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Riepe TV, Stemerdink M, Salz R, Rey AD, de Bruijn SE, Boonen E, Tomkiewicz TZ, Kwint M, Gloerich J, Wessels HJCT, Delanote E, De Baere E, van Nieuwerburgh F, De Keulenaer S, Ferrari B, Ferrari S, Coppieters F, Cremers FPM, van Wyk E, Roosing S, de Vrieze E, ‘t Hoen PAC. A proteogenomic atlas of the human neural retina. Front Genet 2024; 15:1451024. [PMID: 39371417 PMCID: PMC11450717 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1451024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The human neural retina is a complex tissue with abundant alternative splicing and more than 10% of genetic variants linked to inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) alter splicing. Traditional short-read RNA-sequencing methods have been used for understanding retina-specific splicing but have limitations in detailing transcript isoforms. To address this, we generated a proteogenomic atlas that combines PacBio long-read RNA-sequencing data with mass spectrometry and whole genome sequencing data of three healthy human neural retina samples. We identified nearly 60,000 transcript isoforms, of which approximately one-third are novel. Additionally, ten novel peptides confirmed novel transcript isoforms. For instance, we identified a novel IMPDH1 isoform with a novel combination of known exons that is supported by peptide evidence. Our research underscores the potential of in-depth tissue-specific transcriptomic analysis to enhance our grasp of tissue-specific alternative splicing. The data underlying the proteogenomic atlas are available via EGA with identifier EGAD50000000101, via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD045187, and accessible through the UCSC genome browser.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabea V. Riepe
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Academic Alliance Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands
- Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Merel Stemerdink
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands
| | - Renee Salz
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Alfredo Dueñas Rey
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Suzanne E. de Bruijn
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Academic Alliance Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands
| | - Erica Boonen
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Academic Alliance Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands
- Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Tomasz Z. Tomkiewicz
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Academic Alliance Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands
- Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Michael Kwint
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jolein Gloerich
- Department of Human Genetics, Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands
| | - Hans J. C. T. Wessels
- Department of Human Genetics, Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands
| | - Emma Delanote
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elfride De Baere
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Sarah De Keulenaer
- NXTGNT, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | - Frauke Coppieters
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frans P. M. Cremers
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Academic Alliance Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands
- Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Erwin van Wyk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands
| | - Susanne Roosing
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Academic Alliance Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands
- Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Erik de Vrieze
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands
| | - Peter A. C. ‘t Hoen
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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Yang T, Wang W, Xie L, Chen S, Ye X, Shen S, Chen H, Qi L, Cui Z, Xiong W, Guo Y, Chen J. Investigating retinal explant models cultured in static and perfused systems to test the performance of exosomes secreted from retinal organoids. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 408:110181. [PMID: 38823594 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ex vivo cultures of retinal explants are appropriate models for translational research. However, one of the difficult problems of retinal explants ex vivo culture is that their nutrient supply needs cannot be constantly met. NEW METHOD This study evaluated the effect of perfused culture on the survival of retinal explants, addressing the challenge of insufficient nutrition in static culture. Furthermore, exosomes secreted from retinal organoids (RO-Exos) were stained with PKH26 to track their uptake in retinal explants to mimic the efficacy of exosomal drugs in vivo. RESULTS We found that the retinal explants cultured with perfusion exhibited significantly higher viability, increased NeuN+ cells, and reduced apoptosis compared to the static culture group at Days Ex Vivo (DEV) 4, 7, and 14. The perfusion-cultured retinal explants exhibited reduced mRNA markers for gliosis and microglial activation, along with lower expression of GFAP and Iba1, as revealed by immunostaining. Additionally, RNA-sequencing analysis showed that perfusion culture mainly upregulated genes associated with visual perception and photoreceptor cell maintenance while downregulating the immune system process and immune response. RO-Exos promoted the uptake of PKH26-labelled exosomes and the growth of retinal explants in perfusion culture. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Our perfusion culture system can provide a continuous supply of culture medium to achieve steady-state equilibrium in retinal explant culture. Compared to traditional static culture, it better preserves the vitality, provides better neuroprotection, and reduces glial activation. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a promising ex vivo model for further studies on degenerative retinal diseases and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Qingyuan Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, China
| | - Wenxuan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linyao Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sihui Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuhong Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuhao Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hang Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Qi
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Qingyuan Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, China
| | - Zekai Cui
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yonglong Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jiansu Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Institute of Ophthalmology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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3
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Tribble JR, Jöe M, Varricchio C, Otmani A, Canovai A, Habchi B, Daskalakis E, Chaleckis R, Loreto A, Gilley J, Wheelock CE, Jóhannesson G, Wong RCB, Coleman MP, Brancale A, Williams PA. NMNAT2 is a druggable target to drive neuronal NAD production. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6256. [PMID: 39048544 PMCID: PMC11269627 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50354-5] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of NAD pools is critical for neuronal survival. The capacity to maintain NAD pools declines in neurodegenerative disease. We identify that low NMNAT2, the critical neuronal NAD producing enzyme, drives retinal susceptibility to neurodegenerative insults. As proof of concept, gene therapy over-expressing full length human NMNAT2 is neuroprotective. To pharmacologically target NMNAT2, we identify that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) can drive NAD production in neurons through an NMNAT2 and NMN dependent mechanism. We confirm this by pharmacological and genetic inhibition of the NAD-salvage pathway. EGCG is neuroprotective in rodent (mixed sex) and human models of retinal neurodegeneration. As EGCG has poor drug-like qualities, we use it as a tool compound to generate novel small molecules which drive neuronal NAD production and provide neuroprotection. This class of NMNAT2 targeted small molecules could have an important therapeutic impact for neurodegenerative disease following further drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Tribble
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital; Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Melissa Jöe
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital; Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carmine Varricchio
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Amin Otmani
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital; Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alessio Canovai
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital; Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Baninia Habchi
- Unit of Integrative Metabolomics, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- C2VN, INRAE, INSERM, Aix Marseille University, 13007, Marseille, France
| | - Evangelia Daskalakis
- Unit of Integrative Metabolomics, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Romanas Chaleckis
- Unit of Integrative Metabolomics, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Gunma Initiative for Advanced Research (GIAR), Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Andrea Loreto
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences; University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- School of Medical Sciences and Save Sight Institute, Charles Perkins Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonathan Gilley
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences; University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Craig E Wheelock
- Unit of Integrative Metabolomics, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gauti Jóhannesson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ophthalmology, Umeå University, 901 85, Umeå, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre of Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, 901 85, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Raymond C B Wong
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael P Coleman
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences; University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrea Brancale
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
- Vysoká škola chemicko-technologická v Praze, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pete A Williams
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital; Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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4
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Huan MJ, Fu PP, Chen X, Wang ZX, Ma ZR, Cai SZ, Jiang Q, Wang Q. Identification of the central role of RNA polymerase mitochondrial for angiogenesis. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:343. [PMID: 38907279 PMCID: PMC11191269 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01712-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are central to endothelial cell activation and angiogenesis, with the RNA polymerase mitochondrial (POLRMT) serving as a key protein in regulating mitochondrial transcription and oxidative phosphorylation. In our study, we examined the impact of POLRMT on angiogenesis and found that its silencing or knockout (KO) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and other endothelial cells resulted in robust anti-angiogenic effects, impeding cell proliferation, migration, and capillary tube formation. Depletion of POLRMT led to impaired mitochondrial function, characterized by mitochondrial depolarization, oxidative stress, lipid oxidation, DNA damage, and reduced ATP production, along with significant apoptosis activation. Conversely, overexpressing POLRMT promoted angiogenic activity in the endothelial cells. In vivo experiments demonstrated that endothelial knockdown of POLRMT, by intravitreous injection of endothelial specific POLRMT shRNA adeno-associated virus, inhibited retinal angiogenesis. In addition, inhibiting POLRMT with a first-in-class inhibitor IMT1 exerted significant anti-angiogenic impact in vitro and in vivo. Significantly elevated expression of POLRMT was observed in the retinal tissues of streptozotocin-induced diabetic retinopathy (DR) mice. POLRMT endothelial knockdown inhibited pathological retinal angiogenesis and mitigated retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration in DR mice. At last, POLRMT expression exhibited a substantial increase in the retinal proliferative membrane tissues of human DR patients. These findings collectively establish the indispensable role of POLRMT in angiogenesis, both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Jia Huan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Ping-Ping Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Eye Diseases Prevention & Treatment Center, Shanghai Eye Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Children's hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, China
| | - Zhao-Xia Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Fengcheng Hospital of Fengxian Distric, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhou-Rui Ma
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shi-Zhong Cai
- Department of Child and Adolescent Healthcare, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Congenital Structural Malformations of Suzhou City, Suzhou, China.
| | - Qin Jiang
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Children's hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, China.
