1
|
Dujardin C, Habeler W, Monville C, Letourneur D, Simon-Yarza T. Advances in the engineering of the outer blood-retina barrier: From in-vitro modelling to cellular therapy. Bioact Mater 2024; 31:151-177. [PMID: 37637086 PMCID: PMC10448242 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The outer blood-retina barrier (oBRB), crucial for the survival and the proper functioning of the overlying retinal layers, is disrupted in numerous diseases affecting the retina, leading to the loss of the photoreceptors and ultimately of vision. To study the oBRB and/or its degeneration, many in vitro oBRB models have been developed, notably to investigate potential therapeutic strategies against retinal diseases. Indeed, to this day, most of these pathologies are untreatable, especially once the first signs of degeneration are observed. To cure those patients, a current strategy is to cultivate in vitro a mature oBRB epithelium on a custom membrane that is further implanted to replace the damaged native tissue. After a description of the oBRB and the related diseases, this review presents an overview of the oBRB models, from the simplest to the most complex. Then, we propose a discussion over the used cell types, for their relevance to study or treat the oBRB. Models designed for in vitro applications are then examined, by paying particular attention to the design evolution in the last years, the development of pathological models and the benefits of co-culture models, including both the retinal pigment epithelium and the choroid. Lastly, this review focuses on the models developed for in vivo implantation, with special emphasis on the choice of the material, its processing and its characterization, before discussing the reported pre-clinical and clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Dujardin
- Université Paris Cité, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science (LVTS) INSERM-U1148, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Walter Habeler
- INSERM U861, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100, Corbeil-Essonnes, France
- U861, I-Stem, AFM, Université Paris-Saclay, Université D’Evry, 91100, Corbeil-Essonnes, France
- CECS, Centre D’étude des Cellules Souches, 91100, Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Christelle Monville
- INSERM U861, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100, Corbeil-Essonnes, France
- U861, I-Stem, AFM, Université Paris-Saclay, Université D’Evry, 91100, Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Didier Letourneur
- Université Paris Cité, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science (LVTS) INSERM-U1148, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Teresa Simon-Yarza
- Université Paris Cité, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science (LVTS) INSERM-U1148, 75018 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hass DT, Zhang Q, Autterson GA, Bryan RA, Hurley JB, Miller JML. Medium Depth Influences O2 Availability and Metabolism in Human RPE Cultures. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:4. [PMID: 37922158 PMCID: PMC10629522 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.14.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) oxidative metabolism is critical for normal retinal function and is often studied in cell culture systems. Here, we show that conventional culture media volumes dramatically impact O2 availability, limiting oxidative metabolism. We suggest optimal conditions to ensure cultured RPE is in a normoxic environment permissive to oxidative metabolism. Methods We altered the availability of O2 to human primary and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE cultures directly via a hypoxia chamber or indirectly via the amount of medium over cells. We measured oxygen consumption rates (OCRs), glucose consumption, lactate production, 13C6-glucose and 13C5-glutamine flux, hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) stability, intracellular lipid droplets after a lipid challenge, transepithelial electrical resistance, cell morphology, and pigmentation. Results Medium volumes commonly employed during RPE culture limit diffusion of O2 to cells, triggering hypoxia, activating HIF-1α, limiting OCR, and dramatically altering cell metabolism, with only minor effects on typical markers of RPE health. Media volume effects on O2 availability decrease acetyl-CoA utilization, increase glycolysis and reductive carboxylation, and alter the size and number of intracellular lipid droplets under lipid-rich conditions. Conclusions Despite having little impact on visible and typical markers of RPE culture health, media volume dramatically affects RPE physiology "under the hood." As RPE-centric diseases like age-related macular degeneration involve oxidative metabolism, RPE cultures need to be optimized to study such diseases. We provide guidelines for optimal RPE culture volumes that balance ample nutrient availability from larger media volumes with adequate O2 availability seen with smaller media volumes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T. Hass
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Qitao Zhang
- Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | | | | | - James B. Hurley
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Jason M. L. Miller
- Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Guardia A, Fernández A, Seruggia D, Chotard V, Sánchez-Castillo C, Kutsyr O, Sánchez-Sáez X, Zurita E, Cantero M, Rebsam A, Cuenca N, Montoliu L. A Slc38a8 Mouse Model of FHONDA Syndrome Faithfully Recapitulates the Visual Deficits of Albinism Without Pigmentation Defects. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:32. [PMID: 37862028 PMCID: PMC10599165 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.13.32] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose We aimed to generate and phenotype a mouse model of foveal hypoplasia, optic nerve decussation defects, and anterior segment dysgenesis (FHONDA), a rare disease associated with mutations in Slc38a8 that causes severe visual alterations similar to albinism without affecting pigmentation. Methods The FHONDA mouse model was generated with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 technology using an RNA guide targeting the Scl38a8 murine locus. The resulting mice were backcrossed to C57BL/6J. Melanin content was measured using spectrophotometry. Retinal cell architecture was analyzed through light and electron microscopy. Retinal projections to the brain were evaluated with anterograde labelling in embryos and adults. Visual function was assessed by electroretinography (ERG) and the optomotor test (OT). Results From numerous Slc38a8 mouse mutant alleles generated, we selected one that encodes a truncated protein (p.196Pro*, equivalent to p.199Pro* in the human protein) closely resembling a mutant allele described in patients (p.200Gln*). Slc38a8 mutant mice exhibit wild-type eye and coat pigmentation with comparable melanin content. Subcellular abnormalities were observed in retinal pigment epithelium cells of Slc38a8 mutant mice. Anterograde labeling experiments of retinal projections in embryos and adults showed a reduction of ipsilateral fibers. Functional visual analyses revealed a decreased ERG response in scotopic conditions and a reduction of visual acuity in mutant mice measured by OT. Conclusions Slc38a8 mutant mice recapitulate the phenotype of patients with FHONDA concerning their normal pigmentation and their abnormal visual system, in the latter being a hallmark of all types of albinism. These mice will be helpful in better understanding the pathophysiology of this genetic condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Guardia
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Fernández
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Davide Seruggia
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Virginie Chotard
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Carla Sánchez-Castillo
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Oksana Kutsyr
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Xavier Sánchez-Sáez
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Esther Zurita
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Cantero
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alexandra Rebsam
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Nicolás Cuenca
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Lluís Montoliu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hass DT, Zhang Q, Autterson G, Bryan R, Hurley JB, Miller JM. Medium depth influences O 2 availability and metabolism in cultured RPE cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.01.530623. [PMID: 36909658 PMCID: PMC10002737 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.01.530623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE RPE oxidative metabolism is critical for normal retinal function and is often studied in cell culture systems. Here, we show that conventional culture media volumes dramatically impact O 2 availability, limiting oxidative metabolism. We suggest optimal conditions to ensure cultured RPE is in a normoxic environment permissive to oxidative metabolism. METHODS We altered the availability of O 2 to human primary RPE cultures directly via a hypoxia chamber or indirectly via the amount of medium over cells. We measured oxygen consumption rates (OCR), glucose consumption, lactate production, 13 C-glucose flux, hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1α) stability, intracellular lipid droplets after a lipid challenge, trans-epithelial electrical resistance, cell morphology, and pigmentation. RESULTS Medium volumes commonly employed during RPE culture limit diffusion of O 2 to cells, triggering hypoxia, activating HIF-1α, limiting OCR, and dramatically altering cell metabolism, with only minor effects on typical markers of RPE health. Media volume effects on O 2 availability decrease acetyl-CoA utilization, increase glycolysis, and alter the size and number of intracellular lipid droplets under lipid-rich conditions. CONCLUSIONS Despite having little impact on visible and typical markers of RPE culture health, media volume dramatically affects RPE physiology ″under the hood″. As RPE-centric diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) involve oxidative metabolism, RPE cultures need to be optimized to study such diseases. We provide guidelines for optimal RPE culture volumes that balance ample nutrient availability from larger media volumes with adequate O 2 availability seen with smaller media volumes.
