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Zhou W, Chai Y, Lu S, Yang Q, Tang L, Zhou D. Advances in the study of tissue-engineered retinal pigment epithelial cell sheets. Regen Ther 2024; 27:419-433. [PMID: 38694444 PMCID: PMC11062139 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2024.04.008] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Regarded as the most promising treatment modality for retinal degenerative diseases, retinal pigment epithelium cell replacement therapy holds significant potential. Common retinal degenerative diseases, including Age-related Macular Degeneration, are frequently characterized by damage to the unit comprising photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium, and Bruch's membrane. The selection of appropriate tissue engineering materials, in conjunction with retinal pigment epithelial cells, for graft preparation, can offer an effective treatment for retinal degenerative diseases. This article presents an overview of the research conducted on retinal pigment epithelial cell tissue engineering, outlining the challenges and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
| | - Yujiao Chai
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
| | - Shan Lu
- National Engineering Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
- Hunan Guangxiu Hospital, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiaohui Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Liying Tang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
| | - Di Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- National Center for Drug Evaluation, National Medical Products Administration, Beijing, China
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2
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Chucair-Elliott AJ, Ocañas SR, Pham K, Machalinski A, Plafker S, Stout MB, Elliott MH, Freeman WM. Age- and sex- divergent translatomic responses of the mouse retinal pigmented epithelium. Neurobiol Aging 2024; 140:41-59. [PMID: 38723422 PMCID: PMC11173338 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2024.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Aging is the main risk factor for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a retinal neurodegenerative disease that leads to irreversible blindness, particularly in people over 60 years old. Retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) atrophy is an AMD hallmark. Genome-wide chromatin accessibility, DNA methylation, and gene expression studies of AMD and control RPE demonstrate epigenomic/transcriptomic changes occur during AMD onset and progression. However, mechanisms by which molecular alterations of normal aging impair RPE function and contribute to AMD pathogenesis are unclear. Here, we specifically interrogate the RPE translatome with advanced age and across sexes in a novel RPE reporter mouse model. We find differential age- and sex- associated transcript expression with overrepresentation of pathways related to inflammation in the RPE. Concordant with impaired RPE function, the phenotypic changes in the aged translatome suggest that aged RPE becomes immunologically active, in both males and females, with some sex-specific signatures, which supports the need for sex representation for in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana J Chucair-Elliott
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
| | - Sarah R Ocañas
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Kevin Pham
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Adeline Machalinski
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Scott Plafker
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Michael B Stout
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Michael H Elliott
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Willard M Freeman
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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3
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Kumbhar P, Kolekar K, Vishwas S, Shetti P, Kumbar V, Andreoli Pinto TDJ, Paiva-Santos AC, Veiga F, Gupta G, Singh SK, Dua K, Disouza J, Patravale V. Treatment avenues for age-related macular degeneration: Breakthroughs and bottlenecks. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 98:102322. [PMID: 38723753 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102322] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a significant factor contributing to serious vision loss in adults above 50. The presence of posterior segment barriers serves as chief roadblocks in the delivery of drugs to treat AMD. The conventional treatment strategies use is limited due to its off-targeted distribution in the eye, shorter drug residence, poor penetration and bioavailability, fatal side effects, etc. The above-mentioned downside necessitates drug delivery using some cutting-edge technology including diverse nanoparticulate systems and microneedles (MNs) which provide the best therapeutic delivery alternative to treat AMD efficiently. Furthermore, cutting-edge treatment modalities including gene therapy and stem cell therapy can control AMD effectively by reducing the boundaries of conventional therapies with a single dose. This review discusses AMD overview, conventional therapies for AMD and their restrictions, repurposed therapeutics and their anti-AMD activity through different mechanisms, and diverse barriers in drug delivery for AMD. Various nanoparticulate-based approaches including polymeric NPs, lipidic NPs, exosomes, active targeted NPs, stimuli-sensitive NPs, cell membrane-coated NPs, inorganic NPs, and MNs are explained. Gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and therapies in clinical trials to treat AMD are also discussed. Further, bottlenecks of cutting-edge (nanoparticulate) technology-based drug delivery are briefed. In a nutshell, cutting-edge technology-based therapies can be an effective way to treat AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Popat Kumbhar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Tatyasaheb Kore College of Pharmacy, Warananagar, Tal: Panhala, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416 113, India
| | - Kaustubh Kolekar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Tatyasaheb Kore College of Pharmacy, Warananagar, Tal: Panhala, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416 113, India
| | - Sukriti Vishwas
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144 411, India
| | - Priya Shetti
- Dr. Prabhakar Kore Basic Science Research Centre, KLE Academy of Higher Education & Research, Belagavi, India
| | - Vijay Kumbar
- Dr. Prabhakar Kore Basic Science Research Centre, KLE Academy of Higher Education & Research, Belagavi, India.
| | - Terezinha de Jesus Andreoli Pinto
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Professor Lineu Prestes Street, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Ana Cláudia Paiva-Santos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Veiga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Guarav Gupta
- Center for Global Health research (CGHR), Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India; Centre of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144 411, India; Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500 Sunway City, Malaysia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - John Disouza
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Tatyasaheb Kore College of Pharmacy, Warananagar, Tal: Panhala, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416 113, India.
| | - Vandana Patravale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400019, India.
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4
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Liu W, Zhang C, Jiang F, Tan Y, Qin B. From theory to therapy: a bibliometric and visual study of stem cell advancements in age-related macular degeneration. Cytotherapy 2024; 26:616-631. [PMID: 38483361 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.02.022] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Human pluripotent stem cells, including embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, offer groundbreaking therapeutic potential for degenerative diseases and cellular repair. Despite their significance, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis in this field, particularly in relation to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is yet to be conducted. This study aims to map the foundational and emerging areas in stem cell and AMD research through bibliometric analysis. METHODS This study analyzed articles and reviews on stem cells and AMD from 2000 to 2022, sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection. We used VOSviewer and CiteSpace for analysis and visualization of data pertaining to countries, institutions, authors, journals, references and key words. Statistical analyses were conducted using R language and Microsoft Excel 365. RESULTS In total, 539 publications were included, indicating an increase in global literature on stem cells and AMD from 2000 to 2022. The USA was the leading contributor, with 239 papers and the highest H-index, also the USA had the highest average citation rate per article (59.82). Notably, 50% of the top 10 institutions were from the USA, with the University of California system being the most productive. Key authors included Masayo Takahashi, Michiko Mandai, Dennis Clegg, Pete J. Coffey, Boris Stanzel, and Budd A. Tucker. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science published the majority of relevant papers (n = 27). Key words like "clinical trial," "stem cell therapy," "retinal organoid," and "retinal progenitor cells" were predominant. CONCLUSIONS Research on stem cells and AMD has grown significantly, highlighting the need for increased global cooperation. Current research prioritizes the relationship between "ipsc," "induced pluripotent stem cell," "cell culture," and "human embryonic stem cell." As stem cell culture and safety have advanced, focus has shifted to prognosis and complications post-transplantation, signifying the movement of stem cell research from labs to clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yao Tan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Postdoctoral Station of Clinical Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, China.
| | - Bo Qin
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China.
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5
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Liu H, Lu S, Chen M, Gao N, Yang Y, Hu H, Ren Q, Liu X, Chen H, Zhu Q, Li S, Su J. Towards Stem/Progenitor Cell-Based Therapies for Retinal Degeneration. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024:10.1007/s12015-024-10740-4. [PMID: 38809490 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10740-4] [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] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Retinal degeneration (RD) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide and includes conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and Stargardt's disease (STGD). These diseases result in the permanent loss of vision due to the progressive and irreversible degeneration of retinal cells, including photoreceptors (PR) and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The adult human retina has limited abilities to regenerate and repair itself, making it challenging to achieve complete self-replenishment and functional repair of retinal cells. Currently, there is no effective clinical treatment for RD. Stem cell therapy, which involves transplanting exogenous stem cells such as retinal progenitor cells (RPCs), embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), or activating endogenous stem cells like Müller Glia (MG) cells, holds great promise for regenerating and repairing retinal cells in the treatment of RD. Several preclinical and clinical studies have shown the potential of stem cell-based therapies for RD. However, the clinical translation of these therapies for the reconstruction of substantial vision still faces significant challenges. This review provides a comprehensive overview of stem/progenitor cell-based therapy strategies for RD, summarizes recent advances in preclinical studies and clinical trials, and highlights the major challenges in using stem/progenitor cell-based therapies for RD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Shuaiyan Lu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Ming Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Na Gao
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Yuhe Yang
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Huijuan Hu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Qing Ren
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Hongxu Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Qunyan Zhu
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325011, China
| | - Shasha Li
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, 325001, China.
| | - Jianzhong Su
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325011, China.
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, 325001, China.
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Habecker BA, Bers DM, Birren SJ, Chang R, Herring N, Kay MW, Li D, Mendelowitz D, Mongillo M, Montgomery JM, Ripplinger CM, Tampakakis E, Winbo A, Zaglia T, Zeltner N, Paterson DJ. Molecular and cellular neurocardiology in heart disease. J Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38778747 DOI: 10.1113/jp284739] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper updates and builds on a previous White Paper in this journal that some of us contributed to concerning the molecular and cellular basis of cardiac neurobiology of heart disease. Here we focus on recent findings that underpin cardiac autonomic development, novel intracellular pathways and neuroplasticity. Throughout we highlight unanswered questions and areas of controversy. Whilst some neurochemical pathways are already demonstrating prognostic viability in patients with heart failure, we also discuss the opportunity to better understand sympathetic impairment by using patient specific stem cells that provides pathophysiological contextualization to study 'disease in a dish'. Novel imaging techniques and spatial transcriptomics are also facilitating a road map for target discovery of molecular pathways that may form a therapeutic opportunity to treat cardiac dysautonomia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth A Habecker
- Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Department of Medicine Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Donald M Bers
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Susan J Birren
- Department of Biology, Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Rui Chang
- Department of Neuroscience, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Neil Herring
- Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Science Centre and BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew W Kay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Dan Li
- Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Science Centre and BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David Mendelowitz
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Marco Mongillo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Johanna M Montgomery
- Department of Physiology and Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Crystal M Ripplinger
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Annika Winbo
- Department of Physiology and Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tania Zaglia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Nadja Zeltner
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - David J Paterson
- Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Science Centre and BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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da Cruz L, Soomro T, Georgiadis O, Nommiste B, Sagoo MS, Coffey P. The Fate of RPE Cells Following hESC-RPE Patch Transplantation in Haemorrhagic Wet AMD: Pigmentation, Extension of Pigmentation, Thickness of Transplant, Assessment for Proliferation and Visual Function-A 5 Year-Follow Up. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1005. [PMID: 38786303 PMCID: PMC11119108 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14101005] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: We reviewed a stem cell-derived therapeutic strategy for advanced neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) using a human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (hESC-RPE) monolayer delivered on a coated, synthetic basement membrane (BM)-the patch-and assessed the presence and distribution of hESC-RPE over 5 years following transplantation, as well as functional outcomes. (2) Methods: Two subjects with acute vision loss due to sub-macular haemorrhage in advanced nAMD received the hESC-RPE patch. Systematic immunosuppression was used peri-operatively followed by local depot immunosuppression. The subjects were monitored for five years with observation of RPE patch pigmentation, extension beyond the patch boundary into surrounding retina, thickness of hESC-RPE and synthetic BM and review for migration and proliferation of hESC-RPE. Visual function was also assessed. (3) Results: The two study participants showed clear RPE characteristics of the patch, preservation of some retinal ultrastructure with signs of remodelling, fibrosis and thinning on optical coherence tomography over the 5-year period. For both participants, there was evidence of pigment extension beyond the patch continuing until 12 months post-operatively, which stabilised and was preserved until 5 years post-operatively. Measurement of hESC-RPE and BM thickness over time for both cases were consistent with predefined histological measurements of these two layers. There was no evidence of distant RPE migration or proliferation in either case beyond the monolayer. Sustained visual acuity improvement was apparent for 2 years in both subjects, with one subject maintaining the improvement for 5 years. Both subjects demonstrated initial improvement in fixation and microperimetry compared to baseline, at year 1, although only one maintained this at 4 years post-intervention. (4) Conclusions: hESC-RPE patches show evidence of continued pigmentation, with extension, to cover bare host basement membrane for up to 5 years post-implantation. There is evidence that this represents functional RPE on the patch and at the patch border where host RPE is absent. The measurements for thickness of hESC-RPE and BM suggest persistence of both layers at 5 years. No safety concerns were raised for the hypothetical risk of RPE migration, proliferation or tumour formation. Visual function also showed sustained improvement for 2 years in one subject and 5 years in the other subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndon da Cruz
- The London Project to Cure Blindness, ORBIT, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (UCL), London WC1E 6BT, UK; (L.d.C.); (O.G.); (B.N.); (P.C.)
