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Lancaster MA. Pluripotent stem cell-derived organoids: A brief history of curiosity-led discoveries. Bioessays 2024:e2400105. [PMID: 39101295 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202400105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Organoids are quickly becoming an accepted model for understanding human biology and disease. Pluripotent stem cells (PSC) provide a starting point for many organs and enable modeling of the embryonic development and maturation of such organs. The foundation of PSC-derived organoids can be found in elegant developmental studies demonstrating the remarkable ability of immature cells to undergo histogenesis even when taken out of the embryo context. PSC-organoids are an evolution of earlier methods such as embryoid bodies, taken to a new level with finer control and in some cases going beyond tissue histogenesis to organ-like morphogenesis. But many of the discoveries that led to organoids were not necessarily planned, but rather the result of inquisitive minds with freedom to explore. Protecting such curiosity-led research through flexible funding will be important going forward if we are to see further ground-breaking discoveries.
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2
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Seah I, Goh D, Banerjee A, Su X. Modeling inherited retinal diseases using human induced pluripotent stem cell derived photoreceptor cells and retinal pigment epithelial cells. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1328474. [PMID: 39011458 PMCID: PMC11246861 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1328474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, there have been many attempts to create cellular models of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) for investigation of pathogenic processes to facilitate target discovery and validation activities. Consistency remains key in determining the utility of these findings. Despite the importance of consistency, quality control metrics are still not widely used. In this review, a toolkit for harnessing iPSC technology to generate photoreceptor, retinal pigment epithelial cell, and organoid disease models is provided. Considerations while developing iPSC-derived IRD models such as iPSC origin, reprogramming methods, quality control metrics, control strategies, and differentiation protocols are discussed. Various iPSC IRD models are dissected and the scientific hurdles of iPSC-based disease modeling are discussed to provide an overview of current methods and future directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Seah
- Translational Retinal Research Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Debbie Goh
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital (NUH), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Animesh Banerjee
- Translational Retinal Research Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xinyi Su
- Translational Retinal Research Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital (NUH), Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), Singapore, Singapore
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3
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Beaver D, Limnios IJ. A treatment within sight: challenges in the development of stem cell-derived photoreceptor therapies for retinal degenerative diseases. FRONTIERS IN TRANSPLANTATION 2023; 2:1130086. [PMID: 38993872 PMCID: PMC11235385 DOI: 10.3389/frtra.2023.1130086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Stem cell therapies can potentially treat various retinal degenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and inherited retinal diseases like retinitis pigmentosa. For these diseases, transplanted cells may include stem cell-derived retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells, photoreceptors, or a combination of both. Although stem cell-derived RPE cells have progressed to human clinical trials, therapies using photoreceptors and other retinal cell types are lagging. In this review, we discuss the potential use of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived photoreceptors for the treatment of retinal degeneration and highlight the progress and challenges for their efficient production and clinical application in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davinia Beaver
- Clem Jones Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QL, Australia
| | - Ioannis Jason Limnios
- Clem Jones Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QL, Australia
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4
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Chew LA, Iannaccone A. Gene-agnostic approaches to treating inherited retinal degenerations. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1177838. [PMID: 37123404 PMCID: PMC10133473 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1177838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Most patients with inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) have been waiting for treatments that are "just around the corner" for decades, with only a handful of seminal breakthroughs happening in recent years. Highlighting the difficulties in the quest for curative therapeutics, Luxturna required 16 years of development before finally obtaining United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and its international equivalents. IRDs are both genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous. While this diversity offers many opportunities for gene-by-gene precision medicine-based approaches, it also poses a significant challenge. For this reason, alternative (or parallel) strategies to identify more comprehensive, across-the-board therapeutics for the genetically and phenotypically diverse IRD patient population are very appealing. Even when gene-specific approaches may be available and become approved for use, many patients may have reached a disease stage whereby these approaches may no longer be viable. Thus, alternate visual preservation or restoration therapeutic approaches are needed at these stages. In this review, we underscore several gene-agnostic approaches that are being developed as therapeutics for IRDs. From retinal supplementation to stem cell transplantation, optogenetic therapy and retinal prosthetics, these strategies would bypass at least in part the need for treating every individual gene or mutation or provide an invaluable complement to them. By considering the diverse patient population and treatment strategies suited for different stages and patterns of retinal degeneration, gene agnostic approaches are very well poised to impact favorably outcomes and prognosis for IRD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey A. Chew
- Duke Center for Retinal Degenerations and Ophthalmic Genetic Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Alessandro Iannaccone
- Duke Center for Retinal Degenerations and Ophthalmic Genetic Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
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5
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Watari K, Yamasaki S, Tu HY, Shikamura M, Kamei T, Adachi H, Tochitani T, Kita Y, Nakamura A, Ueyama K, Ono K, Morinaga C, Matsuyama T, Sho J, Nakamura M, Fujiwara M, Hori Y, Tanabe A, Hirai R, Terai O, Ohno O, Ohara H, Hayama T, Ikeda A, Nukaya D, Matsushita K, Takahashi M, Kishino A, Kimura T, Kawamata S, Mandai M, Kuwahara A. Self-organization, quality control, and preclinical studies of human iPSC-derived retinal sheets for tissue-transplantation therapy. Commun Biol 2023; 6:164. [PMID: 36765170 PMCID: PMC9918541 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04543-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional retinal organoids (3D-retinas) are a promising graft source for transplantation therapy. We previously developed self-organizing culture for 3D-retina generation from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Here we present a quality control method and preclinical studies for tissue-sheet transplantation. Self-organizing hPSCs differentiated into both retinal and off-target tissues. Gene expression analyses identified the major off-target tissues as eye-related, cortex-like, and spinal cord-like tissues. For quality control, we developed a qPCR-based test in which each hPSC-derived neuroepithelium was dissected into two tissue-sheets: inner-central sheet for transplantation and outer-peripheral sheet for qPCR to ensure retinal tissue selection. During qPCR, tissue-sheets were stored for 3-4 days using a newly developed preservation method. In a rat tumorigenicity study, no transplant-related adverse events were observed. In retinal degeneration model rats, retinal transplants differentiated into mature photoreceptors and exhibited light responses in electrophysiology assays. These results demonstrate our rationale toward self-organizing retinal sheet transplantation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Watari
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Suguru Yamasaki
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan ,grid.508743.dLaboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Hung-Ya Tu
- grid.508743.dLaboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Masayuki Shikamura
- grid.417982.10000 0004 0623 246XResearch & Development Center for Cell Therapy, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Tatsuya Kamei
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Hideki Adachi
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XPreclinical Research Unit, Research Division, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Konohana-ku, Osaka 554-0022 Japan
| | - Tomoaki Tochitani
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XPreclinical Research Unit, Research Division, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Konohana-ku, Osaka 554-0022 Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Kita
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Aya Nakamura
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XTechnology Research & Development Division, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Kazuki Ueyama
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XTechnology Research & Development Division, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Keiichi Ono
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XTechnology Research & Development Division, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Chikako Morinaga
- grid.508743.dLaboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan ,grid.7597.c0000000094465255RIKEN Program for Drug Discovery and Medical Technology Platforms, RIKEN Cluster for Science, Technology and Innovation Hub., Saitama, 351-0198 Japan
| | - Take Matsuyama
- grid.508743.dLaboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Junki Sho
- grid.508743.dLaboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Miyuki Nakamura
- grid.417982.10000 0004 0623 246XResearch & Development Center for Cell Therapy, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Masayo Fujiwara
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Yoriko Hori
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Anna Tanabe
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Rina Hirai
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Orie Terai
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Osamu Ohno
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Hidetaka Ohara
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Tetsuya Hayama
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Atsushi Ikeda
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Daiki Nukaya
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Keizo Matsushita
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan ,grid.508743.dLaboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- grid.508743.dLaboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Kishino
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Toru Kimura
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Shin Kawamata
- grid.417982.10000 0004 0623 246XResearch & Development Center for Cell Therapy, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Michiko Mandai
- grid.508743.dLaboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan ,grid.7597.c0000000094465255RIKEN Program for Drug Discovery and Medical Technology Platforms, RIKEN Cluster for Science, Technology and Innovation Hub., Saitama, 351-0198 Japan
| | - Atsushi Kuwahara
- Regenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan.
