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Volatier T, Cursiefen C, Notara M. Current Advances in Corneal Stromal Stem Cell Biology and Therapeutic Applications. Cells 2024; 13:163. [PMID: 38247854 PMCID: PMC10814767 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020163] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Corneal stromal stem cells (CSSCs) are of particular interest in regenerative ophthalmology, offering a new therapeutic target for corneal injuries and diseases. This review provides a comprehensive examination of CSSCs, exploring their anatomy, functions, and role in maintaining corneal integrity. Molecular markers, wound healing mechanisms, and potential therapeutic applications are discussed. Global corneal blindness, especially in more resource-limited regions, underscores the need for innovative solutions. Challenges posed by corneal defects, emphasizing the urgent need for advanced therapeutic interventions, are discussed. The review places a spotlight on exosome therapy as a potential therapy. CSSC-derived exosomes exhibit significant potential for modulating inflammation, promoting tissue repair, and addressing corneal transparency. Additionally, the rejuvenation potential of CSSCs through epigenetic reprogramming adds to the evolving regenerative landscape. The imperative for clinical trials and human studies to seamlessly integrate these strategies into practice is emphasized. This points towards a future where CSSC-based therapies, particularly leveraging exosomes, play a central role in diversifying ophthalmic regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Volatier
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Claus Cursiefen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Strasse 26, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Maria Notara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
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Priyadarsini S, McKay TB, Escandon P, Nicholas SE, Ma JX, Karamichos D. Cell sheet-based approach to study the diabetic corneal stroma. Exp Eye Res 2023; 237:109717. [PMID: 37944849 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109717] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Prolonged hyperglycemia during diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with severe complications that may affect both the anterior and posterior ocular segments, leading to impaired vision or blindness. The cornea is a vital part of the eye that has a dual role as a protective transparent barrier and as a major refractive structure and is likewise negatively affected by hyperglycemia in DM. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the phenotypic changes associated with DM is critical to developing targeted therapies to promote tissue integrity. In this proof-of-concept study, we applied a cell sheet-based approach to generate stacked constructs of physiological corneal thickness using primary human corneal fibroblasts isolated from cadaveric control (healthy), Type 1 DM and Type 2 DM corneal tissues. Self-assembled corneal stromal sheets were generated after 2 weeks in culture, isolated, and subsequently assembled to create stacked constructs, which were evaluated using transmission electron microscopy. Analysis of gene expression patterns revealed significant downregulation of fibrotic markers, α-smooth muscle actin, and collagen type 3, with stacking in Type 2 DM constructs when compared to controls. IGF1 expression was significantly upregulated in Type 2 DM constructs compared to controls with a significant reduction induced by stacking. This study describes the development of a thicker, self-assembled corneal stromal construct as a platform to evaluate phenotypic differences associated with DM-derived corneal fibroblasts and enable the development of targeted therapeutics to promote corneal integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrestha Priyadarsini
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Tina B McKay
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Paulina Escandon
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Sarah E Nicholas
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA.
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Wang X, Li F, Liu X, Zhang H. Applications and Recent Developments of Hydrogels in Ophthalmology. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:5968-5984. [PMID: 37906698 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels are a type of functional polymer material with a three-dimensional network structure composed of physically or chemically cross-linked polymers. All hydrogels have two common features: first, their structure contains a large number of hydrophilic groups; therefore, they have a high water content and can swell in water. Second, they have good regulation, and the physical and chemical properties of their cross-linked network can be changed by environmental factors and deliberate modification methods. In recent years, the application of hydrogels in ophthalmology has gradually attracted attention. By selecting an appropriate composition and cross-linking mode, hydrogels can be used in different fields for various applications, such as gel eye drops, in situ gel preparation, intravitreal injection, and corneal contact lenses. This Review provides a detailed introduction to the classification of hydrogels and their applications in glaucoma, vitreous substitutes, fundus diseases, corneal contact lenses, corneal diseases, and cataract surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
| | - FuQiang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
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Shetty R, Mahendran K, Joshi PD, Jeyabalan N, Jayadev C, Das D. Corneal stromal regeneration-keratoconus cell therapy: a review. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2023; 261:3051-3065. [PMID: 37074409 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-023-06064-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Keratoconus is a corneal ectatic disease caused by stromal thinning leading to astigmatism and progressive loss of vision. Loss of the keratocytes and excessive degradation of collagen fibres by matrix metalloproteinases are the molecular signatures of the disease. Despite several limitations, corneal collagen cross-linking and keratoplasty are the most widely used treatment options for keratoconus. In the pursuit of alternative treatment modalities, clinician scientists have explored cell therapy paradigms for treating the condition. METHODS Articles pertaining to keratoconus cell therapy with relevant key words were used to search in PubMed, Researchgate, and Google Scholar. The articles were selected based on their relevance, reliability, publication year, published journal, and accessibility. RESULTS Various cellular abnormalities have been reported in keratoconus. Diverse cell types such as mesenchymal stromal cells, dental pulp cells, bone marrow stem cells, haematopoietic stem cells, adipose-derived stem cells apart from embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells can be used for keratoconus cell therapy. The results obtained show that there is a potential for these cells from various sources as a viable treatment option. CONCLUSION There is a need for consensus with respect to the source of cells, mode of delivery, stage of disease, and duration of follow-up, to establish a standard operating protocol. This would eventually widen the cell therapy options for corneal ectatic diseases beyond keratoconus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Shetty
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Narayana Nethralaya Eye Hospital, Bangalore, India
| | - Krithikaa Mahendran
- Stem Cell Research Lab, GROW Lab, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore, India
| | - Parth D Joshi
- Stem Cell Research Lab, GROW Lab, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore, India
| | | | - Chaitra Jayadev
- Department of Vitreo-Retina, Narayana Nethralaya Eye Hospital, Bangalore, India
| | - Debashish Das
- Stem Cell Research Lab, GROW Lab, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore, India.
- Stem Cell Lab, GROW Lab, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Narayana Nethralaya Eye Hospital, Narayana Health City, 258/A Bommasandra Industrial Area, Bangalore, 560099, Karnataka, India.
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Wilson SE. The corneal fibroblast: The Dr. Jekyll underappreciated overseer of the responses to stromal injury. Ocul Surf 2023; 29:53-62. [PMID: 37080483 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To review the functions of corneal fibroblasts in wound healing. METHODS Literature review. RESULTS Corneal fibroblasts arise in the corneal stroma after anterior, posterior or limbal injuries and are derived from keratocytes. Transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 and TGFβ2, along with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), are the major modulators of the keratocyte to corneal fibroblast transition, while fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, TGFβ3, and retinoic acid are thought to regulate the transition of corneal fibroblasts back to keratocytes. Adequate and sustained levels of TGFβ1 and/or TGFβ2, primarily from epithelium, tears, aqueous humor, and corneal endothelium, drive the development of corneal fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Myofibroblasts have been shown in vitro to transition back to corneal fibroblasts, although apoptosis of myofibroblasts has been documented as a major contributor to the resolution of fibrosis in several in situ corneal injury models. Corneal fibroblasts, aside from their role as a major progenitor to myofibroblasts, also perform many critical functions in the injured cornea, including the production of critical basement membrane (BM) components during regeneration of the epithelial BM and Descemet's membrane, production of non-basement membrane-associated stromal collagen type IV to control and downregulate TGFβ effects on stromal cells, release of chemotactic chemokines that attract bone marrow-derived cells to the injured stroma, production of growth factors that modulate regeneration and maturation of the overlying epithelium, and production of collagens and other ECM components that contribute to stromal integrity after injury. CONCLUSIONS Corneal fibroblasts are major contributors to and overseers of the corneal response to injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven E Wilson
- The Cole Eye Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Ying PX, Fu M, Huang C, Li ZH, Mao QY, Fu S, Jia XH, Cao YC, Hong LB, Cai LY, Guo X, Liu RB, Meng FK, Yi GG. Profile of biological characterizations and clinical application of corneal stem/progenitor cells. World J Stem Cells 2022; 14:777-797. [PMID: 36483848 PMCID: PMC9724387 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v14.i11.777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal stem/progenitor cells are typical adult stem/progenitor cells. The human cornea covers the front of the eyeball, which protects the eye from the outside environment while allowing vision. The location and function demand the cornea to maintain its transparency and to continuously renew its epithelial surface by replacing injured or aged cells through a rapid turnover process in which corneal stem/progenitor cells play an important role. Corneal stem/progenitor cells include mainly corneal epithelial stem cells, corneal endothelial cell progenitors and corneal stromal stem cells. Since the discovery of corneal epithelial stem cells (also known as limbal stem cells) in 1971, an increasing number of markers for corneal stem/progenitor cells have been proposed, but there is no consensus regarding the definitive markers for them. Therefore, the identification, isolation and cultivation of these cells remain challenging without a unified approach. In this review, we systematically introduce the profile of biological characterizations, such as anatomy, characteristics, isolation, cultivation and molecular markers, and clinical applications of the three categories of corneal stem/progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Xi Ying
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhujiang Hospital, The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Min Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chang Huang
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Li
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Shock and Microcirculation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510550, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qing-Yi Mao
- The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Sheng Fu
- Hengyang Medical School, The University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xu-Hui Jia
- The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yu-Chen Cao
- The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Li-Bing Hong
- The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Li-Yang Cai
- The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xi Guo
- Medical College of Rehabilitation, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ru-Bing Liu
- The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Fan-ke Meng
- Emergency Department, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Guo-Guo Yi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, Guangdong Province, China
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Kumar A, Yun H, Funderburgh ML, Du Y. Regenerative therapy for the Cornea. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 87:101011. [PMID: 34530154 PMCID: PMC8918435 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.101011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cornea is the outmost layer of the eye, unique in its transparency and strength. The cornea not only transmits the light essential for vision, also refracts light, giving focus to images. Each of the three layers of the cornea has properties essential for the function of vision. Although the epithelium can often recover from injury quickly by cell division, loss of limbal stem cells can cause severe corneal surface abnormalities leading to corneal blindness. Disruption of the stromal extracellular matrix and loss of cells determining this structure, the keratocytes, leads to corneal opacity. Corneal endothelium is the inner part of the cornea without self-renewal capacity. It is very important to maintain corneal dehydration and transparency. Permanent damage to the corneal stroma or endothelium can be effectively treated by corneal transplantation; however, there are drawbacks to this procedure, including a shortage of donors, the need for continuing treatment to prevent rejection, and limits to the survival of the graft, averaging 10-20 years. There exists a need for new strategies to promote regeneration of the stromal structure and restore vision. This review highlights critical contributions in regenerative medicine with the aim of corneal reconstruction after injury or disease. These approaches include corneal stromal stem cells, corneal limbal stem cells, embryonic stem cells, and other adult stem cells, as well as induced pluripotent stem cells. Stem cell-derived trophic factors in the forms of secretomes or exosomes for corneal regeneration are also discussed. Corneal sensory nerve regeneration promoting corneal transparency is discussed. This article provides description of the up-to-date options for corneal regeneration and presents exciting possible avenues for future studies toward clinical applications for corneal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Hongmin Yun
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | | | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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8
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binte M. Yusoff NZ, Riau AK, Yam GHF, binte Halim NSH, Mehta JS. Isolation and Propagation of Human Corneal Stromal Keratocytes for Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy. Cells 2022; 11:cells11010178. [PMID: 35011740 PMCID: PMC8750693 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The human corneal stroma contains corneal stromal keratocytes (CSKs) that synthesize and deposit collagens and keratan sulfate proteoglycans into the stromal matrix to maintain the corneal structural integrity and transparency. In adult corneas, CSKs are quiescent and arrested in the G0 phase of the cell cycle. Following injury, some CSKs undergo apoptosis, whereas the surviving cells are activated to become stromal fibroblasts (SFs) and myofibroblasts (MyoFBs), as a natural mechanism of wound healing. The SFs and MyoFBs secrete abnormal extracellular matrix proteins, leading to corneal fibrosis and scar formation (corneal opacification). The issue is compounded by the fact that CSK transformation into SFs or MyoFBs is irreversible in vivo, which leads to chronic opacification. In this scenario, corneal transplantation is the only recourse. The application of cell therapy by replenishing CSKs, propagated in vitro, in the injured corneas has been demonstrated to be efficacious in resolving early-onset corneal opacification. However, expanding CSKs is challenging and has been the limiting factor for the application in corneal tissue engineering and cell therapy. The supplementation of serum in the culture medium promotes cell division but inevitably converts the CSKs into SFs. Similar to the in vivo conditions, the transformation is irreversible, even when the SF culture is switched to a serum-free medium. In the current article, we present a detailed protocol on the isolation and propagation of bona fide human CSKs and the morphological and genotypic differences from SFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Zahirah binte M. Yusoff
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore; (N.Z.b.M.Y.); (A.K.R.); (N.S.H.b.H.)
