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She JW, Young CM, Chou SJ, Wu YR, Lin YT, Huang TY, Shen MY, Chen CY, Yang YP, Chien Y, Ayalew H, Liao WH, Tung YC, Shyue JJ, Chiou SH, Yu HH. Gradient conducting polymer surfaces with netrin-1-conjugation promote axon guidance and neuron transmission of human iPSC-derived retinal ganglion cells. Biomaterials 2025; 313:122770. [PMID: 39226653 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122770] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Major advances have been made in utilizing human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) for regenerative medicine. Nevertheless, the delivery and integration of hiPSCs into target tissues remain significant challenges, particularly in the context of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) restoration. In this study, we introduce a promising avenue for providing directional guidance to regenerated cells in the retina. First, we developed a technique for construction of gradient interfaces based on functionalized conductive polymers, which could be applied with various functionalized ehthylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) monomers. Using a tree-shaped channel encapsulated with a thin PDMS and a specially designed electrochemical chamber, gradient flow generation could be converted into a functionalized-PEDOT gradient film by cyclic voltammetry. The characteristics of the successfully fabricated gradient flow and surface were analyzed using fluorescent labels, time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Remarkably, hiPSC-RGCs seeded on PEDOT exhibited improvements in neurite outgrowth, axon guidance and neuronal electrophysiology measurements. These results suggest that our novel gradient PEDOT may be used with hiPSC-based technologies as a potential biomedical engineering scaffold for functional restoration of RGCs in retinal degenerative diseases and optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Wei She
- Smart Organic Materials Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Section 2, Academia Road, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan; Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP), Nano Science & Technology Program, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Section 2, Academia Road, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan; Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Guangfu Road, East District, 300, Hsinchu City, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Mei Young
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 11217, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jie Chou
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 11217, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 11217, Taiwan
| | - You-Ren Wu
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 11217, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Lin
- Smart Organic Materials Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Section 2, Academia Road, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Yang Huang
- Smart Organic Materials Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Section 2, Academia Road, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Mo-Yuan Shen
- Smart Organic Materials Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Section 2, Academia Road, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ying Chen
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 11217, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 11217, Taiwan
| | - Yueh Chien
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 11217, Taiwan
| | - Hailemichael Ayalew
- Smart Organic Materials Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Section 2, Academia Road, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hao Liao
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chung Tung
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Jong Shyue
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hwa Chiou
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 11217, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 11217, Taiwan; Genomic Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan.
| | - Hsiao-Hua Yu
- Smart Organic Materials Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Section 2, Academia Road, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan.
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Lan X, Jiang H, Wang Q, Shiqi Q, Xiong Y. The application of retinal organoids in ophthalmic regenerative medicine: A mini-review. Regen Ther 2024; 26:382-386. [PMID: 39050551 PMCID: PMC11266866 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2024.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinal organoids are three-dimensional (3D) microscopic tissues that are induced and differentiated from stem cells or progenitor cells in vitro and have a highly similar structure to the retina. With the optimization and development of 3D retinal culture system and the improvement of induced differentiation technology, retinal organoids have broad application prospects in retinal development, regenerative medicine, biomaterial evaluation, disease mechanism investigation, and drug screening. In this review we summarize recent development of retinal organoids and their applications in ophthalmic regenerative medicine. In particular, we highlight the promise and challenges in the use of retinal organoids in disease modeling and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Qian Wang
- Ophthalmic Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China
| | - Qin Shiqi
- Ophthalmic Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China
| | - Yu Xiong
- Ophthalmic Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China
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Soucy JR, Kriukov E, Oswald J, Phay M, Masland J, Pernstich C, Baranov P. Sustained neurotrophic factor cotreatment enhances donor and host retinal ganglion cell survival in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.07.583961. [PMID: 38558999 PMCID: PMC10979869 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.07.583961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) lack regenerative capacity in mammals, and their degeneration in glaucoma leads to irreversible blindness. The transplantation of stem cell-derived RGCs lacks clinically relevant effect due to insufficient survival and integration of donor cells. We hypothesize that the retinal microenvironment plays a critical role in this process, and we can engineer a more acceptable setting for transplantation. Since the adult mammalian retina does not have regenerative capacity, we turned to the developing human retina to reconstruct cell-cell interactions at a single-cell level. We established a human fetal retina atlas by integrating currently available single-cell RNA sequencing datasets of human fetal retinas into a unified resource. We align RGC transcriptomes in pseudotime to map RGC developmental fate trajectories against the broader timeline of retinal development. Through this analysis, we identified brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) as key factors in RGC survival, highly expressed during fetal development but significantly reduced in adulthood despite the persistence of their receptors. To demonstrate the practical application of these findings, we show that using a slow-release formulation of BDNF and GDNF enhances RGC differentiation, survival, and function in vitro and improves RGC transplantation outcomes in a mouse model. BNDF/GDNF co-treatment not only increased survival and coverage of donor RGCs within the retina but also showed neuroprotective effects on host RGCs, preserving retinal function in a model of optic neuropathy. Altogether, our findings suggest that manipulating the retinal microenvironment with slow-release neurotrophic factors holds promise in regenerative medicine for treating glaucoma and other optic neuropathies. This approach not only improves donor cell survival and integration but also provides a neuroprotective benefit to host cells, indicating a significant advancement for glaucoma therapies.