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6
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Li M, Gao L, Zhao L, Zou T, Xu H. Toward the next generation of vascularized human neural organoids. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:31-54. [PMID: 35993813 DOI: 10.1002/med.21922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Thanks to progress in the development of three-dimensional (3D) culture technologies, human central nervous system (CNS) development and diseases have been gradually deciphered by using organoids derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) or human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Selforganized neural organoids (NOs) have been used to mimic morphogenesis and functions of specific organs in vitro. Many NOs have been reproduced in vitro, such as those mimicking the human brain, retina, and spinal cord. However, NOs fail to capitulate to the maturation and complexity of in vivo neural tissues. The persistent issues with current NO cultivation protocols are inadequate oxygen supply and nutrient diffusion due to the absence of vascular networks. In vivo, the developing CNS is interpenetrated by vasculature that not only supplies oxygen and nutrients but also provides a structural template for neuronal growth. To address these deficiencies, recent studies have begun to couple NO culture with bioengineering techniques and methodologies, including genetic engineering, coculture, multidifferentiation, microfluidics and 3D bioprinting, and transplantation, which might promote NO maturation and create more functional NOs. These cutting-edge methods could generate an ever more reliable NO model in vitro for deciphering the codes of human CNS development, disease progression, and translational application. In this review, we will summarize recent technological advances in culture strategies to generate vascularized NOs (vNOs), with a special focus on cerebral- and retinal-organoid models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Li
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Lixiong Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Zou
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Haiwei Xu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
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Karamali F, Behtaj S, Babaei-Abraki S, Hadady H, Atefi A, Savoj S, Soroushzadeh S, Najafian S, Nasr Esfahani MH, Klassen H. Potential therapeutic strategies for photoreceptor degeneration: the path to restore vision. J Transl Med 2022; 20:572. [PMID: 36476500 PMCID: PMC9727916 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03738-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptors (PRs), as the most abundant and light-sensing cells of the neuroretina, are responsible for converting light into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. PR degeneration, including morphological and functional impairment of these cells, causes significant diminution of the retina's ability to detect light, with consequent loss of vision. Recent findings in ocular regenerative medicine have opened promising avenues to apply neuroprotective therapy, gene therapy, cell replacement therapy, and visual prostheses to the challenge of restoring vision. However, successful visual restoration in the clinical setting requires application of these therapeutic approaches at the appropriate stage of the retinal degeneration. In this review, firstly, we discuss the mechanisms of PR degeneration by focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying cell death. Subsequently, innovations, recent developments, and promising treatments based on the stage of disorder progression are further explored. Then, the challenges to be addressed before implementation of these therapies in clinical practice are considered. Finally, potential solutions to overcome the current limitations of this growing research area are suggested. Overall, the majority of current treatment modalities are still at an early stage of development and require extensive additional studies, both pre-clinical and clinical, before full restoration of visual function in PR degeneration diseases can be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Karamali
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sanaz Behtaj
- grid.1022.10000 0004 0437 5432Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia ,grid.1022.10000 0004 0437 5432Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4222 Australia
| | - Shahnaz Babaei-Abraki
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hanieh Hadady
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Atefeh Atefi
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Soraya Savoj
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sareh Soroushzadeh
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Samaneh Najafian
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr Esfahani
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Henry Klassen
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Irvine, CA USA
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Enosawa S. Clinical Trials of Stem Cell Therapy in Japan: The Decade of Progress under the National Program. J Clin Med 2022; 11:7030. [PMID: 36498605 PMCID: PMC9736364 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11237030] [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: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell therapy is a current world-wide topic in medical science. Various therapies have been approved based on their effectiveness and put into practical use. In Japan, research and development-related stem cell therapy, generally referred to as regenerative medicine, has been led by the government. The national scheme started in 2002, and support for the transition to clinical trials has been accelerating since 2011. Of the initial 18 projects that were accepted in the budget for preclinical research, 15 projects have begun clinical trials so far. These include the transplantation of retinal, cardiac, and dopamine-producing cells differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and hepatocyte-like cells differentiated from human embryonic stem (ES) cells. The distinctive feature of the stem cell research in Japan is the use of iPS cells. A national framework was also been set-up to attain the final goal: health insurance coverage. Now, insurance covers cell transplantation therapies for the repair and recovery of damaged skin, articular cartilage, and stroke as well as therapies introduced from abroad, such as allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells for graft-versus-host disease and chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell therapy. To prepare this review, original information was sought from Japanese authentic websites, which are reliable but a little hard to access due to the fact of multiple less-organized databases and the language barrier. Then, each fact was corroborated by citing its English version or publication in international journals as much as possible. This review provides a summary of progress over the past decade under the national program and a state-of-the-art factual view of research activities, government policy, and regulation in Japan for the realization of stem cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Enosawa
- Division for Advanced Medical Sciences, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
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9
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Transplanted human induced pluripotent stem cells- derived retinal ganglion cells embed within mouse retinas and are electrophysiologically functional. iScience 2022; 25:105308. [DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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10
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Arthur P, Muok L, Nathani A, Zeng EZ, Sun L, Li Y, Singh M. Bioengineering Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Organoids and Optic Vesicle-Containing Brain Organoids for Ocular Diseases. Cells 2022; 11:3429. [PMID: 36359825 PMCID: PMC9653705 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal organoids are three-dimensional (3D) structures derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) that mimic the retina's spatial and temporal differentiation, making them useful as in vitro retinal development models. Retinal organoids can be assembled with brain organoids, the 3D self-assembled aggregates derived from hPSCs containing different cell types and cytoarchitectures that resemble the human embryonic brain. Recent studies have shown the development of optic cups in brain organoids. The cellular components of a developing optic vesicle-containing organoids include primitive corneal epithelial and lens-like cells, retinal pigment epithelia, retinal progenitor cells, axon-like projections, and electrically active neuronal networks. The importance of retinal organoids in ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, Stargardt disease, retinitis pigmentosa, and diabetic retinopathy are described in this review. This review highlights current developments in retinal organoid techniques, and their applications in ocular conditions such as disease modeling, gene therapy, drug screening and development. In addition, recent advancements in utilizing extracellular vesicles secreted by retinal organoids for ocular disease treatments are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy Arthur
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | - Laureana Muok
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Aakash Nathani
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | - Eric Z. Zeng
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Mandip Singh
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
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11
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Yamamoto M, Ong Lee Chen A, Shinozuka T, Sasai N. The Rx transcription factor is required for determination of the retinal lineage and regulates the timing of neuronal differentiation. Dev Growth Differ 2022; 64:318-324. [PMID: 35700309 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the molecular mechanisms leading to retinal development is of great interest for both basic scientific and clinical applications. Several signaling molecules and transcription factors involved in retinal development have been isolated and analyzed; however, determining the direct impact of the loss of a specific molecule is problematic, due to difficulties in identifying the corresponding cellular lineages in different individuals. Here, we conducted genome-wide expression analysis with embryonic stem cells devoid of the Rx gene, which encodes one of several homeobox transcription factors essential for retinal development. We performed three-dimensional differentiation of wild-type and mutant cells and compared their gene-expression profiles. The mutant tissue failed to differentiate into the retinal lineage and exhibited precocious expression of genes characteristic of neuronal cells. Together, these results suggest that Rx expression is an important biomarker of the retinal lineage and that it helps regulates appropriate differentiation stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maho Yamamoto
- Developmental Biomedical Science, Division of Biological Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama-cho, Ikoma, Japan
| | - Agnes Ong Lee Chen
- Developmental Biomedical Science, Division of Biological Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama-cho, Ikoma, Japan
| | - Takuma Shinozuka
- Developmental Biomedical Science, Division of Biological Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama-cho, Ikoma, Japan
| | - Noriaki Sasai
- Developmental Biomedical Science, Division of Biological Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama-cho, Ikoma, Japan
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12
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Mao S, Miao A, Cui Y, Lu J, Pan J, Wang Y, Hong Y, Luo Y. Proteomic Analysis of Retinal Conditioned Medium: The Effect on Early Differentiation of Embyonic Stem Cells into Retina. Stem Cells Dev 2022; 31:730-740. [PMID: 35652355 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2022.0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell replacement therapy has emerged as one of the most promising treatment options for retinal degenerative diseases, which are the main causes of irreversible vision loss. Three-dimensional (3D) retinal organoid culture is a cutting-edge technology for differentiating embryonic stem cells into retinal cells by forming a laminated retinal structure. However, 3D culture systems have strict requirements with respect to the experimental environment and culture technologies. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of retinal conditioned medium (RCM) at different developmental stages on the early differentiation of embryonic stem cells into retina in a 3D culture system. Here, we added RCM to the 3D culture system and found it could promote the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) into neuroretina. We further explored the possible mechanisms of RCM that regulate differentiation through proteomic analysis. RCM at different time points disclosed different protein profiles. Proteins which improved energy metabolism of mESCs might help improve the viability of embryonic bodies (EBs). We then screened out Snap25, Cntn1, Negr1, Dpysl2, Dpysl3, and Crmp1 as candidate proteins that might play roles in the differentiation and neurogenesis processes of mESCs, hoping to provide a basis for optimizing a retinal differentiation protocol from embryonic stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shudi Mao
- Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, 194038, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China;
| | - Aiwen Miao
- Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, 194038, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China;
| | - Yamei Cui
- Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, 194038, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China;
| | - Jing Lu
- Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, 194038, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China;
| | - Jianying Pan
- Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, 194038, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China;
| | - Yishen Wang
- Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, 194038, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China;
| | - Yiwen Hong
- Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, 194038, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China;
| | - Yan Luo
- Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, 194038, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China;
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13
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Momenzadeh S, Karamali F, Atefi A, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Characterization of The Retinal Progenitor Cells Generated Using Co-Culture Systems. CELL JOURNAL 2022; 24:127-132. [PMID: 35451582 PMCID: PMC9035232 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2022.7764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Objective Degeneration of the photoreceptors due to retinal disorders can affect vision, and even lead to blindness. Recently therapeutic progress in retinal degeneration, using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), has been facing technical challenges, demanding the development of simple and standardized protocols. In addition to the designing of the protocols, characterization of the obtained cells is highly required for confirming the reliability of the applied methods for future medical applications. Previously, we showed that human stem cells from apical papilla (SCAP) have stromal cell-derived inducing activity (SDIA). Materials and Methods In this experimental study, we developed an efficient retinal differentiation protocol, based on the co-culture of confluent hESCs and SCAP in the absence of exogenous molecules, such as activators or inhibitors of molecular signaling pathways. This experimental procedure resulted in the generation of self-forming neural retina (NR)-like structures containing retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) within 4 weeks. Results We have focused on the characterization of the derived RPCs, as a crucial step towards further verification of the efficiency of our previously suggested protocol. The differentiated cells expressed eye-field markers, PAX6, RAX, LHX2, and SIX3, and also generated neurospheres by a floating culture system for one week. Conclusion We have reported that the treatment of hESC-derived RPCs by the Notch pathway-inhibitor induced the generation of photoreceptor precursor cells (PPCs). The presented method demonstrates the fact that a co-culture of hESCs and SCAP without exogenous molecules provides an efficient approach to produce RPCs for the treatment of retinal disease, and act as an in vitro model for the development of human retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Momenzadeh
- Higher Education Jahad University of Isfahan Province, Isfahan, Iran,Department of Cellular Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Karamali
- Department of Cellular Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Atefeh Atefi
- Department of Cellular Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Cellular Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran,P.O.Box: 8159358686Department of Cellular BiotechnologyCell Science Research CenterRoyan Institute
for BiotechnologyACECRIsfahanIran
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14
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Covello G, Ibrahim GH, Bacchi N, Casarosa S, Denti MA. Exon Skipping Through Chimeric Antisense U1 snRNAs to Correct Retinitis Pigmentosa GTPase-Regulator ( RPGR) Splice Defect. Nucleic Acid Ther 2022; 32:333-349. [PMID: 35166581 PMCID: PMC9416563 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2021.0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies are caused by mutations in more than 250 genes, each of them carrying several types of mutations that can lead to different clinical phenotypes. Mutations in Retinitis Pigmentosa GTPase-Regulator (RPGR) cause X-linked Retinitis pigmentosa (RP). A nucleotide substitution in intron 9 of RPGR causes the increase of an alternatively spliced isoform of the mature mRNA, bearing exon 9a (E9a). This introduces a stop codon, leading to truncation of the protein. Aiming at restoring impaired gene expression, we developed an antisense RNA-based therapeutic approach for the skipping of RPGR E9a. We designed a set of specific U1 antisense snRNAs (U1_asRNAs) and tested their efficacy in vitro, upon transient cotransfection with RPGR minigene reporter systems in HEK-293T, 661W, and PC-12 cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Covello
- RNA Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology - CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Gehan H Ibrahim
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Niccolò Bacchi
- RNA Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology - CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Simona Casarosa
- Neural Development and Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology - CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy.,Centre for Medical Science - CIS Med, University of Trento, Trento, Italy.,CNR Neuroscience Institute, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michela Alessandra Denti
- RNA Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology - CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy.,CNR Neuroscience Institute, Pisa, Italy
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15
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German OL, Vallese-Maurizi H, Soto TB, Rotstein NP, Politi LE. Retina stem cells, hopes and obstacles. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:1446-1479. [PMID: 34786153 PMCID: PMC8567457 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i10.1446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration is a major contributor to visual dysfunction worldwide. Although it comprises several eye diseases, loss of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) and photoreceptor cells are the major contributors to their pathogenesis. Early therapies included diverse treatments, such as provision of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor and many survival and trophic factors that, in some cases, slow down the progression of the degeneration, but do not effectively prevent it. The finding of stem cells (SC) in the eye has led to the proposal of cell replacement strategies for retina degeneration. Therapies using different types of SC, such as retinal progenitor cells (RPCs), embryonic SC, pluripotent SCs (PSCs), induced PSCs (iPSCs), and mesenchymal stromal cells, capable of self-renewal and of differentiating into multiple cell types, have gained ample support. Numerous preclinical studies have assessed transplantation of SC in animal models, with encouraging results. The aim of this work is to revise the different preclinical and clinical approaches, analyzing the SC type used, their efficacy, safety, cell attachment and integration, absence of tumor formation and immunorejection, in order to establish which were the most relevant and successful. In addition, we examine the questions and concerns still open in the field. The data demonstrate the existence of two main approaches, aimed at replacing either RPE cells or photoreceptors. Emerging evidence suggests that RPCs and iPSC are the best candidates, presenting no ethical concerns and a low risk of immunorejection. Clinical trials have already supported the safety and efficacy of SC treatments. Serious concerns are pending, such as the risk of tumor formation, lack of attachment or integration of transplanted cells into host retinas, immunorejection, cell death, and also ethical. However, the amazing progress in the field in the last few years makes it possible to envisage safe and effective treatments to restore vision loss in a near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga L German
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahia blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional del Sur, and Neurobiology Department, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB) Conicet, Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Harmonie Vallese-Maurizi
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahia blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional del Sur, and Neurobiology Department, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB) Conicet, Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tamara B Soto
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional del Sur, and Neurobiology Department, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB) Conicet, Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nora P Rotstein
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahia blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional del Sur, and Neurobiology Department, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB) Conicet, Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luis Enrique Politi
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional del Sur, and Neurobiology Department, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB) Conicet, Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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16
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Ludwig AL, Gamm DM. Outer Retinal Cell Replacement: Putting the Pieces Together. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:15. [PMID: 34724034 PMCID: PMC8572485 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.10.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases (RDDs) affecting photoreceptors (PRs) are one of the most prevalent sources of incurable blindness worldwide. Due to a lack of endogenous repair mechanisms, functional cell replacement of PRs and/or retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells are among the most anticipated approaches for restoring vision in advanced RDD. Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) technologies have accelerated development of outer retinal cell therapies as they provide a theoretically unlimited source of donor cells. Human PSC-RPE replacement therapies have progressed rapidly, with several completed and ongoing clinical trials. Although potentially more promising, hPSC-PR replacement therapies are still in their infancy. A first-in-human trial of hPSC-derived neuroretinal transplantation has recently begun, but a number of questions regarding survival, reproducibility, functional integration, and mechanism of action remain. The discovery of biomaterial transfer between donor and PR cells has highlighted the need for rigorous safety and efficacy studies of PR replacement. In this review, we briefly discuss the history of neuroretinal and PR cell transplantation to identify remaining challenges and outline a stepwise approach to address specific pieces of the outer retinal cell replacement puzzle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison L. Ludwig
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David M. Gamm
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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17
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Mullin NK, Voigt AP, Cooke JA, Bohrer LR, Burnight ER, Stone EM, Mullins RF, Tucker BA. Patient derived stem cells for discovery and validation of novel pathogenic variants in inherited retinal disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 83:100918. [PMID: 33130253 PMCID: PMC8559964 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Our understanding of inherited retinal disease has benefited immensely from molecular genetic analysis over the past several decades. New technologies that allow for increasingly detailed examination of a patient's DNA have expanded the catalog of genes and specific variants that cause retinal disease. In turn, the identification of pathogenic variants has allowed the development of gene therapies and low-cost, clinically focused genetic testing. Despite this progress, a relatively large fraction (at least 20%) of patients with clinical features suggestive of an inherited retinal disease still do not have a molecular diagnosis today. Variants that are not obviously disruptive to the codon sequence of exons can be difficult to distinguish from the background of benign human genetic variations. Some of these variants exert their pathogenic effect not by altering the primary amino acid sequence, but by modulating gene expression, isoform splicing, or other transcript-level mechanisms. While not discoverable by DNA sequencing methods alone, these variants are excellent targets for studies of the retinal transcriptome. In this review, we present an overview of the current state of pathogenic variant discovery in retinal disease and identify some of the remaining barriers. We also explore the utility of new technologies, specifically patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based modeling, in further expanding the catalog of disease-causing variants using transcriptome-focused methods. Finally, we outline bioinformatic analysis techniques that will allow this new method of variant discovery in retinal disease. As the knowledge gleaned from previous technologies is informing targets for therapies today, we believe that integrating new technologies, such as iPSC-based modeling, into the molecular diagnosis pipeline will enable a new wave of variant discovery and expanded treatment of inherited retinal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel K Mullin
- The Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Andrew P Voigt
- The Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jessica A Cooke
- The Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Laura R Bohrer
- The Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Erin R Burnight
- The Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Edwin M Stone
- The Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Robert F Mullins
- The Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Budd A Tucker
