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Pietryga K, Jesse K, Drzyzga R, Konka A, Zembala-John J, Kowalik A, Kiełbowicz Z, Ćwirko M, Bułdak RJ, Dobrowolski D, Wylęgała E. Bio-printing method as a novel approach to obtain a fibrin scaffold settled by limbal epithelial cells for corneal regeneration. Sci Rep 2024; 14:23352. [PMID: 39375390 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-73383-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Treatment of Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD), based on autologous transplantation of the patient's stem cells, is one of the few medical stem cell therapies approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). It relies on isolating and culturing in vivo Limbal Epithelial Stem Cells (LESC) and then populating them on the fibrin substrate, creating a scaffold for corneal epithelial regeneration. Such a solution is then implanted into the patient's eye. The epithelial cell culture process is specific, and its results strongly depend on the initial cell seeding density. Achieving control of the density and repeatability of the process is a desirable aim and can contribute to the success of the therapy. The study aimed to test bioprinting as a potential technique to increase the control over LESCs seeding on a scaffold and improve process reproducibility. Cells were applied to 0.5 mm thick, flat, transparent fibrin substrates using extrusion bioprinting; the control was the traditional manual application of cells using a pipette. The use of 3D printer enabled uniform coverage of the scaffold surface, and LESCs density in printed lines was close to the targeted value. Moreover, printed cells had higher cell viability than those seeded traditionally (91.1 ± 8.2% vs 82.6 ± 12.8%). The growth rate of the epithelium was higher in bioprinted samples. In both methods, the epithelium had favorable phenotypic features (p63 + and CK14 +). 3D printing constitutes a promising approach in LSCD therapy. It provides favorable conditions for LESCs growth and process reproducibility. Its application may lead to reduced cell requirements, thereby to using fewer cells on lower passages, which will contribute to preserving LESCs proliferative potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Pietryga
- Silesian Park of Medical Technology Kardio-Med Silesia, M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 10C, 41-800, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Jesse
- Silesian Park of Medical Technology Kardio-Med Silesia, M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 10C, 41-800, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Rafał Drzyzga
- Silesian Park of Medical Technology Kardio-Med Silesia, M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 10C, 41-800, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Adam Konka
- Silesian Park of Medical Technology Kardio-Med Silesia, M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 10C, 41-800, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Joanna Zembala-John
- Acellmed, M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 10C, 41-800, Zabrze, Poland
- Department of Medicine and Environmental Epidemiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, H. Jordana 19, 41-808, Zabrze, Poland
| | | | - Zdzisław Kiełbowicz
- Department and Clinic of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marek Ćwirko
- Ophthalmology Clinical Centre SPEKTRUM, ul. Zaolziańska 4, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Rafał J Bułdak
- Acellmed, M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 10C, 41-800, Zabrze, Poland
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Opole, Oleska 48, 45-052, Opole, Poland
| | - Dariusz Dobrowolski
- Chair and Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Panewnicka 65, 40-760, Katowice, Poland.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Trauma Center, St. Barbara Hospital, Medyków Square 1, 41-200, Sosnowiec, Poland.
| | - Edward Wylęgała
- Chair and Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Panewnicka 65, 40-760, Katowice, Poland
- Chair Vice-Rector for Development and Technology Transfer (Chair End Ophthalmology Departament in Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Railway Hospital in Katowice), Katowice, Poland
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Suanno G, Genna VG, Maurizi E, Dieh AA, Griffith M, Ferrari G. Cell therapy in the cornea: The emerging role of microenvironment. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 102:101275. [PMID: 38797320 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The cornea is an ideal testing field for cell therapies. Its highly ordered structure, where specific cell populations are sequestered in different layers, together with its accessibility, has allowed the development of the first stem cell-based therapy approved by the European Medicine Agency. Today, different techniques have been proposed for autologous and allogeneic limbal and non-limbal cell transplantation. Cell replacement has also been attempted in cases of endothelial cell decompensation as it occurs in Fuchs dystrophy: injection of cultivated allogeneic endothelial cells is now in advanced phases of clinical development. Recently, stromal substitutes have been developed with excellent integration capability and transparency. Finally, cell-derived products, such as exosomes obtained from different sources, have been investigated for the treatment of severe corneal diseases with encouraging results. Optimization of the success rate of cell therapies obviously requires high-quality cultured cells/products, but the role of the surrounding microenvironment is equally important to allow engraftment of transplanted cells, to preserve their functions and, ultimately, lead to restoration of tissue integrity and transparency of the cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Suanno
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Eye Repair Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Maurizi
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine ''S. Ferrari'', University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Anas Abu Dieh
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - May Griffith
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Giulio Ferrari
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Eye Repair Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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Sprogyte L, Park M, Nureen L, Tedla N, Richardson A, Di Girolamo N. Development and characterization of a preclinical mouse model of alkali-induced limbal stem cell deficiency. Ocul Surf 2024; 34:329-340. [PMID: 39214186 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2024.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) secondary to ocular surface alkali burn is a blinding condition that features corneal conjunctivalization. Mechanistic insights into its pathophysiology are lacking. Here, we developed a mouse model that recapitulates human disease to comprehensively delineate the clinicopathological features of a conjunctivalized cornea. METHODS LSCD was induced in the right eyes of 6-8-week-old C57BL/6 male and female mice (n = 151) by topical administration of 0.25N sodium hydroxide on the cornea. Uninjured left eyes served as controls. Clinical, histological, phenotypic, molecular, and immunological assessments were performed at multiple time-points over 6-months. RESULTS Clinically, alkali burn caused persistent corneal opacity (p = 0.0014), increased punctate staining (p = 0.0002), and reduced epithelial thickness (p = 0.0082) compared to controls. Total LSCD was confirmed in corneal whole mounts by loss of K12 protein (p < 0.0001) and mRNA expression (p = 0.0090). Instead, K8+, K13+, K15+ and MUC5AC+ conjunctival epithelia prevailed. 20 % of injured corneas developed islands of K12+ epithelia, suggesting epithelial transdifferentiation. Squamous metaplasia was detected in 50 % of injured corneas. Goblet cell density peaked early post-injury but decreased over time (p = 0.0047). Intraepithelial corneal basal nerve density remained reduced even at 6-months post-injury (p = 0.0487). CONCLUSIONS We developed and comprehensively characterized a preclinical mouse model of alkali-induced LSCD. Understanding the pathophysiological processes that transpire on the ocular surface in LSCD is key to discovering, testing, and advancing biological and pharmacological interventions that can be dispensed prior to or in conjunction with stem cell therapy to rehabilitate the cornea and restore vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Sprogyte
