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Wang S, Tong S, Jin X, Li N, Dang P, Sui Y, Liu Y, Wang D. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of the retina under acute high intraocular pressure. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2522-2531. [PMID: 38526288 PMCID: PMC11090430 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.389363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202419110-00032/figure1/v/2024-03-08T184507Z/r/image-tiff High intraocular pressure causes retinal ganglion cell injury in primary and secondary glaucoma diseases, yet the molecular landscape characteristics of retinal cells under high intraocular pressure remain unknown. Rat models of acute hypertension ocular pressure were established by injection of cross-linked hyaluronic acid hydrogel (Healaflow®). Single-cell RNA sequencing was then used to describe the cellular composition and molecular profile of the retina following high intraocular pressure. Our results identified a total of 12 cell types, namely retinal pigment epithelial cells, rod-photoreceptor cells, bipolar cells, Müller cells, microglia, cone-photoreceptor cells, retinal ganglion cells, endothelial cells, retinal progenitor cells, oligodendrocytes, pericytes, and fibroblasts. The single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of the retina under acute high intraocular pressure revealed obvious changes in the proportions of various retinal cells, with ganglion cells decreased by 23%. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and TUNEL staining confirmed the damage to retinal ganglion cells under high intraocular pressure. We extracted data from retinal ganglion cells and analyzed the retinal ganglion cell cluster with the most distinct expression. We found upregulation of the B3gat2 gene, which is associated with neuronal migration and adhesion, and downregulation of the Tsc22d gene, which participates in inhibition of inflammation. This study is the first to reveal molecular changes and intercellular interactions in the retina under high intraocular pressure. These data contribute to understanding of the molecular mechanism of retinal injury induced by high intraocular pressure and will benefit the development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojun Wang
- Division of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Siti Tong
- Division of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Jin
- Division of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Na Li
- Division of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Pingxiu Dang
- Division of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Sui
- Division of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dajiang Wang
- Division of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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2
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Xu Y, Wang S, Feng Q, Xia J, Li Y, Li HD, Wang J. scCAD: Cluster decomposition-based anomaly detection for rare cell identification in single-cell expression data. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7561. [PMID: 39215003 PMCID: PMC11364754 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51891-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies have become essential tools for characterizing cellular landscapes within complex tissues. Large-scale single-cell transcriptomics holds great potential for identifying rare cell types critical to the pathogenesis of diseases and biological processes. Existing methods for identifying rare cell types often rely on one-time clustering using partial or global gene expression. However, these rare cell types may be overlooked during the clustering phase, posing challenges for their accurate identification. In this paper, we propose a Cluster decomposition-based Anomaly Detection method (scCAD), which iteratively decomposes clusters based on the most differential signals in each cluster to effectively separate rare cell types and achieve accurate identification. We benchmark scCAD on 25 real-world scRNA-seq datasets, demonstrating its superior performance compared to 10 state-of-the-art methods. In-depth case studies across diverse datasets, including mouse airway, brain, intestine, human pancreas, immunology data, and clear cell renal cell carcinoma, showcase scCAD's efficiency in identifying rare cell types in complex biological scenarios. Furthermore, scCAD can correct the annotation of rare cell types and identify immune cell subtypes associated with disease, thereby offering valuable insights into disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunpei Xu
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Xiangjiang Laboratory, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Lab on Bioinformatics, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shaokai Wang
- David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Qilong Feng
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Xiangjiang Laboratory, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Lab on Bioinformatics, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiazhi Xia
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Lab on Bioinformatics, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yaohang Li
- Department of Computer Science, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Hong-Dong Li
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Xiangjiang Laboratory, Changsha, China.
- Hunan Provincial Key Lab on Bioinformatics, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Jianxin Wang
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Xiangjiang Laboratory, Changsha, China.
- Hunan Provincial Key Lab on Bioinformatics, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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3
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Soucy JR, Kriukov E, Oswald J, Phay M, Masland J, Pernstich C, Baranov P. Sustained neurotrophic factor cotreatment enhances donor and host retinal ganglion cell survival in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.07.583961. [PMID: 38558999 PMCID: PMC10979869 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.07.583961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) lack regenerative capacity in mammals, and their degeneration in glaucoma leads to irreversible blindness. The transplantation of stem cell-derived RGCs lacks clinically relevant effect due to insufficient survival and integration of donor cells. We hypothesize that the retinal microenvironment plays a critical role in this process, and we can engineer a more acceptable setting for transplantation. Since the adult mammalian retina does not have regenerative capacity, we turned to the developing human retina to reconstruct cell-cell interactions at a single-cell level. We established a human fetal retina atlas by integrating currently available single-cell RNA sequencing datasets of human fetal retinas into a unified resource. We align RGC transcriptomes in pseudotime to map RGC developmental fate trajectories against the broader timeline of retinal development. Through this analysis, we identified brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) as key factors in RGC survival, highly expressed during fetal development but significantly reduced in adulthood despite the persistence of their receptors. To demonstrate the practical application of these findings, we show that using a slow-release formulation of BDNF and GDNF enhances RGC differentiation, survival, and function in vitro and improves RGC transplantation outcomes in a mouse model. BNDF/GDNF co-treatment not only increased survival and coverage of donor RGCs within the retina but also showed neuroprotective effects on host RGCs, preserving retinal function in a model of optic neuropathy. Altogether, our findings suggest that manipulating the retinal microenvironment with slow-release neurotrophic factors holds promise in regenerative medicine for treating glaucoma and other optic neuropathies. This approach not only improves donor cell survival and integration but also provides a neuroprotective benefit to host cells, indicating a significant advancement for glaucoma therapies.
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4
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Li G, Luo Y. Enriching new transplantable RGC-like cells from retinal organoids for RGC replacement therapy. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 700:149509. [PMID: 38306929 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Optic neuropathies, such as glaucoma, are due to progressive retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) degeneration, result in irreversible vision loss. The promising RGCs replacement therapy for restoring vision are impeded by insufficient RGC-like cells sources. The present work was enriched one new type RGC-like cells using two surface markers CD184 and CD171 from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) by FACS sorting firstly. These new kind cells have well proliferation ability and possessed passage tolerance in vitro 2D or 3D spheroids culture, which kept expressing Pax6, Brn3b and βIII-Tubulin and so on. The transplanted CD184+CD171+ RGC-like cells could survive and integrate into the normal and optic nerve crush (ONC) mice retina, especially they were more inclined to across the optic nerve head and extend to the damaged optic nerve. These data support the feasible application for cell replacement therapy in RGC degenerative diseases, as well as help to develop new commercial cells sorting reagents and establish good manufacturing practice (GMP) grade RGC-like donor cells for further clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Yuanting Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
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5
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Aparicio JG, Hopp H, Harutyunyan N, Stewart C, Cobrinik D, Borchert M. Aberrant gene expression yet undiminished retinal ganglion cell genesis in iPSC-derived models of optic nerve hypoplasia. Ophthalmic Genet 2024; 45:1-15. [PMID: 37807874 PMCID: PMC10841193 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2023.2253902] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH), the leading congenital cause of permanent blindness, is characterized by a retinal ganglion cell (RGC) deficit at birth. Multifactorial developmental events are hypothesized to underlie ONH and its frequently associated neurologic and endocrine abnormalities; however, environmental influences are unclear and genetic underpinnings are unexplored. This work investigates the genetic contribution to ONH RGC production and gene expression using patient induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived retinal organoids (ROs). MATERIALS AND METHODS iPSCs produced from ONH patients and controls were differentiated to ROs. RGC genesis was assessed using immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Flow-sorted BRN3+ cells were collected for RNA extraction for RNA-Sequencing. Differential gene expression was assessed using DESeq2 and edgeR. PANTHER was employed to identify statistically over-represented ontologies among the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). DEGs of high interest to ONH were distinguished by assessing function, mutational constraint, and prior identification in ONH, autism and neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) studies. RESULTS RGC genesis and survival were similar in ONH and control ROs. Differential expression of 70 genes was identified in both DESeq2 and edgeR analyses, representing a ~ 4-fold higher percentage of DEGs than in randomized study participants. DEGs showed trends towards over-representation of validated NDD genes and ONH exome variant genes. Among the DEGs, RAPGEF4 and DMD had the greatest number of disease-relevant features. CONCLUSIONS ONH genetic background was not associated with impaired RGC genesis but was associated with DEGs exhibiting disease contribution potential. This constitutes some of the first evidence of a genetic contribution to ONH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer G. Aparicio
- The Vision Center and The Saban Research Institute,
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hanno Hopp
- The Vision Center and The Saban Research Institute,
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Narine Harutyunyan
- The Vision Center and The Saban Research Institute,
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carly Stewart
- The Vision Center and The Saban Research Institute,
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David Cobrinik
- The Vision Center and The Saban Research Institute,
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, 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
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck
School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mark Borchert
- The Vision Center and The Saban Research Institute,
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck
School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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6
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Agarwal D, Dash N, Mazo KW, Chopra M, Avila MP, Patel A, Wong RM, Jia C, Do H, Cheng J, Chiang C, Jurlina SL, Roshan M, Perry MW, Rho JM, Broyer R, Lee CD, Weinreb RN, Gavrilovici C, Oesch NW, Welsbie DS, Wahlin KJ. Human retinal ganglion cell neurons generated by synchronous BMP inhibition and transcription factor mediated reprogramming. NPJ Regen Med 2023; 8:55. [PMID: 37773257 PMCID: PMC10541876 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-023-00327-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In optic neuropathies, including glaucoma, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) die. Cell transplantation and endogenous regeneration offer strategies for retinal repair, however, developmental programs required for this to succeed are incompletely understood. To address this, we explored cellular reprogramming with transcription factor (TF) regulators of RGC development which were integrated into human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) as inducible gene cassettes. When the pioneer factor NEUROG2 was combined with RGC-expressed TFs (ATOH7, ISL1, and POU4F2) some conversion was observed and when pre-patterned by BMP inhibition, RGC-like induced neurons (RGC-iNs) were generated with high efficiency in just under a week. These exhibited transcriptional profiles that were reminiscent of RGCs and exhibited electrophysiological properties, including AMPA-mediated synaptic transmission. Additionally, we demonstrated that small molecule inhibitors of DLK/LZK and GCK-IV can block neuronal death in two pharmacological axon injury models. Combining developmental patterning with RGC-specific TFs thus provided valuable insight into strategies for cell replacement and neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devansh Agarwal
- Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas Dash
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kevin W Mazo
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Manan Chopra
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Maria P Avila
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Amit Patel
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ryan M Wong
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Cairang Jia
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hope Do
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jie Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Colette Chiang
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shawna L Jurlina
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mona Roshan
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael W Perry
- Department of Biological Sciences, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jong M Rho
- Department of Neurosciences, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Risa Broyer
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Cassidy D Lee
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Robert N Weinreb
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Nicholas W Oesch
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Psychology, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Derek S Welsbie
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Karl J Wahlin
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology & the Shiley Eye Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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7
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Soucy JR, Aguzzi EA, Cho J, Gilhooley MJ, Keuthan C, Luo Z, Monavarfeshani A, Saleem MA, Wang XW, Wohlschlegel J, Baranov P, Di Polo A, Fortune B, Gokoffski KK, Goldberg JL, Guido W, Kolodkin AL, Mason CA, Ou Y, Reh TA, Ross AG, Samuels BC, Welsbie D, Zack DJ, Johnson TV. Retinal ganglion cell repopulation for vision restoration in optic neuropathy: a roadmap from the RReSTORe Consortium. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:64. [PMID: 37735444 PMCID: PMC10514988 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00655-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death in glaucoma and other optic neuropathies results in irreversible vision loss due to the mammalian central nervous system's limited regenerative capacity. RGC repopulation is a promising therapeutic approach to reverse vision loss from optic neuropathies if the newly introduced neurons can reestablish functional retinal and thalamic circuits. In theory, RGCs might be repopulated through the transplantation of stem cell-derived neurons or via the induction of endogenous transdifferentiation. The RGC Repopulation, Stem Cell Transplantation, and Optic Nerve Regeneration (RReSTORe) Consortium was established to address the challenges associated with the therapeutic repair of the visual pathway in optic neuropathy. In 2022, the RReSTORe Consortium initiated ongoing international collaborative discussions to advance the RGC repopulation field and has identified five critical areas of focus: (1) RGC development and differentiation, (2) Transplantation methods and models, (3) RGC survival, maturation, and host interactions, (4) Inner retinal wiring, and (5) Eye-to-brain connectivity. Here, we discuss the most pertinent questions and challenges that exist on the path to clinical translation and suggest experimental directions to propel this work going forward. Using these five subtopic discussion groups (SDGs) as a framework, we suggest multidisciplinary approaches to restore the diseased visual pathway by leveraging groundbreaking insights from developmental neuroscience, stem cell biology, molecular biology, optical imaging, animal models of optic neuropathy, immunology & immunotolerance, neuropathology & neuroprotection, materials science & biomedical engineering, and regenerative neuroscience. While significant hurdles remain, the RReSTORe Consortium's efforts provide a comprehensive roadmap for advancing the RGC repopulation field and hold potential for transformative progress in restoring vision in patients suffering from optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Soucy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass. Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erika A Aguzzi
- The Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, England, UK
| | - Julie Cho
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Michael James Gilhooley
- The Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, England, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Casey Keuthan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ziming Luo
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Aboozar Monavarfeshani
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Meher A Saleem
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Health System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Xue-Wei Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Petr Baranov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass. Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Brad Fortune
- Discoveries in Sight Research Laboratories, Devers Eye Institute and Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Health, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kimberly K Gokoffski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - William Guido
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Alex L Kolodkin
- The Solomon H Snyder, Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carol A Mason
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Ophthalmology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yvonne Ou
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ahmara G Ross
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brian C Samuels
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Callahan Eye Hospital, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Derek Welsbie
- Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Donald J Zack
- Glaucoma Center of Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21287 MD, USA
- Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology & Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas V Johnson
- Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology & Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21287 MD, USA.
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8
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Liu W, Shrestha R, Lowe A, Zhang X, Spaeth L. Self-formation of concentric zones of telencephalic and ocular tissues and directional retinal ganglion cell axons. eLife 2023; 12:RP87306. [PMID: 37665325 PMCID: PMC10476969 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The telencephalon and eye in mammals are originated from adjacent fields at the anterior neural plate. Morphogenesis of these fields generates telencephalon, optic-stalk, optic-disc, and neuroretina along a spatial axis. How these telencephalic and ocular tissues are specified coordinately to ensure directional retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axon growth is unclear. Here, we report self-formation of human telencephalon-eye organoids comprising concentric zones of telencephalic, optic-stalk, optic-disc, and neuroretinal tissues along the center-periphery axis. Initially-differentiated RGCs grew axons towards and then along a path defined by adjacent PAX2+ VSX2+ optic-disc cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing of these organoids not only confirmed telencephalic and ocular identities but also identified expression signatures of early optic-disc, optic-stalk, and RGCs. These signatures were similar to those in human fetal retinas. Optic-disc cells in these organoids differentially expressed FGF8 and FGF9; FGFR inhibitions drastically decreased early RGC differentiation and directional axon growth. Through the RGC-specific cell-surface marker CNTN2 identified here, electrophysiologically excitable RGCs were isolated under a native condition. Our findings provide insight into the coordinated specification of early telencephalic and ocular tissues in humans and establish resources for studying RGC-related diseases such as glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxUnited States
- The Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxUnited States
| | - Rupendra Shrestha
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxUnited States
- The Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxUnited States
| | - Albert Lowe
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxUnited States
| | - Xusheng Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxUnited States
| | - Ludovic Spaeth
- Dominick P Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxUnited States
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9
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Wong NK, Yip SP, Huang CL. Establishing Functional Retina in a Dish: Progress and Promises of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Retinal Neuron Differentiation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13652. [PMID: 37686457 PMCID: PMC10487913 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The human eye plays a critical role in vision perception, but various retinal degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can lead to vision loss or blindness. Although progress has been made in understanding retinal development and in clinical research, current treatments remain inadequate for curing or reversing these degenerative conditions. Animal models have limited relevance to humans, and obtaining human eye tissue samples is challenging due to ethical and legal considerations. Consequently, researchers have turned to stem cell-based approaches, specifically induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), to generate distinct retinal cell populations and develop cell replacement therapies. iPSCs offer a novel platform for studying the key stages of human retinogenesis and disease-specific mechanisms. Stem cell technology has facilitated the production of diverse retinal cell types, including retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and photoreceptors, and the development of retinal organoids has emerged as a valuable in vitro tool for investigating retinal neuron differentiation and modeling retinal diseases. This review focuses on the protocols, culture conditions, and techniques employed in differentiating retinal neurons from iPSCs. Furthermore, it emphasizes the significance of molecular and functional validation of the differentiated cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nonthaphat Kent Wong
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shea Ping Yip
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chien-Ling Huang
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
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10
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Liu W, Shrestha R, Lowe A, Zhang X, Spaeth L. Self-formation of concentric zones of telencephalic and ocular tissues and directional retinal ganglion cell axons. eLife 2023; 12:RP87306. [PMID: 37665325 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87306.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The telencephalon and eye in mammals are originated from adjacent fields at the anterior neural plate. Morphogenesis of these fields generates telencephalon, optic-stalk, optic-disc, and neuroretina along a spatial axis. How these telencephalic and ocular tissues are specified coordinately to ensure directional retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axon growth is unclear. Here, we report self-formation of human telencephalon-eye organoids comprising concentric zones of telencephalic, optic-stalk, optic-disc, and neuroretinal tissues along the center-periphery axis. Initially-differentiated RGCs grew axons towards and then along a path defined by adjacent PAX2+ VSX2+ optic-disc cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing of these organoids not only confirmed telencephalic and ocular identities but also identified expression signatures of early optic-disc, optic-stalk, and RGCs. These signatures were similar to those in human fetal retinas. Optic-disc cells in these organoids differentially expressed FGF8 and FGF9; FGFR inhibitions drastically decreased early RGC differentiation and directional axon growth. Through the RGC-specific cell-surface marker CNTN2 identified here, electrophysiologically excitable RGCs were isolated under a native condition. Our findings provide insight into the coordinated specification of early telencephalic and ocular tissues in humans and establish resources for studying RGC-related diseases such as glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States
- The Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States
| | - Rupendra Shrestha
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States
- The Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States
| | - Albert Lowe
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States
| | - Xusheng Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States
| | - Ludovic Spaeth
- Dominick P Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States
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11
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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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12