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5
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Tolone A, Haq W, Fachinger A, Roy A, Kesh S, Rentsch A, Wucherpfennig S, Zhu Y, Groten J, Schwede F, Tomar T, Herberg FW, Nache V, Paquet-Durand F. The PKG Inhibitor CN238 Affords Functional Protection of Photoreceptors and Ganglion Cells against Retinal Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15277. [PMID: 37894958 PMCID: PMC10607377 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015277] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hereditary retinal degeneration (RD) is often associated with excessive cGMP signalling in photoreceptors. Previous research has shown that inhibition of cGMP-dependent protein kinase G (PKG) can reduce photoreceptor loss in two different RD animal models. In this study, we identified a PKG inhibitor, the cGMP analogue CN238, which preserved photoreceptor viability and functionality in rd1 and rd10 mutant mice. Surprisingly, in explanted retinae, CN238 also protected retinal ganglion cells from axotomy-induced retrograde degeneration and preserved their functionality. Furthermore, kinase activity-dependent protein phosphorylation of the PKG target Kv1.6 was reduced in CN238-treated rd10 retinal explants. Ca2+-imaging on rd10 acute retinal explants revealed delayed retinal ganglion cell repolarization with CN238 treatment, suggesting a PKG-dependent modulation of Kv1-channels. Together, these results highlight the strong neuroprotective capacity of PKG inhibitors for both photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells, illustrating their broad potential for the treatment of retinal diseases and possibly neurodegenerative diseases in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Tolone
- Cell Death Mechanism Group, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.T.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Wadood Haq
- Neuroretinal Electrophysiology and Imaging, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany;
| | - Alexandra Fachinger
- Biochemistry Department, University of Kassel, 34132 Kassel, Germany; (A.F.); (F.W.H.)
| | - Akanksha Roy
- PamGene International B.V., 5211 ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands; (A.R.); (J.G.); (T.T.)
| | - Sandeep Kesh
- Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany; (S.K.); (S.W.); (V.N.)
| | - Andreas Rentsch
- Biolog Life Science Institute GmbH & Co. KG, 28199 Bremen, Germany; (A.R.); (F.S.)
| | - Sophie Wucherpfennig
- Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany; (S.K.); (S.W.); (V.N.)
| | - Yu Zhu
- Cell Death Mechanism Group, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.T.); (Y.Z.)
| | - John Groten
- PamGene International B.V., 5211 ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands; (A.R.); (J.G.); (T.T.)
| | - Frank Schwede
- Biolog Life Science Institute GmbH & Co. KG, 28199 Bremen, Germany; (A.R.); (F.S.)
| | - Tushar Tomar
- PamGene International B.V., 5211 ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands; (A.R.); (J.G.); (T.T.)
| | - Friedrich W. Herberg
- Biochemistry Department, University of Kassel, 34132 Kassel, Germany; (A.F.); (F.W.H.)
| | - Vasilica Nache
- Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany; (S.K.); (S.W.); (V.N.)
| | - François Paquet-Durand
- Cell Death Mechanism Group, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.T.); (Y.Z.)
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6
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Nieuwenhuis B, Laperrousaz E, Tribble JR, Verhaagen J, Fawcett JW, Martin KR, Williams PA, Osborne A. Improving adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated transgene expression in retinal ganglion cells: comparison of five promoters. Gene Ther 2023:10.1038/s41434-022-00380-z. [PMID: 36635457 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00380-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) are an effective system for gene transfer. AAV serotype 2 (AAV2) is commonly used to deliver transgenes to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) via intravitreal injection. The AAV serotype however is not the only factor contributing to the effectiveness of gene therapies. Promoters influence the strength and cell-selectivity of transgene expression. This study compares five promoters designed to maximise AAV2 cargo space for gene delivery: chicken β-actin (CBA), cytomegalovirus (CMV), short CMV early enhancer/chicken β-actin/short β-globulin intron (sCAG), mouse phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), and human synapsin (SYN). The promoters driving enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) were examined in adult C57BL/6J mice eyes and tissues of the visual system. eGFP expression was strongest in the retina, optic nerves and brain when driven by the sCAG and SYN promoters. CBA, CMV, and PGK had moderate expression by comparison. The SYN promoter had almost exclusive transgene expression in RGCs. The PGK promoter had predominant expression in both RGCs and AII amacrine cells. The ubiquitous CBA, CMV, and sCAG promoters expressed eGFP in a variety of cell types across multiple retinal layers including Müller glia and astrocytes. We also found that these promoters could transduce human retina ex vivo, although expression was predominantly in glial cells due to low RGC viability. Taken together, this promoter comparison study contributes to optimising AAV-mediated transduction in the retina, and could be valuable for research in ocular disorders, particularly those with large or complex genetic cargos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Nieuwenhuis
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. .,Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK.
| | - Elise Laperrousaz
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - James R Tribble
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joost Verhaagen
- Laboratory for Regeneration of Sensorimotor Systems, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - James W Fawcett
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Centre of Reconstructive Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Keith R Martin
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Pete A Williams
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andrew Osborne
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. .,Ikarovec Ltd, The Norwich Research Park Innovation Centre, Norwich, UK.
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7
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Hu B, Huang Y, Jakobs TC, Kang Q, Lv Z, Liu W, Wang R. Viability of mitochondria-labeled retinal ganglion cells in organotypic retinal explant cultures by two methods. Exp Eye Res 2023; 226:109311. [PMID: 36403849 PMCID: PMC11003390 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109311] [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: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Retinal explant cultures provide a valuable system to study retinal function in vitro. This study established a new retinal explant culture method to prolong the survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Explants were prepared in two different ways: with or without optic nerve. Retinas from newborn mice that had received an injection of MitoTracker Red into the contralateral superior colliculus to label axonal mitochondria were cultured as organotypic culture for 7 days in vitro. At several time points during the culture, viability of RGCs was assessed by multi-electrode array recording, and morphology by immunohistochemical methods. During the culture, the thickness of the retinal tissue in both groups gradually decreased, however, the structure of the layers of the retina could be identified. Massive apoptosis in the retinal ganglion cell layer (GCL) appeared on the first day of culture, thereafter the number of apoptotic cells decreased. Glial activation was observed throughout the culture, and there was no difference in morphology between the two groups. RGCs loss was exacerbated on 3rdday of culture, and RGCs loss in retinal explants with preserved optic nerve was significantly lower than in retinas that did not preserve the optic nerve. More and longer-lasting mitochondrial signals were observed in the injured area of the optic nerve-preserving explants. Retinal explants provide an invaluable tool for studying retinal function and developing treatments for ocular diseases. The optic nerve-preserving culture helps preserve the integrity of RGCs. The higher number of mitochondria in the nerve-preserving cultures may help maintain viability of RGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoqi Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710002, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Xi'an No. 1 Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710002, China
| | - Yaoyao Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710002, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Xi'an No. 1 Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710002, China; Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tatjana C Jakobs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary / Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA, 02114, United States
| | - Qianyan Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Ziwei Lv
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenxuan Liu
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710002, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Xi'an No. 1 Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710002, China; Shaanxi Institute of Ophthalmology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710002, China.
