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Jin L, Zhang L, Yan C, Liu M, Dean DC, Liu Y. Corneal injury repair and the potential involvement of ZEB1. EYE AND VISION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 11:20. [PMID: 38822380 PMCID: PMC11143703 DOI: 10.1186/s40662-024-00387-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
The cornea, consisting of three cellular and two non-cellular layers, is the outermost part of the eyeball and frequently injured by external physical, chemical, and microbial insults. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a crucial role in the repair of corneal injuries. Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), an important transcription factor involved in EMT, is expressed in the corneal tissues. It regulates cell activities like migration, transformation, and proliferation, and thereby affects tissue inflammation, fibrosis, tumor metastasis, and necrosis by mediating various major signaling pathways, including transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Dysfunction of ZEB1 would impair corneal tissue repair leading to epithelial healing delay, interstitial fibrosis, neovascularization, and squamous cell metaplasia. Understanding the mechanism underlying ZEB1 regulation of corneal injury repair will help us to formulate a therapeutic approach to enhance corneal injury repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Jin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116033, China
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116033, China
| | - Chunxiao Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116033, China
| | - Mengxin Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116033, China
| | - Douglas C Dean
- James Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
| | - Yongqing Liu
- James Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
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2
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Dias Rates ER, Almeida CD, de Paula Fiod Costa E, Jansen de Mello Farias R, Santos-Oliveira R, Rebelo Alencar LM. Evaluation of biophysical alterations in the epithelial and endothelial layer of patients with Bullous Keratopathy. Exp Eye Res 2024; 240:109791. [PMID: 38253307 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The cornea is a fundamental ocular tissue for the sense of sight. Thanks to it, the refraction of two-thirds of light manages to participate in the visual process and protect against mechanical damage. Because it is transparent, avascular, and innervated, the cornea comprises five main layers: Epithelium, Bowman's layer, stroma, Descemet's membrane, and endothelium. Each layer plays a key role in the functionality and maintenance of ocular tissue, providing unique ultrastructural and biomechanical properties. Bullous Keratopathy (BK) is an endothelial dysfunction that leads to corneal edema, loss of visual acuity, epithelial blisters, and severe pain, among other symptoms. The corneal layers are subject to changes in their biophysical properties promoted by Keratopathy. In this context, the Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) technique in air was used to investigate the anterior epithelial surface and the posterior endothelial surface, healthy and with BK, using a triangular silicone tip with a nominal spring constant of 0.4 N/m. Six human corneas (n = 6) samples were used for each analyzed group. Roughness data, calculated by third-order polynomial adjustment, adhesion, and Young's modulus, were obtained to serve as a comparison and identification of morphological and biomechanical changes possibly associated with the pathology, such as craters and in the epithelial layer and exposure of a fibrotic layer due to loss of the endothelial cell wall. Endothelial cell membrane area and volume data were calculated, obtaining a relevant comparison between the control and patient. Such results may provide new data on the physical properties of the ocular tissue to understand the physiology of the cornea when it has pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick Rafael Dias Rates
- Federal University of Maranhão, Department of Physics, Laboratory of Biophysics and Nanosystems, Campus Bacanga, São Luís, Maranhão, 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Charles Duarte Almeida
- Federal University of Maranhão, Department of Physics, Laboratory of Biophysics and Nanosystems, Campus Bacanga, São Luís, Maranhão, 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Elaine de Paula Fiod Costa
- Federal University of Maranhão, HU-UFMA - Hospital Universitário, R. Barão de Itapari, 227 - Centro, São Luís, MA, 65020-070, Brazil
| | | | - Ralph Santos-Oliveira
- Rio de Janeiro State University, Laboratory of Nanoradiopharmaceuticals and Radiopharmacy, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 23070200, Brazil; Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission, Nuclear Engineering Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941906, Brazil
| | - Luciana M Rebelo Alencar
- Federal University of Maranhão, Department of Physics, Laboratory of Biophysics and Nanosystems, Campus Bacanga, São Luís, Maranhão, 65080-805, Brazil.
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Merra A, Maurizi E, Pellegrini G. Impact of culture media on primary human corneal endothelial cells derived from old donors. Exp Eye Res 2024; 240:109815. [PMID: 38316204 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Corneal endothelial dysfunction is a major indication for corneal transplantation. However, a global shortage of donor corneal tissues and risks associated with corneal surgeries have prompted exploration of alternative options, including tissue-engineered grafts or cell injection therapy. Nonetheless, these approaches require a controlled culture of primary human corneal endothelial cells (HCEnCs). Although HCEnCs established from young donors are generally more proliferative and maintain a better phenotype, corneas from old donors are more frequently accessible from eye banks due to a lower corneal endothelial cell count than the necessary threshold required for transplantation. In this study, we investigated various culture media to evaluate which one is the most appropriate for stimulating the proliferation while maintaining cell morphology and function of HCEnCs derived from old donors (age >65 years). All experiments were performed on paired research-grade donor corneas, divided for the conditions under investigation in order to minimize the inter-donor variability. Cell morphology as well as expression of specific markers were assessed at both mRNA (CD166, SLC4A11, ATP1A1, COL8A1, α-SMA, CD44, COL1A1, CDKN2A, LAP2A and LAP2B) and protein (ZO-1, α-SMA, Ki67 and LAP2) levels. Results obtained showed how the Dual Media formulation maintained the hexagonal phenotype more efficiently than Single Medium, but cell size gradually increased with passages. In contrast, the Single Medium provided a higher proliferation rate and a prolonged in vitro expansion but acquired an elongated morphology. To summarize, Single medium and Dual media preserve morphology and functional phenotype of HCEnCs from old donor corneas at low passages while maintenance of the same cell features at high passages remains an active area of research. The new insights revealed within this work become particularly relevant considering that the elderly population a) is the main target of corneal endothelial therapy, b) represents the majority of corneal donors. Therefore, the proper expansion of HCEnCs from old donors is essential to develop novel personalised therapeutic strategies and reduce requirement of human corneal tissues globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Merra
- Holostem Terapie Avanzate S.r.l., Modena, Italy; Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Eleonora Maurizi
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| | - Graziella Pellegrini
- Holostem Terapie Avanzate S.r.l., Modena, Italy; Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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4
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Alemi H, Wang S, Blanco T, Kahale F, Singh RB, Ortiz G, Musayeva A, Yuksel E, Pang K, Deshpande N, Dohlman TH, Jurkunas UV, Yin J, Dana R. The Neuropeptide α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Prevents Persistent Corneal Edema following Injury. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 194:150-164. [PMID: 37827217 PMCID: PMC10768537 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Corneal endothelial cells (CEnCs) regulate corneal hydration and maintain tissue transparency through their barrier and pump function. However, these cells exhibit limited regenerative capacity following injury. Currently, corneal transplantation is the only established therapy for restoring endothelial function, and there are no pharmacologic interventions available for restoring endothelial function. This study investigated the efficacy of the neuropeptide α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) in promoting endothelial regeneration during the critical window between ocular injury and the onset of endothelial decompensation using an established murine model of injury using transcorneal freezing. Local administration of α-MSH following injury prevented corneal edema and opacity, reduced leukocyte infiltration, and limited CEnC apoptosis while promoting their proliferation. These results suggest that α-MSH has a proregenerative and cytoprotective function on CEnCs and shows promise as a therapy for the prevention and management of corneal endothelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Alemi
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shudan Wang
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tomas Blanco
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Francesca Kahale
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rohan B Singh
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gustavo Ortiz
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Aytan Musayeva
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Erdem Yuksel
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kunpeng Pang
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Neha Deshpande
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Thomas H Dohlman
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ula V Jurkunas
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jia Yin
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Reza Dana
- Laboratory of Corneal Immunology, Transplantation and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Liu B, Zheng X, Li J, Yao P, Guo P, Liu W, Zhao G. Atovaquone inhibits colorectal cancer metastasis by regulating PDGFRβ/NF-κB signaling pathway. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1070. [PMID: 37932661 PMCID: PMC10629062 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11585-9] [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: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is a common malignant tumour. Invasive growth and distant metastasis are the main characteristics of its malignant biological behaviour, and they are also the primary factors leading to death in colon cancer patients. Atovaquone is an antimalarial drug, and its anticancer effect has recently been demonstrated in several cancer models in vitro and in vivo, but it has not been examined in the treatment of colorectal cancer. METHODS To elucidate the effect of atovaquone on colorectal cancer. We used RNA transcriptome sequencing, RT‒PCR and Western blot experiments to examine the expression of NF-κB (p-P65), EMT-related proteins and related inflammatory factors (IL1B, IL6, CCL20, CCL2, CXCL8, CXCL6, IL6ST, FAS, IL10 and IL1A). The effect of atovaquone on colorectal cancer metastasis was validated using an animal model of lung metastases. We further used transcriptome sequencing, the GCBI bioinformatics database and the STRING database to predict relevant target proteins. Furthermore, pathological sections were collected from relevant cases for immunohistochemical verification. RESULTS This study showed that atovaquone could inhibit colorectal cancer metastasis and invasion in vivo and in vitro, inhibit the expression of E-cadherin protein, and promote the protein expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, ZEB1, Snail and Slug. Atovaquone could inhibit EMT by inhibiting NF-κB (p-P65) and related inflammatory factors. Further bioinformatics analysis and verification showed that PDGFRβ was one of the targets of atovaquone. CONCLUSION In summary, atovaquone can inhibit the expression of NF-κB (p-P65) and related inflammatory factors by inhibiting the protein expression of p-PDGFRβ, thereby inhibiting colorectal cancer metastasis. Atovaquone may be a promising drug for the treatment of colorectal cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, 610051, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, 610051, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiajun Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, 610051, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Peng Yao
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, 610051, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Peng Guo
- Chengdu Medical College, 610500, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, 610051, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Gaoping Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, 610072, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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6
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Li Y, Zhu H, Xin W, Wang J, Yan C, Ying K. GDF15 affects venous thrombosis by promoting EndMT through smad2/p-smad2 pathway. Thromb J 2023; 21:98. [PMID: 37723495 PMCID: PMC10506185 DOI: 10.1186/s12959-023-00547-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a pathophysiological change in the vascular endothelium commonly seen in the cardiovascular system. Elevated serum Growth differiention factor 15 (GDF15) has been reported in VTE patients, but the relationship and mechanism between GDF15, EndMT and VTE are still unclear. METHODS We performed a retrospective clinical study, and human serum GDF15 expression levels were detected. The mouse DVT model was established through subtotal ligation of the mouse inferior vena cava, and then we detected intimal changes and thrombi in the stenotic inferior vena cava by haematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, and Sirius Red staining. The expression levels of GDF15 and SM22 were detected by immunohistochemistry and RT‒qPCR. Serum samples of mice were collected, and the expression level of GDF15 in serum was detected. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were stimulated with a cytokine mixture (TGF-β1 + TNF-α + IL-1β). The role and mechanism of GDF15 in EndMT and VTE were detected in HUVECs and in a DVT mice model. RESULTS We found that serum GDF15 levels in both VTE patients and mouse DVT models were higher than those in the control group. EndMT was increased in the stenotic vascular tissue of mice. Further experiments showed that GDF15 could promote the EndMT of HUVECs and reduce their anticoagulation and antifibrinolytic ability through the smad2/p-smad2/snail pathway. Inhibition of mature GDF15 release can significantly reduce venous thrombotic fibre deposition in mice. CONCLUSIONS GDF15 positively promotes EndMT through activation of the Smad2/psmad2/snail pathway, and inhibition of GDF15 expression can alleviate the EndMT process, further improving the coagulation and fibrinolytic function of endothelial cells and thus reducing the local fibre deposition of venous thrombi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeping Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 3 Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Huiqi Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 3 Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Wanghao Xin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 3 Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Jiaoyan Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 3 Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Chao Yan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 3 Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Kejing Ying
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 3 Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China.