| | - Andri K. Riau
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore; (N.Z.b.M.Y.); (A.K.R.); (N.S.H.b.H.)
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Gary H. F. Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
| | - Nuur Shahinda Humaira binte Halim
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore; (N.Z.b.M.Y.); (A.K.R.); (N.S.H.b.H.)
| | - Jodhbir S. Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore; (N.Z.b.M.Y.); (A.K.R.); (N.S.H.b.H.)
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Corneal and External Eye Disease Department, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +65-6322-8378
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Tang Q, Lu B, He J, Chen X, Fu Q, Han H, Luo C, Yin H, Qin Z, Lyu D, Zhang L, Zhou M, Yao K. Exosomes-loaded thermosensitive hydrogels for corneal epithelium and stroma regeneration. Biomaterials 2021; 280:121320. [PMID: 34923312 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Corneal damage forms scar tissue and manifests as permanent corneal opacity, which is the main cause of visual impairment caused by corneal diseases. To treat these diseases, herein, we developed a novel approach based on the exosome derived from induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells (iPSC-MSCs) combined with a thermosensitive hydrogel, which reduces scar formation and accelerates the healing process. We found that a thermosensitive chitosan-based hydrogels (CHI hydrogel) sustained-release iPSC-MSC exosomes can effectively promote the repair of damaged corneal epithelium and stromal layer, downregulating mRNA expression coding for the three most enriched collagens (collagen type I alpha 1, collagen type V alpha 1 and collagen type V alpha 2) in corneal stroma and reducing scar formation in vivo. Furthermore, iPSC-MSCs secrete exosomes that contain miR-432-5p, which suppresses translocation-associated membrane protein 2 (TRAM2), a vital modulator of the collagen biosynthesis in the corneal stromal stem cells to avert the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Our findings indicate that iPSC-MSCs secrete miRNA-containing exosomes to promote corneal epithelium and stroma regeneration, and that miR-432-5p can prevent ECM deposition via a mechanism most probably linked to direct repression of its target gene TRAM2. Overall, our exosomes-based thermosensitive CHI hydrogel, is a promising technology for clinical therapy of various corneal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaomei Tang
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Bing Lu
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Jian He
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Department of Sports Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qiuli Fu
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Haijie Han
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Chenqi Luo
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Houfa Yin
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Zhenwei Qin
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Danni Lyu
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Lifang Zhang
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
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10
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Català P, Groen N, Dehnen JA, Soares E, van Velthoven AJH, Nuijts RMMA, Dickman MM, LaPointe VLS. Single cell transcriptomics reveals the heterogeneity of the human cornea to identify novel markers of the limbus and stroma. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21727. [PMID: 34741068 PMCID: PMC8571304 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01015-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cornea is the clear window that lets light into the eye. It is composed of five layers: epithelium, Bowman's layer, stroma, Descemet's membrane and endothelium. The maintenance of its structure and transparency are determined by the functions of the different cell types populating each layer. Attempts to regenerate corneal tissue and understand disease conditions requires knowledge of how cell profiles vary across this heterogeneous tissue. We performed a single cell transcriptomic profiling of 19,472 cells isolated from eight healthy donor corneas. Our analysis delineates the heterogeneity of the corneal layers by identifying cell populations and revealing cell states that contribute in preserving corneal homeostasis. We identified expression of CAV1, HOMER3 and CPVL in the corneal epithelial limbal stem cell niche, CKS2, STMN1 and UBE2C were exclusively expressed in highly proliferative transit amplifying cells, CXCL14 was expressed exclusively in the suprabasal/superficial limbus, and NNMT was exclusively expressed by stromal keratocytes. Overall, this research provides a basis to improve current primary cell expansion protocols, for future profiling of corneal disease states, to help guide pluripotent stem cells into different corneal lineages, and to understand how engineered substrates affect corneal cells to improve regenerative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pere Català
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center+, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jasmin A Dehnen
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center+, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Eduardo Soares
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center+, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Arianne J H van Velthoven
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center+, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rudy M M A Nuijts
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center+, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mor M Dickman
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center+, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Vanessa L S LaPointe
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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11
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McKay TB, Guo X, Hutcheon AEK, Karamichos D, Ciolino JB. Methods for Investigating Corneal Cell Interactions and Extracellular Vesicles In Vitro. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 89:e114. [PMID: 32986311 DOI: 10.1002/cpcb.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Science and medicine have become increasingly "human-centric" over the years. A growing shift away from the use of animals in basic research has led to the development of sophisticated in vitro models of various tissues utilizing human-derived cells to study physiology and disease. The human cornea has likewise been modeled in vitro using primary cells derived from corneas obtained from cadavers or post-transplantation. By utilizing a cell's intrinsic ability to maintain its tissue phenotype in a pre-designed microenvironment containing the required growth factors, physiological temperature, and humidity, tissue-engineered corneas can be grown and maintained in culture for relatively long periods of time on the scale of weeks to months. Due to its transparency and avascularity, the cornea is an optimal tissue for studies of extracellular matrix and cell-cell interactions, toxicology and permeability of drugs, and underlying mechanisms of scarring and tissue regeneration. This paper describes methods for the cultivation of corneal keratocytes, fibroblasts, epithelial, and endothelial cells for in vitro applications. We also provide detailed, step-by-step protocols for assembling and culturing 3D constructs of the corneal stroma, epithelial- and endothelial-stromal co-cultures and isolation of extracellular vesicles. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Isolating and culturing human corneal keratocytes and fibroblasts Basic Protocol 2: Isolating and culturing human corneal epithelial cells Basic Protocol 3: Isolating and culturing human corneal endothelial cells Basic Protocol 4: 3D corneal stromal construct assembly Basic Protocol 5: 3D corneal epithelial-stromal construct assembly Basic Protocol 6: 3D corneal endothelial-stromal construct assembly Basic Protocol 7: Isolating extracellular vesicles from corneal cell conditioned medium Support Protocol: Cryopreserving human corneal fibroblasts, corneal epithelial cells, and corneal endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina B McKay
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xiaoqing Guo
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Audrey E K Hutcheon
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and The North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Joseph B Ciolino
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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12
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Fernández-Pérez J, Madden PW, Brady RT, Nowlan PF, Ahearne M. The effect of prior long-term recellularization with keratocytes of decellularized porcine corneas implanted in a rabbit anterior lamellar keratoplasty model. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245406. [PMID: 34061862 PMCID: PMC8168847 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Decellularized porcine corneal scaffolds are a potential alternative to human cornea for keratoplasty. Although clinical trials have reported promising results, there can be corneal haze or scar tissue. Here, we examined if recellularizing the scaffolds with human keratocytes would result in a better outcome. Scaffolds were prepared that retained little DNA (14.89 ± 5.56 ng/mg) and demonstrated a lack of cytotoxicity by in vitro. The scaffolds were recellularized using human corneal stromal cells and cultured for between 14 in serum-supplemented media followed by a further 14 days in either serum free or serum-supplemented media. All groups showed full-depth cell penetration after 14 days. When serum was present, staining for ALDH3A1 remained weak but after serum-free culture, staining was brighter and the keratocytes adopted a native dendritic morphology with an increase (p < 0.05) of keratocan, decorin, lumican and CD34 gene expression. A rabbit anterior lamellar keratoplasty model was used to compare implanting a 250 μm thick decellularized lenticule against one that had been recellularized with human stromal cells after serum-free culture. In both groups, host rabbit epithelium covered the implants, but transparency was not restored after 3 months. Post-mortem histology showed under the epithelium, a less-compact collagen layer, which appeared to be a regenerating zone with some α-SMA staining, indicating fibrotic cells. In the posterior scaffold, ALDH1A1 staining was present in all the acellular scaffold, but in only one of the recellularized lenticules. Since there was little difference between acellular and cell-seeded scaffolds in our in vivo study, future scaffold development should use acellular controls to determine if cells are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Fernández-Pérez
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter W. Madden
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Robert Thomas Brady
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter F. Nowlan
- School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mark Ahearne
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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13
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Wang X, Chung L, Hooks J, Maestas DR, Lebid A, Andorko JI, Huleihel L, Chin AF, Wolf M, Remlinger NT, Stepp MA, Housseau F, Elisseeff JH. Type 2 immunity induced by bladder extracellular matrix enhances corneal wound healing. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/16/eabe2635. [PMID: 33863719 PMCID: PMC8051883 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe2635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The avascular nature of cornea tissue limits its regenerative potential, which may lead to incomplete healing and formation of scars when damaged. Here, we applied micro- and ultrafine porcine urinary bladder matrix (UBM) particulate to promote type 2 immune responses in cornea wounds. Results demonstrated that UBM particulate substantially reduced corneal haze formation as compared to the saline-treated group. Flow cytometry and gene expression analysis showed that UBM particulate suppressed the differentiation of corneal stromal cells into α-smooth muscle actin-positive (αSMA+) myofibroblasts. UBM treatments up-regulated interleukin-4 (IL-4) produced primarily by eosinophils in the wounded corneas and CD4+ T cells in draining lymph nodes, suggesting a cross-talk between local and peripheral immunity. Gata1-/- mice lacking eosinophils did not respond to UBM treatment and had impaired wound healing. In summary, stimulating type 2 immune responses in the wounded cornea can promote proregenerative environments that lead to improved wound healing for vision restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokun Wang
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Liam Chung
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Joshua Hooks
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - David R Maestas
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Andriana Lebid
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - James I Andorko
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Luai Huleihel
- ACell Inc., Columbia, MD 21046, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Alexander F Chin
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Matthew Wolf
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | | | - Mary Ann Stepp
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington DC 20037, USA
| | - Franck Housseau
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Jennifer H Elisseeff
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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14
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Liu XN, Mi SL, Chen Y, Wang Y. Corneal stromal mesenchymal stem cells: reconstructing a bioactive cornea and repairing the corneal limbus and stromal microenvironment. Int J Ophthalmol 2021; 14:448-455. [PMID: 33747824 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2021.03.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal stroma-derived mesenchymal stem cells (CS-MSCs) are mainly distributed in the anterior part of the corneal stroma near the corneal limbal stem cells (LSCs). CS-MSCs are stem cells with self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation potential. A large amount of data confirmed that CS-MSCs can be induced to differentiate into functional keratocytes in vitro, which is the motive force for maintaining corneal transparency and producing a normal corneal stroma. CS-MSCs are also an important component of the limbal microenvironment. Furthermore, they are of great significance in the reconstruction of ocular surface tissue and tissue engineering for active biocornea construction. In this paper, the localization and biological characteristics of CS-MSCs, the use of CS-MSCs to reconstruct a tissue-engineered active biocornea, and the repair of the limbal and matrix microenvironment by CS-MSCs are reviewed, and their application prospects are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Ning Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Hospital of Xi'an; Shaanxi Institute of Ophthalmology, Shaanxi Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmology Diseases of Shaanxi Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Sheng-Li Mi