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Liou RHC, Chen SW, Cheng HC, Wu PC, Chang YF, Wang AG, Fann MJ, Wong YH. The efficient induction of human retinal ganglion-like cells provides a platform for studying optic neuropathies. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:239. [PMID: 37540379 PMCID: PMC10403410 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04890-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are essential for vision perception. In glaucoma and other optic neuropathies, RGCs and their optic axons undergo degenerative change and cell death; this can result in irreversible vision loss. Here we developed a rapid protocol for directly inducing RGC differentiation from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) by the overexpression of ATOH7, BRN3B, and SOX4. The hiPSC-derived RGC-like cells (iRGCs) show robust expression of various RGC-specific markers by whole transcriptome profiling. A functional assessment was also carried out and this demonstrated that these iRGCs display stimulus-induced neuronal activity, as well as spontaneous neuronal activity. Ethambutol (EMB), an effective first-line anti-tuberculosis agent, is known to cause serious visual impairment and irreversible vision loss due to the RGC degeneration in a significant number of treated patients. Using our iRGCs, EMB was found to induce significant dose-dependent and time-dependent increases in cell death and neurite degeneration. Western blot analysis revealed that the expression levels of p62 and LC3-II were upregulated, and further investigations revealed that EMB caused a blockade of lysosome-autophagosome fusion; this indicates that impairment of autophagic flux is one of the adverse effects of that EMB has on iRGCs. In addition, EMB was found to elevate intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels increasing apoptotic cell death. This could be partially rescued by the co-treatment with the ROS scavenger NAC. Taken together, our findings suggest that this iRGC model, which achieves both high yield and high purity, is suitable for investigating optic neuropathies, as well as being useful when searching for potential drugs for therapeutic treatment and/or disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Hsiang-Chi Liou
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, College of Life Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shih-Wei Chen
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, College of Life Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hui-Chen Cheng
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, College of Life Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan, ROC
- Program in Molecular Medicine, College of Life Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Pei-Chun Wu
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Fen Chang
- LumiSTAR Biotechnology, Inc., Taipei, 115, Taiwan, ROC
| | - An-Guor Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Ji Fann
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, College of Life Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Hui Wong
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan, ROC.
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, College of Life Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan, ROC.
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13
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Mcloughlin KJ, Aladdad AM, Payne AJ, Boda AI, Nieto-Gomez S, Kador KE. Purification of retinal ganglion cells using low-pressure flow cytometry. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1149024. [PMID: 37547921 PMCID: PMC10400357 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1149024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purified Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs) for in vitro study have been a valuable tool in the study of neural regeneration and in the development of therapies to treat glaucoma. Traditionally, RGCs have been isolated from early postnatal rats and mice, and more recently from human in vitro derived retinal organoids using a two-step immunopanning technique based upon the expression of Thy-1. This technique, however, limits the time periods from which RGCs can be isolated, missing the earliest born RGCs at which time the greatest stage of axon growth occurs, as well as being limited in its use with models of retinal degeneration as Thy-1 is downregulated following injury. While fluorescence associated cell sorting (FACS) in combination with new optogenetically labeled RGCs would be able to overcome this limitation, the use of traditional FACS sorters has been limited to genomic and proteomic studies, as RGCs have little to no survival post-sorting. Here we describe a new method for RGC isolation utilizing a combined immunopanning-fluorescence associated cell sorting (IP-FACS) protocol that initially depletes macrophages and photoreceptors, using immunopanning to enrich for RGCs before using low-pressure FACS to isolate these cells. We demonstrate that RGCs isolated via IP-FACS when compared to RGCs isolated via immunopanning at the same age have similar purity as measured by antibody staining and qRT-PCR; survival as measured by live dead staining; neurite outgrowth; and electrophysiological properties as measured by calcium release response to glutamate. Finally, we demonstrate the ability to isolate RGCs from early embryonic mice prior to the expression of Thy-1 using Brn3b-eGFP optogenetically labeled cells. This method provides a new approach for the isolation of RGCs for the study of early developed RGCs, the study of RGC subtypes and the isolation of RGCs for cell transplantation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran J. Mcloughlin
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Afnan M. Aladdad
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Andrew J. Payne
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Anna I. Boda
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Sayra Nieto-Gomez
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Karl E. Kador
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
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14
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Subramani M, Van Hook MJ, Ahmad I. Reproducible generation of human retinal ganglion cells from banked retinal progenitor cells: analysis of target recognition and IGF-1-mediated axon regeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1214104. [PMID: 37519299 PMCID: PMC10373790 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1214104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The selective degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is a common feature in glaucoma, a complex group of diseases, leading to irreversible vision loss. Stem cell-based glaucoma disease modeling, cell replacement, and axon regeneration are viable approaches to understand mechanisms underlying glaucomatous degeneration for neuroprotection, ex vivo stem cell therapy, and therapeutic regeneration. These approaches require direct and facile generation of human RGCs (hRGCs) from pluripotent stem cells. Here, we demonstrate a method for rapid generation of hRGCs from banked human pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal progenitor cells (hRPCs) by recapitulating the developmental mechanism. The resulting hRGCs are stable, functional, and transplantable and have the potential for target recognition, demonstrating their suitability for both ex vivo stem cell approaches to glaucomatous degeneration and disease modeling. Additionally, we demonstrate that hRGCs derived from banked hRPCs are capable of regenerating their axons through an evolutionarily conserved mechanism involving insulin-like growth factor 1 and the mTOR axis, demonstrating their potential to identify and characterize the underlying mechanism(s) that can be targeted for therapeutic regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Iqbal Ahmad
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
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15
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Luis J, Eastlake K, Lamb WDB, Limb GA, Jayaram H, Khaw PT. Cell-Based Therapies for Glaucoma. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:23. [PMID: 37494052 PMCID: PMC10383000 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.7.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON) is the major cause of irreversible visual loss worldwide and can result from a range of disease etiologies. The defining features of GON are retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration and characteristic cupping of the optic nerve head (ONH) due to tissue remodeling, while intraocular pressure remains the only modifiable GON risk factor currently targeted by approved clinical treatment strategies. Efforts to understand the mechanisms that allow species such as the zebrafish to regenerate their retinal cells have greatly increased our understanding of regenerative signaling pathways. However, proper integration within the retina and projection to the brain by the newly regenerated neuronal cells remain major hurdles. Meanwhile, a range of methods for in vitro differentiation have been developed to derive retinal cells from a variety of cell sources, including embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells. More recently, there has been growing interest in the implantation of glial cells as well as cell-derived products, including neurotrophins, microRNA, and extracellular vesicles, to provide functional support to vulnerable structures such as RGC axons and the ONH. These approaches offer the advantage of not relying upon the replacement of degenerated cells and potentially targeting earlier stages of disease pathogenesis. In order to translate these techniques into clinical practice, appropriate cell sourcing, robust differentiation protocols, and accurate implantation methods are crucial to the success of cell-based therapy in glaucoma. Translational Relevance: Cell-based therapies for glaucoma currently under active development include the induction of endogenous regeneration, implantation of exogenously derived retinal cells, and utilization of cell-derived products to provide functional support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Luis
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology & Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Karen Eastlake
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology & Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - William D. B. Lamb
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology & Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - G. Astrid Limb
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology & Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Hari Jayaram
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology & Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Peng T. Khaw
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology & Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
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16
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Liu W, Shrestha R, Lowe A, Zhang X, Spaeth L. Self-formation of concentric zones of telencephalic and ocular tissues and directional retinal ganglion cell axons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.22.533827. [PMID: 36993285 PMCID: PMC10055356 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.22.533827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The telencephalon and eye in mammals are originated from adjacent fields at the anterior neural plate. Morphogenesis of these fields generates telencephalon, optic-stalk, optic-disc, and neuroretina along a spatial axis. How these telencephalic and ocular tissues are specified coordinately to ensure directional retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axon growth is unclear. Here, we report the self-formation of human telencephalon-eye organoids comprising concentric zones of telencephalic, optic-stalk, optic-disc, and neuroretinal tissues along the center-periphery axis. Initially-differentiated RGCs grew axons towards and then along a path defined by adjacent PAX2+ optic-disc cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing of CONCEPT organoids not only confirmed telencephalic and ocular identities but also identified expression signatures of early optic-disc, optic-stalk, and RGCs. These signatures were similar to those in human fetal retinas. Optic-disc cells in CONCEPT organoids differentially expressed FGF8 and FGF9 ; FGFR inhibitions drastically decreased RGC differentiation and directional axon growth. Through the identified RGC-specific cell-surface marker CNTN2, electrophysiologically-excitable RGCs were isolated under a native condition. Our findings provide insight into the coordinated specification of early telencephalic and ocular tissues in humans and establish resources for studying RGC-related diseases such as glaucoma. Impact statement A human telencephalon-eye organoid model that exhibited axon growth and pathfinding from retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons is reported; via cell surface marker CNTN2 identified using scRNA-seq, early RGCs were isolated under a native condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
- Department of Genetics
- The Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine
| | - Rupendra Shrestha
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
- Department of Genetics
- The Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine
| | - Albert Lowe
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
- Department of Genetics
| | | | - Ludovic Spaeth
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461
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17
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Temple S. Advancing cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:512-529. [PMID: 37084729 PMCID: PMC10201979 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Cell-based therapies are being developed for various neurodegenerative diseases that affect the central nervous system (CNS). Concomitantly, the roles of individual cell types in neurodegenerative pathology are being uncovered by genetic and single-cell studies. With a greater understanding of cellular contributions to health and disease and with the arrival of promising approaches to modulate them, effective therapeutic cell products are now emerging. This review examines how the ability to generate diverse CNS cell types from stem cells, along with a deeper understanding of cell-type-specific functions and pathology, is advancing preclinical development of cell products for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Temple
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA.