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Almalki WH. LncRNAs and PTEN/PI3K signaling: A symphony of regulation in cancer biology. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 249:154764. [PMID: 37643526 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The Emergence of Long Non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as Key Regulators in Diverse Biological Processes: A Paradigm Shift in Understanding Gene Expression and its Impact on Cancer. The PTEN/PI3K pathway, a pivotal signaling cascade involved in cancer progression, orchestrates critical cellular functions such as survival, proliferation, and growth. In light of these advances, our investigation delves into the intricate and multifaceted interplay between lncRNAs and the PTEN/PI3K signaling pathway, unearthing previously undisclosed mechanisms that underpin cancer growth and advancement. These elusive lncRNAs exert their influence through direct targeting of the PTEN/PI3K pathway or by skillfully regulating the expression and activity of specific lncRNAs. This comprehensive review underscores the paramount significance of the interaction between lncRNAs and the PTEN/PI3K signaling pathway in cancer biology, unveiling an auspicious avenue for novel diagnostic tools and targeted therapeutic interventions. In this review, we navigate through the functional roles of specific lncRNAs in modulating PTEN/PI3K expression and activity. Additionally, we scrutinize their consequential effects on downstream components of the PTEN/PI3K pathway, unraveling the intricacies of their mutual regulation. By advancing our understanding of this complex regulatory network, this study holds the potential to revolutionize the landscape of cancer research, paving the way for tailored and efficacious treatments to combat this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed Hassan Almalki
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
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8
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Aouimeur I, Sagnial T, Coulomb L, Maurin C, Thomas J, Forestier P, Ninotta S, Perrache C, Forest F, Gain P, Thuret G, He Z. Investigating the Role of TGF-β Signaling Pathways in Human Corneal Endothelial Cell Primary Culture. Cells 2023; 12:1624. [PMID: 37371094 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121624] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal endothelial diseases are the leading cause of corneal transplantation. The global shortage of donor corneas has resulted in the investigation of alternative methods, such as cell therapy and tissue-engineered endothelial keratoplasty (TEEK), using primary cultures of human corneal endothelial cells (hCECs). The main challenge is optimizing the hCEC culture process to increase the endothelial cell density (ECD) and overall yield while preventing endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is necessary for hCEC expansion but contains TGF-βs, which have been shown to be detrimental to hCECs. Therefore, we investigated various TGF-β signaling pathways using inhibitors to improve hCEC culture. Initially, we confirmed that TGF-β1, 2, and 3 induced EndMT on confluent hCECs without FBS. Using this TGF-β-induced EndMT model, we validated NCAM as a reliable biomarker to assess EndMT. We then demonstrated that, in a culture medium containing 8% FBS for hCEC expansion, TGF-β1 and 3, but not 2, significantly reduced the ECD and caused EndMT. TGF-β receptor inhibition had an anti-EndMT effect. Inhibition of the ROCK pathway, notably that of the P38 MAPK pathway, increased the ECD, while inhibition of the ERK pathway decreased the ECD. In conclusion, the presence of TGF-β1 and 3 in 8% FBS leads to a reduction in ECD and induces EndMT. The use of SB431542 or LY2109761 may prevent EndMT, while Y27632 or Ripasudil, and SB203580 or SB202190, can increase the ECD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inès Aouimeur
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging for Ophthalmology (BiiO), EA2521, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Tomy Sagnial
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging for Ophthalmology (BiiO), EA2521, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Louise Coulomb
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging for Ophthalmology (BiiO), EA2521, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Corantin Maurin
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging for Ophthalmology (BiiO), EA2521, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Justin Thomas
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging for Ophthalmology (BiiO), EA2521, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Pierre Forestier
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging for Ophthalmology (BiiO), EA2521, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Sandrine Ninotta
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging for Ophthalmology (BiiO), EA2521, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
- Eye Bank, Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS) Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, 42023 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Chantal Perrache
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging for Ophthalmology (BiiO), EA2521, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Fabien Forest
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging for Ophthalmology (BiiO), EA2521, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Philippe Gain
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging for Ophthalmology (BiiO), EA2521, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
- Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital Center, 42055 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Gilles Thuret
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging for Ophthalmology (BiiO), EA2521, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
- Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital Center, 42055 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Zhiguo He
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging for Ophthalmology (BiiO), EA2521, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
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9
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Dev Tripathi A, Katiyar S, Mishra A. Glypican1: a potential cancer biomarker for nanotargeted therapy. Drug Discov Today 2023:103660. [PMID: 37301249 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103660] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Glypicans (GPCs) are generally involved in cellular signaling, growth and proliferation. Previous studies reported their roles in cancer proliferation. GPC1 is a co-receptor for a variety of growth-related ligands, thereby stimulating the tumor microenvironment by promoting angiogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This work reviews GPC1-biomarker-assisted drug discovery by the application of nanostructured materials, creating nanotheragnostics for targeted delivery and application in liquid biopsies. The review includes details of GPC1 as a potential biomarker in cancer progression as well as a potential candidate for nano-mediated drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhay Dev Tripathi
- School of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi-221005, India
| | - Soumya Katiyar
- School of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi-221005, India
| | - Abha Mishra
- School of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi-221005, India.
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10
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Podyacheva E, Danilchuk M, Toropova Y. Molecular mechanisms of endothelial remodeling under doxorubicin treatment. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114576. [PMID: 36989721 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective antineoplastic agent used to treat various types of cancers. However, its use is limited by the development of cardiotoxicity, which may result in heart failure. The exact mechanisms underlying DOX-induced cardiotoxicity are not fully understood, but recent studies have shown that endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and endothelial damage play a crucial role in this process. EndMT is a biological process in which endothelial cells lose their characteristics and transform into mesenchymal cells, which have a fibroblast-like phenotype. This process has been shown to contribute to tissue fibrosis and remodeling in various diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases. DOX-induced cardiotoxicity has been demonstrated to increase the expression of EndMT markers, suggesting that EndMT may play a critical role in the development of this condition. Furthermore, DOX-induced cardiotoxicity has been shown to cause endothelial damage, leading to the disruption of the endothelial barrier function and increased vascular permeability. This can result in the leakage of plasma proteins, leading to tissue edema and inflammation. Moreover, DOX can impair the production of nitric oxide, endothelin-1, neuregulin, thrombomodulin, thromboxane B2 etc. by endothelial cells, leading to vasoconstriction, thrombosis and further impairing cardiac function. In this regard, this review is devoted to the generalization and structuring of information about the known molecular mechanisms of endothelial remodeling under the action of DOX.
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Peh GSL, Bandeira F, Neo D, Adnan K, Hartono Y, Ong HS, Naso S, Venkatraman A, Gomes JAP, Kocaba V, Mehta JS. Effects of Rho-Associated Kinase (Rock) Inhibitors (Alternative to Y-27632) on Primary Human Corneal Endothelial Cells. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091307. [PMID: 37174707 PMCID: PMC10177577 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Rho-associated coiled-coil protein kinase (ROCK) signaling cascade impacts a wide array of cellular events. For cellular therapeutics, scalable expansion of primary human corneal endothelial cells (CECs) is crucial, and the inhibition of ROCK signaling using a well characterized ROCK inhibitor (ROCKi) Y-27632 had been shown to enhance overall endothelial cell yield. (2) In this study, we compared several classes of ROCK inhibitors to both ROCK-I and ROCK-II, using in silico binding simulation. We then evaluated nine ROCK inhibitors for their effects on primary CECs, before narrowing it down to the two most efficacious compounds-AR-13324 (Netarsudil) and its active metabolite, AR-13503-and assessed their impact on cellular proliferation in vitro. Finally, we evaluated the use of AR-13324 on the regenerative capacity of donor cornea with an ex vivo corneal wound closure model. Donor-matched control groups supplemented with Y-27632 were used for comparative analyses. (3) Our in silico simulation revealed that most of the compounds had stronger binding strength than Y-27632. Most of the nine ROCK inhibitors assessed worked within the concentrations of between 100 nM to 30 µM, with comparable adherence to that of Y-27632. Of note, both AR-13324 and AR-13503 showed better cellular adherence when compared to Y-27632. Similarly, the proliferation rates of CECs exposed to AR-13324 were comparable to those of Y-27632. Interestingly, CECs expanded in a medium supplemented with AR-13503 were significantly more proliferative in (i) untreated vs. AR-13503 (1 μM; * p < 0.05); (ii) untreated vs. AR-13503 (10 μM; *** p < 0.001); (iii) Y-27632 vs. AR-13503 (10 μM; ** p < 0.005); (iv) AR-13324 (1 μM) vs. AR-13503 (10 μM; ** p < 0.005); and (v) AR-13324 (0.1 μM) vs. AR-13503 (10 μM; * p < 0.05). Lastly, an ex vivo corneal wound healing study showed a comparable wound healing rate for the final healed area in corneas exposed to Y-27632 or AR-13324. (4) In conclusion, we were able to demonstrate that various classes of ROCKi compounds other than Y-27632 were able to exert positive effects on primary CECs, and systematic donor-match controlled comparisons revealed that the FDA-approved ROCK inhibitor, AR-13324, is a potential candidate for cellular therapeutics or as an adjunct drug in regenerative treatment for corneal endothelial diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary S L Peh
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Singhealth Duke-NUS Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme , Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Francisco Bandeira
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
- Corneal and External Diseases Department, São Gonçalo Eye Hospital, Rio de Janeiro 24421-005, Brazil
| | - Dawn Neo
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Khadijah Adnan
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Yossa Hartono
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, Matrix #07-01, Singapore 138671, Singapore
| | - Hon Shing Ong
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Singhealth Duke-NUS Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme , Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore
| | - Sacha Naso
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Anandalakshmi Venkatraman
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - José A P Gomes
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Viridiana Kocaba
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery, 3071AA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Singhealth Duke-NUS Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme , Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore
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12
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Hazra S, Dey S, Mandal BB, Ramachandran C. In Vitro Profiling of the Extracellular Matrix and Integrins Expressed by Human Corneal Endothelial Cells Cultured on Silk Fibroin-Based Matrices. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:2438-2451. [PMID: 37023465 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Developing a scaffold for culturing human corneal endothelial (HCE) cells is crucial as an alternative cell therapeutic approach to bridge the growing gap between the demand and availability of healthy donor corneas for transplantation. Silk films are promising substrates for the culture of these cells; however, their tensile strength is several-fold greater than the native basement membrane which can possibly influence the dynamics of cell-matrix interaction and the extracellular matrix (ECM) secreted by the cells in long-term culture. In our current study, we assessed the secretion of ECM and the expression of integrins by the HCE cells on Philosamia ricini (PR) and Antheraea assamensis (AA) silk films and fibronectin-collagen (FNC)-coated plastic dishes to understand the cell-ECM interaction in long-term culture. The expression of ECM proteins (collagens 1, 4, 8, and 12, laminin, and fibronectin) on silk was comparable to that on the native tissue. The thicknesses of collagen 8 and laminin at 30 days on both PR (4.78 ± 0.55 and 5.53 ± 0.51 μm, respectively) and AA (4.66 ± 0.72 and 5.71 ± 0.61 μm, respectively) were comparable with those of the native tissue (4.4 ± 0.63 and 5.28 ± 0.72 μm, respectively). The integrin expression by the cells on the silk films was also comparable to that on the native tissue, except for α3 whose fluorescence intensity was significantly higher on PR (p ≤ 0.01) and AA (p ≤ 0.001), compared to that on the native tissue. This study shows that the higher tensile strength of the silk films does not alter the ECM secretion or cell phenotype in long-term culture, confirming the suitability of using this material for engineering the HCE cells for transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swatilekha Hazra
- Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad 500034, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Souradeep Dey
- Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Biman B Mandal
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
- Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
- Jyoti and Bhupat Mehta School of Health Sciences & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
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13
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Wilson SE. Topical Losartan: Practical Guidance for Clinical Trials in the Prevention and Treatment of Corneal Scarring Fibrosis and Other Eye Diseases and Disorders. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2023; 39:191-206. [PMID: 36877777 PMCID: PMC10079252 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2022.0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that impedes transforming growth factor (TGF) beta signaling by inhibiting activation of signal transduction molecule extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Studies supported the efficacy of topical losartan in decreasing scarring fibrosis after rabbit Descemetorhexis, alkali burn, and photorefractive keratectomy injuries, and in case reports of humans with scarring fibrosis after surgical complications. Clinical studies are needed to explore the efficacy and safety of topical losartan in the prevention and treatment of corneal scarring fibrosis, and other eye diseases and disorders where TGF beta has a role in pathophysiology. These include scarring fibrosis associated with corneal trauma, chemical burns, infections, surgical complications, and persistent epithelial defects, as well as conjunctival fibrotic diseases, such as ocular cicatricial pemphigoid and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Research is also needed to explore the efficacy and safety of topical losartan for hypothesized treatment of transforming growth factor beta-induced (TGFBI)-related corneal dystrophies (Reis-Bu¨cklers corneal dystrophy, lattice corneal dystrophy type 1, and granular corneal dystrophies type 1 and type 2) where deposited mutant protein expression is modulated by TGF beta. Investigations could also explore the efficacy and safety of topical losartan treatments to reduce conjunctival bleb scarring and shunt encapsulation following glaucoma surgical procedures. Losartan and sustained release drug delivery devices could be efficacious in treating intraocular fibrotic diseases. Dosing suggestions and precautions that should be considered in trials of losartan are detailed. Losartan, as an adjuvant to current treatments, has the potential to augment pharmacological therapeutics for many ocular diseases and disorders where TGF beta plays a central role in pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven E. Wilson
- The Cole Eye Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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14
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GSK-3 inhibition reverts mesenchymal transition in primary human corneal endothelial cells. Eur J Cell Biol 2023; 102:151302. [PMID: 36905755 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2023.151302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Human corneal endothelial cells are organized in a tight mosaic of hexagonal cells and serve a critical function in maintaining corneal hydration and clear vision. Regeneration of the corneal endothelial tissue is hampered by its poor proliferative capacity, which is partially retrieved in vitro, albeit only for a limited number of passages before the cells undergo mesenchymal transition (EnMT). Although different culture conditions have been proposed in order to delay this process and prolong the number of cell passages, EnMT has still not been fully understood and successfully counteracted. In this perspective, we identified herein a single GSK-3 inhibitor, CHIR99021, able to revert and avoid EnMT in primary human corneal endothelial cells (HCEnCs) from old donors until late passages in vitro (P8), as shown from cell morphology analysis (circularity). In accordance, CHIR99021 reduced expression of α-SMA, an EnMT marker, while restored endothelial markers such as ZO-1, Na+/K+ ATPase and N-cadherin, without increasing cell proliferation. A further analysis on RNA expression confirmed that CHIR99021 induced downregulation of EnMT markers (α-SMA and CD44), upregulation of the proliferation repressor p21 and revealed novel insights into the β-catenin and TGFβ pathways intersections in HCEnCs. The use of CHIR99021 sheds light on the mechanisms involved in EnMT, providing a substantial advantage in maintaining primary HCEnCs in culture until late passages, while preserving the correct morphology and phenotype. Altogether, these results bring crucial advancements towards the improvement of the corneal endothelial cells based therapy.
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15
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Bandeira F, Grottone GT, Covre JL, Cristovam PC, Loureiro RR, Pinheiro FI, Casaroli-Marano RP, Donato W, Gomes JÁP. A Framework for Human Corneal Endothelial Cell Culture and Preliminary Wound Model Experiments with a New Cell Tracking Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032982. [PMID: 36769303 PMCID: PMC9917640 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell injection therapy is emerging as an alternative to treat corneal endothelial dysfunction (CED) and to avoid corneal scarring due to bullous keratopathy. However, establishing a standardized culture procedure that provides appropriate cell yield while retaining functional features remains a challenge. Here, we describe a detailed framework obtained from in vitro culture of human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) and comparative in vivo experimental models for CED treatment with a new cell tracking approach. Two digestion methods were compared regarding HCEC morphology and adhesion. The effect of Y-27632 (ROCKi) supplementation on final cell yield was also assessed. Cell adhesion efficacy with two cell delivery systems (superparamagnetic embedding and cell suspension) was evaluated in an ex vivo human cornea model and in an in vivo rabbit CED model. The injection of supplemented culture medium or balanced salt solution (BSS) was used for the positive and negative controls, respectively. HCEC isolation with collagenase resulted in better morphology and adhesion of cultured HCEC when compared to EDTA. Y-27632 supplementation resulted in a 2.6-fold increase in final cell yield compared to the control. Ex vivo and in vivo adhesion with both cell delivery systems was confirmed by cell tracker fluorescence detection. Corneal edema and opacity improved in both animal groups treated with cultured HCEC. The corneas in the control groups remained opaque. Both HCEC delivery systems seemed comparable as treatments for CED and for the prevention of corneal scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Bandeira
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
- Medicine School, Barcelona University, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-2197-2355-742
| | | | - Joyce Luciana Covre
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | | | - Renata Ruoco Loureiro
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Francisco Irochima Pinheiro
- Biotechnology Post-Graduate Program, Potiguar University, Natal 59082-902, Brazil
- Department of Surgery, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil
| | | | - Waleska Donato
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
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16
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Cui G, Liu H, Laugsand JB. Endothelial cells-directed angiogenesis in colorectal cancer: Interleukin as the mediator and pharmacological target. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 114:109525. [PMID: 36508917 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109525] [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: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Enhanced angiogenesis is a cancer hallmark and critical for colorectal cancer (CRC) invasion and metastasis. Upon exposure to proangiogenic factors, therefore, targeting tumor-associated proangiogenic factors/receptors hold great promise as a therapeutic modality to treat CRC, particularly metastatic CRC. Accumulating evidence from numerous studies suggests that tumor endothelial cells (ECs) are not only the target of proangiogenic factors, but also function as the cellular source of proangiogenic factors. Studies showed that ECs can produce different proangiogenic factors to participate in the regulation of angiogenesis process, in which ECs-derived interleukins (ILs) show a potential stimulatory effect on angiogenesis via either an direct action on their receptors expressed on progenitor of ECs or an indirect way through enhanced production of other proangiogenic factors. Although a great deal of attention is given to the effects of tumor-derived and immune cell-derived ILs, few studies describe the potential effects of vascular ECs-derived ILs on the tumor angiogenesis process. This review provides an updated summary of available information on proangiogenic ILs, such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, IL-22, IL-33, IL-34, and IL-37, released by microvascular ECs as potential drivers of the tumor angiogenesis process and discusses their potential as a novel candidate for antiangiogenic target for the treatment of CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanglin Cui
- Research Group of Gastrointestinal Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; Faculty of Health Science, Nord University, Campus Levanger, Norway.
| | - Hanzhe Liu
- School of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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17
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Heur M, Lee J. Spatiotemporal gene targeting in the mouse corneal endothelium. Taiwan J Ophthalmol 2023; 13:28-33. [DOI: 10.4103/tjo.tjo-d-22-00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
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18
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Desjardins P, Berthiaume R, Couture C, Le-Bel G, Roy V, Gros-Louis F, Moulin VJ, Proulx S, Chemtob S, Germain L, Guérin SL. Impact of Exosomes Released by Different Corneal Cell Types on the Wound Healing Properties of Human Corneal Epithelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12201. [PMID: 36293057 PMCID: PMC9602716 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal wound healing involves communication between the different cell types that constitute the three cellular layers of the cornea (epithelium, stroma and endothelium), a process ensured in part by a category of extracellular vesicles called exosomes. In the present study, we isolated exosomes released by primary cultured human corneal epithelial cells (hCECs), corneal fibroblasts (hCFs) and corneal endothelial cells (hCEnCs) and determined whether they have wound healing characteristics of their own and to which point they modify the genetic and proteomic pattern of these cell types. Exosomes released by all three cell types significantly accelerated wound closure of scratch-wounded hCECs in vitro compared to controls (without exosomes). Profiling of activated kinases revealed that exosomes from human corneal cells caused the activation of signal transduction mediators that belong to the HSP27, STAT, β-catenin, GSK-3β and p38 pathways. Most of all, data from gene profiling analyses indicated that exosomes, irrespective of their cellular origin, alter a restricted subset of genes that are completely different between each targeted cell type (hCECs, hCFS, hCEnCs). Analysis of the genes specifically differentially regulated for a given cell-type in the microarray data using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software revealed that the mean gene expression profile of hCECs cultured in the presence of exosomes would likely promote cell proliferation and migration whereas it would reduce differentiation when compared to control cells. Collectively, our findings represent a conceptual advance in understanding the mechanisms of corneal wound repair that may ultimately open new avenues for the development of novel therapeutic approaches to improve closure of corneal wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascale Desjardins
- Regenerative Medicine Division of the Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre Universitaire d’Ophtalmologie (CUO)-Recherche, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Ste-Foy, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Hôpital Enfant-Jésus, 1401 18e Rue, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Rébecca Berthiaume
- Regenerative Medicine Division of the Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre Universitaire d’Ophtalmologie (CUO)-Recherche, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Ste-Foy, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Hôpital Enfant-Jésus, 1401 18e Rue, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Camille Couture
- Regenerative Medicine Division of the Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre Universitaire d’Ophtalmologie (CUO)-Recherche, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Ste-Foy, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Hôpital Enfant-Jésus, 1401 18e Rue, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Gaëtan Le-Bel
- Regenerative Medicine Division of the Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre Universitaire d’Ophtalmologie (CUO)-Recherche, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Ste-Foy, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Hôpital Enfant-Jésus, 1401 18e Rue, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Vincent Roy
- Regenerative Medicine Division of the Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Hôpital Enfant-Jésus, 1401 18e Rue, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - François Gros-Louis
- Regenerative Medicine Division of the Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Hôpital Enfant-Jésus, 1401 18e Rue, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Véronique J. Moulin
- Regenerative Medicine Division of the Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Hôpital Enfant-Jésus, 1401 18e Rue, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Proulx
- Regenerative Medicine Division of the Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre Universitaire d’Ophtalmologie (CUO)-Recherche, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Ste-Foy, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Hôpital Enfant-Jésus, 1401 18e Rue, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Sylvain Chemtob