- Open FIESTA Center, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, China.,Biomanufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yun Chen
- Open FIESTA Center, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Hospital of Xi'an; Shaanxi Institute of Ophthalmology, Shaanxi Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmology Diseases of Shaanxi Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China
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15
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In vitro reconstructed 3D corneal tissue models for ocular toxicology and ophthalmic drug development. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2021; 57:207-237. [PMID: 33544359 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-020-00533-7] [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: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Testing of all manufactured products and their ingredients for eye irritation is a regulatory requirement. In the last two decades, the development of alternatives to the in vivo Draize eye irritation test method has substantially advanced due to the improvements in primary cell isolation, cell culture techniques, and media, which have led to improved in vitro corneal tissue models and test methods. Most in vitro models for ocular toxicology attempt to reproduce the corneal epithelial tissue which consists of 4-5 layers of non-keratinized corneal epithelial cells that form tight junctions, thereby limiting the penetration of chemicals, xenobiotics, and pharmaceuticals. Also, significant efforts have been directed toward the development of more complex three-dimensional (3D) equivalents to study wound healing, drug permeation, and bioavailability. This review focuses on in vitro reconstructed 3D corneal tissue models and their utilization in ocular toxicology as well as their application to pharmacology and ophthalmic research. Current human 3D corneal epithelial cell culture models have replaced in vivo animal eye irritation tests for many applications, and substantial validation efforts are in progress to verify and approve alternative eye irritation tests for widespread use. The validation of drug absorption models and further development of models and test methods for many ophthalmic and ocular disease applications is required.
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16
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Guérin LP, Le-Bel G, Desjardins P, Couture C, Gillard E, Boisselier É, Bazin R, Germain L, Guérin SL. The Human Tissue-Engineered Cornea (hTEC): Recent Progress. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031291. [PMID: 33525484 PMCID: PMC7865732 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Each day, about 2000 U.S. workers have a job-related eye injury requiring medical treatment. Corneal diseases are the fifth cause of blindness worldwide. Most of these diseases can be cured using one form or another of corneal transplantation, which is the most successful transplantation in humans. In 2012, it was estimated that 12.7 million people were waiting for a corneal transplantation worldwide. Unfortunately, only 1 in 70 patients received a corneal graft that same year. In order to provide alternatives to the shortage of graftable corneas, considerable progress has been achieved in the development of living corneal substitutes produced by tissue engineering and designed to mimic their in vivo counterpart in terms of cell phenotype and tissue architecture. Most of these substitutes use synthetic biomaterials combined with immortalized cells, which makes them dissimilar from the native cornea. However, studies have emerged that describe the production of tridimensional (3D) tissue-engineered corneas using untransformed human corneal epithelial cells grown on a totally natural stroma synthesized by living corneal fibroblasts, that also show appropriate histology and expression of both extracellular matrix (ECM) components and integrins. This review highlights contributions from laboratories working on the production of human tissue-engineered corneas (hTECs) as future substitutes for grafting purposes. It overviews alternative models to the grafting of cadaveric corneas where cell organization is provided by the substrate, and then focuses on their 3D counterparts that are closer to the native human corneal architecture because of their tissue development and cell arrangement properties. These completely biological hTECs are therefore very promising as models that may help understand many aspects of the molecular and cellular mechanistic response of the cornea toward different types of diseases or wounds, as well as assist in the development of novel drugs that might be promising for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis-Philippe Guérin
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Gaëtan Le-Bel
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, 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
| | - Pascale Desjardins
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, 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
| | - Camille Couture
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, 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
| | - Elodie Gillard
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Élodie Boisselier
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Richard Bazin
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Lucie Germain
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, 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
| | - Sylvain L. Guérin
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-418-682-7565
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17
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Karayilan M, Clamen L, Becker ML. Polymeric Materials for Eye Surface and Intraocular Applications. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:223-261. [PMID: 33405900 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c01525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ocular applications of polymeric materials have been widely investigated for medical diagnostics, treatment, and vision improvement. The human eye is a vital organ that connects us to the outside world so when the eye is injured, infected, or impaired, it needs immediate medical treatment to maintain clear vision and quality of life. Moreover, several essential parts of the eye lose their functions upon aging, causing diminished vision. Modern polymer science and polymeric materials offer various alternatives, such as corneal and scleral implants, artificial ocular lenses, and vitreous substitutes, to replace the damaged parts of the eye. In addition to the use of polymers for medical treatment, polymeric contact lenses can provide not only vision correction, but they can also be used as wearable electronics. In this Review, we highlight the evolution of polymeric materials for specific ocular applications such as intraocular lenses and current state-of-the-art polymeric systems with unique properties for contact lens, corneal, scleral, and vitreous body applications. We organize this Review paper by following the path of light as it travels through the eye. Starting from the outside of the eye (contact lenses), we move onto the eye's surface (cornea and sclera) and conclude with intraocular applications (intraocular lens and vitreous body) of mostly synthetic polymers and several biopolymers. Initially, we briefly describe the anatomy and physiology of the eye as a reminder of the eye parts and their functions. The rest of the Review provides an overview of recent advancements in next-generation contact lenses and contact lens sensors, corneal and scleral implants, solid and injectable intraocular lenses, and artificial vitreous body. Current limitations for future improvements are also briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Metin Karayilan
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Liane Clamen
- Adaptilens, LLC, Boston, Massachusetts 02467, United States
| | - Matthew L Becker
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States.,Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Orthopaedic Surgery, and Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
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18
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Li S, Cui Z, Gu J, Wang Y, Tang S, Chen J. Effect of porcine corneal stromal extract on keratocytes from SMILE-derived lenticules. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:1207-1220. [PMID: 33342057 PMCID: PMC7812260 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Propagating large amounts of human corneal stromal cells (hCSCs) in vitro while maintaining the physiological quality of their phenotypes is necessary for their application in cell therapy. Here, a novel medium to propagate hCSCs obtained from small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE)-derived lenticules was investigated and the feasibility of intrastromal injection of these hCSCs was assessed. Primary hCSCs were cultured in porcine corneal stroma extract (pCSE) with RIFA medium including ROCK inhibitor Y27632, insulin-transferrin-selenium, fibroblast growth factor 2, L-ascorbate 2-phosphate and 0.5% FBS (RIFA medium + pCSE). Protein profiling of the pCSE was identified using nanoscale liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (nano LC-MS/MS). After subculturing in RIFA medium + pCSE or 10% FBS normal medium (NM), hCSCs at P4 were transplanted into mouse corneal stroma. Compared with NM, ALDH3A1, keratocan and lumican were significantly more expressed in the RIFA medium + pCSE. ALDH3A1 was also more expressed in the RIFA medium + pCSE than in the RIFA medium. Fibronectin and α-SMA were less expressed in the RIFA medium + pCSE than in the NM. Using Metascape analysis, the pCSE with its anti-fibrosis, pro-proliferation and anti-apoptosis activities, was beneficial for hCSC cultivation. The intrastromally implanted hCSCs in the RIFA medium + pCSE had positive CD34 expression but negative CD45 expression 35 days after injection. We provide a valuable new medium that is advantageous for the proliferation of hCSCs with the properties of physiological keratocytes. Intrastromal injection of hCSCs in RIFA medium + pCSE has the potential for clinical cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenyang Li
- Aier School of OphthalmologyCentral South UniversityHunanChina
| | | | | | | | - Shibo Tang
- Aier School of OphthalmologyCentral South UniversityHunanChina
- Aier Eye InstituteChangshaChina
| | - Jiansu Chen
- Aier School of OphthalmologyCentral South UniversityHunanChina
- Aier Eye InstituteChangshaChina
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19
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Pollard RE, McKay TB, Ford A, Cairns DM, Georgakoudi I, Kaplan DL. Induction of Irritation and Inflammation in a 3D Innervated Tissue Model of the Human Cornea. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:6886-6895. [PMID: 33320598 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01136] [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: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Detection of slight changes in the chemical, thermal, and physical environments of the ocular surface is necessary to protect eyesight. The cornea, as the most densely innervated peripheral tissue in the body, can be damaged as a result of caustic chemical exposure. Such damage can be painful and debilitating, thus underscoring the need to understand mechanisms of ocular irritation. Both ethical and translational limitations regarding the use of animal subjects in part drive the need to develop relevant in vitro cell and tissue models that emulate the physiology of the human cornea. In this study, we utilized our 3D in vitro cornea-like tissue model to study the effects of irritation mediated by transient receptor potential (TRP) channels vanilloid 1 and ankyrin 1 (TRPV1; TRPA1) in response to allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) stimulation. Changes in gene expression were analyzed to characterize wound healing responses of the epithelial, stromal, and neuronal cell populations in the corneal tissue models. Key findings of the study include indications of wound healing, such as stromal myofibroblast differentiation and epithelial barrier re-establishment, amplification of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and downstream ECM protein remodeling due to irritation with the addition of sensory innervation. This study further establishes this in vitro tissue model as a useful tool for studying corneal irritation in vitro in a holistic manner with promise as a novel and sensitive tool for studying chemical exposures and subsequent responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Pollard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby St, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Tina B McKay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby St, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Andrew Ford
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby St, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Dana M Cairns
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby St, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Irene Georgakoudi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby St, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby St, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