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (UCL), London WC1E 6BT, UK;
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 162 City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK
- Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional & Surgical Sciences (WEISS), Charles Bell House, London W1W 7TY, UK
| | - Taha Soomro
- The London Project to Cure Blindness, ORBIT, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (UCL), London WC1E 6BT, UK; (L.d.C.); (O.G.); (B.N.); (P.C.)
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (UCL), London WC1E 6BT, UK;
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 162 City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Odysseas Georgiadis
- The London Project to Cure Blindness, ORBIT, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (UCL), London WC1E 6BT, UK; (L.d.C.); (O.G.); (B.N.); (P.C.)
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (UCL), London WC1E 6BT, UK;
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 162 City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Britta Nommiste
- The London Project to Cure Blindness, ORBIT, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (UCL), London WC1E 6BT, UK; (L.d.C.); (O.G.); (B.N.); (P.C.)
| | - Mandeep S. Sagoo
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (UCL), London WC1E 6BT, UK;
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 162 City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Peter Coffey
- The London Project to Cure Blindness, ORBIT, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (UCL), London WC1E 6BT, UK; (L.d.C.); (O.G.); (B.N.); (P.C.)
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (UCL), London WC1E 6BT, UK;
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
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8
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Trincão-Marques J, Ayton LN, Hickey DG, Marques-Neves C, Guymer RH, Edwards TL, Sousa DC. Gene and cell therapy for age-related macular degeneration: A review. Surv Ophthalmol 2024:S0039-6257(24)00049-3. [PMID: 38735629 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2024.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible vision loss among the elderly in Western communities, with an estimated global prevalence of 10 - 20% in people older than 65 years. AMD leads to central vision loss due to degeneration of the photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium and the choriocapillaris. Beckman's classification for AMD, based upon color fundus photographs, divides the disease into early, intermediate, and late forms. The late, vision-threatening stage includes both neovascular AMD and geographic atrophy. Despite its high prevalence and impact on patients' quality of life, treatment options for AMD are limited. While neovascular AMD can be medically managed with anti-VEGF intravitreal injections, until very recently there has been no approved treatment options for atrophic AMD; however, in February 2023 the first treatment for geographic atrophy - pegcetacoplan - was approved by the US FDA. We describe the current landscape of potential gene and cell therapeutic strategies for late-stage AMD, with an emphasis on the therapeutic options that might become available in the next few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Trincão-Marques
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Vision Sciences Study Centre, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Lauren N Ayton
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Doron G Hickey
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Carlos Marques-Neves
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Vision Sciences Study Centre, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Robyn H Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Thomas L Edwards
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David Cordeiro Sousa
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Vision Sciences Study Centre, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal.
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9
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Kajita K, Nishida M, Kurimoto Y, Yokota S, Sugita S, Semba T, Shirae S, Hayashi N, Ozaki A, Miura Y, Maeda A, Mitamura Y, Takahashi M, Mandai M. Graft cell expansion from hiPSC-RPE strip after transplantation in primate eyes with or without RPE damage. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10044. [PMID: 38698112 PMCID: PMC11065889 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60895-w] [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: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Clinical studies using suspensions or sheets of human pluripotent cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells (hiPSC-RPE) have been conducted globally for diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. Despite being minimally invasive, cell suspension transplantation faces challenges in targeted cell delivery and frequent cell leakage. Conversely, although the RPE sheet ensures targeted delivery with correct cell polarity, it requires invasive surgery, and graft preparation is time-consuming. We previously reported hiPSC-RPE strips as a form of quick cell aggregate that allows for reliable cell delivery to the target area with minimal invasiveness. In this study, we used a microsecond pulse laser to create a local RPE ablation model in cynomolgus monkey eyes. The hiPSC-RPE strips were transplanted into the RPE-ablated and intact sites. The hiPSC-RPE strip stably survived in all transplanted monkey eyes. The expansion area of the RPE from the engrafted strip was larger at the RPE injury site than at the intact site with no tumorigenic growth. Histological observation showed a monolayer expansion of the transplanted RPE cells with the expression of MERTK apically and collagen type 4 basally. The hiPSC-RPE strip is considered a beneficial transplantation option for RPE cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Kajita
- Kobe City Eye Hospital, 2-1-8, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
- Vision Care Inc. Kobe Eye Center 5F, 2-1-8 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Nishida
- Kobe City Eye Hospital, 2-1-8, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Yasuo Kurimoto
- Kobe City Eye Hospital, 2-1-8, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yokota
- Kobe City Eye Hospital, 2-1-8, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Sunao Sugita
- Kobe City Eye Hospital, 2-1-8, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
- Vision Care Inc. Kobe Eye Center 5F, 2-1-8 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Toshika Semba
- Vision Care Inc. Kobe Eye Center 5F, 2-1-8 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Satoshi Shirae
- Vision Care Inc. Kobe Eye Center 5F, 2-1-8 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Naoko Hayashi
- Vision Care Inc. Kobe Eye Center 5F, 2-1-8 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Atsuta Ozaki
- Kobe City Eye Hospital, 2-1-8, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, 514-8507, Japan
| | - Yoko Miura
- Institute of Biomedical Optics, University of Lübeck, Peter-Monnik-Weg 4, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Akiko Maeda
- Kobe City Eye Hospital, 2-1-8, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Mitamura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- Kobe City Eye Hospital, 2-1-8, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
- Vision Care Inc. Kobe Eye Center 5F, 2-1-8 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Michiko Mandai
- Kobe City Eye Hospital, 2-1-8, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan.
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan.
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Andrews PW. The origins of human pluripotent stem cells: the road from a cancer to regenerative medicine. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2024; 60:514-520. [PMID: 38396072 PMCID: PMC11126438 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-024-00865-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
The notion of using pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) as a source of differentiated cell types for replacement of disease or damaged tissues in regenerative medicine is now an active area of research, with approaches to treating eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration or Parkinson's disease now on the horizon. But the foundations for this research lie in a quite different area of science, namely the role of genetics of cancer. In this review, we trace the evolution of ideas starting with the discovery that strain 129 mice are particularly subject to develop germ cell tumors, through the identification of embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells as the stem cells of the teratocarcinoma manifestation of these tumors, to the recognition of their relationship to pluripotent cells of the early embryo, and eventually their role in the derivation of embryonic stem cells, first from mouse embryos and then from primates including humans. This is a story that illustrates how science commonly develops through the interests and insights of individual investigators, often with unexpected and unintended outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter W Andrews
- The Centre for Stem Cell Biology, The School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
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11
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Niu Y, Ji J, Yao K, Fu Q. Regenerative treatment of ophthalmic diseases with stem cells: Principles, progress, and challenges. ADVANCES IN OPHTHALMOLOGY PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2024; 4:52-64. [PMID: 38586868 PMCID: PMC10997875 DOI: 10.1016/j.aopr.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Background Degenerate eye disorders, such as glaucoma, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), are prevalent causes of blindness and visual impairment worldwide. Other eye disorders, including limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), dry eye diseases (DED), and retinitis pigmentosa (RP), result in symptoms such as ocular discomfort and impaired visual function, significantly impacting quality of life. Traditional therapies are limited, primarily focus on delaying disease progression, while emerging stem cell therapy directly targets ocular tissues, aiming to restore ocular function by reconstructing ocular tissue. Main text The utilization of stem cells for the treatment of diverse degenerative ocular diseases is becoming increasingly significant, owing to the regenerative and malleable properties of stem cells and their functional cells. Currently, stem cell therapy for ophthalmopathy involves various cell types, such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and retinal progenitor cells (RPCs). In the current article, we will review the current progress regarding the utilization of stem cells for the regeneration of ocular tissue covering key eye tissues from the cornea to the retina. These therapies aim to address the loss of functional cells, restore damaged ocular tissue and or in a paracrine-mediated manner. We also provide an overview of the ocular disorders that stem cell therapy is targeting, as well as the difficulties and opportunities in this field. Conclusions Stem cells can not only promote tissue regeneration but also release exosomes to mitigate inflammation and provide neuroprotection, making stem cell therapy emerge as a promising approach for treating a wide range of eye disorders through multiple mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Niu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Junfeng Ji
- Center of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qiuli Fu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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12
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Yalla GR, Kuriyan AE. Cell therapy for retinal disease. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2024; 35:178-184. [PMID: 38276971 DOI: 10.1097/icu.0000000000001034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review presents an update on completed stem cell therapy trials aimed at retinal diseases. RECENT FINDINGS In recent years, several clinical trials have been conducted examining the safety and role of cell therapy in diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, Stargardt's macular dystrophy, and retinitis pigmentosa. Studies have utilized a variety of cell lines, modes of delivery, and immunosuppressive regimens. The prevalence of fraudulent cell therapy clinics poses threats to patients. SUMMARY Clinical trials have begun to characterize the safety of cell therapy in retinal disease. While studies have described the potential benefits of cell therapy, larger studies powered to evaluate this efficacy are required to continue progressing toward preventing retinal disease. Nonapproved cell therapy clinics require regulation and patient education to avoid patient complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goutham R Yalla
- Wills Eye Hospital, Mid Atlantic Retina
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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13
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Dardano M, Lebek T, H. C. Tsang I. Exploring stem cell frontiers: definitions, challenges, and perspectives for regenerative medicine. Biol Open 2024; 13:bio060245. [PMID: 38592154 PMCID: PMC11033525 DOI: 10.1242/bio.060245] [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: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Each year, the European Summer School on Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (SCSS) attracts early-career researchers and actively practicing clinicians who specialise in stem cell and regenerative biology. The 16th edition of this influential course took place from 12th to 19th September 2023 on the charming Greek island of Spetses. Focusing on important concepts and recent advances in stem cells, the distinguished faculty included experts spanning the spectrum from fundamental research to clinical trials to market-approved therapies. Alongside an academically intensive programme that bridges the various contexts of stem cell research, delegates were encouraged to critically address relevant questions in stem cell biology and medicine, including broader societal implications. Here, we present a comprehensive overview and key highlights from the SCSS 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriana Dardano
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Tamina Lebek
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Ingrid H. C. Tsang
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N DK-2200, Denmark
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14
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Hou Y, Nanduri D, Granley J, Weiland JD, Beyeler M. Axonal stimulation affects the linear summation of single-point perception in three Argus II users. J Neural Eng 2024; 21:026031. [PMID: 38457841 PMCID: PMC11003296 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ad31c4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Objective.Retinal implants use electrical stimulation to elicit perceived flashes of light ('phosphenes'). Single-electrode phosphene shape has been shown to vary systematically with stimulus parameters and the retinal location of the stimulating electrode, due to incidental activation of passing nerve fiber bundles. However, this knowledge has yet to be extended to paired-electrode stimulation.Approach.We retrospectively analyzed 3548 phosphene drawings made by three blind participants implanted with an Argus II Retinal Prosthesis. Phosphene shape (characterized by area, perimeter, major and minor axis length) and number of perceived phosphenes were averaged across trials and correlated with the corresponding single-electrode parameters. In addition, the number of phosphenes was correlated with stimulus amplitude and neuroanatomical parameters: electrode-retina and electrode-fovea distance as well as the electrode-electrode distance to ('between-axon') and along axon bundles ('along-axon'). Statistical analyses were conducted using linear regression and partial correlation analysis.Main results.Simple regression revealed that each paired-electrode shape descriptor could be predicted by the sum of the two corresponding single-electrode shape descriptors (p < .001). Multiple regression revealed that paired-electrode phosphene shape was primarily predicted by stimulus amplitude and electrode-fovea distance (p < .05). Interestingly, the number of elicited phosphenes tended to increase with between-axon distance (p < .05), but not with along-axon distance, in two out of three participants.Significance.The shape of phosphenes elicited by paired-electrode stimulation was well predicted by the shape of their corresponding single-electrode phosphenes, suggesting that two-point perception can be expressed as the linear summation of single-point perception. The impact of the between-axon distance on the perceived number of phosphenes provides further evidence in support of the axon map model for epiretinal stimulation. These findings contribute to the growing literature on phosphene perception and have important implications for the design of future retinal prostheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Hou
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America
| | - Devyani Nanduri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Jacob Granley
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America
| | - James D Weiland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Michael Beyeler
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America
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15
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Soomro T, Georgiadis O, Coffey PJ, da Cruz L. Safety, structure and function five years after hESC-RPE patch transplantation in acute neovascular AMD with submacular haemorrhage. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024:10.1007/s00417-024-06463-4. [PMID: 38578329 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-024-06463-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Taha Soomro
- The London Project to Cure Blindness, ORBIT, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (UCL), London, UK.
