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Han J, Chear S, Talbot J, Swier V, Booth C, Reuben-Thomas C, Dalvi S, Weimer JM, Hewitt AW, Cook AL, Singh R. Genetic and cellular basis of impaired phagocytosis and photoreceptor degeneration in CLN3 disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.09.597388. [PMID: 38895469 PMCID: PMC11185776 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.09.597388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Purpose CLN3 Batten disease (also known as Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis; JNCL) is a lysosomal storage disorder that typically initiates with retinal degeneration but is followed by seizure onset, motor decline and premature death. Patient-derived CLN3 disease iPSC-RPE cells show defective phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segments (POSs). Because modifier genes are implicated in CLN3 disease, our goal here was to investigate a direct link between CLN3 mutation and POS phagocytosis defect. Methods Isogenic control and CLN3 mutant stem cell lines were generated by CRISPR-Cas9-mediated biallelic deletion of exons 7 and 8. A transgenic CLN3 Δ 7-8/ Δ 7-8 ( CLN3 ) Yucatan miniswine was also used to study the impact of CLN3 Δ 7-8/ Δ 7-8 mutation on POS phagocytosis. POS phagocytosis by cultured RPE cells was analyzed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Electroretinogram, optical coherence tomography and histological analysis of CLN3 Δ 7/8 and wild-type miniswine eyes were carried out at 6-, 36-, or 48-month age. Results CLN3 Δ 7-8/ Δ 7-8 RPE ( CLN3 RPE) displayed reduced POS binding and consequently decreased uptake of POS compared to isogenic control RPE cells. Furthermore, wild-type miniswine RPE cells phagocytosed CLN3 Δ 7-8/ Δ 7-8 POS less efficiently than wild-type POS. Consistent with decreased POS phagocytosis, lipofuscin/autofluorescence was decreased in CLN3 miniswine RPE at 36 months-of-age and was followed by almost complete loss of photoreceptors at 48 months of age. Conclusions CLN3 Δ 7-8/ Δ 7-8 mutation (that affects up to 85% patients) affects both RPE and POSs and leads to photoreceptor cell loss in CLN3 disease. Furthermore, both primary RPE dysfunction and mutant POS independently contribute to impaired POS phagocytosis in CLN3 disease.
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Wang L, Sahel JA, Pi S. Sub2Full: split spectrum to boost optical coherence tomography despeckling without clean data. OPTICS LETTERS 2024; 49:3062-3065. [PMID: 38824328 DOI: 10.1364/ol.518906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) suffers from speckle noise, causing the deterioration of image quality, especially in high-resolution modalities such as visible light OCT (vis-OCT). Here, we proposed an innovative self-supervised strategy called Sub2Full (S2F) for OCT despeckling without clean data. This approach works by acquiring two repeated B-scans, splitting the spectrum of the first repeat as a low-resolution input, and utilizing the full spectrum of the second repeat as the high-resolution target. The proposed method was validated on vis-OCT retinal images visualizing sublaminar structures in the outer retina and demonstrated superior performance over state-of-the-art Noise2Noise (N2N) and Noise2Void (N2V) schemes.
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Gu S, Wu S, Lin Z, Han Z, Mo K, Huang H, Li M, Li G, Ouyang H, Wang L. Screening and evaluation of antioxidants for retinal pigment epithelial cell protection: L-ergothioneine as a novel therapeutic candidate through NRF2 activation. Exp Eye Res 2024; 242:109862. [PMID: 38490292 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109862] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The continual exposure of retinal tissues to oxidative stress leads to discernible anatomical and physiological alterations. Specifically, the onslaught of oxidative damage escalates the irreversible death of retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells, pinpointed as the fundamental pathological event in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). There is a conspicuous lack of effective therapeutic strategies to counteract this degenerative process. This study screened a library of antioxidants for their ability to protect RPE cells against oxidative stress and identified L-ergothioneine (EGT) as a potent cytoprotective agent. L-ergothioneine provided efficient protection against oxidative stress-damaged RPE and maintained cell redox homeostasis and normal physiological functions. It maintained the normal structure of the retina in mice under oxidative stress conditions. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that EGT counteracted major gene expression changes induced by oxidative stress. It upregulated antioxidant gene expression and inhibited NRF2 translocation. The inhibition of NRF2 abolished EGT's protective effects, suggesting that NRF2 activation contributes to its mechanism of action. In conclusion, we identified EGT as a safe and effective small-molecule compound that is expected to be a novel antioxidative agent for treating AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijie Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Siqi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zesong Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zhuo Han
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Kunlun Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Huaxing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Mingsen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Gen Li
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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Han SH, Lee HD, Lee S, Lee AY. Taraxacum coreanum Nakai extract attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses and intestinal barrier dysfunction in Caco-2 cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117105. [PMID: 37660957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Taraxacum coreanum Nakai (TC) is a dandelion native to Korea that has long been used as a medicinal herb with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Intestinal inflammation is closely associated with intestinal epithelial barrier disruption, which leads to the progression of various intestinal diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of TC extract on inflammatory responses and intestinal barrier dysfunction in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated Caco-2 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS The inhibitory effect of TC on nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines production were determined by Griess reagent and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The epithelial permeability was evaluated by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) assay, and inflammation- and tight junction (TJ)-related protein expression were analyzed by Western blotting. In addition, the presence of ten active compounds was identified and quantified using UHPLC-ESI-MS and HPLC-DAD analyses. RESULTS Treatment with TC significantly reduced NO production and pro-inflammatory cytokines production [interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α] compared to the group treated with LPS only, particularly at 100 μg/mL. TC significantly decreased monolayer permeability as detected by TEER. In addition, the transmission of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran 4 across the barrier was decreased after treatment with TC. Inflammation-related proteins (inducible NO synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) were down-regulated after treatment with TC. In contrast, TC significantly increased the protein levels of the TJ-related protein, claudin-5. Ten phytochemicals (protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, scopoletin, chicoric acid, hyperoside, nicotiflorin, luteoloside, sophoricoside, and luteolin) were identified by UHPLC-ESI-MS and HPLC-DAD analysis. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that ethanolic extract of TC could attenuate the LPS-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction by increasing the TJ protein and suppressing inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok Hee Han
- Department of Food Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52725, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hak-Dong Lee
- Department of Plant Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, 17546, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sanghyun Lee
- Department of Plant Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, 17546, Republic of Korea; Natural Product Institute of Science and Technology, Anseong, 17546, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ah Young Lee
- Department of Food Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52725, Republic of Korea.
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Hanazaki H, Yokota H, Yamagami S, Nakamura Y, Nagaoka T. The Effect of Anti-Autotaxin Aptamers on the Development of Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15926. [PMID: 37958909 PMCID: PMC10647324 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115926] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of anti-autotaxin (ATX) aptamers on the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in both in vivo and in vitro PVR swine models. For the in vitro study, primary retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells were obtained from porcine eyes and cultured for cell proliferation and migration assays. For the in vivo study, a swine PVR model was established by inducing retinal detachment and injecting cultured RPE cells (2.0 × 106). Concurrently, 1 week after RPE cell injection, the anti-ATX aptamer, RBM-006 (10 mg/mL, 0.1 mL), was injected twice into the vitreous cavity. Post-injection effects of the anti-ATX aptamer on PVR development in the in vivo swine PVR model were investigated. For the in vitro evaluation, the cultured RPE cell proliferation and migration were significantly reduced at anti-ATX aptamer concentrations of 0.5-0.05 mg and at only 0.5 mg, respectively. Intravitreal administration of the anti-ATX aptamer also prevented tractional retinal detachment caused by PVR in the in vivo PVR model. We observed that the anti-ATX aptamer, RBM-006, inhibited PVR-related RPE cell proliferation and migration in vitro and inhibited the progression of PVR in the in vivo model, suggesting that the anti-ATX aptamer may be effective in preventing PVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotsugu Hanazaki
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Visual Sciences, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi-Kamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan; (H.H.); (H.Y.); (S.Y.)
| | - Harumasa Yokota
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Visual Sciences, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi-Kamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan; (H.H.); (H.Y.); (S.Y.)
| | - Satoru Yamagami
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Visual Sciences, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi-Kamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan; (H.H.); (H.Y.); (S.Y.)
| | - Yoshikazu Nakamura
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan;
- RIBOMIC Inc., Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0071, Japan
| | - Taiji Nagaoka
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Visual Sciences, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi-Kamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan; (H.H.); (H.Y.); (S.Y.)