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Weng L, Funderburgh JL, Khandaker I, Geary ML, Yang T, Basu R, Funderburgh ML, Du Y, Yam GHF. The anti-scarring effect of corneal stromal stem cell therapy is mediated by transforming growth factor β3. EYE AND VISION 2020; 7:52. [PMID: 33292650 PMCID: PMC7607765 DOI: 10.1186/s40662-020-00217-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Corneal stromal stem cells (CSSC) reduce corneal inflammation, prevent fibrotic scarring, and regenerate transparent stromal tissue in injured corneas. These effects rely on factors produced by CSSC to block the fibrotic gene expression. This study investigated the mechanism of the scar-free regeneration effect. Methods Primary human CSSC (hCSSC) from donor corneal rims were cultivated to passage 3 and co-cultured with mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells induced to M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype by treatment with interferon-γ and lipopolysaccharides, or to M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype by interleukin-4, in a Transwell system. The time-course expression of human transforming growth factor β3 (hTGFβ3) and hTGFβ1 were examined by immunofluorescence and qPCR. TGFβ3 knockdown for > 70% in hCSSC [hCSSC-TGFβ3(si)] was achieved by small interfering RNA transfection. Naïve CSSC and hCSSC-TGFβ3(si) were transplanted in a fibrin gel to mouse corneas, respectively, after wounding by stromal ablation. Corneal clarity and the expression of mouse inflammatory and fibrosis genes were examined. Results hTGFβ3 was upregulated by hCSSC when co-cultured with RAW cells under M1 condition. Transplantation of hCSSC to wounded mouse corneas showed significant upregulation of hTGFβ3 at days 1 and 3 post-injury, along with the reduced expression of mouse inflammatory genes (CD80, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 5, lipocalin 2, plasminogen activator urokinase receptor, pro-platelet basic protein, and secreted phosphoprotein 1). By day 14, hCSSC treatment significantly reduced the expression of fibrotic and scar tissue genes (fibronectin, hyaluronan synthase 2, Secreted protein acidic and cysteine rich, tenascin C, collagen 3a1 and α-smooth muscle actin), and the injured corneas remained clear. However, hCSSC-TGFβ3(si) lost these anti-inflammatory and anti-scarring functions, and the wounded corneas showed intense scarring. Conclusion This study has demonstrated that the corneal regenerative effect of hCSSC is mediated by TGFβ3, inducing a scar-free tissue response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Weng
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.,Shanghai Lanhe Optometry and Ophthalmology Clinic, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - James L Funderburgh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Irona Khandaker
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Moira L Geary
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Tianbing Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Rohan Basu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Martha L Funderburgh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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21
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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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22
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Corneal stromal regeneration by hybrid oriented poly (ε-caprolactone)/lyophilized silk fibroin electrospun scaffold. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 161:377-388. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.06.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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23
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Fernández-Pérez J, Madden PW, Ahearne M. Engineering a Corneal Stromal Equivalent Using a Novel Multilayered Fabrication Assembly Technique. Tissue Eng Part A 2020; 26:1030-1041. [PMID: 32368948 PMCID: PMC7580631 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2020.0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To overcome the serious shortage of donor corneas for transplantation, alternatives based on tissue engineering need to be developed. Decellularized corneas are one potential alternative, but their densely packed collagen architecture inhibits recellularization in vitro. Therefore, a new rapid method of recellularizing these constructs to ensure high cellularity throughout the collagen scaffold is needed. In this study, we developed a novel method for fabricating corneal constructs by using decellularized porcine corneal sheets assembled using a bottom-up approach by layering multiple sheets between cell-laden collagen I hydrogel. Corneal lenticules were cut from porcine corneas by cryosectioning, then decellularized with detergents and air-dried for storage as sheets. Human corneal stromal cells were encapsulated in collagen I hydrogel and cast between the dried sheets. Constructs were cultured in serum-free medium supplemented with ascorbic acid and insulin for 2 weeks. Epithelial cells were then seeded on the surface and cultured for an additional week. Transparency, cell viability, and phenotype were analyzed by qPCR, histology, and immunofluorescence. Constructs without epithelial cells were sutured onto an ex vivo porcine cornea and cultured for 1 week. Lenticules were successfully decellularized, achieving dsDNA values of 13 ± 1.2 ng/mg dry tissue, and were more resistant to degradation than the collagen I hydrogels. Constructs maintained high cell viability with a keratocyte-like phenotype with upregulation of keratocan, decorin, lumican, collagen I, ALDH3A1, and CD34 and the corneal epithelial cells stratified with a cobblestone morphology. The construct was amenable to surgical handling and no tearing occurred during suturing. After 7 days ex vivo, constructs were covered by a neoepithelium from the host porcine cells and integration into the host stroma was observed. This study describes a novel approach toward fabricating anterior corneal substitutes in a simple and rapid manner, obtaining mature and suturable constructs using only tissue-derived materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Fernández-Pérez
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity Center for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter W Madden
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity Center for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mark Ahearne
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity Center for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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24
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McKay TB, Ford A, Wang S, Cairns DM, Parker RN, Deardorff PM, Ghezzi CE, Kaplan DL. Assembly and Application of a Three-Dimensional Human Corneal Tissue Model. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 81:e84. [PMID: 31529796 DOI: 10.1002/cptx.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cornea provides a functional barrier separating the outside environment from the intraocular environment, thereby protecting posterior segments of the eye from infection and damage. Pathological changes that compromise the structure or integrity of the cornea may occur as a result of injury or disease and can lead to debilitating effects on visual acuity. Over 10 million people worldwide are visually impaired or blind due to corneal opacity. Thus, physiologically relevant in vitro approaches to predict corneal toxicity of chemicals or effective treatments for disease prior to ocular exposure, as well as to study the corneal effects of systemic, chronic conditions, such as diabetes, are needed to reduce use of animal testing and accelerate therapeutic development. We have previously bioengineered an innervated corneal tissue model using silk protein scaffolds to recapitulate the structural and mechanical elements of the anterior cornea and to model the functional aspects of corneal sensation with the inclusion of epithelial, stromal, and neural components. The purpose of this unit is to provide a step-by-step guide for preparation, assembly, and application of this three-dimensional corneal tissue system to enable the study of corneal tissue biology. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina B McKay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Andrew Ford
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Siran Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Dana M Cairns
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Rachael N Parker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Phillip M Deardorff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Chiara E Ghezzi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
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25
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O'Callaghan AR, Dziasko MA, Sheth-Shah R, Lewis MP, Daniels JT. Oral Mucosa Tissue Equivalents for the Treatment of Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 4:e1900265. [PMID: 32515079 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201900265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cultured limbal and oral epithelial cells have been successfully used to treat patients with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). The most common culture method for these cell therapies utilizes amniotic membrane as a cell support and/or murine 3T3s as feeder fibroblasts. The aim of this study is to refine the production of autologous oral mucosal cell therapy for the treatment of LSCD. Real architecture for 3D tissue (RAFT) is used as an alternative cell culture support. In addition, oral mucosal cells (epithelial and fibroblast) are used as autologous alternatives to donor human limbal epithelial cells (HLE) and murine 3T3s. The following tissue equivalents are produced and characterized: first, for patients with bilateral LSCD, an oral mucosa tissue equivalent consisting of human oral mucosal epithelial cells on RAFT supported by human oral mucosal fibroblasts (HOMF). Second, for patients with unilateral LSCD, HLE on RAFT supported by HOMF. For both tissue equivalent types, features of the cornea are observed including a multi-layered epithelium with small cells with a stem cell like phenotype in the basal layer and squamous cells in the top layers, and p63α and PAX6 expression. These tissue equivalents may therefore be useful in the treatment of LSCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna R O'Callaghan
- Cells for Sight, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Marc A Dziasko
- Cells for Sight, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Radhika Sheth-Shah
- Cells for Sight, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Mark P Lewis
- National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM), School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Julie T Daniels
- Cells for Sight, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
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26
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Ghoubay D, Borderie M, Grieve K, Martos R, Bocheux R, Nguyen TM, Callard P, Chédotal A, Borderie VM. Corneal stromal stem cells restore transparency after N 2 injury in mice. Stem Cells Transl Med 2020; 9:917-935. [PMID: 32379938 PMCID: PMC7381812 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.19-0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal scarring associated with various corneal conditions is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that corneal stromal stem cells have a therapeutic effect and are able to restore the extracellular matrix organization and corneal transparency in vivo. We first developed a mouse model of corneal stromal scar induced by liquid nitrogen (N2) application. We then reversed stromal scarring by injecting mouse or human corneal stromal stem cells in injured cornea. To characterize the mouse model developed in this study and the therapeutic effect of corneal stromal stem cells, we used a combination of in vivo (slit lamp, optical coherence tomography, in vivo confocal microscopy, optical coherence tomography shear wave elastography, and optokinetic tracking response) and ex vivo (full field optical coherence microscopy, flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy, and histology) techniques. The mouse model obtained features early inflammation, keratocyte apoptosis, keratocyte transformation into myofibroblasts, collagen type III synthesis, impaired stromal ultrastructure, corneal stromal haze formation, increased corneal rigidity, and impaired visual acuity. Injection of stromal stem cells in N2‐injured cornea resulted in improved corneal transparency associated with corneal stromal stem cell migration and growth in the recipient stroma, absence of inflammatory response, recipient corneal epithelial cell growth, decreased collagen type III stromal content, restored stromal ultrastructure, decreased stromal haze, decreased corneal rigidity, and improved vision. Our study demonstrates the ability of corneal stromal stem cells to promote regeneration of transparent stromal tissue after corneal scarring induced by liquid nitrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djida Ghoubay
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France.,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des 15-20, DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DHOS CIC, Paris, France
| | - Marie Borderie
- Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des 15-20, DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DHOS CIC, Paris, France
| | - Kate Grieve
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Raphaël Martos
- Laboratoire de Recherche Vasculaire Translationnelle, INSERM U1148, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Romain Bocheux
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences (LOB) École polytechnique, CNRS UMR 7645, INSERM U 1182, Palaiseau cedex, France
| | - Thu-Mai Nguyen
- Institut Langevin Ondes et images CNRS UMR 7587, INSERM U979 Physiques des ondes pour la médecine, ESPCI, Paris, France
| | - Patrice Callard
- Sorbonne Université, APHP, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Alain Chédotal
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Vincent M Borderie
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France.,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des 15-20, DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DHOS CIC, Paris, France
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27