- The Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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18
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Davis ES, Voss G, Miesfeld JB, Zarate-Sanchez J, Voss SR, Glaser T. The rax homeobox gene is mutated in the eyeless axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum. Dev Dyn 2021; 250:807-821. [PMID: 32864847 PMCID: PMC8907009 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vertebrate eye formation requires coordinated inductive interactions between different embryonic tissue layers, first described in amphibians. A network of transcription factors and signaling molecules controls these steps, with mutations causing severe ocular, neuronal, and craniofacial defects. In eyeless mutant axolotls, eye morphogenesis arrests at the optic vesicle stage, before lens induction, and development of ventral forebrain structures is disrupted. RESULTS We identified a 5-bp deletion in the rax (retina and anterior neural fold homeobox) gene, which was tightly linked to the recessive eyeless (e) axolotl locus in an F2 cross. This frameshift mutation, in exon 2, truncates RAX protein within the homeodomain (P154fs35X). Quantitative RNA analysis shows that mutant and wild-type rax transcripts are equally abundant in E/e embryos. Translation appears to initiate from dual start codons, via leaky ribosome scanning, a conserved feature among gnathostome RAX proteins. Previous data show rax is expressed in the optic vesicle and diencephalon, deeply conserved among metazoans, and required for eye formation in other species. CONCLUSION The eyeless axolotl mutation is a null allele in the rax homeobox gene, with primary defects in neural ectoderm, including the retinal and hypothalamic primordia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik S. Davis
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California
| | - Gareth Voss
- Department of Neuroscience, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, and Ambystoma Genetic Stock Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Joel B. Miesfeld
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California
| | - Juan Zarate-Sanchez
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California
- Davis Senior High School, Davis, California
| | - S. Randal Voss
- Department of Neuroscience, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, and Ambystoma Genetic Stock Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Tom Glaser
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California
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19
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Shin JY, Ma D, Lim MS, Cho MS, Kim YJ, Yu HG. Embryonic stem cell-derived photoreceptor precursor cells differentiated by coculture with RPE cells. Mol Vis 2021; 27:288-299. [PMID: 34012231 PMCID: PMC8116258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To describe the derivation of photoreceptor precursor cells from human embryonic stem cells by coculture with RPE cells. Methods Human embryonic stem cells were induced to differentiate into neural precursor cells and then cocultured with RPE cells to obtain cells showing retinal photoreceptor features. Immunofluorescent staining, reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), and microarray analysis were performed to identify photoreceptor markers, and a cGMP assay was used for in vitro functional analysis. After subretinal injection in rat animal models, retinal function was determined with electroretinography and optokinetic response detection, and immunofluorescent staining was performed to assess the survival of the injected cells. Results Cocultured cells were positive for rhodopsin, red and blue opsin, recoverin, and phosphodiesterase 6 beta on immunofluorescent staining and RT-PCR. Serial detection of stem cell-, neural precursor-, and photoreceptor-specific markers was noted in each stage of differentiation with microarray analysis. Increased cGMP hydrolysis in light-exposed conditions compared to that in dark conditions was observed. After the subretinal injection in the rats, preservation of optokinetic responses was noted up to 20 weeks, while electroretinographic response decreased. Survival of the injected cells was confirmed with positive immunofluorescence staining of human markers at 8 weeks. Conclusions Cells showed photoreceptor-specific features when stem cell-derived neurogenic precursors were cocultured with RPE cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo Young Shin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea,Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul Metropolitan Government Boramae Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - DaeJoong Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea,Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Sun Lim
- R&D Center, Jeil Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yongin-si, Republic of Korea,Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Young Joo Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeong Gon Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea,Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea,Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea,Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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20
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Limnios IJ, Chau YQ, Skabo SJ, Surrao DC, O'Neill HC. Efficient differentiation of human embryonic stem cells to retinal pigment epithelium under defined conditions. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:248. [PMID: 33883023 PMCID: PMC8058973 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02316-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a highly prevalent form of blindness caused by loss death of cells of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Transplantation of pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived RPE cells is considered a promising therapy to regenerate cell function and vision. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to develop a rapid directed differentiation method for production of RPE cells from PSC which is rapid, efficient, and fully defined and produces cells suitable for clinical use. DESIGN A protocol for cell growth and differentiation from hESCs was developed to induce differentiation through screening small molecules which regulated a primary stage of differentiation to the eyefield progenitor, and then, a subsequent set of molecules to drive differentiation to RPE cells. Methods for cell plating and maintenance have been optimized to give a homogeneous population of cells in a short 14-day period, followed by a procedure to support maturation of cell function. RESULTS We show here the efficient production of RPE cells from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) using small molecules in a feeder-free system using xeno-free/defined medium. Flow cytometry at day 14 showed ~ 90% of cells expressed the RPE markers MITF and PMEL17. Temporal gene analysis confirmed differentiation through defined cell intermediates. Mature hESC-RPE cell monolayers exhibited key morphological, molecular, and functional characteristics of the endogenous RPE. CONCLUSION This study identifies a novel cell differentiation process for rapid and efficient production of retinal RPE cells directly from hESCs. The described protocol has utility for clinical-grade cell production for human therapy to treat AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis J Limnios
- Clem Jones Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, 4229, Australia.
| | - Yu-Qian Chau
- Clem Jones Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, 4229, Australia
| | - Stuart J Skabo
- Clem Jones Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, 4229, Australia
| | - Denver C Surrao
- Clem Jones Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, 4229, Australia
| | - Helen C O'Neill
- Clem Jones Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, 4229, Australia.
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21
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Schick R, Farah N, Markus A, Korngreen A, Mandel Y. Electrophysiologic Characterization of Developing Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Photoreceptor Precursors. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:44. [PMID: 32991686 PMCID: PMC7533729 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.11.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Photoreceptor precursor cells (PRPs) differentiated from human embryonic stem cells can serve as a source for cell replacement therapy aimed at vision restoration in patients suffering from degenerative diseases of the outer retina, such as retinitis pigmentosa and AMD. In this work, we studied the electrophysiologic maturation of PRPs throughout the differentiation process. Methods Human embryonic stem cells were differentiated into PRPs and whole-cell recordings were performed for electrophysiologic characterization at days 0, 30, 60, and 90 along with quantitative PCR analysis to characterize the expression level of various ion channels, which shape the electrophysiologic response. Finally, to characterize the electrically induced calcium currents, we employed calcium imaging (rhod4) to visualize intracellular calcium dynamics in response to electrical activation. Results Our results revealed an early and steady presence (approximately 100% of responsive cells) of the delayed potassium rectifier current. In contrast, the percentage of cells exhibiting voltage-gated sodium currents increased with maturation (from 0% to almost 90% of responsive cells at 90 days). Moreover, calcium imaging revealed the presence of voltage-gated calcium currents, which play a major role in vision formation. These results were further supported by quantitative PCR analysis, which revealed a significant and continuous (3- to 50-fold) increase in the expression of various voltage-gated channels concomitantly with the increase in the expression of the photoreceptor marker CRX. Conclusions These results can shed light on the electrophysiologic maturation of neurons in general and PRP in particular and can form the basis for devising and optimizing cell replacement-based vision restoration strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Revital Schick
- School of Optometry and Visual Science, Faculty of Life Science and Bar-Ilan Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced material (BINA), Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Nairouz Farah
- School of Optometry and Visual Science, Faculty of Life Science and Bar-Ilan Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced material (BINA), Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Amos Markus
- School of Optometry and Visual Science, Faculty of Life Science and Bar-Ilan Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced material (BINA), Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Alon Korngreen
- Faculty of Life Science and The Leslie and Susan Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Yossi Mandel
- School of Optometry and Visual Science, Faculty of Life Science and Bar-Ilan Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced material (BINA), Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
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22
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Yamamoto N, Hiramatsu N, Ohkuma M, Hatsusaka N, Takeda S, Nagai N, Miyachi EI, Kondo M, Imaizumi K, Horiguchi M, Kubo E, Sasaki H. Novel Technique for Retinal Nerve Cell Regeneration with Electrophysiological Functions Using Human Iris-Derived iPS Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040743. [PMID: 33800535 PMCID: PMC8067101 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Regenerative medicine in ophthalmology that uses induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) cells has been described, but those studies used iPS cells derived from fibroblasts. Here, we generated iPS cells derived from iris cells that develop from the same inner layer of the optic cup as the retina, to regenerate retinal nerves. We first identified cells positive for p75NTR, a marker of retinal tissue stem and progenitor cells, in human iris tissue. We then reprogrammed the cultured p75NTR-positive iris tissue stem/progenitor (H-iris stem/progenitor) cells to create iris-derived iPS (H-iris iPS) cells for the first time. These cells were positive for iPS cell markers and showed pluripotency to differentiate into three germ layers. When H-iris iPS cells were pre-differentiated into neural stem/progenitor cells, not all cells became positive for neural stem/progenitor and nerve cell markers. When these cells were pre-differentiated into neural stem/progenitor cells, sorted with p75NTR, and used as a medium for differentiating into retinal nerve cells, the cells differentiated into Recoverin-positive cells with electrophysiological functions. In a different medium, H-iris iPS cells differentiated into retinal ganglion cell marker-positive cells with electrophysiological functions. This is the first demonstration of H-iris iPS cells differentiating into retinal neurons that function physiologically as neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Yamamoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan; (N.H.); (S.T.); (E.K.); (H.S.)
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Fujita Health University, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +81-762-286-2211
| | - Noriko Hiramatsu
- Research Promotion and Support Headquarters, Fujita Health University, Aichi 470-1192, Japan;
| | - Mahito Ohkuma
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Aichi 470-1192, Japan; (M.O.); (E.-i.M.)
| | - Natsuko Hatsusaka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan; (N.H.); (S.T.); (E.K.); (H.S.)
| | - Shun Takeda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan; (N.H.); (S.T.); (E.K.); (H.S.)
| | - Noriaki Nagai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Kindai University, Osaka 577-8502, Japan;
| | - Ei-ichi Miyachi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Aichi 470-1192, Japan; (M.O.); (E.-i.M.)
