monolayer for 1 month based on immunohistochemistry staining for TRA-1-85 and RPE65. CONCLUSIONS Although inconclusive regarding the necessity or benefit of systemic or local immunosuppression, our study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of CPCB-RPE1 subretinal implantation in a comparable animal model and provides an encouraging starting point for human studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Koss
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA.
| | - Paulo Falabella
- USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
| | - Francisco R Stefanini
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo UNIFESP, Rua Botucatu 821, 04023-062, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcel Pfister
- USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
| | - Biju B Thomas
- USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
| | - Amir H Kashani
- USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
| | - Rodrigo Brant
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo UNIFESP, Rua Botucatu 821, 04023-062, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danhong Zhu
- USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
| | - Dennis O Clegg
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106-9625, USA
| | - David R Hinton
- USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
| | - Mark S Humayun
- USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
- Institute of Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Thieltges F, Liu Z, Brinken R, Braun N, Wongsawad W, Somboonthanakij S, Herwig M, Holz FG, Stanzel BV. Localized RPE Removal with a Novel Instrument Aided by Viscoelastics in Rabbits. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2016; 5:11. [PMID: 27294010 PMCID: PMC4898042 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.5.3.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We developed a surgical method for localized and atraumatic removal of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) with a novel instrument. METHODS Bleb retinal detachments (bRD) were raised with balanced salt solution (BSS) following vitrectomy in 27 rabbits. The RPE was scraped with 3 loop variants (polypropylene [PP], 0.1 mm; PP, 0.06 mm; metal, 0.1 mm) of a custom-made instrument. Stabilization of bRDs with BSS or various concentrations (0.1%-0.5%) of hyaluronic acid (HA) was video analyzed. Perfusion-fixed samples of scraped areas and controls were studied by light and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS The bRDs were sufficiently stabilized by ≥0.25% HA. Using the PP 0.1 mm loop with a single forward/backward stroke, an area of ca. 2.5 × 1.5 mm was nearly devoid of RPE, yet did show occasional Bruch's membrane (BM) defects combined with choriocapillaris hemorrhages in 13% of the bRDs. A single scrape with PP 0.06 mm resulted in unsatisfactory RPE denudement, while repeated scraping maneuvers caused more BM defects and hemorrhages. The metal loop resulted in incomplete RPE removal and massive intraoperative subretinal hemorrhages. Histologically, intact photoreceptor outer segments (POS) were observed above the RPE wounds in bRDs. Controls with bRDs alone showed an intact RPE monolayer with microvilli, with few engulfed remains of POS. CONCLUSIONS Localized removal of RPE in HA stabilized bRD can be achieved by a PP 0.1 mm loop instrument. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE Removal of degenerated RPE may aid RPE cell replacement strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Zengping Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany ; Present address: Zengping Liu, Department of Ophthalmology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ralf Brinken
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Warapat Wongsawad
- Mettapracharak Eye Institute, Raikhing, Nakhon Pathom 73210, Thailand
| | | | - Martina Herwig
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank G Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Boris V Stanzel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany ; Present address: Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Hotaling NA, Khristov V, Wan Q, Sharma R, Jha BS, Lotfi M, Maminishkis A, Simon CG, Bharti K. Nanofiber Scaffold-Based Tissue-Engineered Retinal Pigment Epithelium to Treat Degenerative Eye Diseases. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2016; 32:272-85. [PMID: 27110730 PMCID: PMC4904235 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2015.0157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical-grade manufacturing of a functional retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) monolayer requires reproducing, as closely as possible, the natural environment in which RPE grows. In vitro, this can be achieved by a tissue engineering approach, in which the RPE is grown on a nanofibrous biological or synthetic scaffold. Recent research has shown that nanofiber scaffolds perform better for cell growth and transplantability compared with their membrane counterparts and that the success of the scaffold in promoting cell growth/function is not heavily material dependent. With these strides, the field has advanced enough to begin to consider implementation of one, or a combination, of the tissue engineering strategies discussed herein. In this study, we review the current state of tissue engineering research for in vitro culture of RPE/scaffolds and the parameters for optimal scaffold design that have been uncovered during this research. Next, we discuss production methods and manufacturers that are capable of producing the nanofiber scaffolds in such a way that would be biologically, regulatory, clinically, and commercially viable. Then, a discussion of how the scaffolds could be characterized, both morphologically and mechanically, to develop a testing process that is viable for regulatory screening is performed. Finally, an example of a tissue-engineered RPE/scaffold construct is given to provide the reader a framework for understanding how these pieces could fit together to develop a tissue-engineered RPE/scaffold construct that could pass regulatory scrutiny and can be commercially successful.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A. Hotaling
- Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland
- Unit on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Vladimir Khristov
- Section of Epithelial and Retinal Physiology and Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Qin Wan