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu Q, Liu J, Higuchi A. hPSC-derived RPE transplantation for the treatment of macular degeneration. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 199:227-269. [PMID: 37678973 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Macular degeneration (MD) is a group of diseases characterized by irreversible and progressive vision loss. Patients with MD suffer from severely impaired central vision, especially elderly people. Currently, only one type of MD, wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), can be treated with anti-vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) drugs. Other types of MD remain difficult to treat. With the advent of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and their differentiation into retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), it is promising to treat patients with MD by transplantation of hPSC-derived RPE into the subretinal space. In this review, the current progress in hPSC-derived RPE transplantation for the treatment of patients with MD is described from bench to bedside, including hPSC differentiation into RPE and the characterization and usage of hPSC-derived RPE for transplantation into patients with MD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Akon Higuchi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China; Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Jhongli, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
The retinal pigmentation pathway in human albinism: Not so black and white. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 91:101091. [PMID: 35729001 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Albinism is a pigment disorder affecting eye, skin and/or hair. Patients usually have decreased melanin in affected tissues and suffer from severe visual abnormalities, including foveal hypoplasia and chiasmal misrouting. Combining our data with those of the literature, we propose a single functional genetic retinal signalling pathway that includes all 22 currently known human albinism disease genes. We hypothesise that defects affecting the genesis or function of different intra-cellular organelles, including melanosomes, cause syndromic forms of albinism (Hermansky-Pudlak (HPS) and Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS)). We put forward that specific melanosome impairments cause different forms of oculocutaneous albinism (OCA1-8). Further, we incorporate GPR143 that has been implicated in ocular albinism (OA1), characterised by a phenotype limited to the eye. Finally, we include the SLC38A8-associated disorder FHONDA that causes an even more restricted "albinism-related" ocular phenotype with foveal hypoplasia and chiasmal misrouting but without pigmentation defects. We propose the following retinal pigmentation pathway, with increasingly specific genetic and cellular defects causing an increasingly specific ocular phenotype: (HPS1-11/CHS: syndromic forms of albinism)-(OCA1-8: OCA)-(GPR143: OA1)-(SLC38A8: FHONDA). Beyond disease genes involvement, we also evaluate a range of (candidate) regulatory and signalling mechanisms affecting the activity of the pathway in retinal development, retinal pigmentation and albinism. We further suggest that the proposed pigmentation pathway is also involved in other retinal disorders, such as age-related macular degeneration. The hypotheses put forward in this report provide a framework for further systematic studies in albinism and melanin pigmentation disorders.
Collapse
|
7
|
Customized strategies for high-yield purification of retinal pigment epithelial cells differentiated from different stem cell sources. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15563. [PMID: 36114268 PMCID: PMC9481580 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19777-2] [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] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractRetinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell dysfunction and death are characteristics of age-related macular degeneration. A promising therapeutic option is RPE cell transplantation. Development of clinical grade stem-cell derived RPE requires efficient in vitro differentiation and purification methods. Enzymatic purification of RPE relies on the relative adherence of RPE and non-RPE cells to the culture plate. However, morphology and adherence of non-RPE cells differ for different stem cell sources. In cases whereby the non-RPE adhered as strongly as RPE cells to the culture plate, enzymatic method of purification is unsuitable. Thus, we hypothesized the need to customize purification strategies for RPE derived from different stem cell sources. We systematically compared five different RPE purification methods, including manual, enzymatic, flow cytometry-based sorting or combinations thereof for parameters including cell throughput, yield, purity and functionality. Flow cytometry-based approach was suitable for RPE isolation from heterogeneous cultures with highly adherent non-RPE cells, albeit with lower yield. Although all five purification methods generated pure and functional RPE, there were significant differences in yield and processing times. Based on the high purity of the resulting RPE and relatively short processing time, we conclude that a combination of enzymatic and manual purification is ideal for clinical applications.