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nagoya Women’s University, Aichi 467-8610, Japan
| | - Masashi Kondo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Aichi 470-1192, Japan; (M.K.); (K.I.)
| | - Kazuyoshi Imaizumi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Aichi 470-1192, Japan; (M.K.); (K.I.)
| | - Masayuki Horiguchi
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Aichi 470-1192, Japan;
| | - Eri Kubo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan; (N.H.); (S.T.); (E.K.); (H.S.)
| | - Hiroshi Sasaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan; (N.H.); (S.T.); (E.K.); (H.S.)
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23
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Tagawa M, Ikeda HO, Inoue Y, Iwai S, Iida Y, Hata M, Asaka I, Tsujikawa A. Deterioration of phagocytosis in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells established from patients with retinitis pigmentosa carrying Mer tyrosine kinase mutations. Exp Eye Res 2021; 205:108503. [PMID: 33609509 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an incurable retinal degenerative disease with an unknown mechanism of disease progression. Mer tyrosine kinase (MERTK), which encodes a receptor of the Tyro3/Axl/Mer family of tyrosine kinases, is one of the causal genes of RP. MERTK is reportedly expressed in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and is essential for phagocytosis of the photoreceptor outer segment. Here, we established induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from patients with RP having homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in MERTK, and from healthy subjects; the RP patient- and healthy control-derived iPSCs were differentiated into RPE cells. Although cytoskeleton staining suggested that polarity may have been disturbed mildly, there were no apparent morphological differences between the diseased and normal RPE cells. The internalization of photoreceptor outer segments in diseased iPSC-RPE cells was significantly lower than that in normal iPSC-RPE cells. This in vitro disease model may be useful for elucidating the mechanisms of disease progression and screening treatments for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miho Tagawa
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, 6068507, Japan
| | - Hanako Ohashi Ikeda
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, 6068507, Japan.
| | - Yumi Inoue
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, 6068507, Japan
| | - Sachiko Iwai
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, 6068507, Japan
| | - Yuto Iida
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, 6068507, Japan
| | - Masayuki Hata
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, 6068507, Japan
| | - Isao Asaka
- Department of Fundamental Cell Technology, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, 6068507, Japan
| | - Akitaka Tsujikawa
- Department of Fundamental Cell Technology, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, 6068507, Japan
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24
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Uyama H, Mandai M, Takahashi M. Stem-cell-based therapies for retinal degenerative diseases: Current challenges in the establishment of new treatment strategies. Dev Growth Differ 2021; 63:59-71. [PMID: 33315237 PMCID: PMC7986097 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Various advances have been made in the treatment of retinal diseases, including new treatment strategies and innovations in surgical devices. However, the treatment of degenerative retinal diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), continues to pose a significant challenge. In this review, we focus on the use of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to treat retinal diseases by harnessing the ability of stem cells to differentiate into different body tissues. The retina is a tissue specialized for light sensing, and its degradation leads to vision loss. As part of the central nervous system, the retina has very low regenerative capability, and therefore, treatment options are limited once it degenerates. Nevertheless, innovations in methods to induce the generation of retinal cells and tissues from ESCs/iPSCs enable the development of novel approaches for these irreversible diseases. Here we review some historical background and current clinical trials involving the use of stem-cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells for AMD treatment and stem cell-derived retinal cells/tissues for RP therapy. Finally, we discuss our future vision of regenerative treatment for retinal diseases with a partial focus on our studies and introduce other interesting approaches for restoring vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Uyama
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Michiko Mandai
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe, Japan
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25
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Sasai N, Kadoya M, Ong Lee Chen A. Neural induction: Historical views and application to pluripotent stem cells. Dev Growth Differ 2021; 63:26-37. [PMID: 33289091 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic stem (ES) cells are a useful experimental material to recapitulate the differentiation steps of early embryos, which are usually invisible and inaccessible from outside of the body, especially in mammals. ES cells have greatly facilitated the analyses of gene expression profiles and cell characteristics. In addition, understanding the mechanisms during neural differentiation is important for clinical purposes, such as developing new therapeutic methods or regenerative medicine. As neurons have very limited regenerative ability, neurodegenerative diseases are usually intractable, and patients suffer from the disease throughout their lifetimes. The functional cells generated from ES cells in vitro could replace degenerative areas by transplantation. In this review, we will first demonstrate the historical views and widely accepted concepts regarding the molecular mechanisms of neural induction and positional information to produce the specific types of neurons in model animals. Next, we will describe how these concepts have recently been applied to the research in the establishment of the methodology of neural differentiation from mammalian ES cells. Finally, we will focus on examples of the applications of differentiation systems to clinical purposes. Overall, the discussion will focus on how historical developmental studies are applied to state-of-the-art stem cell research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriaki Sasai
- Developmental Biomedical Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Japan
| | - Minori Kadoya
- Developmental Biomedical Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Japan
| | - Agnes Ong Lee Chen
- Developmental Biomedical Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Japan
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26
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Tezel T, Ruff A. Retinal cell transplantation in retinitis pigmentosa. Taiwan J Ophthalmol 2021; 11:336-347. [PMID: 35070661 PMCID: PMC8757529 DOI: 10.4103/tjo.tjo_48_21] [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: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa is the most common hereditary retinal disease. Dietary supplements, neuroprotective agents, cytokines, and lately, prosthetic devices, gene therapy, and optogenetics have been employed to slow down the retinal degeneration or improve light perception. Completing retinal circuitry by transplanting photoreceptors has always been an appealing idea in retinitis pigmentosa. Recent developments in stem cell technology, retinal imaging techniques, tissue engineering, and transplantation techniques have brought us closer to accomplish this goal. The eye is an ideal organ for cell transplantation due to a low number of cells required to restore vision, availability of safe surgical and imaging techniques to transplant and track the cells in vivo, and partial immune privilege provided by the subretinal space. Human embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotential stem cells, and especially retinal organoids provide an adequate number of cells at a desired developmental stage which may maximize integration of the graft to host retina. However, stem cells must be manufactured under strict good manufacturing practice protocols due to known tumorigenicity as well as possible genetic and epigenetic stabilities that may pose a danger to the recipient. Immune compatibility of stem cells still stands as a problem for their widespread use for retinitis pigmentosa. Transplantation of stem cells from different sources revealed that some of the transplanted cells may not integrate the host retina but slow down the retinal degeneration through paracrine mechanisms. Discovery of a similar paracrine mechanism has recently opened a new therapeutic path for reversing the cone dormancy and restoring the sight in retinitis pigmentosa.
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27
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Cell-Based Therapies for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1256:265-293. [PMID: 33848006 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-66014-7_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. The pathogenesis of AMD involves dysfunction and loss of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a monolayer of cells that provide nourishment and functional support for the overlying photoreceptors. RPE cells in mammals are not known to divide, renew or regenerate in vivo, and in advanced AMD, RPE loss leads to degeneration of the photoreceptors and impairment of vision. One possible therapeutic approach would be to support and replace the failing RPE cells of affected patients, and indeed moderate success of surgical procedures in which relatively healthy autologous RPE from the peripheral retina of the same eye was transplanted under the retina in the macular area suggested that RPE replacement could be a means to attenuate photoreceptor cell loss. This prompted exploration of the possibility to use pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) as a potential source for "healthy and young" RPE cells for such cell-based therapy of AMD. Various approaches ranging from the use of allogeneic embryonic stem cells to autologous induced pluripotent stem cells are now being tested within early clinical trials. Such PSC-derived RPE cells are either injected into the subretinal space as a suspension, or transplanted as a monolayer patch upon scaffold support. Although most of these approaches are at early clinical stages, safety of the RPE product has been demonstrated by several of these studies. Here, we review the concept of cell-based therapy of AMD and provide an update on current progress in the field of RPE transplantation.