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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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Chambers CZ, Soo GL, Engel AL, Glass IA, Frassetto A, Martini PGV, Cherry TJ. Lipid nanoparticle-mediated delivery of mRNA into the mouse and human retina and other ocular tissues. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.13.548758. [PMID: 37502987 PMCID: PMC10369938 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.13.548758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) show promise in their ability to introduce mRNA to drive protein expression in specific cell types of the mammalian eye. Here, we examined the ability of mRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) with two distinct formulations to drive gene expression in mouse and human retina and other ocular tissues. Methods We introduced mRNA carrying LNPs into two biological systems. Intravitreal injections were tested to deliver LNPs into the mouse eye. Human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and retinal explants were used to assess mRNA expression in human tissue. We analyzed specificity of expression using histology, immunofluorescence, and imaging. Results In mice, mRNAs encoding GFP and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) were specifically expressed by Müller glia and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Acute inflammatory changes measured by microglia distribution (Iba-1) or interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression were not observed 6 hours post-injection. Human RPE also expressed high levels of GFP. Human retinal explants expressed GFP in cells with apical and basal processes consistent with Müller glia and in perivascular cells consistent with macrophages. Conclusions We demonstrated the ability to reliably transfect subpopulations of retinal cells in mice eye tissues in vivo and in human ocular tissues. Of significance, intravitreal injections were sufficient to transfect the RPE in mice. To our knowledge we demonstrate delivery of mRNA using LNPs in human ocular tissues for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheri Z Chambers
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Gillian L Soo
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Abbi L Engel
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ian A Glass
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetic Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Timothy J Cherry
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetic Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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Jang HY, Cho CS, Shin YM, Kwak J, Sung YH, Kang BC, Kim JH. Isolation and Characterization of the Primary Marmoset ( Callithrix jacchus) Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. Cells 2023; 12:1644. [PMID: 37371114 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121644] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Marmosets have emerged as a valuable primate model in ophthalmic research due to their similarity to the human visual system and their potential for generating transgenic models to advance the development of therapies. In this study, we isolated and cultured primary retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells from marmosets to investigate the mechanisms underlying RPE dysfunction in aging and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We confirmed that our culture conditions and materials supported the formation of RPE monolayers with functional tight junctions that closely resembled the in vivo RPE. Since serum has been shown to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in RPE cells, we compared the effects of fetal bovine serum (FBS) with serum-free supplements B27 on transepithelial electrical resistance (TER), cell proliferation, and morphological characteristics. Additionally, we assessed the age-related morphological changes of in vivo and primary RPE cells. Our results indicate that primary marmoset RPE cells exhibit in vivo-like characteristics, while cells obtained from an older donor show evidence of aging, including a failure to form a polarized monolayer, low TER, and delayed cell cycle. In conclusion, our primary marmoset RPE cells provide a reliable in vitro model for developing novel therapeutics for visual-threatening disorders such as AMD, which can be used before animal experiments using marmosets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha Young Jang
- Fight Against Angiogenesis-Related Blindness (FARB) Laboratory, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03082, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Sik Cho
- Fight Against Angiogenesis-Related Blindness (FARB) Laboratory, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03082, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Mi Shin
- Fight Against Angiogenesis-Related Blindness (FARB) Laboratory, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03082, Republic of Korea
| | - Jina Kwak
- Graduate School of Translational Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Experimental Animal Research, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hoon Sung
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Department of Convergence Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong-Cheol Kang
- Graduate School of Translational Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Experimental Animal Research, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Hun Kim
- Fight Against Angiogenesis-Related Blindness (FARB) Laboratory, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03082, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
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Hashida N, Nishida K. Recent advances and future prospects: current status and challenges of the intraocular injection of drugs for vitreoretinal diseases. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 198:114870. [PMID: 37172783 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Effective drug therapy for vitreoretinal disease is a major challenge in the field of ophthalmology; various protective systems, including anatomical and physiological barriers, complicate drug delivery to precise targets. However, as the eye is a closed cavity, it is an ideal target for local administration. Various types of drug delivery systems have been investigated that take advantage of this aspect of the eye, enhancing ocular permeability and optimizing local drug concentrations. Many drugs, mainly anti-VEGF drugs, have been evaluated in clinical trials and have provided clinical benefit to many patients. In the near future, innovative drug delivery systems will be developed to avoid frequent intravitreal administration of drugs and maintain effective drug concentrations for a long period of time. Here, we review the published literature on various drugs and administration routes and current clinical applications. Recent advances in drug delivery systems are discussed along with future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyasu Hashida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Kohji Nishida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan; Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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10
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Emri E, Cappa O, Kelly C, Kortvely E, SanGiovanni JP, McKay BS, Bergen AA, Simpson DA, Lengyel I. Zinc Supplementation Induced Transcriptional Changes in Primary Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium: A Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Study to Understand Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Cells 2023; 12:773. [PMID: 36899910 PMCID: PMC10000409 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc supplementation has been shown to be beneficial to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, the molecular mechanism underpinning this benefit is not well understood. This study used single-cell RNA sequencing to identify transcriptomic changes induced by zinc supplementation. Human primary retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells could mature for up to 19 weeks. After 1 or 18 weeks in culture, we supplemented the culture medium with 125 µM added zinc for one week. RPE cells developed high transepithelial electrical resistance, extensive, but variable pigmentation, and deposited sub-RPE material similar to the hallmark lesions of AMD. Unsupervised cluster analysis of the combined transcriptome of the cells isolated after 2, 9, and 19 weeks in culture showed considerable heterogeneity. Clustering based on 234 pre-selected RPE-specific genes divided the cells into two distinct clusters, we defined as more and less differentiated cells. The proportion of more differentiated cells increased with time in culture, but appreciable numbers of cells remained less differentiated even at 19 weeks. Pseudotemporal ordering identified 537 genes that could be implicated in the dynamics of RPE cell differentiation (FDR < 0.05). Zinc treatment resulted in the differential expression of 281 of these genes (FDR < 0.05). These genes were associated with several biological pathways with modulation of ID1/ID3 transcriptional regulation. Overall, zinc had a multitude of effects on the RPE transcriptome, including several genes involved in pigmentation, complement regulation, mineralization, and cholesterol metabolism processes associated with AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Emri
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT97BL, UK
- Section Ophthalmogenetics, Department of Human Genetics, Queen Emma Centre for Precision Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Oisin Cappa
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT97BL, UK
| | - Caoimhe Kelly
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT97BL, UK
| | - Elod Kortvely
- Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology (I2O) Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - John Paul SanGiovanni
- Biosciences Research Laboratories, BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, 1230 North Cherry Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Brian S. McKay
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Arizona, 1656 E. Mabel Street, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Arthur A. Bergen
- Section Ophthalmogenetics, Department of Human Genetics, Queen Emma Centre for Precision Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN-KNAW), 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David A. Simpson
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT97BL, UK
| | - Imre Lengyel
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT97BL, UK
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11
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Ramos Rego I, Silvério D, Eufrásio MI, Pinhanços SS, Lopes da Costa B, Teixeira J, Fernandes H, Kong Y, Li Y, Tsang SH, Oliveira PJ, Fernandes R, Quinn PMJ, Santos PF, Ambrósio AF, Alves CH. TRAP1 Is Expressed in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells and Is Required to Maintain their Energetic Status. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:381. [PMID: 36829938 PMCID: PMC9952053 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss and blindness in elderly people worldwide. The damage to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) triggered by oxidative stress plays a central role in the onset and progression of AMD and results from the excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced mainly by mitochondria. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated protein 1 (TRAP1) is a mitochondrial molecular chaperone that contributes to the maintenance of mitochondrial integrity by decreasing the production and accumulation of ROS. The present study aimed to evaluate the presence and the role of TRAP1 in the RPE. Here, we report that TRAP1 is expressed in human adult retinal pigment epithelial cells and is located mainly in the mitochondria. Exposure of RPE cells to hydrogen peroxide decreases the levels of TRAP1. Furthermore, TRAP1 silencing increases intracellular ROS production and decreases mitochondrial respiratory capacity without affecting cell proliferation. Together, these findings offer novel insights into TRAP1 functions in RPE cells, opening possibilities to develop new treatment options for AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Ramos Rego
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniela Silvério
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Isabel Eufrásio
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra Sofia Pinhanços
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, UC Biotech, Parque Tecnológico de Cantanhede, 3060-197 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Bruna Lopes da Costa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - José Teixeira
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, UC Biotech, Parque Tecnológico de Cantanhede, 3060-197 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Hugo Fernandes
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, UC Biotech, Parque Tecnológico de Cantanhede, 3060-197 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University Coimbra, 3000-370 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Yang Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yao Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Stephen H. Tsang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Jonas Children‘s Vision Care, and Bernard and Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Pathology and Cell Biology, Institute of Human Nutrition, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Paulo J. Oliveira
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, UC Biotech, Parque Tecnológico de Cantanhede, 3060-197 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rosa Fernandes
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Peter M. J. Quinn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Paulo Fernando Santos
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, University Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Francisco Ambrósio
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Celso Henrique Alves
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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12
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Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cell Development: Extrapolating Basic Biology to Stem Cell Research. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020310. [PMID: 36830851 PMCID: PMC9952929 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) forms an important cellular monolayer, which contributes to the normal physiology of the eye. Damage to the RPE leads to the development of degenerative diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Apart from acting as a physical barrier between the retina and choroidal blood vessels, the RPE is crucial in maintaining photoreceptor (PR) and visual functions. Current clinical intervention to treat early stages of AMD includes stem cell-derived RPE transplantation, which is still in its early stages of evolution. Therefore, it becomes essential to derive RPEs which are functional and exhibit features as observed in native human RPE cells. The conventional strategy is to use the knowledge obtained from developmental studies using various animal models and stem cell-based exploratory studies to understand RPE biogenies and developmental trajectory. This article emphasises such studies and aims to present a comprehensive understanding of the basic biology, including the genetics and molecular pathways of RPE development. It encompasses basic developmental biology and stem cell-based developmental studies to uncover RPE differentiation. Knowledge of the in utero developmental cues provides an inclusive methodology required for deriving RPEs using stem cells.
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13
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Sreekumar PG, Su F, Spee C, Araujo E, Nusinowitz S, Reddy ST, Kannan R. Oxidative Stress and Lipid Accumulation Augments Cell Death in LDLR-Deficient RPE Cells and Ldlr-/- Mice. Cells 2022; 12:43. [PMID: 36611838 PMCID: PMC9818299 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010043] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid peroxidation from oxidative stress is considered a major contributor to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The retina is abundant with circulating low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which are taken up by LDL receptor (LDLR) in the RPE and Müller cells. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of LDLR in the NaIO3-induced model of dry AMD. Confluent primary human RPE (hRPE) and LDLR-silenced ARPE-19 cells were stressed with 150 µM tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBH) and caspase 3/7 activation was determined. WT and Ldlr-/- mice were administered NaIO3 (20 mg/kg) intravenously. On day 7, fundus imaging, OCT, ERG, and retinal thickness were measured. Histology, TUNEL, cleaved caspase 3 and lipid accumulation were assessed. Treatment of hRPE with tBH markedly decreased LDLR expression. Caspase 3/7 activation was significantly increased in LDLR-silenced ARPE-19 cells treated with tBH. In Ldlr-/- mice, NaIO3 administration resulted in significant (a) retinal thinning, (b) compromised photoreceptor function, (c) increased percentage of cleaved caspase 3 positive and apoptotic cells, and (d) increased lipid droplet accumulation in the RPE, Bruch membrane, choroid, and sclera, compared to WT mice. Our findings imply that LDLR loss leads to lipid accumulation and impaired retinal function, which may contribute to the development of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Feng Su
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | | | - Eduardo Araujo
- Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Steven Nusinowitz
- Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Srinivasa T Reddy
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ram Kannan
- Doheny Eye Institute, Pasadena, CA 91103, USA
- Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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14
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Cui X, Chang YJ, Jenny LA, Levi SR, Du J, Tsang SH. Metabolite Extraction from RPE Cells and Retinas Related to Retinitis Pigmentosa. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2560:257-265. [PMID: 36481902 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2651-1_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The application of metabolomics in ophthalmology helps to identify new biomarkers and elucidate disease mechanisms in different eye diseases, as well as aiding in the development of potential treatment options. Extracting metabolites successfully is essential for potential further analysis using mass spectrometry. In this chapter, we describe how to extract metabolites from a variety of sources including (1) cells on a dish, (2) cell culture medium, and (3) tissues in vivo with and without stable isotope tracers. Samples prepared using this protocol are suitable for a range of downstream mass spectrometry analyses and are stable in solvent for weeks at -80 °C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Cui
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ya-Ju Chang
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura A Jenny
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah R Levi
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jianhai Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology & Cell Biology, Graduate Programs in Nutritional & Metabolic Biology and Neurobiology & Behavior, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, New York, NY, USA.