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Chen YJ, Huang SM, Tai MC, Chen JT, Lee AR, Huang RY, Liang CM. The anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects of 2,4-diamino-5-(1-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)-5H-chromeno[2,3-b] pyriine-3-carbonitrile in corneal fibroblasts. Pharmacol Rep 2019; 72:115-125. [PMID: 32016832 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-019-00026-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although several studies had addressed the anti-inflammatory effects of derivatives of 4H-chromene and chromeno[2,3-b]pyridine in the different types of cells, whether these derivatives would exert beneficial anti-fibrotic effects during corneal fibrotic scar formation was unclear. METHODS We examined the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression of 2,4-diamino-5-(1-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)-5H-chromeno[2,3-b]pyridine-3-carbonitrile (N1) in the human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) under the treatment TGF-β1. Signaling pathways underlying the mechanism of the N1 effect on the HCFs were determined. RESULTS Application of N1 significantly decreased COX-2 expression after 2 h and 4 h in the HCFs stimulated with TGF-β1. Notably, reduced production of extracellular matrix proteins under N1 treatment was found, including fibronectin, collagen I, and matrix metallopeptidase 9. Immunoblot analysis showed that treatment with N1 significantly attenuated phosphorylation of both STAT3 and Smad 2 in the TGF-β1-stimulated HCFs. Upregulated mRNA of Smad2 and downregulated mRNA of Smad3 were observed using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In addition, N1 induced significant increases in HO-1 and Nrf2 expression, but inhibited phosphorylation of NF-κB in the HCFs treated with TGF-β1. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show for the first time that N1 exerts anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects through suppression of COX-2, Smad2, STAT3, iNOS and NF-κB expressions as well as upregulation of Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions, which suggests they are potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of corneal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Jen Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Number 325, Section 2 Chang-gong Rd, Nei-Hu District, 114, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shih-Ming Huang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ming-Cheng Tai
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Number 325, Section 2 Chang-gong Rd, Nei-Hu District, 114, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jiann-Torng Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Number 325, Section 2 Chang-gong Rd, Nei-Hu District, 114, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - An-Rong Lee
- School of Pharmacy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ren-Yeong Huang
- Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chang-Min Liang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China. .,Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Number 325, Section 2 Chang-gong Rd, Nei-Hu District, 114, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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28
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Parker RN, Wu WA, McKay TB, Xu Q, Kaplan DL. Design of Silk-Elastin-Like Protein Nanoparticle Systems with Mucoadhesive Properties. J Funct Biomater 2019; 10:E49. [PMID: 31726786 PMCID: PMC6963467 DOI: 10.3390/jfb10040049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmucosal drug delivery is a promising avenue to improve therapeutic efficacy through localized therapeutic administration. Drug delivery systems that increase retention in the mucosal layer are needed to improve efficiency of such transmucosal platforms. However, the applicability of such systems is often limited by the range of chemistries and properties that can be achieved. Here we present the design and implementation of silk-elastin-like proteins (SELPs) with mucoadhesive properties. SELP-based micellar-like nanoparticles provide a system to tailor chemical and physical properties through genetic engineering of the SELP sequence, which enables the fabrication of nanoparticles with specific chemical and physical features. Analysis of the adhesion of four different SELP-based nanoparticle systems in an artificial mucus system, as well as in in vitro cellular assays indicates that addition of mucoadhesive chemical features on the SELP systems increases retention of the particles in mucosal environments. The results indicated that SELP-based nanoparticles provide a useful approach to study and develop transmucosal protein drug delivery system with unique mucoadhesive properties. Future studies will serve to further expand the range of achievable properties, as well as the utilization of SELPs to fabricate mucoadhesive materials for in vivo testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, OR 02155, USA; (R.N.P.); (W.A.W.); (T.B.M.); (Q.X.)
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Abstract
The cornea is a transparent outermost structure of the eye anterior segment comprising the highest density of innervated tissue. In the process of corneal innervation, trigeminal ganglion originated corneal nerves diligently traverse different corneal cell types in different corneal layers including the corneal stroma and epithelium. While crossing the stromal and epithelial cell layers during innervation, due to the existing physical contacts, close interactions occur between stromal keratocytes, epithelial cells, resident immune cells and corneal nerves. Furthermore, by producing various trophic and growth factors corneal cells assist in maintaining the growth and function of corneal nerves. Similarly, corneal nerve generated growth factors critically modify the corneal cell function in all the corneal layers. Due to their close association and contacts, on-going cross-communication between these cell types and corneal nerves play a vital role in the modulation of corneal nerve function, regeneration during wound healing. The present review highlights the influence of different corneal cell types and growth factors released from these cells on corneal nerve regeneration and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavani S Kowtharapu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rostock University Medical Centre, Rostock, Germany
| | - Oliver Stachs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rostock University Medical Centre, Rostock, Germany
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30
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Moghanizadeh-Ashkezari M, Shokrollahi P, Zandi M, Shokrolahi F, Daliri MJ, Kanavi MR, Balagholi S. Vitamin C Loaded Poly(urethane-urea)/ZnAl-LDH Aligned Scaffolds Increase Proliferation of Corneal Keratocytes and Up-Regulate Vimentin Secretion. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:35525-35539. [PMID: 31490646 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b07556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A novel poly(urethane-urea) (PUU) based on poly(glycolide-co-ε-caprolactone) macro-diol with tunable mechanical properties and biodegradation behavior is reported for corneal stromal tissue regeneration. Zn-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles were synthesized and loaded with vitamin C (VC, VC-LDH) and dispersed in the PUU to control VC release in the cell culturing medium. To mimic the corneal stromal EC, scaffolds of the PUU and its nanocomposites with VC-LDH (PUU-LDH and PUU-VC-LDH) were fabricated via electrospinning. Average diameters of the aligned nanofibers were recorded as 325 ± 168, 343 ± 171, and 414 ± 275 nm for the PUU, PUU-LDH, and PUU-VC-LDH scaffolds, respectively. Results of hydrophilicity and mechanical properties measurements showed increased hydrophobicity and reduced tensile strength and elongation at break upon addition of nanoparticles to the PUU scaffold. VC release studies represented that intercalation of the drug in Zn-Al-LDH controlled the burst release and extended the release period from a few hours to 5 days. Viability and proliferation of stromal keratocyte cells on the scaffolds were investigated via AlamarBlue assay. After 24 h, the cells showed similar viability on the scaffolds and the control. After 1 week, the cells showed some degree of proliferation on the scaffolds, with the highest value recorded for PUU-VC-LDH. SEM images of the scaffolds after 24 h and 1 week confirmed good penetration and attachment of keratocytes on all the scaffolds and the cells oriented with the direction of nanofibers. After 1 week, the PUU-VC-LDH scaffold was fully covered by the cells. Immunocytochemistry assay (ICC) was performed to investigate secretion of vimentin protein, ALDH3A1, and α-SMA by the cells. After 24h and 1 week, remarkably higher levels of vimentin and ALDH3A1 and lower level of α-SMA were secreted by keratocytes on PUU-VC-LDH compared to those on the PUU and PUU-LDH scaffolds and the control. Our results suggest that the aligned PUU-VC-LDH is a promising candidate for corneal stromal tissue engineering due to the presence of zinc and vitamin C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojgan Moghanizadeh-Ashkezari
- Department of Biomaterials, Faculty of Science , Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute , 14977-13115 , Tehran , Iran
| | - Parvin Shokrollahi
- Department of Biomaterials, Faculty of Science , Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute , 14977-13115 , Tehran , Iran
| | - Mojgan Zandi
- Department of Biomaterials, Faculty of Science , Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute , 14977-13115 , Tehran , Iran
| | - Fatemeh Shokrolahi
- Department of Biomaterials, Faculty of Science , Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute , 14977-13115 , Tehran , Iran
| | - Morteza J Daliri
- Department of Animal and Marine Biotechnology , National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , 14977-16316 Tehran , Iran
| | - Mozhgan R Kanavi
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center , Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , 16666-63111 , Tehran , Iran
| | - Sahar Balagholi
- Blood Transfusion Research Center , High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine , 14665-1157 , Tehran , Iran
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31
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Che X, Wu H, Jia C, Sun H, Ou S, Wang J, Jeyalatha MV, He X, Yu J, Zuo C, Liu Z, Li W. A Novel Tissue-Engineered Corneal Stromal Equivalent Based on Amniotic Membrane and Keratocytes. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:517-527. [PMID: 30707753 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate a novel strategy in constructing tissue-engineered corneal stromal equivalent based on amniotic membrane and keratocytes. Methods The ultrathin amniotic membrane (UAM) was laminated, with corneal stromal cells (CSCs) distributed between the space of the layered UAMs. Calcein AM staining was used to evaluate cellular viability, morphology, and arrangement. Immunostaining, qRT-PCR, and Western blot were performed to detect gene and protein expression in keratocytes. Optical coherence tomography visualized the cross sections and thickness of the UAM construction. The microstructure of the CSC-secreted extracellular matrix (ECM) was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). To evaluate the feasibility of the multilayer UAM-CSC lamination for surgery, the corneal substitute was used to perform lamellar keratoplasty. Slit lamp microscopy and corneal fluorescein staining were performed in postsurgery observation. Results The CSCs maintained their keratocyte phenotype and secreted well-organized ECM on the aligned UAM surface. The four-layer UAM-CSC lamination attained half thickness of the human cornea (250 ± 18 μm) after 8 weeks' culture, which also showed promising optimal transparency. In TEM images, the CSC-generated ECM displayed stratified, multilayered lamellae with orthogonal fibril arrangement, which was similar to the human cornea microstructure. Furthermore, the stromal equivalent was successfully preformed in lamellar keratoplasty. Four weeks post surgery, the substitute was well integrated into the recipient cornea and completely epithelialized without myofibroblast differentiation. Conclusions Our study established a novel 3D biomimetic corneal model to replicate the corneal stromal organization with multilayer UAM, which was capable of promoting the development of corneal stroma-like tissues in vitro, establishing a new avenue for basic research and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Che
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Han Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Changkai Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Huimin Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Shangkun Ou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Junqi Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - M Vimalin Jeyalatha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xin He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jingwen Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Chengyou Zuo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Zuguo Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.,Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.,Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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32
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McKay TB, Seyed-Razavi Y, Ghezzi CE, Dieckmann G, Nieland TJF, Cairns DM, Pollard RE, Hamrah P, Kaplan DL. Corneal pain and experimental model development. Prog Retin Eye Res 2019; 71:88-113. [PMID: 30453079 PMCID: PMC6690397 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cornea is a valuable tissue for studying peripheral sensory nerve structure and regeneration due to its avascularity, transparency, and dense innervation. Somatosensory innervation of the cornea serves to identify changes in environmental stimuli at the ocular surface, thereby promoting barrier function to protect the eye against injury or infection. Due to regulatory demands to screen ocular safety of potential chemical exposure, a need remains to develop functional human tissue models to predict ocular damage and pain using in vitro-based systems to increase throughput and minimize animal use. In this review, we summarize the anatomical and functional roles of corneal innervation in propagation of sensory input, corneal neuropathies associated with pain, and the status of current in vivo and in vitro models. Emphasis is placed on tissue engineering approaches to study the human corneal pain response in vitro with integration of proper cell types, controlled microenvironment, and high-throughput readouts to predict pain induction. Further developments in this field will aid in defining molecular signatures to distinguish acute and chronic pain triggers based on the immune response and epithelial, stromal, and neuronal interactions that occur at the ocular surface that lead to functional outcomes in the brain depending on severity and persistence of the stimulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina B McKay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Yashar Seyed-Razavi
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology and Cornea Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chiara E Ghezzi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Gabriela Dieckmann
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology and Cornea Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas J F Nieland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Dana M Cairns
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Rachel E Pollard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Pedram Hamrah
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology and Cornea Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA, 02155, USA.