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - Odysseus Georgiadis
- The London Project to Cure Blindness, ORBIT, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (UCL), London, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Peter J Coffey
- The London Project to Cure Blindness, ORBIT, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (UCL), London, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, NRI, UC, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Lyndon da Cruz
- The London Project to Cure Blindness, ORBIT, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (UCL), London, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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16
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Christiansen JR, Kirkeby A. Clinical translation of pluripotent stem cell-based therapies: successes and challenges. Development 2024; 151:dev202067. [PMID: 38564308 PMCID: PMC11057818 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202067] [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: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The translational stem cell research field has progressed immensely in the past decade. Development and refinement of differentiation protocols now allows the generation of a range of cell types, such as pancreatic β-cells and dopaminergic neurons, from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) in an efficient and good manufacturing practice-compliant fashion. This has led to the initiation of several clinical trials using hPSC-derived cells to replace lost or dysfunctional cells, demonstrating evidence of both safety and efficacy. Here, we highlight successes from some of the hPSC-based trials reporting early signs of efficacy and discuss common challenges in clinical translation of cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefine Rågård Christiansen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Agnete Kirkeby
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
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17
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Baqué-Vidal L, Main H, Petrus-Reurer S, Lederer AR, Beri NE, Bär F, Metzger H, Zhao C, Efstathopoulos P, Saietz S, Wrona A, Jaberi E, Willenbrock H, Reilly H, Hedenskog M, Moussaud-Lamodière E, Kvanta A, Villaescusa JC, La Manno G, Lanner F. Clinically compliant cryopreservation of differentiated retinal pigment epithelial cells. Cytotherapy 2024; 26:340-350. [PMID: 38349309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.01.014] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in elderly patients within developed countries, affecting more than 190 million worldwide. In AMD, the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell layer progressively degenerates, resulting in subsequent loss of photoreceptors and ultimately vision. There is currently no cure for AMD, but therapeutic strategies targeting the complement system are being developed to slow the progression of the disease. METHODS Replacement therapy with pluripotent stem cell-derived (hPSC) RPEs is an alternative treatment strategy. A cell therapy product must be produced in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices at a sufficient scale to facilitate extensive pre-clinical and clinical testing. Cryopreservation of the final cell product is therefore highly beneficial, as the manufacturing, pre-clinical and clinical testing can be separated in time and location. RESULTS We found that mature hPSC-RPE cells do not survive conventional cryopreservation techniques. However, replating the cells 2-5 days before cryopreservation facilitates freezing. The replated and cryopreserved hPSC-RPE cells maintained their identity, purity and functionality as characteristic RPEs, shown by cobblestone morphology, pigmentation, transcriptional profile, RPE markers, transepithelial resistance and pigment epithelium-derived factor secretion. Finally, we showed that the optimal replating time window can be tracked noninvasively by following the change in cobblestone morphology. CONCLUSIONS The possibility of cryopreserving the hPSC-RPE product has been instrumental in our efforts in manufacturing and performing pre-clinical testing with the aim for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Baqué-Vidal
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Heather Main
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sandra Petrus-Reurer
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alex R Lederer
- Laboratory of Neurodevelopmental Systems Biology, Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nefeli-Eirini Beri
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Frederik Bär
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hugo Metzger
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cheng Zhao
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Sarah Saietz
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Elham Jaberi
- Cell Therapy R&D, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
| | | | - Hazel Reilly
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mona Hedenskog
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elisabeth Moussaud-Lamodière
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Kvanta
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Gioele La Manno
- Laboratory of Neurodevelopmental Systems Biology, Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Fredrik Lanner
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden; Ming Wai Lau Center for Reparative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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18
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Bovi Dos Santos G, de Lima-Vasconcellos TH, Móvio MI, Birbrair A, Del Debbio CB, Kihara AH. New Perspectives in Stem Cell Transplantation and Associated Therapies to Treat Retinal Diseases: From Gene Editing to 3D Bioprinting. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:722-737. [PMID: 38319527 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10689-4] [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] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Inherited and non-inherited retinopathies can affect distinct cell types, leading to progressive cell death and visual loss. In the last years, new approaches have indicated exciting opportunities to treat retinopathies. Cell therapy in retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular disease, and glaucoma have yielded encouraging results in rodents and humans. The first two diseases mainly impact the photoreceptors and the retinal pigmented epithelium, while glaucoma primarily affects the ganglion cell layer. Induced pluripotent stem cells and multipotent stem cells can be differentiated in vitro to obtain specific cell types for use in transplant as well as to assess the impact of candidate molecules aimed at treating retinal degeneration. Moreover, stem cell therapy is presented in combination with newly developed methods, such as gene editing, Müller cells dedifferentiation, sheet & drug delivery, virus-like particles, optogenetics, and 3D bioprinting. This review describes the recent advances in this field, by presenting an updated panel based on cell transplants and related therapies to treat retinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrieli Bovi Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Neurogenética, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Marília Inês Móvio
- Laboratório de Neurogenética, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexander Birbrair
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Sciences Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Rm 4385, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Carolina Beltrame Del Debbio
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Hiroaki Kihara
- Laboratório de Neurogenética, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Santo André, SP, Brazil.
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Lyu L, Feng Y, Huang B, Xu RH, Hu Y. Mapping the global landscape for induced pluripotent stem cells from patents and clinical trials. Nat Biotechnol 2024; 42:563-569. [PMID: 38632441 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02196-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Liyang Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Ye Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Borong Huang
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
- Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Ren-He Xu
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China.
- Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China.
| | - Yuanjia Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China.
- DPM, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China.
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China.