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8
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Wu WH, Tso A, Breazzano MP, Jenny LA, Levi SR, Tsang SH, Quinn PMJ. Culture of Human Retinal Explants for Ex Vivo Assessment of AAV Gene Delivery. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2560:303-311. [PMID: 36481906 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2651-1_28] [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: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Due to the clinically established safety and efficacy profile of recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors, they are considered the "go to" vector for retinal gene therapy. Design of a rAAV-mediated gene therapy focuses on cell tropism, high transduction efficiency, and high transgene expression levels to achieve the lowest therapeutic treatment dosage and avoid toxicity. Human retinal explants are a clinically relevant model system for exploring these aspects of rAAV-mediated gene delivery. In this chapter, we describe an ex vivo human retinal explant culture protocol to evaluate transgene expression in order to determine the selectivity and efficacy of rAAV vectors for human retinal gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hsuan Wu
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amy Tso
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mark P Breazzano
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, New York University School of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.,Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura A Jenny
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, New York University School of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.,Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah R Levi
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, New York University School of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.,Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology & Cell Biology, Graduate Programs in Nutritional & Metabolic Biology and Neurobiology & Behavior, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter M J Quinn
- Department of Opthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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9
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Pham JH, Johnson GA, Rangan RS, Amankwa CE, Acharya S, Stankowska DL. Neuroprotection of Rodent and Human Retinal Ganglion Cells In Vitro/Ex Vivo by the Hybrid Small Molecule SA-2. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233741. [PMID: 36497005 PMCID: PMC9735605 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of the hybrid antioxidant-nitric oxide donating compound SA-2 in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration models were evaluated. The in vitro trophic factor (TF) deprivation model in primary rat RGCs and ex vivo human retinal explants were used to mimic glaucomatous neurodegeneration. Cell survival was assessed after treatment with vehicle or SA-2. In separate experiments, tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) and endothelin-3 (ET-3) were used in ex vivo rat retinal explants and primary rat RGCs, respectively, to induce oxidative damage. Mitochondrial and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed following treatments. In the TF deprivation model, SA-2 treatment produced a significant decrease in apoptotic and dead cell counts in primary RGCs and a significant increase in RGC survival in ex vivo human retinal explants. In the oxidative stress-induced models, a significant decrease in the production of ROS was observed in the SA-2-treated group compared to the vehicle-treated group. Compound SA-2 was neuroprotective against various glaucomatous insults in the rat and human RGCs by reducing apoptosis and decreasing ROS levels. Amelioration of mitochondrial and cellular oxidative stress by SA-2 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing neurodegeneration in glaucomatous RGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer H. Pham
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- The North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Gretchen A. Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- The North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Rajiv S. Rangan
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- The North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Charles E. Amankwa
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- The North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Suchismita Acharya
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- The North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (D.L.S.)
| | - Dorota L. Stankowska
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- The North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (D.L.S.)
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10
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Xi Z, Öztürk BE, Johnson ME, Turunç S, Stauffer WR, Byrne LC. Quantitative single-cell transcriptome-based ranking of engineered AAVs in human retinal explants. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 25:476-489. [PMID: 35615708 PMCID: PMC9118357 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy is a rapidly developing field, and adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are a leading viral-vector candidate for therapeutic gene delivery. Newly engineered AAVs with improved abilities are now entering the clinic. It has proven challenging, however, to predict the translational potential of gene therapies developed in animal models due to cross-species differences. Human retinal explants are the only available model of fully developed human retinal tissue and are thus important for the validation of candidate AAV vectors. In this study, we evaluated 18 wild-type and engineered AAV capsids in human retinal explants using a recently developed single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) AAV engineering pipeline (scAAVengr). Human retinal explants retained the same major cell types as fresh retina, with similar expression of cell-specific markers except for a photoreceptor population with altered expression of photoreceptor-specific genes. The efficiency and tropism of AAVs in human explants were quantified with single-cell resolution. The top-performing serotypes, K91, K912, and 7m8, were further validated in non-human primate and human retinal explants. Together, this study provides detailed information about the transcriptome profiles of retinal explants and quantifies the infectivity of leading AAV serotypes in human retina, accelerating the translation of retinal gene therapies to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouhuan Xi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bilge E Öztürk
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Molly E Johnson
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Serhan Turunç
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Leah C Byrne
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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11
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Tribble JR, Kastanaki E, Uslular AB, Rutigliani C, Enz TJ, Williams PA. Valproic Acid Reduces Neuroinflammation to Provide Retinal Ganglion Cell Neuroprotection in the Retina Axotomy Model. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:903436. [PMID: 35646919 PMCID: PMC9135180 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.903436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a critical and targetable pathogenic component of neurodegenerative diseases, including glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Valproic acid has previously been demonstrated to reduce neuroinflammation and is neuroprotective in a number of experimental settings. To determine whether valproic acid can limit retinal neuroinflammation and protect retinal neurons we used an ex vivo retina explant (axotomy) model to isolate resident glial responses from blood-derived monocytes. Neuroinflammatory status was defined using high resolution confocal imaging with 3D morphological reconstruction and cytokine protein arrays. Valproic acid significantly reduced microglia and astrocyte morphological changes, consistent with a reduction in pro-inflammatory phenotypes. Cytokine profiling demonstrated that valproic acid significantly attenuated or prevented expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in injured retina. This identifies that the retinal explant model as a useful tool to explore resident neuroinflammation in a rapid timescale whilst maintaining a complex system of cell interactions and valproic acid as a useful drug to further explore anti-neuroinflammatory strategies in retinal disease.
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12
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Eldred KC, Reh TA. Human retinal model systems: Strengths, weaknesses, and future directions. Dev Biol 2021; 480:114-122. [PMID: 34529997 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The retina is a complex neuronal structure that converts light energy into visual perception. Many specialized aspects of the primate retina, including a cone rich macula for high acuity vision, ocular size, and cell type diversity are not found in other animal models. In addition, the unique morphologies and distinct laminar positions of cell types found in the retina make this model system ideal for the study of neuronal cell fate specification. Many key early events of human retinal development are inaccessible to investigation as they occur during gestation. For these reasons, it has been necessary to develop retinal model systems to gain insight into human-specific retinal development and disease. Recent advances in culturing retinal tissue have generated new systems for retinal research and have moved us closer to generating effective regenerative therapies for vision loss. Here, we describe the strengths, weaknesses, and future directions for different human retinal model systems including dissociated primary tissue, explanted primary tissue, retinospheres, and stem cell-derived retinal organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiara C Eldred
- Department of Biological Structure, Institute for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, Institute for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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13
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Fernandez-Bueno I, Usategui-Martin R. Ex Vivo Model of Spontaneous Neuroretinal Degeneration for Evaluating Stem Cells' Paracrine Properties. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2269:125-137. [PMID: 33687676 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1225-5_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Ex vivo neuroretina cultures closely resemble in vivo conditions, retaining the complex neuroretina cells dynamics, connections, and functionality, under controlled conditions. Therefore, these models have allowed advancing in the knowledge of retinal physiology and pathobiology over the years. Furthermore, the ex vivo neuroretina models represent an adequate tool for evaluating stem cell therapies over neuroretinal degeneration processes.Here, we describe a physically separated co-culture of neuroretina explants with stem cells to evaluate the effect of stem cells paracrine properties on spontaneous neuroretinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Fernandez-Bueno
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Campus Miguel Delibes, Paseo de Belén 17, Valladolid, Spain.
- Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain.
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain.
| | - Ricardo Usategui-Martin
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Campus Miguel Delibes, Paseo de Belén 17, Valladolid, Spain
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14
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Jemni-Damer N, Guedan-Duran A, Fuentes-Andion M, Serrano-Bengoechea N, Alfageme-Lopez N, Armada-Maresca F, Guinea GV, Perez-Rigueiro J, Rojo F, Gonzalez-Nieto D, Kaplan DL, Panetsos F. Biotechnology and Biomaterial-Based Therapeutic Strategies for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Part II: Cell and Tissue Engineering Therapies. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:588014. [PMID: 33363125 PMCID: PMC7758210 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.588014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is an up-to-date untreatable chronic neurodegenerative eye disease of multifactorial origin, and the main causes of blindness in over 65 y.o. people. It is characterized by a slow progression and the presence of a multitude of factors, highlighting those related to diet, genetic heritage and environmental conditions, present throughout each of the stages of the illness. Current therapeutic approaches, mainly consisting on intraocular drug delivery, are only used for symptoms relief and/or to decelerate the progression of the disease. Furthermore, they are overly simplistic and ignore the complexity of the disease and the enormous differences in the symptomatology between patients. Due to the wide impact of the AMD and the up-to-date absence of clinical solutions, Due to the wide impact of the AMD and the up-to-date absence of clinical solutions, different treatment options have to be considered. Cell therapy is a very promising alternative to drug-based approaches for AMD treatment. Cells delivered to the affected tissue as a suspension have shown poor retention and low survival rate. A solution to these inconveniences has been the encapsulation of these cells on biomaterials, which contrive to their protection, gives them support, and favor their retention of the desired area. We offer a two-papers critical review of the available and under development AMD therapeutic approaches, from a biomaterials and biotechnological point of view. We highlight benefits and limitations and we forecast forthcoming alternatives based on novel biomaterials and biotechnology methods. In this second part we review the preclinical and clinical cell-replacement approaches aiming at the development of efficient AMD-therapies, the employed cell types, as well as the cell-encapsulation and cell-implant systems. We discuss their advantages and disadvantages and how they could improve the survival and integration of the implanted cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahla Jemni-Damer
- Neuro-computing and Neuro-robotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Atocha Guedan-Duran
- Neuro-computing and Neuro-robotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
| | - María Fuentes-Andion
- Neuro-computing and Neuro-robotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nora Serrano-Bengoechea
- Neuro-computing and Neuro-robotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Alfageme-Lopez
- Neuro-computing and Neuro-robotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Gustavo V. Guinea
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcon, Spain
- Department of Material Science, Civil Engineering Superior School, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Perez-Rigueiro
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcon, Spain
- Department of Material Science, Civil Engineering Superior School, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Rojo
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcon, Spain
- Department of Material Science, Civil Engineering Superior School, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Gonzalez-Nieto
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcon, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
| | - Fivos Panetsos
- Neuro-computing and Neuro-robotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
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15
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Hurst J, Fietz A, Tsai T, Joachim SC, Schnichels S. Organ Cultures for Retinal Diseases. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:583392. [PMID: 33324149 PMCID: PMC7724035 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.583392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The successful development of novel therapies is closely linked with understanding the underlying pathomechanisms of a disease. To do so, model systems that reflect human diseases and allow for the evaluation of new therapeutic approaches are needed. Yet, preclinical animal studies often have limited success in predicting human physiology, pathology, and therapeutic responses. Moreover, animal testing is facing increasing ethical and bureaucratic hurdles, while human cell cultures are limited in their ability to represent in vivo situations due to the lack of the tissue microenvironment, which may alter cellular responses. To overcome these struggles, organ cultures, especially those of complex organs such as the retina, can be used to study physiological reactions to substances or stressors. Human and animal organ cultures are now well established and recognized. This mini-review discusses how retinal organ cultures can be used to preserve tissue architecture more realistically and therefore better represent disease-related changes. It also shows how molecular biological, biochemical, and histological techniques can be combined to investigate how anatomical localization may alter cellular responses. Examples for the use of retinal organ cultures, including models to study age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), central artery occlusion (CRAO), and glaucoma are presented, and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. We conclude that organ cultures significantly improve our understanding of complex retinal diseases and may advance treatment testing without the need for animal testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Hurst
- Center for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Agnes Fietz
- Center for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Teresa Tsai
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Stephanie C. Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sven Schnichels
- Center for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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16
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Schnichels S, Paquet-Durand F, Löscher M, Tsai T, Hurst J, Joachim SC, Klettner A. Retina in a dish: Cell cultures, retinal explants and animal models for common diseases of the retina. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 81:100880. [PMID: 32721458 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
For many retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy (DR), the exact pathogenesis is still unclear. Moreover, the currently available therapeutic options are often unsatisfactory. Research designed to remedy this situation heavily relies on experimental animals. However, animal models often do not faithfully reproduce human disease and, currently, there is strong pressure from society to reduce animal research. Overall, this creates a need for improved disease models to understand pathologies and develop treatment options that, at the same time, require fewer or no experimental animals. Here, we review recent advances in the field of in vitro and ex vivo models for AMD, glaucoma, and DR. We highlight the difficulties associated with studies on complex diseases, in which both the initial trigger and the ensuing pathomechanisms are unclear, and then delineate which model systems are optimal for disease modelling. To this end, we present a variety of model systems, ranging from primary cell cultures, over organotypic cultures and whole eye cultures, to animal models. Specific advantages and disadvantages of such models are discussed, with a special focus on their relevance to putative in vivo disease mechanisms. In many cases, a replacement of in vivo research will mean that several different in vitro models are used in conjunction, for instance to analyze and validate causative molecular pathways. Finally, we argue that the analytical decomposition into appropriate cell and tissue model systems will allow making significant progress in our understanding of complex retinal diseases and may furthermore advance the treatment testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Schnichels
- University Eye Hospital, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Germany.
| | - François Paquet-Durand
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marina Löscher
- University Eye Hospital, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Teresa Tsai
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - José Hurst
- University Eye Hospital, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stephanie C Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Alexa Klettner
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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17
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Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome Enhancement by Nicotinamide and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide: A New Therapeutic Approach for Retinal Degenerative Diseases. Stem Cells Int 2020; 2020:9463548. [PMID: 32676122 PMCID: PMC7336242 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9463548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) secrete neuroprotective molecules that may be useful as an alternative to cell transplantation itself. Our purpose was to develop different pharmaceutical compositions based on conditioned medium (CM) of adipose MSC (aMSC) stimulated by and/or combined with nicotinamide (NIC), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), or both factors; and to evaluate in vitro their proliferative and neuroprotective potential. Nine pharmaceutical compositions were developed from 3 experimental approaches: (1) unstimulated aMSC-CM collected and combined with NIC, VIP, or both factors (NIC+VIP), referred to as the aMSC-CM combined composition; (2) aMSC-CM collected just after stimulation with the mentioned factors and containing them, referred to as the aMSC-CM stimulated-combined composition; and (3) aMSC-CM previously stimulated with the factors, referred to as the aMSC stimulated composition. The potential of the pharmaceutical compositions to increase cell proliferation under oxidative stress and neuroprotection were evaluated in vitro by using a subacute oxidative stress model of retinal pigment epithelium cells (line ARPE-19) and spontaneous degenerative neuroretina model. Results showed that oxidatively stressed ARPE-19 cells exposed to aMSC-CM stimulated and stimulated-combined with NIC or NIC+VIP tended to have better recovery from the oxidative stress status. Neuroretinal explants cultured with aMSC-CM stimulated-combined with NIC+VIP had better preservation of the neuroretinal morphology, mainly photoreceptors, and a lower degree of glial cell activation. In conclusion, aMSC-CM stimulated-combined with NIC+VIP contributed to improving the proliferative and neuroprotective properties of the aMSC secretome. Further studies are necessary to evaluate higher concentrations of the drugs and to characterize specifically the aMSC-secreted factors related to neuroprotection. However, this study supports the possibility of improving the potential of new effective pharmaceutical compositions based on the secretome of MSC plus exogenous factors or drugs without the need to inject cells into the eye, which can be very useful in retinal pathologies.