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18
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Blommers M, Stanton-Turcotte D, Iulianella A. Retinal neuroblast migration and ganglion cell layer organization require the cytoskeletal-interacting protein Mllt11. Dev Dyn 2023; 252:305-319. [PMID: 36131367 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vertebrate retina is an organized laminar structure comprised of distinct cell types populating three nuclear layers. During development, each retinal cell type follows a stereotypical temporal order of genesis, differentiation, and migration, giving rise to its stratified organization. Once born, the precise positioning of cells along the apico-basal (radial) axis of the retina is critical for subsequent connections to form, relying on highly orchestrated migratory processes. While these processes are critical for visual function to arise, the regulators of cellular migration and retinal lamination remain largely unexplored. RESULTS We report a role for a microtubule-interacting protein, Mllt11 (myeloid/lymphoid or mixed-lineage leukemia; translocated to chromosome 11/All1 fused gene from chromosome 1q) in mammalian retinal cell migration during retinogenesis. We show that Mllt11 loss-of-function in mouse retinal neuroblasts affected the migration of ganglion and amacrine cells into the ganglion cell layer and led to their aberrant accumulation in the inner nuclear and plexiform layers. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate a role for Mllt11 in neuroblast migration and formation of the ganglion cell layer of the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marley Blommers
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, and Brain Repair Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Life Science Research Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Danielle Stanton-Turcotte
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, and Brain Repair Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Life Science Research Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Angelo Iulianella
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, and Brain Repair Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Life Science Research Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Re-formation of synaptic connectivity in dissociated human stem cell-derived retinal organoid cultures. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2213418120. [PMID: 36598946 PMCID: PMC9926218 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2213418120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived retinal organoids (ROs) can efficiently and reproducibly generate retinal neurons that have potential for use in cell replacement strategies [Capowski et al., Development 146, dev171686 (2019)]. The ability of these lab-grown retinal neurons to form new synaptic connections after dissociation from ROs is key to building confidence in their capacity to restore visual function. However, direct evidence of reestablishment of retinal neuron connectivity via synaptic tracing has not been reported to date. The present study employs an in vitro, rabies virus-based, monosynaptic retrograde tracing assay [Wickersham et al., Neuron 53, 639-647 (2007); Sun et al., Mol. Neurodegener. 14, 8 (2019)] to identify de novo synaptic connections among early retinal cell types following RO dissociation. A reproducible, high-throughput approach for labeling and quantifying traced retinal cell types was developed. Photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells-the primary neurons of interest for retinal cell replacement-were the two major contributing populations among the traced presynaptic cells. This system provides a platform for assessing synaptic connections in cultured retinal neurons and sets the stage for future cell replacement studies aimed at characterizing or enhancing synaptogenesis. Used in this manner, in vitro synaptic tracing is envisioned to complement traditional preclinical animal model testing, which is limited by evolutionary incompatibilities in synaptic machinery inherent to human xenografts.
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20
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Huang KC, Gomes C, Meyer JS. Retinal Ganglion Cells in a Dish: Current Strategies and Recommended Best Practices for Effective In Vitro Modeling of Development and Disease. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 281:83-102. [PMID: 36907969 PMCID: PMC10497719 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
The ability to derive retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) provides an extraordinary opportunity to study the development of RGCs as well as cellular mechanisms underlying their degeneration in optic neuropathies. In the past several years, multiple approaches have been established that allow for the generation of RGCs from hPSCs, with these methods greatly improved in more recent studies to yield mature RGCs that more faithfully recapitulate phenotypes within the eye. Nevertheless, numerous differences still remain between hPSC-RGCs and those found within the human eye, with these differences likely explained at least in part due to the environment in which hPSC-RGCs are grown. With the ultimate goal of generating hPSC-RGCs that most closely resemble those within the retina for proper studies of retinal development, disease modeling, as well as cellular replacement, we review within this manuscript the current effective approaches for the differentiation of hPSC-RGCs, as well as how they have been applied for the investigation of RGC neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma. Furthermore, we provide our opinions on the characteristics of RGCs necessary for their use as effective in vitro disease models and importantly, how these current systems should be improved to more accurately reflect disease states. The establishment of characteristics in differentiated hPSC-RGCs that more effectively mimic RGCs within the retina will not only enable their use as effective models of RGC development, but will also create a better disease model for the identification of mechanisms underlying the neurodegeneration of RGCs in disease states such as glaucoma, further facilitating the development of therapeutic approaches to rescue RGCs from degeneration in disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Chieh Huang
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Cátia Gomes
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jason S Meyer
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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21
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Agarwal D, Kuhns R, Dimitriou CN, Barlow E, Wahlin KJ, Enke RA. Bulk RNA sequencing analysis of developing human induced pluripotent cell-derived retinal organoids. Sci Data 2022; 9:759. [PMID: 36494376 PMCID: PMC9734101 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-022-01853-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinogenesis involves the transformation of the anterior developing brain into organized retinal lamellae coordinated by intricate gene signalling networks. This complex process has been investigated in several model organisms such as birds, fish, mammals and amphibians, yet many facets of retinal development are different in humans and remain unexplored. In this regard, human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived 3D retinal organoids and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) have emerged as key technologies that have facilitated the discovery of previously unknown details about cell fate specification and gene regulation in the retina. Here we utilized hPSCs integrated with fluorescent reporter genes (SIX6-p2A-eGFP/CRX-p2A-h2b-mRuby3) to generate retinal organoids and carry out bulk RNA sequencing of samples encompassing the majority of retinogenesis (D0-D280). This data set will serve as a valuable reference for the vision research community to characterize differentially expressed genes in the developing human eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devansh Agarwal
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology at the 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
| | - Rian Kuhns
- Department of Biology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, 22807, USA
| | | | - Emmalyn Barlow
- Department of Biology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, 22807, USA
| | - Karl J Wahlin
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology at the 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.
- The Center for Genome & Metagenome Studies, James Madison University Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg, VA, 22807, USA.
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22
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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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23
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Subramanian R, Sahoo D. Boolean implication analysis of single-cell data predicts retinal cell type markers. BMC Bioinformatics 2022; 23:378. [PMID: 36114457 PMCID: PMC9482279 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-022-04915-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The retina is a complex tissue containing multiple cell types that are essential for vision. Understanding the gene expression patterns of various retinal cell types has potential applications in regenerative medicine. Retinal organoids (optic vesicles) derived from pluripotent stem cells have begun to yield insights into the transcriptomics of developing retinal cell types in humans through single cell RNA-sequencing studies. Previous methods of gene reporting have relied upon techniques in vivo using microarray data, or correlational and dimension reduction methods for analyzing single cell RNA-sequencing data computationally. We aimed to develop a state-of-the-art Boolean method that filtered out noise, could be applied to a wide variety of datasets and lent insight into gene expression over differentiation. Results Here, we present a bioinformatic approach using Boolean implication to discover genes which are retinal cell type-specific or involved in retinal cell fate. We apply this approach to previously published retina and retinal organoid datasets and improve upon previously published correlational methods. Our method improves the prediction accuracy of marker genes of retinal cell types and discovers several new high confidence cone and rod-specific genes. Conclusions The results of this study demonstrate the benefits of a Boolean approach that considers asymmetric relationships. We have shown a statistically significant improvement from correlational, symmetric methods in the prediction accuracy of retinal cell-type specific genes. Furthermore, our method contains no cell or tissue-specific tuning and hence could impact other areas of gene expression analyses in cancer and other human diseases. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12859-022-04915-4.