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28
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Kano M, Suga H, Arima H. Induction of Functional Hypothalamus and Pituitary Tissues From Pluripotent Stem Cells for Regenerative Medicine. J Endocr Soc 2020; 5:bvaa188. [PMID: 33604493 PMCID: PMC7880040 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvaa188] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamus and pituitary have been identified to play essential roles in maintaining homeostasis. Various diseases can disrupt the functions of these systems, which can often result in serious lifelong symptoms. The current treatment for hypopituitarism involves hormone replacement therapy. However, exogenous drug administration cannot mimic the physiological changes that are a result of hormone requirements. Therefore, patients are at a high risk of severe hormone deficiency, including adrenal crisis. Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) self-proliferate and differentiate into all types of cells. The generation of endocrine tissues from PSCs has been considered as another new treatment for hypopituitarism. Our colleagues established a 3-dimensional (3D) culture method for embryonic stem cells (ESCs). In this culture, the ESC-derived aggregates exhibit self-organization and spontaneous formation of highly ordered patterning. Recent results have shown that strict removal of exogenous patterning factors during early differentiation efficiently induces rostral hypothalamic progenitors from mouse ESCs. These hypothalamic progenitors generate vasopressinergic neurons, which release neuropeptides upon exogenous stimulation. Subsequently, we reported adenohypophysis tissue self-formation in 3D cultures of mouse ESCs. The ESCs were found to differentiate into both nonneural oral ectoderm and hypothalamic neuroectoderm in adjacent layers. Interactions between the 2 tissues appear to be critically important for in vitro induction of a Rathke’s pouch-like developing embryo. Various endocrine cells were differentiated from nonneural ectoderm. The induced corticotrophs efficiently secreted adrenocorticotropic hormone when engrafted in vivo, which rescued hypopituitary hosts. For future regenerative medicine, generation of hypothalamic and pituitary tissues from human PSCs is necessary. We and other groups succeeded in establishing a differentiation method with the use of human PSCs. Researchers could use these methods for models of human diseases to elucidate disease pathology or screen potential therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuko Kano
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Suga
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Arima
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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29
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Xuan W, Moothedathu AA, Meng T, Gibson DC, Zheng J, Xu Q. 3D engineering for optic neuropathy treatment. Drug Discov Today 2020; 26:181-188. [PMID: 33038525 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Ocular disorders, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and glaucoma, can cause irreversible visual loss, and affect the quality of life of millions of patients. However, only very few 3D systems can mimic human ocular pathophysiology, especially the retinal degenerative diseases, which involve the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), photoreceptors, or retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPEs). In this review, we discuss current progress in the 3D modeling of ocular tissues, and review the use of the aforementioned technologies for optic neuropathy treatment according to the categories of associated disease models and their applications in drug screening, mechanism studies, and cell and gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Xuan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Aji Alex Moothedathu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Tuo Meng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - David C Gibson
- School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Jinhua Zheng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Qingguo Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; Ophthalmology, Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering, Massey Cancer Center, and Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery & Development (ISB3D), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
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30
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Zhang CJ, Ma Y, Jin ZB. The road to restore vision with photoreceptor regeneration. Exp Eye Res 2020; 202:108283. [PMID: 33010290 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neuroretinal diseases are the predominant cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, mainly due to photoreceptor loss. Currently, there are no radical treatments to fully reverse the degeneration or even stop the disease progression. Thus, it is urgent to develop new biological therapeutics for these diseases on the clinical side. Stem cell-based treatments have become a promising therapeutic for neuroretinal diseases through the replacement of damaged cells with photoreceptors and some allied cells. To date, considerable efforts have been made to regenerate the diseased retina based on stem cell technology. In this review, we overview the current status of stem cell-based treatments for photoreceptor regeneration, including the major cell sources derived from different stem cells in pre-clinical or clinical trial stages. Additionally, we discuss herein the major challenges ahead for and potential new strategy toward photoreceptor regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Jun Zhang
- Laboratory for Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Ya Ma
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Zi-Bing Jin
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing, 100730, China.
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31
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West EL, Ribeiro J, Ali RR. Development of Stem Cell Therapies for Retinal Degeneration. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2020; 12:cshperspect.a035683. [PMID: 31818854 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a035683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Degenerative retinal disease is the major cause of sight loss in the developed world and currently there is a lack of effective treatments. As the loss of vision is directly the result of the loss of retinal cells, effective cell replacement through stem-cell-based therapies may have the potential to treat a great number of retinal diseases whatever their underlying etiology. The eye is an ideal organ to develop cell therapies as it is immune privileged, and modern surgical techniques enable precise delivery of cells to the retina. Furthermore, a range of noninvasive diagnostic tests and high-resolution imaging techniques facilitate the evaluation of any therapeutic intervention. In this review, we evaluate the progress to date of current cell therapy strategies for retinal repair, focusing on transplantation of pluripotent stem-cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L West
- Division of Molecular Therapy, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
| | - Joana Ribeiro
- Division of Molecular Therapy, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
| | - Robin R Ali
- Division of Molecular Therapy, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom.,Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, USA
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32
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Yadav A, Seth B, Chaturvedi RK. Brain Organoids: Tiny Mirrors of Human Neurodevelopment and Neurological Disorders. Neuroscientist 2020; 27:388-426. [PMID: 32723210 DOI: 10.1177/1073858420943192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Unravelling the complexity of the human brain is a challenging task. Nowadays, modern neurobiologists have developed 3D model systems called "brain organoids" to overcome the technical challenges in understanding human brain development and the limitations of animal models to study neurological diseases. Certainly like most model systems in neuroscience, brain organoids too have limitations, as these minuscule brains lack the complex neuronal circuitry required to begin the operational tasks of human brain. However, researchers are hopeful that future endeavors with these 3D brain tissues could provide mechanistic insights into the generation of circuit complexity as well as reproducible creation of different regions of the human brain. Herein, we have presented the contemporary state of brain organoids with special emphasis on their mode of generation and their utility in modelling neurological disorders, drug discovery, and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Yadav
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, Systems Toxicology and Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Brashket Seth
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, Systems Toxicology and Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Rajnish Kumar Chaturvedi
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, Systems Toxicology and Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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33
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Perepelkina T, Kegeles E, Baranov P. Optimizing the Conditions and Use of Synthetic Matrix for Three-Dimensional In Vitro Retinal Differentiation from Mouse Pluripotent Cells. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2020; 25:433-445. [PMID: 31195897 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2019.0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT The development of retinal regenerative therapies relies on the reproducible and renewable source of retinal neurons for drug discovery and cell transplantation. Three-dimensional approach for retinal differentiation from pluripotent cells recently emerged as the robust strategy for retinal tissue differentiation. In this work, we present the combination of optimized conditions and techniques for three-dimensional retinal differentiation from mouse embryonic cells that improves reproducibility and efficiency of retinal differentiation in organoid cultures. We also show that the retinal induction can be achieved with the synthetic oligopeptide instead of Matrigel that allows to approach xeno-free conditions for cell production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Perepelkina
- 1The Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an Affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Evgenii Kegeles
- 1The Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an Affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,2Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russian Federation
| | - Petr Baranov
- 1The Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an Affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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34
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Hua ZQ, Liu H, Wang N, Jin ZB. Towards stem cell-based neuronal regeneration for glaucoma. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2020; 257:99-118. [PMID: 32988476 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2020.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease as a leading cause of global blindness. Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) apoptosis and optic nerve damage are the main pathological changes. Patients have elevated intraocular pressure and progressive visual field loss. Unfortunately, current treatments for glaucoma merely stay at delaying the disease progression. As a promising treatment, stem cell-based neuronal regeneration therapy holds potential for glaucoma, thereby great efforts have been paid on it. RGC regeneration and transplantation are key approaches for the future treatment of glaucoma. A line of studies have shown that a variety of cells can be used to regenerate RGCs, including embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and retinal progenitor cells (RPCs). In this review, we overview the current progress on the regeneration of pluripotent stem cell-derived RGCs and outlook the perspective and challenges in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Qi Hua
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ningli Wang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Zi-Bing Jin
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing, China.
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35
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Preconditioning the Initial State of Feeder-free Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Promotes Self-formation of Three-dimensional Retinal Tissue. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18936. [PMID: 31831759 PMCID: PMC6908610 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55130-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A three-dimensional retinal tissue (3D-retina) is a promising graft source for retinal transplantation therapy. We previously demonstrated that embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can generate 3D-retina in vitro using a self-organizing stem cell culture technique known as SFEBq. Here we show an optimized culture method for 3D-retina generation from feeder-free human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Although feeder-free hPSC-maintenance culture was suitable for cell therapy, feeder-free hPSC-derived aggregates tended to collapse during 3D-xdifferentiation culture. We found that the initial hPSC state was a key factor and that preconditioning of the hPSC state by modulating TGF-beta and Shh signaling improved self-formation of 3D-neuroepithelium. Using the preconditioning method, several feeder-free hPSC lines robustly differentiated into 3D-retina. In addition, changing preconditioning stimuli in undifferentiated hPSCs altered the proportions of neural retina and retinal pigment epithelium, important quality factors for 3D-retina. We demonstrated that the feeder-free hiPSC-derived 3D-retina differentiated into rod and cone photoreceptors in vitro and in vivo. Thus, preconditioning is a useful culture methodology for cell therapy to direct the initial hPSC state toward self-organizing 3D-neuroepithelium.