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Tręda C, Włodarczyk A, Rieske P. The hope, hype and obstacles surrounding cell therapy. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18359. [PMID: 38770886 PMCID: PMC11107145 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18359] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy offers hope, but it also presents challenges, most particularly the limited ability of human organs and tissues to regenerate. Since many diseases are associated with irreversible pathophysiological or traumatic changes, stem cells and their derivatives are unable to secure healing. Although regenerative medicine offers chances for improvements in many diseases, such as type one diabetes and Parkinson's disease, it cannot eliminate the primary cause of many of them. While successes can be expected for diseases such as sickle cell disease, this is not the case for hereditary diseases with varied mutation types or for ciliopathies, which start in embryogenesis. In this complicated medical environment, synthetic biology offers some solutions, but their implementation will take many years. Still, positive examples such as CAR-T therapy offer hope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cezary Tręda
- Department of Tumor BiologyMedical University of LodzLodzPoland
| | | | - Piotr Rieske
- Department of Tumor BiologyMedical University of LodzLodzPoland
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Luo Z, Chang KC. Cell replacement with stem cell-derived retinal ganglion cells from different protocols. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:807-810. [PMID: 37843215 PMCID: PMC10664109 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.381494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma, characterized by a degenerative loss of retinal ganglion cells, is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. There is currently no cure for vision loss in glaucoma because retinal ganglion cells do not regenerate and are not replaced after injury. Human stem cell-derived retinal ganglion cell transplant is a potential therapeutic strategy for retinal ganglion cell degenerative diseases. In this review, we first discuss a 2D protocol for retinal ganglion cell differentiation from human stem cell culture, including a rapid protocol that can generate retinal ganglion cells in less than two weeks and focus on their transplantation outcomes. Next, we discuss using 3D retinal organoids for retinal ganglion cell transplantation, comparing cell suspensions and clusters. This review provides insight into current knowledge on human stem cell-derived retinal ganglion cell differentiation and transplantation, with an impact on the field of regenerative medicine and especially retinal ganglion cell degenerative diseases such as glaucoma and other optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziming Luo
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Kun-Che Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Center of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Iwanaga R, Yahagi N, Hakeda‐Suzuki S, Suzuki T. Cell adhesion and actin dynamics factors promote axonal extension and synapse formation in transplanted Drosophila photoreceptor cells. Dev Growth Differ 2024; 66:205-218. [PMID: 38403285 PMCID: PMC11457513 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Vision is formed by the transmission of light stimuli to the brain through axons extending from photoreceptor cells. Damage to these axons leads to loss of vision. Despite research on neural circuit regeneration through transplantation, achieving precise axon projection remains challenging. To achieve optic nerve regeneration by transplantation, we employed the Drosophila visual system. We previously established a transplantation method for Drosophila utilizing photoreceptor precursor cells extracted from the eye disc. However, little axonal elongation of transplanted cells into the brain, the lamina, was observed. We verified axonal elongation to the lamina by modifying the selection process for transplanted cells. Moreover, we focused on N-cadherin (Ncad), a cell adhesion factor, and Twinstar (Tsr), which has been shown to promote actin reorganization and induce axon elongation in damaged nerves. Overexpression of Ncad and tsr promoted axon elongation to the lamina, along with presynaptic structure formation in the elongating axons. Furthermore, overexpression of Neurexin-1 (Nrx-1), encoding a protein identified as a synaptic organizer, was found to not only promote presynapse formation but also enhance axon elongation. By introducing Ncad, tsr, and Nrx-1, we not only successfully achieved axonal projection of transplanted cells to the brain beyond the retina, but also confirmed the projection of transplanted cells into a deeper ganglion, the medulla. The present study offers valuable insights to realize regeneration through transplantation in a more complex nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riku Iwanaga
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of TechnologyYokahamaJapan
| | - Nagisa Yahagi
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of TechnologyYokahamaJapan
| | - Satoko Hakeda‐Suzuki
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of TechnologyYokahamaJapan
- Research Initiatives and Promotion OrganizationYokohama National UniversityYokohamaJapan
| | - Takashi Suzuki
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of TechnologyYokahamaJapan
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Li G, Luo Y. Enriching new transplantable RGC-like cells from retinal organoids for RGC replacement therapy. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 700:149509. [PMID: 38306929 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149509] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Optic neuropathies, such as glaucoma, are due to progressive retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) degeneration, result in irreversible vision loss. The promising RGCs replacement therapy for restoring vision are impeded by insufficient RGC-like cells sources. The present work was enriched one new type RGC-like cells using two surface markers CD184 and CD171 from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) by FACS sorting firstly. These new kind cells have well proliferation ability and possessed passage tolerance in vitro 2D or 3D spheroids culture, which kept expressing Pax6, Brn3b and βIII-Tubulin and so on. The transplanted CD184+CD171+ RGC-like cells could survive and integrate into the normal and optic nerve crush (ONC) mice retina, especially they were more inclined to across the optic nerve head and extend to the damaged optic nerve. These data support the feasible application for cell replacement therapy in RGC degenerative diseases, as well as help to develop new commercial cells sorting reagents and establish good manufacturing practice (GMP) grade RGC-like donor cells for further clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Yuanting Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