- Section of Epithelial and Retinal Physiology and Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ruchi Sharma
- Unit on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Balendu Shekhar Jha
- Unit on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Mostafa Lotfi
- Section of Epithelial and Retinal Physiology and Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Arvydas Maminishkis
- Section of Epithelial and Retinal Physiology and Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Carl G. Simon
- Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Kapil Bharti
- Unit on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Songstad AE, Wiley LA, Duong K, Kaalberg E, Flamme-Wiese MJ, Cranston CM, Riker MJ, Levasseur D, Stone EM, Mullins RF, Tucker BA. Generating iPSC-Derived Choroidal Endothelial Cells to Study Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2016; 56:8258-67. [PMID: 26720480 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.15-17073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of incurable blindness in the western world, is characterized by the dysfunction and eventual death of choroidal endothelial (CECs), RPE, and photoreceptor cells. Stem cell-based treatment strategies designed to replace photoreceptor and RPE cells currently are a major scientific focus. However, the success of these approaches likely also will require replacement of the underlying, supportive choroidal vasculature. The purpose of this study was to generate stem cell-derived CECs to develop efficient differentiation and transplantation protocols. METHODS Dermal fibroblasts from the Tie2-GFP mouse were isolated and reprogrammed into two independent induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines via viral transduction of the transcription factors Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc. Tie2-GFP iPSCs were differentiated into CECs using a coculture method with either the RF6A CEC line or primary mouse CECs. Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived CECs were characterized via RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry for EC- and CEC-specific markers. RESULTS Induced pluripotent stem cells generated from mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under control of the endothelial Tie2 promoter display classic pluripotency markers and stem cell morphology. Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived CECs express carbonic anhydrase IV, eNOS, FOXA2, PLVAP, CD31, CD34, ICAM-1, Tie2, TTR, VE-cadherin, and vWF. CONCLUSIONS Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived CECs will be a valuable tool for modeling of choriocapillaris-specific insults in AMD and for use in future choroidal endothelial cell replacement approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allison E Songstad
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Luke A Wiley
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Khahn Duong
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Emily Kaalberg
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Miles J Flamme-Wiese
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Cathryn M Cranston
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Megan J Riker
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Dana Levasseur
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Edwin M Stone
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States 3Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Robert F Mullins
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Budd A Tucker
- Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Ilmarinen T, Hiidenmaa H, Kööbi P, Nymark S, Sorkio A, Wang JH, Stanzel BV, Thieltges F, Alajuuma P, Oksala O, Kataja M, Uusitalo H, Skottman H. Ultrathin Polyimide Membrane as Cell Carrier for Subretinal Transplantation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143669. [PMID: 26606532 PMCID: PMC4659637 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the suitability of ultrathin and porous polyimide (PI) membrane as a carrier for subretinal transplantation of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) -derived retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in rabbits. The in vivo effects of hESC-RPE cells were analyzed by subretinal suspension injection into Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats. Rat eyes were analyzed with electroretinography (ERG) and histology. After analyzing the surface and permeability properties of PI, subretinal PI membrane transplantations with and without hESC-RPE were performed in rabbits. The rabbits were followed for three months and eyes analyzed with fundus photography, ERG, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and histology. Animals were immunosuppressed with cyclosporine the entire follow-up time. In dystrophic RCS rats, ERG and outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness showed some rescue after hESC-RPE injection. Cells positive for human antigen were found in clusters under the retina 41 days post-injection but not anymore after 105 days. In rabbits, OCT showed good placement of the PI. However, there was loss of pigmentation on the hESC-RPE-PI over time. In the eyes with PI alone, no obvious signs of inflammation or retinal atrophy were observed. In the presence of hESC-RPE, mononuclear cell infiltration and retinal atrophy were observed around the membranes. The porous ultrathin PI membrane was well-tolerated in the subretinal space and is a promising scaffold for RPE transplantation. However, the rejection of the transplanted cells seems to be a major problem and the given immunosuppression was insufficient for reduction of xenograft induced inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Ilmarinen
- BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Peeter Kööbi
- Department of Ophthalmology, SILK, University of Tampere and Tays Eye Center, Tampere, Finland
| | - Soile Nymark
- Department of Electronics and Communications Engineering and BioMediTech, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland
| | - Anni Sorkio
- BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jing-Huan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, SILK, University of Tampere and Tays Eye Center, Tampere, Finland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Hannu Uusitalo
- Department of Ophthalmology, SILK, University of Tampere and Tays Eye Center, Tampere, Finland