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18
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Novikova YP, Poplinskaya VA, Grigoryan EN. Organotypic Culturing as a Way to Study Recovery Opportunities of the Eye Retina in Vertebrates and Humans. Russ J Dev Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360420010063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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19
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Kamar S, Howlett MHC, Klooster J, de Graaff W, Csikós T, Rabelink MJWE, Hoeben RC, Kamermans M. Degenerated Cones in Cultured Human Retinas Can Successfully Be Optogenetically Reactivated. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020522. [PMID: 31947650 PMCID: PMC7014344 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Biblical references aside, restoring vision to the blind has proven to be a major technical challenge. In recent years, considerable advances have been made towards this end, especially when retinal degeneration underlies the vision loss such as occurs with retinitis pigmentosa. Under these conditions, optogenetic therapies are a particularly promising line of inquiry where remaining retinal cells are made into "artificial photoreceptors". However, this strategy is not without its challenges and a model system using human retinal explants would aid its continued development and refinement. Here, we cultured post-mortem human retinas and show that explants remain viable for around 7 days. Within this period, the cones lose their outer segments and thus their light sensitivity but remain electrophysiologically intact, displaying all the major ionic conductances one would expect for a vertebrate cone. We optogenetically restored light responses to these quiescent cones using a lentivirus vector constructed to express enhanced halorhodopsin under the control of the human arrestin promotor. In these 'reactivated' retinas, we show a light-induced horizontal cell to cone feedback signal in cones, indicating that transduced cones were able to transmit their light response across the synapse to horizontal cells, which generated a large enough response to send a signal back to the cones. Furthermore, we show ganglion cell light responses, suggesting the cultured explant's condition is still good enough to support transmission of the transduced cone signal over the intermediate retinal layers to the final retinal output level. Together, these results show that cultured human retinas are an appropriate model system to test optogenetic vision restoration approaches and that cones which have lost their outer segment, a condition occurring during the early stages of retinitis pigmentosa, are appropriate targets for optogenetic vision restoration therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sizar Kamar
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, 1105 BA Amsterdam-Zuidoost, The Netherlands; (S.K.); (M.H.C.H.); (J.K.); (W.d.G.); (T.C.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marcus H. C. Howlett
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, 1105 BA Amsterdam-Zuidoost, The Netherlands; (S.K.); (M.H.C.H.); (J.K.); (W.d.G.); (T.C.)
| | - Jan Klooster
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, 1105 BA Amsterdam-Zuidoost, The Netherlands; (S.K.); (M.H.C.H.); (J.K.); (W.d.G.); (T.C.)
| | - Wim de Graaff
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, 1105 BA Amsterdam-Zuidoost, The Netherlands; (S.K.); (M.H.C.H.); (J.K.); (W.d.G.); (T.C.)
| | - Tamás Csikós
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, 1105 BA Amsterdam-Zuidoost, The Netherlands; (S.K.); (M.H.C.H.); (J.K.); (W.d.G.); (T.C.)
| | - Martijn J. W. E. Rabelink
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.J.W.E.R.); (R.C.H.)
| | - Rob C. Hoeben
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.J.W.E.R.); (R.C.H.)
| | - Maarten Kamermans
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, 1105 BA Amsterdam-Zuidoost, The Netherlands; (S.K.); (M.H.C.H.); (J.K.); (W.d.G.); (T.C.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering & Physics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
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20
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Tribble JR, Vasalauskaite A, Redmond T, Young RD, Hassan S, Fautsch MP, Sengpiel F, Williams PA, Morgan JE. Midget retinal ganglion cell dendritic and mitochondrial degeneration is an early feature of human glaucoma. Brain Commun 2019; 1:fcz035. [PMID: 31894207 PMCID: PMC6928391 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcz035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is characterized by the progressive dysfunction and loss of retinal ganglion cells. However, the earliest degenerative events that occur in human glaucoma are relatively unknown. Work in animal models has demonstrated that retinal ganglion cell dendrites remodel and atrophy prior to the loss of the cell soma. Whether this occurs in human glaucoma has yet to be elucidated. Serial block face scanning electron microscopy is well established as a method to determine neuronal connectivity at high resolution but so far has only been performed in normal retina from animal models. To assess the structure-function relationship of early human glaucomatous neurodegeneration, regions of inner retina assessed to have none-to-moderate loss of retinal ganglion cell number were processed using serial block face scanning electron microscopy (n = 4 normal retinas, n = 4 glaucoma retinas). This allowed detailed 3D reconstruction of retinal ganglion cells and their intracellular components at a nanometre scale. In our datasets, retinal ganglion cell dendrites degenerate early in human glaucoma, with remodelling and redistribution of the mitochondria. We assessed the relationship between visual sensitivity and retinal ganglion cell density and discovered that this only partially conformed to predicted models of structure-function relationships, which may be affected by these early neurodegenerative changes. In this study, human glaucomatous retinal ganglion cells demonstrate compartmentalized degenerative changes as observed in animal models. Importantly, in these models, many of these changes have been demonstrated to be reversible, increasing the likelihood of translation to viable therapies for human glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Tribble
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ Wales, UK
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 112 82 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Tony Redmond
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ Wales, UK
| | - Robert D Young
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ Wales, UK
| | - Shoaib Hassan
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XW Wales, UK
| | | | - Frank Sengpiel
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX Wales, UK
| | - Pete A Williams
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 112 82 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - James E Morgan
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ Wales, UK
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XW Wales, UK
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21
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Murali A, Ramlogan-Steel CA, Steel JC, Layton CJ. Characterisation and validation of the 8-fold quadrant dissected human retinal explant culture model for pre-clinical toxicology investigation. Toxicol In Vitro 2019; 63:104716. [PMID: 31706033 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2019.104716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
One of the major challenges in studying ocular toxicology is a lack of clinically-relevant retinal experimental models. In this study we describe the use of an in vitro human retinal explant strategy to generate a reproducible experimental model with utility in neuro-toxicity retinal studies. A retinal dissection strategy, referred to as the 8 fold quadrant dissection, was developed by dissecting human donor retinas into 4 fragments through the fovea in order to obtain 8 experimentally reproducible retinal explants from a single donor. This quadrant dissection gave rise to equivalent proportions of CD73+ photoreceptors and CD90+ ganglion cells in 8 fragments from a single donor and this remained stable for up to 3 days in culture. Major retinal cell types continued to be observed after 8 weeks in culture, despite breakdown of the retinal layers, suggesting the potential to use this model in long-term studies where observation of individual cell types is possible. The utility of this system was examined in a proof of principle neuro-toxicology study. We showed reproducible induction of toxicity in photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells by glutamate, cobalt chloride and hydrogen peroxide insults, and observed the therapeutic positive effects of the administration of memantine, formononetin and trolox. The quadrant dissected human retinal explants have the potential to be used in toxicology studies in human ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Murali
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia; Greenslopes Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Greenslopes Hospital, Australia
| | - Charmaine A Ramlogan-Steel
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia; Central Queensland University, School of Health, Medical and Applied Science, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia
| | - Jason C Steel
- Central Queensland University, School of Health, Medical and Applied Science, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia.
| | - Christopher J Layton
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia; Greenslopes Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Greenslopes Hospital, Australia.