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15
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Kim J, Kong JS, Kim H, Jo Y, Cho DW, Jang J. A Bioprinted Bruch's Membrane for Modeling Smoke-Induced Retinal Pigment Epithelium Degeneration via Hybrid Membrane Printing Technology. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2200728. [PMID: 35841587 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202200728] [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: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) not only forms the outer blood-retinal barrier (oBRB) but also plays a multifunctional role in the ocular system. The loss of this epithelium leads to serious diseases resulting in vision impairment. No effective treatment is available for the repair of RPE damage. A functional in vitro RPE model that allows the recapitulation of oBRB-related pathophysiological responses is lacking. Here, a hybrid membrane printing technology is developed to fabricate cellular monolayers on the basement membrane to mimic human Bruch's membrane (BM). Using this technology, in vitro oBRB model containing the RPE monolayer on the printed BM with stable mechanical properties and fibril diameter similar to that of natural BM is developed. Compared to traditional collagen bioink, BM-based bioink significantly promotes RPE functions in vitro. Finally, smoking-like conditions are exposed to the model to recapitulate the absorption of mainstream cigarette smoke which is known as one of the risk factors for the disease progression. RPE function is damaged due to oxidative stress. Furthermore, the versatility of the model as a drug-testing platform is confirmed by the suppression of oxidative stress via antioxidants. This technology shows potential for fabricating a functional oBRB model that reflects patient conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongmin Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Kyungbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Sik Kong
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Kyungbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonji Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Kyungbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonggwon Jo
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Kyungbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Woo Cho
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Kyungbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea.,School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Kyungbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Convergence Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinah Jang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Kyungbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea.,School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Kyungbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Convergence Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence IT Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Kyungbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
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16
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Ng ESY, Kady N, Hu J, Dave A, Jiang Z, Pei J, Gorin MB, Matynia A, Radu RA. Membrane Attack Complex Mediates Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cell Death in Stargardt Macular Degeneration. Cells 2022; 11:3462. [PMID: 36359858 PMCID: PMC9655712 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Recessive Stargardt disease (STGD1) is an inherited retinopathy caused by mutations in the ABCA4 gene. The ABCA4 protein is a phospholipid-retinoid flippase in the outer segments of photoreceptors and the internal membranes of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Here, we show that RPE cells derived via induced pluripotent stem-cell from a molecularly and clinically diagnosed STGD1 patient exhibited reduced ABCA4 protein and diminished activity compared to a normal subject. Consequently, STGD1 RPE cells accumulated intracellular autofluorescence-lipofuscin and displayed increased complement C3 activity. The level of C3 inversely correlated with the level of CD46, an early negative regulator of the complement cascade. Persistent complement dysregulation led to deposition of the membrane attack complex on the surface of RPE cells, decrease in transepithelial resistance, and subsequent cell death. These findings are strong evidence of complement-mediated RPE cell damage in STGD1, in the absence of photoreceptors, caused by reduced CD46 regulatory protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunice Sze Yin Ng
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Cellular and Integrative Physiology Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Nermin Kady
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Jane Hu
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Arpita Dave
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Zhichun Jiang
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jacqueline Pei
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Michael B. Gorin
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Anna Matynia
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Roxana A. Radu
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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17
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Lehmann GL, Ginsberg M, Nolan DJ, Rodríguez C, Martínez-González J, Zeng S, Voigt AP, Mullins RF, Rafii S, Rodriguez-Boulan E, Benedicto I. Retinal Pigment Epithelium-Secreted VEGF-A Induces Alpha-2-Macroglobulin Expression in Endothelial Cells. Cells 2022; 11:2975. [PMID: 36230937 PMCID: PMC9564307 DOI: 10.3390/cells11192975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M) is a protease inhibitor that regulates extracellular matrix (ECM) stability and turnover. Here, we show that A2M is expressed by endothelial cells (ECs) from human eye choroid. We demonstrate that retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-conditioned medium induces A2M expression specifically in ECs. Experiments using chemical inhibitors, blocking antibodies, and recombinant proteins revealed a key role of VEGF-A in RPE-mediated A2M induction in ECs. Furthermore, incubation of ECs with RPE-conditioned medium reduces matrix metalloproteinase-2 gelatinase activity of culture supernatants, which is partially restored after A2M knockdown in ECs. We propose that dysfunctional RPE or choroidal blood vessels, as observed in retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, may disrupt the crosstalk mechanism we describe here leading to alterations in the homeostasis of choroidal ECM, Bruch's membrane and visual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo L. Lehmann
- Margaret Dyson Vision Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | | | | | - Cristina Rodríguez
- Institut de Recerca Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Martínez-González
- Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Barcelona-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IIBB-CSIC), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Shemin Zeng
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
| | - Andrew P. Voigt
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
| | - Robert F. Mullins
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
| | - Shahin Rafii
- Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Department of Medicine, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Enrique Rodriguez-Boulan
- Margaret Dyson Vision Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ignacio Benedicto
- Margaret Dyson Vision Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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18
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Customized strategies for high-yield purification of retinal pigment epithelial cells differentiated from different stem cell sources. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15563. [PMID: 36114268 PMCID: PMC9481580 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19777-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractRetinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell dysfunction and death are characteristics of age-related macular degeneration. A promising therapeutic option is RPE cell transplantation. Development of clinical grade stem-cell derived RPE requires efficient in vitro differentiation and purification methods. Enzymatic purification of RPE relies on the relative adherence of RPE and non-RPE cells to the culture plate. However, morphology and adherence of non-RPE cells differ for different stem cell sources. In cases whereby the non-RPE adhered as strongly as RPE cells to the culture plate, enzymatic method of purification is unsuitable. Thus, we hypothesized the need to customize purification strategies for RPE derived from different stem cell sources. We systematically compared five different RPE purification methods, including manual, enzymatic, flow cytometry-based sorting or combinations thereof for parameters including cell throughput, yield, purity and functionality. Flow cytometry-based approach was suitable for RPE isolation from heterogeneous cultures with highly adherent non-RPE cells, albeit with lower yield. Although all five purification methods generated pure and functional RPE, there were significant differences in yield and processing times. Based on the high purity of the resulting RPE and relatively short processing time, we conclude that a combination of enzymatic and manual purification is ideal for clinical applications.
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19
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Bharti K, den Hollander AI, Lakkaraju A, Sinha D, Williams DS, Finnemann SC, Bowes-Rickman C, Malek G, D'Amore PA. Cell culture models to study retinal pigment epithelium-related pathogenesis in age-related macular degeneration. Exp Eye Res 2022; 222:109170. [PMID: 35835183 PMCID: PMC9444976 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that affects the macula - the central part of the retina. It is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the elderly. AMD onset is marked by the presence of lipid- and protein-rich extracellular deposits beneath the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a monolayer of polarized, pigmented epithelial cells located between the photoreceptors and the choroidal blood supply. Progression of AMD to the late nonexudative "dry" stage of AMD, also called geographic atrophy, is linked to progressive loss of areas of the RPE, photoreceptors, and underlying choriocapillaris leading to a severe decline in patients' vision. Differential susceptibility of macular RPE in AMD and the lack of an anatomical macula in most lab animal models has promoted the use of in vitro models of the RPE. In addition, the need for high throughput platforms to test potential therapies has driven the creation and characterization of in vitro model systems that recapitulate morphologic and functional abnormalities associated with human AMD. These models range from spontaneously formed cell line ARPE19, immortalized cell lines such as hTERT-RPE1, RPE-J, and D407, to primary human (fetal or adult) or animal (mouse and pig) RPE cells, and embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived RPE. Hallmark RPE phenotypes, such as cobblestone morphology, pigmentation, and polarization, vary significantly betweendifferent models and culture conditions used in different labs, which would directly impact their usability for investigating different aspects of AMD biology. Here the AMD Disease Models task group of the Ryan Initiative for Macular Research (RIMR) provides a summary of several currently used in vitro RPE models, historical aspects of their development, RPE phenotypes that are attainable in these models, their ability to model different aspects of AMD pathophysiology, and pros/cons for their use in the RPE and AMD fields. In addition, due to the burgeoning use of iPSC derived RPE cells, the critical need for developing standards for differentiating and rigorously characterizing RPE cell appearance, morphology, and function are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kapil Bharti
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Anneke I den Hollander
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; AbbVie, Genomics Research Center, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Aparna Lakkaraju
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
| | - Debasish Sinha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cell Biology and Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - David S Williams
- Stein Eye Institute, Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Silvia C Finnemann
- Center of Cancer, Genetic Diseases, and Gene Regulation, Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Catherine Bowes-Rickman
- Duke Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Goldis Malek
- Duke Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Patricia A D'Amore
- Mass Eye and Ear, Departments of Ophthalmology and Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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20
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Zhang S, Ye K, Gao G, Song X, Xu P, Zeng J, Xie B, Zheng D, He L, Ji J, Zhong X. Amniotic Membrane Enhances the Characteristics and Function of Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium Sheets by Inhibiting the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Acta Biomater 2022; 151:183-196. [PMID: 35933105 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.07.064] [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: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (iRPE) is an attractive cell source for disease modeling and cell replacement therapy of retinal disorders with RPE defects. However, there are still challenges to develop appropriate culture conditions close to in vivo microenvironment to generate iRPE sheets, which mimic more faithfully the characteristics and functions of the human RPE cells. Here, we developed a simple, novel platform to construct authentic iRPE sheets using human amniotic membrane (hAM) as a natural scaffold. The decellularized hAM (dAM) provided a Bruch's membrane (BM)-like bioscaffold, supported the iRPE growth and enhanced the epithelial features, polarity distribution and functional features of iRPE cells. Importantly, RNA-seq analysis was performed to compare the transcriptomes of iRPE cells cultured on different substrates, which revealed the potential mechanism that dAM supported and promoted iRPE growth was the inhibition of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). The tissue-engineered iRPE sheets survived and kept monolayer when transplanted into the subretinal space of rabbits. All together, our results indicate that the dAM imitating the natural BM allows for engineering authentic human RPE sheets, which will provide valuable biomaterials for disease modeling, drug screening and cell replacement therapy of retinal degenerative diseases. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: : Engineered RPE sheets have a great advantage over RPE cell suspension for transplantation as they support RPE growth in an intact monolayer which RPE functions are dependent on. The substrates for RPE culture play a critical role to maintain the physiological functions of the RPE in stem cell therapies for patients with retinal degeneration. In this study, we constructed engineered iRPE sheets on the decellularized human amniotic membrane (dAM) scaffolds, which contributed to enhancing epithelial features, polarity distribution and functional features of iRPE. dAM exhibited the ability of anti-epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) to support iRPE growth. Furtherly, the results of transplanted in vivo demonstrated the feasibility of iRPE sheets in retina regenerative therapy. Engineering RPE sheets on dAM is a promising strategy to facilitate the development of iRPE replacement therapy and retinal disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanjie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojing Song
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingrong Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bingbing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liwen He
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jianping Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xiufeng Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China.