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Ciociola EC, Fernandez E, Kaufmann M, Klifto MR. Future directions of glaucoma treatment: emerging gene, neuroprotection, nanomedicine, stem cell, and vascular therapies. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2024; 35:89-96. [PMID: 37910173 DOI: 10.1097/icu.0000000000001016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this article is to summarize current research on novel gene, stem cell, neuroprotective, nanomedicine, and vascular therapies for glaucoma. RECENT FINDINGS Gene therapy using viral vectors and siRNA have been shown to reduce intraocular pressure by altering outflow and production of aqueous humor, to reduce postsurgical fibrosis with few adverse effects, and to increase retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival in animal studies. Stem cells may treat glaucoma by replacing or stimulating proliferation of trabecular meshwork cells, thus restoring outflow facility. Stem cells can also serve a neuroprotective effect by differentiating into RGCs or preventing RGC loss via secretion of growth factors. Other developing neuroprotective glaucoma treatments which can prevent RGC death include nicotinamide, the NT-501 implant which secretes ciliary neurotrophic factor, and a Fas-L inhibitor which are now being tested in clinical trials. Recent studies on vascular therapy for glaucoma have focused on the ability of Rho Kinase inhibitors and dronabinol to increase ocular blood flow. SUMMARY Many novel stem cell, gene, neuroprotective, nanomedicine, and vascular therapies have shown promise in preclinical studies, but further clinical trials are needed to demonstrate safety and efficacy in human glaucomatous eyes. Although likely many years off, future glaucoma therapy may take a multifaceted approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Meredith R Klifto
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Esposito EP, Han IC, Johnson TV. Gene and cell-based therapies for retinal and optic nerve disease. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2024; 205:243-262. [PMID: 39341657 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-90120-8.00016-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Leading causes of blindness worldwide include neurodegenerative diseases of the retina, which cause irreversible loss of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors, and optic neuropathies, which result in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. Because photoreceptor and RGCs do not spontaneously regenerate in mammals, including humans, vision loss from these conditions is, at present, permanent. Recent advances in gene and cell-based therapies have provided new hope to patients affected by these conditions. This chapter reviews the current state and future of these approaches to treating ocular neurodegenerative disease. Gene therapies for retinal degeneration and optic neuropathies primarily focus on correcting known pathogenic mutations that cause inherited conditions to halt progression. There are multiple retinal and optic neuropathy gene therapies in clinical trials, and one retinal gene therapy is approved in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. Cell-based therapies are mutation agnostic and have the potential to repopulate neurons regardless of the underlying etiology of degeneration. While photoreceptor cell replacement is nearing a human clinical trial, RPE transplantation is currently in phase I/II clinical trials. RGC replacement faces numerous logistical challenges, but preclinical research has laid the foundation for functional repair of optic neuropathies to be feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward P Esposito
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ian C Han
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Thomas V Johnson
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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Johnson TV, Baranov P, Di Polo A, Fortune B, Gokoffski KK, Goldberg JL, Guido W, Kolodkin AL, Mason CA, Ou Y, Reh TA, Ross AG, Samuels BC, Zack DJ. The Retinal Ganglion Cell Repopulation, Stem Cell Transplantation, and Optic Nerve Regeneration Consortium. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2023; 3:100390. [PMID: 38025164 PMCID: PMC10630665 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2023.100390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The Retinal Ganglion Cell (RGC) Repopulation, Stem Cell Transplantation, and Optic Nerve Regeneration (RReSTORe) consortium was founded in 2021 to help address the numerous scientific and clinical obstacles that impede development of vision-restorative treatments for patients with optic neuropathies. The goals of the RReSTORe consortium are: (1) to define and prioritize the most critical challenges and questions related to RGC regeneration; (2) to brainstorm innovative tools and experimental approaches to meet these challenges; and (3) to foster opportunities for collaborative scientific research among diverse investigators. Design and Participants The RReSTORe consortium currently includes > 220 members spanning all career stages worldwide and is directed by an organizing committee comprised of 15 leading scientists and physician-scientists of diverse backgrounds. Methods Herein, we describe the structure and organization of the RReSTORe consortium, its activities to date, and the perceived impact that the consortium has had on the field based on a survey of participants. Results In addition to helping propel the field of regenerative medicine as applied to optic neuropathies, the RReSTORe consortium serves as a framework for developing large collaborative groups aimed at tackling audacious goals that may be expanded beyond ophthalmology and vision science. Conclusions The development of innovative interventions capable of restoring vision for patients suffering from optic neuropathy would be transformative for the ophthalmology field, and may set the stage for functional restoration in other central nervous system disorders. By coordinating large-scale, international collaborations among scientists with diverse and complementary expertise, we are confident that the RReSTORe consortium will help to accelerate the field toward clinical translation. Financial Disclosures Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas V. Johnson
- Wilmer Eye Institute and Cellular & Molecular Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Petr Baranov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Maryland