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22
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Alarautalahti V, Ragauskas S, Hakkarainen JJ, Uusitalo-Järvinen H, Uusitalo H, Hyttinen J, Kalesnykas G, Nymark S. Viability of Mouse Retinal Explant Cultures Assessed by Preservation of Functionality and Morphology. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:1914-1927. [PMID: 31042799 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-25156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal explant cultures provide simplified systems where the functions of the retina and the effects of ocular therapies can be studied in an isolated environment. The purpose of this study was to provide insight into long-term preservation of retinal tissue in culture conditions, enable a deeper understanding of the interdependence of retinal morphology and function, and ensure the reliability of the explant technique for prolonged experiments. Methods Retinal explants from adult mice were cultured as organotypic culture at the air-medium interface for 14 days in vitro (DIV). Retinal functionality was assessed by multielectrode array technique and morphology by immunohistochemical methods at several time points during culture. Results Retinal explants retained viability for 14 DIV, although with diminishing neuronal activity, progressing neuronal loss, and increasing reactive gliosis. We recorded spontaneous retinal ganglion cell (RGC) activity up to 14 DIV with temporally changing distribution of RGC firing rates. Light responsiveness was measurable from RGCs for 7 DIV and from photoreceptors for 2 DIV. Apoptotic cells were detected beginning at 3 DIV with their density peaking at 7 DIV. The number of RGCs gradually decreased by 70% during 14 DIV. The change was accompanied by the loss of RGC functionality, resulting in 84% loss of electrically active RGCs. Conclusions Retinal explants provide a valuable tool for studies of retinal functions and development of ocular therapies. However, critical for long-term use, retinal functionality was lost before structural loss, emphasizing a need for both functional and morphologic readouts to determine the overall state of the cultured retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virpi Alarautalahti
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | | | | | - Hannele Uusitalo-Järvinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Tays Eye Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Hannu Uusitalo
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Tays Eye Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jari Hyttinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Soile Nymark
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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23
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Schnichels S, Kiebler T, Hurst J, Maliha AM, Löscher M, Dick HB, Bartz-Schmidt KU, Joachim SC. Retinal Organ Cultures as Alternative Research Models. Altern Lab Anim 2019; 47:19-29. [DOI: 10.1177/0261192919840092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Ex vivo organ cultures represent unique research models, as they combine the advantages of cell cultures with those of animal models. Being able to mimic in vivo situations through the use of organ cultures provides an excellent opportunity to investigate cellular processes, molecular pathways and cell–cell interactions, as well as structural and synaptic organisation. Human and animal organ cultures are now well established and comprise sensitive, easy-to-manipulate experimental systems that raise minimal ethical concerns. The eye, in particular, is a very complex organ that is not easy to reproduce in vitro. However, a lot of research has been dedicated to the development of suitable ocular organ cultures. This review covers the various ex vivo retinal organ culture systems available for use in ophthalmology research and compares them with commonly used animal models. In particular, bovine and porcine retinal organ culture systems are described, because the size, anatomy, physiology and vessel morphology of bovine and porcine eyes are similar to the human eye in an undisputed way, thus making them good models. In addition, these animals are widely used by the food industry and the eyes are considered surplus material. A short overview of murine, rat, rabbit, cat, canine and simian retinal organ cultures is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Schnichels
- Centre for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Kiebler
- Centre for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - José Hurst
- Centre for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ana M. Maliha
- Experimental Eye Research, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Marina Löscher
- Centre for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - H. Burkhard Dick
- Experimental Eye Research, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Stephanie C. Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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24
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Labrador-Velandia S, Alonso-Alonso ML, Di Lauro S, García-Gutierrez MT, Srivastava GK, Pastor JC, Fernandez-Bueno I. Mesenchymal stem cells provide paracrine neuroprotective resources that delay degeneration of co-cultured organotypic neuroretinal cultures. Exp Eye Res 2019; 185:107671. [PMID: 31108056 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Through the paracrine effects of stem cells, including the secretion of neurotrophic, immunomodulatory, and anti-apoptotic factors, cell-based therapies offer a new all-encompassing approach to treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we used physically separated co-cultures of porcine neuroretina (NR) and human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to evaluate the MSC paracrine neuroprotective effects on NR degeneration. NR explants were obtained from porcine eyes and cultured alone or co-cultured with commercially available MSCs from Valladolid (MSCV; Citospin S.L.; Valladolid, Spain), currently used for several approved treatments. Cultures were maintained for 72 h. MSC surface markers were evaluated before and after co-culture with NRs. Culture supernatants were collected and the concentration of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. NR sections were stained by haematoxylin/eosin or immunostained for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL), glial fibrillary acidic protein, β-tubulin III, and neuronal nuclei marker. NR morphology, morphometry, nuclei count, apoptosis rate, retinal ganglion cells, and glial cell activation were evaluated. Treatment effects were statistically analysed by parametric or non-parametric tests. The MSCs retained stem cell surface markers after co-culture with NR. BDNF and CNTF concentrations in NR-MSCV co-cultures were higher than other experimental conditions at 72 h (p < 0.05), but no GDNF was detected. NR general morphology, total thickness, and cell counts were broadly preserved in co-cultures, and the apoptosis rate determined by TUNEL assay was lower than for NR monocultures (all p < 0.05). Co-cultures with MSCV also protected retinal ganglion cells from degenerative changes and reduced reactive gliosis (both p < 0.05). In this in vitro model of spontaneous NR degeneration, the presence of co-cultured MSCs retarded neuroglial degeneration. This effect was associated with elevated concentrations of the neurotrophic factors BDNF and CNTF. Our data suggest that the paracrine secretion of these, and possibly other molecules, are a potential resource for the treatment of several neuroretinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Labrador-Velandia
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Maria Luz Alonso-Alonso
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Salvatore Di Lauro
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain; Departamento de Oftalmología, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | | | - Girish K Srivastava
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain; Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain; Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain
| | - José Carlos Pastor
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain; Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain; Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain; Departamento de Oftalmología, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ivan Fernandez-Bueno
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain; Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain; Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain.
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25
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Differential expression of cyclin-dependent kinases in the adult human retina in relation to CDK inhibitor retinotoxicity. Arch Toxicol 2019; 93:659-671. [PMID: 30617560 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2376-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are a family of kinases associated predominantly with cell cycle control, making CDK inhibitors interesting candidates for anti-cancer therapeutics. However, retinal toxicity (loss of photoreceptors) has been associated with CDK inhibitors, including the pan-CDK inhibitor AG-012896. The purpose of this research was to use a novel planar sectioning technique to determine CDK expression profiles in the ex vivo human retina with the aim of identifying isoforms responsible for CDK retinotoxicity. Four CDK isoforms (CDK11, 16, 17 and 18) were selected as a result of IC50 data comparing neurotoxic (AG-012986 and NVP-1) and non-neurotoxic (dinaciclib and NVP-2) CDK inhibitors, with IC50s at CDK11 showing a clear difference between the neurotoxic and non-neurotoxic drugs. CDK11 was maximally expressed in the photoreceptor layer, whereas CDK16, 17 and 18 showed maximal expression in the inner nuclear layer. CDK5 (an isoform associated with retinal homeostasis) was maximally expressed in the retinal ganglion cell layer. Apart from CDK18, each isoform showed expression in the photoreceptor layer. The human Müller cell line MIO-M1 expressed CDK5, 11, 16 and 17 and AG-01298 (0.02-60 µM) caused a dose-dependent increase in MIO-M1 cell death. In conclusion, CDK11 appears the most likely candidate for mediation of photoreceptor toxicity. RNA profiling can be used to determine the distribution of genes of interest in relation to retinal toxicity in the human retina.