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33
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Yam GHF, Fuest M, Yusoff NZBM, Goh TW, Bandeira F, Setiawan M, Seah XY, Lwin NC, Stanzel TP, Ong HS, Mehta JS. Safety and Feasibility of Intrastromal Injection of Cultivated Human Corneal Stromal Keratocytes as Cell-Based Therapy for Corneal Opacities. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:3340-3354. [PMID: 30025076 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-23575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the safety and feasibility of intrastromal injection of human corneal stromal keratocytes (CSKs) and its therapeutic effect on a rodent early corneal opacity model. Methods Twelve research-grade donor corneas were used in primary culture to generate quiescent CSKs and activated stromal fibroblasts (SFs). Single and repeated intrastromal injections of 2 to 4 × 104 cells to rat normal corneas (n = 52) or corneas with early opacities induced by irregular phototherapeutic keratectomy (n = 16) were performed, followed by weekly examination of corneal response under slit-lamp biomicroscopy and in vivo confocal microscopy with evaluation of haze level and stromal reflectivity, and corneal thickness using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Time-lapse tracing of Molday ION-labelled cells was conducted using Spectralis OCT and label intensity was measured. Corneas were collected at time intervals for marker expression by immunofluorescence, cell viability, and apoptosis assays. Results Injected CSKs showed proper marker expression with negligible SF-related features and inflammation, hence maintaining corneal clarity and stability. The time-dependent loss of injected cells was recovered by repeated injection, achieving an extended expression of human proteoglycans inside rat stroma. In the early corneal opacity model, intrastromal CSK injection reduced stromal reflectivity and thickness, resulting in recovery of corneal clarity, whereas noninjected corneas were thicker and had haze progression. Conclusions We demonstrated the safety, feasibility, and therapeutic efficacy of intrastromal CSK injection. The cultivated CSKs can be a reliable cell source for potential cell-based therapy for corneal opacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Eye-Academic Clinical Program, Duke-National University Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Matthias Fuest
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Tze-Wei Goh
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Francisco Bandeira
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Melina Setiawan
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Xin-Yi Seah
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Nyein-Chan Lwin
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Tisha P Stanzel
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Hon-Shing Ong
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Eye-Academic Clinical Program, Duke-National University Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore.,Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.,School of Material Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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34
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Kumar A, Xu Y, Yang E, Du Y. Stemness and Regenerative Potential of Corneal Stromal Stem Cells and Their Secretome After Long-Term Storage: Implications for Ocular Regeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:3728-3738. [PMID: 30046814 PMCID: PMC6059729 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-23824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To assess the stemness and regenerative potential of cryopreserved corneal stromal stem cells (cryo-CSSCs) after long-term storage. We also used the secretome from these cells to observe the effect on wound-healing capacity of corneal fibroblasts and on the expression of fibrotic markers during wound healing. Methods CSSCs were obtained from three donors and stored in liquid nitrogen for approximately 10 years. Post thaw, cryo-CSSCs were characterized for stemness using phenotypic and genotypic markers along with colony-forming efficiency and three-dimensional spheroid formation. Multilineage differentiation was observed by differentiation into osteocytes, adipocytes, neural cells, and keratocytes. Secretome was harvested by culturing cryo-CSSCs in log phase. Wound-healing capacity was observed by live-cell time-lapse microscopy. Statistical analysis was done using 1-way ANOVA and Tukey posttest. Results CSSCs displayed good viability post thaw and showed >90% expression of stem cell markers CD90, CD73, CD105, STRO1, and CD166. cryo-CSSCs also expressed stem cell genes OCT4, KLF4, and ABCG2, and could also form colonies and three-dimensional spheroids. Multipotency assessment showed that all three cryo-CSSCs could differentiate into osteocytes, adipocytes, neural cells, as shown by β-III tubulin and neurofilament antibody staining and corneal keratocytes as observed by staining for Kera C, J19, and collagen V antibodies. The secretome derived from these three populations could promote the wound healing of corneal fibroblasts and reduce the expression of fibrotic markers SPARC and fibronectin. Conclusions CSSCs maintained their stemness and multipotency after long-term storage, and secretome derived from these cells can be of paramount importance for corneal regeneration and prevention of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Enzhi Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,Shanghai Oriental Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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35
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Deardorff PM, McKay TB, Wang S, Ghezzi CE, Cairns DM, Abbott RD, Funderburgh JL, Kenyon KR, Kaplan DL. Modeling Diabetic Corneal Neuropathy in a 3D In Vitro Cornea System. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17294. [PMID: 30470798 PMCID: PMC6251923 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35917-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a disease caused by innate or acquired insulin deficiency, resulting in altered glucose metabolism and high blood glucose levels. Chronic hyperglycemia is linked to development of several ocular pathologies affecting the anterior segment, including diabetic corneal neuropathy and keratopathy, neovascular glaucoma, edema, and cataracts leading to significant visual defects. Due to increasing disease prevalence, related medical care costs, and visual impairment resulting from diabetes, a need has arisen to devise alternative systems to study molecular mechanisms involved in disease onset and progression. In our current study, we applied a novel 3D in vitro model of the human cornea comprising of epithelial, stromal, and neuronal components cultured in silk scaffolds to study the pathological effects of hyperglycemia on development of diabetic corneal neuropathy. Specifically, exposure to sustained levels of high glucose, ranging from 35 mM to 45 mM, were applied to determine concentration-dependent effects on nerve morphology, length and density of axons, and expression of metabolic enzymes involved in glucose metabolism. By comparing these metrics to in vivo studies, we have developed a functional 3D in vitro model for diabetic corneal neuropathy as a means to investigate corneal pathophysiology resulting from prolonged exposure to hyperglycemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip M Deardorff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Tina B McKay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Siran Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Chiara E Ghezzi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Dana M Cairns
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Rosalyn D Abbott
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - James L Funderburgh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Kenneth R Kenyon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts New England Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA.
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36
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A Proteomic Approach for Understanding the Mechanisms of Delayed Corneal Wound Healing in Diabetic Keratopathy Using Diabetic Model Rat. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113635. [PMID: 30453691 PMCID: PMC6274742 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a widespread metabolic disorder, and long-term hyperglycemia in diabetics leads to diabetic keratopathy. In the present study, we used a shotgun liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry-based global proteomic approach using the cornea of streptozotocin-induced diabetic (STZ) rats to examine the mechanisms of delayed corneal wound healing in diabetic keratopathy. Applying a label-free quantitation method based on spectral counting, we identified 188 proteins that showed expression changes of >2.0-fold in the cornea of STZ rats. In particular, the level of lumican expression in the cornea of STZ rats was higher than that of the normal rats. In the cornea of the normal rat, the expression level of lumican was elevated during the wound healing process, and it returned to the same expression level as before cornea injury after the wound was healed completely. On the other hand, a high expression level of lumican in the cornea of STZ rats was still maintained even after the wound was healed completely. In addition, adhesion deficiency in corneal basal cells and Bowman’s membrane was observed in the STZ rat. Thus, abnormally overexpressed lumican may lead to adhesion deficiency in the cornea of STZ rats.
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37
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Chloroquine Protects Human Corneal Epithelial Cells from Desiccation Stress Induced Inflammation without Altering the Autophagy Flux. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:7627329. [PMID: 30519584 PMCID: PMC6241345 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7627329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial ocular surface disorder affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Inflammation has been associated with dry eye and anti-inflammatory drugs are now being targeted as the alternate therapeutic approach for dry eye condition. In this study, we have explored the anti-inflammatory and autophagy modulating effect of chloroquine (CQ) in human corneal epithelial and human corneal fibroblasts cells exposed to desiccation stress, (an in-vitro model for DED). Gene and protein expression profiling of inflammatory and autophagy related molecular factors were analyzed in HCE-T and primary HCF cells exposed to desiccation stress with and without CQ treatment. HCE-T and HCF cells exposed to desiccation stress exhibited increased levels of activated p65, TNF-α, MCP-1, MMP-9, and IL-6. Further, treatment with CQ decreased the levels of active p65, TNF-α, MCP-1, and MMP-9 in cells underdesiccation stress. Increased levels of LC3B and LAMP1 markers in HCE-T cells exposed to desiccation stress suggest activation of autophagy and the addition of CQ did not alter these levels. Changes in the phosphorylation levels of MAPKinase and mTOR pathway proteins were found in HCE-T cells under desiccation stress with or without CQ treatment. Taken together, the data suggests that HCE-T cells under desiccation stress showed NFκB mediated inflammation, which was rescued through the anti-inflammatory effect of CQ without altering the autophagy flux. Therefore, CQ may be used as an alternate therapeutic management for dry eye condition.