- Mechanisms of Disease and Translational Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Mijeong Park
- Mechanisms of Disease and Translational Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Lamia Nureen
- Mechanisms of Disease and Translational Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Nicodemus Tedla
- Mechanisms of Disease and Translational Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Alexander Richardson
- Mechanisms of Disease and Translational Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Nick Di Girolamo
- Mechanisms of Disease and Translational Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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Li S, Sun H, Chen L, Fu Y. Targeting limbal epithelial stem cells: master conductors of corneal epithelial regeneration from the bench to multilevel theranostics. J Transl Med 2024; 22:794. [PMID: 39198892 PMCID: PMC11350997 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05603-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The cornea is the outermost layer of the eye and plays an essential role in our visual system. Limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs), which are localized to a highly regulated limbal niche, are the master conductors of corneal epithelial regeneration. Damage to LESCs and their niche may result in limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), a disease confused ophthalmologists so many years and can lead to corneal conjunctivalization, neovascularization, and even blindness. How to restore the LESCs function is the hot topic for ocular scientists and clinicians around the world. This review introduced LESCs and the niche microenvironment, outlined various techniques for isolating and culturing LESCs used in LSCD research, presented common diseases that cause LSCD, and provided a comprehensive overview of both the diagnosis and multiple treatments for LSCD from basic research to clinical therapies, especially the emerging cell therapies based on various stem cell sources. In addition, we also innovatively concluded the latest strategies in recent years, including exogenous drugs, tissue engineering, nanotechnology, exosome and gene therapy, as well as the ongoing clinical trials for treating LSCD in recent five years. Finally, we highlighted challenges from bench to bedside in LSCD and discussed cutting-edge areas in LSCD therapeutic research. We hope that this review could pave the way for future research and translation on treating LSCD, a crucial step in the field of ocular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiding Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, 639 Zhizaoju Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, 639 Zhizaoju Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Liangbo Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, 639 Zhizaoju Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Yao Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, 639 Zhizaoju Rd, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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Trousil J, Cabral JV, Voukali E, Nováčková J, Pop-Georgievski O, Vacík T, Studený P, Studenovska H, Jirsova K. Electrospun poly(l-lactide- co-dl-lactide) nanofibrous scaffold as substrate for ex vivo limbal epithelial cell cultivation. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30970. [PMID: 38803982 PMCID: PMC11128869 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Ultrathin electrospun poly (l-lactide-co-dl-lactide) nanofibrous membranes coated with fibronectin were explored as scaffolds for the ex vivo cultivation of limbal epithelial cells (LECs) for the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency. The developed scaffolds were compared with the "gold-standard" fibrin gel. The resulting membranes composed of nanofibers possessed a very low thickness of 4 μm and allowed very good optical transparency in the wet state. The fibronectin-coated nanofibrous scaffolds demonstrated LEC expansion and successful cultivation similar to that on fibrin gel. Unlike the regular cobblestone epithelial cell morphology on the fibrin gel, the nanofibrous scaffold presented a mostly irregular epithelial morphology with a shift to a mesenchymal phenotype, as confirmed by the upregulation of profibroblastic genes: ACTA2 (p = 0.023), FBLN1 (p < 0.001), and THY1 (p < 0.001). Both culture conditions revealed comparable expression of stem cell markers, including KLF4, ΔNp63α and ABCG2, emphasizing the promise of polylactide-based nanofibrous membranes for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiří Trousil
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Joao Victor Cabral
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eleni Voukali
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Nováčková
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ognen Pop-Georgievski
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Vacík
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Studený
- Ophthalmology Department, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Studenovska
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Jirsova
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
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Verma S, Lin X, Coulson-Thomas VJ. The Potential Reversible Transition between Stem Cells and Transient-Amplifying Cells: The Limbal Epithelial Stem Cell Perspective. Cells 2024; 13:748. [PMID: 38727284 PMCID: PMC11083486 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Stem cells (SCs) undergo asymmetric division, producing transit-amplifying cells (TACs) with increased proliferative potential that move into tissues and ultimately differentiate into a specialized cell type. Thus, TACs represent an intermediary state between stem cells and differentiated cells. In the cornea, a population of stem cells resides in the limbal region, named the limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs). As LESCs proliferate, they generate TACs that move centripetally into the cornea and differentiate into corneal epithelial cells. Upon limbal injury, research suggests a population of progenitor-like cells that exists within the cornea can move centrifugally into the limbus, where they dedifferentiate into LESCs. Herein, we summarize recent advances made in understanding the mechanism that governs the differentiation of LESCs into TACs, and thereafter, into corneal epithelial cells. We also outline the evidence in support of the existence of progenitor-like cells in the cornea and whether TACs could represent a population of cells with progenitor-like capabilities within the cornea. Furthermore, to gain further insights into the dynamics of TACs in the cornea, we outline the most recent findings in other organ systems that support the hypothesis that TACs can dedifferentiate into SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhir Verma