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36
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Suen HC, Qian Y, Liao J, Luk CS, Lee WT, Ng JKW, Chan TTH, Hou HW, Li I, Li K, Chan WY, Feng B, Gao L, Jiang X, Liu YH, Rudd JA, Hobbs R, Qi H, Ng TK, Mak HK, Leung KS, Lee TL. Transplantation of Retinal Ganglion Cells Derived from Male Germline Stem Cell as a Potential Treatment to Glaucoma. Stem Cells Dev 2019; 28:1365-1375. [PMID: 31580778 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2019.0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is characterized by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration and is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. However, current treatments such as eye drop or surgery have limitations and do not target the loss of RGC. Regenerative therapy using embryonic stem cells (ESCs) holds a promising option, but ethical concern hinders clinical applications on human subjects. In this study, we employed spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) as an alternative source of ESCs for cell-based regenerative therapy in mouse glaucoma model. We generated functional RGCs from SSCs with a two-step protocol without applying viral transfection or chemical induction. SSCs were first dedifferentiated to embryonic stem-like cells (SSC-ESCs) that resemble ESCs in morphology, gene expression signatures, and stem cell properties. The SSC-ESCs then differentiated toward retinal lineages. We showed SSC-ESC-derived retinal cells expressed RGC-specific marker Brn3b and functioned as bona fide RGCs. To allow in vivo RGC tracing, Brn3b-EGFP reporter SSC-ESCs were generated and the derived RGCs were subsequently transplanted into the retina of glaucoma mouse models by intravitreal injection. We demonstrated that the transplanted RGCs could survive in host retina for at least 10 days after transplantation. SSC-ESC-derived RGCs can thus potentially be a novel alternative to replace the damaged RGCs in glaucomatous retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi Ching Suen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yan Qian
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jinyue Liao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chun Shui Luk
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wing Tung Lee
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Judy Kin Wing Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Thomas Ting Hei Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hei Wan Hou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ingrid Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kit Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai-Yee Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Bo Feng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lin Gao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuen Hang Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - John A Rudd
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Robin Hobbs
- Aust Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Huayu Qi
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tsz Kin Ng
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Heather Kayew Mak
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kai Shun Leung
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tin-Lap Lee
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
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37
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Robust induction of retinal pigment epithelium cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells by inhibiting FGF/MAPK signaling. Stem Cell Res 2019; 39:101514. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2019.101514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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38
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Zhang H, Huang J, Li Z, Qin G, Zhang N, Hai T, Hong Q, Zheng Q, Zhang Y, Song R, Yao J, Cao C, Zhao J, Zhou Q. Rescuing ocular development in an anophthalmic pig by blastocyst complementation. EMBO Mol Med 2019; 10:emmm.201808861. [PMID: 30446498 PMCID: PMC6284517 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201808861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Porcine-derived xenogeneic sources for transplantation are a promising alternative strategy for providing organs for treatment of end-stage organ failure in human patients because of the shortage of human donor organs. The recently developed blastocyst or pluripotent stem cell (PSC) complementation strategy opens a new route for regenerating allogenic organs in miniature pigs. Since the eye is a complicated organ with highly specialized constituent tissues derived from different primordial cell lineages, the development of an intact eye from allogenic cells is a challenging task. Here, combining somatic cell nuclear transfer technology (SCNT) and an anophthalmic pig model (MITF L 247S/L247S), allogenic retinal pigmented epithelium cells (RPEs) were retrieved from an E60 chimeric fetus using blastocyst complementation. Furthermore, all structures were successfully regenerated in the intact eye from the injected donor blastomeres. These results clearly demonstrate that not only differentiated functional somatic cells but also a disabled organ with highly specialized constituent tissues can be generated from exogenous blastomeres when delivered to pig embryos with an empty organ niche. This system may also provide novel insights into ocular organogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaojiao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zechen Li
- College of Life Sciences Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
| | - Guosong Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tang Hai
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qianlong Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiantao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruigao Song
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunwei Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianguo Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China .,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China .,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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39
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Gopalakrishnan J. The Emergence of Stem Cell-Based Brain Organoids: Trends and Challenges. Bioessays 2019; 41:e1900011. [PMID: 31274205 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201900011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent developments in 3D cultures exploiting the self-organization ability of pluripotent stem cells have enabled the generation of powerful in vitro systems termed brain organoids. These 3D tissues recapitulate many aspects of human brain development and disorders occurring in vivo. When combined with improved differentiation methods, these in vitro systems allow the generation of more complex "assembloids," which are able to reveal cell diversities, microcircuits, and cell-cell interactions within their 3D organization. Here, the ways in which human brain organoids have contributed to demystifying the complexities of brain development and modeling of developmental disorders is reviewed and discussed. Furthermore, challenging questions that are yet to be addressed by emerging brain organoid research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Gopalakrishnan
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.,IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
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40
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Chen HY, Welby E, Li T, Swaroop A. Retinal disease in ciliopathies: Recent advances with a focus on stem cell-based therapies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 4:97-115. [PMID: 31763178 PMCID: PMC6839492 DOI: 10.3233/trd-190038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ciliopathies display extensive genetic and clinical heterogeneity, varying in severity, age of onset, disease progression and organ systems affected. Retinal involvement, as demonstrated by photoreceptor dysfunction or death, is a highly penetrant phenotype among a vast majority of ciliopathies. Photoreceptor cells possess a specialized and modified sensory cilium with membrane discs where efficient photon capture and ensuing signaling cascade initiate the visual process. Disruptions of cilia biogenesis and protein transport lead to impairment of photoreceptor function and eventually degeneration. Despite advances in elucidation of ciliogenesis and photoreceptor cilia defects, we have limited understanding of pathogenic mechanisms underlying retinal phenotype(s) observed in human ciliopathies. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based approaches offer a unique opportunity to complement studies with model organisms and examine cilia disease relevant to humans. Three-dimensional retinal organoids from iPSC lines feature laminated cytoarchitecture, apical-basal polarity and emergence of a ciliary structure, thereby permitting pathogenic modeling of human photoreceptors in vitro. Here, we review the biology of photoreceptor cilia and associated defects and discuss recent progress in evolving treatment modalities, especially using patient-derived iPSCs, for retinal ciliopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Yu Chen
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Emily Welby
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tiansen Li
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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41
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Photoreceptor cell replacement in macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa: A pluripotent stem cell-based approach. Prog Retin Eye Res 2019; 71:1-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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42
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An optimized protocol for generating labeled and transplantable photoreceptor precursors from human embryonic stem cells. Exp Eye Res 2019; 180:29-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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43
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Pluripotent Stem Cells as Models of Retina Development. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:6056-6070. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-1504-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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44
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Stem cell-based retina models. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 140:33-50. [PMID: 29777757 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
From the early days of cell biological research, the eye-especially the retina-has evoked broad interest among scientists. The retina has since been thoroughly investigated and numerous models have been exploited to shed light on its development, morphology, and function. Apart from various animal models and human clinical and anatomical research, stem cell-based models of animal and human cells of origin have entered the field, especially during the last decade. Despite the observation that the retina of different species comprises endogenous stem cells, most stem cell-related research in the human retina is now based on pluripotent stem cell models. Herein, systems of two-dimensional (2D) cultures and co-cultures of distinctly differentiated retinal subtypes revealed a variety of cellular aspects but have in many aspects been replaced by three-dimensional (3D) structures-the so-called retinal organoids. These organoids not only contain all major retinal cell subtypes compared to the physiological situation, but also show a distinct layering in close proximity to the in vivo morphology. Nevertheless, all these models have inherent advantages and disadvantages, which are expounded and summarized in this review. Finally, we discuss current application aspects of stem cell-based retina models and the specific promises they hold for the future.