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21
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Veernala I, Jaffet J, Fried J, Mertsch S, Schrader S, Basu S, Vemuganti G, Singh V. Lacrimal gland regeneration: The unmet challenges and promise for dry eye therapy. Ocul Surf 2022; 25:129-141. [PMID: 35753665 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
DED (Dry eye disease) is a common multifactorial disease of the ocular surface and the tear film. DED has gained attention globally, with millions of people affected.. Although treatment strategies for DED have shifted towards Tear Film Oriented Therapy (TFOT), all the existing strategies fall under standard palliative care when addressed as a long-term goal. Therefore, different approaches have been explored by various groups to uncover alternative treatment strategies that can contribute to a full regeneration of the damaged lacrimal gland. For this, multiple groups have investigated the role of lacrimal gland (LG) cells in DED based on their regenerating, homing, and differentiating capabilities. In this review, we discuss in detail therapeutic mechanisms and regenerative strategies that can potentially be applied for lacrimal gland regeneration as well as their therapeutic applications. This review mainly focuses on Aqueous Deficiency Dry Eye Disease (ADDE) caused by lacrimal gland dysfunction and possible future treatment strategies. The current key findings from cell and tissue-based regenerative therapy modalities that could be utilised to achieve lacrimal gland tissue regeneration are summarized. In addition, this review summarises the available literature from in vitro to in vivo animal studies, their limitations in relation to lacrimal gland regeneration and the possible clinical applications. Finally, current issues and unmet needs of cell-based therapies in providing complete lacrimal gland tissue regeneration are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Induvahi Veernala
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Prof C R Rao Road, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Jilu Jaffet
- Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Champalimaud Translational Centre for Eye Research, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, L V Prasad Marg, Hyderabad, 500 034, India; Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Jasmin Fried
- Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Pius-Hospital, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Sonja Mertsch
- Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Pius-Hospital, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Schrader
- Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Pius-Hospital, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Sayan Basu
- Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Champalimaud Translational Centre for Eye Research, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, L V Prasad Marg, Hyderabad, 500 034, India
| | - Geeta Vemuganti
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Prof C R Rao Road, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, 500046, India.
| | - Vivek Singh
- Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Champalimaud Translational Centre for Eye Research, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, L V Prasad Marg, Hyderabad, 500 034, India.
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22
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Wu A, Lu R, Lee E. Tissue engineering in age-related macular degeneration: a mini-review. J Biol Eng 2022; 16:11. [PMID: 35578246 PMCID: PMC9109377 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-022-00291-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive, degenerative disease of the macula, leading to severe visual loss in the elderly population. There are two types of AMD: non-exudative ('dry') AMD and exudative ('wet') AMD. Non-exudative AMD is characterized by drusen formation and macular atrophy, while the blood vessels are not leaky. Exudative AMD is a more advanced form of the disease, featured with abnormal blood vessel growth and vascular leakage. Even though anti-angiogenic therapies have been effective in treating wet AMD by normalizing blood vessels, there is no treatment available to prevent or treat dry AMD. Currently, the mechanisms of drusen formation and macular atrophy in the dry AMD are poorly understood, in part because the currently available in vivo models of AMD could not decouple and isolate the complex biological and biophysical factors in the macular region for a detailed mechanism study, including the complement system, angiogenesis factors, extracellular matrix, etc. In the present review article, we describe the biological background of AMD and the key cells and structures in AMD, including retinal epithelium, photoreceptor, Bruch's membrane, and choriocapillaris. We also discuss pre-clinical animal models of AMD and in vivo tissue-engineered approaches, including cell suspension injection and organoid-derived cell sheet transplantation. We also discuss in vitro tissue-engineered models for AMD research. Specifically, we evaluate and compare currently available two- and three-dimensional AMD tissue-engineered models that mimic key anatomical players in AMD progression, including pathophysiological characteristics in Bruch's membrane, photoreceptor, and choriocapillaris. Finally, we discuss the limitation of current AMD models and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Wu
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Renhao Lu
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Esak Lee
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
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23
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Circadian Regulation of Retinal Pigment Epithelium Function. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052699. [PMID: 35269840 PMCID: PMC8910459 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a single layer of cells located between the choriocapillaris vessels and the light-sensitive photoreceptors in the outer retina. The RPE performs physiological processes necessary for the maintenance and support of photoreceptors and visual function. Among the many functions performed by the RPE, the timing of the peak in phagocytic activity by the RPE of the photoreceptor outer segments that occurs 1-2 h. after the onset of light has captured the interest of many investigators and has thus been intensively studied. Several studies have shown that this burst in phagocytic activity by the RPE is under circadian control and is present in nocturnal and diurnal species and rod and cone photoreceptors. Previous investigations have demonstrated that a functional circadian clock exists within multiple retinal cell types and RPE cells. However, the anatomical location of the circadian controlling this activity is not clear. Experimental evidence indicates that the circadian clock, melatonin, dopamine, and integrin signaling play a key role in controlling this rhythm. A series of very recent studies report that the circadian clock in the RPE controls the daily peak in phagocytic activity. However, the loss of the burst in phagocytic activity after light onset does not result in photoreceptor or RPE deterioration during aging. In the current review, we summarized the current knowledge on the mechanism controlling this phenomenon and the physiological role of this peak.
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24
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Engel AL, Wang Y, Khuu TH, Worrall E, Manson MA, Lim RR, Knight K, Yanagida A, Qi JH, Ramakrishnan A, Weleber RG, Klein ML, Wilson DJ, Anand-Apte B, Hurley JB, Du J, Chao JR. Extracellular matrix dysfunction in Sorsby patient-derived retinal pigment epithelium. Exp Eye Res 2022; 215:108899. [PMID: 34929159 PMCID: PMC8923943 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Sorsby Fundus Dystrophy (SFD) is a rare form of macular degeneration that is clinically similar to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and a histologic hallmark of SFD is a thick layer of extracellular deposits beneath the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Previous studies of SFD patient-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived RPE differ as to whether these cultures recapitulate this key clinical feature by forming increased drusenoid deposits. The primary purpose of this study is to examine whether SFD patient-derived iPSC-RPE form basal deposits similar to what is found in affected family member SFD globes and to determine whether SFD iPSC RPE may be more oxidatively stressed. We performed a careful comparison of iPSC RPE from three control individuals, multiple iPSC clones from two SFD patients' iPSC RPE, and post-mortem eyes of affected SFD family members. We also examined the effect of CRISPR-Cas9 gene correction of the S204C TIMP3 mutation on RPE phenotype. Finally, targeted metabolomics with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis and stable isotope-labeled metabolite analysis were performed to determine whether SFD RPE are more oxidatively stressed. We found that SFD iPSC-RPE formed significantly more sub-RPE deposits (∼6-90 μm in height) compared to control RPE at 8 weeks. These deposits were similar in composition to the thick layer of sub-RPE deposits found in SFD family member globes by immunofluorescence staining and TEM imaging. S204C TIMP3 correction by CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in SFD iPSC RPE cells resulted in significantly reduced basal laminar and sub-RPE calcium deposits. We detected a ∼18-fold increase in TIMP3 accumulation in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of SFD RPE, and targeted metabolomics showed that intracellular 4-hydroxyproline, a major breakdown product of collagen, is significantly elevated in SFD RPE, suggesting increased ECM turnover. Finally, SFD RPE cells have decreased intracellular reduced glutathione and were found to be more vulnerable to oxidative stress. Our findings suggest that elements of SFD pathology can be demonstrated in culture which may lead to insights into disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbi L. Engel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - YeKai Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506,Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506
| | - Thomas H. Khuu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Emily Worrall
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Megan A. Manson
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Rayne R. Lim
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Kaitlen Knight
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Aya Yanagida
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Jian Hua Qi
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Aravind Ramakrishnan
- Center for Blood Cancers and Oncology, St. David’s South Austin Medical Center, Austin, TX 78704
| | - Richard G Weleber
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201
| | - Michael L. Klein
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201
| | - David J. Wilson
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201
| | - Bela Anand-Apte
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - James B. Hurley
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109,Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Jianhai Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506,Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506,Corresponding authors: , 750 Republican Street, Box 358058, Seattle WA 98109 (206) 221-0594; or , One Medical Center Dr., PO Box 9193, WVU Eye Institute, Morgantown, WV 26505; Phone: (304)-598-6903; Fax: (304)-598- 6928
| | - Jennifer R. Chao
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109,Corresponding authors: , 750 Republican Street, Box 358058, Seattle WA 98109 (206) 221-0594; or , One Medical Center Dr., PO Box 9193, WVU Eye Institute, Morgantown, WV 26505; Phone: (304)-598-6903; Fax: (304)-598- 6928
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25
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Sreekumar PG, Reddy ST, Hinton DR, Kannan R. Mechanisms of RPE senescence and potential role of αB crystallin peptide as a senolytic agent in experimental AMD. Exp Eye Res 2022; 215:108918. [PMID: 34986369 PMCID: PMC8923947 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) can cause mitochondrial dysfunction and is likely a causative factor in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Under oxidative stress conditions, some of the RPE cells become senescent and a contributory role for RPE senescence in AMD pathology has been proposed. The purpose of this study is to 1) characterize senescence in human RPE; 2) investigate the effect of an αB Crystallin chaperone peptide (mini Cry) in controlling senescence, in particular by regulating mitochondrial function and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) production and 3) develop mouse models for studying the role of RPE senescence in dry and nAMD. Senescence was induced in human RPE cells in two ways. First, subconfluent cells were treated with 0.2 μg/ml doxorubicin (DOX); second, subconfluent cells were treated with 500 μM H2O2. Senescence biomarkers (senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-βgal), p21, p16) and mitochondrial proteins (Fis1, DRP1, MFN2, PGC1-α, mtTFA) were analyzed in control and experimental groups. The effect of mini Cry on mitochondrial bioenergetics, glycolysis and SASP was determined. In vivo, retinal degeneration was induced by intravenous injection of NaIO3 (20 mg/kg) and subretinal fibrosis by laser-induced choroidal neovascularization. Increased SA-βgal staining and p16 and p21 expression was observed after DOX- or H2O2-induced senescence and mini Cry significantly decreased senescence-positive cells. The expression of mitochondrial biogenesis proteins PGC-1 and mTFA increased with senescence, and mini Cry reduced expression significantly. Senescent RPE cells were metabolically active, as evidenced by significantly enhanced oxidative phosphorylation and anaerobic glycolysis, mini Cry markedly reduced rates of respiration and glycolysis. Senescent RPE cells maintain a proinflammatory phenotype characterized by significantly increased production of cytokines (IFN-ˠ, TNF-α, IL1-α IL1-β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10), and VEGF-A; mini Cry significantly inhibited their secretion. We identified and localized senescent RPE cells for the first time in NaIO3-induced retinal degeneration and laser-induced subretinal fibrosis mouse models. We conclude that mini Cry significantly impairs stress-induced senescence by modulating mitochondrial biogenesis and fission proteins in RPE cells. Characterization of senescence could provide further understanding of the metabolic changes that accompany the senescent phenotype in ocular disease. Future studies in vivo may better define the role of senescence in AMD and the therapeutic potential of mini Cry as a senotherapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parameswaran G Sreekumar
- The Stephen J. Ryan Initiative for Macular Research (RIMR), Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
| | - Srinivasa T Reddy
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - David R Hinton
- Department of Pathology and Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Ram Kannan
- The Stephen J. Ryan Initiative for Macular Research (RIMR), Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA; Stein Eye Institute, Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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26