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, 4901 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204, USA;
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110078, India
| | - Xiao Lin
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, 4901 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204, USA;
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Hariton WV, Schulze K, Rahimi S, Shojaeian T, Feldmeyer L, Schwob R, Overmiller AM, Sayar BS, Borradori L, Mahoney MG, Galichet A, Müller EJ. A desmosomal cadherin controls multipotent hair follicle stem cell quiescence and orchestrates regeneration through adhesion signaling. iScience 2023; 26:108568. [PMID: 38162019 PMCID: PMC10755723 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Stem cells (SCs) are critical to maintain tissue homeostasis. However, it is currently not known whether signaling through cell junctions protects quiescent epithelial SC reservoirs from depletion during disease-inflicted damage. Using the autoimmune model disease pemphigus vulgaris (PV), this study reveals an unprecedented role for a desmosomal cadherin in governing SC quiescence and regeneration through adhesion signaling in the multipotent mouse hair follicle compartment known as the bulge. Autoantibody-mediated, mechanical uncoupling of desmoglein (Dsg) 3 transadhesion activates quiescent bulge SC which lose their multipotency and stemness, become actively cycling, and finally delaminate from their epithelial niche. This then initiates a self-organized regenerative program which restores Dsg3 function and bulge morphology including SC quiescence and multipotency. These profound changes are triggered by the sole loss of functional Dsg3, resemble major signaling events in Dsg3-/- mice, and are driven by SC-relevant EGFR activation and Wnt modulation requiring longitudinal repression of Hedgehog signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- William V.J. Hariton
- Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Molecular Dermatology and Stem Cell Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- DermFocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Katja Schulze
- DermFocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Siavash Rahimi
- Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Molecular Dermatology and Stem Cell Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- DermFocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Taravat Shojaeian
- Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Molecular Dermatology and Stem Cell Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- DermFocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Laurence Feldmeyer
- Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Roman Schwob
- DermFocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew M. Overmiller
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Beyza S. Sayar
- Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Molecular Dermatology and Stem Cell Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- DermFocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Luca Borradori
- Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- DermFocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mỹ G. Mahoney
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Arnaud Galichet
- Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Molecular Dermatology and Stem Cell Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- DermFocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eliane J. Müller
- Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Molecular Dermatology and Stem Cell Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- DermFocus, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Zekušić M, Bujić Mihica M, Skoko M, Vukušić K, Risteski P, Martinčić J, Tolić IM, Bendelja K, Ramić S, Dolenec T, Vrgoč Zimić I, Puljić D, Petric Vicković I, Iveković R, Batarilo I, Prosenc Zmrzljak U, Hoffmeister A, Vučemilo T. New characterization and safety evaluation of human limbal stem cells used in clinical application: fidelity of mitotic process and mitotic spindle morphologies. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:368. [PMID: 38093301 PMCID: PMC10720168 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03586-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limbal stem cells (LSCs) are crucial for the regeneration of the corneal epithelium in patients with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). Thus, LSCs during cultivation in vitro should be in highly homogeneous amounts, while potency and expression of stemness without tumorigenesis would be desirable. Therefore, further characterization and safety evaluation of engineered limbal grafts is required to provide safe and high-quality therapeutic applications. METHODS After in vitro expansion, LSCs undergo laboratory characterization in a single-cell suspension, cell culture, and in limbal grafts before transplantation. Using a clinically applicable protocol, the data collected on LSCs at passage 1 were summarized, including: identity (cell size, morphology); potency (yield, viability, population doubling time, colony-forming efficiency); expression of putative stem cell markers through flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. Then, mitotic chromosome stability and normal mitotic outcomes were explored by using live-cell imaging. Finally, impurities, bacterial endotoxins and sterility were determined. RESULTS Expression of the stemness marker p63 in single-cell suspension and in cell culture showed high values by different methods. Limbal grafts showed p63-positive cells (78.7 ± 9.4%), Ki67 proliferation (41.7 ± 15.9%), while CK3 was negative. Impurity with 3T3 feeder cells and endotoxins was minimized. We presented mitotic spindles with a length of 11.40 ± 0.54 m and a spindle width of 8.05 ± 0.55 m as new characterization in LSC culture. Additionally, live-cell imaging of LSCs (n = 873) was performed, and only a small fraction < 2.5% of aberrant interphase cells was observed; 2.12 ± 2.10% of mitotic spindles exhibited a multipolar phenotype during metaphase, and 3.84 ± 3.77% of anaphase cells had a DNA signal present within the spindle midzone, indicating a chromosome bridge or lagging chromosome phenotype. CONCLUSION This manuscript provides, for the first time, detailed characterization of the parameters of fidelity of the mitotic process and mitotic spindle morphologies of LSCs used in a direct clinical application. Our data show that p63-positive CK3-negative LSCs grown in vitro for clinical purposes undergo mitotic processes with extremely high fidelity, suggesting high karyotype stability. This finding confirms LSCs as a high-quality and safe therapy for eye regeneration in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Zekušić
- Department of Transfusion and Regenerative Medicine, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Bujić Mihica
- Department of Transfusion and Regenerative Medicine, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Marija Skoko
- Department of Transfusion and Regenerative Medicine, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Kruno Vukušić
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Patrik Risteski
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jelena Martinčić
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Iva M Tolić
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Krešo Bendelja
