1
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Shayler DWH, Stachelek K, Cambier L, Lee S, Bai J, Reid MW, Weisenberger DJ, Bhat B, Aparicio JG, Kim Y, Singh M, Bay M, Thornton ME, Doyle EK, Fouladian Z, Erberich SG, Grubbs BH, Bonaguidi MA, Craft CM, Singh HP, Cobrinik D. Single cell transcriptomics reveals early photoreceptor states, cell-specific transcript isoforms, and cancer-predisposing features. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.02.28.530247. [PMID: 38915659 PMCID: PMC11195049 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.28.530247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Human cone photoreceptors differ from rods and serve as the retinoblastoma cell-of-origin. Here, we used deep full-length single-cell RNA-sequencing to distinguish post-mitotic cone and rod developmental states and cone-specific features that contribute to retinoblastomagenesis. The analyses revealed early post-mitotic cone- and rod-directed populations characterized by higher THRB or NRL regulon activities, an immature photoreceptor precursor population with concurrent cone and rod gene and regulon expression, and distinct early and late cone and rod maturation states distinguished by maturation-associated declines in RAX regulon activity. Unexpectedly, both L/M cone and rod precursors co-expressed NRL and THRB RNAs, yet they differentially expressed functionally antagonistic NRL isoforms and prematurely terminated THRB transcripts. Early L/M cone precursors exhibited successive expression of lncRNAs along with MYCN , which composed the seventh most L/M-cone-specific regulon, and SYK , which contributed to the early cone precursors' proliferative response to RB1 loss. These findings reveal previously unrecognized photoreceptor precursor states and a role for early cone-precursor-intrinsic SYK expression in retinoblastoma initiation.
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2
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Summers BS, Thomas Broome S, Pang TWR, Mundell HD, Koh Belic N, Tom NC, Ng ML, Yap M, Sen MK, Sedaghat S, Weible MW, Castorina A, Lim CK, Lovelace MD, Brew BJ. A Review of the Evidence for Tryptophan and the Kynurenine Pathway as a Regulator of Stem Cell Niches in Health and Disease. Int J Tryptophan Res 2024; 17:11786469241248287. [PMID: 38757094 PMCID: PMC11097742 DOI: 10.1177/11786469241248287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Stem cells are ubiquitously found in various tissues and organs in the body, and underpin the body's ability to repair itself following injury or disease initiation, though repair can sometimes be compromised. Understanding how stem cells are produced, and functional signaling systems between different niches is critical to understanding the potential use of stem cells in regenerative medicine. In this context, this review considers kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolism in multipotent adult progenitor cells, embryonic, haematopoietic, neural, cancer, cardiac and induced pluripotent stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells, and mesenchymal stromal cells. The KP is the major enzymatic pathway for sequentially catabolising the essential amino acid tryptophan (TRP), resulting in key metabolites including kynurenine, kynurenic acid, and quinolinic acid (QUIN). QUIN metabolism transitions into the adjoining de novo pathway for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) production, a critical cofactor in many fundamental cellular biochemical pathways. How stem cells uptake and utilise TRP varies between different species and stem cell types, because of their expression of transporters and responses to inflammatory cytokines. Several KP metabolites are physiologically active, with either beneficial or detrimental outcomes, and evidence of this is presented relating to several stem cell types, which is important as they may exert a significant impact on surrounding differentiated cells, particularly if they metabolise or secrete metabolites differently. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in mesenchymal stromal cells, for instance, highly upregulates rate-limiting enzyme indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO-1), initiating TRP depletion and production of metabolites including kynurenine/kynurenic acid, known agonists of the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) transcription factor. AhR transcriptionally regulates an immunosuppressive phenotype, making them attractive for regenerative therapy. We also draw attention to important gaps in knowledge for future studies, which will underpin future application for stem cell-based cellular therapies or optimising drugs which can modulate the KP in innate stem cell populations, for disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Sebastian Summers
- Applied Neurosciences Program, Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit, St. Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah Thomas Broome
- Faculty of Science, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Hamish D Mundell
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, New South Wales Brain Tissue Resource Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Naomi Koh Belic
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicole C Tom
- Formerly of the Department of Physiology, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mei Li Ng
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Maylin Yap
- Formerly of the Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Monokesh K Sen
- Applied Neurosciences Program, Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit, St. Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sara Sedaghat
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michael W Weible
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alessandro Castorina
- Faculty of Science, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chai K Lim
- Faculty of Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael D Lovelace
- Applied Neurosciences Program, Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit, St. Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bruce J Brew
- Applied Neurosciences Program, Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit, St. Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Departments of Neurology and Immunology, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- University of Notre Dame, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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3
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Dorgau B, Collin J, Rozanska A, Boczonadi V, Moya-Molina M, Unsworth A, Hussain R, Coxhead J, Dhanaseelan T, Armstrong L, Queen R, Lako M. Deciphering the spatiotemporal transcriptional and chromatin accessibility of human retinal organoid development at the single-cell level. iScience 2024; 27:109397. [PMID: 38510120 PMCID: PMC10952046 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109397] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Molecular information on the early stages of human retinal development remains scarce due to limitations in obtaining early human eye samples. Pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal organoids (ROs) provide an unprecedented opportunity for studying early retinogenesis. Using a combination of single cell RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics we present for the first-time a single cell spatiotemporal transcriptome of RO development. Our data demonstrate that ROs recapitulate key events of retinogenesis including optic vesicle/cup formation, presence of a putative ciliary margin zone, emergence of retinal progenitor cells and their orderly differentiation to retinal neurons. Combining the scRNA- with scATAC-seq data, we were able to reveal cell-type specific transcription factor binding motifs on accessible chromatin at each stage of organoid development, and to show that chromatin accessibility is highly correlated to the developing human retina, but with some differences in the temporal emergence and abundance of some of the retinal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birthe Dorgau
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Joseph Collin
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Agata Rozanska
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Veronika Boczonadi
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Marina Moya-Molina
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
- Newcells Biotech, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5BX, UK
| | - Adrienne Unsworth
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Rafiqul Hussain
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Jonathan Coxhead
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Tamil Dhanaseelan
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Lyle Armstrong
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Rachel Queen
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
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4
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Bai Y, He H, Ren B, Ren J, Zou T, Chen X, Liu Y. Sstr2 Defines the Cone Differentiation-Competent Late-Stage Retinal Progenitor Cells in the Developing Mouse Retina. Stem Cells Transl Med 2024; 13:83-99. [PMID: 37935630 PMCID: PMC10785222 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szad073] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cone cell death is a characteristic shared by various retinal degenerative disorders, such as cone-rod dystrophy, Stargardt disease, achromatopsia, and retinitis pigmentosa. This leads to conditions like color blindness and permanently impaired visual acuity. Stem cell therapy focused on photoreceptor replacement holds promise for addressing these conditions. However, identifying surface markers that aid in enriching retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) capable of differentiating into cones remains a complex task. In this study, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing to scrutinize the transcriptome of developing retinas in C57BL/6J mice. This revealed the distinctive expression of somatostatin receptor 2 (Sstr2), a surface protein, in late-stage RPCs exhibiting the potential for photoreceptor differentiation. In vivo lineage tracing experiments verified that Sstr2+ cells within the late embryonic retina gave rise to cones, amacrine and horizontal cells during the developmental process. Furthermore, Sstr2+ cells that were isolated from the late embryonic mouse retina displayed RPC markers and exhibited the capability to differentiate into cones in vitro. Upon subretinal transplantation into both wild-type and retinal degeneration 10 (rd10) mice, Sstr2+ cells survived and expressed cone-specific markers. This study underscores the ability of Sstr2 to enrich late-stage RPCs primed for cone differentiation to a large extent. It proposes the utility of Sstr2 as a biomarker for RPCs capable of generating cones for transplantation purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Bai
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Han He
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bangqi Ren
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiayun Ren
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting Zou
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Liu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, China
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5
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Bai J, Koos DS, Stepanian K, Fouladian Z, Shayler DWH, Aparicio JG, Fraser SE, Moats RA, Cobrinik D. Episodic live imaging of cone photoreceptor maturation in GNAT2-EGFP retinal organoids. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm050193. [PMID: 37902188 PMCID: PMC10690052 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050193] [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] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluorescent reporter pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal organoids are powerful tools to investigate cell type-specific development and disease phenotypes. When combined with live imaging, they enable direct and repeated observation of cell behaviors within a developing retinal tissue. Here, we generated a human cone photoreceptor reporter line by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing of WTC11-mTagRFPT-LMNB1 human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by inserting enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) coding sequences and a 2A self-cleaving peptide at the N-terminus of guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunit alpha transducin 2 (GNAT2). In retinal organoids generated from these iPSCs, the GNAT2-EGFP alleles robustly and exclusively labeled immature and mature cones. Episodic confocal live imaging of hydrogel immobilized retinal organoids allowed tracking of the morphological maturation of individual cones for >18 weeks and revealed inner segment accumulation of mitochondria and growth at 12.2 μm3 per day from day 126 to day 153. Immobilized GNAT2-EGFP cone reporter organoids provide a valuable tool for investigating human cone development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlun Bai
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Development, Stem Cell, and Regenerative Medicine Program, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - David S. Koos