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Chen Y, Zhu X, Ye F, Wang H, Wan X, Zhang T, Wang Y, Wang Y, Zhao X, Bai X, Xiao Y, Sun X. Malondialdehyde-Modified Photoreceptor Outer Segments Promote Choroidal Neovascularization in Mice. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:12. [PMID: 35015060 PMCID: PMC8762676 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.1.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to establish a novel choroidal neovascularization (CNV) mouse model through subretinally injecting malondialdehyde (MDA)-modified photoreceptor outer segments (POS), which was more consistent with the pathogenesis of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods MDA-modified POS were subretinally injected in C57BL/6J mice. Four weeks later, to assess the volume of CNV and the morphology of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), isolectin B4 and zonula occludens-1 antibody were used for immunostaining. Fundus fluorescent angiography and optical coherence tomography imaging were used to describe the morphologic features of CNV. Transepithelial resistance was measured on polarized ARPE-19 cells. Vascular endothelial growth factor levels in the cell culture medium were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein and messenger RNA expression levels of autophagy markers were measured using Western blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results CNV and RPE atrophy were successfully induced in the mouse model. MDA-modified POS also significantly increased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and disrupted cell junctions in RPE cells. In addition, MDA-modified POS induced autophagy–lysosomal impairment in RPE cells. Conclusions Subretinal injection of MDA-modified POS may generate a feasible CNV model that simulates the AMD pathological process. Translational Relevance This study expands the understanding of the role of MDA in AMD pathogenesis, which provides a potential therapeutic target of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyue Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Fuxiang Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoling Wan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuwei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yimin Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohuan Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyue Bai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yushu Xiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China
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27
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Asatryan A, Calandria JM, Kautzmann MAI, Jun B, Gordon WC, Do KV, Bhattacharjee S, Pham TL, Bermúdez V, Mateos MV, Heap J, Bazan NG. New Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Model to Unravel Neuroprotection Sensors of Neurodegeneration in Retinal Disease. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:926629. [PMID: 35873810 PMCID: PMC9301569 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.926629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells sustain photoreceptor integrity, and when this function is disrupted, retinal degenerations ensue. Herein, we characterize a new cell line from human RPE that we termed ABC. These cells remarkably recapitulate human eye native cells. Distinctive from other epithelia, RPE cells originate from the neural crest and follow a neural development but are terminally differentiated into "epithelial" type, thus sharing characteristics with their neuronal lineages counterparts. Additionally, they form microvilli, tight junctions, and honeycomb packing and express distinctive markers. In these cells, outer segment phagocytosis, phagolysosome fate, phospholipid metabolism, and lipid mediator release can be studied. ABC cells display higher resistance to oxidative stress and are protected from senescence through mTOR inhibition, making them more stable in culture. The cells are responsive to Neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1), which downregulates inflammasomes and upregulates antioxidant and anti-inflammatory genes. ABC gene expression profile displays close proximity to native RPE lineage, making them a reliable cell system to unravel signaling in uncompensated oxidative stress (UOS) and retinal degenerative disease to define neuroprotection sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aram Asatryan
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Jorgelina M Calandria
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Marie-Audrey I Kautzmann
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Bokkyoo Jun
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - William C Gordon
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Khanh V Do
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Surjyadipta Bhattacharjee
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Thang L Pham
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Vicente Bermúdez
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Melina Valeria Mateos
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Jessica Heap
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Nicolas G Bazan
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
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Fucoxanthin Pretreatment Ameliorates Visible Light-Induced Phagocytosis Disruption of RPE Cells under a Lipid-Rich Environment via the Nrf2 Pathway. Mar Drugs 2021; 20:md20010015. [PMID: 35049870 PMCID: PMC8780744 DOI: 10.3390/md20010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fucoxanthin, a special xanthophyll derived from marine algae, has increasingly attracted attention due to its diverse biological functions. However, reports on its ocular benefits are still limited. In this work, the ameliorative effect of fucoxanthin on visible light and lipid peroxidation-induced phagocytosis disruption in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells was investigated in vitro. Marked oxidative stress, inflammation, and phagocytosis disruption were evident in differentiated RPE cells following their exposure to visible light under a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-rich environment. Following pretreatment with fucoxanthin, however, the activated nuclear factor erythroid-derived-2-like 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway was observed and, furthermore, when the fucoxanthin -pretreated RPE cells were irradiated with visible light, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and inflammation were obviously suppressed, while phagocytosis was significantly improved. However, following the addition of Nrf2 inhibitor ML385, the fucoxanthin exhibited no ameliorative effects on the oxidative stress, inflammation, and phagocytosis disruption in the RPE cells, thus indicating that the ameliorative effect of fucoxanthin on the phagocytosis of RPE cells is closely related to the Nrf2 signaling pathway. In conclusion, these results suggest that fucoxanthin supplementation might be beneficial to the prevention of visible light-induced retinal injury.
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29
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Flores‐Bellver M, Mighty J, Aparicio‐Domingo S, Li KV, Shi C, Zhou J, Cobb H, McGrath P, Michelis G, Lenhart P, Bilousova G, Heissel S, Rudy MJ, Coughlan C, Goodspeed AE, Becerra SP, Redenti S, Canto‐Soler MV. Extracellular vesicles released by human retinal pigment epithelium mediate increased polarised secretion of drusen proteins in response to AMD stressors. J Extracell Vesicles 2021; 10:e12165. [PMID: 34750957 PMCID: PMC8575963 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Drusen are key contributors to the etiology of AMD and the ability to modulate drusen biogenesis could lead to therapeutic strategies to slow or halt AMD progression. The mechanisms underlying drusen biogenesis, however, remain mostly unknown. Here we demonstrate that under homeostatic conditions extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells are enriched in proteins associated with mechanisms involved in AMD pathophysiology, including oxidative stress, immune response, inflammation, complement system and drusen composition. Furthermore, we provide first evidence that drusen-associated proteins are released as cargo of extracellular vesicles secreted by RPE cells in a polarised apical:basal mode. Notably, drusen-associated proteins exhibited distinctive directional secretion modes in homeostatic conditions and, differential modulation of this directional secretion in response to AMD stressors. These observations underpin the existence of a finely-tuned mechanism regulating directional apical:basal sorting and secretion of drusen-associated proteins via EVs, and its modulation in response to mechanisms involved in AMD pathophysiology. Collectively, our results strongly support an active role of RPE-derived EVs as a key source of drusen proteins and important contributors to drusen development and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Flores‐Bellver
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration ProgramDepartment of OphthalmologySue Anschutz‐Rodgers Eye CenterUniversity of Colorado, School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Jason Mighty
- Lehman CollegeBronxNew YorkUSA
- Biology Doctoral ProgramThe Graduate School and University CenterCity University of New YorkNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Silvia Aparicio‐Domingo
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration ProgramDepartment of OphthalmologySue Anschutz‐Rodgers Eye CenterUniversity of Colorado, School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Kang V. Li
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration ProgramDepartment of OphthalmologySue Anschutz‐Rodgers Eye CenterUniversity of Colorado, School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Cui Shi
- Lehman CollegeBronxNew YorkUSA
- Biology Doctoral ProgramThe Graduate School and University CenterCity University of New YorkNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Hannah Cobb
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration ProgramDepartment of OphthalmologySue Anschutz‐Rodgers Eye CenterUniversity of Colorado, School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Patrick McGrath
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - German Michelis
- Section of Protein Structure and FunctionNEINIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Patricia Lenhart
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration ProgramDepartment of OphthalmologySue Anschutz‐Rodgers Eye CenterUniversity of Colorado, School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Ganna Bilousova
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
- Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down SyndromeUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Søren Heissel
- Proteomics Resource CenterThe Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Michael J. Rudy
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Christina Coughlan
- University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition CenterDepartment of NeurologyLinda Crnic Institute for Down SyndromeUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Andrew E. Goodspeed
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraColoradoUSA
- University of Colorado Cancer CenterUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraColoradoUSA
| | | | - Stephen Redenti
- Lehman CollegeBronxNew YorkUSA
- Biology Doctoral ProgramThe Graduate School and University CenterCity University of New YorkNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Biochemistry Doctoral ProgramThe Graduate SchoolCity University of New YorkNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - M. Valeria Canto‐Soler
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration ProgramDepartment of OphthalmologySue Anschutz‐Rodgers Eye CenterUniversity of Colorado, School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
- Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
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30
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Looking for In Vitro Models for Retinal Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910334. [PMID: 34638674 PMCID: PMC8508697 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Retina is a layered structure of the eye, composed of different cellular components working together to produce a complex visual output. Because of its important role in visual function, retinal pathologies commonly represent the main causes of visual injury and blindness in the industrialized world. It is important to develop in vitro models of retinal diseases to use them in first screenings before translating in in vivo experiments and clinics. For this reason, it is important to develop bidimensional (2D) models that are more suitable for drug screening and toxicological studies and tridimensional (3D) models, which can replicate physiological conditions, for investigating pathological mechanisms leading to visual loss. This review provides an overview of the most common retinal diseases, relating to in vivo models, with a specific focus on alternative 2D and 3D in vitro models that can replicate the different cellular and matrix components of retinal layers, as well as injury insults that induce retinal disease and loss of the visual function.
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31
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Paniagua AE, Segurado A, Dolón JF, Esteve-Rudd J, Velasco A, Williams DS, Lillo C. Key Role for CRB2 in the Maintenance of Apicobasal Polarity in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:701853. [PMID: 34262913 PMCID: PMC8273544 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.701853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Apicobasal polarity is essential for epithelial cell function, yet the roles of different proteins in its completion is not fully understood. Here, we have studied the role of the polarity protein, CRB2, in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells during polarization in vitro, and in mature murine RPE cells in vivo. After establishing a simplified protocol for the culture of human fetal RPE cells, we studied the temporal sequence of the expression and localization of polarity and cell junction proteins during polarization in these epithelial cells. We found that CRB2 plays a key role in tight junction maintenance as well as in cell cycle arrest. In addition, our studies in vivo show that the knockdown of CRB2 in the RPE affects to the distribution of different apical polarity proteins and results in perturbed retinal homeostasis, manifested by the invasion of activated microglial cells into the subretinal space. Together our results demonstrate that CRB2 is a key protein for the development and maintenance of a polarized epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio E. Paniagua
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, IBSAL, Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Alicia Segurado
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, IBSAL, Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jorge F. Dolón
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, IBSAL, Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Julián Esteve-Rudd
- Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Almudena Velasco
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, IBSAL, Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - David S. Williams
- Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Concepción Lillo
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, IBSAL, Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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32
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Bisbach CM, Hass DT, Robbings BM, Rountree AM, Sadilek M, Sweet IR, Hurley JB. Succinate Can Shuttle Reducing Power from the Hypoxic Retina to the O 2-Rich Pigment Epithelium. Cell Rep 2021; 31:107606. [PMID: 32375026 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
When O2 is plentiful, the mitochondrial electron transport chain uses it as a terminal electron acceptor. However, the mammalian retina thrives in a hypoxic niche in the eye. We find that mitochondria in retinas adapt to their hypoxic environment by reversing the succinate dehydrogenase reaction to use fumarate to accept electrons instead of O2. Reverse succinate dehydrogenase activity produces succinate and is enhanced by hypoxia-induced downregulation of cytochrome oxidase. Retinas can export the succinate they produce to the neighboring O2-rich retinal pigment epithelium-choroid complex. There, succinate enhances O2 consumption by severalfold. Malate made from succinate in the pigment epithelium can then be imported into the retina, where it is converted to fumarate to again accept electrons in the reverse succinate dehydrogenase reaction. This malate-succinate shuttle can sustain these two tissues by transferring reducing power from an O2-poor tissue (retina) to an O2-rich one (retinal pigment epithelium-choroid).