- Center for Research and Knowledge Transfer in Biotechnology, Laboratory of Immunology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Snježana Ramić
- Department of Oncological Pathology and Clinical Cytology 'Ljudevit Jurak', University Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tamara Dolenec
- Department of Transfusion and Regenerative Medicine, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivana Vrgoč Zimić
- Department of Transfusion and Regenerative Medicine, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dominik Puljić
- Department of Transfusion and Regenerative Medicine, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivanka Petric Vicković
- Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Renata Iveković
- Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivanka Batarilo
- Department of Microbiology, Croatian Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Uršula Prosenc Zmrzljak
- Molecular Biology Department, BIA Separations CRO, Labena d.O.O, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Labena d.o.o, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Tiha Vučemilo
- Department of Transfusion and Regenerative Medicine, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
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Saranya P, Shekhar M, Haripriya A, Muthukkaruppan V, Gowri Priya C. Towards the Identification and Characterization of Putative Adult Human Lens Epithelial Stem Cells. Cells 2023; 12:2727. [PMID: 38067155 PMCID: PMC10706574 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The anterior lens epithelium has the ability to differentiate into lens fibres throughout its life. The present study aims to identify and functionally characterize the adult stem cells in the human lens epithelium. Whole mounts of lens epithelium from donor eyes (normal/cataract) were immunostained for SOX2, gap junction protein alpha 1 (GJA1), PAX6, α, β and γ-crystallins, followed by a confocal analysis. The functional property of adult stem cells was analysed by their sphere forming ability using cultured lens epithelial cells from different zones. Based on marker expression, the lens epithelium was divided into four zones: the central zone, characterized by a small population of PAX6+, GJA1-, β-crystallin- and γ-crystallin- cells; the germinative zone, characterized by PAX6+, GJA1+, β-crystallin- and γ-crystallin-; the transitional zone, characterized by PAX6+, GJA1+, β-crystallin+ and γ-crystallin-; and the equatorial zone, characterized by PAX6+/-, GJA1+, β-crystallin+, and γ-crystallin+ cells. The putative lens epithelial stem cells identified as SOX2+ and GJA1 membrane expression negative cells were located only in the central zone (1.89 ± 0.84%). Compared to the other zones, a significant percentage of spheres were identified in the central zone (1.68 ± 1.04%), consistent with the location of the putative adult lens epithelial stem cells. In the cataractous lens, an absence of SOX2 expression and a significant reduction in sphere forming ability (0.33 ± 0.11%) were observed in the central zone. The above findings confirmed the presence of putative stem cells in the central zone of the adult human lens epithelium and indicated their probable association with cataract development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pandi Saranya
- Department of Immunology and Stem Cell Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai 625020, India; (P.S.); (V.M.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation—Affiliated to Alagappa University, Karaikudi 630003, India
| | - Madhu Shekhar
- Cataract and IOL Services, Aravind Eye Hospital and Post Graduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai 625020, India;
| | - Aravind Haripriya
- Intraocular Lens and Cataract Services, Aravind Eye Hospital, Chennai 600077, India;
| | - Veerappan Muthukkaruppan
- Department of Immunology and Stem Cell Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai 625020, India; (P.S.); (V.M.)
| | - Chidambaranathan Gowri Priya
- Department of Immunology and Stem Cell Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai 625020, India; (P.S.); (V.M.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation—Affiliated to Alagappa University, Karaikudi 630003, India
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10
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Ragazzini R, Boeing S, Zanieri L, Green M, D'Agostino G, Bartolovic K, Agua-Doce A, Greco M, Watson SA, Batsivari A, Ariza-McNaughton L, Gjinovci A, Scoville D, Nam A, Hayday AC, Bonnet D, Bonfanti P. Defining the identity and the niches of epithelial stem cells with highly pleiotropic multilineage potency in the human thymus. Dev Cell 2023; 58:2428-2446.e9. [PMID: 37652013 PMCID: PMC10957394 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Thymus is necessary for lifelong immunological tolerance and immunity. It displays a distinctive epithelial complexity and undergoes age-dependent atrophy. Nonetheless, it also retains regenerative capacity, which, if harnessed appropriately, might permit rejuvenation of adaptive immunity. By characterizing cortical and medullary compartments in the human thymus at single-cell resolution, in this study we have defined specific epithelial populations, including those that share properties with bona fide stem cells (SCs) of lifelong regenerating epidermis. Thymic epithelial SCs display a distinctive transcriptional profile and phenotypic traits, including pleiotropic multilineage potency, to give rise to several cell types that were not previously considered to have shared origin. Using here identified SC markers, we have defined their cortical and medullary niches and shown that, in vitro, the cells display long-term clonal expansion and self-organizing capacity. These data substantively broaden our knowledge of SC biology and set a stage for tackling thymic atrophy and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Ragazzini
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Division of Infection & Immunity, UCL, Pears Building, Rosslyn Hill, London NW3 2PP, UK
| | - Stefan Boeing
- Bioinformatics & Biostatistics, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Luca Zanieri
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Division of Infection & Immunity, UCL, Pears Building, Rosslyn Hill, London NW3 2PP, UK
| | - Mary Green
- Experimental Histopathology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Giuseppe D'Agostino
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Plasticell Limited, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2FX, UK
| | - Kerol Bartolovic
- Flow Cytometry Core, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Ana Agua-Doce
- Flow Cytometry Core, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Maria Greco
- Single Cell Facility, MRC WIMM, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Sara A Watson
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Antoniana Batsivari
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Linda Ariza-McNaughton
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Asllan Gjinovci
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Division of Infection & Immunity, UCL, Pears Building, Rosslyn Hill, London NW3 2PP, UK
| | | | - Andy Nam
- NanoString Technologies Inc., Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Adrian C Hayday
- Immunosurveillance Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Dominique Bonnet
- Haematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Paola Bonfanti
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Division of Infection & Immunity, UCL, Pears Building, Rosslyn Hill, London NW3 2PP, UK.