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada, Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Brad Fortune
- Discoveries in Sight Research Laboratories, Devers Eye Institute and Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Health, Portland, Oregon
| | | | - Jeffrey L. Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - William Guido
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Alex L. Kolodkin
- Solomon H Snyder Department of Neuroscience and Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Carol A. Mason
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, and Department of Ophthalmology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Yvonne Ou
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Thomas A. Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Ahmara G. Ross
- Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Brian C. Samuels
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Donald J. Zack
- Departments of Ophthalmology (Wilmer Eye Institute), Neuroscience, Molecular Biology and Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Do JL, Pedroarena-Leal N, Louie M, Avila Garcia P, Alnihmy A, Patel A, Weinreb RN, Wahlin KJ, La Torre Vila A, Welsbie DS. Mechanical Disruption of the Inner Limiting Membrane In Vivo Enhances Targeting to the Inner Retina. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:25. [PMID: 38117244 PMCID: PMC10741092 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.15.25] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the effects of mechanical disruption of the inner limiting membrane (ILM) on the ability to target interventions to the inner neurosensory retina in a rodent model. Our study used an animal model to gain insight into the normal physiology of the ILM and advances our understanding of the effects of mechanical ILM removal on the viral transduction of retinal ganglion cells and retinal ganglion cell transplantation. Methods The ILM in the in vivo rat eye was disrupted using mechanical forces applied to the vitreoretinal interface. Immunohistology and electron microscopy were used to verify the removal of the ILM in retina flatmounts and sections. To assess the degree to which ILM disruption enhanced transvitreal access to the retina, in vivo studies involving intravitreal injections of adeno-associated virus (AAV) to transduce retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and ex vivo studies involving co-culture of human stem cell-derived RGCs (hRGCs) on retinal explants were performed. RGC transduction efficiency and transplanted hRGC integration with retinal explants were evaluated by immunohistology of the retinas. Results Mechanical disruption of the ILM in the rodent eye was sufficient to remove the ILM from targeted retinal areas while preserving the underlying retinal nerve fiber layer and RGCs. Removal of the ILM enhanced the transduction efficiency of intravitreally delivered AAV threefold (1380.0 ± 290.1 vs. 442.0 ± 249.3 cells/mm2; N = 6; P = 0.034). Removal of the ILM was also sufficient to promote integration of transplanted RGCs within the inner retina. Conclusions The ILM is a barrier to transvitreally delivered agents including viral vectors and cells. Mechanical removal of the ILM is sufficient to enhance access to the inner retina, improve viral transduction efficiencies of RGCs, and enhance cellular integration of transplanted RGCs with the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiun L. Do
- Gleiberman Center for Glaucoma Research, Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Nicole Pedroarena-Leal
- Gleiberman Center for Glaucoma Research, Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Mikaela Louie
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, California, United States
| | - Paula Avila Garcia
- Gleiberman Center for Glaucoma Research, Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Adam Alnihmy
- Gleiberman Center for Glaucoma Research, Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Amit Patel
- Gleiberman Center for Glaucoma Research, Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Robert N. Weinreb
- Gleiberman Center for Glaucoma Research, Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Karl J. Wahlin
- Gleiberman Center for Glaucoma Research, Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Anna La Torre Vila
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, California, United States
| | - Derek S. Welsbie
- Gleiberman Center for Glaucoma Research, Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
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12
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Zhang KY, Nagalingam A, Mary S, Aguzzi EA, Li W, Chetla N, Smith B, Paulaitis ME, Edwards MM, Quigley HA, Zack DJ, Johnson TV. Rare intercellular material transfer as a confound to interpreting inner retinal neuronal transplantation following internal limiting membrane disruption. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:2203-2221. [PMID: 37802075 PMCID: PMC10679651 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Intercellular cytoplasmic material transfer (MT) occurs between transplanted and developing photoreceptors and ambiguates cell origin identification in developmental, transdifferentiation, and transplantation experiments. Whether MT is a photoreceptor-specific phenomenon is unclear. Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) replacement, through transdifferentiation or transplantation, holds potential for restoring vision in optic neuropathies. During careful assessment for MT following human stem cell-derived RGC transplantation into mice, we identified RGC xenografts occasionally giving rise to labeling of donor-derived cytoplasmic, nuclear, and mitochondrial proteins within recipient Müller glia. Critically, nuclear organization is distinct between human and murine retinal neurons, which enables unequivocal discrimination of donor from host cells. MT was greatly facilitated by internal limiting membrane disruption, which also augments retinal engraftment following transplantation. Our findings demonstrate that retinal MT is not unique to photoreceptors and challenge the isolated use of species-specific immunofluorescent markers for xenotransplant identification. Assessment for MT is critical when analyzing neuronal replacement interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Y Zhang
- Glaucoma Center for Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Arumugam Nagalingam
- Glaucoma Center for Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stella Mary
- Glaucoma Center for Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Erika A Aguzzi
- Glaucoma Center for Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Weifeng Li