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia M Bisbach
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Daniel T Hass
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Brian M Robbings
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; UW Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Austin M Rountree
- UW Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Martin Sadilek
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ian R Sweet
- UW Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - James B Hurley
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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33
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Garland DL, Pierce EA, Fernandez-Godino R. Complement C5 is not critical for the formation of sub-RPE deposits in Efemp1 mutant mice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10416. [PMID: 34001980 PMCID: PMC8128922 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89978-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The complement system plays a role in the formation of sub-retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) deposits in early stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). But the specific mechanisms that connect complement activation and deposit formation in AMD patients are unknown, which limits the development of efficient therapies to reduce or stop disease progression. We have previously demonstrated that C3 blockage prevents the formation of sub-RPE deposits in a mouse model of EFEMP1-associated macular degeneration. In this study, we have used double mutant Efemp1R345W/R345W:C5-/- mice to investigate the role of C5 in the formation of sub-RPE deposits in vivo and in vitro. The data revealed that the genetic ablation of C5 does not eliminate the formation of sub-RPE deposits. Contrarily, the absence of C5 in RPE cultures promotes complement dysregulation that results in increased activation of C3, which likely contributes to deposit formation even in the absence of EFEMP1-R345W mutant protein. The results also suggest that genetic ablation of C5 alters the extracellular matrix turnover through an effect on matrix metalloproteinases in RPE cell cultures. These results confirm that C3 rather than C5 could be an effective therapeutic target to treat early AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donita L Garland
- Ocular Genomics Institute at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Eric A Pierce
- Ocular Genomics Institute at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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34
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Dewell TE, Gjoni K, Liu AZ, Libby ARG, Moore AT, So PL, Conklin BR. Transcription factor overexpression drives reliable differentiation of retinal pigment epithelium from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cell Res 2021; 53:102368. [PMID: 34087997 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2021.102368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration and genetic forms of blindness such as Best Disease and Retinitis Pigmentosa can be caused by degeneration of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE). RPE generated from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is valuable for both the study of disease mechanisms and development of therapeutic strategies. However, protocols to produce iPSC-derived RPE in vitro are often inefficient, labor-intensive, low-throughput, and highly variable between cell lines and within batches. Here, we report a robust, scalable method to generate iPSC-RPE using doxycycline-inducible expression of eye field transcription factors OTX2, PAX6 and MITF paired with RPE-permissive culture media. Doxycycline addition induces exogenous expression of these transcription factors in Best Disease patient- and wildtype iPSCs to efficiently produce monolayers of RPE with characteristic morphology and gene expression. Further, these RPE monolayers display functionality features including light absorption via pigmentation, polarity-driven fluid transport, and phagocytosis. With this method, we achieve a highly efficient and easily scalable differentiation without the need for mechanical isolation or enrichment methods, generating RPE cultures applicable for in vitro studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa E Dewell
- Gladstone Institutes, 1650 Owens Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Ketrin Gjoni
- Gladstone Institutes, 1650 Owens Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Angela Z Liu
- Gladstone Institutes, 1650 Owens Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Ashley R G Libby
- Gladstone Institutes, 1650 Owens Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, University of California, 1675 Owens St, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Anthony T Moore
- UCSF Department of Ophthalmology, 10 Koret Way, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA
| | - Po-Lin So
- Gladstone Institutes, 1650 Owens Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Innovative Genomics Institute, 2151 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Gladstone Institutes Stem Cell Core, 1650 Owens Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Bruce R Conklin
- Gladstone Institutes, 1650 Owens Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; UCSF Department of Ophthalmology, 10 Koret Way, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA; Innovative Genomics Institute, 2151 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; UCSF Department of Medicine, 535 Mission Bay Blvd South, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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35
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Sreekumar PG, Ferrington DA, Kannan R. Glutathione Metabolism and the Novel Role of Mitochondrial GSH in Retinal Degeneration. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:661. [PMID: 33923192 PMCID: PMC8146950 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10050661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutathione (GSH) is present ubiquitously, and its role as a crucial cellular antioxidant in tissues, including the retina, is well established. GSH's antioxidant function arises from its ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species or to serve as an essential cofactor for GSH S-transferases and peroxidases. This review summarizes the general functions, retinal distribution, disorders linked to GSH deficiency, and the emerging role for mitochondrial GSH (mGSH) in retinal function. Though synthesized only in the cytosol, the presence of GSH in multiple cell organelles suggests the requirement for its active transport across organellar membranes. The localization and distribution of 2-oxoglutarate carrier (OGC) and dicarboxylate carrier (DIC), two recently characterized mitochondrial carrier proteins in RPE and retina, show that these transporters are highly expressed in human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and retinal layers, and their expression increases with RPE polarity in cultured cells. Depletion of mGSH levels via inhibition of the two transporters resulted in reduced mitochondrial bioenergetic parameters (basal respiration, ATP production, maximal respiration, and spare respiratory capacity) and increased RPE cell death. These results begin to reveal a critical role for mGSH in maintaining RPE bioenergetics and cell health. Thus, augmentation of mGSH pool under GSH-deficient conditions may be a valuable tool in treating retinal disorders, such as age-related macular degeneration and optic neuropathies, whose pathologies have been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parameswaran G. Sreekumar
- The Stephen J. Ryan Initiative for Macular Research (RIMR), Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA;
| | - Deborah A. Ferrington
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences and Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Ram Kannan
- The Stephen J. Ryan Initiative for Macular Research (RIMR), Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA;
- Stein Eye Institute, Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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36
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Chen Y, Wu B, He JF, Chen J, Kang ZW, Liu D, Luo J, Fang K, Leng X, Tian H, Xu J, Jin C, Zhang J, Wang J, Zhang J, Ou Q, Lu L, Gao F, Xu GT. Effectively Intervening Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells With a Combination of ROCK and TGF-β Signaling Inhibitors. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:21. [PMID: 33861322 PMCID: PMC8083104 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.4.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is a key pathological event in proliferative retinal diseases such as proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). This study aimed to explore a new method to reverse EMT in RPE cells to develop an improved therapy for proliferative retinal diseases. Methods In vitro, human embryonic stem cell-derived RPE cells were passaged and cultured at low density for an extended period of time to establish an EMT model. At different stages of EMT after treatment with known molecules or combinations of molecules, the morphology was examined, transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) was measured, and expression of RPE- and EMT-related genes were examined with RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. In vivo, a rat model of EMT in RPE cells was established via subretinal injection of dispase. Retinal function was examined by electroretinography (ERG), and retinal morphology was examined. Results EMT of RPE cells was effectively induced by prolonged low-density culture. After EMT occurred, only the combination of the Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y27632 and the TGF-β receptor inhibitor RepSox (RY treatment) effectively suppressed and reversed the EMT process, even in cells in an intermediate state of EMT. In dispase-treated Sprague-Dawley rats, RY treatment maintained the morphology of RPE cells and the retina and preserved retinal function. Conclusions RY treatment might promote mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), the inverse process of EMT, to maintain the epithelial-like morphology and function of RPE cells. This combined RY therapy could be a new strategy for treating proliferative retinal diseases, especially those involving EMT of RPE cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Binxin Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Feng He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyao Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zi Wei Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dandan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjie Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kexin Fang
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxu Leng
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibin Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingying Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Caixia Jin
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jieping Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingfa Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingjian Ou
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixia Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Furong Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Tong Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Tongji Eye Institute, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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37
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Pennington BO, Bailey JK, Faynus MA, Hinman C, Hee MN, Ritts R, Nadar V, Zhu D, Mitra D, Martinez-Camarillo JC, Lin TC, Thomas BB, Hinton DR, Humayun MS, Lebkowski J, Johnson LV, Clegg DO. Xeno-free cryopreservation of adherent retinal pigmented epithelium yields viable and functional cells in vitro and in vivo. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6286. [PMID: 33737600 PMCID: PMC7973769 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85631-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the primary cause of blindness in adults over 60 years of age, and clinical trials are currently assessing the therapeutic potential of retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cell monolayers on implantable scaffolds to treat this disease. However, challenges related to the culture, long-term storage, and long-distance transport of such implants currently limit the widespread use of adherent RPE cells as therapeutics. Here we report a xeno-free protocol to cryopreserve a confluent monolayer of clinical-grade, human embryonic stem cell-derived RPE cells on a parylene scaffold (REPS) that yields viable, polarized, and functional RPE cells post-thaw. Thawed cells exhibit ≥ 95% viability, have morphology, pigmentation, and gene expression characteristic of mature RPE cells, and secrete the neuroprotective protein, pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF). Stability under liquid nitrogen (LN2) storage has been confirmed through one year. REPS were administered immediately post-thaw into the subretinal space of a mammalian model, the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS)/nude rat. Implanted REPS were assessed at 30, 60, and 90 days post-implantation, and thawed cells demonstrate survival as an intact monolayer on the parylene scaffold. Furthermore, immunoreactivity for the maturation marker, RPE65, significantly increased over the post-implantation period in vivo, and cells demonstrated functional attributes similar to non-cryopreserved controls. The capacity to cryopreserve adherent cellular therapeutics permits extended storage and stable transport to surgical sites, enabling broad distribution for the treatment of prevalent diseases such as AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britney O. Pennington
- grid.133342.40000 0004 1936 9676Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, 6131 Biology 2 Bldg 571, NRI, UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 USA ,Regenerative Patch Technologies LLC, Portola Valley, CA USA
| | - Jeffrey K. Bailey
- grid.133342.40000 0004 1936 9676Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, 6131 Biology 2 Bldg 571, NRI, UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 USA ,Regenerative Patch Technologies LLC, Portola Valley, CA USA
| | - Mohamed A. Faynus
- grid.133342.40000 0004 1936 9676Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, 6131 Biology 2 Bldg 571, NRI, UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 USA ,Regenerative Patch Technologies LLC, Portola Valley, CA USA
| | - Cassidy Hinman
- grid.133342.40000 0004 1936 9676Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, 6131 Biology 2 Bldg 571, NRI, UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 USA ,Regenerative Patch Technologies LLC, Portola Valley, CA USA
| | - Mitchell N. Hee
- grid.133342.40000 0004 1936 9676College of Creative Studies, Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA USA
| | - Rory Ritts
- grid.133342.40000 0004 1936 9676Department of Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA USA
| | - Vignesh Nadar
- Regenerative Patch Technologies LLC, Portola Valley, CA USA
| | - Danhong Zhu
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Pathology and Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Debbie Mitra
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Pathology and Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Juan Carlos Martinez-Camarillo
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Pathology and Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853USC Dr. Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Tai-Chi Lin
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Pathology and Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Biju B. Thomas
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Pathology and Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853USC Dr. Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - David R. Hinton
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Pathology and Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853USC Dr. Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Mark S. Humayun
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Pathology and Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Biomedical Engineering, Denney Research Center (DRB) of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853USC Dr. Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Jane Lebkowski
- Regenerative Patch Technologies LLC, Portola Valley, CA USA
| | | | - Dennis O. Clegg
- grid.133342.40000 0004 1936 9676Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, 6131 Biology 2 Bldg 571, NRI, UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 USA ,Regenerative Patch Technologies LLC, Portola Valley, CA USA ,grid.133342.40000 0004 1936 9676Department of Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA USA