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11
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Alemi H, Dehghani S, Forouzanfar K, Surico PL, Narimatsu A, Musayeva A, Sharifi S, Wang S, Dohlman TH, Yin J, Chen Y, Dana R. Insights into mustard gas keratopathy- characterizing corneal layer-specific changes in mice exposed to nitrogen mustard. Exp Eye Res 2023; 236:109657. [PMID: 37722586 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to mustard agents, such as sulfur mustard (SM) and nitrogen mustard (NM), often results in ocular surface damage. This can lead to the emergence of various corneal disorders that are collectively referred to as mustard gas keratopathy (MGK). In this study, we aimed to develop a mouse model of MGK by using ocular NM exposure, and describe the subsequent structural changes analyzed across the different layers of the cornea. A 3 μL solution of 0.25 mg/mL or 5 mg/mL NM was applied to the center of the cornea via a 2-mm filter paper for 5 min. Mice were evaluated prior to and after exposure on days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 for 4 weeks using slit lamp examination with fluorescein staining. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) tracked changes in the epithelium, stroma, and endothelium of the cornea. Histologic evaluation was used to examine corneal cross-sections collected at the completion of follow-up. Following exposure, mice experienced central corneal epithelial erosion and thinning, accompanied by a decreased number of nerve branches in the subbasal plexus and increased activated keratocytes in the stroma in both dosages. The epithelium was recovered by day 3 in the low dose group, followed by exacerbated punctuate erosions alongside persistent corneal edema that arose and continued onward to four weeks post-exposure. The high dose group showed persistent epitheliopathy throughout the study. The endothelial cell density was reduced, more prominent in the high dose group, early after NM exposure, which persisted until the end of follow-up, along with increased polymegethism and pleomorphism. Microstructural changes in the central cornea at 4 weeks post-exposure included dysmorphic basal epithelial cells and reduced epithelial thickness, and in the limbal cornea included decreased cellular layers. We present a mouse model of MGK using NM that successfully replicates ocular injury caused by SM in humans who have been exposed to mustard gas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Alemi
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shima Dehghani
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katayoon Forouzanfar
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pier Luigi Surico
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Akitomo Narimatsu
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aytan Musayeva
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sina Sharifi
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shudan Wang
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas H Dohlman
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jia Yin
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yihe Chen
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Reza Dana
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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12
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Li Y, Giovannini S, Wang T, Fang J, Li P, Shao C, Wang Y, Shi Y, Candi E, Melino G, Bernassola F. p63: a crucial player in epithelial stemness regulation. Oncogene 2023; 42:3371-3384. [PMID: 37848625 PMCID: PMC10638092 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02859-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial tissue homeostasis is closely associated with the self-renewal and differentiation behaviors of epithelial stem cells (ESCs). p63, a well-known marker of ESCs, is an indispensable factor for their biological activities during epithelial development. The diversity of p63 isoforms expressed in distinct tissues allows this transcription factor to have a wide array of effects. p63 coordinates the transcription of genes involved in cell survival, stem cell self-renewal, migration, differentiation, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Through the regulation of these biological processes, p63 contributes to, not only normal epithelial development, but also epithelium-derived cancer pathogenesis. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of p63 in epithelial stemness regulation, including self-renewal, differentiation, proliferation, and senescence. We describe the differential expression of TAp63 and ΔNp63 isoforms and their distinct functional activities in normal epithelial tissues and in epithelium-derived tumors. Furthermore, we summarize the signaling cascades modulating the TAp63 and ΔNp63 isoforms as well as their downstream pathways in stemness regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Li
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Sara Giovannini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Tingting Wang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Jiankai Fang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Peishan Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Changshun Shao
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yufang Shi
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico Immacolata (IDI-IRCCS), 00100, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Bernassola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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13
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Kauppila M, Mörö A, Valle-Delgado JJ, Ihalainen T, Sukki L, Puistola P, Kallio P, Ilmarinen T, Österberg M, Skottman H. Toward Corneal Limbus In Vitro Model: Regulation of hPSC-LSC Phenotype by Matrix Stiffness and Topography During Cell Differentiation Process. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301396. [PMID: 37449943 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
A functional limbal epithelial stem cells (LSC) niche is a vital element in the regular renewal of the corneal epithelium by LSCs and maintenance of good vision. However, little is known about its unique structure and mechanical properties on LSC regulation, creating a significant gap in development of LSC-based therapies. Herein, the effect of mechanical and architectural elements of the niche on human pluripotent derived LSCs (hPSC-LSC) phenotype and growth is investigated in vitro. Specifically, three formulations of polyacrylamide gels with different controlled stiffnesses are used for culture and characterization of hPSC-LSCs from different stages of differentiation. In addition, limbal mimicking topography in polydimethylsiloxane is utilized for culturing hPSC-LSCs at early time point of differentiation. For comparison, the expression of selected key proteins of the corneal cells is analyzed in their native environment through whole mount staining of human donor corneas. The results suggest that mechanical response and substrate preference of the cells is highly dependent on their developmental stage. In addition, data indicate that cells may carry possible mechanical memory from previous culture matrix, both highlighting the importance of mechanical design of a functional in vitro limbus model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maija Kauppila