- Glaucoma Center for Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nitin Chetla
- Glaucoma Center for Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Barbara Smith
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael E Paulaitis
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Malia M Edwards
- Glaucoma Center for Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Harry A Quigley
- Glaucoma Center for Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Donald J Zack
- Glaucoma Center for Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology and Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas V Johnson
- Glaucoma Center for Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Cellular and Molecular Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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13
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Soucy JR, Todd L, Kriukov E, Phay M, Malechka VV, Rivera JD, Reh TA, Baranov P. Controlling donor and newborn neuron migration and maturation in the eye through microenvironment engineering. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2302089120. [PMID: 37931105 PMCID: PMC10655587 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2302089120] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ongoing cell therapy trials have demonstrated the need for precision control of donor cell behavior within the recipient tissue. We present a methodology to guide stem cell-derived and endogenously regenerated neurons by engineering the microenvironment. Being an "approachable part of the brain," the eye provides a unique opportunity to study neuron fate and function within the central nervous system. Here, we focused on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs)-the neurons in the retina are irreversibly lost in glaucoma and other optic neuropathies but can potentially be replaced through transplantation or reprogramming. One of the significant barriers to successful RGC integration into the existing mature retinal circuitry is cell migration toward their natural position in the retina. Our in silico analysis of the single-cell transcriptome of the developing human retina identified six receptor-ligand candidates, which were tested in functional in vitro assays for their ability to guide human stem cell-derived RGCs. We used our lead molecule, SDF1, to engineer an artificial gradient in the retina, which led to a 2.7-fold increase in donor RGC migration into the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and a 3.3-fold increase in the displacement of newborn RGCs out of the inner nuclear layer. Only donor RGCs that migrated into the GCL were found to express mature RGC markers, indicating the importance of proper structure integration. Together, these results describe an "in silico-in vitro-in vivo" framework for identifying, selecting, and applying soluble ligands to control donor cell function after transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R. Soucy
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
| | - Levi Todd
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Emil Kriukov
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
| | - Monichan Phay
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
| | - Volha V. Malechka
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
| | - John Dayron Rivera
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
| | - Thomas A. Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Petr Baranov
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
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14
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Armstrong L, Lako M. Editorial: Methods and advances in induced pluripotent stem cells-ophthalmology. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1298956. [PMID: 37908641 PMCID: PMC10614015 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1298956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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15
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Zhao WJ, Fan CL, Hu XM, Ban XX, Wan H, He Y, Zhang Q, Xiong K. Regulated Cell Death of Retinal Ganglion Cells in Glaucoma: Molecular Insights and Therapeutic Potentials. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:3161-3178. [PMID: 37338781 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01373-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a group of diseases characterized by the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and progressive, irreversible vision loss. High intraocular pressure (IOP) heightens the likelihood of glaucoma and correlates with RGC loss. While the current glaucoma therapy prioritizes lower the IOP; however, RGC, and visual loss may persist even when the IOP is well-controlled. As such, discovering and creating IOP-independent neuroprotective strategies for safeguard RGCs is crucial for glaucoma management. Investigating and clarifying the mechanism behind RGC death to counteract its effects is a promising direction for glaucoma control. Empirical studies of glaucoma reveal the role of multiple regulated cell death (RCD) pathways in RGC death. This review delineates the RCD of RGCs following IOP elevation and optic nerve damage and discusses the substantial benefits of mitigating RCD in RGCs in preserving visual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Juan Zhao
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Hunan Province, No. 172, Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha City, 410013, China
| | - Chun-Ling Fan
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Hunan Province, No. 172, Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha City, 410013, China
| | - Xi-Min Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Province, No. 172, Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha City, 410013, China
| | - Xiao-Xia Ban
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Hunan Province, No. 172, Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha City, 410013, China
| | - Hao Wan
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Hunan Province, No. 172, Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha City, 410013, China
| | - Ye He
- Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Hunan Province, No. 188, Furong Road, Furong District, Changsha City, 410015, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Hunan Province, No. 172, Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha City, 410013, China.
- Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China.
| | - Kun Xiong
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Hunan Province, No. 172, Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha City, 410013, China.
- Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, 410013, China.