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26
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Murali A, Ramlogan-Steel CA, Andrzejewski S, Steel JC, Layton CJ. Retinal explant culture: A platform to investigate human neuro-retina. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2018; 47:274-285. [PMID: 30378239 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.13434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The retina is the tissue responsible for light detection, in which retinal neurons convert light energy into electrical signals to be transported towards the visual cortex. Damage of retinal neurons leads to neuronal cell death and retinal pathologies, compromising visual acuity and eventually leading to irreversible blindness. Models of retinal neurodegeneration include 2D systems like cell lines, disassociated cultures and co-cultures, and 3D models like organoids, organotypic retinal cultures and animal models. Of these, ex vivo human retinal cultures are arguably the most suitable models for translational research as they retain complex inter-cellular interactions of the retina and precisely mimic in-situ responses. In this review, we summarize the distinguishing features of the human retina which are important to preserve in experimental culture, the historical development of human retinal culture systems, the factors affecting ex vivo human retinal culture and the applications and challenges associated with current methods of human retinal explant culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Murali
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Charmaine A Ramlogan-Steel
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia.,School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, North Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Slawomir Andrzejewski
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jason C Steel
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, North Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christopher J Layton
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Greenslopes Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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27
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Haderspeck JC, Chuchuy J, Kustermann S, Liebau S, Loskill P. Organ-on-a-chip technologies that can transform ophthalmic drug discovery and disease modeling. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2018; 14:47-57. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2019.1551873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin C. Haderspeck
- Institute of Neuroanatomy & Developmental Biology (INDB), Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Johanna Chuchuy
- Department of Women’s Health, Research Institute for Women’s Health, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Stefan Kustermann
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Liebau
- Institute of Neuroanatomy & Developmental Biology (INDB), Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Peter Loskill
- Department of Women’s Health, Research Institute for Women’s Health, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Stuttgart, Germany
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28
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Azizzadeh Pormehr L, Daftarian N, Ahmadian S, Rezaei Kanavi M, Ahmadieh H, Shafiezadeh M. Human organotypic retinal flat-mount culture (HORFC) as a model for retinitis pigmentosa11. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:6775-6783. [PMID: 29744916 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The splicing factor PRPF31 is the most commonly mutated general splicing factor in the retinitis pigmentosa. We used a rapid, convenient and cost effective transfection method with an efficient PRPF31 knockdown in HORFC in order to study the effect of PRPF31 downregulation on retinal gene expressions in an ex vivo model. Modified calcium phosphate method was used to transfect HORFC by PRPF31 siRNA. Different times and doses of siRNA for transfection were assayed and optimum condition was obtained. PRPF31 mRNA and protein downregulation were assessed by qRTPCR and Western blot. The tissue viability of HORFC was measured using the MTT. ImageJ analysis on stained retinal sections by immunohistochemistry was used for thickness measurement of outer nuclear photoreceptor layer. The PRPF31 gene downregulation effects on retinal specific gene expression were analyzed by qRTPCR. A total of 50 nM of PRPF31 siRNA transfection after 63 h in HORFC, showed the optimum reduction in the level of PRPF31 mRNA and protein as shown by qRTPCR and Western blot (over 90% and 50% respectively). The PRPF31 mRNA silencing with calcium phosphate had no effect on cell viability in the period of the experiment. Thickness measurement of outer nuclear photoreceptor layer with IHC showed the significant reduction after 63 h of study (P value = 0.02). siRNA induced PRPF31 knockdown, led to reduction of retinal specific mRNA gene expression involved in phototransduction (RHO, GNAT1, RP1), photoreceptor structure (ROM1, FSCN2, CA4, SEMA4) and transcription factor (CRX) (fold change >5), after 63 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Azizzadeh Pormehr
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narsis Daftarian
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Ophthalmic Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahin Ahmadian
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mozhgan Rezaei Kanavi
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Ahmadieh
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshid Shafiezadeh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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29
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Retinal organotypic culture – A candidate for research on retinas. Tissue Cell 2018; 51:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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30
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FluoroGold-Labeled Organotypic Retinal Explant Culture for Neurotoxicity Screening Studies. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2018; 2018:2487473. [PMID: 29560079 PMCID: PMC5831603 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2487473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical toxicity screening of the new retinal compounds is an absolute requirement in the pathway of further drug development. Since retinal neuron cultivation and in vivo studies are relatively expensive and time consuming, we aimed to create a fast and reproducible ex vivo system for retinal toxicity screening. For this purpose, we used rat retinal explant culture that was retrogradely labeled with the FluoroGold before the isolation. Explants were exposed to a toxic concentration of gentamicin and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), a known neuroprotective agent. The measured outcomes showed the cell density in retinal ganglion cell layer (GCL) and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the culture medium. Gentamicin-induced oxidative stress resulted in retinal cell damage and rapid LDH release to the culture medium (p < 0.05). Additional CNTF supplementation minimized the cell damage, and the increase of LDH release was insignificant when compared to LDH levels before gentamicin insult (p > 0.05). As well as this, the LDH activity was directly correlated with the cell count in GCL (R = −0.84, p < 0.00001), making a sensitive marker of retinal neuron damage. The FLOREC protocol could be considered as a fast, reproducible, and sensitive method to detect neurotoxicity in the screening studies of the retinal drugs.