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, 33520, Finland
| | - Anni Mörö
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, 33520, Finland
| | - Juan José Valle-Delgado
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, 02150, Finland
| | - Teemu Ihalainen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, 33520, Finland
| | - Lassi Sukki
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, 33520, Finland
| | - Paula Puistola
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, 33520, Finland
| | - Pasi Kallio
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, 33520, Finland
| | - Tanja Ilmarinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, 33520, Finland
| | - Monika Österberg
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, 02150, Finland
| | - Heli Skottman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, 33520, Finland
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14
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Bonnet C, González S, Deng SX, Zheng JJ. Wnt activation as a potential therapeutic approach to treat partial limbal stem cell deficiency. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15670. [PMID: 37735479 PMCID: PMC10514048 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42794-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Limbal epithelial stem/progenitor cells (LSCs) are adult stem cells located at the limbus, tightly regulated by their niche involving numerous signaling pathways, such as Wnt. Wnt proteins are secreted morphogens that play critical roles in embryonic development, stem cell proliferation, self-renewal, tissue regeneration, and remodeling in adults. It has been shown that a small molecule Wnt mimic could improve LSCs expansion ex vivo. Damage to the LSCs and/or their niche can lead to limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), a condition that can cause corneal blindness and is difficult to treat. This study explored if repopulating residual LSCs in partial LSCD through Wnt activation could be a novel therapeutic approach. To mimic LSCD due to a chemical injury, single cultured LSCs were exposed to various concentrations of sodium hydroxide. A progressive loss of the LSCs phenotype was observed: the percentage of p63bright cells and cytokeratin (K)14+ cells decreased while the percentage of K12+ increased. Wnt activation was attained by treating the LSCs with lithium chloride (LiCl) and a small-molecule Wnt mimic, respectively. After 18 h of treatment, LSCs proliferation was increased, and the LSCs phenotype was recovered, while the untreated cells did not proliferate and lost their phenotype. The percentage of p63bright cells was significantly higher in the Wnt mimic-treated cells compared with untreated cells, while the percentage of K12+ cells was significantly lower. These findings suggest that local Wnt activation may rescue LSCs upon alkaline injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Bonnet
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 100 Stein Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- INSERM, UMRS1138, Team 17, From Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases to Clinical Development, Cordeliers Research Center, Ophthalmology Department, Cochin Hospital, AP-HP, Université Paris Cité, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Sheyla González
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 100 Stein Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Sophie X Deng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 100 Stein Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Jie J Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 100 Stein Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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15
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Jurkunas UV, Yin J, Johns LK, Li S, Negre H, Shaw KL, Samarakoon L, Ayala AR, Kheirkhah A, Katikireddy K, Gauthier A, Ong Tone S, Kaufman AR, Ellender S, Hernandez Rodriguez DE, Daley H, Dana R, Armant M, Ritz J. Cultivated autologous limbal epithelial cell (CALEC) transplantation: Development of manufacturing process and clinical evaluation of feasibility and safety. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg6470. [PMID: 37595035 PMCID: PMC10438443 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg6470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
To treat unilateral limbal stem cell (LSC) deficiency, we developed cultivated autologous limbal epithelial cells (CALEC) using an innovative xenobiotic-free, serum-free, antibiotic-free, two-step manufacturing process for LSC isolation and expansion onto human amniotic membrane with rigorous quality control in a good manufacturing practices facility. Limbal biopsies were used to generate CALEC constructs, and final grafts were evaluated by noninvasive scanning microscopy and tested for viability and sterility. Cultivated cells maintained epithelial cell phenotype with colony-forming and proliferative capacities. Analysis of LSC biomarkers showed preservation of "stemness." After preclinical development, a phase 1 clinical trial enrolled five patients with unilateral LSC deficiency. Four of these patients received CALEC transplants, establishing preliminary feasibility. Clinical case histories are reported, with no primary safety events. On the basis of these results, a second recruitment phase of the trial was opened to provide longer term safety and efficacy data on more patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ula V. Jurkunas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jia Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lynette K. Johns
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sanming Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Helene Negre
- Connell and O'Reilly Families Cell Manipulation Core Facility, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kit L. Shaw
- Connell and O'Reilly Families Cell Manipulation Core Facility, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Ahmad Kheirkhah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kishore Katikireddy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alex Gauthier
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephan Ong Tone
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron R. Kaufman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stacey Ellender
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Heather Daley
- Connell and O'Reilly Families Cell Manipulation Core Facility, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Reza Dana
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Myriam Armant
- TransLab, Translational Research Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jerome Ritz
- Connell and O'Reilly Families Cell Manipulation Core Facility, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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16