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45
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Artero-Castro A, Popelka S, Jendelova P, Motlik J, Ardan T, Rodriguez Jimenez FJ, Erceg S. The identification of small molecules that stimulate retinal pigment epithelial cells: potential novel therapeutic options for treating retinopathies. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 14:169-177. [PMID: 30616395 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2019.1559148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Combinatory strategies using pharmacology and stem cell therapy have emerged due to their potential in the treatment of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell related diseases, and a variety of different stem cell sources have been evaluated both in animal models and in humans. RPE cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human induced pluripotent cells (hiPSCs) are already in clinical trials, holding great promise for the treatment of age-related macular disease (AMD) and hereditary RPE-related retinal dystrophies. Highly efficient protocol for RPE generations have been developed, but they are still time-consuming and laborious. Areas covered: The authors review RPE related diseases, as well as the known functions of RPE cells in retinal homeostasis. The authors also discuss small molecules that target RPE in vivo as well as in vitro to aid RPE differentiation from pluripotent stem cells clinically. The authors base this review on literature searches performed through PubMed. Expert opinion: Using high-throughput systems, technology will provide the possibility of identifying and optimizing molecules/drugs that could lead to faster and simpler protocols for RPE differentiation. This could be crucial in moving forward to create safer and more efficient RPE-based personalized therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Artero-Castro
- a Stem Cell Therapies in Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab , Research Center "Principe Felipe" , Valencia , Spain
| | - Stepan Popelka
- b Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry , Czech Academy of Sciences , Praha 6 , Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Jendelova
- c Institute of Experimental Medicine, Department of Tissue Cultures and Stem Cells , Czech Academy of Sciences , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Jan Motlik
- d Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Research Center PIGMOD , Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences , Libechov , Czech Republic
| | - Taras Ardan
- d Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Research Center PIGMOD , Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences , Libechov , Czech Republic
| | | | - Slaven Erceg
- a Stem Cell Therapies in Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab , Research Center "Principe Felipe" , Valencia , Spain.,c Institute of Experimental Medicine, Department of Tissue Cultures and Stem Cells , Czech Academy of Sciences , Prague , Czech Republic.,e National Stem Cell Bank-Valencia Node, Biomolecular and Bioinformatics Resources Platform PRB2,ISCIII , Research Center "Principe Felipe" , Valencia , Spain
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46
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Gasparini SJ, Llonch S, Borsch O, Ader M. Transplantation of photoreceptors into the degenerative retina: Current state and future perspectives. Prog Retin Eye Res 2018; 69:1-37. [PMID: 30445193 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian retina displays no intrinsic regenerative capacities, therefore retinal degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or retinitis pigmentosa (RP) result in a permanent loss of the light-sensing photoreceptor cells. The degeneration of photoreceptors leads to vision impairment and, in later stages, complete blindness. Several therapeutic strategies have been developed to slow down or prevent further retinal degeneration, however a definitive cure i.e. replacement of the lost photoreceptors, has not yet been established. Cell-based treatment approaches, by means of photoreceptor transplantation, have been studied in pre-clinical animal models over the last three decades. The introduction of pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal organoids represents, in principle, an unlimited source for the generation of transplantable human photoreceptors. However, safety, immunological and reproducibility-related issues regarding the use of such cells still need to be solved. Moreover, the recent finding of cytoplasmic material transfer between donor and host photoreceptors demands reinterpretation of several former transplantation studies. At the same time, material transfer between healthy donor and dysfunctional patient photoreceptors also offers a potential alternative strategy for therapeutic intervention. In this review we discuss the history and current state of photoreceptor transplantation, the techniques used to assess rescue of visual function, the prerequisites for effective transplantation as well as the main roadblocks, including safety and immune response to the graft, that need to be overcome for successful clinical translation of photoreceptor transplantation approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia J Gasparini
- CRTD/Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 105, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sílvia Llonch
- CRTD/Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 105, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Oliver Borsch
- CRTD/Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 105, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marius Ader
- CRTD/Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 105, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
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47
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Jin ZB, Gao ML, Deng WL, Wu KC, Sugita S, Mandai M, Takahashi M. Stemming retinal regeneration with pluripotent stem cells. Prog Retin Eye Res 2018; 69:38-56. [PMID: 30419340 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cell replacement therapy is a promising treatment for irreversible retinal cell death in diverse diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Stargardt's disease, retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and glaucoma. These diseases are all characterized by the degeneration of one or two retinal cell types that cannot regenerate spontaneously in humans. Aberrant retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells can be observed through optical coherence tomography (OCT) in AMD patients. In RP patients, the morphological and functional abnormalities of RPE and photoreceptor layers are caused by a genetic abnormality. Stargardt's disease or juvenile macular degeneration, which is characterized by the loss of the RPE and photoreceptors in the macular area, causes central vision loss at an early age. Loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) can be observed in patients with glaucoma. Once the retinal cell degeneration is triggered, no treatments can reverse it. Transplantation-based approaches have been proposed as a universal therapy to target patients with various concomitant diseases. Both the replacement of dead cells and neuroprotection are strategies used to rescue visual function in animal models of retinal degeneration. Diverse retinal cell types derived from pluripotent stem cells, including RPE cells, photoreceptors, RGCs and even retinal organoids with a layered structure, provide unlimited cell sources for transplantation. In addition, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multifunctional and protect degenerating retinal cells. The aim of this review is to summarize current findings from preclinical and clinical studies. We begin with a brief introduction to retinal degenerative diseases and cell death in diverse diseases, followed by methods for retinal cell generation. Preclinical and clinical studies are discussed, and future concerns about efficacy, safety and immunorejection are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Bing Jin
- Laboratory for Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Optometry & Visual Science, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
| | - Mei-Ling Gao
- Laboratory for Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Optometry & Visual Science, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Wen-Li Deng
- Laboratory for Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Optometry & Visual Science, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Kun-Chao Wu
- Laboratory for Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Optometry & Visual Science, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Sunao Sugita
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Michiko Mandai
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
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48
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Rabesandratana O, Goureau O, Orieux G. Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Approaches to Explore and Treat Optic Neuropathies. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:651. [PMID: 30294255 PMCID: PMC6158340 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sight is a major sense for human and visual impairment profoundly affects quality of life, especially retinal degenerative diseases which are the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. As for other neurodegenerative disorders, almost all retinal dystrophies are characterized by the specific loss of one or two cell types, such as retinal ganglion cells, photoreceptor cells, or retinal pigmented epithelial cells. This feature is a critical point when dealing with cell replacement strategies considering that the preservation of other cell types and retinal circuitry is a prerequisite. Retinal ganglion cells are particularly vulnerable to degenerative process and glaucoma, the most common optic neuropathy, is a frequent retinal dystrophy. Cell replacement has been proposed as a potential approach to take on the challenge of visual restoration, but its application to optic neuropathies is particularly challenging. Many obstacles need to be overcome before any clinical application. Beyond their survival and differentiation, engrafted cells have to reconnect with both upstream synaptic retinal cell partners and specific targets in the brain. To date, reconnection of retinal ganglion cells with distal central targets appears unrealistic since central nervous system is refractory to regenerative processes. Significant progress on the understanding of molecular mechanisms that prevent central nervous system regeneration offer hope to overcome this obstacle in the future. At the same time, emergence of reprogramming of human somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells has facilitated both the generation of new source of cells with therapeutic potential and the development of innovative methods for the generation of transplantable cells. In this review, we discuss the feasibility of stem cell-based strategies applied to retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve impairment. We present the different strategies for the generation, characterization and the delivery of transplantable retinal ganglion cells derived from pluripotent stem cells. The relevance of pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal organoid and retinal ganglion cells for disease modeling or drug screening will be also introduced in the context of optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olivier Goureau
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Gaël Orieux
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
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49
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Hallam D, Hilgen G, Dorgau B, Zhu L, Yu M, Bojic S, Hewitt P, Schmitt M, Uteng M, Kustermann S, Steel D, Nicholds M, Thomas R, Treumann A, Porter A, Sernagor E, Armstrong L, Lako M. Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Generate Light Responsive Retinal Organoids with Variable and Nutrient-Dependent Efficiency. Stem Cells 2018; 36:1535-1551. [PMID: 30004612 PMCID: PMC6392112 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The availability of in vitro models of the human retina in which to perform pharmacological and toxicological studies is an urgent and unmet need. An essential step for developing in vitro models of human retina is the ability to generate laminated, physiologically functional, and light-responsive retinal organoids from renewable and patient specific sources. We investigated five different human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines and showed a significant variability in their efficiency to generate retinal organoids. Despite this variability, by month 5 of differentiation, all iPSC-derived retinal organoids were able to generate light responses, albeit immature, comparable to the earliest light responses recorded from the neonatal mouse retina, close to the period of eye opening. All iPSC-derived retinal organoids exhibited at this time a well-formed outer nuclear like layer containing photoreceptors with inner segments, connecting cilium, and outer like segments. The differentiation process was highly dependent on seeding cell density and nutrient availability determined by factorial experimental design. We adopted the differentiation protocol to a multiwell plate format, which enhanced generation of retinal organoids with retinal-pigmented epithelium (RPE) and improved ganglion cell development and the response to physiological stimuli. We tested the response of iPSC-derived retinal organoids to Moxifloxacin and showed that similarly to in vivo adult mouse retina, the primary affected cell types were photoreceptors. Together our data indicate that light responsive retinal organoids derived from carefully selected and differentiation efficient iPSC lines can be generated at the scale needed for pharmacology and drug screening purposes. Stem Cells 2018;36:1535-1551.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean Hallam
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Gerrit Hilgen
- Newcastle University, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Birthe Dorgau
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lili Zhu
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Min Yu
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sanja Bojic
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | | | | | - Stefan Kustermann
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, University of Tübingen, Basel, Switzerland
| | - David Steel
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Robert Thomas
- Centre for Biological Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Achim Treumann
- Newcastle University, Newcastle University Protein and Proteome Analysis, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andrew Porter
- Newcastle University, Newcastle University Protein and Proteome Analysis, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Evelyne Sernagor
- Newcastle University, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lyle Armstrong
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Newcells Biotech, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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50
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Suga H. Application of pluripotent stem cells for treatment of human neuroendocrine disorders. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 375:267-278. [PMID: 30078102 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-2880-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The neuroendocrine system is composed of many types of functional cells. Matured cells are generally irreversible to progenitor cells and it is difficult to obtain enough from our body. Therefore, studying specific subtypes of human neuroendocrine cells in vitro has not been feasible. One of the solutions is pluripotent stem cells, such as embryonic stem (ES) cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. These are unlimited sources and, in theory, are able to give rise to all cell types of our body. Therefore, we can use them for regenerative medicine, developmental basic research and disease modeling. Based on this idea, differentiation methods have been studied for years. Recent studies have successfully induced hypothalamic-like progenitors from mouse and human ES/iPS cells. The induced hypothalamic-like progenitors generated hypothalamic neurons, for instance, vasopressin neurons. Induction to adenohypophysis was also reported in the manner of self-formation by three-dimensional floating cultures. Rathke's pouch-like structures, i.e., pituitary anlage, were self-organized in accordance with pituitary development in embryo. Pituitary hormone-producing cells were subsequently differentiated. The induced corticotrophs secreted adrenocorticotropic hormone in response to corticotropin-releasing hormone. When engrafted in vivo, these cells rescued systemic glucocorticoid levels in hypopituitary mice. These culture methods were characterized by replication of stepwise embryonic differentiation. It is based on the idea of mimicking the molecular environment of embryogenesis. Thanks to these improvements, these days, we can generate hormone-secreting neuroendocrine cells from pluripotent stem cells. The next problems that need to be solved are improving differentiation efficiency even further and structuring networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidetaka Suga
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan.
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