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Translational Biomedical Imaging Laboratory, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Kayla Stepanian
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Zachary Fouladian
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Development, Stem Cell, and Regenerative Medicine Program, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Dominic W. H. Shayler
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Development, Stem Cell, and Regenerative Medicine Program, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Jennifer G. Aparicio
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Scott E. Fraser
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Translational Biomedical Imaging Laboratory, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Translational Imaging Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Rex A. Moats
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Translational Biomedical Imaging Laboratory, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - David Cobrinik
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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6
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Carido M, Völkner M, Steinheuer LM, Wagner F, Kurth T, Dumler N, Ulusoy S, Wieneke S, Norniella AV, Golfieri C, Khattak S, Schönfelder B, Scamozzi M, Zoschke K, Canzler S, Hackermüller J, Ader M, Karl MO. Reliability of human retina organoid generation from hiPSC-derived neuroepithelial cysts. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1166641. [PMID: 37868194 PMCID: PMC10587494 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1166641] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The possible applications for human retinal organoids (HROs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) rely on the robustness and transferability of the methodology for their generation. Standardized strategies and parameters to effectively assess, compare, and optimize organoid protocols are starting to be established, but are not yet complete. To advance this, we explored the efficiency and reliability of a differentiation method, called CYST protocol, that facilitates retina generation by forming neuroepithelial cysts from hiPSC clusters. Here, we tested seven different hiPSC lines which reproducibly generated HROs. Histological and ultrastructural analyses indicate that HRO differentiation and maturation are regulated. The different hiPSC lines appeared to be a larger source of variance than experimental rounds. Although previous reports have shown that HROs in several other protocols contain a rather low number of cones, HROs from the CYST protocol are consistently richer in cones and with a comparable ratio of cones, rods, and Müller glia. To provide further insight into HRO cell composition, we studied single cell RNA sequencing data and applied CaSTLe, a transfer learning approach. Additionally, we devised a potential strategy to systematically evaluate different organoid protocols side-by-side through parallel differentiation from the same hiPSC batches: In an explorative study, the CYST protocol was compared to a conceptually different protocol based on the formation of cell aggregates from single hiPSCs. Comparing four hiPSC lines showed that both protocols reproduced key characteristics of retinal epithelial structure and cell composition, but the CYST protocol provided a higher HRO yield. So far, our data suggest that CYST-derived HROs remained stable up to at least day 200, while single hiPSC-derived HROs showed spontaneous pathologic changes by day 200. Overall, our data provide insights into the efficiency, reproducibility, and stability of the CYST protocol for generating HROs, which will be useful for further optimizing organoid systems, as well as for basic and translational research applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madalena Carido
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Manuela Völkner
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lisa Maria Steinheuer
- Department Computational Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Computer Science, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Felix Wagner
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Kurth
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technology Platform, Core Facility Electron Microscopy and Histology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Natalie Dumler
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Selen Ulusoy
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stephanie Wieneke
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Cristina Golfieri
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Shahryar Khattak
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Stem Cell Engineering Facility, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Bruno Schönfelder
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Maria Scamozzi
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Katja Zoschke
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sebastian Canzler
- Department Computational Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jörg Hackermüller
- Department Computational Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Computer Science, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marius Ader
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mike O Karl
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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7
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Kelley RA, Wu Z. Utilization of the retinal organoid model to evaluate the feasibility of genetic strategies to ameliorate retinal disease(s). Vision Res 2023; 210:108269. [PMID: 37295270 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2023.108269] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Organoid models have quickly become a popular research tool to evaluate novel therapeutics on 3-D recapitulated tissue. This has enabled researchers to use physiologically relevant human tissue in vitro to augment the standard use of immortalized cells and animal models. Organoids can also provide a model when an engineered animal cannot recreate a specific disease phenotype. In particular, the retinal research field has taken advantage of this burgeoning technology to provide insight into inherited retinal disease(s) mechanisms and therapeutic intervention to ameliorate their effects. In this review we will discuss the use of both wild-type and patient-specific retinal organoids to further gene therapy research that could potentially prevent retinal disease(s) progression. Furthermore, we will discuss the pitfalls of current retinal organoid technology and present potential solutions that could overcome these hurdles in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A Kelley
- PTC Therapeutics, 100 Corporate Ct #2400, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, USA.
| | - Zhijian Wu
- PTC Therapeutics, 100 Corporate Ct #2400, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, USA
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8
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Vöcking O, Famulski JK. Single cell transcriptome analyses of the developing zebrafish eye- perspectives and applications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1213382. [PMID: 37457291 PMCID: PMC10346855 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1213382] [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: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Within a relatively short period of time, single cell transcriptome analyses (SCT) have become increasingly ubiquitous with transcriptomic research, uncovering plentiful details that boost our molecular understanding of various biological processes. Stemming from SCT analyses, the ever-growing number of newly assigned genetic markers increases our understanding of general function and development, while providing opportunities for identifying genes associated with disease. SCT analyses have been carried out using tissue from numerous organisms. However, despite the great potential of zebrafish as a model organism, other models are still preferably used. In this mini review, we focus on eye research as an example of the advantages in using zebrafish, particularly its usefulness for single cell transcriptome analyses of developmental processes. As studies have already shown, the unique opportunities offered by zebrafish, including similarities to the human eye, in combination with the possibility to analyze and extract specific cells at distinct developmental time points makes the model a uniquely powerful one. Particularly the practicality of collecting large numbers of embryos and therefore isolation of sufficient numbers of developing cells is a distinct advantage compared to other model organisms. Lastly, the advent of highly efficient genetic knockouts methods offers opportunities to characterize target gene function in a more cost-efficient way. In conclusion, we argue that the use of zebrafish for SCT approaches has great potential to further deepen our molecular understanding of not only eye development, but also many other organ systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jakub K. Famulski
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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9
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Bai J, Koos DS, Stepanian K, Fouladian Z, Shayler DWH, Aparicio JG, Fraser SE, Moats RA, Cobrinik D. Episodic live imaging of cone photoreceptor maturation in GNAT2-EGFP retinal organoids. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.28.530518. [PMID: 36909527 PMCID: PMC10002746 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.28.530518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent reporter pluripotent stem cell (PSC) derived retinal organoids are powerful tools to investigate cell type-specific development and disease phenotypes. When combined with live imaging, they enable direct and repeated observation of cell behaviors within a developing retinal tissue. Here, we generated a human cone photoreceptor reporter line by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing of WTC11-mTagRFPT-LMNB1 human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by inserting enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) coding sequences and a 2A self-cleaving peptide at the N-terminus of Guanine Nucleotide-Binding Protein Subunit Alpha Transducin 2 (GNAT2). In retinal organoids generated from these iPSCs, the GNAT2-EGFP allele robustly and exclusively labeled both immature and mature cones starting at culture day 34. Episodic confocal live imaging of hydrogel immobilized retinal organoids allowed tracking of morphological maturation of individual cones for >18 weeks and revealed inner segment accumulation of mitochondria and growth at 12.2 cubic microns per day from day 126 to day 153. Immobilized GNAT2-EGFP cone reporter organoids provide a valuable tool for investigating human cone development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlun Bai
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Development, Stem Cell, and Regenerative Medicine Program, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David S. Koos
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Translational Biomedical Imaging Laboratory, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kayla Stepanian
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zachary Fouladian
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Development, Stem Cell, and Regenerative Medicine Program, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dominic W. H. Shayler
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Development, Stem Cell, and Regenerative Medicine Program, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer G. Aparicio
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Scott E. Fraser
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Translational Biomedical Imaging Laboratory, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Translational Imaging Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rex A. Moats
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Translational Biomedical Imaging Laboratory, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David Cobrinik
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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10
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Photoreceptor Cell Replacement Using Pluripotent Stem Cells: Current Knowledge and Remaining Questions. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2023; 13:cshperspect.a041309. [PMID: 36617642 PMCID: PMC9899646 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Retinal degeneration is an increasing global burden without cure for the majority of patients. Once retinal cells have degenerated, vision is permanently lost. Different strategies have been developed in recent years to prevent retinal degeneration or to restore sight (e.g., gene therapy, cell therapy, and electronic implants). Herein, we present current treatment strategies with a focus on cell therapy for photoreceptor replacement using human pluripotent stem cells. We will describe the state of the art and discuss obstacles and limitations observed in preclinical animal models as well as future directions to improve graft integration and functionality.