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38
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Bai YH, Lv Y, Wang WQ, Sun GL, Zhang HH. LncRNA NEAT1 promotes inflammatory response and induces corneal neovascularization. J Mol Endocrinol 2018; 61:231-239. [PMID: 30328354 DOI: 10.1530/jme-18-0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) are implicated in corneal neovascularization (CRNV). The mechanisms underlying the inflammatory response in HCFs and the development of CRNV were explored in this study. Alkali burns were applied to the corneas of rats to establish a CRNV model. The expression of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) and mRNA and protein levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)- activating protein (NKAP) were examined by quantitative real-time (qRT-PCR) and Western blot methods, respectively. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is used to stimulate HCFs for inflammatory response. The level of inflammation factors in HCF supernatant was detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Binding and interactions between NEAT1 and miRNA 1246 (miR-1246) were determined by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull-down assays in HCFs. Compared with the control group (n = 6), NEAT1 was upregulated in the corneas of the CRNV rat model (n = 6). The expression of NEAT1 in HCFs was upregulated by LPS. Downregulation of NEAT1 suppressed the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). NEAT1 could bind and interact with miR-1246. LPS regulated the expression of NKAP and NF-κB signaling via the NEAT1/miR-1246 pathway. Downregulation of NEAT1 in vivo inhibited CRNV progression in the CRNV rat model. The lncRNA NEAT1 induced secretion of inflammatory factors, mediated by NF-κB, by targeting miR-1246, thereby promoting CRNV progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Hui Bai
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yong Lv
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wei-Qun Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Guang-Li Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hao-Hao Zhang
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Siran W, Ghezzi CE, Cairns DM, Pollard RE, Chen Y, Gomes R, McKay TB, Pouli D, Jamali A, Georgakoudi I, Funderburgh JL, Kenyon K, Hamrah P, Kaplan DL. Human Corneal Tissue Model for Nociceptive Assessments. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7:e1800488. [PMID: 30091220 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201800488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
New in vitro tissue models to mimic in vivo conditions are needed to provide insight into mechanisms involved in peripheral pain responses, potential therapeutic strategies to address these responses, and to replace animal models for such indications. For example, the rabbit cornea Draize test has become the standard method used for decades to screen ophthalmic drug and consumer product toxicity. In vitro tissue models with functional innervation have the potential to replace in vivo animal testing and provide sophisticated bench tools to study ocular nociception and its amelioration. Herein, full thickness, innervated, 3D human corneal tissues are grown under physiologically relevant culture conditions to study nociceptive-related responses, by mimicking ocular environmental cues, including intraocular pressure (IOP) and tear flow (TF). Capsaicin, a chili pepper-derived irritant known to cause a burning sensation in mammalian tissues is utilized as a nociceptive stimulant to induce pain, while subsequent serum treatment is used to mimic healing. Pain mediators released upon capsaicin stimulation and cell regrowth after serum treatment are characterized to assess ocular responses in this new, innervated, human corneal tissue system for comparison of outcomes to established animal and related responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Siran
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTufts University 4 Colby Street Medford MA 02155 USA
| | - Chiara E. Ghezzi
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTufts University 4 Colby Street Medford MA 02155 USA
| | - Dana M. Cairns
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTufts University 4 Colby Street Medford MA 02155 USA
| | - Rachel E. Pollard
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTufts University 4 Colby Street Medford MA 02155 USA
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTufts University 4 Colby Street Medford MA 02155 USA
| | - Rachel Gomes
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTufts University 4 Colby Street Medford MA 02155 USA
- School of MedicineDepartamento de Oftalmologia da Escola Paulista de MedicinaFederal University of São Paulo Botucatu, 822 – Vila Clementino São Paulo –SP 04023‐062 Brazil
| | - Tina B. McKay
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTufts University 4 Colby Street Medford MA 02155 USA
| | - Dimitra Pouli
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTufts University 4 Colby Street Medford MA 02155 USA
| | - Arsia Jamali
- New England Eye CenterTufts Medical Center 260 Tremont St, 9th Floor Boston MA 02111 USA
| | - Irene Georgakoudi
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTufts University 4 Colby Street Medford MA 02155 USA
| | - James L. Funderburgh
- Eye & Ear InstituteDepartment of OphthalmologyUniversity of Pittsburgh 203 Lothrop Street, Room 1011 Pittsburgh PA 15213 USA
| | - Kenneth Kenyon
- New England Eye CenterTufts Medical Center 260 Tremont St, 9th Floor Boston MA 02111 USA
| | - Pedram Hamrah
- New England Eye CenterTufts Medical Center 260 Tremont St, 9th Floor Boston MA 02111 USA
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTufts University 4 Colby Street Medford MA 02155 USA
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40
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Mastropasqua L, Nubile M, Lanzini M, Calienno R, Dua HS. In vivo microscopic and optical coherence tomography classification of neurotrophic keratopathy. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:6108-6115. [PMID: 30240004 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) is a rare degenerative corneal disorder characterized by instability of epithelial integrity with consequent epithelial defects that can worsen up to persistent epithelial defects with stromal melting and ulceration. The pathogenesis of NK springs from a variable degree of damage to the trigeminal nerve plexus, leading to a reduction or total loss of corneal sensitivity. Mackie classification (1995) distinguishes three stages of NK, based on the severity of clinical presentation. The technological innovations in corneal diagnostic imaging allow clinicians to accurately study the morphometry and morphology of corneal structure with microscopic resolution. In this study, 45 patients affected by NK at different stages underwent in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) with particular attention to analyze subbasal nerve plexus fibers and the stromal structure. At the light of IVCM and AS-OCT observations, we propose a different staging of NK with respect to the Mackie's classification that takes into account the severity of subbasal nerve fibers damage and the extension in depth of stromal ulceration; this classification better defines, at the time of diagnosis, the cellular and structural alterations in the affected corneas, with possible prognostic and therapeutic values in the management of NK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Mastropasqua
- Department of Medicine and Science of Ageing, Ophthalmic Clinic, National High Technology Eye Center, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti, Pescara, Italy
| | - Mario Nubile
- Department of Medicine and Science of Ageing, Ophthalmic Clinic, National High Technology Eye Center, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti, Pescara, Italy
| | - Manuela Lanzini
- Department of Medicine and Science of Ageing, Ophthalmic Clinic, National High Technology Eye Center, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti, Pescara, Italy
| | - Roberta Calienno
- Department of Medicine and Science of Ageing, Ophthalmic Clinic, National High Technology Eye Center, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti, Pescara, Italy
| | - Harminder S Dua
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Ophthalmology, Section of Academic Ophthalmology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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41
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Stern JH, Tian Y, Funderburgh J, Pellegrini G, Zhang K, Goldberg JL, Ali RR, Young M, Xie Y, Temple S. Regenerating Eye Tissues to Preserve and Restore Vision. Cell Stem Cell 2018; 22:834-849. [PMID: 29859174 PMCID: PMC6492284 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2018.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ocular regenerative therapies are on track to revolutionize treatment of numerous blinding disorders, including corneal disease, cataract, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and age-related macular degeneration. A variety of transplantable products, delivered as cell suspensions or as preformed 3D structures combining cells and natural or artificial substrates, are in the pipeline. Here we review the status of clinical and preclinical studies for stem cell-based repair, covering key eye tissues from front to back, from cornea to retina, and including bioengineering approaches that advance cell product manufacturing. While recognizing the challenges, we look forward to a deep portfolio of sight-restoring, stem cell-based medicine. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey H Stern
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA; Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Yangzi Tian
- Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 257 Fuller Road, Albany, NY 12203, USA
| | - James Funderburgh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Graziella Pellegrini
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via G.Gottardi 100, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Kang Zhang
- Shiley Eye Institute and Institute for Engineering in Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University and Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Laboratory, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University, 2452 Watson Court, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA
| | - Robin R Ali
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK; Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Michael Young
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Yubing Xie
- Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 257 Fuller Road, Albany, NY 12203, USA
| | - Sally Temple
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA; Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA.
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42
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Chen Z, You J, Liu X, Cooper S, Hodge C, Sutton G, Crook JM, Wallace GG. Biomaterials for corneal bioengineering. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 13:032002. [PMID: 29021411 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/aa92d2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Corneal transplantation is an important surgical treatment for many common corneal diseases. However, a worldwide shortage of tissue from suitable corneal donors has meant that many people are not able to receive sight-restoring operations. In addition, rejection is a major cause of corneal transplant failure. Bioengineering corneal tissue has recently gained widespread attention. In order to facilitate corneal regeneration, a range of materials is currently being investigated. The ideal substrate requires sufficient tectonic durability, biocompatibility with cultured cellular elements, transparency, and perhaps biodegradability and clinical compliance. This review considers the anatomy and function of the native cornea as a precursor to evaluating a variety of biomaterials for corneal regeneration including key characteristics for optimal material form and function. The integration of appropriate cells with the most appropriate biomaterials is also discussed. Taken together, the information provided offers insight into the requirements for fabricating synthetic and semisynthetic corneas for in vitro modeling of tissue development and disease, pharmaceutical screening, and in vivo application for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Chen
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Squires Way, Fairy Meadow, New South Wales 2519, Australia
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43
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Kim JI, Kim JY, Park CH. Fabrication of transparent hemispherical 3D nanofibrous scaffolds with radially aligned patterns via a novel electrospinning method. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3424. [PMID: 29467436 PMCID: PMC5821851 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21618-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering has significantly contributed to the development of optimal treatments for individual injury sites based on their unique functional and histologic properties. Human organs and tissue have three-dimensional (3D) morphologies; for example, the morphology of the eye is a spherical shape. However, most conventional electrospinning equipment is only capable of fabricating a two-dimensional (2D) structured fibrous scaffold and no report is available on a 3D electrospinning method to fabricate a hemispherical scaffold to mimic the native properties of the cornea, including microscopic to macroscopic morphology and transparency. We proposed a novel electrospinning method using a single nonconductive hemispherical device and a metal pin. A designed peg-top shaped collector, a hemispherical nonconductive device with a metal pin in the center and copper wire forming a circle around at the edge was attached to a conventional conductive collector. A 3D hemispherical transparent scaffold with radially aligned nanofibers was successfully fabricated with the designed peg-top collector. In summary, our fabricated 3D electrospun scaffold is expected to be suitable for the treatment of injuries of ocular tissues owing to the hemispherical shape and radially aligned nanofibers which can guide the direction of the main collagen and cellular actin filament in the extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong In Kim
- Department of Bionanosystem Engineering, Graduate School, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, 561-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Yeon Kim
- Division of Mechanical Design Engineering, College of Engineering, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, 561-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Hee Park
- Department of Bionanosystem Engineering, Graduate School, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, 561-756, Republic of Korea.