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20
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Zhang J, Suo M, Wang J, Liu X, Huang H, Wang K, Liu X, Sun T, Li Z, Liu J. Standardisation is the key to the sustained, rapid and healthy development of stem cell-based therapy. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1646. [PMID: 38572666 PMCID: PMC10993161 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1646] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stem cell-based therapy (SCT) is an important component of regenerative therapy that brings hope to many patients. After decades of development, SCT has made significant progress in the research of various diseases, and the market size has also expanded significantly. The transition of SCT from small-scale, customized experiments to routine clinical practice requires the assistance of standards. Many countries and international organizations around the world have developed corresponding SCT standards, which have effectively promoted the further development of the SCT industry. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive literature review to introduce the clinical application progress of SCT and focus on the development status of SCT standardization. RESULTS We first briefly introduced the types and characteristics of stem cells, and summarized the current clinical application and market development of SCT. Subsequently, we focused on the development status of SCT-related standards as of now from three levels: the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), important international organizations, and national organizations. Finally, we provided perspectives and conclusions on the significance and challenges of SCT standardization. CONCLUSIONS Standardization plays an important role in the sustained, rapid and healthy development of SCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of OrthopedicsFirst Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianLiaoning ProvinceChina
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic DiseasesDalianLiaoning ProvinceChina
| | - Moran Suo
- Department of OrthopedicsFirst Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianLiaoning ProvinceChina
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic DiseasesDalianLiaoning ProvinceChina
| | - Jinzuo Wang
- Department of OrthopedicsFirst Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianLiaoning ProvinceChina
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic DiseasesDalianLiaoning ProvinceChina
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of OrthopedicsFirst Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianLiaoning ProvinceChina
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic DiseasesDalianLiaoning ProvinceChina
| | - Huagui Huang
- Department of OrthopedicsFirst Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianLiaoning ProvinceChina
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic DiseasesDalianLiaoning ProvinceChina
| | - Kaizhong Wang
- Department of OrthopedicsFirst Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianLiaoning ProvinceChina
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic DiseasesDalianLiaoning ProvinceChina
| | - Xiangyan Liu
- Department of OrthopedicsFirst Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianLiaoning ProvinceChina
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic DiseasesDalianLiaoning ProvinceChina
| | - Tianze Sun
- Department of OrthopedicsFirst Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianLiaoning ProvinceChina
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic DiseasesDalianLiaoning ProvinceChina
| | - Zhonghai Li
- Department of OrthopedicsFirst Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianLiaoning ProvinceChina
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic DiseasesDalianLiaoning ProvinceChina
- Stem Cell Clinical Research CenterNational Joint Engineering LaboratoryFirst Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianLiaoning ProvinceChina
- Dalian Innovation Institute of Stem Cell and Precision MedicineDalianLiaoning ProvinceChina
| | - Jing Liu
- Stem Cell Clinical Research CenterNational Joint Engineering LaboratoryFirst Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianLiaoning ProvinceChina
- Dalian Innovation Institute of Stem Cell and Precision MedicineDalianLiaoning ProvinceChina
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21
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Ji Y, McLean JL, Xu R. Emerging Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Human-Animal Brain Chimeras for Advancing Disease Modeling and Cell Therapy for Neurological Disorders. Neurosci Bull 2024:10.1007/s12264-024-01189-z. [PMID: 38466557 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01189-z] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) models provide unprecedented opportunities to study human neurological disorders by recapitulating human-specific disease mechanisms. In particular, hPSC-based human-animal brain chimeras enable the study of human cell pathophysiology in vivo. In chimeric brains, human neural and immune cells can maintain human-specific features, undergo maturation, and functionally integrate into host brains, allowing scientists to study how human cells impact neural circuits and animal behaviors. The emerging human-animal brain chimeras hold promise for modeling human brain cells and their interactions in health and disease, elucidating the disease mechanism from molecular and cellular to circuit and behavioral levels, and testing the efficacy of cell therapy interventions. Here, we discuss recent advances in the generation and applications of using human-animal chimeric brain models for the study of neurological disorders, including disease modeling and cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanru Ji
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Jenna Lillie McLean
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Ranjie Xu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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22
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Khaboushan AS, Ebadpour N, Moghadam MMJ, Rezaee Z, Kajbafzadeh AM, Zolbin MM. Cell therapy for retinal degenerative disorders: a systematic review and three-level meta-analysis. J Transl Med 2024; 22:227. [PMID: 38431596 PMCID: PMC10908175 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05016-x] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal degenerative disorders (RDDs) cause vision loss by damaging retinal neurons and photoreceptors, affecting individuals of all ages. Cell-based therapy has emerged as an effective approach for the treatment of RDDs with promising results. This meta-analysis aims to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy of cell therapy in treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and Stargardt macular degeneration (SMD) as the most prevalent RDDs. METHODS PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were searched using keywords related to various retinal diseases and cell therapy treatments until November 25th, 2023. The studies' quality was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) checklist for quasi-experimental studies. Visual acuity measured as LogMAR score was used as our main outcome. A three-level random-effect meta-analysis was used to explore the visual acuity in patients who received cell-based therapy. Heterogeneity among the included studies was evaluated using subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Moreover, meta-regression for the type of cells, year of publication, and mean age of participants were performed. RESULTS Overall, 8345 studies were retrieved by the search, and 39 met the eligibility criteria, out of which 18 studies with a total of 224 eyes were included in the meta-analysis. There were 12 studies conducted on AMD, 7 on SMD, and 2 on RP. Cell therapy for AMD showed significant improvement in LogMAR (p < 0.05). Also, cell therapy decreased the LogMAR score in SMD and RP (p < 0.01 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Across all conditions, no substantial publication bias was detected (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The findings of the study highlight that the application of cell therapy can enhance the visual acuity in AMD, SMD, and RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Soltani Khaboushan
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Children's Medical Center, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Ebadpour
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Children's Medical Center, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Johari Moghadam
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, Tschannen Eye Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Zahra Rezaee
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Children's Medical Center, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdol-Mohammad Kajbafzadeh
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Children's Medical Center, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Majidi Zolbin
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Children's Medical Center, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
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23
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Bose D, Ortolan D, Farnoodian M, Sharma R, Bharti K. Considerations for Developing an Autologous Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC)-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) Replacement Therapy. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041295. [PMID: 37487631 PMCID: PMC10910357 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Cell-replacement therapies are a new class of treatments, which include induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived tissues that aim to replace degenerated cells. iPSCs can potentially be used to generate any cell type of the body, making them a powerful tool for treating degenerative diseases. Cell replacement for retinal degenerative diseases is at the forefront of cell therapies, given the accessibility of the eye for surgical procedures and a huge unmet medical need for retinal degenerative diseases with no current treatment options. Clinical trials are ongoing in different parts of the world using stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). This review focuses on scientific and regulatory considerations when developing an iPSC-derived RPE cell therapy from the development of a robust and efficient differentiation protocol to critical quality control assays for cell validation, the choice of an appropriate animal model for preclinical testing, and the regulatory aspects that dictate the final approval for proceeding to a first-in-human clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devika Bose
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Davide Ortolan
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Mitra Farnoodian
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Ruchi Sharma
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Kapil Bharti
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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24
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Li M, Wang P, Huo ST, Qiu H, Li C, Lin S, Guo L, Ji Y, Zhu Y, Liu J, Guo J, Na J, Hu Y. Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived Endothelial Cells Repair Choroidal Ischemia. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2302940. [PMID: 38115754 PMCID: PMC10916649 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Choroidal atrophy is a common fundus pathological change closely related to the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa, and pathological myopia. Studies suggest that choroidal endothelial cells (CECs) that form the choriocapillaris vessels are the first cells lost in choroidal atrophy. It is found that endothelial cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC-ECs) through the MESP1+ mesodermal progenitor stage express CECs-specific markers and can integrate into choriocapillaris. Single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) studies show that hPSC-ECs upregulate angiogenesis and immune-modulatory and neural protective genes after interacting with ex vivo ischemic choroid. In a rat model of choroidal ischemia (CI), transplantation of hPSC-ECs into the suprachoroidal space increases choroid thickness and vasculature density. Close-up examination shows that engrafted hPSC-ECs integrate with all layers of rat choroidal vessels and last 90 days. Remarkably, EC transplantation improves the visual function of CI rats. The work demonstrates that hPSC-ECs can be used to repair choroidal ischemia in the animal model, which may lead to a new therapy to alleviate choroidal atrophy implicated in dry AMD, pathological myopia, and other ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengda Li
- Eye CenterBeijing Tsinghua Changgung HospitalBeijing102218China
- Institute for Precision MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- School of Clinical MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Peiliang Wang
- SXMU‐Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier MedicineSchool of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare DiseasesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative MedicineSchool of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Si Tong Huo
- Eye CenterBeijing Tsinghua Changgung HospitalBeijing102218China
- Institute for Precision MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- School of Clinical MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Hui Qiu
- SXMU‐Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier MedicineSchool of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare DiseasesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative MedicineSchool of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- School of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Chendi Li
- Eye CenterBeijing Tsinghua Changgung HospitalBeijing102218China
- Institute for Precision MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- School of Clinical MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Siyong Lin
- Eye CenterBeijing Tsinghua Changgung HospitalBeijing102218China
- Institute for Precision MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- School of Clinical MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Libin Guo
- Eye CenterBeijing Tsinghua Changgung HospitalBeijing102218China
- Institute for Precision MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- School of Clinical MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Yicong Ji
- Eye CenterBeijing Tsinghua Changgung HospitalBeijing102218China
- Institute for Precision MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- School of Clinical MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Yonglin Zhu
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative MedicineSchool of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Jinyang Liu
- SXMU‐Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier MedicineSchool of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare DiseasesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative MedicineSchool of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Jianying Guo
- Center for Reproductive MedicineDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyPeking University Third HospitalBeijing100191China
| | - Jie Na
- SXMU‐Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier MedicineSchool of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare DiseasesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative MedicineSchool of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Yuntao Hu
- Eye CenterBeijing Tsinghua Changgung HospitalBeijing102218China
- Institute for Precision MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- School of Clinical MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
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25
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Komninos C, Pissas T, Flores B, Bloch E, Vercauteren T, Ourselin S, Da Cruz L, Bergeles C. Unpaired intra-operative OCT (iOCT) video super-resolution with contrastive learning. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2024; 15:772-788. [PMID: 38404298 PMCID: PMC10890864 DOI: 10.1364/boe.501743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Regenerative therapies show promise in reversing sight loss caused by degenerative eye diseases. Their precise subretinal delivery can be facilitated by robotic systems alongside with Intra-operative Optical Coherence Tomography (iOCT). However, iOCT's real-time retinal layer information is compromised by inferior image quality. To address this limitation, we introduce an unpaired video super-resolution methodology for iOCT quality enhancement. A recurrent network is proposed to leverage temporal information from iOCT sequences, and spatial information from pre-operatively acquired OCT images. Additionally, a patchwise contrastive loss enables unpaired super-resolution. Extensive quantitative analysis demonstrates that our approach outperforms existing state-of-the-art iOCT super-resolution models. Furthermore, ablation studies showcase the importance of temporal aggregation and contrastive loss in elevating iOCT quality. A qualitative study involving expert clinicians also confirms this improvement. The comprehensive evaluation demonstrates our method's potential to enhance the iOCT image quality, thereby facilitating successful guidance for regenerative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Komninos
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, SE1 7EU, London, UK
| | - Theodoros Pissas
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, SE1 7EU, London, UK
| | | | | | - Tom Vercauteren
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, SE1 7EU, London, UK
| | - Sébastien Ourselin
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, SE1 7EU, London, UK
| | - Lyndon Da Cruz
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, EC1V 2PD, London, UK
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, EC1V 9EL, London, UK
| | - Christos Bergeles
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, SE1 7EU, London, UK
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Santa Cruz-Pavlovich FJ, Bolaños-Chang AJ, Del Rio-Murillo XI, Aranda-Preciado GA, Razura-Ruiz EM, Santos A, Navarro-Partida J. Beyond Vision: An Overview of Regenerative Medicine and Its Current Applications in Ophthalmological Care. Cells 2024; 13:179. [PMID: 38247870 PMCID: PMC10814238 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020179] [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: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Regenerative medicine (RM) has emerged as a promising and revolutionary solution to address a range of unmet needs in healthcare, including ophthalmology. Moreover, RM takes advantage of the body's innate ability to repair and replace pathologically affected tissues. On the other hand, despite its immense promise, RM faces challenges such as ethical concerns, host-related immune responses, and the need for additional scientific validation, among others. The primary aim of this review is to present a high-level overview of current strategies in the domain of RM (cell therapy, exosomes, scaffolds, in vivo reprogramming, organoids, and interspecies chimerism), centering around the field of ophthalmology. A search conducted on clinicaltrials.gov unveiled a total of at least 209 interventional trials related to RM within the ophthalmological field. Among these trials, there were numerous early-phase studies, including phase I, I/II, II, II/III, and III trials. Many of these studies demonstrate potential in addressing previously challenging and degenerative eye conditions, spanning from posterior segment pathologies like Age-related Macular Degeneration and Retinitis Pigmentosa to anterior structure diseases such as Dry Eye Disease and Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. Notably, these therapeutic approaches offer tailored solutions specific to the underlying causes of each pathology, thus allowing for the hopeful possibility of bringing forth a treatment for ocular diseases that previously seemed incurable and significantly enhancing patients' quality of life. As advancements in research and technology continue to unfold, future objectives should focus on ensuring the safety and prolonged viability of transplanted cells, devising efficient delivery techniques, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J. Santa Cruz-Pavlovich
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (F.J.S.C.-P.); (A.J.B.-C.); (X.I.D.R.-M.); (E.M.R.-R.); (A.S.)
| | - Andres J. Bolaños-Chang
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (F.J.S.C.-P.); (A.J.B.-C.); (X.I.D.R.-M.); (E.M.R.-R.); (A.S.)
| | - Ximena I. Del Rio-Murillo
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (F.J.S.C.-P.); (A.J.B.-C.); (X.I.D.R.-M.); (E.M.R.-R.); (A.S.)
| | | | - Esmeralda M. Razura-Ruiz
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (F.J.S.C.-P.); (A.J.B.-C.); (X.I.D.R.-M.); (E.M.R.-R.); (A.S.)
| | - Arturo Santos
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (F.J.S.C.-P.); (A.J.B.-C.); (X.I.D.R.-M.); (E.M.R.-R.); (A.S.)
| | - Jose Navarro-Partida
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (F.J.S.C.-P.); (A.J.B.-C.); (X.I.D.R.-M.); (E.M.R.-R.); (A.S.)