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16
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Soucy JR, Aguzzi EA, Cho J, Gilhooley MJ, Keuthan C, Luo Z, Monavarfeshani A, Saleem MA, Wang XW, Wohlschlegel J, Baranov P, Di Polo A, Fortune B, Gokoffski KK, Goldberg JL, Guido W, Kolodkin AL, Mason CA, Ou Y, Reh TA, Ross AG, Samuels BC, Welsbie D, Zack DJ, Johnson TV. Retinal ganglion cell repopulation for vision restoration in optic neuropathy: a roadmap from the RReSTORe Consortium. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:64. [PMID: 37735444 PMCID: PMC10514988 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00655-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death in glaucoma and other optic neuropathies results in irreversible vision loss due to the mammalian central nervous system's limited regenerative capacity. RGC repopulation is a promising therapeutic approach to reverse vision loss from optic neuropathies if the newly introduced neurons can reestablish functional retinal and thalamic circuits. In theory, RGCs might be repopulated through the transplantation of stem cell-derived neurons or via the induction of endogenous transdifferentiation. The RGC Repopulation, Stem Cell Transplantation, and Optic Nerve Regeneration (RReSTORe) Consortium was established to address the challenges associated with the therapeutic repair of the visual pathway in optic neuropathy. In 2022, the RReSTORe Consortium initiated ongoing international collaborative discussions to advance the RGC repopulation field and has identified five critical areas of focus: (1) RGC development and differentiation, (2) Transplantation methods and models, (3) RGC survival, maturation, and host interactions, (4) Inner retinal wiring, and (5) Eye-to-brain connectivity. Here, we discuss the most pertinent questions and challenges that exist on the path to clinical translation and suggest experimental directions to propel this work going forward. Using these five subtopic discussion groups (SDGs) as a framework, we suggest multidisciplinary approaches to restore the diseased visual pathway by leveraging groundbreaking insights from developmental neuroscience, stem cell biology, molecular biology, optical imaging, animal models of optic neuropathy, immunology & immunotolerance, neuropathology & neuroprotection, materials science & biomedical engineering, and regenerative neuroscience. While significant hurdles remain, the RReSTORe Consortium's efforts provide a comprehensive roadmap for advancing the RGC repopulation field and hold potential for transformative progress in restoring vision in patients suffering from optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Soucy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass. Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erika A Aguzzi
- The Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, England, UK
| | - Julie Cho
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Michael James Gilhooley
- The Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, England, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Casey Keuthan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ziming Luo
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Aboozar Monavarfeshani
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Meher A Saleem
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Health System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Xue-Wei Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Petr Baranov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass. Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Brad Fortune
- Discoveries in Sight Research Laboratories, Devers Eye Institute and Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Health, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kimberly K Gokoffski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - William Guido
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Alex L Kolodkin
- The Solomon H Snyder, Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carol A Mason
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Ophthalmology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yvonne Ou
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ahmara G Ross
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brian C Samuels
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Callahan Eye Hospital, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Derek Welsbie
- Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Donald J Zack
- Glaucoma Center of Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21287 MD, USA
- Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology & Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas V Johnson
- Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology & Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21287 MD, USA.
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17
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Patel SH, Lamba DA. Factors Affecting Stem Cell-Based Regenerative Approaches in Retinal Degeneration. Annu Rev Vis Sci 2023; 9:155-175. [PMID: 37713278 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-vision-120222-012817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Inherited and age-associated vision loss is often associated with degeneration of the cells of the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. The mammalian retina, being a postmitotic neural tissue, does not have the capacity to repair itself through endogenous regeneration. There has been considerable excitement for the development of cell replacement approaches since the isolation and development of culture methods for human pluripotent stem cells, as well as the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells. This has now been combined with novel three-dimensional organoid culture systems that closely mimic human retinal development in vitro. In this review, we cover the current state of the field, with emphasis on the cell delivery challenges, role of the recipient immunological microenvironment, and challenges related to connectivity between transplanted cells and host circuitry both locally and centrally to the different areas of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin H Patel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA;
| | - Deepak A Lamba
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA;
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine & Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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18
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Subramani M, Van Hook MJ, Ahmad I. Reproducible generation of human retinal ganglion cells from banked retinal progenitor cells: analysis of target recognition and IGF-1-mediated axon regeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1214104. [PMID: 37519299 PMCID: PMC10373790 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1214104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The selective degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is a common feature in glaucoma, a complex group of diseases, leading to irreversible vision loss. Stem cell-based glaucoma disease modeling, cell replacement, and axon regeneration are viable approaches to understand mechanisms underlying glaucomatous degeneration for neuroprotection, ex vivo stem cell therapy, and therapeutic regeneration. These approaches require direct and facile generation of human RGCs (hRGCs) from pluripotent stem cells. Here, we demonstrate a method for rapid generation of hRGCs from banked human pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal progenitor cells (hRPCs) by recapitulating the developmental mechanism. The resulting hRGCs are stable, functional, and transplantable and have the potential for target recognition, demonstrating their suitability for both ex vivo stem cell approaches to glaucomatous degeneration and disease modeling. Additionally, we demonstrate that hRGCs derived from banked hRPCs are capable of regenerating their axons through an evolutionarily conserved mechanism involving insulin-like growth factor 1 and the mTOR axis, demonstrating their potential to identify and characterize the underlying mechanism(s) that can be targeted for therapeutic regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Iqbal Ahmad