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24
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Vértesy Á, Eichmüller OL, Naas J, Novatchkova M, Esk C, Balmaña M, Ladstaetter S, Bock C, von Haeseler A, Knoblich JA. Gruffi: an algorithm for computational removal of stressed cells from brain organoid transcriptomic datasets. EMBO J 2022; 41:e111118. [PMID: 35919947 PMCID: PMC9433936 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022111118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Organoids enable in vitro modeling of complex developmental processes and disease pathologies. Like most 3D cultures, organoids lack sufficient oxygen supply and therefore experience cellular stress. These negative effects are particularly prominent in complex models, such as brain organoids, and can affect lineage commitment. Here, we analyze brain organoid and fetal single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) data from published and new datasets, totaling about 190,000 cells. We identify a unique stress signature in the data from all organoid samples, but not in fetal samples. We demonstrate that cell stress is limited to a defined subpopulation of cells that is unique to organoids and does not affect neuronal specification or maturation. We have developed a computational algorithm, Gruffi, which uses granular functional filtering to identify and remove stressed cells from any organoid scRNAseq dataset in an unbiased manner. We validated our method using six additional datasets from different organoid protocols and early brains, and show its usefulness to other organoid systems including retinal organoids. Our data show that the adverse effects of cell stress can be corrected by bioinformatic analysis for improved delineation of developmental trajectories and resemblance to in vivo data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ábel Vértesy
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA), Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oliver L Eichmüller
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA), Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Naas
- Max Perutz Labs, Center for Integrative Bioinformatics Vienna (CIBIV), University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Medical University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Biocenter PhD Program, A Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Christopher Esk
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA), Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Meritxell Balmaña
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA), Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabrina Ladstaetter
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Bock
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Arndt von Haeseler
- Max Perutz Labs, Center for Integrative Bioinformatics Vienna (CIBIV), University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Faculty of Computer Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Juergen A Knoblich
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA), Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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25
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Xue Y, Lin B, Chen JT, Tang WC, Browne AW, Seiler MJ. The Prospects for Retinal Organoids in Treatment of Retinal Diseases. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2022; 11:314-327. [PMID: 36041146 PMCID: PMC9966053 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000538] [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: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration (RD) is a significant cause of incurable blindness worldwide. Photoreceptors and retinal pigmented epithelium are irreversibly damaged in advanced RD. Functional replacement of photoreceptors and/or retinal pigmented epithelium cells is a promising approach to restoring vision. This paper reviews the current status and explores future prospects of the transplantation therapy provided by pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal organoids (ROs). This review summarizes the status of rodent RD disease models and discusses RO culture and analytical tools to evaluate RO quality and function. Finally, we review and discuss the studies in which RO-derived cells or sheets were transplanted. In conclusion, methods to derive ROs from pluripotent stem cells have significantly improved and become more efficient in recent years. Meanwhile, more novel technologies are applied to characterize and validate RO quality. However, opportunity remains to optimize tissue differentiation protocols and achieve better RO reproducibility. In order to screen high-quality ROs for downstream applications, approaches such as noninvasive and label-free imaging and electrophysiological functional testing are promising and worth further investigation. Lastly, transplanted RO-derived tissues have allowed improvements in visual function in several RD models, showing promises for clinical applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuntian Xue
- Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - Bin Lin
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - Jacqueline T. Chen
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - William C. Tang
- Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - Andrew W. Browne
- Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - Magdalene J. Seiler
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Irvine, CA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA
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26
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Grigoryan EN. Self-Organization of the Retina during Eye Development, Retinal Regeneration In Vivo, and in Retinal 3D Organoids In Vitro. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1458. [PMID: 35740479 PMCID: PMC9221005 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [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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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora N Grigoryan
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
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27
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Daniszewski M, Senabouth A, Liang HH, Han X, Lidgerwood GE, Hernández D, Sivakumaran P, Clarke JE, Lim SY, Lees JG, Rooney L, Gulluyan L, Souzeau E, Graham SL, Chan CL, Nguyen U, Farbehi N, Gnanasambandapillai V, McCloy RA, Clarke L, Kearns LS, Mackey DA, Craig JE, MacGregor S, Powell JE, Pébay A, Hewitt AW. Retinal ganglion cell-specific genetic regulation in primary open-angle glaucoma. CELL GENOMICS 2022; 2:100142. [PMID: 36778138 PMCID: PMC9903700 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2022.100142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
To assess the transcriptomic profile of disease-specific cell populations, fibroblasts from patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) were reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) before being differentiated into retinal organoids and compared with those from healthy individuals. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing of a total of 247,520 cells and identified cluster-specific molecular signatures. Comparing the gene expression profile between cases and controls, we identified novel genetic associations for this blinding disease. Expression quantitative trait mapping identified a total of 4,443 significant loci across all cell types, 312 of which are specific to the retinal ganglion cell subpopulations, which ultimately degenerate in POAG. Transcriptome-wide association analysis identified genes at loci previously associated with POAG, and analysis, conditional on disease status, implicated 97 statistically significant retinal ganglion cell-specific expression quantitative trait loci. This work highlights the power of large-scale iPSC studies to uncover context-specific profiles for a genetically complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Daniszewski
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Anne Senabouth
- Garvan Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Helena H. Liang
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Xikun Han
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Grace E. Lidgerwood
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Damián Hernández
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Priyadharshini Sivakumaran
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Jordan E. Clarke
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Shiang Y. Lim
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,O’Brien Institute Department of St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Jarmon G. Lees
- O’Brien Institute Department of St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia,Department of Medicine, St Vincent’s Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Louise Rooney
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Lerna Gulluyan
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Emmanuelle Souzeau
- Department of Ophthalmology, Flinders University, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Stuart L. Graham
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Chia-Ling Chan
- Garvan Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Uyen Nguyen
- Garvan Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Nona Farbehi
- Garvan Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Vikkitharan Gnanasambandapillai
- Garvan Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Rachael A. McCloy
- Garvan Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Linda Clarke
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Lisa S. Kearns
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
| | - David A. Mackey
- Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Vision Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia,School of Medicine, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia
| | - Jamie E. Craig
- Department of Ophthalmology, Flinders University, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Stuart MacGregor
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Joseph E. Powell
- Garvan Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia,UNSW Cellular Genomics Futures Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia,Corresponding author
| | - Alice Pébay
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia,Corresponding author
| | - Alex W. Hewitt
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia,Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia,School of Medicine, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia,Corresponding author
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28
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Zhang KY, Johnson TV. Analyses of transplanted human retinal ganglion cell morphology and localization in murine organotypic retinal explant culture. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101328. [PMID: 35496811 PMCID: PMC9043871 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) transplantation has the potential to restore vision in optic neuropathy, but donor neuron survival and retinal integration remain challenging. Here, we present a protocol for ex vivo human RGC transplantation on flatmounted murine organotypic retinal explants, providing a robust platform for studying donor RGC survival, dendritic stratification, topographic distribution, donor-host interactions, and pro-engraftment strategies. The protocol includes microscopy-based analyses to evaluate donor cell engraftment and can be adapted to various donor cell types or culture systems. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Zhang et al. (2021a, 2021b). Protocol for murine organotypic retinal explant culture with RGC transplantation Proteolytic digestion of the internal limiting membrane enhances engraftment Microscopy-based analyses quantify donor RGC survival and topology Three-dimensional microscopy reconstructions localize donor neurite engraftment
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29
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Li W, Joseph Raj AN, Tjahjadi T, Zhuang Z. Fusion of ANNs as decoder of retinal spike trains for scene reconstruction. APPL INTELL 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10489-022-03402-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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30
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Differential susceptibility of retinal ganglion cell subtypes against neurodegenerative diseases. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 260:1807-1821. [PMID: 35038014 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-022-05556-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are essential to propagate external visual information from the retina to the brain. Death of RGCs is speculated to be closely correlated with blinding retinal diseases, such as glaucoma and traumatic optic neuropathy (TON). Emerging innovative technologies have helped refine and standardize the classification of RGCs; at present, they are classified into more than 40 subpopulations in mammals. These RGC subtypes are identified by a combination of anatomical morphologies, electrophysiological functions, and genetic profiles. Increasing evidence suggests that neurodegenerative diseases do not collectively affect the RGCs. In fact, which RGC subtype exhibits the strongest or weakest susceptibility is hotly debated. Although a consensus has not yet been reached, it is certain that assorted RGCs display differential susceptibility against irreversible degeneration. Interestingly, a single RGC subtype can exhibit various vulnerabilities to optic nerve damage in diverse injury models. Thus, elucidating how susceptible RGC subtypes are to various injuries can protect vulnerable RGCs from damage and improve the possibility of preventing and treating visual impairment caused by neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we summarize in detail the progress and status quo of research on the type-specific susceptibility of RGCs and point out current limitations and the possible directions for future research in this field.