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11
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Ng L, Liu H, Liu Y, Forrest D. Biphasic expression of thyroid hormone receptor TRβ1 in mammalian retina and anterior ocular tissues. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1174600. [PMID: 37033230 PMCID: PMC10076699 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1174600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The retina is increasingly recognized as a target of thyroid hormone. We previously reported critical functions for thyroid hormone receptor TRβ2, encoded by Thrb, in cones, the photoreceptors that mediate color vision. TRβ1, another Thrb receptor isoform, is widely expressed in other tissues but little studied in the retina. Here, we investigate these N-terminal isoforms by RNA-sequencing analysis and reveal a striking biphasic profile for TRβ1 in mouse and human retina. In contrast to the early TRβ2 peak, TRβ1 peaks later during retinal maturation or later differentiation of human retinal organoids. This switch in receptor expression profiles was confirmed using lacZ reporter mice. TRβ1 localized in cones, amacrine cells and ganglion cells in contrast to the restricted expression of TRβ2 in cones. Intriguingly, TRβ1 was also detected in the retinal pigmented epithelium and in anterior structures in the ciliary margin zone, ciliary body and iris, suggesting novel functions in non-retinal eye tissues. Although TRβ1 was detected in cones, TRβ1-knockout mice displayed only minor changes in opsin photopigment expression and normal electroretinogram responses. Our results suggest that strikingly different temporal and cell-specific controls over TRβ1 and TRβ2 expression may underlie thyroid hormone actions in a range of ocular cell types. The TRβ1 expression pattern suggests novel functions in retinal and non-neural ocular tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Ng
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Laboratory of Endocrinology and Receptor Biology, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Hong Liu
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Laboratory of Endocrinology and Receptor Biology, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Ye Liu
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Laboratory of Endocrinology and Receptor Biology, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Douglas Forrest
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Laboratory of Endocrinology and Receptor Biology, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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12
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Karamali F, Behtaj S, Babaei-Abraki S, Hadady H, Atefi A, Savoj S, Soroushzadeh S, Najafian S, Nasr Esfahani MH, Klassen H. Potential therapeutic strategies for photoreceptor degeneration: the path to restore vision. J Transl Med 2022; 20:572. [PMID: 36476500 PMCID: PMC9727916 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03738-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptors (PRs), as the most abundant and light-sensing cells of the neuroretina, are responsible for converting light into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. PR degeneration, including morphological and functional impairment of these cells, causes significant diminution of the retina's ability to detect light, with consequent loss of vision. Recent findings in ocular regenerative medicine have opened promising avenues to apply neuroprotective therapy, gene therapy, cell replacement therapy, and visual prostheses to the challenge of restoring vision. However, successful visual restoration in the clinical setting requires application of these therapeutic approaches at the appropriate stage of the retinal degeneration. In this review, firstly, we discuss the mechanisms of PR degeneration by focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying cell death. Subsequently, innovations, recent developments, and promising treatments based on the stage of disorder progression are further explored. Then, the challenges to be addressed before implementation of these therapies in clinical practice are considered. Finally, potential solutions to overcome the current limitations of this growing research area are suggested. Overall, the majority of current treatment modalities are still at an early stage of development and require extensive additional studies, both pre-clinical and clinical, before full restoration of visual function in PR degeneration diseases can be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Karamali
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sanaz Behtaj
- grid.1022.10000 0004 0437 5432Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia ,grid.1022.10000 0004 0437 5432Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4222 Australia
| | - Shahnaz Babaei-Abraki
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hanieh Hadady
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Atefeh Atefi
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Soraya Savoj
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sareh Soroushzadeh
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Samaneh Najafian
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr Esfahani
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Henry Klassen
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Irvine, CA USA
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13
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Berber P, Bondarenko S, Michaelis L, Weber BHF. Transient Retention of Photoreceptor Outer Segments in Matrigel-Embedded Retinal Organoids. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314893. [PMID: 36499228 PMCID: PMC9739155 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal organoids (ROs) are three-dimensional retinal tissues, which are differentiated in vitro from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), ultimately forming all main retinal cell types under defined culture conditions. ROs show several highly specialized retinal features, including the outgrowth of photoreceptor outer segments (OSs). In vivo, the photoreceptor OSs are enveloped and maintained by protrusions of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, the so-called apical microvilli, while ROs fail to recapitulate this critical interaction in culture development. Here, we define specific co-culture conditions aiming to compensate for the missing physical proximity of RPE and OSs in RO development. Accordingly, functional RPE cells and ROs were differentiated simultaneously from the same iPSC clone, the former resulting in byproduct RPE or bRPE cells. While some co-culture approaches indicated a temporary functional interaction between bRPE and RO photoreceptors, they did not improve the photoreceptor histoarchitecture. In contrast, embedding ROs in a basement membrane extract without bRPE cells showed a robust improvement in the rate of photoreceptor OS retention. RO embedding is a quick and easy method that greatly enhances the preservation of photoreceptor OSs, an important structure for modelling retinal diseases with the involvement of photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Berber
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sofiia Bondarenko
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Michaelis
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Heinrich Friedrich Weber
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Human Genetics, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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14
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Arthur P, Muok L, Nathani A, Zeng EZ, Sun L, Li Y, Singh M. Bioengineering Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Organoids and Optic Vesicle-Containing Brain Organoids for Ocular Diseases. Cells 2022; 11:3429. [PMID: 36359825 PMCID: PMC9653705 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal organoids are three-dimensional (3D) structures derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) that mimic the retina's spatial and temporal differentiation, making them useful as in vitro retinal development models. Retinal organoids can be assembled with brain organoids, the 3D self-assembled aggregates derived from hPSCs containing different cell types and cytoarchitectures that resemble the human embryonic brain. Recent studies have shown the development of optic cups in brain organoids. The cellular components of a developing optic vesicle-containing organoids include primitive corneal epithelial and lens-like cells, retinal pigment epithelia, retinal progenitor cells, axon-like projections, and electrically active neuronal networks. The importance of retinal organoids in ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, Stargardt disease, retinitis pigmentosa, and diabetic retinopathy are described in this review. This review highlights current developments in retinal organoid techniques, and their applications in ocular conditions such as disease modeling, gene therapy, drug screening and development. In addition, recent advancements in utilizing extracellular vesicles secreted by retinal organoids for ocular disease treatments are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy Arthur
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | - Laureana Muok
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Aakash Nathani
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | - Eric Z. Zeng
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Mandip Singh
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
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15
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Jones MK, Agarwal D, Mazo KW, Chopra M, Jurlina SL, Dash N, Xu Q, Ogata AR, Chow M, Hill AD, Kambli NK, Xu G, Sasik R, Birmingham A, Fisch KM, Weinreb RN, Enke RA, Skowronska-Krawczyk D, Wahlin KJ. Chromatin Accessibility and Transcriptional Differences in Human Stem Cell-Derived Early-Stage Retinal Organoids. Cells 2022; 11:3412. [PMID: 36359808 PMCID: PMC9657268 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinogenesis involves the specification of retinal cell types during early vertebrate development. While model organisms have been critical for determining the role of dynamic chromatin and cell-type specific transcriptional networks during this process, an enhanced understanding of the developing human retina has been more elusive due to the requirement for human fetal tissue. Pluripotent stem cell (PSC) derived retinal organoids offer an experimentally accessible solution for investigating the developing human retina. To investigate cellular and molecular changes in developing early retinal organoids, we developed SIX6-GFP and VSX2-tdTomato (or VSX2-h2b-mRuby3) dual fluorescent reporters. When differentiated as 3D organoids these expressed GFP at day 15 and tdTomato (or mRuby3) at day 25, respectively. This enabled us to explore transcriptional and chromatin related changes using RNA-seq and ATAC-seq from pluripotency through early retina specification. Pathway analysis of developing organoids revealed a stepwise loss of pluripotency, while optic vesicle and retina pathways became progressively more prevalent. Correlating gene transcription with chromatin accessibility in early eye field development showed that retinal cells underwent a clear change in chromatin landscape, as well as gene expression profiles. While each dataset alone provided valuable information, considering both in parallel provided an informative glimpse into the molecular nature eye development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa K. Jones
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Devansh Agarwal
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kevin W. Mazo
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Manan Chopra
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Shawna L. Jurlina
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nicholas Dash
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Qianlan Xu
- Center for Translational Vision Research, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Anna R. Ogata
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Melissa Chow
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alex D. Hill
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Netra K. Kambli
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Biotechnology, California State University Channel Islands, Camarillo, CA 93012, USA
| | - Guorong Xu
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Roman Sasik
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Amanda Birmingham
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Fisch
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Robert N. Weinreb
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ray A. Enke
- Department of Biology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA
| | | | - Karl J. Wahlin
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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16
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HBEGF-TNF induce a complex outer retinal pathology with photoreceptor cell extrusion in human organoids. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6183. [PMID: 36261438 PMCID: PMC9581928 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33848-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human organoids could facilitate research of complex and currently incurable neuropathologies, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which causes blindness. Here, we establish a human retinal organoid system reproducing several parameters of the human retina, including some within the macula, to model a complex combination of photoreceptor and glial pathologies. We show that combined application of TNF and HBEGF, factors associated with neuropathologies, is sufficient to induce photoreceptor degeneration, glial pathologies, dyslamination, and scar formation: These develop simultaneously and progressively as one complex phenotype. Histologic, transcriptome, live-imaging, and mechanistic studies reveal a previously unknown pathomechanism: Photoreceptor neurodegeneration via cell extrusion. This could be relevant for aging, AMD, and some inherited diseases. Pharmacological inhibitors of the mechanosensor PIEZO1, MAPK, and actomyosin each avert pathogenesis; a PIEZO1 activator induces photoreceptor extrusion. Our model offers mechanistic insights, hypotheses for neuropathologies, and it could be used to develop therapies to prevent vision loss or to regenerate the retina in patients suffering from AMD and other diseases.