- Division of Mechanical Design Engineering, College of Engineering, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, 561-756, Republic of Korea.
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44
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Ghoubay-Benallaoua D, de Sousa C, Martos R, Latour G, Schanne-Klein MC, Dupin E, Borderie V. Easy xeno-free and feeder-free method for isolating and growing limbal stromal and epithelial stem cells of the human cornea. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188398. [PMID: 29149196 PMCID: PMC5693460 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial and stromal stem cells are required to maintain corneal transparency. The aim of the study was to develop a new method to isolate and grow both corneal stromal (SSC) and epithelial limbal (LSC) stem cells from small human limbal biopsies under culture conditions in accordance with safety requirements mandatory for clinical use in humans. Superficial limbal explants were retrieved from human donor corneo-scleral rims. Human limbal cells were dissociated by digestion with collagenase A, either after epithelial scraping or with no scraping. Isolated cells were cultured with Essential 8 medium (E8), E8 supplemented with EGF (E8+) or Green’s medium with 3T3 feeder-layers. Cells were characterized by immunostaining, RT-qPCR, colony forming efficiency, sphere formation, population doubling, second harmonic generation microscopy and differentiation potentials. LSC were obtained from unscraped explants in E8, E8+ and Green’s media and were characterized by colony formation and expression of PAX6, ΔNP63α, Bmi1, ABCG2, SOX9, CK14, CK15 and vimentin, with a few cells positive for CK3. LSC underwent 28 population doublings still forming colonies. SSC were obtained from both scraped and unscraped explants in E8 and E8+ media and were characterized by sphere formation, expression of PAX6, SOX2, BMI1, NESTIN, ABCG2, KERATOCAN, VIMENTIN, SOX9, SOX10 and HNK1, production of collagen fibrils and differentiation into keratocytes, fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, neurons, adipocytes, chondrocytes and osteocytes. SSC underwent 48 population doublings still forming spheres, Thus, this new method allows both SSC and LSC to be isolated from small superficial limbal biopsies and to be primary cultured in feeder-free and xeno-free conditions, which will be useful for clinical purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djida Ghoubay-Benallaoua
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, INSERM, CNRS UMR 7210, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Paris, France.,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, Paris, France
| | | | - Raphaël Martos
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, INSERM, CNRS UMR 7210, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Paris, France
| | - Gaël Latour
- Laboratoire Imagerie et Modélisation en Neurobiologie et Cancérologie, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Marie-Claire Schanne-Klein
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM U1182, Université Paris-Saclay, Palaiseau, France
| | - Elisabeth Dupin
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, INSERM, CNRS UMR 7210, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Borderie
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, INSERM, CNRS UMR 7210, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Paris, France.,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, Paris, France
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45
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Effect of Isolation Technique and Location on the Phenotype of Human Corneal Stroma-Derived Cells. Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:9275248. [PMID: 29213290 PMCID: PMC5682086 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9275248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine the effect of the isolation technique and location upon the phenotype of human corneal stroma-derived cells (CSCs). Methods CSCs were isolated from the corneal stroma center and periphery using the explant or enzymatic digestion technique. The native tissue was stained for functional markers, while cultured cells were analysed by FACS. PCR was used to determine gene expression in the cultured versus native cells. Results The native stroma was positive for α-actinin, ALDH1A1, CD31, CD34, Collagen I, and Vimentin. Cultured cells expressed CD73, CD90, CD105, CD51, Nestin, CD49a, CD49d, ABCG2, and CD47. PCR demonstrated a significant upregulation of ALDH1A1, AQP1, ITGB4, KLF4, CD31, CD34, and CXCR4 in the native tissue, while the expression of ABCG2, ITGAV, Nestin, CD73, CD90, CD105, and Vimentin were significantly higher in the cultured cells. GPC did not change. Conclusion The study finds no significant difference between the phenotype of CSCs generated by the explant or enzymatic digestion technique from the center or periphery of the stroma. Isolation of the cells can be performed without regard to the location and isolation technique used for research. Cultivated CSCs undergo a complete surface marker and genotype profile change compared to the state in situ.
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46
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Brunette I, Roberts CJ, Vidal F, Harissi-Dagher M, Lachaine J, Sheardown H, Durr GM, Proulx S, Griffith M. Alternatives to eye bank native tissue for corneal stromal replacement. Prog Retin Eye Res 2017; 59:97-130. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Revised: 04/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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47
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Syed-Picard FN, Du Y, Hertsenberg AJ, Palchesko R, Funderburgh ML, Feinberg AW, Funderburgh JL. Scaffold-free tissue engineering of functional corneal stromal tissue. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 12:59-69. [PMID: 27863068 DOI: 10.1002/term.2363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Blinding corneal scarring is predominately treated with allogeneic graft tissue; however, there is a worldwide shortage of donor tissue leaving millions in need of therapy. Human corneal stromal stem cells (CSSC) have been shown produce corneal tissue when cultured on nanofibre scaffolding, but this tissue cannot be readily separated from the scaffold. In this study, scaffold-free tissue engineering methods were used to generate biomimetic corneal stromal tissue constructs that can be transplanted in vivo without introducing the additional variables associated with exogenous scaffolding. CSSC were cultured on substrates with aligned microgrooves, which directed parallel cell alignment and matrix organization, similar to the organization of native corneal stromal lamella. CSSC produced sufficient matrix to allow manual separation of a tissue sheet from the grooved substrate. These constructs were cellular and collagenous tissue sheets, approximately 4 μm thick and contained extracellular matrix molecules typical of corneal tissue including collagen types I and V and keratocan. Similar to the native corneal stroma, the engineered corneal tissues contained long parallel collagen fibrils with uniform diameter. After being transplanted into mouse corneal stromal pockets, the engineered corneal stromal tissues became transparent, and the human CSSCs continued to express human corneal stromal matrix molecules. Both in vitro and in vivo, these scaffold-free engineered constructs emulated stromal lamellae of native corneal stromal tissues. Scaffold-free engineered corneal stromal constructs represent a novel, potentially autologous, cell-generated, biomaterial with the potential for treating corneal blindness. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Rachelle Palchesko
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Adam W Feinberg
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James L Funderburgh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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48
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Sidney LE, Hopkinson A. Corneal keratocyte transition to mesenchymal stem cell phenotype and reversal using serum-free medium supplemented with fibroblast growth factor-2, transforming growth factor-β3 and retinoic acid. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 12:e203-e215. [PMID: 27685949 DOI: 10.1002/term.2316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Keratocytes of the corneal limbal stroma can derive populations of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) when expanded in vitro. However, once a corneal MSC (cMSC) phenotype is achieved, regaining the keratocyte phenotype can be challenging, and there is no standardised differentiation medium. Here, we investigated the transition of keratocytes to cMSC and compared different supplements in their ability to return cMSC to a keratocyte phenotype. Immunofluorescence and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction demonstrated in vivo keratocyte expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1, CD34 and keratocan, but not any of the typical MSC markers (CD73, CD90, CD105). As the keratocytes were expanded in vitro, the phenotypic profile reversed and the cells expressed MSC markers but not keratocyte markers. Differentiating the cMSC back to a keratocyte phenotype using nonsupplemented, serum-free medium restored keratocyte markers but did not maintain cell viability or support corneal extracellular matrix production. Supplementing the differentiation medium with combinations of fibroblast growth factor-2, transforming growth factor-β3 and retinoic acid maintained viability, restored expression of CD34, aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1 and keratocan, and facilitated production of abundant extracellular matrix as shown by immunofluorescent staining for collagen-I and lumican, alongside quantitative assays for collagen and glycosaminoglycan production. However, no differentiation medium was able to downregulate the expression of MSC markers in the 21-day culture period. This study shows that the keratocyte to MSC transition can be partially reversed using serum-free media and supplementation with retinoic acid, fibroblast growth factor-2 and transforming growth factor-β3 and can enhance this effect. This is relevant for development of corneal regenerative strategies that require the production of a keratocyte phenotype. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Sidney
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Queen's Medical Centre Campus, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Andrew Hopkinson
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Queen's Medical Centre Campus, University of Nottingham, UK
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49
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Kumar P, Satyam A, Cigognini D, Pandit A, Zeugolis DI. Low oxygen tension and macromolecular crowding accelerate extracellular matrix deposition in human corneal fibroblast culture. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 12:6-18. [PMID: 27592127 DOI: 10.1002/term.2283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Development of implantable devices based on the principles of in vitro organogenesis has been hindered due to the prolonged time required to develop an implantable device. Herein we assessed the influence of serum concentration (0.5% and 10%), oxygen tension (0.5%, 2% and 20%) and macromolecular crowding (75 μg/ml carrageenan) in extracellular matrix deposition in human corneal fibroblast culture (3, 7 and 14 days). The highest extracellular matrix deposition was observed after 14 days in culture at 0.5% serum, 2% oxygen tension and 75 μg/ml carrageenan. These data indicate that low oxygen tension coupled with macromolecular crowding significantly accelerate the development of scaffold-free tissue-like modules. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramod Kumar
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland.,Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
| | - Abhigyan Satyam
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland.,Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
| | - Daniela Cigognini
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland.,Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
| | - Abhay Pandit
- Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
| | - Dimitrios I Zeugolis
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland.,Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
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50
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Lynch AP, Ahearne M. Retinoic Acid Enhances the Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells to Keratocytes In Vitro. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2017; 6:6. [PMID: 28138416 PMCID: PMC5270625 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.6.1.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose All-trans retinoic acid (RA) supplementation was investigated as a method of enhancing the differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) to corneal keratocytes in vitro, in combination with a chemically defined serum-free medium. Methods Adipose-derived stem cells were cultured in monolayer and supplemented with 0.1, 1, or 10 μM RA for 14 days. The effects of RA on cell proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation were evaluated. In addition, the expression of phenotypic keratocyte markers was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunocytochemistry, and Western blotting. Results Adipose-derived stem cells cultured with RA showed improved cell proliferation and ECM production. In addition, RA enhanced the expression of keratocyte-specific markers, keratocan, aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1, lumican, and decorin, when compared to serum-free media alone. Furthermore, the presence of RA increased the amount of collagen type I while reducing the expression of fibrotic marker, α-smooth muscle actin. Conclusions These findings indicate that RA is a useful supplement for promoting a keratocyte phenotype in ASC. Translational Relevance This study is particularly important for the generation of biological corneal substitutes and next generation cell based therapies for corneal conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy P Lynch
- Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, ; Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mark Ahearne
- Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, ; Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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