| | - Heli Skottman
- BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Delplace V, Payne S, Shoichet M. Delivery strategies for treatment of age-related ocular diseases: From a biological understanding to biomaterial solutions. J Control Release 2015; 219:652-668. [PMID: 26435454 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.09.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Age-related ocular diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma, result in life-long functional deficits and enormous global health care costs. As the worldwide population ages, vision loss has become a major concern for both economic and human health reasons. Due to recent research into biomaterials and nanotechnology major advances have been gained in the field of ocular delivery. This review provides a summary and discussion of the most recent strategies employed for the delivery of both drugs and cells to the eye to treat a variety of age-related diseases. It emphasizes the current challenges and limitations to ocular delivery and how the use of innovative materials can overcome these issues and ultimately provide treatment for age-related degeneration and regeneration of lost tissues. This review also provides critical considerations and an outlook for future studies in the field of ophthalmic delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vianney Delplace
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E5, Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, 164 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Samantha Payne
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E5, Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, 164 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Molly Shoichet
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E5, Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, 164 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Stem cell based therapies for age-related macular degeneration: The promises and the challenges. Prog Retin Eye Res 2015; 48:1-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2015.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Revised: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
42
|
Haneef AS, Downes S. Assessing the Suitability of Electrospun Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) and Polystyrene as Cell Carrier Substrates for Potential Subsequent Implantation as a Synthetic Bruch's Membrane. INT J POLYM MATER PO 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/00914037.2014.945206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
|
43
|
Abstract
The human retinal pigment epithelium forms early in development and subsequently remains dormant, undergoing minimal proliferation throughout normal life. Retinal pigment epithelium proliferation, however, can be activated in disease states or by removing retinal pigment epithelial cells into culture. We review the conditions that control retinal pigment epithelial proliferation in culture, in animal models and in human disease and interpret retinal pigment epithelium proliferation in context of the recently discovered retinal pigment epithelium stem cell that is responsible for most in vitro retinal pigment epithelial proliferation. Retinal pigment epithelial proliferation-mediated wound repair that occurs in selected macular diseases is contrasted with retinal pigment epithelial proliferation-mediated fibroblastic scar formation that underlies proliferative vitreoretinopathy. We discuss the role of retinal pigment epithelial proliferation in age-related macular degeneration which is reparative in some cases and destructive in others. Macular retinal pigment epithelium wound repair and regression of choroidal neovascularization are more pronounced in younger than older patients. We discuss the possibility that the limited retinal pigment epithelial proliferation and latent wound repair in older age-related macular degeneration patients can be stimulated to promote disease regression in age-related macular degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Stern
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, One Discovery Drive, Rensselaer, New York 12144, USA Capital Region Retina, PLLC, Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12206, USA
| | - Sally Temple
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, One Discovery Drive, Rensselaer, New York 12144, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
|
45
|
Gonçalves S, Padrão J, Rodrigues IP, Silva JP, Sencadas V, Lanceros-Mendez S, Girão H, Dourado F, Rodrigues LR. Bacterial Cellulose As a Support for the Growth of Retinal Pigment Epithelium. Biomacromolecules 2015; 16:1341-51. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.5b00129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Inês Patrício Rodrigues
- Centre
of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, IBILI-Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-354, Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | | | | | - Henrique Girão
- Centre
of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, IBILI-Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-354, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Brandl C, Grassmann F, Riolfi J, Weber BHF. Tapping Stem Cells to Target AMD: Challenges and Prospects. J Clin Med 2015; 4:282-303. [PMID: 26239128 PMCID: PMC4470125 DOI: 10.3390/jcm4020282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are increasingly gaining attention in biomedicine as valuable resources to establish patient-derived cell culture models of the cell type known to express the primary pathology. The idea of "a patient in a dish" aims at basic, but also clinical, applications with the promise to mimic individual genetic and metabolic complexities barely reflected in current invertebrate or vertebrate animal model systems. This may particularly be true for the inherited and complex diseases of the retina, as this tissue has anatomical and physiological aspects unique to the human eye. For example, the complex age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in Western societies, can be attributed to a large number of genetic and individual factors with so far unclear modes of mutual interaction. Here, we review the current status and future prospects of utilizing hPSCs, specifically induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), in basic and clinical AMD research, but also in assessing potential treatment options. We provide an outline of concepts for disease modelling and summarize ongoing and projected clinical trials for stem cell-based therapy in late-stage AMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Brandl