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17
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Bachu VS, Kandoi S, Park KU, Kaufman ML, Schwanke M, Lamba DA, Brzezinski JA. An enhancer located in a Pde6c intron drives transient expression in the cone photoreceptors of developing mouse and human retinas. Dev Biol 2022; 488:131-150. [PMID: 35644251 PMCID: PMC10676565 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.05.012] [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: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
How cone photoreceptors are formed during retinal development is only partially known. This is in part because we do not fully understand the gene regulatory network responsible for cone genesis. We reasoned that cis-regulatory elements (enhancers) active in nascent cones would be regulated by the same upstream network that controls cone formation. To dissect this network, we searched for enhancers active in developing cones. By electroporating enhancer-driven fluorescent reporter plasmids, we observed that a sequence within an intron of the cone-specific Pde6c gene acted as an enhancer in developing mouse cones. Similar fluorescent reporter plasmids were used to generate stable transgenic human induced pluripotent stem cells that were then grown into three-dimensional human retinal organoids. These organoids contained fluorescently labeled cones, demonstrating that the Pde6c enhancer was also active in human cones. We observed that enhancer activity was transient and labeled a minor population of developing rod photoreceptors in both mouse and human systems. This cone-enriched pattern argues that the Pde6c enhancer is activated in cells poised between rod and cone fates. Additionally, it suggests that the Pde6c enhancer is activated by the same regulatory network that selects or stabilizes cone fate choice. To further understand this regulatory network, we identified essential enhancer sequence regions through a series of mutagenesis experiments. This suggested that the Pde6c enhancer was regulated by transcription factor binding at five or more locations. Binding site predictions implicated transcription factor families known to control photoreceptor formation and families not previously associated with cone development. These results provide a framework for deciphering the gene regulatory network that controls cone genesis in both human and mouse systems. Our new transgenic human stem cell lines provide a tool for determining which cone developmental mechanisms are shared and distinct between mice and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vismaya S Bachu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sangeetha Kandoi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ko Uoon Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Michael L Kaufman
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Michael Schwanke
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Deepak A Lamba
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joseph A Brzezinski
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
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18
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Self-Organization of the Retina during Eye Development, Retinal Regeneration In Vivo, and in Retinal 3D Organoids In Vitro. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061458. [PMID: 35740479 PMCID: PMC9221005 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-organization is a process that ensures histogenesis of the eye retina. This highly intricate phenomenon is not sufficiently studied due to its biological complexity and genetic heterogeneity. The review aims to summarize the existing central theories and ideas for a better understanding of retinal self-organization, as well as to address various practical problems of retinal biomedicine. The phenomenon of self-organization is discussed in the spatiotemporal context and illustrated by key findings during vertebrate retina development in vivo and retinal regeneration in amphibians in situ. Described also are histotypic 3D structures obtained from the disaggregated retinal progenitor cells of birds and retinal 3D organoids derived from the mouse and human pluripotent stem cells. The review highlights integral parts of retinal development in these conditions. On the cellular level, these include competence, differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, cooperative movements, and migration. On the physical level, the focus is on the mechanical properties of cell- and cell layer-derived forces and on the molecular level on factors responsible for gene regulation, such as transcription factors, signaling molecules, and epigenetic changes. Finally, the self-organization phenomenon is discussed as a basis for the production of retinal organoids, a promising model for a wide range of basic scientific and medical applications.
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19
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Mao P, Shen Y, Xu X, Zhong J. Comprehensive Analysis of the Immune Cell Infiltration Landscape and Immune-Related Methylation in Retinoblastoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:864473. [PMID: 35664300 PMCID: PMC9157546 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.864473] [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: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoblastoma is a common pediatric intraocular cancer, originating from cone precursors. The development of immunotherapies can help eradicate the tumor without vision loss, which would largely improve the quality of life of patients with retinoblastoma. Investigation of the tumor immune microenvironment provides knowledge for developing novel immunotherapies in cancer. However, the immune cell infiltrative landscape of retinoblastoma is unknown. Here, we compared the relative expression of immune gene signatures among 59 patients with retinoblastoma. The patients were divided into two subgroups according to the 28 types of immune cell infiltration (ICI) scores. We found that a subgroup with high ICI scores had increased expression levels of late cone markers, while the other subgroup exhibited larger tumor size and metastasis propensity. Furthermore, hypermethylated genes in the high-ICI subgroup were associated with immune regulation in the tumor microenvironment, suggesting that DNA methylation may play a vital regulatory role in retinoblastoma immunity. Our study provides a comprehensive framework for the systemic analysis of the influences of epigenetic events on the tumor immune microenvironment. We anticipate that our assay can not only provide insights into tumor immune regulation but also open up the perspectives for the identification of novel immunotherapy targets for retinoblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyao Mao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinchen Shen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xun Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiawei Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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20
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Guan Y, Wang Y, Zheng D, Xie B, Xu P, Gao G, Zhong X. Generation of an RCVRN-eGFP Reporter hiPSC Line by CRISPR/Cas9 to Monitor Photoreceptor Cell Development and Facilitate the Cell Enrichment for Transplantation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:870441. [PMID: 35573687 PMCID: PMC9096726 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.870441] [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: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell-based cell therapies are considered to be promising treatments for retinal disorders with dysfunction or death of photoreceptors. However, the enrichment of human photoreceptors suitable for transplantation has been highly challenging so far. This study aimed to generate a photoreceptor-specific reporter human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) line using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, which harbored an enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) sequence at the endogenous locus of the pan photoreceptor marker recoverin (RCVRN). After confirmation of successful targeting and gene stability, three-dimensional retinal organoids were induced from this reporter line. The RCVRN-eGFP reporter faithfully replicated endogenous protein expression of recoverin and revealed the developmental characteristics of photoreceptors during retinal differentiation. The RCVRN-eGFP specifically and steadily labeled photoreceptor cells from photoreceptor precursors to mature rods and cones. Additionally, abundant eGFP-positive photoreceptors were enriched by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and their transcriptome signatures were revealed by RNA sequencing and data analysis. Moreover, potential clusters of differentiation (CD) biomarkers were extracted for the enrichment of photoreceptors for clinical applications, such as CD133 for the positive selection of photoreceptors. Altogether, the RCVRN-eGFP reporter hiPSC line was successfully established and the first global expression database of recoverin-positive photoreceptors was constructed. These achievements will provide a powerful tool for dynamically monitoring photoreceptor cell development and purification of human photoreceptors, thus facilitating photoreceptor cell therapy for advanced retinal disorders.
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21
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Gasparini SJ, Tessmer K, Reh M, Wieneke S, Carido M, Völkner M, Borsch O, Swiersy A, Zuzic M, Goureau O, Kurth T, Busskamp V, Zeck G, Karl MO, Ader M. Transplanted human cones incorporate and function in a murine cone degeneration model. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:154619. [PMID: 35482419 PMCID: PMC9197520 DOI: 10.1172/jci154619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Once human photoreceptors die, they do not regenerate, thus, photoreceptor transplantation has emerged as a potential treatment approach for blinding diseases. Improvements in transplant organization, donor cell maturation, and synaptic connectivity to the host will be critical in advancing this technology for use in clinical practice. Unlike the unstructured grafts of prior cell-suspension transplantations into end-stage degeneration models, we describe the extensive incorporation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) retinal organoid–derived human photoreceptors into mice with cone dysfunction. This incorporative phenotype was validated in both cone-only as well as pan-photoreceptor transplantations. Rather than forming a glial barrier, Müller cells extended throughout the graft, even forming a series of adherens junctions between mouse and human cells, reminiscent of an outer limiting membrane. Donor-host interaction appeared to promote polarization as well as the development of morphological features critical for light detection, namely the formation of inner and well-stacked outer segments oriented toward the retinal pigment epithelium. Putative synapse formation and graft function were evident at both structural and electrophysiological levels. Overall, these results show that human photoreceptors interacted readily with a partially degenerated retina. Moreover, incorporation into the host retina appeared to be beneficial to graft maturation, polarization, and function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen Tessmer
- Ader Lab, Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Miriam Reh
- Department of Neurophysics, NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Stephanie Wieneke
- Karl Lab, Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Madalena Carido
- Ader Lab, Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Manuela Völkner
- Karl Lab, Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Oliver Borsch
- Ader Lab, Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anka Swiersy
- Busskamp Lab, Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marta Zuzic
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Olivier Goureau
- Institut de la Vision, INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Kurth
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Volker Busskamp
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Günther Zeck
- Department of Neurophysics, NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Mike O Karl
- Karl Lab, Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marius Ader
- Ader Lab, Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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22
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Nazlamova L, Cassidy EJ, Sowden JC, Lotery A, Lakowski J. Generation of a Cone Photoreceptor-specific GNGT2 Reporter Line in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Stem Cells 2022; 40:190-203. [PMID: 35293574 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxab015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescent reporter lines generated in human pluripotent stem cells are a highly useful tool to track, isolate, and analyze cell types and lineages in live cultures. Here, we generate the first human cone photoreceptor reporter cell line by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing of a human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line to tag both alleles of the Guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunit gamma-T2 (GNGT2) gene with a mCherry reporter cassette. Three-dimensional optic vesicle-like structures were produced to verify reporter fidelity and track cones throughout their development in culture. The GNGT2-T2A-mCherry hESC line faithfully and robustly labels GNGT2-expressing cones throughout the entirety of their differentiation in vitro, recapitulating normal fetal expression of this gene. Our observations indicate that human cones undergo significant migratory activity during the course of differentiation in vitro. Consistent with this, our analysis of human fetal retinae from different stages of development finds positional differences of the cone population depending on their state of maturation. This novel reporter line will provide a useful tool for investigating human cone development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliya Nazlamova