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27
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Wang W, Yang T, Chen S, Liang L, Wang Y, Ding Y, Xiong W, Ye X, Guo Y, Shen S, Chen H, Chen J. Tissue engineering RPE sheet derived from hiPSC-RPE cell spheroids supplemented with Y-27632 and RepSox. J Biol Eng 2024; 18:7. [PMID: 38229139 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-024-00405-8] [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: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell therapy is a promising way to treat many retinal diseases. However, obtaining transplantable RPE cells is time-consuming and less effective. This study aimed to develop novel strategies for generating engineered RPE patches with physiological characteristics. RESULTS Our findings revealed that RPE cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) successfully self-assembled into spheroids. The RPE spheroids treated with Y27632 and Repsox had increased expression of epithelial markers and RPE-specific genes, along with improved cell viability and barrier function. Transcriptome analysis indicated enhanced cell adhesion and extracellular matrix (ECM) organization in RPE spheroids. These RPE spheroids could be seeded and bioprinted on collagen vitrigel (CV) membranes to construct engineered RPE sheets. Circular RPE patches, obtained by trephining a specific section of the RPE sheet, exhibited abundant microvilli and pigment particles, as well as reduced proliferative capacity and enhanced maturation. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that the supplementation of small molecules and 3D spheroid culture, as well as the bioprinting technique, can be effective methods to promote RPE cultivation and construct engineered RPE sheets, which may support future clinical RPE cell therapy and the development of RPE models for research applications.
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Grants
- NSFC-RGC, 32061160469, N_CUHK432/20 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- NSFC-RGC, 32061160469, N_CUHK432/20 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- NSFC-RGC, 32061160469, N_CUHK432/20 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- NSFC-RGC, 32061160469, N_CUHK432/20 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- NSFC-RGC, 32061160469, N_CUHK432/20 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- NSFC-RGC, 32061160469, N_CUHK432/20 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- NSFC-RGC, 32061160469, N_CUHK432/20 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- NSFC-RGC, 32061160469, N_CUHK432/20 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- NSFC-RGC, 32061160469, N_CUHK432/20 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- NSFC-RGC, 32061160469, N_CUHK432/20 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- NSFC-RGC, 32061160469, N_CUHK432/20 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- NSFC-RGC, 32061160469, N_CUHK432/20 National Natural Science Foundation of China
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxuan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sihui Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liying Liang
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingxin Wang
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yin Ding
- The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuhong Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yonglong Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuhao Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hang Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiansu Chen
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Selvarajah K, Tan JJ, Shaharuddin B. Corneal Epithelial Development and the Role of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Regeneration. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:292-306. [PMID: 36915985 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x18666230313094121] [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: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Severe corneal disorders due to infective aetiologies, trauma, chemical injuries, and chronic cicatricial inflammations, are among vision-threatening pathologies leading to permanent corneal scarring. The whole cornea or lamellar corneal transplantation is often used as a last resort to restore vision. However, limited autologous tissue sources and potential adverse post-allotransplantation sequalae urge the need for more robust and strategic alternatives. Contemporary management using cultivated corneal epithelial transplantation has paved the way for utilizing stem cells as a regenerative potential. Humaninduced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can generate ectodermal progenitors and potentially be used for ocular surface regeneration. This review summarizes the process of corneal morphogenesis and the signaling pathways underlying the development of corneal epithelium, which is key to translating the maturation and differentiation process of hiPSCs in vitro. The current state of knowledge and methodology for driving efficient corneal epithelial cell differentiation from pluripotent stem cells are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komathi Selvarajah
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology (AIMST) University, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Jun Jie Tan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology (AIMST) University, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Bakiah Shaharuddin
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology (AIMST) University, Kedah, Malaysia
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Fatima N, Saif Ur Rahman M, Qasim M, Ali Ashfaq U, Ahmed U, Masoud MS. Transcriptional Factors Mediated Reprogramming to Pluripotency. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:367-388. [PMID: 37073151 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x18666230417084518] [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: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
A unique kind of pluripotent cell, i.e., Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), now being targeted for iPSC synthesis, are produced by reprogramming animal and human differentiated cells (with no change in genetic makeup for the sake of high efficacy iPSCs formation). The conversion of specific cells to iPSCs has revolutionized stem cell research by making pluripotent cells more controllable for regenerative therapy. For the past 15 years, somatic cell reprogramming to pluripotency with force expression of specified factors has been a fascinating field of biomedical study. For that technological primary viewpoint reprogramming method, a cocktail of four transcription factors (TF) has required: Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), four-octamer binding protein 34 (OCT3/4), MYC and SOX2 (together referred to as OSKM) and host cells. IPS cells have great potential for future tissue replacement treatments because of their ability to self-renew and specialize in all adult cell types, although factor-mediated reprogramming mechanisms are still poorly understood medically. This technique has dramatically improved performance and efficiency, making it more useful in drug discovery, disease remodeling, and regenerative medicine. Moreover, in these four TF cocktails, more than 30 reprogramming combinations were proposed, but for reprogramming effectiveness, only a few numbers have been demonstrated for the somatic cells of humans and mice. Stoichiometry, a combination of reprogramming agents and chromatin remodeling compounds, impacts kinetics, quality, and efficiency in stem cell research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazira Fatima
- Laboratory Animal Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Muhammad Saif Ur Rahman
- Institute of Advanced Studies, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Muhammad Qasim
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Usman Ali Ashfaq
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Uzair Ahmed
- EMBL Partnership Institute for Genome Editing Technologies, Vilnius University, Vilnius, 10257, Lithuania
| | - Muhammad Shareef Masoud
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
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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.
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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
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Hou Y, Nanduri D, Granley J, Weiland JD, Beyeler M. Axonal stimulation affects the linear summation of single-point perception in three Argus II users. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.07.21.23292908. [PMID: 37546858 PMCID: PMC10402233 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.21.23292908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Retinal implants use electrical stimulation to elicit perceived flashes of light ("phosphenes"). Single-electrode phosphene shape has been shown to vary systematically with stimulus parameters and the retinal location of the stimulating electrode, due to incidental activation of passing nerve fiber bundles. However, this knowledge has yet to be extended to paired-electrode stimulation. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 3548 phosphene drawings made by three blind participants implanted with an Argus II Retinal Prosthesis. Phosphene shape (characterized by area, perimeter, major and minor axis length) and number of perceived phosphenes were averaged across trials and correlated with the corresponding single-electrode parameters. In addition, the number of phosphenes was correlated with stimulus amplitude and neuroanatomical parameters: electrode-retina and electrode-fovea distance as well as the electrode-electrode distance to ("between-axon") and along axon bundles ("along-axon"). Statistical analyses were conducted using linear regression and partial correlation analysis. Results Simple regression revealed that each paired-electrode shape descriptor could be predicted by the sum of the two corresponding single-electrode shape descriptors (p < .001). Multiple regression revealed that paired-electrode phosphene shape was primarily predicted by stimulus amplitude and electrode-fovea distance (p < .05). Interestingly, the number of elicited phosphenes tended to increase with between-axon distance (p < .05), but not with along-axon distance, in two out of three participants. Conclusions The shape of phosphenes elicited by paired-electrode stimulation was well predicted by the shape of their corresponding single-electrode phosphenes, suggesting that two-point perception can be expressed as the linear summation of single-point perception. The notable impact of the between-axon distance on the perceived number of phosphenes provides further evidence in support of the axon map model for epiretinal stimulation. These findings contribute to the growing literature on phosphene perception and have important implications for the design of future retinal prostheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Hou
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
| | - Devyani Nanduri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Jacob Granley
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
| | - James D Weiland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Michael Beyeler
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
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Liu Q, Liu J, Guo M, Sung TC, Wang T, Yu T, Tian Z, Fan G, Wu W, Higuchi A. Comparison of retinal degeneration treatment with four types of different mesenchymal stem cells, human induced pluripotent stem cells and RPE cells in a rat retinal degeneration model. J Transl Med 2023; 21:910. [PMID: 38098048 PMCID: PMC10720187 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04785-1] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal degeneration (RD) is a group of disorders on irreversible vision loss. Multiple types of stem cells were used in clinical trials for RD treatment. However, it remains unknown what kinds of stem cells are most effective for the treatment. Therefore, we investigated the subretinal transplantation of several types of stem cells, human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs), amniotic fluid stem cells (hAFSCs), bone marrow stem cells (hBMSCs), dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs), induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC), and hiPSC-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells for protection effects, paracrine effects and treatment efficiency in an RD disease model rats. METHODS The generation and characterization of these stem cells and hiPSC-derived RPE cells were performed before transplantation. The stem cells or hiPSC-derived RPE cell suspension labelled with CellTracker Green to detect transplanted cells were delivered into the subretinal space of 3-week-old RCS rats. The control group received subretinal PBS injection or non-injection. A series of detections including fundus photography, optomotor response (OMR) evaluations, light-dark box testing, electroretinography (ERG), and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining of retinal sections were conducted after subretinal injection of the cells. RESULTS Each stem cell, hiPSC-derived RPE cell or PBS (blank experiment) was successfully transplanted into at least six RCS rats subretinally. Compared with the control rats, RCS rats subjected to subretinal transplantation of any stem cells except hiPSCs showed higher ERG waves (p < 0.05) and quantitative OMR (qOMR) index values (hADSCs: 1.166, hAFSCs: 1.249, hBMSCs: 1.098, hDPSCs: 1.238, hiPSCs: 1.208, hiPSC-RPE cells: 1.294, non-injection: 1.03, PBS: 1.06), which indicated better visual function, at 4 weeks post-injection. However, only rats that received hiPSC-derived RPE cells maintained their visual function at 8 weeks post-injection (p < 0.05). The outer nuclear layer thickness observed in histological sections after HE staining showed the same pattern as the ERG and qOMR results. CONCLUSIONS Compared to hiPSC-derived RPE cells, adult and fetal stem cells yielded improvements in visual function for up to 4 weeks post-injection; this outcome was mainly based on the paracrine effects of several types of growth factors secreted by the stem cells. Patients with RD will benefit from the stem cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 270, Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 270, Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Minmei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 270, Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tzu-Cheng Sung
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 270, Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 270, Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 270, Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zeyu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 270, Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guoping Fan
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Wencan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 270, Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Akon Higuchi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 270, Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China.