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Lucie Germain
- Regenerative Medicine Division of the Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Hôpital Enfant-Jésus, 1401 18e Rue, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Sylvain L. Guérin
- Regenerative Medicine Division of the Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre Universitaire d’Ophtalmologie (CUO)-Recherche, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Ste-Foy, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Hôpital Enfant-Jésus, 1401 18e Rue, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
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19
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Hazra S, Sneha IV, Chaurasia S, Ramachandran C. In Vitro Expansion of Corneal Endothelial Cells for Clinical Application: Current Update. Cornea 2022; 41:1313-1324. [PMID: 36107851 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Endothelial dysfunction is one of the leading causes of corneal blindness and one of the common indications for keratoplasty. At present, the standard of treatment involves the replacement of the dysfunctional endothelium with healthy tissue taken from a donor. Because there is a paucity of healthy donor tissues, research on the corneal endothelium has focused primarily on expanding these cells in the laboratory for transplantation in an attempt to reduce the gap between the demand and supply of donor tissues for transplantation. To expand these cells, which are nonmitotic in vivo, various mitogens, substrates, culture systems, and alternate strategies have been tested with varying success. The biggest challenge has been the limited proliferative capacity of these cells compounded with endothelial to mesenchymal transition that alters the functioning of these cells and renders them unsuitable for human transplantation. This review aims to give a comprehensive overview of the most common and successful techniques used in the culture of the cells, the current available evidence in support of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), alternate sources for deriving the corneal endothelial cells, and advances made in transplantation of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swatilekha Hazra
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
- Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India ; and
| | - Iskala V Sneha
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
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20
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Hong M, Wu Y, Zhang H, Gu J, Chen J, Guan Y, Qin X, Li Y, Cao J. Network pharmacology and experimental analysis to reveal the mechanism of Dan-Shen-Yin against endothelial to mesenchymal transition in atherosclerosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:946193. [PMID: 36091823 PMCID: PMC9449326 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.946193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of plaque and endothelial dysfunction. Under pro-inflammatory conditions, endothelial cells adopt a mesenchymal phenotype by a process called endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Dan-Shen-Yin (DSY) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, the molecular mechanism whereby DSY mitigates atherosclerosis remains unknown. Therefore, we employed a network pharmacology-based strategy in this study to determine the therapeutic targets of DSY, and in vitro experiments to understand the molecular pharmacology mechanism. The targets of the active ingredients of DSY related to EndMT and atherosclerosis were obtained and used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network followed by network topology and functional enrichment analysis. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that the PI3K/AKT pathway was the principal signaling pathway of DSY against EndMT in atherosclerosis. Molecular docking simulations indicated strong binding capabilities of DSY’s bioactive ingredients toward PI3K/AKT pathway molecules. Experimentally, DSY could efficiently modify expression of signature EndMT genes and decrease expression of PI3K/AKT pathway signals including integrin αV, integrin β1, PI3K, and AKT1 in TGF-β2-treated HUVECs. LASP1, which is upstream of the PI3K/AKT pathway, had strong binding affinity to the majority of DSY’s bioactive ingredients, was induced by EndMT-promoting stimuli involving IL-1β, TGF-β2, and hypoxia, and was downregulated by DSY. Knock-down of LASP1 attenuated the expression of integrin αV, integrin β1, PI3K, AKT1 and EndMT-related genes induced by TGF-β2, and minimized the effect of DSY. Thus, our study showed that DSY potentially exerted anti-EndMT activity through the LASP1/PI3K/AKT pathway, providing a possible new therapeutic intervention for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyun Hong
- The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yubiao Wu
- The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiyi Zhang
- The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinchao Gu
- The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juanjuan Chen
- Encephalopathy Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yancheng Guan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiude Qin
- Encephalopathy Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Li
- Nursing Department, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Cao
- The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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21
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Rajput PK, Sharma JR, Yadav UCS. Cellular and molecular insights into the roles of visfatin in breast cancer cells plasticity programs. Life Sci 2022; 304:120706. [PMID: 35691376 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120706] [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: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Obesity has reached a pandemic proportion and is responsible for the augmentation of multimorbidity including certain cancers. With the rise in obesity amongst the female population globally, a concomitant increase in breast cancer (BC) incidence and related mortality has been observed. In the present review, we have elucidated the cellular and molecular insight into the visfatin-mediated cellular plasticity programs such as Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), and stemness-associated changes in BC cells. EMT and EndoMT are responsible for inducing metastasis in cancer cells and conferring chemotherapy resistance, immune escape, and infinite growth potential. Visfatin, an obesity-associated adipokine implicated in metabolic syndrome, has emerged as a central player in BC pathogenesis. Several studies have indicated the presence of visfatin in the tumor microenvironment (TME) where it augments EMT and EndoMT of BC cells. Further, Visfatin also modulates the TME by acting on the tumor stroma cells such as adipocytes, infiltrated immune cells, and adipose-associated stem cells that secrete factors such as cytokines, and extracellular vesicles responsible for augmenting cellular plasticity program. Visfatin induced altered metabolism of the cancer cells and molecular determinants such as non-coding RNAs involved in EMT and EndoMT have been discussed. We have also highlighted specific therapeutic targets that can be exploited for the development of effective BC treatment. Taken together, these advanced understandings of cellular and molecular insight into the visfatin-mediated cellular plasticity programs may stimulate the development of better approaches for the prevention and therapy of BC, especially in obese patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Kumar Rajput
- School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382030, India
| | - Jiten R Sharma
- School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382030, India
| | - Umesh C S Yadav
- Special Center for Molecular medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India.
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22
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Maurizi E, Merra A, Schiroli D, Ghezzi B, Macaluso C, Pellegrini G. Fluctuations in Corneal Endothelial LAP2 Expression Levels Correlate with Passage Dependent Declines in Their Cell Proliferative Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105859. [PMID: 35628669 PMCID: PMC9146651 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The corneal endothelium is the inner corneal mono-layered epithelium, fundamental for preserving corneal hydration and transparency. However, molecular mechanisms that regulate corneal endothelial cells (CEnCs), in particular regarding their proliferative capacity, have been only partially elucidated. CEnCs are quiescent in vivo and they easily undergo endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EnMT) in vitro. This study aims to analyze CEnCs behavior and expression in vitro, either in sub-confluent growing (S) or confluent (C) CEnCs cultures. Primary rabbit and human CEnCs were cultured and used for RT-PCR, immunofluorescence or western blot analysis. These methods allowed identifying a novel molecular marker, LAP2, that is upregulated in S while downregulated in C human or rabbit CEnCs. Those results were observed for several subsequent passages in culture and this, together with the correlation between ki67 and LAP2 expression, suggested LAP2 as a novel possible indicator for culture ageing. Finally, treatment with FGF and TGFβ in rCEnCs highlighted how LAP2 can vary as the cells regulate their proliferative state. In conclusion, we have identified a novel marker for CEnCs, LAP2, that regulates its expression depending on the cells sub/confluent state and that correlates with CEnCs proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Maurizi
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Alessia Merra
- Holostem Terapie Avanzate S.r.l., 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Davide Schiroli
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| | - Benedetta Ghezzi
- Dentistry Centre Lab, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (B.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Claudio Macaluso
- Dentistry Centre Lab, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (B.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Graziella Pellegrini
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
- Holostem Terapie Avanzate S.r.l., 41125 Modena, Italy;
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23
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Fisenko NV, Trufanov SV, Demura TA. [Morphological features of the cornea in eyes with pseudophakic bullous keratopathy and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy]. Vestn Oftalmol 2022; 138:31-37. [PMID: 35234418 DOI: 10.17116/oftalma202213801131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the morphological features of posterior corneal layers in pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK) and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). MATERIAL AND METHOD The study included 20 patients (20 eyes) aged 73.8±7.8 with PBK and 24 patients (25 eyes) aged 72.5±10.6 with FECD. Central corneal thickness was measured in all eyes before the surgery by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT, RTVue-100, Optovue, USA). All patients underwent corneal transplantation (DSAEK or DMEK). Postoperative donor graft status was assessed as attached or detached by AS-OCT (RTVue-100, Optovue, USA). Specimens of Descemet's membranes (DMs) were obtained intraoperatively and investigated histologically (hematoxylin and eosin staining). Morphometric analysis was performed using optical microscope Leica DM-2500 (Digital Color Camera Leica DFC295) and ImageScope M software. RESULTS There was no difference in thickness of DMs' prenatal anterior banded layer (2.58±0.49 μm) and postnatal posterior non-banded layer (11.30±2.64 μm) between PBK and normal cornea. In FECD eyes, DM was significantly thickened by additional collagen layer and guttate excrescences (postnatal layer thickness - 16.62±4.34 μm). Morphological study of the DMs of patients with graft detachment in the early postoperative period revealed residual stromal collagen fibrils that were fixed to the area with dense extracellular matrix. CONCLUSION The study shows that chronic corneal edema is associated with pathological morphological changes in the posterior corneal layers in PBK and FECD. Individual features of the dense extracellular matrix in the DMs may play a key role in the attachment of donor graft to the corneal stroma and affect the postoperative outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- N V Fisenko
- Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - S V Trufanov
- Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - T A Demura
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
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24
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Wang Y, Jin C, Tian H, Xu J, Chen J, Hu S, Li Q, Lu L, Ou Q, Xu GT, Cui H. CHIR99021 balance TGFβ1 induced human corneal endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition to favor corneal endothelial cell proliferation. Exp Eye Res 2022; 219:108939. [PMID: 35150734 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.108939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Corneal endothelial cells (CECs) play a major role in the maintenance of stromal hydration via the barrier and pump function for clear vision. Adult CEC cannot regenerate after injury. CECs cultured in vitro can undergo mitosis but may undergo corneal endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EnMT) and lose their endothelial characteristics. In this study, we examined the effects of CHIR99201 on transforming growth factor beta-1(TGFβ1)-induced EnMT in human CEC (hCECs) lines. CHIR99021 kept hCECs in the hexagonal shape and could downregulate the EnMT markers alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibronectin (FN1), meanwhile maintained the hCECs function markers Na+/K+-ATPase and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) at levels comparable to those in the normal control. Interestingly, we found that the combination of CHIR99021 and TGFβ1 at appropriate concentrations would significantly promote the proliferation and migration of hCECs. These effects may be related to the inhibition of RhoA or Rac1, as well as the activation of Wnt and Erk pathway, with a calcium homeostasis. Our findings indicate that CHIR99021 inhibit EnMT and that the combination of CHIR99021 and TGFβ1 may provide new ideas for corneal endothelial regeneration and wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200123, China
| | - Caixia Jin
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibin Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingying Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200123, China
| | - Shuqin Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200123, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200123, China
| | - Lixia Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingjian Ou
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Guo-Tong Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hongping Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200123, China.