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Emma-Jane Cassidy
- Wessex Regional Genetics Laboratory, Salisbury District Hospital, Salisbury, UK
| | - Jane C Sowden
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Andrew Lotery
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jörn Lakowski
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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23
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Saha A, Capowski E, Fernandez Zepeda MA, Nelson EC, Gamm DM, Sinha R. Cone photoreceptors in human stem cell-derived retinal organoids demonstrate intrinsic light responses that mimic those of primate fovea. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:460-471.e3. [PMID: 35104442 PMCID: PMC9093561 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
High-definition vision in humans and nonhuman primates is initiated by cone photoreceptors located within a specialized region of the retina called the fovea. Foveal cone death is the ultimate cause of central blindness in numerous retinal dystrophies, including macular degenerative diseases. 3D retinal organoids (ROs) derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) hold tremendous promise to model and treat such diseases. To achieve this goal, RO cones should elicit robust and intrinsic light-evoked electrical responses (i.e., phototransduction) akin to adult foveal cones, which has not yet been demonstrated. Here, we show strong, graded, repetitive, and wavelength-specific light-evoked responses from RO cones. The photoresponses and membrane physiology of a significant fraction of these lab-generated cones are comparable with those of intact ex vivo primate fovea. These results greatly increase confidence in ROs as potential sources of functional human cones for cell replacement therapies, drug testing, and in vitro models of retinal dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aindrila Saha
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Cellular and Molecular Biology Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | | | - Emma C Nelson
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David M Gamm
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Cellular and Molecular Biology Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Raunak Sinha
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Cellular and Molecular Biology Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
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24
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Özgümüs T, Sulaieva O, Jain R, Artner I, Lyssenko V. Starvation to Glucose Reprograms Development of Neurovascular Unit in Embryonic Retinal Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:726852. [PMID: 34869314 PMCID: PMC8636675 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.726852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Perinatal exposure to starvation is a risk factor for development of severe retinopathy in adult patients with diabetes. However, the underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. In the present study, we shed light on molecular consequences of exposure to short-time glucose starvation on the transcriptome profile of mouse embryonic retinal cells. We found a profound downregulation of genes regulating development of retinal neurons, which was accompanied by reduced expression of genes encoding for glycolytic enzymes and glutamatergic signaling. At the same time, glial and vascular markers were upregulated, mimicking the diabetes-associated increase of angiogenesis—a hallmark of pathogenic features in diabetic retinopathy. Energy deprivation as a consequence of starvation to glucose seems to be compensated by upregulation of genes involved in fatty acid elongation. Results from the present study demonstrate that short-term glucose deprivation during early fetal life differentially alters expression of metabolism- and function-related genes and could have detrimental and lasting effects on gene expression in the retinal neurons, glial cells, and vascular elements and thus potentially disrupting gene regulatory networks essential for the formation of the retinal neurovascular unit. Abnormal developmental programming during retinogenesis may serve as a trigger of reactive gliosis, accelerated neurodegeneration, and increased vascularization, which may promote development of severe retinopathy in patients with diabetes later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Türküler Özgümüs
- Department of Clinical Science, Center for Diabetes Research, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Ruchi Jain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Isabella Artner
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Valeriya Lyssenko
- Department of Clinical Science, Center for Diabetes Research, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
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25
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Afanasyeva TAV, Corral-Serrano JC, Garanto A, Roepman R, Cheetham ME, Collin RWJ. A look into retinal organoids: methods, analytical techniques, and applications. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:6505-6532. [PMID: 34420069 PMCID: PMC8558279 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03917-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) cause progressive loss of light-sensitive photoreceptors in the eye and can lead to blindness. Gene-based therapies for IRDs have shown remarkable progress in the past decade, but the vast majority of forms remain untreatable. In the era of personalised medicine, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) emerge as a valuable system for cell replacement and to model IRD because they retain the specific patient genome and can differentiate into any adult cell type. Three-dimensional (3D) iPSCs-derived retina-like tissue called retinal organoid contains all major retina-specific cell types: amacrine, bipolar, horizontal, retinal ganglion cells, Müller glia, as well as rod and cone photoreceptors. Here, we describe the main applications of retinal organoids and provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-art analysis methods that apply to this model system. Finally, we will discuss the outlook for improvements that would bring the cellular model a step closer to become an established system in research and treatment development of IRDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess A V Afanasyeva
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Alejandro Garanto
- Department of Pediatrics, Amalia Children's Hospital and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald Roepman
- Department of Human Genetics and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Michael E Cheetham
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.
| | - Rob W J Collin
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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26
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Retinal Organoid Technology: Where Are We Now? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910244. [PMID: 34638582 PMCID: PMC8549701 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
It is difficult to regenerate mammalian retinal cells once the adult retina is damaged, and current clinical approaches to retinal damages are very limited. The introduction of the retinal organoid technique empowers researchers to study the molecular mechanisms controlling retinal development, explore the pathogenesis of retinal diseases, develop novel treatment options, and pursue cell/tissue transplantation under a certain genetic background. Here, we revisit the historical background of retinal organoid technology, categorize current methods of organoid induction, and outline the obstacles and potential solutions to next-generation retinal organoids. Meanwhile, we recapitulate recent research progress in cell/tissue transplantation to treat retinal diseases, and discuss the pros and cons of transplanting single-cell suspension versus retinal organoid sheet for cell therapies.
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27
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Adherent but Not Suspension-Cultured Embryoid Bodies Develop into Laminated Retinal Organoids. J Dev Biol 2021; 9:jdb9030038. [PMID: 34564087 PMCID: PMC8482155 DOI: 10.3390/jdb9030038] [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: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are differentiated into three-dimensional (3D) retinal organoids to study retinogenesis and diseases that would otherwise be impossible. The complexity and low yield in current protocols remain a technical challenge, particularly for inexperienced personnel. Differentiation protocols require labor-intensive and time-consuming dissection of optic vesicles (OVs). Here we compare this method with a suspension method of developing retinal organoids. iPSCs were differentiated with standard protocols but the suspension-grown method omitted the re-plating of embryoid bodies and dissection of OVs. All other media and treatments were identical between developmental methods. Developmental maturation was evaluated with RT-qPCR and immunocytochemistry. Dissection- and suspension-derived retinal organoids displayed temporal biogenesis of retinal cell types. Differences in retinal organoids generated by the two methods of differentiation included temporal developmental and the organization of neural retina layers. Retinal organoids grown in suspension showed delayed development and disorganized retinal layers compared to the dissected retinal organoids. We found that omitting the re-plating of EBs to form OVs resulted in numerous OVs that were easy to identify and matured along a retinal lineage. While more efficient, the suspension method led to retinal organoids with disorganized retinal layers compared to those obtained using conventional dissection protocols.
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28
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Regulatory Mechanisms of Retinal Photoreceptors Development at Single Cell Resolution. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168357. [PMID: 34445064 PMCID: PMC8395061 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptors are critical components of the retina and play a role in the first step of the conversion of light to electric signals. With the discovery of the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, which regulate non-image-forming visual processes, our knowledge of the photosensitive cell family in the retina has deepened. Photoreceptor development is regulated by specific genes and proteins and involves a series of molecular processes including DNA transcription, post-transcriptional modification, protein translation, and post-translational modification. Single-cell sequencing is a promising technology for the study of photoreceptor development. This review presents an overview of the types of human photoreceptors, summarizes recent discoveries in the regulatory mechanisms underlying their development at single-cell resolution, and outlines the prospects in this field.
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29
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Wagstaff EL, Heredero Berzal A, Boon CJF, Quinn PMJ, ten Asbroek ALMA, Bergen AA. The Role of Small Molecules and Their Effect on the Molecular Mechanisms of Early Retinal Organoid Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7081. [PMID: 34209272 PMCID: PMC8268497 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Early in vivo embryonic retinal development is a well-documented and evolutionary conserved process. The specification towards eye development is temporally controlled by consecutive activation or inhibition of multiple key signaling pathways, such as the Wnt and hedgehog signaling pathways. Recently, with the use of retinal organoids, researchers aim to manipulate these pathways to achieve better human representative models for retinal development and disease. To achieve this, a plethora of different small molecules and signaling factors have been used at various time points and concentrations in retinal organoid differentiations, with varying success. Additions differ from protocol to protocol, but their usefulness or efficiency has not yet been systematically reviewed. Interestingly, many of these small molecules affect the same and/or multiple pathways, leading to reduced reproducibility and high variability between studies. In this review, we make an inventory of the key signaling pathways involved in early retinogenesis and their effect on the development of the early retina in vitro. Further, we provide a comprehensive overview of the small molecules and signaling factors that are added to retinal organoid differentiation protocols, documenting the molecular and functional effects of these additions. Lastly, we comparatively evaluate several of these factors using our established retinal organoid methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie L. Wagstaff
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Andrea Heredero Berzal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.H.B.); (C.J.F.B.)
| | - Camiel J. F. Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.H.B.); (C.J.F.B.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter M. J. Quinn
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology & Cell Biology, Institute of Human Nutrition, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center—New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | | | - Arthur A. Bergen
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.H.B.); (C.J.F.B.)