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Feinberg K, Tajdaran K, Mirmoeini K, Daeschler SC, Henriquez MA, Stevens KE, Mulenga CM, Hussain A, Hamrah P, Ali A, Gordon T, Borschel GH. The Role of Sensory Innervation in Homeostatic and Injury-Induced Corneal Epithelial Renewal. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12615. [PMID: 37628793 PMCID: PMC10454376 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The cornea is the window through which we see the world. Corneal clarity is required for vision, and blindness occurs when the cornea becomes opaque. The cornea is covered by unique transparent epithelial cells that serve as an outermost cellular barrier bordering between the cornea and the external environment. Corneal sensory nerves protect the cornea from injury by triggering tearing and blink reflexes, and are also thought to regulate corneal epithelial renewal via unknown mechanism(s). When protective corneal sensory innervation is absent due to infection, trauma, intracranial tumors, surgery, or congenital causes, permanent blindness results from repetitive epithelial microtraumas and failure to heal. The condition is termed neurotrophic keratopathy (NK), with an incidence of 5:10,000 people worldwide. In this report, we review the currently available therapeutic solutions for NK and discuss the progress in our understanding of how the sensory nerves induce corneal epithelial renewal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Feinberg
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Kiana Tajdaran
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Kaveh Mirmoeini
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Simeon C. Daeschler
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Hospital, Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University of Heidelberg, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Mario A. Henriquez
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Katelyn E. Stevens
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Chilando M. Mulenga
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Arif Hussain
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Pedram Hamrah
- Cornea Service, New England Eye Center, Tufts Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Asim Ali
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3A9, Canada
| | - Tessa Gordon
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Gregory H. Borschel
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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17
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Xu P, Lin X, Dong X, Liu Y, Wang Z, Wang S. Trigeminal nerve-derived substance P regulates limbal stem cells by the PI3K-AKT pathway. iScience 2023; 26:106688. [PMID: 37187698 PMCID: PMC10176256 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Trigeminal nerve-derived substance P (SP), a widespread neuropeptide, is known to maintain the corneal epithelial homeostasis and promote the closure of wound healing. Using comprehensive in vivo and in vitro assays and RNA-sequencing analysis, we aimed to unveil the positive effects of SP on the biological characteristics of limbal stem cells (LSCs) and the underlying mechanism. SP enhanced the proliferation and stemness of LSCs in vitro. Correspondingly, it rescued corneal defects, corneal sensitivity, and the expression of LSC-positive markers in a neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) mouse model in vivo. Topical injection of a neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) antagonist caused similar pathological changes as in corneal denervated mice and attenuated LSC-positive markers levels. Mechanistically, we revealed that SP regulated LSCs functions by modulating the PI3K-AKT pathway. Our findings showed that the trigeminal nerve regulates LSCs by releasing SP, which may provide new insights into the regulation of LSCs' fate and stem cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Xu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiongshi Lin
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xing Dong
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhichong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Corresponding author
| | - Shuangyong Wang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Corresponding author
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18
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Alemi H, Dehghani S, Musayeva A, Nadari A, Narimatsu A, Sharifi S, Forouzanfar K, Wang S, Dohlman TH, Yin J, Chen Y, Dana R. Insights into mustard gas keratopathy: Characterizing corneal layer-specific changes in mice exposed to nitrogen mustard. Exp Eye Res 2023:109495. [PMID: 37142048 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to mustard agents, such as sulfur mustard (SM) and nitrogen mustard (NM), often results in ocular surface damage. This can lead to the emergence of various corneal disorders that are collectively referred to as mustard gas keratopathy (MGK). In this study, we aimed to develop a mouse model of MGK by using ocular NM exposure, and describe the subsequent structural changes analyzed across the different layers of the cornea. A 3 μL solution of 0.25 mg/mL NM was applied to the center of the cornea via a 2-mm filter paper for 5 min. Mice were evaluated prior to and after exposure on days 1 and 3, and weekly for 4 weeks using slit lamp examination with fluorescein staining. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) tracked changes in the epithelium, stroma, and endothelium of the cornea. Histologic evaluation and immunostaining were used to examine corneal cross-sections collected at the completion of follow-up. A biphasic ocular injury was observed in mice exposed to NM, most prominent in the corneal epithelium and anterior stroma. Following exposure, mice experienced central corneal epithelial erosions and thinning, accompanied by a decreased number of nerve branches in the subbasal plexus and increased activated keratocytes in the stroma. The epithelium was recovered by day 3, followed by exacerbated punctuate erosions alongside persistent stromal edema that arose and continued onward to four weeks post-exposure. The endothelial cell density was reduced on the first day after NM exposure, which persisted until the end of follow-up, along with increased polymegethism and pleomorphism. Microstructural changes in the central cornea at this time included dysmorphic basal epithelial cells, and in the limbal cornea included decreased cellular layers and p63+ area, along with increased DNA oxidization. We present a mouse model of MGK using NM that successfully replicates ocular injury caused by SM in humans who have been exposed to mustard gas. Our research suggests DNA oxidation contributes to the long-term effects of nitrogen mustard on limbal stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Alemi
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shima Dehghani
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aytan Musayeva
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amirreza Nadari
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Akitomo Narimatsu
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sina Sharifi
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katayoun Forouzanfar
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shudan Wang
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas H Dohlman