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Shen J, Zhao M, Zhang C, Sun X. IL-1β in atherosclerotic vascular calcification: From bench to bedside. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:4353-4364. [PMID: 34803503 PMCID: PMC8579452 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.66537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerotic vascular calcification contributes to increased risk of death in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Assessing the type and severity of inflammation is crucial in the treatment of numerous cardiovascular conditions. IL-1β, a potent proinflammatory cytokine, plays diverse roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic vascular calcification. Several large-scale, population cohort trials have shown that the incidence of cardiovascular events is clinically reduced by the administration of anti-IL-1β therapy. Anti-IL-1β therapy might reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events by affecting atherosclerotic vascular calcification, but the mechanism underlying this effect remains unclear. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the role of IL-1β in atherosclerotic vascular calcification, and describe the latest results reported in clinical trials evaluating anti-IL-1β therapies for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This review will aid in improving current understanding of the pathophysiological roles of IL-1β and mechanisms underlying its activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialing Shen
- Department of General Surgery (Vascular Surgery), the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Interventional Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Chunxiang Zhang
- Laboratory of Nucleic Acids in Medicine for National high-level talents, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education & Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Xiaolei Sun
- Department of General Surgery (Vascular Surgery), the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.,Department of Interventional Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.,Laboratory of Nucleic Acids in Medicine for National high-level talents, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.,School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King's College London, London SE5 9NU, United Kingdom.,Centre for Clinical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom.,Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education & Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.,Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Luzhou, 646000, China.,Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou 646000, China
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26
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Spinozzi D, Miron A, Bruinsma M, Dapena I, Kocaba V, Jager MJ, Melles GRJ, Ni Dhubhghaill S, Oellerich S. New developments in corneal endothelial cell replacement. Acta Ophthalmol 2021; 99:712-729. [PMID: 33369235 DOI: 10.1111/aos.14722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Corneal transplantation is currently the most effective treatment to restore corneal clarity in patients with endothelial disorders. Endothelial transplantation, either by Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) or by Descemet stripping (automated) endothelial keratoplasty (DS(A)EK), is a surgical approach that replaces diseased Descemet membrane and endothelium with tissue from a healthy donor eye. Its application, however, is limited by the availability of healthy donor tissue. To increase the pool of endothelial grafts, research has focused on developing new treatment options as alternatives to conventional corneal transplantation. These treatment options can be considered as either 'surgery-based', that is tissue-efficient modifications of the current techniques (e.g. Descemet stripping only (DSO)/Descemetorhexis without endothelial keratoplasty (DWEK) and Quarter-DMEK), or 'cell-based' approaches, which rely on in vitro expansion of human corneal endothelial cells (hCEC) (i.e. cultured corneal endothelial cell sheet transplantation and cell injection). In this review, we will focus on the most recent developments in the field of the 'cell-based' approaches. Starting with the description of aspects involved in the isolation of hCEC from donor tissue, we then describe the different natural and bioengineered carriers currently used in endothelial cell sheet transplantation, and finally, we discuss the current 'state of the art' in novel therapeutic approaches such as endothelial cell injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Spinozzi
- Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Alina Miron
- Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Marieke Bruinsma
- Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Isabel Dapena
- Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery Rotterdam The Netherlands
- Melles Cornea Clinic Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Viridiana Kocaba
- Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery Rotterdam The Netherlands
- Melles Cornea Clinic Rotterdam The Netherlands
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group Singapore Eye Research Institute Singapore Singapore
| | - Martine J. Jager
- Department of Ophthalmology Leiden University Medical Center Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit R. J. Melles
- Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery Rotterdam The Netherlands
- Melles Cornea Clinic Rotterdam The Netherlands
- Amnitrans EyeBank Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Sorcha Ni Dhubhghaill
- Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery Rotterdam The Netherlands
- Melles Cornea Clinic Rotterdam The Netherlands
- Antwerp University Hospital (UZA) Edegem Belgium
| | - Silke Oellerich
- Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery Rotterdam The Netherlands
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27
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Jin W, Yin H, Li H, Yu X, Xu H, Liu L. Neutrophil extracellular DNA traps promote pancreatic cancer cells migration and invasion by activating EGFR/ERK pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:5443-5456. [PMID: 33955688 PMCID: PMC8184670 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophil extracellular DNA traps (NETs) are newly discovered forms of activated neutrophils. Increasing researches have shown that NETs play important roles in cancer progression. Our previous study has proved that tumour-infiltrating NETs could predict postsurgical survival in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the roles of NETs on the progression of pancreatic cancer are unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of NETs on pancreatic cancer cells. Results showed that both PDAC patients' and normal individuals' neutrophils-derived NETs could promote migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells with epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Further, study confirmed that EGFR/ERK pathway played an important role in this progression. The addition of neutralizing antibodies for IL-1β could effectively block the activation of EGFR/ERK companied with reduction of EMT, migration and invasion. Taken together, NETs facilitated EMT, migration and invasion via IL-1β/EGFR/ERK pathway in pancreatic cancer cells. Our study suggests that NETs may provide promising therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jin
- Shanghai Institute of ImmunologyDepartment of Immunology and MicrobiologyKey Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of EducationShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryPancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai Cancer CenterDepartment of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeShanghaiChina
| | - Huijing Yin
- Translational Medicine CenterShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryPancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai Cancer CenterDepartment of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeShanghaiChina
| | - Xian‐Jun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryPancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai Cancer CenterDepartment of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeShanghaiChina
| | - Hua‐Xiang Xu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryPancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai Cancer CenterDepartment of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeShanghaiChina
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryPancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai Cancer CenterDepartment of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeShanghaiChina
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28
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Shen L, Sun P, Du L, Zhu J, Ju C, Guo H, Wu X. Long-Term Observation and Sequencing Analysis of SKPs-Derived Corneal Endothelial Cell-Like Cells for Treating Corneal Endothelial Dysfunction. Cell Transplant 2021; 30:9636897211017830. [PMID: 34053246 PMCID: PMC8182626 DOI: 10.1177/09636897211017830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal endothelial dysfunction is a principal cause of visual deficiency. Corneal transplantation is the most effective treatment for corneal endothelial dysfunction. However, a severe shortage of available donor corneas or human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) remains a global challenge. Previously, we acquired corneal endothelial cell-like cells (CEC-like cells) derived from human skin-derived precursors (SKPs). CEC-like cells were injected into rabbit and monkey corneal endothelial dysfunction models and exerted excellent therapeutic effect. In this study, we prolonged the clinical observation in the monkey experiment for 2 years. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing were carried out to confirm the existence of CEC-like cells. Histological examinations were carried out to show the corneal morphology. Further transcriptome sequencing was also carried out on HCEC, CEC-like cells before transplantation and after transplantation. We found that the monkeys cornea remained transparent and normal thickness. The total endothelial cell density decreased gradually, but tended to be stable and remained in a normal range during 2-year observation. The CEC-like cells persist during observation and could adapt to the microenvironment after transplantation. The gene expression pattern of CEC-like cells was similar to HCEC and changed slightly after transplantation. In conclusion, this study presented a brand-new insight into CEC-like cells and further provided a promising prospect of cell-based therapy for corneal endothelial dysfunction. The renewable cell source, novel derivation method and simple treatment strategy may be clinically applied in regenerative medicine in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, The affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Liqun Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chengqun Ju
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xinyi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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29
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Petsoglou C, Wen L, Hoque M, Zhu M, Valtink M, Sutton G, You J. Effects of human platelet lysate on the growth of cultured human corneal endothelial cells. Exp Eye Res 2021; 208:108613. [PMID: 33984343 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Human platelet lysate (hPL) as a replacement for foetal bovine serum (FBS) in culturing human corneal endothelium is an emerging area of interest, although there are limited studies evaluating the quality of the hPL being used. Our study aimed to evaluate variations between sources of hPL and to explore the efficacy of hPL (with and without heparin) as a replacement for FBS in culturing human corneal endothelial cells in vitro. Immortalized human corneal endothelial cells (B4G12) and primary human corneal endothelial cells (PHCEnCs, n = 11 donors, age from 36 to 85 years old) were cultured with 5% hPL or FBS. A full characterisation of the effects of hPL and FBS on cell growth was conducted using IncuCyte Zoom (percentage cell confluence and population doubling time, PDT) to analyse cell proliferation. AlamarBlue assays were used to measure cell viability. The concentration of fibrinogen, PDGF, hEGF, VEGF and bFGF in two sources of hPL were analyzed by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression and localization of Na+/K+-ATPase, ZO-1 and CD166 on PHCEnCs and B4G12 cells were assessed with immunofluorescence and immunoblotting. Our results showed that a significant difference in fibrinogen, hEGF and VEGF concentrations was found between two sources of hPL. Heparin impaired the positive effect of hPL on cell growth. PDT and alamarBlue showed that hPL significantly increased proliferation and viability of PHCEnCs in two of three donors, and immunostaining indicated that hPL increased ZO-1 and CD166 expression but not Na+/K+-ATPase on PHCEnCs. In addition, heterogeneities on immunopositivity of Na+/K+-ATPase and ZO-1 and morphology were found on PHCEnCs derived from an individual donor cultured with hPL medium. In conclusion, hPL showed positive effect on primary corneal endothelial cell growth, and maintenance of their cellular characteristics compared to FBS. hPL can be considered as a supplement to replace FBS in PHCEnC culture. However, the variation observed between different hPL sources suggests that a standard quality control monitoring system such as storage time and a minimal concentration of growth factors may need to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantinos Petsoglou
- Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia; New South Wales Tissue Bank, New South Wales Organ and Tissue Donation Service, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia; Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia; Corneal Unit, Sydney Eye Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Li Wen
- New South Wales Tissue Bank, New South Wales Organ and Tissue Donation Service, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Monira Hoque
- New South Wales Tissue Bank, New South Wales Organ and Tissue Donation Service, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Meidong Zhu
- New South Wales Tissue Bank, New South Wales Organ and Tissue Donation Service, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia; Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia.
| | - Monika Valtink
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Gerard Sutton
- Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia; New South Wales Tissue Bank, New South Wales Organ and Tissue Donation Service, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia; Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia; Corneal Unit, Sydney Eye Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Jingjing You
- Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
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30
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Popowicz N, Cheah HM, Gregory C, Miranda A, Dick IM, Lee YCG, Creaney J. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in malignant pleural fluid: Prognostic significance. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250628. [PMID: 33901252 PMCID: PMC8075197 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Predicting survival of patients with malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) is notoriously difficult. A robust prognostic marker can guide clinical decision making. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in blood has been shown to predict survival in many cancers. Pleural fluid bathes the malignant pleural tissues, thus the NLR of the pleural fluid may reflect more closely the local tumour environment. The objective of this study was to explore the prognostic significance of pleural effusion NLR for MPE. We analysed matched effusion and blood from 117 patients with malignant and 24 with benign pleural effusions. Those who had received recent chemotherapy or had a pleurodesis were excluded. Neutrophil and lymphocyte counts in effusions were performed by manual review of cytospin cell preparations by trained observers. Clinical data were extracted from a state-wide hospital database. We found significantly fewer neutrophils (expressed as percentage of total leukocyte count) in pleural fluid than in corresponding blood (9% vs 73%; p<0.001). The NLR was an order of magnitude lower in pleural fluid than in corresponding blood: median [IQR] = 0.20 [0.04-1.18] vs 4.9 [3.0-8.3], p<0.001. Correlation between blood and pleural fluid NLR in MPE patients was moderate (rs = 0.321, p<0.001). In univariate analysis, NLR (>0.745)) in malignant pleural fluid was predictive of poorer survival (HR = 1.698 [1.0054-2.736]; p = 0.030), and remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, presence of a chest drain, cancer type, concurrent infection and subsequent treatment with chemotherapy (HR = 1.786 [1.089-2.928]; p = 0.022). Patients with pleural fluid NLR > 0.745 had a significantly shorter median survival of 130 (95% CI 0-282) days compared to 312 (95% CI 195-428) days for pleural NLR < 0.745, p = 0.026. The NLR in blood was also predictive of poorer survival in MPE patients (HR = 1.959 [1.019-3.096]; p<0.001). The proportion of neutrophils in pleural fluid was predictive of prognosis more strongly than lymphocytes. This study provides evidence that NLR in malignant effusions can predict survival, and therefore may provide prognostic information for this cohort. This prognostic association in the fluid is driven by the presence of neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Popowicz
- Pharmacy Department, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Australia
- Institute for Respiratory Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Hui Min Cheah
- Institute for Respiratory Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Cynthia Gregory
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Disease, Health and Medical Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Alina Miranda
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Disease, Health and Medical Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Ian M. Dick
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Disease, Health and Medical Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Y. C. Gary Lee
- Institute for Respiratory Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Australia
| | - Jenette Creaney
- Institute for Respiratory Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Disease, Health and Medical Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Australia
- * E-mail:
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31
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Diseases of the corneal endothelium. Exp Eye Res 2021; 205:108495. [PMID: 33596440 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The corneal endothelial monolayer and associated Descemet's membrane (DM) complex is a unique structure that plays an essential role in corneal function. Endothelial cells are neural crest derived cells that rest on a special extracellular matrix and play a major role in maintaining stromal hydration within a narrow physiologic range necessary for clear vision. A number of diseases affect the endothelial cells and DM complex and can impair corneal function and vision. This review addresses different human corneal endothelial diseases characterized by loss of endothelial function including: Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPCD), congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED), bullous keratopathy, iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome, post-traumatic fibrous downgrowth, glaucoma and diabetes mellitus.