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
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19
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Kang J, Gong J, Yang C, Lin X, Yan L, Gong Y, Xu H. Application of Human Stem Cell Derived Retinal Organoids in the Exploration of the Mechanisms of Early Retinal Development. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023:10.1007/s12015-023-10553-x. [PMID: 37269529 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10553-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The intricate neural circuit of retina extracts salient features of the natural world and forms bioelectric impulse as the origin of vision. The early development of retina is a highly complex and coordinated process in morphogenesis and neurogenesis. Increasing evidence indicates that stem cells derived human retinal organoids (hROs) in vitro faithfully recapitulates the embryonic developmental process of human retina no matter in the transcriptome, cellular biology and histomorphology. The emergence of hROs greatly deepens on the understanding of early development of human retina. Here, we reviewed the events of early retinal development both in animal embryos and hROs studies, which mainly comprises the formation of optic vesicle and optic cup shape, differentiation of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), photoreceptor cells (PRs) and its supportive retinal pigment epithelium cells (RPE). We also discussed the classic and frontier molecular pathways up to date to decipher the underlying mechanisms of early development of human retina and hROs. Finally, we summarized the application prospect, challenges and cutting-edge techniques of hROs for uncovering the principles and mechanisms of retinal development and related developmental disorder. hROs is a priori selection for studying human retinal development and function and may be a fundamental tool for unlocking the unknown insight into retinal development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Kang
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jing Gong
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Cao Yang
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xi Lin
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Lijuan Yan
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yu Gong
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Sciences Research Center, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Haiwei Xu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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20
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Johnson TV, Calkins DJ, Fortune B, Goldberg JL, La Torre A, Lamba DA, Meyer JS, Reh TA, Wallace VA, Zack DJ, Baranov P. The importance of unambiguous cell origin determination in neuronal repopulation studies. iScience 2023; 26:106361. [PMID: 37009209 PMCID: PMC10060674 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal repopulation achieved through transplantation or transdifferentiation from endogenous sources holds tremendous potential for restoring function in chronic neurodegenerative disease or acute injury. Key to the evaluation of neuronal engraftment is the definitive discrimination of new or donor neurons from preexisting cells within the host tissue. Recent work has identified mechanisms by which genetically encoded donor cell reporters can be transferred to host neurons through intercellular material transfer. In addition, labeling transplanted and endogenously transdifferentiated neurons through viral vector transduction can yield misexpression in host cells in some circumstances. These issues can confound the tracking and evaluation of repopulated neurons in regenerative experimental paradigms. Using the retina as an example, we discuss common reasons for artifactual labeling of endogenous host neurons with donor cell reporters and suggest strategies to prevent erroneous conclusions based on misidentification of cell origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas V. Johnson
- Glaucoma Center of Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David J. Calkins
- The Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Brad Fortune
- Discoveries in Sight Research Laboratories, Devers Eye Institute and Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Healthy, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Anna La Torre
- Department of Cell Biology & Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Deepak A. Lamba
- Department of Ophthalmology and The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jason S. Meyer
- Departments of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Ophthalmology (Glick Eye Institute), Pharmacology & Toxicology, and Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Thomas A. Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Valerie A. Wallace
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Departments of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, and Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Donald J. Zack
- Glaucoma Center of Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology & Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Petr Baranov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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21
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Cheng L, Kuehn MH. Human Retinal Organoids in Therapeutic Discovery: A Review of Applications. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 281:157-187. [PMID: 37608005 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_691] [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] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs)- and induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)-derived retinal organoids (ROs) are three-dimensional laminar structures that recapitulate the developmental trajectory of the human retina. The ROs provide a fascinating tool for basic science research, eye disease modeling, treatment development, and biobanking for tissue/cell replacement. Here we review the previous studies that paved the way for RO technology, the two most widely accepted, standardized protocols to generate ROs, and the utilization of ROs in medical discovery. This review is conducted from the perspective of basic science research, transplantation for regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and therapeutic development for drug screening and gene therapy. ROs have opened avenues for new technologies such as assembloids, coculture with other organoids, vasculature or immune cells, microfluidic devices (organ-on-chip), extracellular vesicles for drug delivery, biomaterial engineering, advanced imaging techniques, and artificial intelligence (AI). Nevertheless, some shortcomings of ROs currently limit their translation for medical applications and pose a challenge for future research. Despite these limitations, ROs are a powerful tool for functional studies and therapeutic strategies for retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA.
- Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Markus H Kuehn
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
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22
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Kong AW, Ou Y. The Catcher in the Eye: Stem Cells as a Therapeutic for Glaucoma. Ophthalmol Glaucoma 2023; 6:1-3. [PMID: 35988004 PMCID: PMC10467448 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogla.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alan W Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, California
| | - Yvonne Ou
- Department of Ophthalmology, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, California.