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Ando S, Hashida N, Yamashita D, Kawabata T, Asao K, Kawasaki S, Sakurai K, Yoshimori T, Nishida K. Rubicon regulates A2E-induced autophagy impairment in the retinal pigment epithelium implicated in the pathology of age-related macular degeneration. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 551:148-154. [PMID: 33740621 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.02.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Waste product deposition and light stress in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) are crucial factors in the pathogenesis of various retinal degenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in elderly individuals worldwide. Given that autophagy in the RPE suppresses waste accumulation, determining the molecular mechanism by which autophagy is compromised in degeneration is necessary. Using polarized human RPE sheets, we found that bis-retinoid N-retinyl-N-retinylidene ethanolamine (A2E), a major toxic fluorophore of lipofuscin, causes significant impairment of autophagy and the simultaneous upregulation of Rubicon, a negative regulator of autophagy. Importantly, this impairment was reversed in Rubicon-specific siRNA-treated RPE sheets. In a retinal functional analysis using electroretinograms (ERGs), mice with the RPE-specific deletion of Rubicon showed no significant differences from control cre-expressing mice but presented partially but significantly enhanced amplitudes compared with Atg7 knockout mice. We also found that an inflammatory reaction in the retina in response to chronic blue light irradiation was alleviated in mice with the RPE-specific deletion of Rubicon. In summary, we propose that upregulating basal autophagy by targeting Rubicon is beneficial for protecting the RPE from functional damage with ageing and the inflammatory reaction caused by light-induced cellular stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Ando
- Department of Ocular Immunology and Regenerative Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Ako Research Institute, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Ako, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Noriyasu Hashida
- Department of Ocular Immunology and Regenerative Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Daisuke Yamashita
- Department of Ocular Immunology and Regenerative Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Ako Research Institute, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Ako, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Kawabata
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazunobu Asao
- Department of Ocular Immunology and Regenerative Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kawasaki
- Department of Ocular Immunology and Regenerative Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazushi Sakurai
- Department of Ocular Immunology and Regenerative Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Ako Research Institute, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Ako, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Yoshimori
- Department of Genetics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kohji Nishida
- Department of Ocular Immunology and Regenerative Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
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39
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Park AJ, Wright MA, Roach EJ, Khursigara CM. Imaging host-pathogen interactions using epithelial and bacterial cell infection models. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:134/5/jcs250647. [PMID: 33622798 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.250647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The age-old saying, seeing is believing, could not be truer when we think about the value of imaging interactions between epithelial cells and bacterial pathogens. Imaging and culturing techniques have vastly improved over the years, and the breadth and depth of these methods is ever increasing. These technical advances have benefited researchers greatly; however, due to the large number of potential model systems and microscopy techniques to choose from, it can be overwhelming to select the most appropriate tools for your research question. This Review discusses a variety of available epithelial culturing methods and quality control experiments that can be performed, and outlines various options commonly used to fluorescently label bacterial and mammalian cell components. Both light- and electron-microscopy techniques are reviewed, with descriptions of both technical aspects and common applications. Several examples of imaging bacterial pathogens and their interactions with epithelial cells are discussed to provide researchers with an idea of the types of biological questions that can be successfully answered by using microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber J Park
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Madison A Wright
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Elyse J Roach
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada.,Molecular and Cellular Imaging Facility, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Cezar M Khursigara
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada .,Molecular and Cellular Imaging Facility, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
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40
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Mulfaul K, Doyle SL. In vitro Measurement of Membrane Attack Complex in RPE Cells. Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e3916. [PMID: 33732803 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3916] [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: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Initiation of the complement system results in the formation of a multiprotein pore termed the membrane attack complex (MAC, C5b-C9). MAC pores accumulate on a cell surface and can result in cell lysis. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a single monolayer of pigmented epithelial cells located at the posterior poll of the eye that forms the outer blood retinal barrier. RPE cells are highly polarized with apical microvilli and basolateral contact with Bruch's membrane. In order to obtain biologically relevant polarized RPE cultures in vitro, RPE cells are seeded onto the apical side of a transwell filter and cultured for 4 weeks in low serum media. MAC formation on RPE cells has been reported to be sub-lytic. MAC formation can be achieved in vitro by introduction of normal human serum (NHS) to media following serum starvation for 24 h. NHS contains all serum complement proteins required to initiate complement activation and MAC formation. We combined in vitro RPE polarization and complement activation to visualize MAC formation in vitro utilizing confocal microscopy allowing for high resolution MAC imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Mulfaul
- Dept. Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sarah L Doyle
- Dept. Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience (TCIN), TCD, Dublin, Ireland.,The National Children's Research Centre, Our Lady's Hospital Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
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41
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Kim J, Park JY, Kong JS, Lee H, Won JY, Cho DW. Development of 3D Printed Bruch's Membrane-Mimetic Substance for the Maturation of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031095. [PMID: 33499245 PMCID: PMC7865340 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a monolayer of the pigmented cells that lies on the thin extracellular matrix called Bruch's membrane. This monolayer is the main component of the outer blood-retinal barrier (BRB), which plays a multifunctional role. Due to their crucial roles, the damage of this epithelium causes a wide range of diseases related to retinal degeneration including age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and Stargardt disease. Unfortunately, there is presently no cure for these diseases. Clinically implantable RPE for humans is under development, and there is no practical examination platform for drug development. Here, we developed porcine Bruch's membrane-derived bioink (BM-ECM). Compared to conventional laminin, the RPE cells on BM-ECM showed enhanced functionality of RPE. Furthermore, we developed the Bruch's membrane-mimetic substrate (BMS) via the integration of BM-ECM and 3D printing technology, which revealed structure and extracellular matrix components similar to those of natural Bruch's membrane. The developed BMS facilitated the appropriate functions of RPE, including barrier and clearance functions, the secretion of anti-angiogenic growth factors, and enzyme formation for phototransduction. Moreover, it could be used as a basement frame for RPE transplantation. We established BMS using 3D printing technology to grow RPE cells with functions that could be used for an in vitro model and RPE transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongmin Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea; (J.K.); (J.Y.P.); (H.L.)
| | - Ju Young Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea; (J.K.); (J.Y.P.); (H.L.)
| | - Jeong Sik Kong
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea;
| | - Hyungseok Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea; (J.K.); (J.Y.P.); (H.L.)
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Jae Yon Won
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 03312, Korea
- Catholic Institute for Visual Science, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 14662, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.Y.W.); (D.W.C.)
| | - Dong Woo Cho
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea; (J.K.); (J.Y.P.); (H.L.)
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea;
- Institute of Convergence Science, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.Y.W.); (D.W.C.)
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Zou H, Shan C, Ma L, Liu J, Yang N, Zhao J. Polarity and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of retinal pigment epithelial cells in proliferative vitreoretinopathy. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10136. [PMID: 33150072 PMCID: PMC7583629 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Under physiological conditions, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a cellular monolayer composed of mitotically quiescent cells. Tight junctions and adherens junctions maintain the polarity of RPE cells, and are required for cellular functions. In proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), upon retinal tear, RPE cells lose cell-cell contact, undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and ultimately transform into myofibroblasts, leading to the formation of fibrocellular membranes on both surfaces of the detached retina and on the posterior hyaloids, which causes tractional retinal detachment. In PVR, RPE cells are crucial contributors, and multiple signaling pathways, including the SMAD-dependent pathway, Rho pathway, MAPK pathways, Jagged/Notch pathway, and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway are activated. These pathways mediate the EMT of RPE cells, which play a key role in the pathogenesis of PVR. This review summarizes the current body of knowledge on the polarized phenotype of RPE, the role of cell-cell contact, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the RPE EMT in PVR, emphasizing key insights into potential approaches to prevent PVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zou
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chenli Shan
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Linlin Ma
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ning Yang
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jinsong Zhao
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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43
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Emri E, Kortvely E, Dammeier S, Klose F, Simpson D, den Hollander AI, Ueffing M, Lengyel I. A Multi-Omics Approach Identifies Key Regulatory Pathways Induced by Long-Term Zinc Supplementation in Human Primary Retinal Pigment Epithelium. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12103051. [PMID: 33036197 PMCID: PMC7601425 DOI: 10.3390/nu12103051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In age-related macular degeneration (AMD), both systemic and local zinc levels decline. Elevation of zinc in clinical studies delayed the progression to end-stage AMD. However, the molecular pathways underpinning this beneficial effect are not yet identified. In this study, we used differentiated primary human fetal retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cultures and long-term zinc supplementation to carry out a combined transcriptome, proteome and secretome analysis from three genetically different human donors. After combining significant differences, we identified the complex molecular networks using Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). The cell cultures from the three donors showed extensive pigmentation, development of microvilli and basal infoldings and responded to zinc supplementation with an increase in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) (apical supplementation: 443.2 ± 79.3%, basal supplementation: 424.9 ± 116.8%, compared to control: 317.5 ± 98.2%). Significant changes were observed in the expression of 1044 genes, 151 cellular proteins and 124 secreted proteins. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed changes in specific molecular pathways related to cell adhesion/polarity, extracellular matrix organization, protein processing/transport, and oxidative stress response by zinc and identified a key upstream regulator effect similar to that of TGFB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Emri
- Wellcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT97BL, Northern Ireland, UK; (E.E.); (D.S.)
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology (I2O) Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Elod Kortvely
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology (I2O) Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland;
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tubingen, D-72076 Tubingen, Germany; (S.D.); (F.K.); (M.U.)
| | - Sascha Dammeier
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tubingen, D-72076 Tubingen, Germany; (S.D.); (F.K.); (M.U.)
| | - Franziska Klose
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tubingen, D-72076 Tubingen, Germany; (S.D.); (F.K.); (M.U.)
| | - David Simpson
- Wellcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT97BL, Northern Ireland, UK; (E.E.); (D.S.)
| | | | - Anneke I. den Hollander
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tubingen, D-72076 Tubingen, Germany; (S.D.); (F.K.); (M.U.)
| | - Imre Lengyel
- Wellcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT97BL, Northern Ireland, UK; (E.E.); (D.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-(0)-28-9097-6027
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Ye K, Takemoto Y, Ito A, Onda M, Morimoto N, Mandai M, Takahashi M, Kato R, Osakada F. Reproducible production and image-based quality evaluation of retinal pigment epithelium sheets from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14387. [PMID: 32873827 PMCID: PMC7462996 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70979-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) sheets derived from human induced pluripotent cells (hiPSC) is a promising cell therapy for RPE degeneration, such as in age-related macular degeneration. Current RPE replacement therapies, however, face major challenges. They require a tedious manual process of selecting differentiated RPE from hiPSC-derived cells, and despite wide variation in quality of RPE sheets, there exists no efficient process for distinguishing functional RPE sheets from those unsuitable for transplantation. To overcome these issues, we developed methods for the generation of RPE sheets from hiPSC, and image-based evaluation. We found that stepwise treatment with six signaling pathway inhibitors along with nicotinamide increased RPE differentiation efficiency (RPE6iN), enabling the RPE sheet generation at high purity without manual selection. Machine learning models were developed based on cellular morphological features of F-actin-labeled RPE images for predicting transepithelial electrical resistance values, an indicator of RPE sheet function. Our model was effective at identifying low-quality RPE sheets for elimination, even when using label-free images. The RPE6iN-based RPE sheet generation combined with the non-destructive image-based prediction offers a comprehensive new solution for the large-scale production of pure RPE sheets with lot-to-lot variations and should facilitate the further development of RPE replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Ye
- Laboratory of Cellular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Yuto Takemoto
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Bioengineering, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Arisa Ito
- Laboratory of Cellular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Masanari Onda
- Laboratory of Cellular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Nao Morimoto
- Laboratory of Cellular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan.,Laboratory of Neural Information Processing, Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Michiko Mandai
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan.,Department of Opthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan.,Department of Opthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan.,Vison Care Inc., Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Ryuji Kato
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Bioengineering, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Fumitaka Osakada
- Laboratory of Cellular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan. .,Laboratory of Neural Information Processing, Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan. .,Institute of Nano-Life-Systems, Institutes of Innovation for Future Society, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan. .,PRESTO/CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan.