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32
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Wilson SE, Sampaio LP, Shiju TM, Carlos de Oliveira R. Fibroblastic and bone marrow-derived cellularity in the corneal stroma. Exp Eye Res 2020; 202:108303. [PMID: 33068626 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The unwounded, normal corneal stroma is a relatively simple, avascular tissue populated with quiescent keratocytes, along with corneal nerves and a few resident dendritic and monocyte/macrophage cells. In the past, the resting keratocytes were thought of as a homogenous cellular population, but recent work has shown local variations in vimentin and nestin expression, and responsiveness to transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. Studies have also supported there being "stromal stem cells" in localized areas. After corneal wounding, depending on the site and severity of injury, profound changes in stromal cellularity occur. Anterior or posterior injuries to the epithelium or endothelium, respectively, trigger apoptosis of adjacent keratocytes. Many contiguous keratocytes transition to keratocan-negative corneal fibroblasts that are proliferative and produce limited amounts of disorganized extracellular matrix components. Simultaneously, large numbers of bone marrow-derived cells, including monocytes, neutrophils, fibrocytes and lymphocytes, invade the stroma from the limbal blood vessels. Ongoing adequate levels of TGFβ1, TGFβ2 and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) from epithelium, tears, endothelium and aqueous humor that penetrate defective or absent epithelial barrier function (EBF) and epithelial basement membrane (EBM) and/or Descemet's basement membrane (DBM) drive corneal fibroblasts and fibrocytes to differentiate into alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA)-positive myofibroblasts. If the EBF, EBM and/or DBM are repaired or replaced in a timely manner, typically measured in weeks, then corneal fibroblast and fibrocyte progeny, deprived of requisite levels of TGFβ1 and TGFβ2, undergo apoptosis or revert to their precursor cell-types. If the EBF, EBM and/or DBM are not repaired or replaced, stromal levels of TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 remain elevated, and mature myofibroblasts are generated from corneal fibroblasts and fibrocyte precursors that produce prodigious amounts of disordered extracellular matrix materials associated with scarring fibrosis. This fibrotic stromal matrix persists, at least until the EBF, EBM and/or DBM are regenerated or replaced, and keratocytes remove and reorganize the affected stromal matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven E Wilson
- Cole Eye Institute, I-32, Cleveland Clinic, 9500, Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, United States.
| | - Lycia Pedral Sampaio
- Cole Eye Institute, I-32, Cleveland Clinic, 9500, Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Thomas Michael Shiju
- Cole Eye Institute, I-32, Cleveland Clinic, 9500, Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, United States
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33
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Khalili M, Asadi M, Kahroba H, Soleyman MR, Andre H, Alizadeh E. Corneal endothelium tissue engineering: An evolution of signaling molecules, cells, and scaffolds toward 3D bioprinting and cell sheets. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:3275-3303. [PMID: 33090510 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cornea is an avascular and transparent tissue that focuses light on retina. Cornea is supported by the corneal-endothelial layer through regulation of hydration homeostasis. Restoring vision in patients afflicted with corneal endothelium dysfunction-mediated blindness most often requires corneal transplantation (CT), which faces considerable constrictions due to donor limitations. An emerging alternative to CT is corneal endothelium tissue engineering (CETE), which involves utilizing scaffold-based methods and scaffold-free strategies. The innovative scaffold-free method is cell sheet engineering, which typically generates cell layers surrounded by an intact extracellular matrix, exhibiting tunable release from the stimuli-responsive surface. In some studies, scaffold-based or scaffold-free technologies have been reported to achieve promising outcomes. However, yet some issues exist in translating CETE from bench to clinical practice. In this review, we compare different corneal endothelium regeneration methods and elaborate on the application of multiple cell types (stem cells, corneal endothelial cells, and endothelial precursors), signaling molecules (growth factors, cytokines, chemical compounds, and small RNAs), and natural and synthetic scaffolds for CETE. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of three-dimensional bioprinting strategies and simulation of Descemet's membrane by biomimetic topography. Finally, we dissected the recent advances, applications, and prospects of cell sheet engineering for CETE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Khalili
- Drug Applied Research Center and Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Asadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Houman Kahroba
- Biomedicine Institute, and Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Soleyman
- CinnaGen Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Helder Andre
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Effat Alizadeh
- Drug Applied Research Center and Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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34
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Maurizi E, Schiroli D, Zini R, Limongelli A, Mistò R, Macaluso C, Pellegrini G. A fine-tuned β-catenin regulation during proliferation of corneal endothelial cells revealed using proteomics analysis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13841. [PMID: 32796906 PMCID: PMC7427785 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70800-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal endothelial (CE) dysfunction is the main indication for corneal transplantation, an invasive procedure with several limitations. Developing novel strategies to re-activate CE regenerative capacity is, therefore, of fundamental importance. This goal has proved to be challenging as corneal endothelial cells (CEnC) are blocked in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle in vivo and, albeit retaining proliferative capacity in vitro, this is further hindered by endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Herein we investigated the mechanisms regulating CEnC proliferation in vitro. Comparing the proteome of non-proliferating (in vivo-G0/G1) and proliferating (in vitro-G2/M) rabbit CEnC (rCEnC), 77 proteins, out of 3,328 identified, were differentially expressed in the two groups (p < 0.005). Literature and Gene Ontology analysis revealed β-catenin and transforming growth factor (TGF-β) pathways to be correlated with the identified proteins. Treatment of rCEnC with a β-catenin activator and inhibitor showed that β-catenin activation was necessary during rCEnC proliferation, but not sufficient for its induction. Furthermore, both pro-proliferative activity of basic fibroblast growth factor and anti-proliferative effects of TGF-β were regulated through β-catenin. Overall, these results provide novel insights into the molecular basis underlying the proliferation process that CEnC re-activate in vitro, consolidating the role of β-catenin and TGF-β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Maurizi
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine "S. Ferrari", Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry Center, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Davide Schiroli
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Roberta Zini
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine "S. Ferrari", Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | | | - Claudio Macaluso
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry Center, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Graziella Pellegrini
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine "S. Ferrari", Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
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35
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Wei XM, Wumaier G, Zhu N, Dong L, Li CW, Xia JW, Zhang YZ, Zhang P, Zhang XJ, Zhang YY, Li SQ. Protein tyrosine phosphatase L1 represses endothelial-mesenchymal transition by inhibiting IL-1β/NF-κB/Snail signaling. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2020; 41:1102-1110. [PMID: 32152438 PMCID: PMC7470836 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-0374-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EnMT) plays a pivotal role in various diseases, including pulmonary hypertension (PH), and transcription factors like Snail are key regulators of EnMT. In this study we investigated how these factors were regulated by PH risk factors (e.g. inflammation and hypoxia) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We showed that treatment with interleukin 1β (IL-1β) induced EnMT of HUVECs via activation of NF-κB/Snail pathway, which was further exacerbated by knockdown of protein tyrosine phosphatase L1 (PTPL1). We demonstrated that PTPL1 inhibited NF-κB/Snail through dephosphorylating and stabilizing IκBα. IL-1β or hypoxia could downregulate PTPL1 expression in HUVECs. The deregulation of PTPL1/NF-κB signaling was validated in a monocrotaline-induced rat PH (MCT-PH) model and clinical PH specimens. Our findings provide novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms of EnMT, and have implications for identifying new therapeutic targets for clinical PH.
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36
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Li Z, Li X, Zhu Y, Chen Q, Li B, Zhang F. Protective effects of acetylcholine on hypoxia-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2020; 473:101-110. [PMID: 32602017 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-03811-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) has been reported as a key factor in myocardial fibrosis. Acetylcholine (ACh), a neurotransmitter of the vagus nerve, has been confirmed to exert cardio-protective properties with unclear mechanisms. In this study, the specific markers of cell injury, EndMT, inflammation, and autophagy were measured. We found that treatment with ACh prevented hypoxia-induced cell viability reduction and apoptosis in human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs). Additionally, our results indicate that pre-treatment with ACh significantly suppresses hypoxia-induced EndMT and NF-κB activation in HCMECs. ACh also reduced hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1ɑ protein levels under hypoxia. Knock down of HIF-1ɑ enhanced the inhibitory effect of ACh on NF-κB activation. The NF-κB-specific small molecule inhibitor BAY 11-7082, prostaglandin E2, and LY294002 prevented hypoxia-induced EndMT. Moreover, our data show that hypoxia triggers autophagy in HCMECs, and ACh significantly upregulates autophagy activity. Pre-treatment of HCMECs with 3-methyladenine or chloroquine partially reversed ACh-induced EndMT inhibition. These results suggest that ACh may confer protection against hypoxia-induced EndMT through the inhibition of NF-κB and the induction of autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyang Li
- Grade 2016 Class 2, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xuelian Li
- Department of Cardiology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Qingdao, 266011, China
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Yeqian Zhu
- The Section of Pacing and Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Qiushi Chen
- The Section of Pacing and Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Bingong Li
- Department of Cardiology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Qingdao, 266011, China
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Fengxiang Zhang
- The Section of Pacing and Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Section of Pacing and Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Guangzhou Road 300, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China.
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37
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de Oliveira RC, Wilson SE. Descemet's membrane development, structure, function and regeneration. Exp Eye Res 2020; 197:108090. [PMID: 32522478 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Basement membranes are layers of extracellular matrix which anchor the epithelium or endothelium to connective tissues in most organs. Descemet's membrane- which is the basement membrane for the corneal endothelium- is a dense, thick, relatively transparent and cell-free matrix that separates the posterior corneal stroma from the underlying endothelium. It was historically named Descemet's membrane after Jean Descemet, a French physician, but it is also known as the posterior limiting elastic lamina, lamina elastica posterior, and membrane of Demours. Normal Descemet's membrane ultrastructure in humans has been shown to consist of an interfacial matrix that attaches to the overlying corneal stroma, an anterior banded layer and a posterior non-banded layer-upon which corneal endothelial cells attach. These layers have been shown to have unique composition and morphology, and to contribute to corneal homeostasis and clarity, participate in the control of corneal hydration and to modulate TGF-β-induced posterior corneal fibrosis. Pathophysiological alterations of Descemet's membrane are noted in ocular diseases such as Fuchs' dystrophy, bullous keratopathy, keratoconus, primary congenital glaucoma (Haab's striae), as well as in systemic conditions. Unrepaired extensive damage to Descemet's membrane results in severe corneal opacity and vision loss due to stromal fibrosis, which may require penetrating keratoplasty to restore corneal transparency. The purpose of this article is to highlight the current understanding of Descemet's membrane structure, function and potential for regeneration.