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93042 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Felix Grassmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Julia Riolfi
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Bernhard H F Weber
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Jobling AI, Guymer RH, Vessey KA, Greferath U, Mills SA, Brassington KH, Luu CD, Aung KZ, Trogrlic L, Plunkett M, Fletcher EL. Nanosecond laser therapy reverses pathologic and molecular changes in age‐related macular degeneration without retinal damage. FASEB J 2014; 29:696-710. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-262444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. I. Jobling
- Department of Anatomy and NeuroscienceThe University of MelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - R. H. Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research AustraliaUniversity of MelbourneRoyal Victorian Eye and Ear HospitalVictoriaAustralia
| | - K. A. Vessey
- Department of Anatomy and NeuroscienceThe University of MelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - U. Greferath
- Department of Anatomy and NeuroscienceThe University of MelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - S. A. Mills
- Department of Anatomy and NeuroscienceThe University of MelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - K. H. Brassington
- Centre for Eye Research AustraliaUniversity of MelbourneRoyal Victorian Eye and Ear HospitalVictoriaAustralia
| | - C. D. Luu
- Centre for Eye Research AustraliaUniversity of MelbourneRoyal Victorian Eye and Ear HospitalVictoriaAustralia
| | - K. Z. Aung
- Centre for Eye Research AustraliaUniversity of MelbourneRoyal Victorian Eye and Ear HospitalVictoriaAustralia
| | - L. Trogrlic
- Department of Anatomy and NeuroscienceThe University of MelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - E. L. Fletcher
- Department of Anatomy and NeuroscienceThe University of MelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Heller JP, Martin KR. Enhancing RPE Cell-Based Therapy Outcomes for AMD: The Role of Bruch's Membrane. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2014. [DOI: 10.1167/tvst.3.4.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
|
49
|
Heller JP, Martin KR. Enhancing RPE Cell-Based Therapy Outcomes for AMD: The Role of Bruch's Membrane. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2014; 3:11. [PMID: 25068093 PMCID: PMC4108298 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.3.3.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of legal blindness in older people in the developed world. The disease involves damage to the part of the retina responsible for central vision. Degeneration of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, photoreceptors, and choriocapillaris may contribute to visual loss. Over the past decades, scientists and clinicians have tried to replace lost RPE cells in patients with AMD using cells from different sources. In recent years, advances in generating RPE cells from stem cells have been made and clinical trials are currently evaluating the safety and efficiency of replacing the degenerated RPE cell layer with stem cell-derived RPE cells. However, the therapeutic success of transplantation of stem cell-derived RPE cells may be limited unless the transplanted cells can adhere and survive in the long term in the diseased eye. One hallmark of AMD is the altered extracellular environment of Bruch's membrane to which the grafted cells have to adhere. Here, we discuss recent approaches to overcome the inhibitory environment of the diseased eye and to enhance the survival rate of transplanted RPE cells. Our aim is to highlight novel approaches that may have the potential to improve the efficacy of RPE transplantation for AMD in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janosch P. Heller
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, Institute of Neurology, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Keith R. Martin
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Ophthalmology, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre and Wellcome Trust-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
McHugh KJ, Tao SL, Saint-Geniez M. Porous poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds for retinal pigment epithelium transplantation. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2014; 55:1754-62. [PMID: 24550370 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.13-12833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) transplantation is a promising strategy for the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, previous attempts at subretinal RPE cell transplantation have experienced limited success due to poor adhesion, organization, and function on aged or diseased Bruch's membrane. Instead, cell-based strategies may benefit from a synthetic scaffold that mimics the functions of healthy Bruch's membrane to promote the formation of a functional RPE monolayer while maintaining metabolite exchange between the vasculature and outer retina. METHODS This study evaluated the behavior of human RPE on nanopatterned porous poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) film as a potential scaffold for therapeutic transplantation. Fetal human RPE (fhRPE) was cultured on porous PCL, nonporous PCL, or Costar porous polyester transwells for up to 8 weeks and assessed using light microscopy, fluorescent microscopy, transepithelial resistance, quantitative PCR, ELISAs, and phagocytosis assays. RESULTS fhRPE on porous PCL displayed improved markers of maturity and function compared with both porous polyester transwells and nonporous PCL, including pigmentation, increased cell density, superior barrier function, up-regulation of RPE-specific genes, and polarized growth factor secretion. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that porous PCL is an attractive scaffold for RPE transplantation. In addition to being biocompatible with the subretinal space, porous PCL also allows for trans-scaffold metabolite transport and significantly improves RPE cell behavior compared to nonporous PCL or porous polyester transwells.
Collapse
|