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31
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Gudiseva HV, Vrathasha V, He J, Bungatavula D, O’Brien JM, Chavali VRM. Single Cell Sequencing of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived Retinal Ganglion Cells (iPSC-RGC) Reveals Distinct Molecular Signatures and RGC Subtypes. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:2015. [PMID: 34946963 PMCID: PMC8702079 DOI: 10.3390/genes12122015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We intend to identify marker genes with differential gene expression (DEG) and RGC subtypes in cultures of human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived retinal ganglion cells. Single-cell sequencing was performed on mature and functional iPSC-RGCs at day 40 using Chromium Single Cell 3' V3 protocols (10X Genomics). Sequencing libraries were run on Illumina Novaseq to generate 150 PE reads. Demultiplexed FASTQ files were mapped to the hg38 reference genome using the STAR package, and cluster analyses were performed using a cell ranger and BBrowser2 software. QC analysis was performed by removing the reads corresponding to ribosomal and mitochondrial genes, as well as cells that had less than 1X mean absolute deviation (MAD), resulting in 4705 cells that were used for further analyses. Cells were separated into clusters based on the gene expression normalization via PCA and TSNE analyses using the Seurat tool and/or Louvain clustering when using BBrowser2 software. DEG analysis identified subsets of RGCs with markers like MAP2, RBPMS, TUJ1, BRN3A, SOX4, TUBB3, SNCG, PAX6 and NRN1 in iPSC-RGCs. Differential expression analysis between separate clusters identified significant DEG transcripts associated with cell cycle, neuron regulatory networks, protein kinases, calcium signaling, growth factor hormones, and homeobox transcription factors. Further cluster refinement identified RGC diversity and subtype specification within iPSC-RGCs. DEGs can be used as biomarkers for RGC subtype classification, which will allow screening model systems that represent a spectrum of diseases with RGC pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Venkata R. M. Chavali
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (H.V.G.); (V.V.); (J.H.); (D.B.)
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32
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Kang EYC, Liu PK, Wen YT, Quinn PMJ, Levi SR, Wang NK, Tsai RK. Role of Oxidative Stress in Ocular Diseases Associated with Retinal Ganglion Cells Degeneration. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:1948. [PMID: 34943051 PMCID: PMC8750806 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10121948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular diseases associated with retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration is the most common neurodegenerative disorder that causes irreversible blindness worldwide. It is characterized by visual field defects and progressive optic nerve atrophy. The underlying pathophysiology and mechanisms of RGC degeneration in several ocular diseases remain largely unknown. RGCs are a population of central nervous system neurons, with their soma located in the retina and long axons that extend through the optic nerve to form distal terminals and connections in the brain. Because of this unique cytoarchitecture and highly compartmentalized energy demand, RGCs are highly mitochondrial-dependent for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Recently, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction have been found to be the principal mechanisms in RGC degeneration as well as in other neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we review the role of oxidative stress in several ocular diseases associated with RGC degenerations, including glaucoma, hereditary optic atrophy, inflammatory optic neuritis, ischemic optic neuropathy, traumatic optic neuropathy, and drug toxicity. We also review experimental approaches using cell and animal models for research on the underlying mechanisms of RGC degeneration. Lastly, we discuss the application of antioxidants as a potential future therapy for the ocular diseases associated with RGC degenerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Yu-Chuan Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Kang Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yao-Tseng Wen
- Institute of Eye Research, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97403, Taiwan;
| | - Peter M. J. Quinn
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care, and Bernard and Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology and Cell Biology, Institute of Human Nutrition, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (P.M.J.Q.); (S.R.L.)
| | - Sarah R. Levi
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care, and Bernard and Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology and Cell Biology, Institute of Human Nutrition, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (P.M.J.Q.); (S.R.L.)
| | - Nan-Kai Wang
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Rong-Kung Tsai
- Institute of Eye Research, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97403, Taiwan;
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97403, Taiwan
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33
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Capturing the third dimension in drug discovery: Spatially-resolved tools for interrogation of complex 3D cell models. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 55:107883. [PMID: 34875362 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Advanced three-dimensional (3D) cell models have proven to be capable of depicting architectural and microenvironmental features of several tissues. By providing data of higher physiological and pathophysiological relevance, 3D cell models have been contributing to a better understanding of human development, pathology onset and progression mechanisms, as well as for 3D cell-based assays for drug discovery. Nonetheless, the characterization and interrogation of these tissue-like structures pose major challenges on the conventional analytical methods, pushing the development of spatially-resolved technologies. Herein, we review recent advances and pioneering technologies suitable for the interrogation of multicellular 3D models, while capable of retaining biological spatial information. We focused on imaging technologies and omics tools, namely transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics. The advantages and shortcomings of these novel methodologies are discussed, alongside the opportunities to intertwine data from the different tools.
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Eldred KC, Reh TA. Human retinal model systems: Strengths, weaknesses, and future directions. Dev Biol 2021; 480:114-122. [PMID: 34529997 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The retina is a complex neuronal structure that converts light energy into visual perception. Many specialized aspects of the primate retina, including a cone rich macula for high acuity vision, ocular size, and cell type diversity are not found in other animal models. In addition, the unique morphologies and distinct laminar positions of cell types found in the retina make this model system ideal for the study of neuronal cell fate specification. Many key early events of human retinal development are inaccessible to investigation as they occur during gestation. For these reasons, it has been necessary to develop retinal model systems to gain insight into human-specific retinal development and disease. Recent advances in culturing retinal tissue have generated new systems for retinal research and have moved us closer to generating effective regenerative therapies for vision loss. Here, we describe the strengths, weaknesses, and future directions for different human retinal model systems including dissociated primary tissue, explanted primary tissue, retinospheres, and stem cell-derived retinal organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiara C Eldred
- Department of Biological Structure, Institute for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, Institute for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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Risner ML, Pasini S, Chamling X, McGrady NR, Goldberg JL, Zack DJ, Calkins DJ. Intrinsic Morphologic and Physiologic Development of Human Derived Retinal Ganglion Cells In Vitro. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:1. [PMID: 34383881 PMCID: PMC8362626 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.10.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Human retinal ganglion cells (hRGC) derived from human pluripotent stem cells are promising candidates to model, protect, and replace degenerating RGCs. Here, we examined intrinsic morphologic and physiologic development of hRGCs. Methods We used CRISPR-Cas9 to selectively express tdTomato under the RGC-specific promoter, BRN3B. Human pluripotent stem cells were chemically differentiated into hRGCs and cultured up to 7 weeks. We measured soma area, neurite complexity, synaptic protein, axon-related messenger RNA and protein, and voltage-dependent responses. Results Soma area, neurite complexity, and postsynaptic density protein 95 increased over time. Soma area and neurite complexity increased proportionally week to week, and this relationship was dynamic, strengthening between 2 and 3 weeks and diminishing by 4 weeks. Postsynaptic density 95 localization was dependent on culture duration. After 1 to 2 weeks, postsynaptic density 95 localized within somas but redistributed along neurites after 3 to 4 weeks. Axon initial segment scaffolding protein, Ankyrin G, expression also increased over time, and by 7 weeks, Ankyrin G often localized within putative axons. Voltage-gated inward currents progressively developed, but outward currents matured by 4 weeks. Current-induced spike generation increased over time but limited by depolarization block. Conclusions Human RGCs develop up to 7 weeks after culture. Thus, the state of hRGC maturation should be accounted for in designing models and treatments for optic neuropathies. Translational Relevance We characterized hRGC morphologic and physiologic development towards identifying key time points when hRGCs express mechanisms that may be harnessed to enhance the efficacy of neuroprotective and cell replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Risner
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Silvia Pasini
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Xitiz Chamling
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nolan R McGrady
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Donald J Zack
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David J Calkins
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Zhang J, Wu S, Jin ZB, Wang N. Stem Cell-Based Regeneration and Restoration for Retinal Ganglion Cell: Recent Advancements and Current Challenges. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11070987. [PMID: 34356611 PMCID: PMC8301853 DOI: 10.3390/biom11070987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a group of irreversible blinding eye diseases characterized by the progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. Currently, there is no effective method to fundamentally resolve the issue of RGC degeneration. Recent advances have revealed that visual function recovery could be achieved with stem cell-based therapy by replacing damaged RGCs with cell transplantation, providing nutritional factors for damaged RGCs, and supplying healthy mitochondria and other cellular components to exert neuroprotective effects and mediate transdifferentiation of autologous retinal stem cells to accomplish endogenous regeneration of RGC. This article reviews the recent research progress in the above-mentioned fields, including the breakthroughs in the fields of in vivo transdifferentiation of retinal endogenous stem cells and reversal of the RGC aging phenotype, and discusses the obstacles in the clinical translation of the stem cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxue Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing 100730, China; (J.Z.); (S.W.)
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Shen Wu
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing 100730, China; (J.Z.); (S.W.)
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Zi-Bing Jin
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing 100730, China; (J.Z.); (S.W.)
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-B.J.); (N.W.)
| | - Ningli Wang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing 100730, China; (J.Z.); (S.W.)
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-B.J.); (N.W.)