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23
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Luo Z, Chang KC, Wu S, Sun C, Xia X, Nahmou M, Bian M, Wen RR, Zhu Y, Shah S, Tanasa B, Wernig M, Goldberg JL. Directly induced human retinal ganglion cells mimic fetal RGCs and are neuroprotective after transplantation in vivo. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:2690-2703. [PMID: 36368332 PMCID: PMC9768574 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) replacement therapy could restore vision in glaucoma and other optic neuropathies. We developed a rapid protocol for directly induced RGC (iRGC) differentiation from human stem cells, leveraging overexpression of NGN2. Neuronal morphology and neurite growth were observed within 1 week of induction; characteristic RGC-specific gene expression confirmed identity. Calcium imaging demonstrated γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-induced excitation characteristic of immature RGCs. Single-cell RNA sequencing showed more similarities between iRGCs and early-stage fetal human RGCs than retinal organoid-derived RGCs. Intravitreally transplanted iRGCs survived and migrated into host retinas independent of prior optic nerve trauma, but iRGCs protected host RGCs from neurodegeneration. These data demonstrate rapid iRGC generation in vitro into an immature cell with high similarity to human fetal RGCs and capacity for retinal integration after transplantation and neuroprotective function after optic nerve injury. The simplicity of this system may benefit translational studies on human RGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziming Luo
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Kun-Che Chang
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA,Department of Ophthalmology and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA,Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Suqian Wu
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Catalina Sun
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Xin Xia
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Michael Nahmou
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Minjuan Bian
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Rain R. Wen
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Ying Zhu
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Sahil Shah
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Bogdan Tanasa
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Marius Wernig
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA,Corresponding author
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Transplanted human induced pluripotent stem cells- derived retinal ganglion cells embed within mouse retinas and are electrophysiologically functional. iScience 2022; 25:105308. [DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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25
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Xuejiao Y, Junwei Y. New strategies for neuro protection in glaucoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:983195. [PMID: 36187483 PMCID: PMC9520966 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.983195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a progressive, irreversible loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and axons that results in characteristic optic atrophy and corresponding progressive visual field defect. The exact mechanisms underlying glaucomatous neuron loss are not clear. The main risk factor for glaucoma onset and development is high intraocular pressure (IOP), however traditional IOP-lowering therapies are often not sufficient to prevent degeneration of RGCs and the vision loss may progress, indicating the need for complementary neuroprotective therapy. This review summarizes the progress for neuro protection in glaucoma in recent 5 years, including modulation of neuroinflammation, gene and cell therapy, dietary supplementation, and sustained-release system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xuejiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Yang Xuejiao,
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26
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Johnson TV, Polo AD, Sahel JA, Schuman JS. Neuroprotection, Neuroenhancement, and Neuroregeneration of the Retina and Optic Nerve. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2022; 2:100216. [PMID: 36245765 PMCID: PMC9559091 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2022.100216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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27
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Pendse S, Vaidya A, Kale V. Clinical applications of pluripotent stem cells and their derivatives: current status and future perspectives. Regen Med 2022; 17:677-690. [PMID: 35703035 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2022-0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) can differentiate into specific cell types and thus hold great promise in regenerative medicine to treat certain diseases. Hence, several studies have been performed harnessing their salutary properties in regenerative medicine. Despite several challenges associated with the clinical applications of PSCs, worldwide efforts are harnessing their potential in the regeneration of damaged tissues. Several clinical trials have been performed using PSCs or their derivatives. However, the delay in publishing the data obtained in the trials has led to a lack of awareness about their outcomes, resulting in apprehension about cellular therapies. Here, the authors review the published papers containing data from recent clinical trials done with PSCs. PSC-derived extracellular vesicles hold great potential in regenerative therapy. Since published papers containing the data obtained in clinical trials on PSC-derived extracellular vesicles are not available yet, the authors have reviewed some of the pre-clinical work done with them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalmali Pendse
- Symbiosis Centre for Stem Cell Research, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, 412115, India.,Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, 412115, India
| | - Anuradha Vaidya
- Symbiosis Centre for Stem Cell Research, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, 412115, India.,Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, 412115, India
| | - Vaijayanti Kale
- Symbiosis Centre for Stem Cell Research, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, 412115, India.,Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, 412115, India
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Zhang J, Wu S, Jin ZB, Wang N. Stem Cell-Based Regeneration and Restoration for Retinal Ganglion Cell: Recent Advancements and Current Challenges. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11070987. [PMID: 34356611 PMCID: PMC8301853 DOI: 10.3390/biom11070987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a group of irreversible blinding eye diseases characterized by the progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. Currently, there is no effective method to fundamentally resolve the issue of RGC degeneration. Recent advances have revealed that visual function recovery could be achieved with stem cell-based therapy by replacing damaged RGCs with cell transplantation, providing nutritional factors for damaged RGCs, and supplying healthy mitochondria and other cellular components to exert neuroprotective effects and mediate transdifferentiation of autologous retinal stem cells to accomplish endogenous regeneration of RGC. This article reviews the recent research progress in the above-mentioned fields, including the breakthroughs in the fields of in vivo transdifferentiation of retinal endogenous stem cells and reversal of the RGC aging phenotype, and discusses the obstacles in the clinical translation of the stem cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxue Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing 100730, China; (J.Z.); (S.W.)
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Shen Wu
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing 100730, China; (J.Z.); (S.W.)
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Zi-Bing Jin
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing 100730, China; (J.Z.); (S.W.)
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-B.J.); (N.W.)
| | - Ningli Wang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing 100730, China; (J.Z.); (S.W.)
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-B.J.); (N.W.)
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Retinal Ganglion Cell Transplantation: Approaches for Overcoming Challenges to Functional Integration. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061426. [PMID: 34200991 PMCID: PMC8228580 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As part of the central nervous system, mammalian retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) lack significant regenerative capacity. Glaucoma causes progressive and irreversible vision loss by damaging RGCs and their axons, which compose the optic nerve. To functionally restore vision, lost RGCs must be replaced. Despite tremendous advancements in experimental models of optic neuropathy that have elucidated pathways to induce endogenous RGC neuroprotection and axon regeneration, obstacles to achieving functional visual recovery through exogenous RGC transplantation remain. Key challenges include poor graft survival, low donor neuron localization to the host retina, and inadequate dendritogenesis and synaptogenesis with afferent amacrine and bipolar cells. In this review, we summarize the current state of experimental RGC transplantation, and we propose a set of standard approaches to quantifying and reporting experimental outcomes in order to guide a collective effort to advance the field toward functional RGC replacement and optic nerve regeneration.
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