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN-KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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30
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Lonfat N, Wang S, Lee C, Garcia M, Choi J, Park PJ, Cepko C. Cis-regulatory dissection of cone development reveals a broad role for Otx2 and Oc transcription factors. Development 2021; 148:261747. [PMID: 33929509 DOI: 10.1242/dev.198549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The vertebrate retina is generated by retinal progenitor cells (RPCs), which produce >100 cell types. Although some RPCs produce many cell types, other RPCs produce restricted types of daughter cells, such as a cone photoreceptor and a horizontal cell (HC). We used genome-wide assays of chromatin structure to compare the profiles of a restricted cone/HC RPC and those of other RPCs in chicks. These data nominated regions of regulatory activity, which were tested in tissue, leading to the identification of many cis-regulatory modules (CRMs) active in cone/HC RPCs and developing cones. Two transcription factors, Otx2 and Oc1, were found to bind to many of these CRMs, including those near genes important for cone development and function, and their binding sites were required for activity. We also found that Otx2 has a predicted autoregulatory CRM. These results suggest that Otx2, Oc1 and possibly other Onecut proteins have a broad role in coordinating cone development and function. The many newly discovered CRMs for cones are potentially useful reagents for gene therapy of cone diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Lonfat
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Blavatnik Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Su Wang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Blavatnik Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - ChangHee Lee
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mauricio Garcia
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Blavatnik Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jiho Choi
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Blavatnik Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Peter J Park
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Blavatnik Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Connie Cepko
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Blavatnik Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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31
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Singh RK, Winkler PA, Binette F, Petersen-Jones SM, Nasonkin IO. Comparison of Developmental Dynamics in Human Fetal Retina and Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Tissue. Stem Cells Dev 2021; 30:399-417. [PMID: 33677999 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2020.0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Progressive vision loss, caused by retinal degenerative (RD) diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and Leber congenital amaurosis, severely impacts quality of life and affects millions of people. Finding efficient treatment for blinding diseases is among the greatest unmet clinical needs. The evagination of optic vesicles from developing pluripotent stem cell-derived neuroepithelium and self-organization, lamination, and differentiation of retinal tissue in a dish generated considerable optimism for developing innovative approaches for treating RD diseases, which previously were not feasible. Retinal organoids may be a limitless source of multipotential retinal progenitors, photoreceptors (PRs), and the whole retinal tissue, which are productive approaches for developing RD disease therapies. In this study we compared the distribution and expression level of molecular markers (genetic and epigenetic) in human fetal retina (age 8-16 weeks) and human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived retinal tissue (organoids) by immunohistochemistry, RNA-seq, flow cytometry, and mass-spectrometry (to measure methylated and hydroxymethylated cytosine level), with a focus on PRs to evaluate the clinical application of hESC-retinal tissue for vision restoration. Our results revealed high correlation in gene expression profiles and histological profiles between human fetal retina (age 8-13 weeks) and hESC-derived retinal tissue (10-12 weeks). The transcriptome signature of hESC-derived retinal tissue from retinal organoids maintained for 24 weeks in culture resembled the transcriptome of human fetal retina of more advanced developmental stages. The histological profiles of 24 week-old hESC-derived retinal tissue displayed mature PR immunophenotypes and presence of developing inner and outer segments. Collectively, our work highlights the similarity of hESC-derived retinal tissue at early stages of development (10 weeks), and human fetal retina (age 8-13 weeks) and it supports the development of regenerative medicine therapies aimed at using tissue from hESC-derived retinal organoids (hESC-retinal implants) for mitigating vision loss.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paige A Winkler
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Simon M Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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32
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Cuevas E, Holder DL, Alshehri AH, Tréguier J, Lakowski J, Sowden JC. NRL -/- gene edited human embryonic stem cells generate rod-deficient retinal organoids enriched in S-cone-like photoreceptors. Stem Cells 2021; 39:414-428. [PMID: 33400844 PMCID: PMC8438615 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Organoid cultures represent a unique tool to investigate the developmental complexity of tissues like the human retina. NRL is a transcription factor required for the specification and homeostasis of mammalian rod photoreceptors. In Nrl-deficient mice, photoreceptor precursor cells do not differentiate into rods, and instead follow a default photoreceptor specification pathway to generate S-cone-like cells. To investigate whether this genetic switch mechanism is conserved in humans, we used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to engineer an NRL-deficient embryonic stem cell (ESC) line (NRL-/- ), and differentiated it into retinal organoids. Retinal organoids self-organize and resemble embryonic optic vesicles (OVs) that recapitulate the natural histogenesis of rods and cone photoreceptors. NRL-/- OVs develop comparably to controls, and exhibit a laminated, organized retinal structure with markers of photoreceptor synaptogenesis. Using immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), we observed that NRL-/- OVs do not express NRL, or other rod photoreceptor markers directly or indirectly regulated by NRL. On the contrary, they show an abnormal number of photoreceptors positive for S-OPSIN, which define a primordial subtype of cone, and overexpress other cone genes indicating a conserved molecular switch in mammals. This study represents the first evidence in a human in vitro ESC-derived organoid system that NRL is required to define rod identity, and that in its absence S-cone-like cells develop as the default photoreceptor cell type. It shows how gene edited retinal organoids provide a useful system to investigate human photoreceptor specification, relevant for efforts to generate cells for transplantation in retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Cuevas
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthUniversity College London and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research CentreLondonUK
| | - Daniel L. Holder
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthUniversity College London and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research CentreLondonUK
| | - Ashwak H. Alshehri
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthUniversity College London and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research CentreLondonUK
| | - Julie Tréguier
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthUniversity College London and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research CentreLondonUK
| | - Jörn Lakowski
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthUniversity College London and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research CentreLondonUK
- Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and RegenerationUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Jane C. Sowden
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthUniversity College London and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research CentreLondonUK
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33
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Single-Cell Transcriptomic Comparison of Human Fetal Retina, hPSC-Derived Retinal Organoids, and Long-Term Retinal Cultures. Cell Rep 2021; 30:1644-1659.e4. [PMID: 32023475 PMCID: PMC7901645 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To study the development of the human retina, we use single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) at key fetal stages and follow the development of the major cell types as well as populations of transitional cells. We also analyze stem cell (hPSC)-derived retinal organoids; although organoids have a very similar cellular composition at equivalent ages as the fetal retina, there are some differences in gene expression of particular cell types. Moreover, the inner retinal lamination is disrupted at more advanced stages of organoids compared with fetal retina. To determine whether the disorganization in the inner retina is due to the culture conditions, we analyze retinal development in fetal retina maintained under similar conditions. These retinospheres develop for at least 6 months, displaying better inner retinal lamination than retinal organoids. Our single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) comparisons of fetal retina, retinal organoids, and retinospheres provide a resource for developing better in vitro models for retinal disease.
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The Future of Regenerative Medicine: Cell Therapy Using Pluripotent Stem Cells and Acellular Therapies Based on Extracellular Vesicles. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020240. [PMID: 33513719 PMCID: PMC7912181 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid progress in the field of stem cell research has laid strong foundations for their use in regenerative medicine applications of injured or diseased tissues. Growing evidences indicate that some observed therapeutic outcomes of stem cell-based therapy are due to paracrine effects rather than long-term engraftment and survival of transplanted cells. Given their ability to cross biological barriers and mediate intercellular information transfer of bioactive molecules, extracellular vesicles are being explored as potential cell-free therapeutic agents. In this review, we first discuss the state of the art of regenerative medicine and its current limitations and challenges, with particular attention on pluripotent stem cell-derived products to repair organs like the eye, heart, skeletal muscle and skin. We then focus on emerging beneficial roles of extracellular vesicles to alleviate these pathological conditions and address hurdles and operational issues of this acellular strategy. Finally, we discuss future directions and examine how careful integration of different approaches presented in this review could help to potentiate therapeutic results in preclinical models and their good manufacturing practice (GMP) implementation for future clinical trials.
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Tan WJ, Wang MM, Ricciardi-Castagnoli P, Chan ASY, Lim TS. Cytologic and Molecular Diagnostics for Vitreoretinal Lymphoma: Current Approaches and Emerging Single-Cell Analyses. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 7:611017. [PMID: 33505989 PMCID: PMC7832476 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.611017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) is a rare ocular malignancy that manifests as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential to prevent mistreatment and to reduce the high morbidity and mortality associated with VRL. The disease can be diagnosed using various methods, including cytology, immunohistochemistry, cytokine analysis, flow cytometry, and molecular analysis of bulk vitreous aspirates. Despite these options, VRL diagnosis remains challenging, as samples are often confounded by low cellularity, the presence of debris and non-target immunoreactive cells, and poor cytological preservation. As such, VRL diagnostic accuracy is limited by both false-positive and false-negative outcomes. Missed or inappropriate diagnosis may cause delays in treatment, which can have life-threatening consequences for patients with VRL. In this review, we summarize current knowledge and the diagnostic modalities used for VRL diagnosis. We also highlight several emerging molecular techniques, including high-resolution single cell-based analyses, which may enable more comprehensive and precise VRL diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jian Tan
- A. Menarini Biomarkers Singapore Pte. Ltd., Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mona Meng Wang
- Translational Ophthalmic Pathology Platform, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Anita Sook Yee Chan
- Translational Ophthalmic Pathology Platform, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tong Seng Lim
- A. Menarini Biomarkers Singapore Pte. Ltd., Singapore, Singapore
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36
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Single-cell RNA sequencing in vision research: Insights into human retinal health and disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 83:100934. [PMID: 33383180 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Gene expression provides valuable insight into cell function. As such, vision researchers have frequently employed gene expression studies to better understand retinal physiology and disease. With the advent of single-cell RNA sequencing, expression experiments provide an unparalleled resolution of information. Instead of studying aggregated gene expression across all cells in a heterogenous tissue, single-cell technology maps RNA to an individual cell, which facilitates grouping of retinal and choroidal cell types for further study. Single-cell RNA sequencing has been quickly adopted by both basic and translational vision researchers, and single-cell level gene expression has been studied in the visual systems of animal models, retinal organoids, and primary human retina, RPE, and choroid. These experiments have generated detailed atlases of gene expression and identified new retinal cell types. Likewise, single-cell RNA sequencing investigations have characterized how gene expression changes in the setting of many retinal diseases, including how choroidal endothelial cells are altered in age-related macular degeneration. In addition, this technology has allowed vision researchers to discover drivers of retinal development and model rare retinal diseases with induced pluripotent stem cells. In this review, we will overview the growing number of single-cell RNA sequencing studies in the field of vision research. We will summarize experimental considerations for designing single-cell RNA sequencing experiments and highlight important advancements in retinal, RPE, choroidal, and retinal organoid biology driven by this technology. Finally, we generalize these findings to genes involved in retinal degeneration and outline the future of single-cell expression experiments in studying retinal disease.