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, No. 300, Jhongda RD., Jhongli, Taoyuan, 32001, Taiwan.
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Brumbaugh J, Aguado BA, Lysaght T, Goldstein LSB. Human fetal tissue is critical for biomedical research. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:2300-2312. [PMID: 37977142 PMCID: PMC10724055 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Human fetal tissue and cells derived from fetal tissue are crucial for biomedical research. Fetal tissues and cells are used to study both normal development and developmental disorders. They are broadly applied in vaccine development and production. Further, research using cells from fetal tissue is instrumental for studying many infectious diseases, including a broad range of viruses. These widespread applications underscore the value of fetal tissue research and reflect an important point: cells derived from fetal tissues have capabilities that cells from other sources do not. In many cases, increased functionality of cells derived from fetal tissues arises from increased proliferative capacity, ability to survive in culture, and developmental potential that is attenuated in adult tissues. This review highlights important, representative applications of fetal tissue for science and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Brumbaugh
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA; University of Colorado Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Brian A Aguado
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tamra Lysaght
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lawrence S B Goldstein
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Farjood F, Manos JD, Wang Y, Williams AL, Zhao C, Borden S, Alam N, Prusky G, Temple S, Stern JH, Boles NC. Identifying biomarkers of heterogeneity and transplantation efficacy in retinal pigment epithelial cells. J Exp Med 2023; 220:e20230913. [PMID: 37728563 PMCID: PMC10510736 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20230913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells holds great promise for patients with retinal degenerative diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration. In-depth characterization of RPE cell product identity and critical quality attributes are needed to enhance efficacy and safety of replacement therapy strategies. Here, we characterized an adult RPE stem cell-derived (RPESC-RPE) cell product using bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), assessing functional cell integration in vitro into a mature RPE monolayer and in vivo efficacy by vision rescue in the Royal College of Surgeons rats. scRNA-seq revealed several distinct subpopulations in the RPESC-RPE product, some with progenitor markers. We identified RPE clusters expressing genes associated with in vivo efficacy and increased cell integration capability. Gene expression analysis revealed lncRNA (TREX) as a predictive marker of in vivo efficacy. TREX knockdown decreased cell integration while overexpression increased integration in vitro and improved vision rescue in the RCS rats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yue Wang
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Nazia Alam
- Burke Neurological Institute at Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains, NY, USA
| | - Glen Prusky
- Burke Neurological Institute at Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains, NY, USA
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Lee IK, Xie R, Luz-Madrigal A, Min S, Zhu J, Jin J, Edwards KL, Phillips MJ, Ludwig AL, Gamm DM, Gong S, Ma Z. Micromolded honeycomb scaffold design to support the generation of a bilayered RPE and photoreceptor cell construct. Bioact Mater 2023; 30:142-153. [PMID: 37575875 PMCID: PMC10415596 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.07.019] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes blindness due to loss of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors (PRs), which comprise the two outermost layers of the retina. Given the small size of the macula and the importance of direct contact between RPE and PRs, the use of scaffolds for targeted reconstruction of the outer retina in later stage AMD and other macular dystrophies is particularly attractive. We developed microfabricated, honeycomb-patterned, biodegradable poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) scaffolds to deliver organized, adjacent layers of RPE and PRs to the subretinal space. Furthermore, an optimized process was developed to photocure PGS, shortening scaffold production time from days to minutes. The resulting scaffolds robustly supported the seeding of human pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE and PRs, either separately or as a dual cell-layered construct. These advanced, economical, and versatile scaffolds can accelerate retinal cell transplantation efforts and benefit patients with AMD and other retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- In-Kyu Lee
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Ruosen Xie
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Agustin Luz-Madrigal
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Seunghwan Min
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Jingcheng Zhu
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Jiahe Jin
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | | | - M. Joseph Phillips
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Allison L. Ludwig
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - David M. Gamm
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Shaoqin Gong
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Zhenqiang Ma
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Department of Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Grainger Institute for Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
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Sarel-Gallily R, Keshet G, Kinreich S, Haim-Abadi G, Benvenisty N. EpiTyping: analysis of epigenetic aberrations in parental imprinting and X-chromosome inactivation using RNA-seq. Nat Protoc 2023; 18:3881-3917. [PMID: 37914783 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-023-00898-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) hold a central role in studying human development, in disease modeling and in regenerative medicine. These cells not only acquire genetic modifications when kept in culture, but they may also harbor epigenetic aberrations, mainly involving parental imprinting and X-chromosome inactivation. Here we present a detailed bioinformatic protocol for detecting such aberrations using RNA sequencing data. We provide a pipeline designed to process and analyze RNA sequencing data for the identification of abnormal biallelic expression of imprinted genes, and thus detect loss of imprinting. Furthermore, we show how to differentiate among X-chromosome inactivation, full activation and aberrant erosion of X chromosome in female hPSCs. In addition to providing bioinformatic tools, we discuss the impact of such epigenetic variations in hPSCs on their utility for various purposes. This pipeline can be used by any user with basic understanding of the Linux command line. It is available on GitHub as a software container ( https://github.com/Gal-Keshet/EpiTyping ) and produces reliable results in 1-4 d.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roni Sarel-Gallily
- The Azrieli Center for Stem Cells and Genetic Research, Department of Genetics, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gal Keshet
- The Azrieli Center for Stem Cells and Genetic Research, Department of Genetics, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Shay Kinreich
- The Azrieli Center for Stem Cells and Genetic Research, Department of Genetics, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Guy Haim-Abadi
- The Azrieli Center for Stem Cells and Genetic Research, Department of Genetics, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nissim Benvenisty
- The Azrieli Center for Stem Cells and Genetic Research, Department of Genetics, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Aweidah H, Xi Z, Sahel JA, Byrne LC. PRPF31-retinitis pigmentosa: Challenges and opportunities for clinical translation. Vision Res 2023; 213:108315. [PMID: 37714045 PMCID: PMC10872823 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2023.108315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in pre-mRNA processing factor 31 cause autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (PRPF31-RP), for which there is currently no efficient treatment, making this disease a prime target for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. PRPF31-RP exhibits incomplete penetrance due to haploinsufficiency, in which reduced levels of gene expression from the mutated allele result in disease. A variety of model systems have been used in the investigation of disease etiology and therapy development. In this review, we discuss recent advances in both in vivo and in vitro model systems, evaluating their advantages and limitations in the context of therapy development for PRPF31-RP. Additionally, we describe the latest approaches for treatment, including AAV-mediated gene augmentation, genome editing, and late-stage therapies such as optogenetics, cell transplantation, and retinal prostheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamzah Aweidah
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zhouhuan Xi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Leah C Byrne
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Bremond-Gignac D, Robert MP, Daruich A. Update on gene therapies in pediatric ophthalmology. Arch Pediatr 2023; 30:8S41-8S45. [PMID: 38043982 DOI: 10.1016/s0929-693x(23)00226-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Rare eye diseases encompass a broad spectrum of genetic anomalies with or without additional extraocular manifestations. Genetic eye disorders in pediatric patients often lead to severe visual impairments. Therefore, a challenge of gene therapy is to provide better vision to these affected children. In recent years, inherited retinal diseases, inherited optic neuropathies, and corneal dystrophies have dominated discussions to establish gene and cell replacement therapies for these diseases. Gene therapy involves the transfer of genetic material to remove, replace, repair, or introduce a gene, or to overexpress a protein, whose activity would have a therapeutic impact. For the majority of anterior segment diseases, these studies are still emerging at a preclinical stage; however, for inherited retinal disorders, translation has been reached, leading to the introduction of the first gene therapies into clinical practice. In the past decade, the first gene therapy for biallelic RPE65-mediated inherited retinal dystrophy has been developed and the FDA and EMA both approved ocular gene therapy. Other promising approaches by intravitreal injection have been investigated such as in CEP290-Leber congenital amaurosis. Various techniques of gene therapies include gene supplementation, CRISPR-based genome editing, as well as RNA modulation and optogenetics. Optogenetic therapies deliver light-activated ion channels to surviving retinal cell types in order to restore photosensitivity. Beyond retinal function, ataluren, a nonsense mutation suppression therapy, enables ribosomal read-through of mRNA containing premature termination codons, resulting in the production of a full-length protein. An ophthalmic formulation was recently evaluated with the aim of repairing corneal damage, pending new clinical studies. However, various congenital disorders exhibit severe developmental defects or cell loss at birth, limiting the potential for viral gene therapy. Therefore mutation-independent strategies seem promising for maintaining the survival of photoreceptors or for restoring visual function. Restoring vision in children with gene therapy continues to be a challenge in ophthalmology. © 2023 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS on behalf of French Society of Pediatrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Bremond-Gignac
- Département d'Ophthalmologie, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants malades, AP-HP, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; INSERM, UMRS1138, Equipe 17 Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.
| | - Matthieu P Robert
- Département d'Ophthalmologie, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants malades, AP-HP, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Centre Borelli, UMR 9010 CNRS - SSA - ENS Paris Saclay - Paris University
| | - Alejandra Daruich
- Département d'Ophthalmologie, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants malades, AP-HP, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; INSERM, UMRS1138, Equipe 17 Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
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Zhang Z, Mu Y, Zhou H, Yao H, Wang DA. Cartilage Tissue Engineering in Practice: Preclinical Trials, Clinical Applications, and Prospects. TISSUE ENGINEERING. PART B, REVIEWS 2023; 29:473-490. [PMID: 36964757 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2022.0190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Articular cartilage defects significantly compromise the quality of life in the global population. Although many strategies are needed to repair articular cartilage, including microfracture, autologous osteochondral transplantation, and osteochondral allograft, the therapeutic effects remain suboptimal. In recent years, with the development of cartilage tissue engineering, scientists have continuously improved the formulations of therapeutic cells, biomaterial-based scaffolds, and biological factors, which have opened new avenues for better therapeutics of cartilage lesions. This review focuses on advances in cartilage tissue engineering, particularly in preclinical trials and clinical applications, prospects, and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Yulei Mu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Huiqun Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Hang Yao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Dong-An Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
- Karolinska Institutet Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, HKSTP, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR
- Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, P.R. China
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Shafiq M, Rafique M, Cui Y, Pan L, Do CW, Ho EA. An insight on ophthalmic drug delivery systems: Focus on polymeric biomaterials-based carriers. J Control Release 2023; 362:446-467. [PMID: 37640109 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.08.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Presently, different types of eye diseases, such as glaucoma, myopia, infection, and dry eyes are treated with topical eye drops. However, due to ocular surface barriers, eye drops require multiple administrations, which may cause several risks, thereby necessitating additional strategies. Some of the key characteristics of an ideal ocular drug delivery system are as follows: (a) good penetration into cornea, (b) high drug retention in the ocular tissues, (c) targetability to the desired regions of the eye, and (d) good bioavailability. It is worthy to note that the corneal epithelial tight junctions hinder the permeation of therapeutics through the cornea. Therefore, it is necessary to design nanocarriers that can overcome these barriers and enhance drug penetration into the inner parts of the eye. Moreover, intelligent multifunctional nanocarriers can be designed to include cavities, which may help encapsulate sufficient amount of the drug. In addition, nanocarriers can be modified with the targeting moieties. Different types of nanocarriers have been developed for ocular drug delivery applications, including emulsions, liposomes, micelles, and nanoparticles. However, these formulations may be rapidly cleared from the eye. The therapeutic use of the nanoparticles (NPs) is also hindered by the non-specific adsorption of proteins on NPs, which may limit their interaction with the cellular moieties or other targeted biological factors. Functional drug delivery systems (DDS), which can offer targeted ocular drug delivery while avoiding the non-specific protein adsorption could exhibit great potential. This could be further realized by the on-demand DDS, which can respond to the stimuli in a spatio-temporal fashion. The cell-mediated DDS offer another valuable platform for ophthalmological drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shafiq
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Graduate School, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan; United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Muhammad Rafique
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yingkun Cui
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Li Pan
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Chi-Wai Do
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; Research Institute of Smart Ageing (RISA), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), 17W Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong
| | - Emmanuel A Ho
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada; Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, Waterloo, Canada; Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), 17W Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong.