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31
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Buck TM, Pellissier LP, Vos RM, van Dijk EHC, Boon CJF, Wijnholds J. AAV Serotype Testing on Cultured Human Donor Retinal Explants. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1715:275-288. [PMID: 29188521 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7522-8_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This protocol details on a screening method for infectivity and tropism of different serotypes of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) on human retinal explants with cell-type specific or ubiquitous green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression vectors. Eyes from deceased adult human donors are enucleated and the retinas are isolated. Each retina is punched into eight to ten 6-mm equal pieces. Whatman™ paper punches are placed on the retinas and the stack is transferred onto 24-well culture inserts with the photoreceptors facing the membrane. AAVs are applied on the retinal explant punches to allow transduction for 48 h. Retinas are nourished by a serum-free Neurobasal®-A based medium composition that allows extended culturing of explants containing photoreceptor inner and outer segments. The protocols include quality control measurements and histological staining for retina cells. The cost and time effective procedure permits AAV transgene expression assays, RNAi knockdown, and pharmacological intervention on human retinas for 21 days ex vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo M Buck
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lucie P Pellissier
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA UMR85, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR-7247, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Équitation, Université François Rabelais, Nouzilly, France
| | - Rogier M Vos
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- InteRNA Technologies BV, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elon H C van Dijk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Camiel J F Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Osborne A, Sanderson J, Martin KR. Neuroprotective Effects of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor on Human Retinal Ganglion Cells. Stem Cells 2017; 36:65-78. [PMID: 29044808 PMCID: PMC5765520 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Optic neuropathies such as glaucoma occur when retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the eye are injured. Strong evidence suggests mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could be a potential therapy to protect RGCs; however, little is known regarding their effect on the human retina. We, therefore, investigated if human MSCs (hMSCs), or platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) as produced by hMSC, could delay RGC death in a human retinal explant model of optic nerve injury. Our results showed hMSCs and the secreted growth factor PDGF‐AB could substantially reduce human RGC loss and apoptosis following axotomy. The neuroprotective pathways AKT, ERK, and STAT3 were activated in the retina shortly after treatments with labeling seen in the RGC layer. A dose dependent protective effect of PDGF‐AB was observed in human retinal explants but protection was not as substantial as that achieved by culturing hMSCs on the retina surface which resulted in RGC cell counts similar to those immediately post dissection. These results demonstrate that hMSCs and PDGF have strong neuroprotective action on human RGCs and may offer a translatable, therapeutic strategy to reduce degenerative visual loss. Stem Cells2018;36:65–78
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Osborne
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Sanderson
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Keith R Martin
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Cambridge NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Eye Department, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council, Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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33
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Kuehn S, Hurst J, Jashari A, Ahrens K, Tsai T, Wunderlich IM, Dick HB, Joachim SC, Schnichels S. The novel induction of retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in porcine organ culture by NMDA - an opportunity for the replacement of animals in experiments. Altern Lab Anim 2017; 44:557-568. [PMID: 28094536 DOI: 10.1177/026119291604400608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Some of the advantages of retina organ culture models include their efficient and easy handling and the ability to standardise relevant parameters. Additionally, when porcine eyes are obtained from the food industry, no animals are killed solely for research purposes. To induce retinal degeneration, a commonly used toxic substance, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), was applied to the cultures. To this end, organotypic cultures of porcine retinas were cultured and treated with different doses of NMDA (0 [control], 50, 100 and 200μM) on day 2 for 48 hours. On day 7, the retinas were cryo-conserved for histological, Western blot and quantitative rt-PCR (qrt-PCR) analyses. NMDA treatment was found to significantly increase retinal ganglion cell (RGC) apoptosis in all the treated groups, without a profound RGC loss. In addition, the intrinsic apoptotic pathway was activated in the 50μM and 100μM NMDA groups, whereas induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression was increased in the 200μM group. A slight microglial response was detectable, especially in the 100μM group. NMDA treatment induced apoptosis, oxidative stress and a slight microglia activation. All these effects mimic a chronic slow progressive disease that especially affects RGCs, such as glaucoma. A particular advantage of this model is that mediators that can interact in the very early stages of the onset of RGC death, can be easily detected and potential therapies can be tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Kuehn
- Experimental Eye Research, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jose Hurst
- University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Adelina Jashari
- Experimental Eye Research, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Kathrin Ahrens
- Experimental Eye Research, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Teresa Tsai
- Experimental Eye Research, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ilan M Wunderlich
- Experimental Eye Research, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - H Burkhard Dick
- Experimental Eye Research, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Stephanie C Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sven Schnichels
- University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tübingen, Germany
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Hurst J, Kuehn S, Jashari A, Tsai T, Bartz-Schmidt KU, Schnichels S, Joachim SC. A novel porcine ex vivo retina culture model for oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂. Altern Lab Anim 2017; 45:11-25. [PMID: 28409994 DOI: 10.1177/026119291704500105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a key player in many ophthalmic diseases. However, the role of oxidative stress in most degenerative processes is not yet known. Therefore, accurate and practical models are required to efficiently screen for therapeutics. Porcine eyes are closely related to the human eye, and can be obtained from the abattoir as a by-product of the food industry. Therefore, they offer excellent opportunities for the development of culture models with which to pre-screen potential therapies, while reducing the use of laboratory animals. To induce oxidative stress, organotypic cultures of porcine retina were treated with different doses of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂; 100, 300 and 500μM) for three hours. On days 3 and 8, the retinas were conserved for histological and Western blotting analyses and for evaluation of gene expression, which determined the number of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the activation state of glial cells, and the expression levels of several oxidative stress markers. H₂O₂ treatment led to a reduction in the number of RGCs and to an increase in apoptotic RGCs. In addition, a dose-dependent increase of microglia and an elevation of CD11b expression was observed. On day 3, a reduction of IL-1β, and an increase of iNOS, as well as of HSP70 mRNA were found. On day 8, an increase in TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA expression was detected. In conclusion, this ex vivo model offers an opportunity to study the molecular mechanisms underlying certain eye disorders and to test new therapeutic approaches to diminish the effects of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Hurst
- University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Centre for Ophthalmology Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sandra Kuehn
- Experimental Eye Research, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Adelina Jashari
- Experimental Eye Research, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Teresa Tsai
- Experimental Eye Research, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Sven Schnichels
- University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Centre for Ophthalmology Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stephanie C Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Hu ZL, Li N, Wei X, Tang L, Wang TH, Chen XM. Neuroprotective effects of BDNF and GDNF in intravitreally transplanted mesenchymal stem cells after optic nerve crush in mice. Int J Ophthalmol 2017; 10:35-42. [PMID: 28149774 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2017.01.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess the neuro-protective effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) following optic nerve crush in mice. METHODS C56BL/6J mice were treated with intravitreal injection of PBS, BMSCs, BDNF-interference BMSCs (BIM), and GDNF-interference BMSCs (GIM) following optic nerve crush, respectively. The number of surviving RGCs was determined by whole-mount retinas and frozen sections, while certain mRNA or protein was detected by q-PCR or ELISA, respectively. RESULTS The density (cell number/mm2) of RGCs was 410.77±56.70 in the retina 21d after optic nerve crush without any treatment, compared to 1351.39±195.97 in the normal control (P<0.05). RGCs in BMSCs treated eyes was 625.07±89.64/mm2, significantly higher than that of no or PBS treatment (P<0.05). While RGCs was even less in the retina with intravitreal injection of BIM (354.07+39.77) and GIM (326.67+33.37) than that without treatment (P<0.05). BMSCs injection improved the internal BDNF expression in retinas. CONCLUSION Optic nerve crush caused rust loss of RGCs and intravitreally transplanted BMSCs at some extent protected RGCs from death. The effect of BMSCs and level of BDNF in retinas are both related to BDNF and GDNF expression in BMSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zong-Li Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ni Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xin Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Li Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ting-Hua Wang
- Institute of Neurological Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
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Schnichels S, Dorfi T, Schultheiss M, Arango-Gonzalez B, Bartz-Schmidt KU, Januschowski K, Spitzer MS, Ziemssen F. Ex-vivo-examination of ultrastructural changes in organotypic retina culture using near-infrared imaging and optical coherence tomography. Exp Eye Res 2016; 147:31-36. [PMID: 27109031 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) dramatically changed the way of diagnostic assessment in retinal diseases during the last years. Using this technique in-vivo in-depth analysis of the retina and its layers is possible. Since animal research is changing by intrinsic and extrinsic pressure to animal-(in-vivo)-free methods, we adapted OCT-measurements to organotypic cultures. An easy to use protocol was generated to assess standardized OCT assessments in organotypic culture. First, two custom-made devices need to be made to change any commercially available OCT for examinations in humans into a device allowing ex-vivo analyses of organotypic culture. The modification is feasible within seconds. After OCT measurement of the ex-vivo tissues, quantitative evaluation of the retinas were performed via ImageJ software. OCT pictures of ex-vivo retinas were obtained for time periods of seven days and the thickness of retinal tissue was evaluated. The reproducibility of the pictures and measurements was very high (SD < 15%). In conclusion, an easy to use protocol for the investigation of different effects on retinal cultures with commercially available OCT devices was successfully established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Schnichels
- Centre of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Schleichstr. 12/1, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Tanja Dorfi
- Centre of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Schleichstr. 12/1, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maximilian Schultheiss
- Centre of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Schleichstr. 12/1, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Blanca Arango-Gonzalez
- Centre of Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Karl-Ulrich Bartz-Schmidt
- Centre of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Schleichstr. 12/1, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kai Januschowski
- Centre of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Schleichstr. 12/1, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany; Eye Clinic Sulzbach-Saar, an der Klinik 10, 66111, Sulzbach-Saar, Germany
| | - Martin S Spitzer
- Centre of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Schleichstr. 12/1, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Focke Ziemssen
- Centre of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Schleichstr. 12/1, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany
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