Collapse
|
8
|
Tingaud-Sequeira A, Mercier E, Michaud V, Pinson B, Gazova I, Gontier E, Decoeur F, McKie L, Jackson IJ, Arveiler B, Javerzat S. The Dct−/− Mouse Model to Unravel Retinogenesis Misregulation in Patients with Albinism. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13071164. [PMID: 35885947 PMCID: PMC9324463 DOI: 10.3390/genes13071164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We have recently identified DCT encoding dopachrome tautomerase (DCT) as the eighth gene for oculocutaneous albinism (OCA). Patients with loss of function of DCT suffer from eye hypopigmentation and retinal dystrophy. Here we investigate the eye phenotype in Dct−/− mice. We show that their retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) is severely hypopigmented from early stages, contrasting with the darker melanocytic tissues. Multimodal imaging reveals specific RPE cellular defects. Melanosomes are fewer with correct subcellular localization but disrupted melanization. RPE cell size is globally increased and heterogeneous. P-cadherin labeling of Dct−/− newborn RPE reveals a defect in adherens junctions similar to what has been described in tyrosinase-deficient Tyrc/c embryos. The first intermediate of melanin biosynthesis, dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-Dopa), which is thought to control retinogenesis, is detected in substantial yet significantly reduced amounts in Dct−/− postnatal mouse eyecups. L-Dopa synthesis in the RPE alone remains to be evaluated during the critical period of retinogenesis. The Dct−/− mouse should prove useful in understanding the molecular regulation of retinal development and aging of the hypopigmented eye. This may guide therapeutic strategies to prevent vision deficits in patients with albinism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angèle Tingaud-Sequeira
- Rare Diseases Genetics and Metabolism, INSERM U1211, SBM Department, University of Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; (A.T.-S.); (E.M.); (V.M.); (B.A.)
| | - Elina Mercier
- Rare Diseases Genetics and Metabolism, INSERM U1211, SBM Department, University of Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; (A.T.-S.); (E.M.); (V.M.); (B.A.)
| | - Vincent Michaud
- Rare Diseases Genetics and Metabolism, INSERM U1211, SBM Department, University of Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; (A.T.-S.); (E.M.); (V.M.); (B.A.)
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Bordeaux University Hospital, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Benoît Pinson
- SAM, TBMcore, CNRS UAR 3427, INSERM US005, Université Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France;
| | - Ivet Gazova
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK; (I.G.); (L.M.); (I.J.J.)
| | - Etienne Gontier
- Bordeaux Imaging Center, CNRS, INSERM, BIC, UMS 3420, US 4, University Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; (E.G.); (F.D.)
| | - Fanny Decoeur
- Bordeaux Imaging Center, CNRS, INSERM, BIC, UMS 3420, US 4, University Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; (E.G.); (F.D.)
| | - Lisa McKie
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK; (I.G.); (L.M.); (I.J.J.)
| | - Ian J. Jackson
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK; (I.G.); (L.M.); (I.J.J.)
| | - Benoît Arveiler
- Rare Diseases Genetics and Metabolism, INSERM U1211, SBM Department, University of Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; (A.T.-S.); (E.M.); (V.M.); (B.A.)
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Bordeaux University Hospital, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Sophie Javerzat
- Rare Diseases Genetics and Metabolism, INSERM U1211, SBM Department, University of Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; (A.T.-S.); (E.M.); (V.M.); (B.A.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Spotlight on Three Rs Progress. Altern Lab Anim 2022. [PMID: 35466726 DOI: 10.1177/02611929221091328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|