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37
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O'Hara-Wright M, Gonzalez-Cordero A. Retinal organoids: a window into human retinal development. Development 2020; 147:147/24/dev189746. [PMID: 33361444 PMCID: PMC7774906 DOI: 10.1242/dev.189746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Retinal development and maturation are orchestrated by a series of interacting signalling networks that drive the morphogenetic transformation of the anterior developing brain. Studies in model organisms continue to elucidate these complex series of events. However, the human retina shows many differences from that of other organisms and the investigation of human eye development now benefits from stem cell-derived organoids. Retinal differentiation methods have progressed from simple 2D adherent cultures to self-organising micro-physiological systems. As models of development, these have collectively offered new insights into the previously unexplored early development of the human retina and informed our knowledge of the key cell fate decisions that govern the specification of light-sensitive photoreceptors. Although the developmental trajectories of other retinal cell types remain more elusive, the collation of omics datasets, combined with advanced culture methodology, will enable modelling of the intricate process of human retinogenesis and retinal disease in vitro. Summary: Retinal organoid systems derived from human pluripotent stem cells are micro-physiological systems that offer new insights into previously unexplored human retina development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle O'Hara-Wright
- Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, 2145, NSW, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, 2145, NSW, Australia
| | - Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, 2145, NSW, Australia .,School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, 2145, NSW, Australia
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38
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Human embryonic stem cell-derived organoid retinoblastoma reveals a cancerous origin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:33628-33638. [PMID: 33318192 PMCID: PMC7776986 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2011780117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
As a genetic malignancy, retinoblastoma (Rb) is caused by RB1 mutations; however, its developmental origin and drug agents for human Rb remain largely unexplored. Here we describe an innovative Rb organoid model derived from human embryonic stem cells with a biallelic mutagenesis of the RB1 gene. We identify tumorigenic growth in the Rb organoids, as well as properties consistent with human primary Rb. We confirm that the Rb cell of origin stemmed from ARR3+ maturing cone precursor cells and SYK inhibitors displaying a significant therapeutic response. Our elegant in-dish Rb organoid model can be used to efficiently and effectively dissect the origin of Rb and mechanisms of Rb tumorigenesis, as well as screen novel therapies. Retinoblastoma (Rb) is the most prevalent intraocular malignancy in children, with a worldwide survival rate <30%. We have developed a cancerous model of Rb in retinal organoids derived from genetically engineered human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) with a biallelic mutagenesis of the RB1 gene. These organoid Rbs exhibit properties highly consistent with Rb tumorigenesis, transcriptome, and genome-wide methylation. Single-cell sequencing analysis suggests that Rb originated from ARR3-positive maturing cone precursors during development, which was further validated by immunostaining. Notably, we found that the PI3K-Akt pathway was aberrantly deregulated and its activator spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) was significantly up-regulated. In addition, SYK inhibitors led to remarkable cell apoptosis in cancerous organoids. In conclusion, we have established an organoid Rb model derived from genetically engineered hESCs in a dish that has enabled us to trace the cell of origin and to test novel candidate therapeutic agents for human Rb, shedding light on the development and therapeutics of other malignancies.
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39
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Toualbi L, Toms M, Moosajee M. USH2A-retinopathy: From genetics to therapeutics. Exp Eye Res 2020; 201:108330. [PMID: 33121974 PMCID: PMC8417766 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Bilallelic variants in the USH2A gene can cause Usher syndrome type 2 and non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa. In both disorders, the retinal phenotype involves progressive rod photoreceptor loss resulting in nyctalopia and a constricted visual field, followed by subsequent cone degeneration, leading to the loss of central vision and severe visual impairment. The USH2A gene raises many challenges for researchers and clinicians due to a broad spectrum of mutations, a large gene size hampering gene therapy development and limited knowledge on its pathogenicity. Patients with Usher type 2 may benefit from hearing aids or cochlear implants to correct their hearing defects, but there are currently no approved treatments available for the USH2A-retinopathy. Several treatment strategies, including antisense oligonucleotides and translational readthrough inducing drugs, have shown therapeutic promise in preclinical studies. Further understanding of the pathogenesis and natural history of USH2A-related disorders is required to develop innovative treatments and design clinical trials based on reliable outcome measures. The present review will discuss the current knowledge about USH2A, the emerging therapeutics and existing challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyes Toualbi
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, EC1V 9EL, UK; Ocular Genomics and Therapeutics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Maria Toms
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, EC1V 9EL, UK; Ocular Genomics and Therapeutics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, EC1V 9EL, UK; Ocular Genomics and Therapeutics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK; Department of Genetics, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK.
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40
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Bell CM, Zack DJ, Berlinicke CA. Human Organoids for the Study of Retinal Development and Disease. Annu Rev Vis Sci 2020; 6:91-114. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-vision-121219-081855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in stem cell engineering have led to an explosion in the use of organoids as model systems for studies in multiple biological disciplines. Together with breakthroughs in genome engineering and the various omics, organoid technology is making possible studies of human biology that were not previously feasible. For vision science, retinal organoids derived from human stem cells allow differentiating and mature human retinal cells to be studied in unprecedented detail. In this review, we examine the technologies employed to generate retinal organoids and how organoids are revolutionizing the fields of developmental and cellular biology as they pertain to the retina. Furthermore, we explore retinal organoids from a clinical standpoint, offering a new platform with which to study retinal diseases and degeneration, test prospective drugs and therapeutic strategies, and promote personalized medicine. Finally, we discuss the range of possibilities that organoids may bring to future retinal research and consider their ethical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire M. Bell
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA;,
| | - Donald J. Zack
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA;,
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA
| | - Cynthia A. Berlinicke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA
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41
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Eintracht J, Toms M, Moosajee M. The Use of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells as a Model for Developmental Eye Disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:265. [PMID: 32973457 PMCID: PMC7468397 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately one-third of childhood blindness is attributed to developmental eye disorders, of which 80% have a genetic cause. Eye morphogenesis is tightly regulated by a highly conserved network of transcription factors when disrupted by genetic mutations can result in severe ocular malformation. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are an attractive tool to study early eye development as they are more physiologically relevant than animal models, can be patient-specific and their use does not elicit the ethical concerns associated with human embryonic stem cells. The generation of self-organizing hiPSC-derived optic cups is a major advancement to understanding mechanisms of ocular development and disease. Their development in vitro has been found to mirror that of the human eye and these early organoids have been used to effectively model microphthalmia caused by a VSX2 variant. hiPSC-derived optic cups, retina, and cornea organoids are powerful tools for future modeling of disease phenotypes and will enable a greater understanding of the pathophysiology of many other developmental eye disorders. These models will also provide an effective platform for identifying molecular therapeutic targets and for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Toms
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.,The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.,The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.,Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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42
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West EL, Ribeiro J, Ali RR. Development of Stem Cell Therapies for Retinal Degeneration. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2020; 12:cshperspect.a035683. [PMID: 31818854 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a035683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Degenerative retinal disease is the major cause of sight loss in the developed world and currently there is a lack of effective treatments. As the loss of vision is directly the result of the loss of retinal cells, effective cell replacement through stem-cell-based therapies may have the potential to treat a great number of retinal diseases whatever their underlying etiology. The eye is an ideal organ to develop cell therapies as it is immune privileged, and modern surgical techniques enable precise delivery of cells to the retina. Furthermore, a range of noninvasive diagnostic tests and high-resolution imaging techniques facilitate the evaluation of any therapeutic intervention. In this review, we evaluate the progress to date of current cell therapy strategies for retinal repair, focusing on transplantation of pluripotent stem-cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L West
- Division of Molecular Therapy, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
| | - Joana Ribeiro
- Division of Molecular Therapy, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
| | - Robin R Ali
- Division of Molecular Therapy, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom.,Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, USA
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43
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Morizur L, Herardot E, Monville C, Ben M'Barek K. Human pluripotent stem cells: A toolbox to understand and treat retinal degeneration. Mol Cell Neurosci 2020; 107:103523. [PMID: 32634576 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) are retinal degenerative disorders that dramatically damage the retina. As there is no therapeutic option for the majority of patients, vision is progressively and irremediably lost. Owing to their unlimited renewal and potency to give rise to any cell type of the human adult body, human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have been extensively studied in recent years to develop more physiologically relevant in vitro cellular models. Such models open new perspectives to investigate the pathological molecular mechanisms of AMD and RP but also in drug screening. Moreover, proof-of-concept of hPSC-derived retinal cell therapy in animal models have led to first clinical trials. This review outlines the recent advances in the use of hPSCs in pathological modeling of retinal degeneration and their use in regenerative medicine. We also address the associated limitations and challenges that need to be overcome when using hPSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Morizur
- INSERM U861, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Université d'Evry, U861, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France; Centre d'Etude des Cellules Souches, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Elise Herardot
- INSERM U861, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Université d'Evry, U861, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Christelle Monville
- INSERM U861, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Université d'Evry, U861, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France.
| | - Karim Ben M'Barek
- INSERM U861, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Université d'Evry, U861, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France; Centre d'Etude des Cellules Souches, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France.