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Restoration of vision in patients blinded by advanced optic neuropathies requires technologies that can either 1) salvage damaged and prevent further degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), or 2) replace lost RGCs. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Review of scientific literature. RESULTS In this article, we discuss the different barriers to cell-replacement based strategies for optic nerve regeneration and provide an update regarding what progress that has been made to overcome them. We also provide an update on current stem cell-based therapies for optic nerve regeneration. CONCLUSIONS As neuro-regenerative and cell-transplantation based strategies for optic nerve regeneration continue to be refined, researchers and clinicians will need to work together to determine who will be a good candidate for such therapies.
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Karpe Y, Chen Z, Li XJ. Stem Cell Models and Gene Targeting for Human Motor Neuron Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:565. [PMID: 34204831 PMCID: PMC8231537 DOI: 10.3390/ph14060565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neurons are large projection neurons classified into upper and lower motor neurons responsible for controlling the movement of muscles. Degeneration of motor neurons results in progressive muscle weakness, which underlies several debilitating neurological disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP), and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). With the development of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, human iPSCs can be derived from patients and further differentiated into motor neurons. Motor neuron disease models can also be generated by genetically modifying human pluripotent stem cells. The efficiency of gene targeting in human cells had been very low, but is greatly improved with recent gene editing technologies such as zinc-finger nucleases (ZFN), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN), and CRISPR-Cas9. The combination of human stem cell-based models and gene editing tools provides unique paradigms to dissect pathogenic mechanisms and to explore therapeutics for these devastating diseases. Owing to the critical role of several genes in the etiology of motor neuron diseases, targeted gene therapies have been developed, including antisense oligonucleotides, viral-based gene delivery, and in situ gene editing. This review summarizes recent advancements in these areas and discusses future challenges toward the development of transformative medicines for motor neuron diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashashree Karpe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (Y.K.); (Z.C.)
| | - Zhenyu Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (Y.K.); (Z.C.)
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Xue-Jun Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (Y.K.); (Z.C.)
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
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Retinal Ganglion Cell Transplantation: Approaches for Overcoming Challenges to Functional Integration. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061426. [PMID: 34200991 PMCID: PMC8228580 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As part of the central nervous system, mammalian retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) lack significant regenerative capacity. Glaucoma causes progressive and irreversible vision loss by damaging RGCs and their axons, which compose the optic nerve. To functionally restore vision, lost RGCs must be replaced. Despite tremendous advancements in experimental models of optic neuropathy that have elucidated pathways to induce endogenous RGC neuroprotection and axon regeneration, obstacles to achieving functional visual recovery through exogenous RGC transplantation remain. Key challenges include poor graft survival, low donor neuron localization to the host retina, and inadequate dendritogenesis and synaptogenesis with afferent amacrine and bipolar cells. In this review, we summarize the current state of experimental RGC transplantation, and we propose a set of standard approaches to quantifying and reporting experimental outcomes in order to guide a collective effort to advance the field toward functional RGC replacement and optic nerve regeneration.
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Bloom ML, Johnston LB, Datta SR. Renewal and Differentiation of GCD Necklace Olfactory Sensory Neurons. Chem Senses 2021; 45:333-346. [PMID: 32333759 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjaa027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Both canonical olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) and sensory neurons belonging to the guanylate cyclase D (GCD) "necklace" subsystem are housed in the main olfactory epithelium, which is continuously bombarded by toxins, pathogens, and debris from the outside world. Canonical OSNs address this challenge, in part, by undergoing renewal through neurogenesis; however, it is not clear whether GCD OSNs also continuously regenerate and, if so, whether newborn GCD precursors follow a similar developmental trajectory to that taken by canonical OSNs. Here, we demonstrate that GCD OSNs are born throughout adulthood and can persist in the epithelium for several months. Phosphodiesterase 2A is upregulated early in the differentiation process, followed by the sequential downregulation of β-tubulin and the upregulation of CART protein. The GCD and MS4A receptors that confer sensory responses upon GCD neurons are initially expressed midway through this process but become most highly expressed once CART levels are maximal late in GCD OSN development. GCD OSN maturation is accompanied by a horizontal migration of neurons toward the central, curved portions of the cul-de-sac regions where necklace cells are concentrated. These findings demonstrate that-like their canonical counterparts-GCD OSNs undergo continuous renewal and define a GCD-specific developmental trajectory linking neurogenesis, maturation, and migration.
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Vielle A, Park YK, Secora C, Vergara MN. Organoids for the Study of Retinal Development and Developmental Abnormalities. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:667880. [PMID: 34025363 PMCID: PMC8131530 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.667880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The cumulative knowledge of retina development has been instrumental in the generation of retinal organoid systems from pluripotent stem cells; and these three-dimensional organoid models, in turn, have provided unprecedented opportunities for retinal research and translational applications, including the ability to model disease in a human setting and to apply these models to the development and validation of therapeutic drugs. In this review article, we examine how retinal organoids can also contribute to our understanding of retinal developmental mechanisms, how this knowledge can be applied to modeling developmental abnormalities, and highlight some of the avenues that remain to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Vielle
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States.,Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Yuna K Park
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Conner Secora
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States.,Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, Aurora, CO, United States.,Master of Science in Modern Human Anatomy Program, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - M Natalia Vergara
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States.,Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, Aurora, CO, United States
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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: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.7] [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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Oswald J, Kegeles E, Minelli T, Volchkov P, Baranov P. Transplantation of miPSC/mESC-derived retinal ganglion cells into healthy and glaucomatous retinas. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 21:180-198. [PMID: 33816648 PMCID: PMC7994731 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Optic neuropathies, including glaucoma, are a group of neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by the progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), leading to irreversible vision loss. While previous studies demonstrated the potential to replace RGCs with primary neurons from developing mouse retinas, their use is limited clinically. We demonstrate successful transplantation of mouse induced pluripotent stem cell (miPSC)/mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC)-derived RGCs into healthy and glaucomatous mouse retinas, at a success rate exceeding 65% and a donor cell survival window of up to 12 months. Transplanted Thy1-GFP+ RGCs were able to polarize within the host retina and formed axonal processes that followed host axons along the retinal surface and entered the optic nerve head. RNA sequencing of donor RGCs re-isolated from host retinas at 24 h and 1 week post-transplantation showed upregulation of cellular pathways mediating axonal outgrowth, extension, and guidance. Additionally, we provide evidence of subtype-specific diversity within miPSC-derived RGCs prior to transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Oswald
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Evgenii Kegeles
- Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudniy 141700, Russia
| | - Tomas Minelli
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Pavel Volchkov
- Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudniy 141700, Russia
- Research Institute of Personalized Medicine, National Center for Personalized Medicine of Endocrine Diseases, The National Medical Research Center for Endocrinology, Moscow 117036, Russia
| | - Petr Baranov
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Corresponding author: Petr Baranov, The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Nasir-Ahmad S, Lee SCS, Martin PR, Grünert U. Identification of retinal ganglion cell types expressing the transcription factor Satb2 in three primate species. J Comp Neurol 2021; 529:2727-2749. [PMID: 33527361 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In primates, the retinal ganglion cells contributing to high acuity spatial vision (midget cells and parasol cells), and blue-yellow color vision (small bistratified cells) are well understood. Many other ganglion cell types with large dendritic fields (named wide-field ganglion cells) have been identified, but their spatial density and distribution are largely unknown. Here we took advantage of the recently established molecular diversity of ganglion cells to study wide-field ganglion cell populations in three primate species. We used antibodies against the transcription factor Special AT-rich binding protein 2 (Satb2) to explore its expression in macaque (Macaca fascicularis, M. nemestrina), human and marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) retinas. In all three species, Satb2 cells make up a low proportion (1.5-4%) of the ganglion cell population, with a slight increase from central to peripheral retina. Intracellular dye injections revealed that in macaque and human retinas, the large majority (over 80%) of Satb2 cells are inner and outer stratifying large sparse cells. By contrast, in marmoset retina the majority (over 60%) of Satb2 expressing cells were broad thorny cells, with smaller proportions of recursive bistratified (putative direction-selective), large bistratified, and outer stratifying narrow thorny cells. Our findings imply that Satb2 expression has undergone rapid species specific adaptations during primate evolution, because expression is not conserved across Old World (macaque, human) and New World (marmoset) suborders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subha Nasir-Ahmad
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Save Sight Institute and Discipline of Ophthalmology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sammy C S Lee
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Save Sight Institute and Discipline of Ophthalmology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul R Martin
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Save Sight Institute and Discipline of Ophthalmology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ulrike Grünert
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Save Sight Institute and Discipline of Ophthalmology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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An alternative approach to produce versatile retinal organoids with accelerated ganglion cell development. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1101. [PMID: 33441707 PMCID: PMC7806597 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79651-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetically complex ocular neuropathies, such as glaucoma, are a major cause of visual impairment worldwide. There is a growing need to generate suitable human representative in vitro and in vivo models, as there is no effective treatment available once damage has occured. Retinal organoids are increasingly being used for experimental gene therapy, stem cell replacement therapy and small molecule therapy. There are multiple protocols for the development of retinal organoids available, however, one potential drawback of the current methods is that the organoids can take between 6 weeks and 12 months on average to develop and mature, depending on the specific cell type wanted. Here, we describe and characterise a protocol focused on the generation of retinal ganglion cells within an accelerated four week timeframe without any external small molecules or growth factors. Subsequent long term cultures yield fully differentiated organoids displaying all major retinal cell types. RPE, Horizontal, Amacrine and Photoreceptors cells were generated using external factors to maintain lamination.