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38
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Zhang W, Borcherding N, Kolb R. IL-1 Signaling in Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1240:1-23. [PMID: 32060884 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-38315-2_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin 1 (IL-1) has long been known for its pleiotropic effects on inflammation that plays a complex, and sometimes contrasting, role in different stages of cancer development. As a major proinflammatory cytokine, IL-1β is mainly expressed by innate immune cells. IL-1α, however, is expressed by various cell types under physiological and pathological conditions. IL-1R1 is the main receptor for both ligands and is expressed by various cell types, including innate and adaptive immune cell types, epithelial cells, endothelial cells, adipocytes, chondrocytes, fibroblasts, etc. IL-1 and IL-1R1 receptor interaction leads to a set of common signaling pathways, mainly the NF-kB and MAP kinase pathways, as a result of complex positive and negative regulations. The variety of cell types with IL-1R1 expression dictates the role of IL-1 signaling at different stages of cancer, which under certain circumstances leads to contrasting roles in tumor development. Recent availability of IL-1R1 conditional knockout mouse model has made it possible to dissect the role of IL-1/IL-1R1 signaling transduction in different cell types within the tumor microenvironment. This chapter will focus on the role of IL-1/IL-1R1 in different cell types within the tumor microenvironment and discuss the potential of targeting this pathway in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhou Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | | | - Ryan Kolb
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Wang Z, Shan W, Li H, Feng J, Lu S, Ou B, Ma M, Ma Y. The PACAP-derived peptide MPAPO facilitates corneal wound healing by promoting corneal epithelial cell proliferation and trigeminal ganglion cell axon regeneration. Int J Biol Sci 2019; 15:2676-2691. [PMID: 31754339 PMCID: PMC6854382 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.35630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well known that the cornea plays an important role in providing protection to the eye, but it is fragile and vulnerable. To clarify the biological effects and molecular mechanisms of the pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP)-derived peptide MPAPO (named MPAPO) to promote corneal wound healing, we applied a mechanical method to establish a corneal injury model and analyzed the repair effects of MPAPO on corneal injury. MPAPO significantly promoted corneal wound repair in C57BL/6 mice. In addition, we established injury models of epithelial cells and trigeminal ganglion cells with H2O2. The results show that when the concentration of MPAPO is 1 μM, it can significantly promote the repair of injured corneal epithelial cells and the regeneration of trigeminal ganglion cell axons. MPAPO repairs epithelial cells through the promotion of GSK3β phosphorylation by binding to PAC1 and activating AKT. β-catenin escapes the phosphorylation of GSK3β and enters the nucleus to promote the expression of cyclin D1, accelerate cell cycle progression and promote cell proliferation. MPAPO promotes axonal regeneration by binding to the PAC1 receptor and activating adenylate cyclase activity, followed by the cAMP activation of protein kinase A activity and the promotion of CREB phosphorylation. Phosphorylated CREB promotes Bcl2 expression and axonal regeneration. In conclusion, our data support the role of MPAPO to facilitate corneal wound healing by promoting corneal epithelial cell proliferation and trigeminal ganglion cell axon regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixian Wang
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Cellular Biology, Jinan University.,National engineering research center of genetic Medicine, Key laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine of Guangdong Province, Jinan University
| | - Wailan Shan
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Cellular Biology, Jinan University.,National engineering research center of genetic Medicine, Key laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine of Guangdong Province, Jinan University
| | - Huixian Li
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Cellular Biology, Jinan University.,National engineering research center of genetic Medicine, Key laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine of Guangdong Province, Jinan University
| | - Jia Feng
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Cellular Biology, Jinan University.,National engineering research center of genetic Medicine, Key laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine of Guangdong Province, Jinan University
| | - Shiyin Lu
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Cellular Biology, Jinan University.,National engineering research center of genetic Medicine, Key laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine of Guangdong Province, Jinan University
| | - Biqian Ou
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Cellular Biology, Jinan University.,National engineering research center of genetic Medicine, Key laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine of Guangdong Province, Jinan University
| | - Min Ma
- College of traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University
| | - Yi Ma
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Cellular Biology, Jinan University.,National engineering research center of genetic Medicine, Key laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine of Guangdong Province, Jinan University
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40
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Kuhn H, Zobel C, Vollert G, Gurcke M, Jenszöwski C, Barina C, Frille A, Wirtz H. High amplitude stretching of ATII cells and fibroblasts results in profibrotic effects. Exp Lung Res 2019; 45:167-174. [PMID: 31290711 DOI: 10.1080/01902148.2019.1636424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Background: Inappropriate mechanical forces act on alveolar epithelial cells during mechanical ventilation e.g. in ARDS and possibly in patients with pulmonary fibrosis. These forces can cause lung injury and may contribute to the development or aggravation of pulmonary fibrosis. Aim of the study: We investigated the hypothesis that high amplitude mechanical stretching of alveolar type II (ATII) cells and lung fibroblasts promotes profibrotic processes. Material and Methods: ATII cells and fibroblasts were stretched on elastic membranes using a pattern of higher amplitudes ("unphysiological"). The production of profibrotic cytokines and extra cellular matrix (ECM) proteins were investigated in supernatants. In addition, we determined the expression of relevant microRNAs (miRNA) and the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in ATII cells. Results: Unphysiological stretch of ATII cells led to increased release of TGF-β1 into supernatants. We also found elevated protein levels of collagen I and IV in supernatants of stretched cells. By contrast, stretching of fibroblasts changed neither the expression of fibrosis-modulating factors nor ECM-proteins. However, fibroblasts significantly withstood stretch-induced cell injury and seemed to have a survival benefit. Further, stretched ATII cells exhibited a higher expression of miRNAs (miR-15b, miR-25, let-7d) relevant to EMT. The process of EMT, which is characterized by an increase of vimentin and a decrease of cytokeratin expression, was significantly accelerated due to stretching of ATII cells. Conclusion: These data provide evidence that unphysiological mechanical stretching of lung cells induced several profibrotic effects and accelerated EMT, which may have critical implications in terms of development or aggravation of pulmonary fibrosis in the clinical context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hartmut Kuhn
- a Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Leipzig , Leipzig , Germany
| | - Christian Zobel
- a Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Leipzig , Leipzig , Germany
| | - Gordon Vollert
- a Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Leipzig , Leipzig , Germany
| | - Maurice Gurcke
- a Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Leipzig , Leipzig , Germany
| | | | - Christine Barina
- a Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Leipzig , Leipzig , Germany
| | - Armin Frille
- a Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Leipzig , Leipzig , Germany.,b Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB) Adiposity Diseases, University Medical Center Leipzig , Leipzig , Germany
| | - Hubert Wirtz
- a Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Leipzig , Leipzig , Germany
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41
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Niwano Y, Iwasawa A, Tsubota K, Ayaki M, Negishi K. Protective effects of blue light-blocking shades on phototoxicity in human ocular surface cells. BMJ Open Ophthalmol 2019; 4:e000217. [PMID: 31245609 PMCID: PMC6557184 DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2018-000217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Blue light hazards for retina and ocular surface have been repeatedly described and many protective methods are introduced for retina; however, no study has been conducted on ocular surface protection. The purpose of this in vitro study was to examine phototoxicity and shade protection after blue light irradiation in primary human cells of corneal surface origin. Methods and analysis Primary human cells of corneal surface origin were obtained from eye bank eyes. After blue light irradiation (405 nm) of these cells for 3 min, and a further 24 hours’ incubation, surviving viable cells were assessed by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. Simultaneously, cell viability was determined in wells covered by ultraviolet and blue light shades. Results Under subconfluent conditions, viable cells decreased by around 50% after blue light irradiation, compared with control cells without irradiation. The blue light phototoxicity was not blocked by the control shade, but the ultraviolet-blocking and blue light-blocking shades protected the cells from phototoxicity, producing a 30%–40% reduction (ultraviolet) and 15%–30% reduction (blue light) in viable cells. Conclusion These results indicate that blue light injures ocular surface cells and the cells are protected from damage by a shade. We recommend blue light protection to maintain ocular health, especially in high-risk populations, such as people with dry eye, contact lens users, the malnourished and the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshimi Niwano
- Facultyof Nursing, Shumei University, Yachiyo, Japan.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuo Iwasawa
- Division of Infection Prevention and Control, Tokyo Healthcare University Postgraduate School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuo Tsubota
- Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiko Ayaki
- Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Ophthalmology, Otake Clinic Moon View Eye Center, Yamato, Japan
| | - Kazuno Negishi
- Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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42
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Bi L, Lwigale P. Transcriptomic analysis of differential gene expression during chick periocular neural crest differentiation into corneal cells. Dev Dyn 2019; 248:583-602. [PMID: 31004457 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multipotent neural crest cells (NCC) contribute to the corneal endothelium and keratocytes during ocular development, but the molecular mechanisms that underlie this process remain poorly understood. We performed RNA-Seq analysis on periocular neural crest (pNC), corneal endothelium, and keratocytes and validated expression of candidate genes by in situ hybridization. RESULTS RNA-Seq profiling revealed enrichment of genes between pNC and neural crest-derived corneal cells, which correspond to pathways involved in focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, cell adhesion, melanogenesis, and MAPK signaling. Comparisons of candidate NCC genes to ocular gene expression revealed that majority of the NCC genes are expressed in the pNC, but they are either differentially expressed or maintained during corneal development. Several genes involved in retinoic acid, transforming growth factor-β, and Wnt signaling pathways and their modulators are also differentially expressed. We identified differentially expressed transcription factors as potential downstream candidates that may instruct expression of genes involved in establishing corneal endothelium and keratocyte identities. CONCLUSION Combined, our data reveal novel changes in gene expression profiles as pNC differentiate into highly specialized corneal endothelial cells and keratocytes. These data serve as platform for further analyses of the molecular networks involved in NCC differentiation into corneal cells and provide insights into genes involved in corneal dysgenesis and adult diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Bi
- BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas
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43
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Gutermuth A, Maassen J, Harnisch E, Kuhlen D, Sauer-Budge A, Skazik-Voogt C, Engelmann K. Descemet's Membrane Biomimetic Microtopography Differentiates Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Into Corneal Endothelial-Like Cells. Cornea 2019; 38:110-119. [PMID: 30308581 PMCID: PMC6282677 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000001765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Purpose: Loss of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) bears disastrous consequences for the patient, including corneal clouding and blindness. Corneal transplantation is currently the only therapy for severe corneal disorders. However, the worldwide shortages of corneal donor material generate a strong demand for personalized stem cell–based alternative therapies. Because human mesenchymal stem cells are known to be sensitive to their mechanical environments, we investigated the mechanotransductive potential of Descemet membrane–like microtopography (DLT) to differentiate human mesenchymal stem cells into CEC-like cells. Methods: Master molds with inverted DLT were produced by 2-photon lithography (2-PL). To measure the mechanotransductive potential of DLT, mesenchymal stem cells were cultivated on silicone or collagen imprints with DLT. Changes in morphology were imaged, and changes in gene expression of CEC typical genes such as zonula occludens (ZO-1), sodium/potassium (Na/K)-ATPase, paired-like homeodomain 2 (PITX2), and collagen 8 (COL-8) were measured with real-time polymerase chain reaction. At least immunofluorescence analysis has been conducted to confirm gene data on the protein level. Results: Adhesion of MSCs to DLT molded in silicone and particularly in collagen initiates polygonal morphology and monolayer formation and enhances not only transcription of CEC typical genes such as ZO-1, Na/K-ATPase, PITX2, and COL-8 but also expression of the corresponding proteins. Conclusions: Artificial reproduction of Descemet membrane with respect to topography and similar stiffness offers a potential innovative way to bioengineer a functional CEC monolayer from autologous stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Gutermuth
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jessika Maassen
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Aachen, Germany
| | - Emely Harnisch
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Aachen, Germany
| | - Daniel Kuhlen
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexis Sauer-Budge
- Exponent, Department for Polymer Science & Materials Chemistry, Natick, MA
| | - Claudia Skazik-Voogt
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Aachen, Germany
| | - Katrin Engelmann
- Medical Center for Ophthalmology, Chemnitz, Germany.,Experimental Ophthalmology, Institute of Anatomy Dresden, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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44