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Hu Y, Du Y, Jin Y, Feng K, Chen H, Han L, Qu H, Ma Z. A Novel Surgical Approach for Big Sheet Allogenic Retinal Pigment Epithelium-Bruch Membrane Complex Transplantation Into the Subretinal Space. Retina 2023; 43:1816-1819. [PMID: 37721726 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000003273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Allogenic transplantation of retinal pigmented epithelium monolayer sheet has experienced bottlenecks due to imperfect surgical techniques. In this study, we developed a novel approach for allogenic transplantation of big sheets of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-Bruch membrane complex. METHODS RPE-Bruch membrane complex sheets of 5 × 6 mm2 to 10 × 10 mm2 were taken from donated eyes. Through a novel approach, the sheets of RPE-Bruch membrane complex were transplanted into the subretinal space of eight eyes (8 patients) with late-stage retinitis pigmentosa. The patients were followed up for 5 ± 2 months. RESULTS All RPE-Bruch membrane complexes were successfully inserted into the subretinal space during the surgery. Follow-up examinations also showed that the grafts attached well to the transplantation site. No rejection or retinal detachment was found. CONCLUSION Through our technique, big sheets of allogenic RPE-Bruch membrane complexes could be implanted into the subretinal space smoothly. This novel approach may be useful for big sheet of allogenic RPE-derived or stem cells-derived RPE transplantation in the treatment of RP and other retinal dystrophic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuntao Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Peking University Eye Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Beijing, China; and
| | - Yu Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Peking University Eye Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Beijing, China; and
| | - Ying Jin
- Peking University Eye Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Beijing, China; and
- The Ophthalmology Division, Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kang Feng
- Peking University Eye Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Beijing, China; and
| | - Huijin Chen
- Peking University Eye Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Beijing, China; and
| | - Liang Han
- Peking University Eye Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Beijing, China; and
| | - Hongqiang Qu
- Peking University Eye Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Beijing, China; and
| | - Zhizhong Ma
- Peking University Eye Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Beijing, China; and
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Lu B, Avalos P, Svendsen S, Zhang C, Nocito L, Jones MK, Pieplow C, Saylor J, Ghiam S, Block A, Fernandez M, Ljubimov AV, Small K, Liao D, Svendsen CN, Wang S. GMP-grade human neural progenitors delivered subretinally protect vision in rat model of retinal degeneration and survive in minipigs. J Transl Med 2023; 21:650. [PMID: 37743503 PMCID: PMC10519102 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04501-z] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stem cell products are increasingly entering early stage clinical trials for treating retinal degeneration. The field is learning from experience about comparability of cells proposed for preclinical and clinical use. Without this, preclinical data supporting translation to a clinical study might not adequately reflect the performance of subsequent clinical-grade cells in patients. METHODS Research-grade human neural progenitor cells (hNPC) and clinical-grade hNPC (termed CNS10-NPC) were injected into the subretinal space of the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat, a rodent model of retinal degeneration such as retinitis pigmentosa. An investigational new drug (IND)-enabling study with CNS10-NPC was performed in the same rodent model. Finally, surgical methodology for subretinal cell delivery in the clinic was optimized in a large animal model with Yucatan minipigs. RESULTS Both research-grade hNPC and clinical-grade hNPC can survive and provide functional and morphological protection in a dose-dependent fashion in RCS rats and the optimal cell dose was defined and used in IND-enabling studies. Grafted CNS10-NPC migrated from the injection site without differentiation into retinal cell phenotypes. Additionally, CNS10-NPC showed long-term survival, safety and efficacy in a good laboratory practice (GLP) toxicity and tumorigenicity study, with no observed cell overgrowth even at the maximum deliverable dose. Finally, using a large animal model with the Yucatan minipig, which has an eye size comparable to the human, we optimized the surgical methodology for subretinal cell delivery in the clinic. CONCLUSIONS These extensive studies supported an approved IND and the translation of CNS10-NPC to an ongoing Phase 1/2a clinical trial (NCT04284293) for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Lu
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Pablo Avalos
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Soshana Svendsen
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Changqing Zhang
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Laura Nocito
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Melissa K Jones
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Cosmo Pieplow
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Joshua Saylor
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Sean Ghiam
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Amanda Block
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Michael Fernandez
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Alexander V Ljubimov
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Kent Small
- Macula& Retina Institute, Glendale, CA, 91203, USA
| | - David Liao
- Retina Vitreous Associates Medical Group, Beverly Hills, CA, 90211, USA
| | - Clive N Svendsen
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Shaomei Wang
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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Patel SH, Lamba DA. Factors Affecting Stem Cell-Based Regenerative Approaches in Retinal Degeneration. Annu Rev Vis Sci 2023; 9:155-175. [PMID: 37713278 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-vision-120222-012817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Inherited and age-associated vision loss is often associated with degeneration of the cells of the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. The mammalian retina, being a postmitotic neural tissue, does not have the capacity to repair itself through endogenous regeneration. There has been considerable excitement for the development of cell replacement approaches since the isolation and development of culture methods for human pluripotent stem cells, as well as the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells. This has now been combined with novel three-dimensional organoid culture systems that closely mimic human retinal development in vitro. In this review, we cover the current state of the field, with emphasis on the cell delivery challenges, role of the recipient immunological microenvironment, and challenges related to connectivity between transplanted cells and host circuitry both locally and centrally to the different areas of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin H Patel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA;
| | - Deepak A Lamba
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA;
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine & Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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Souralova T, Hulinova D, Jeseta M, Ventruba P, Hampl A, Koutna I. Truncated vitronectin with E-cadherin enables the xeno-free derivation of human embryonic stem cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15062. [PMID: 37700192 PMCID: PMC10497536 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42236-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have unique abilities that enable their use in cell therapy, disease modeling, and drug development. Their derivation is usually performed using a feeder layer, which is undefined and can potentially cause a contamination by xeno components, therefore there is a tendency to replace feeders with xeno-free defined substrates in recent years. Three hESC lines were successfully derived on the vitronectin with a truncated N-terminus (VTN-N) in combination with E-cadherin in xeno-free conditions for the first time, and their undifferentiated state, hESC morphology, and standard karyotypes together with their potential to differentiate into three germ layers were confirmed. These results support the conclusion that the VTN-N/E-cadherin is a suitable substrate for the xeno-free derivation of hESCs and can be used for the derivation of hESCs according to good manufacturing practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Souralova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, Cell and Tissue Engineering Facility, St. Anne's University Hospital, Pekarska 53, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Daniela Hulinova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, Cell and Tissue Engineering Facility, St. Anne's University Hospital, Pekarska 53, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Jeseta
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Center of Assisted Reproduction, Masaryk University Brno and University Hospital, Obilni Trh 11, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Ventruba
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Center of Assisted Reproduction, Masaryk University Brno and University Hospital, Obilni Trh 11, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ales Hampl
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, Cell and Tissue Regeneration, St. Anne's University Hospital, Pekarska 53, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Irena Koutna
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
- International Clinical Research Center, Cell and Tissue Engineering Facility, St. Anne's University Hospital, Pekarska 53, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Mishra D, Gade S, Pathak V, Vora LK, Mcloughlin K, Medina R, Donnelly RF, Raghu Raj Singh T. Ocular application of electrospun materials for drug delivery and cellular therapies. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103676. [PMID: 37343817 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
The constraints of delivering conventional drugs, biologics and cell-based therapeutics to target ocular sites necessitate the fabrication of novel drug delivery systems to treat diverse ocular diseases. Conventional ocular drug delivery approaches are prone to low bioavailability, poor penetration and degradation of therapeutics, including cell-based therapies, leading to the need for frequent topical applications or intraocular injections. However, owing to their exceptional structural properties, nanofibrous and microfibrous electrospun materials have gained significant interest in ocular drug delivery and biomaterial applications. This review covers the recent developments of electrospun fibers for the delivery of drugs, biologics, cells, growth factors and tissue regeneration in treating ocular diseases. The insights from this review can provide a thorough understanding of the selection of materials for the fabrication of nano- and/or micro-fibrous systems for ocular applications, with a particular interest in achieving controlled drug release and cell therapy. A detailed modality for fabricating different types of nano- and micro-fibers produced from electrospinning and factors influencing generation are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepakkumar Mishra
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, Belfast, UK
| | - Shilpkala Gade
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, Belfast, UK
| | - Varun Pathak
- Wellcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Lalitkumar K Vora
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, Belfast, UK
| | - Kiran Mcloughlin
- Wellcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Reinhold Medina
- Wellcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Ryan F Donnelly
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, Belfast, UK
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Jong ED, Hacibekiroglu S, Guo L, Sawula E, Li B, Li C, Ho MT, Shoichet MS, Wallace VA, Nagy A. Soluble CX3CL1-expressing retinal pigment epithelium cells protect rod photoreceptors in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:212. [PMID: 37605279 PMCID: PMC10441732 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03434-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal disease that results in photoreceptor degeneration, leading to severe vision loss or blindness. Due to its genetic heterogeneity, developing a new gene therapy to correct every genetic mutation contributing to its progression is infeasible. Photoreceptor transplantation can be harnessed to restore vision; however, this approach is limited by poor cell survival and synaptic integration into the neural retina. Thus, we developed a combined cell and gene therapy that is expected to protect photoreceptors in most, if not all, cases of RP. METHODS Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) modified with our FailSafe™ system were genetically engineered to overexpress sCX3CL1, an inhibitor of microglia activation that has been shown to preserve photoreceptor survival and function in mouse models of RP, independent of the genetic cause. These cells were differentiated into human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE) cells and used as therapeutic cells due to their longevity and safety, both of which have been demonstrated in preclinical and clinical studies. Transgenic hRPE were delivered into the subretinal space of immunodeficient mice and the rd10 mouse model of RP to evaluate donor cell survival and retention of transgene expression. The outer nuclear layer was quantified to assess photoreceptor protection. RESULTS Transgenic FailSafe™ hRPE (FS-hRPE) cells can survive for at least four months in the retina of immunodeficient mice and retain transgene expression. However, these cells do not persist beyond two weeks post-injection in the retina of immunocompetent rd10 recipients, despite Cyclosporine A treatment. Nevertheless, sCX3CL1-expressing FailSafe™ hRPE cells prevented photoreceptor degeneration in a local acting manner during the duration of their presence in the subretinal space. CONCLUSIONS Transgenic hESCs differentiate into hRPE cells and retain sCX3CL1 transgene expression both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, hRPE cells delivered to the subretinal space of rd10 mice prevented photoreceptor degeneration in a local-acting manner, suggesting that this approach could have applications for preserving photoreceptors in specific subregions of the retina, such as the macula. Overall, our study not only reveals the potential of a combined cell and gene therapy for the treatment of RP, but also the possibility of using hRPE cells to deliver therapeutic biologics in situ to treat diseases over long-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric D Jong