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Chen T, Li J, Jia Y, Wang J, Sang R, Zhang Y, Rong R. Single-cell Sequencing in the Field of Stem Cells. Curr Genomics 2021; 21:576-584. [PMID: 33414679 PMCID: PMC7770636 DOI: 10.2174/1389202921999200624154445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Variation and heterogeneity between cells are the basic characteristics of stem cells. Traditional sequencing analysis methods often cover up this difference. Single-cell sequencing technology refers to the technology of high-throughput sequencing analysis of genomes at the single-cell level. It can effectively analyze cell heterogeneity and identify a small number of cell populations. With the continuous progress of cell sorting, nucleic acid extraction and other technologies, single-cell sequencing technology has also made great progress. Encouraging new discoveries have been made in stem cell research, including pluripotent stem cells, tissue-specific stem cells and cancer stem cells. In this review, we discuss the latest progress and future prospects of single-cell sequencing technology in the field of stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Chen
- 1Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China; 2Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, P.R. China; 3Biomedical Research Center, Institute for Clinical Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China; 4Department of Urology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai, P.R. China; 5Department of Transfusion, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jiawei Li
- 1Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China; 2Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, P.R. China; 3Biomedical Research Center, Institute for Clinical Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China; 4Department of Urology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai, P.R. China; 5Department of Transfusion, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yichen Jia
- 1Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China; 2Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, P.R. China; 3Biomedical Research Center, Institute for Clinical Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China; 4Department of Urology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai, P.R. China; 5Department of Transfusion, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jiyan Wang
- 1Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China; 2Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, P.R. China; 3Biomedical Research Center, Institute for Clinical Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China; 4Department of Urology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai, P.R. China; 5Department of Transfusion, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Ruirui Sang
- 1Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China; 2Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, P.R. China; 3Biomedical Research Center, Institute for Clinical Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China; 4Department of Urology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai, P.R. China; 5Department of Transfusion, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yi Zhang
- 1Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China; 2Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, P.R. China; 3Biomedical Research Center, Institute for Clinical Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China; 4Department of Urology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai, P.R. China; 5Department of Transfusion, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Ruiming Rong
- 1Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China; 2Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, P.R. China; 3Biomedical Research Center, Institute for Clinical Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China; 4Department of Urology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai, P.R. China; 5Department of Transfusion, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
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Kim US, Mahroo OA, Mollon JD, Yu-Wai-Man P. Retinal Ganglion Cells-Diversity of Cell Types and Clinical Relevance. Front Neurol 2021; 12:661938. [PMID: 34093409 PMCID: PMC8175861 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.661938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the bridging neurons that connect the retinal input to the visual processing centres within the central nervous system. There is a remarkable diversity of RGCs and the various subtypes have unique morphological features, distinct functions, and characteristic pathways linking the inner retina to the relevant brain areas. A number of psychophysical and electrophysiological tests have been refined to investigate this large and varied population of RGCs. Technological advances, such as high-resolution optical coherence tomography imaging, have provided additional tools to define the pattern of RGC involvement and the chronological sequence of events in both inherited and acquired optic neuropathies. The mechanistic insights gained from these studies, in particular the selective vulnerability and relative resilience of particular RGC subtypes, are of fundamental importance as they are directly relevant to the development of targeted therapies for these invariably progressive blinding diseases. This review provides a comprehensive description of the various types of RGCs, the developments in proposed methods of classification, and the current gaps in our knowledge of how these RGCs are differentially affected depending on the underlying aetiology. The synthesis of the current body of knowledge on the diversity of RGCs and the pathways that are potentially amenable to therapeutic modulation will hopefully lead to much needed effective treatments for patients with optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ungsoo Samuel Kim
- Kim's Eye Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair and MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cambridge Eye Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Ungsoo Samuel Kim
| | - Omar A. Mahroo
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Section of Ophthalmology, King's College London, St. Thomas' Hospital Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - John D. Mollon
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Yu-Wai-Man
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair and MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cambridge Eye Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Rabesandratana O, Chaffiol A, Mialot A, Slembrouck-Brec A, Joffrois C, Nanteau C, Rodrigues A, Gagliardi G, Reichman S, Sahel JA, Chédotal A, Duebel J, Goureau O, Orieux G. Generation of a Transplantable Population of Human iPSC-Derived Retinal Ganglion Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:585675. [PMID: 33195235 PMCID: PMC7652757 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.585675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Optic neuropathies are a major cause of visual impairment due to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration. Human induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represent a powerful tool for studying both human RGC development and RGC-related pathological mechanisms. Because RGC loss can be massive before the diagnosis of visual impairment, cell replacement is one of the most encouraging strategies. The present work describes the generation of functional RGCs from iPSCs based on innovative 3D/2D stepwise differentiation protocol. We demonstrate that targeting the cell surface marker THY1 is an effective strategy to select transplantable RGCs. By generating a fluorescent GFP reporter iPSC line to follow transplanted cells, we provide evidence that THY1-positive RGCs injected into the vitreous of mice with optic neuropathy can survive up to 1 month, intermingled with the host RGC layer. These data support the usefulness of iPSC-derived RGC exploration as a potential future therapeutic strategy for optic nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antoine Chaffiol
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Antoine Mialot
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | | | - Corentin Joffrois
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Céline Nanteau
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Amélie Rodrigues
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | | | - Sacha Reichman
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France.,CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DHOS CIC 1423, Paris, France.,Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Alain Chédotal
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Jens Duebel
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Goureau
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Gael Orieux
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
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Pereiro X, Miltner AM, La Torre A, Vecino E. Effects of Adult Müller Cells and Their Conditioned Media on the Survival of Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Ganglion Cells. Cells 2020; 9:E1759. [PMID: 32708020 PMCID: PMC7465792 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal neurons, particularly retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), are susceptible to the degenerative damage caused by different inherited conditions and environmental insults, leading to irreversible vision loss and, ultimately, blindness. Numerous strategies are being tested in different models of degeneration to restore vision and, in recent years, stem cell technologies have offered novel avenues to obtain donor cells for replacement therapies. To date, stem cell-based transplantation in the retina has been attempted as treatment for photoreceptor degeneration, but the same tools could potentially be applied to other retinal cell types, including RGCs. However, RGC-like cells are not an abundant cell type in stem cell-derived cultures and, often, these cells degenerate over time in vitro. To overcome this limitation, we have taken advantage of the neuroprotective properties of Müller glia (one of the main glial cell types in the retina) and we have examined whether Müller glia and the factors they secrete could promote RGC-like cell survival in organoid cultures. Accordingly, stem cell-derived RGC-like cells were co-cultured with adult Müller cells or Müller cell-conditioned media was added to the cultures. Remarkably, RGC-like cell survival was substantially enhanced in both culture conditions, and we also observed a significant increase in their neurite length. Interestingly, Atoh7, a transcription factor required for RGC development, was up-regulated in stem cell-derived organoids exposed to conditioned media, suggesting that Müller cells may also enhance the survival of retinal progenitors and/or postmitotic precursor cells. In conclusion, Müller cells and the factors they release promote organoid-derived RGC-like cell survival, neuritogenesis, and possibly neuronal maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xandra Pereiro
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, 48940 Vizcaya, Spain;
| | - Adam M. Miltner
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (A.M.M.); (A.L.T.)
| | - Anna La Torre
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (A.M.M.); (A.L.T.)
| | - Elena Vecino
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, 48940 Vizcaya, Spain;
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Dual SMAD inhibition and Wnt inhibition enable efficient and reproducible differentiations of induced pluripotent stem cells into retinal ganglion cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11828. [PMID: 32678240 PMCID: PMC7366935 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68811-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a group of progressive optic neuropathies that share common biological and clinical characteristics including irreversible changes to the optic nerve and visual field loss caused by the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The loss of RGCs manifests as characteristic cupping or optic nerve degeneration, resulting in visual field loss in patients with Glaucoma. Published studies on in vitro RGC differentiation from stem cells utilized classical RGC signaling pathways mimicking retinal development in vivo. Although many strategies allowed for the generation of RGCs, increased variability between experiments and lower yield hampered the cross comparison between individual lines and between experiments. To address this critical need, we developed a reproducible chemically defined in vitro methodology for generating retinal progenitor cell (RPC) populations from iPSCs, that are efficiently directed towards RGC lineage. Using this method, we reproducibly differentiated iPSCs into RGCs with greater than 80% purity, without any genetic modifications. We used small molecules and peptide modulators to inhibit BMP, TGF-β (SMAD), and canonical Wnt pathways that reduced variability between iPSC lines and yielded functional and mature iPSC-RGCs. Using CD90.2 antibody and Magnetic Activated Cell Sorter (MACS) technique, we successfully purified Thy-1 positive RGCs with nearly 95% purity.
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