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Yamashita K, Hatou S, Inagaki E, Higa K, Tsubota K, Shimmura S. A Rabbit Corneal Endothelial Dysfunction Model Using Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transformed Cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16868. [PMID: 30442918 PMCID: PMC6237874 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35110-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike humans, rabbit corneal endothelial wounds are known to spontaneously heal. The current study was aimed to develop a new rabbit bullous keratopathy model using corneal endothelial cells that were induced to undergo endothelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT). EMT was induced in rabbit corneal endothelial cells (RCECs) by culturing with TGFβ and basic FGF Supplemented Medium. The corneal endothelia in recipient rabbits were mechanically scraped from the corneal endothelial surface inside an 8 mm mark. Then, a suspension of EMT-induced RCECs (EMT-RCECs) was injected into the anterior chamber. Eyes injected with freshly isolated RCECs (Fresh RCECs group) and eyes that were scraped without injection of cells (Scrape group) were used as controls. Immediately following operation, subepithelial and stromal edema was observed with increased central corneal thickness and corneal opacity in all groups. In the EMT-RCECs group, bullous keratopathy persisted for 42 days up to the end of the study. In the Fresh-RCECs and Scrape groups, corneal transparency and thickness recovered by 7 days after treatment and was maintained up to 42 days. The activated fibroblast marker, α-SMA, was observed spanning from corneal endothelium to corneal stroma in the EMT-RCECs group. Interestingly, α-SMA was upregulated in the Scrape-group as well. In all groups, there was no damage to other intraocular structures, and intraocular pressure was normal throughout the observation period. Transplanting a fresh donor cornea effectively treated corneal edema due to bullous keratopathy. This model is a promising tool for pre-clinical trials in the development of new therapies against corneal endothelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Yamashita
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shin Hatou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Emi Inagaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazunari Higa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Dental College Ichikawa General Hospital, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Kazuo Tsubota
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeto Shimmura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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45
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Ponicidin inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells via suppressing the AKT/GSK-3β/Snail pathway. Inflammopharmacology 2018; 27:627-638. [PMID: 30244296 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-018-0534-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Ponicidin (PON), a natural diterpenoid compound, has been shown to exhibit potent anticancer activities in a wide variety of cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms underlying the anti-metastasis effect of PON have not yet been completely defined. The present study was designed to uncover the inhibitory effect of PON on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration and invasion of HCT116 cells induced by pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in vitro, and liver metastasis in vivo. Briefly, cell proliferation was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, followed by wound healing and transwell assays to evaluate cell migration and invasion. The EMT-related molecular markers were determined through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), immunofluorescence (IF), western blot (WB), and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Additionally, WB was used to assess the expression of AKT, phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT), GSK-3β, and phosphorylated GSK-3β (p-GSK-3β). As a result, PON could effectively suppress EMT, migration, and invasion in HCT116 cells in vitro, and liver metastasis of HCT116 cells in vivo. Additionally, PON administration also dramatically altered the expression of EMT-associated markers such as E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin, and suppressed the expression of p-AKT, p-GSK-3β and transcription factor, Snail in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the incidence of liver metastasis in the control group was 100% and although the incidence of liver metastasis did not decrease, the number of metastatic nodules in the livers of each PON dose group decreased by (34 ± 4.2)%, (64 ± 3.6)%, and (76 ± 5.3)%, respectively, compared to the control group. Collectively, these findings indicated that targeting the AKT/GSK-3β/Snail pathway by PON might be a promising treatment for TNF-α-induced EMT and metastasis of CRC.
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46
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Bartakova A, Kuzmenko O, Alvarez-Delfin K, Kunzevitzky NJ, Goldberg JL. A Cell Culture Approach to Optimized Human Corneal Endothelial Cell Function. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2018; 59:1617-1629. [PMID: 29625488 PMCID: PMC5869002 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-23637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Cell-based therapies to replace corneal endothelium depend on culture methods to optimize human corneal endothelial cell (HCEC) function and minimize endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EnMT). Here we explore contribution of low-mitogenic media on stabilization of phenotypes in vitro that mimic those of HCECs in vivo. Methods HCECs were isolated from cadaveric donor corneas and expanded in vitro, comparing continuous presence of exogenous growth factors (“proliferative media”) to media without those factors (“stabilizing media”). Identity based on canonical morphology and expression of surface marker CD56, and function based on formation of tight junction barriers measured by trans-endothelial electrical resistance assays (TEER) were assessed. Results Primary HCECs cultured in proliferative media underwent EnMT after three to four passages, becoming increasingly fibroblastic. Stabilizing the cells before each passage by switching them to a media low in mitogenic growth factors and serum preserved canonical morphology and yielded a higher number of cells. HCECs cultured in stabilizing media increased both expression of the identity marker CD56 and also tight junction monolayer integrity compared to cells cultured without stabilization. Conclusions HCECs isolated from donor corneas and expanded in vitro with a low-mitogenic media stabilizing step before each passage demonstrate more canonical structural and functional features and defer EnMT, increasing the number of passages and total canonical cell yield. This approach may facilitate development of HCEC-based cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Bartakova
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Olga Kuzmenko
- Byers Eye Institute and Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States
| | - Karen Alvarez-Delfin
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Florida, United States
| | - Noelia J Kunzevitzky
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States.,Byers Eye Institute and Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States.,Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Florida, United States.,Emmecell, Bridgewater, Connecticut, United States
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States.,Byers Eye Institute and Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States.,Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Florida, United States
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47
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Kim J. MicroRNAs as critical regulators of the endothelial to mesenchymal transition in vascular biology. BMB Rep 2018; 51:65-72. [PMID: 29353599 PMCID: PMC5836559 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2018.51.2.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a newly recognized, fundamental biological process involved in development and tissue regeneration, as well as pathological processes such as the complications of diabetes, fibrosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension. The EndMT process is tightly controlled by diverse signaling networks, similar to the epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Accumulating evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of this network, with the capacity to target multiple messenger RNAs involved in the EndMT process as well as in the regulation of disease progression. Thus, it is highly important to understand the molecular basis of miRNA control of EndMT. This review highlights the current fund of knowledge regarding the known links between miRNAs and the EndMT process, with a focus on the mechanism that regulates associated signaling pathways and discusses the potential for the EndMT as a therapeutic target to treat many diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongmin Kim
- Cellular Heterogeneity Research Center (CHRC), Research Institute of Women's Health (RIWH), and Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Korea
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48
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Man S, Sanchez Duffhues G, Ten Dijke P, Baker D. The therapeutic potential of targeting the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Angiogenesis 2018; 22:3-13. [PMID: 30076548 PMCID: PMC6510911 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-018-9639-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) have been found to be capable of acquiring a mesenchymal phenotype through a process known as endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). First seen in the developing embryo, EndMT can be triggered postnatally under certain pathological conditions. During this process, ECs dedifferentiate into mesenchymal stem-like cells (MSCs) and subsequently give rise to cell types belonging to the mesoderm lineage. As EndMT contributes to a multitude of diseases, pharmacological modulation of the signaling pathways underlying EndMT may prove to be effective as a therapeutic treatment. Additionally, EndMT in ECs could also be exploited to acquire multipotent MSCs, which can be readily re-differentiated into various distinct cell types. In this review, we will consider current models of EndMT, how manipulation of this process might improve treatment of clinically important pathologies and how it could be harnessed to advance regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Man
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gonzalo Sanchez Duffhues
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Ten Dijke
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - David Baker
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
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49
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Cho JG, Lee A, Chang W, Lee MS, Kim J. Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition Represents a Key Link in the Interaction between Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction. Front Immunol 2018. [PMID: 29515588 PMCID: PMC5826197 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells that line the inner walls of blood vessels are in direct contact with blood and display remarkable heterogeneity in their response to exogenous stimuli. These ECs have unique location-dependent properties determined by the corresponding vascular beds and play an important role in regulating the homeostasis of the vascular system. Evidence suggests that vascular endothelial cells exposed to various environments undergo dynamic phenotypic switching, a key biological program in the context of endothelial heterogeneity, but that might result in EC dysfunction and, in turn, cause a variety of human diseases. Emerging studies show the importance of endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in endothelial dysfunction during inflammation. EndMT is a complex biological process in which ECs lose their endothelial characteristics, acquire mesenchymal phenotypes, and express mesenchymal cell markers, such as alpha smooth muscle actin and fibroblast-specific protein 1. EndMT is induced by inflammatory responses, leading to pathological states, including tissue fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and atherosclerosis, via dysfunction of the vascular system. Although the mechanisms associated with inflammation-induced EndMT have been identified, unraveling the specific role of this phenotypic switching in vascular dysfunction remains a challenge. Here, we review the current understanding on the interactions between inflammatory processes, EndMT, and endothelial dysfunction, with a focus on the mechanisms that regulate essential signaling pathways. Identification of such mechanisms will guide future research and could provide novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Gu Cho
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Aram Lee
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Woochul Chang
- Department of Biology Education, College of Education, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Myeong-Sok Lee
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jongmin Kim
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, South Korea
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50
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Sun P, Shen L, Zhang C, Du L, Wu X. Promoting the expansion and function of human corneal endothelial cells with an orbital adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned medium. Stem Cell Res Ther 2017; 8:287. [PMID: 29262856 PMCID: PMC5738836 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-017-0737-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corneal endothelial dysfunction causes severe impairment of vision. The only solution is corneal transplantation. However, this treatment is hampered by a worldwide shortage of donor corneas. New therapies may replace the conventional donor corneal transplantation alongside the developments in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, but sufficient functional corneal endothelial cells (CECs) are essential. The aim of this study was to promote the expansion and function of human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) in vitro and in vivo. METHODS The phenotypes of human orbital adipose-derived stem cells (OASCs) were detected by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. HCECs were isolated and cultured using a conditioned medium obtained from OASCs (OASC-CM) in vitro. Related cell markers of HCECs were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot, and immunofluorescence. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and the wound healing assay were performed to evaluate the proliferation ability of the cells. The cultured HCECs were then transplanted into rabbit and monkey corneal endothelial dysfunction models by cell injection. RESULTS CD29, CD105, CD49e, CD166, and vimentin were highly expressed in cultured human OASCs. The CEC-relative markers zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), Na+/K+ ATPase, N-cadherin, Col8a2, and SLC4A4 were expressed in HCECs cultured by OASC-CM. The HCECs were able to maintain polygonal cell morphology and good proliferative capacity. In animal experiments, corneal transparency was achieved after the injection of HCECs, which demonstrated the good repair capacity of the cells. CONCLUSIONS The proliferation abilities of the cells were significantly enhanced, and related functional markers were strongly positive, while HCEC morphology was maintained using OASC-CM. HCECs obtained some stem cell-like properties. This preclinical study confirmed the therapeutic ability of the HCECs in vivo. Our findings demonstrated that cultured HCECs with OASC-CM might be a promising source for research and clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China.,The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Canwei Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Liqun Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China.
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