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto25 Orde St, 5Th Floor, Room 5-1015, Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sabiha Hacibekiroglu
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto25 Orde St, 5Th Floor, Room 5-1015, Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada
| | - Lily Guo
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto25 Orde St, 5Th Floor, Room 5-1015, Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada
| | - Evan Sawula
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto25 Orde St, 5Th Floor, Room 5-1015, Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Biao Li
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto25 Orde St, 5Th Floor, Room 5-1015, Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada
| | - Chengjin Li
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto25 Orde St, 5Th Floor, Room 5-1015, Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada
| | - Margaret T Ho
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Molly S Shoichet
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Valerie A Wallace
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andras Nagy
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto25 Orde St, 5Th Floor, Room 5-1015, Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Xuan Y, Petersen B, Liu P. Human and Pig Pluripotent Stem Cells: From Cellular Products to Organogenesis and Beyond. Cells 2023; 12:2075. [PMID: 37626885 PMCID: PMC10453631 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162075] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are important for studying development and hold great promise in regenerative medicine due to their ability to differentiate into various cell types. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the potential applications of both human and pig PSCs and provide an overview of the current progress and challenges in this field. In addition to exploring the therapeutic uses of PSC-derived cellular products, we also shed light on their significance in the study of interspecies chimeras, which has led to the creation of transplantable human or humanized pig organs. Moreover, we emphasize the importance of pig PSCs as an ideal cell source for genetic engineering, facilitating the development of genetically modified pigs for pig-to-human xenotransplantation. Despite the achievements that have been made, further investigations and refinement of PSC technologies are necessary to unlock their full potential in regenerative medicine and effectively address critical healthcare challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyi Xuan
- Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Consortium, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Björn Petersen
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Mariensee, 31535 Neustadt am Rübenberge, Germany;
| | - Pentao Liu
- Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Consortium, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
- Center for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong, China
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Gupta S, Lytvynchuk L, Ardan T, Studenovska H, Sharma R, Faura G, Eide L, Shanker Verma R, Znaor L, Erceg S, Stieger K, Motlik J, Petrovski G, Bharti K. Progress in Stem Cells-Based Replacement Therapy for Retinal Pigment Epithelium: In Vitro Differentiation to In Vivo Delivery. Stem Cells Transl Med 2023; 12:536-552. [PMID: 37459045 PMCID: PMC10427969 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szad039] [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: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a critical cell monolayer forming the blood-retina-barrier (BRB) and a permeable bridge between the choriocapillaris and the retina. RPE is also crucial in maintaining photoreceptor function and for completing the visual cycle. Loss of the RPE is associated with the development of degenerative diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD). To treat diseases like AMD, pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE (pRPE) has been recently explored extensively as a regenerative module. pRPE like other ectodermal tissues requires specific lineage differentiation and long-term in vitro culturing for maturation. Therefore, understanding the differentiation process of RPE could be useful for stem cell-based RPE derivation. Developing pRPE-based transplants and delivering them into the subretinal space is another aspect that has garnered interest in the last decade. In this review, we discuss the basic strategies currently employed for stem cell-based RPE derivation, their delivery, and recent clinical studies related to pRPE transplantation in patients. We have also discussed a few limitations with in vitro RPE culture and potential solutions to overcome such problems which can be helpful in developing functional RPE tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Gupta
- Center for Eye Research and Innovative Diagnostics, Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lyubomyr Lytvynchuk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg GmbH, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Karl Landsteiner Institute for Retinal Research and Imaging, Vienna, Austria
| | - Taras Ardan
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Cell Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Studenovska
- Department of Biomaterials and Bioanalogous Systems, Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ruchi Sharma
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Georgina Faura
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars Eide
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rama Shanker Verma
- Stem Cell and Molecular Biology, Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences. Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ljubo Znaor
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Split School of Medicine and University Hospital Centre, Split, Croatia
| | - Slaven Erceg
- Research Center “Principe Felipe,” Stem Cell Therapies in Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Neuroregeneration, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Knut Stieger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg GmbH, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jan Motlik
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Cell Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Goran Petrovski
- Center for Eye Research and Innovative Diagnostics, Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Split School of Medicine and University Hospital Centre, Split, Croatia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kapil Bharti
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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49
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Dong C, Zou D, Duan H, Hu X, Zhou Q, Shi W, Li Z. Ex vivo cultivated retinal pigment epithelial cell transplantation for the treatment of rabbit corneal endothelial dysfunction. EYE AND VISION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 10:34. [PMID: 37528478 PMCID: PMC10394777 DOI: 10.1186/s40662-023-00351-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Stem cell therapy is a promising strategy for the treatment of corneal endothelial dysfunction, and the need to find functional alternative seed cells of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) is urgent. Here, we determined the feasibility of using the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) as an equivalent substitute for the treatment of corneal endothelial dysfunction. METHODS RPE cells and CECs in situ were obtained from healthy New Zealand male rabbits, and the similarities and differences between them were analyzed by electron microscopy, immunofluorescent staining, and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Rabbit primary RPE cells and CECs were isolated and cultivated ex vivo, and Na+/K+-ATPase activity and cellular permeability were detected at passage 2. The injection of cultivated rabbit primary RPE cells, CECs and human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived RPE cells was performed on rabbits with corneal endothelial dysfunction. Then, the therapeutic effects were evaluated by corneal transparency, central corneal thickness, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), qRT-PCR and immunofluorescent staining. RESULTS The rabbit RPE cells were similar in form to CECs in situ and ex vivo, showing a larger regular hexagonal shape and a lower cell density, with numerous tightly formed cell junctions and hemidesmosomes. Moreover, RPE cells presented a stronger barrier and ionic pumping capacity than CECs. When intracamerally injected into the rabbits, the transplanted primary RPE cells could dissolve corneal edema and decrease corneal thickness, with effects similar to those of CECs. In addition, the transplantation of hESC-derived RPE cells exhibited a similar therapeutic effect and restored corneal transparency and thickness within seven days. qRT-PCR results showed that the expressions of CEC markers, like CD200 and S100A4, increased, and the RPE markers OTX2, BEST1 and MITF significantly decreased in the transplanted RPE cells. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that rabbits transplanted with hESC-derived RPE cells maintained normal corneal thickness and exhibited slight pigmentation in the central cornea one month after surgery. Immunostaining results showed that the HuNu-positive transplanted cells survived and expressed ZO1, ATP1A1 and MITF. CONCLUSION RPE cells and CECs showed high structural and functional similarities in barrier and pump characteristics. Intracameral injection of primary RPE cells and hESC-derived RPE cells can effectively restore rabbit corneal clarity and thickness and maintain normal corneal function. This study is the first to report the effectiveness of RPE cells for corneal endothelial dysfunction, suggesting the feasibility of hESC-derived RPE cells as an equivalent substitute for CECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiao Dong
- Department of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Eye Hospital), Jinan, 250000, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250000, China
| | - Dulei Zou
- Department of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Eye Hospital), Jinan, 250000, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250000, China
| | - Haoyun Duan
- Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Qingdao, 266071, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250000, China
| | - Xiangyue Hu
- Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Qingdao, 266071, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250000, China
| | - Qingjun Zhou
- Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Qingdao, 266071, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250000, China
| | - Weiyun Shi
- Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Eye Hospital), Jinan, 250000, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250000, China
| | - Zongyi Li
- Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Qingdao, 266071, China.
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250000, China.
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50
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Al-Nawaiseh S, Krötz C, Rickmann A, Strack C, Germann A, von Briesen H, Szurman P, Schulz A, Stanzel BV. A rabbit model for outer retinal atrophy caused by surgical RPE removal. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2023; 261:2265-2280. [PMID: 36976356 PMCID: PMC10368565 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-023-06014-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to establish a rabbit model with retinal atrophy induced by an iatrogenic retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) removal, for future testing of the efficacy and safety of cell therapy strategies. METHODS A localized detachment of the retina from the RPE/choroid layer was created in 18 pigmented rabbits. The RPE was removed by scraping with a custom-made extendable loop instrument. The resulting RPE wound was observed over a time course of 12 weeks with optical coherence tomography and angiography. After 4 days (group 1) and 12 weeks (group 2), histology was done and staining with hematoxylin and eosin, as well as immunofluorescence performed to further investigate the effects of debridement on the RPE and the overlying retina. RESULTS Already after 4 days, we observed a closure of the RPE wound by proliferating RPE and microglia/macrophage cells forming a multilayered clump. This pattern continued over the observation time course of 12 weeks, whereby the inner and outer nuclear layer of the retina became atrophic. No neovascularization was observed in the angiograms or histology. The observed changes were limited to the site of the former RPE wound. CONCLUSIONS Localized surgical RPE removal induced an adjacent progressive retinal atrophy. Altering the natural course of this model may serve as a basis to test RPE cell therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Al-Nawaiseh
- Eye Clinic Sulzbach, Knappschaft Hospital Saar, Sulzbach/Saar, Germany
| | - Christina Krötz
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Sulzbach/Saar, Germany
| | | | - Claudine Strack
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Anja Germann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Sulzbach/Saar, Germany
| | - Hagen von Briesen
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Sulzbach/Saar, Germany
| | - Peter Szurman
- Eye Clinic Sulzbach, Knappschaft Hospital Saar, Sulzbach/Saar, Germany
- Klaus Heimann Eye Research Institute (KHERI), Sulzbach/Saar, Germany
| | - André Schulz
- Eye Clinic Sulzbach, Knappschaft Hospital Saar, Sulzbach/Saar, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Sulzbach/Saar, Germany
- Klaus Heimann Eye Research Institute (KHERI), Sulzbach/Saar, Germany
| | - Boris V Stanzel
- Eye Clinic Sulzbach, Knappschaft Hospital Saar, Sulzbach/Saar, Germany.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Sulzbach/Saar, Germany.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
- Klaus Heimann Eye Research Institute (KHERI), Sulzbach/Saar, Germany.
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