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44
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Cui Z, Guo Y, Zhou Y, Mao S, Yan X, Zeng Y, Ding C, Chan HF, Tang S, Tang L, Chen J. Transcriptomic Analysis of the Developmental Similarities and Differences Between the Native Retina and Retinal Organoids. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:6. [PMID: 32150248 PMCID: PMC7401421 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.3.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose We performed a bioinformatic transcriptome analysis to determine the alteration of gene expression between the native retina and retinal organoids in both mice and humans. Methods The datasets of mouse native retina (GSE101986), mouse retinal organoids (GSE102794), human native retina (GSE104827), and human retinal organoids (GSE119320) were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus. After normalization, a principal component analysis was performed to categorize the samples. The genes were clustered to classify them. A functional analysis was performed using the bioinformatics tool Gene ontology enrichment to analyze the biological processes of selected genes and cellular components. Results The development of retinal organoids is slower than that in the native retina. In the early stage, cell proliferation predominates. Subsequently, neural differentiation is dominant. In the later stage, the dominant differentiated cells are photoreceptors. Additionally, the fatty acid metabolic process and mitochondria-related genes are upregulated over time, and the glycogen catabolic process and activin receptors are gradually downregulated in human retinal organoids. However, these trends are opposite in mouse retinal organoids. There are two peaks in mitochondria-related genes, one in the early development period and another during the photoreceptor development period. It takes about five times longer for human retinal development to achieve similar levels of mouse retinal development. Conclusions Our study reveals the similarities and differences in the developmental features of retinal organoids as well as the corresponding relationship between mouse and human retinal development.
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45
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Kruczek K, Swaroop A. Pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal organoids for disease modeling and development of therapies. Stem Cells 2020; 38:1206-1215. [PMID: 32506758 PMCID: PMC7586922 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Retinal diseases constitute a genetically and phenotypically diverse group of clinical conditions leading to vision impairment or blindness with limited treatment options. Advances in reprogramming of somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells and generation of three‐dimensional organoids resembling the native retina offer promising tools to interrogate disease mechanisms and evaluate potential therapies for currently incurable retinal neurodegeneration. Next‐generation sequencing, single‐cell analysis, advanced electrophysiology, and high‐throughput screening approaches are expected to greatly expand the utility of stem cell‐derived retinal cells and organoids for developing personalized treatments. In this review, we discuss the current status and future potential of combining retinal organoids as human models with recent technologies to advance the development of gene, cell, and drug therapies for retinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Kruczek
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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46
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Urrutia-Cabrera D, Wong RCB. Using single cell transcriptomics to study the complexity of human retina. Neural Regen Res 2020; 15:2045-2046. [PMID: 32394959 PMCID: PMC7716026 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.282253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Urrutia-Cabrera
- Centre for Eye Research Australia; Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Raymond Ching-Bong Wong
- Centre for Eye Research Australia; Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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47
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Zerti D, Collin J, Queen R, Cockell SJ, Lako M. Understanding the complexity of retina and pluripotent stem cell derived retinal organoids with single cell RNA sequencing: current progress, remaining challenges and future prospective. Curr Eye Res 2020; 45:385-396. [PMID: 31794277 PMCID: PMC7034531 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2019.1697453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Single-cell sequencing technologies have emerged as a revolutionary tool with transformative new methods to profile genetic, epigenetic, spatial, and lineage information in individual cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) allows researchers to collect large datasets detailing the transcriptomes of individual cells in space and time and is increasingly being applied to reveal cellular heterogeneity in retinal development, normal physiology, and disease, and provide new insights into cell-type specific markers and signaling pathways. In recent years, scRNA-Seq datasets have been generated from retinal tissue and pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal organoids. Their cross-comparison enables staging of retinal organoids, identification of specific cells in developing and adult human neural retina and provides deeper insights into cell-type sub-specification and geographical differences. In this article, we review the recent rapid progress in scRNA-Seq analyses of retina and retinal organoids, the questions that remain unanswered and the technical challenges that need to be overcome to achieve consistent results that reflect the complexity, functionality, and interactions of all retinal cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darin Zerti
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Joseph Collin
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Rachel Queen
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Simon J. Cockell
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
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48
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Markitantova Y, Simirskii V. Inherited Eye Diseases with Retinal Manifestations through the Eyes of Homeobox Genes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1602. [PMID: 32111086 PMCID: PMC7084737 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal development is under the coordinated control of overlapping networks of signaling pathways and transcription factors. The paper was conceived as a review of the data and ideas that have been formed to date on homeobox genes mutations that lead to the disruption of eye organogenesis and result in inherited eye/retinal diseases. Many of these diseases are part of the same clinical spectrum and have high genetic heterogeneity with already identified associated genes. We summarize the known key regulators of eye development, with a focus on the homeobox genes associated with monogenic eye diseases showing retinal manifestations. Recent advances in the field of genetics and high-throughput next-generation sequencing technologies, including single-cell transcriptome analysis have allowed for deepening of knowledge of the genetic basis of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), as well as improve their diagnostics. We highlight some promising avenues of research involving molecular-genetic and cell-technology approaches that can be effective for IRDs therapy. The most promising neuroprotective strategies are aimed at mobilizing the endogenous cellular reserve of the retina.
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Kallman A, Capowski EE, Wang J, Kaushik AM, Jansen AD, Edwards KL, Chen L, Berlinicke CA, Joseph Phillips M, Pierce EA, Qian J, Wang TH, Gamm DM, Zack DJ. Investigating cone photoreceptor development using patient-derived NRL null retinal organoids. Commun Biol 2020; 3:82. [PMID: 32081919 PMCID: PMC7035245 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-0808-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptor loss is a leading cause of blindness, but mechanisms underlying photoreceptor degeneration are not well understood. Treatment strategies would benefit from improved understanding of gene-expression patterns directing photoreceptor development, as many genes are implicated in both development and degeneration. Neural retina leucine zipper (NRL) is critical for rod photoreceptor genesis and degeneration, with NRL mutations known to cause enhanced S-cone syndrome and retinitis pigmentosa. While murine Nrl loss has been characterized, studies of human NRL can identify important insights for human retinal development and disease. We utilized iPSC organoid models of retinal development to molecularly define developmental alterations in a human model of NRL loss. Consistent with the function of NRL in rod fate specification, human retinal organoids lacking NRL develop S-opsin dominant photoreceptor populations. We report generation of two distinct S-opsin expressing populations in NRL null retinal organoids and identify MEF2C as a candidate regulator of cone development. Kallman et al. showed the effect of Nrl in human PSC-derived retinal organoids. Using histological and single cell transcriptomics, they identified an intermediate “cod” subpopulation in the predominant S-opsin population. Their findings provide important insights for human retinal development and degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Kallman
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | | | - Jie Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Aniruddha M Kaushik
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Alex D Jansen
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA
| | | | - Liben Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Cynthia A Berlinicke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - M Joseph Phillips
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA.,McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA
| | - Eric A Pierce
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, USA
| | - Jiang Qian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Tza-Huei Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - David M Gamm
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA. .,McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, USA.
| | - Donald J Zack
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA. .,The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA. .,Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
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Lam PT, Gutierrez C, Del Rio-Tsonis K, Robinson ML. Generation of a Retina Reporter hiPSC Line to Label Progenitor, Ganglion, and Photoreceptor Cell Types. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:21. [PMID: 32714647 PMCID: PMC7352077 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.3.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Early in mammalian eye development, VSX2, BRN3b, and RCVRN expression marks neural retinal progenitors (NRPs), retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), and photoreceptors (PRs), respectively. The ability to create retinal organoids from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) holds great potential for modeling both human retinal development and retinal disease. However, no methods allowing the simultaneous, real-time monitoring of multiple specific retinal cell types during development currently exist. Methods CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homology-directed repair (HDR) in hiPSCs facilitated the replacement of the VSX2 (Progenitor), BRN3b (Ganglion), and RCVRN (Photoreceptor) stop codons with sequences encoding a viral P2A peptide fused to Cerulean, green fluorescent protein, and mCherry reporter genes, respectively, to generate a triple transgenic reporter hiPSC line called PGP1. This was accomplished by co-electroporating HDR templates and sgRNA/Cas9 vectors into hiPSCs followed by antibiotic selection. Functional validation of the PGP1 hiPSC line included the ability to generate retinal organoids, with all major retinal cell types, displaying the expression of the three fluorescent reporters consistent with the onset of target gene expression. Disaggregated organoids were also analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and fluorescent populations were tested for the expression of the targeted gene. Results Retinal organoids formed from the PGP1 line expressed appropriate fluorescent proteins consistent with the differentiation of NRPs, RGCs, and PRs. Organoids produced from the PGP1 line expressed transcripts consistent with the development of all major retinal cell types. Conclusions and Translational Relevance The PGP1 line offers a powerful new tool to study retinal development, retinal reprogramming, and therapeutic drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuong T Lam
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Christian Gutierrez
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Katia Del Rio-Tsonis
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Michael L Robinson
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
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