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45
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Wong CW, Busoy JMF, Cheung N, Barathi VA, Storm G, Wong TT. Endogenous or Exogenous Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells: A Comparison of Two Experimental Animal Models of Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:46. [PMID: 32934896 PMCID: PMC7463202 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.9.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a blinding condition that can occur following ocular penetrating injury and retinal detachment. To develop effective therapeutics for PVR, it is imperative to establish an animal model that is reproducible, closest in anatomy to the human eye, and most representative of the human disease. We compared two in vivo models of PVR in minipig eyes to assess reproducibility and consistency. Methods Six minipigs underwent PVR induction with procedure A and six underwent procedure B. In both procedures, PVR was induced with vitrectomy, bleb retinal detachment, retinotomy, and injection of platelet-rich plasma. In procedure A, retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells were harvested from cadaveric pig eyes and injected at the end of surgery. In procedure B, native RPE cells were released into the vitreous cavity by creating a RPE detachment and scraping the RPE layer. PVR severity was graded on fundoscopic examination with a modified Silicone Study Classification System for PVR. Severe PVR was defined as stages 2 to 5. Results Three eyes (50%) and five eyes (83.3%) developed re-detachment of the retina from severe PVR in procedures A and B, respectively (P = 0.55). Median PVR stage was higher in eyes that underwent procedure B compared to eyes that underwent procedure A, although the difference was not statistically significant (2.5 vs. 1.5, P = 0.26). Conclusions This new model utilizing native RPE cells achieved a high consistency in inducing severe PVR in the minipig. Translational Relevance Our model closely follows pathogenic events in human PVR, making it ideal for preclinical testing of novel therapeutics for PVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chee Wai Wong
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | | | - Ning Cheung
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | | | - Gert Storm
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Clinic and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tina T Wong
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
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46
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Zhou M, Weber SR, Zhao Y, Chen H, Barber AJ, Grillo SL, Wills CA, Wang HG, Hulleman JD, Sundstrom JM. Expression of R345W-Fibulin-3 Induces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:469. [PMID: 32637411 PMCID: PMC7317295 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the role of protein misfolding in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell dysfunction, the effects of R345W-Fibulin-3 expression on RPE cell phenotype were studied. Methods Primary RPE cells were cultured to confluence on Transwells and infected with lentivirus constructs to express wild-type (WT)- or R345W-Fibulin-3. Barrier function was assessed by evaluating zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) distribution and trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TER). Polarized secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), was measured by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Differentiation status was assessed by qPCR of genes known to be preferentially expressed in terminally differentiated RPE cells, and conversion to an epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype was assessed by a migration assay. Results Compared to RPE cells expressing WT-Fibulin-3, ZO-1 distribution was disrupted and TER values were significantly lower in RPE cells expressing R345W-Fibulin-3. In cells expressing mutant Fibulin-3, VEGF secretion was attenuated basally but not in the apical direction, whereas Fibulin-3 secretion was reduced in both the apical and basal directions. Retinal pigment epithelial signature genes were downregulated and multiple genes associated with EMT were upregulated in the mutant group. Migration assays revealed a faster recovery rate in ARPE-19 cells overexpressing R345W-Fibulin-3 compared to WT. Conclusions The results suggest that expression of R345W-Fibulin-3 promotes EMT in RPE cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Sarah R Weber
- Department of Ophthalmology, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Yuanjun Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Han Chen
- TEM Facility, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Alistair J Barber
- Department of Ophthalmology, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Stephanie L Grillo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Carson A Wills
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Hong Gang Wang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - John D Hulleman
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Jeffrey M Sundstrom
- Department of Ophthalmology, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
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EMT and EndMT: Emerging Roles in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124271. [PMID: 32560057 PMCID: PMC7349630 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndMT) are physiological processes required for normal embryogenesis. However, these processes can be hijacked in pathological conditions to facilitate tissue fibrosis and cancer metastasis. In the eye, EMT and EndMT play key roles in the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis, the end-stage of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that leads to profound and permanent vision loss. Predominant in subretinal fibrotic lesions are matrix-producing mesenchymal cells believed to originate from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and/or choroidal endothelial cells (CECs) through EMT and EndMT, respectively. Recent evidence suggests that EMT of RPE may also be implicated during the early stages of AMD. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) is a key cytokine orchestrating both EMT and EndMT. Investigations in the molecular mechanisms underpinning EMT and EndMT in AMD have implicated a myriad of contributing factors including signaling pathways, extracellular matrix remodelling, oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction. Questions arise as to differences in the mesenchymal cells derived from these two processes and their distinct mechanistic contributions to the pathogenesis of AMD. Detailed discussion on the AMD microenvironment highlights the synergistic interactions between RPE and CECs that may augment the EMT and EndMT processes in vivo. Understanding the differential regulatory networks of EMT and EndMT and their contributions to both the dry and wet forms of AMD can aid the development of therapeutic strategies targeting both RPE and CECs to potentially reverse the aberrant cellular transdifferentiation processes, regenerate the retina and thus restore vision.
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Udry F, Decembrini S, Gamm DM, Déglon N, Kostic C, Arsenijevic Y. Lentiviral mediated RPE65 gene transfer in healthy hiPSCs-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells markedly increased RPE65 mRNA, but modestly protein level. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8890. [PMID: 32483256 PMCID: PMC7264209 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65657-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a monolayer of cobblestone-like epithelial cells that accomplishes critical functions for the retina. Several protocols have been published to differentiate pluripotent stem cells into RPE cells suitable for disease modelling and therapy development. In our study, the RPE identity of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived RPE (iRPE) was extensively characterized, and then used to test a lentiviral-mediated RPE65 gene augmentation therapy. A dose study of the lentiviral vector revealed a dose-dependent effect of the vector on RPE65 mRNA levels. A marked increase of the RPE65 mRNA was also observed in the iRPE (100-fold) as well as in an experimental set with RPE derived from another hiPSC source and from foetal human RPE. Although iRPE displayed features close to bona fide RPE, no or a modest increase of the RPE65 protein level was observed depending on the protein detection method. Similar results were observed with the two other cell lines. The mechanism of RPE65 protein regulation remains to be elucidated, but the current work suggests that high vector expression will not produce an excess of the normal RPE65 protein level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Udry
- Department of ophthalmology, Unit of Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration, University of Lausanne, Hôpital ophtalmique Jules-Gonin, 1004, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Decembrini
- Department of ophthalmology, Unit of Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration, University of Lausanne, Hôpital ophtalmique Jules-Gonin, 1004, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel & University Basel, Hebelstr. 20, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - David M Gamm
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, Waisman Center and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA
| | - Nicole Déglon
- Neuroscience Research Center, Laboratory of Neurotherapies and Neuromodulation, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Corinne Kostic
- Department of ophthalmology, Unit of Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration, University of Lausanne, Hôpital ophtalmique Jules-Gonin, 1004, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yvan Arsenijevic
- Department of ophthalmology, Unit of Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration, University of Lausanne, Hôpital ophtalmique Jules-Gonin, 1004, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Investigation on the suitability of milk-derived primary bovine mammary epithelial cells grown on permeable membrane supports as an in vitro model for lactation. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2020; 56:386-398. [PMID: 32472301 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-020-00457-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to establish an in vitro model for lipid synthesis in primary bovine mammary epithelial cells (pbMECs) extracted from milk and cultured on Transwell permeable supports (TW culture). The suitability of these cells as a functional model for lactation was assessed by measuring κ-casein (CSN3) and diacylglycerol acyl transferase 1 (DGAT1) gene expression, the presence of intracellular lipid droplets, and the concentration of triacylglycerol in the cell lysates. The functionality of the milk-derived pbMECs cultured under lactogenic conditions, with and without oleic acid supplementation, was evaluated by comparing the cells grown on Transwell supports to cells grown on an extracellular matrix (ECM) gel (3D culture) or a plastic surface (2D culture). Furthermore, the functionality of milk-derived cells was compared to pbMECs obtained from bovine mammary tissue. Here, we show that in both tissue and milk-derived pbMECs, 3D culture offered the most suitable in vitro environment and led to increased levels of CSN3 and DGAT1 gene expression along with increased intracellular triacylglycerol content. The TW culture conditions also resulted in increased DGAT1 gene expression compared to the 2D conditions and milk-derived pbMECs cultured on TW inserts showed the highest viability compared to cells grown under 2D or 3D treatments. However, this was not observed for tissue-derived pbMECs, suggesting that TW culture may offer a beneficial environment specifically for milk-derived cells. We suggest that with further optimization of the culture conditions, TW culture may present a suitable model for the study of milk lipid synthesis in pbMECs.
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50
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Alves CH, Fernandes R, Santiago AR, Ambrósio AF. Microglia Contribution to the Regulation of the Retinal and Choroidal Vasculature in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051217. [PMID: 32423062 PMCID: PMC7290930 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The retina is a highly metabolically active tissue with high-level consumption of nutrients and oxygen. This high metabolic demand requires a properly developed and maintained vascular system. The retina is nourished by two systems: the central retinal artery that supplies the inner retina and the choriocapillaris that supplies the outer retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Pathological neovascularization, characterized by endothelial cell proliferation and new vessel formation, is a common hallmark in several retinal degenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A limited number of studies have suggested that microglia, the resident immune cells of the retina, have an important role not only in the pathology but also in the formation and physiology of the retinal vascular system. Here, we review the current knowledge on microglial interaction with the retinal vascular system under physiological and pathological conditions. To do so, we first highlight the role of microglial cells in the formation and maintenance of the retinal vasculature system. Thereafter, we discuss the molecular signaling mechanisms through which microglial cells contribute to the alterations in retinal and choroidal vasculatures and to the neovascularization in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Henrique Alves
- Retinal Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation Lab, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.H.A.); (R.F.); (A.R.S.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rosa Fernandes
- Retinal Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation Lab, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.H.A.); (R.F.); (A.R.S.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Raquel Santiago
- Retinal Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation Lab, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.H.A.); (R.F.); (A.R.S.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Francisco Ambrósio
- Retinal Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation Lab, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.H.A.); (R.F.); (A.R.S.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-239-480093
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