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jia Yin
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yihe Chen
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Reza Dana
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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19
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Hsueh YJ, Meir YJJ, Hsiao HY, Cheng CM, Ma HKD, Wu WC, Chen HC. Transcription Factor ATF3 Participates in DeltaNp63-Mediated Proliferation of Corneal Epithelial Cells. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13040700. [PMID: 37109086 PMCID: PMC10142479 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13040700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the regulatory mechanisms underlying corneal epithelial cell (CEC) proliferation in vitro may provide the means to boost CEC production in cell therapy for ocular disorders. The transcription factor ΔNp63 plays a crucial role in the proliferation of CECs, but the underlying mechanisms is yet to be elucidated. TP63 and ΔNp63 are encoded by the TP63 gene via alternative promoters. We previously reported that both ΔNp63 and activating transcription factor (ATF3) are substantially expressed in cultured CECs, but the regulatory relationship between ΔNp63 and ATF3 is unknown. In the present study, we found that ΔNp63 increased ATF3 expression and ATF3 promoter activity in cultured CECs. The deletion of the p63 binding core site reduced ATF3 promoter activity. CECs overexpressing ATF3 exhibited significantly greater proliferation than control CECs. ATF3 knockdown suppressed the ΔNp63-induced increase in cell proliferation. Overexpression of ATF3 in CECs significantly elevated protein and mRNA levels of cyclin D. The protein levels of keratin 3/14, integrin β1, and involucrin did not differ between ATF3-overexpressing CECs, ATF3-downregulated CECs, and control cells. In conclusion, our results suggest that ΔNp63 increases CEC proliferation via the ΔNp63/ATF3/CDK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Jen Hsueh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Yaa-Jyuhn James Meir
- Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Yi Hsiao
- Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Min Cheng
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Kang David Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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20
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A Novel Technique of Amniotic Membrane Preparation Mimicking Limbal Epithelial Crypts Enhances the Number of Progenitor Cells upon Expansion. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050738. [PMID: 36899873 PMCID: PMC10001367 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate whether a novel technique of human amniotic membrane (HAM) preparation that mimics the crypts in the limbus enhances the number of progenitor cells cultured ex vivo. The HAMs were sutured on polyester membrane (1) standardly, to obtain a flat HAM surface, or (2) loosely, achieving the radial folding to mimic crypts in the limbus. Immunohistochemistry was used to demonstrate a higher number of cells positive for progenitor markers p63α (37.56 ± 3.34% vs. 62.53 ± 3.32%, p = 0.01) and SOX9 (35.53 ± 0.96% vs. 43.23 ± 2.32%, p = 0.04), proliferation marker Ki-67 (8.43 ± 0.38 % vs. 22.38 ± 1.95 %, p = 0.002) in the crypt-like HAMs vs. flat HAMs, while no difference was found for the quiescence marker CEBPD (22.99 ± 2.96% vs. 30.49 ± 3.33 %, p = 0.17). Most of the cells stained negative for the corneal epithelial differentiation marker KRT3/12, and some were positive for N-cadherin in the crypt-like structures, but there was no difference in staining for E-cadherin and CX43 in crypt-like HAMs vs. flat HAMs. This novel HAM preparation method enhanced the number of progenitor cells expanded in the crypt-like HAM compared to cultures on the conventional flat HAM.
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21
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Oie Y, Sugita S, Yokokura S, Nakazawa T, Tomida D, Satake Y, Shimazaki J, Hara Y, Shiraishi A, Quantock AJ, Ogasawara T, Inoie M, Nishida K. Clinical Trial of Autologous Cultivated Limbal Epithelial Cell Sheet Transplantation for Patients with Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. Ophthalmology 2023; 130:608-614. [PMID: 36736434 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2023.01.016] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE OR PURPOSE To confirm the efficacy and safety of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant autologous cultivated limbal epithelial cell sheets in government-controlled clinical trials that adhered to Good Clinical Practice stipulations for patients with unilateral limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). DESIGN A prospective, multi-center, open-label, uncontrolled, single-arm clinical trial. SUBJECTS, PARTICIPANTS OR CONTROLS Ten consecutive eyes of 10 patients with unilateral LSCD were followed for two years after surgery. Preoperative LSCD stage was IIB in four eyes and III in six eyes. METHODS A limbal tissue biopsy was obtained from the healthy eye, after which limbal stem cells were dissociated and cultivated on temperature-responsive culture surfaces. All cell sheets were fabricated in a GMP-grade facility under established standard operating procedures. Cell sheets were evaluated using defined shipment criteria before transplantation, and only those that met the criteria were used. The cell sheet was transplanted onto each of the patients' diseased eye after removing the conjunctival scar tissue that covered the corneal surface. The severity of LSCD was determined according to a staging method agreed upon by global consensus, with eyes evaluated as being in stages IA-C representing successful corneal epithelial reconstruction. LSCD diagnosis and staging were determined by the trial's Eligibility Judgment Committee and Effect Assessment Committee using slit-lamp photographs including fluorescein staining. Both committees comprised two or three third-party cornea specialists, who were provided with information anonymously and randomly. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Corneal epithelial reconstruction rate was the primary endpoint. RESULTS Corneal epithelial reconstruction was successful in six of 10 eyes (60%) one year postoperatively and was significantly higher than the 15% clinically significant efficacy rate achieved by allogeneic limbal transplantation. The reconstruction rate was 70% of eyes two years postoperatively. Additionally, improvements in visual acuity were noted in 50% and 60% of eyes at one and two years, respectively. No clinically significant transplantation-related adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION The efficacy and safety of cultivated limbal epithelial cell sheet transplantation were thus confirmed, and the cell sheet, named Nepic, is now approved as a Cellular and Tissue-Based Product in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinori Oie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | | | - Shunji Yokokura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine; Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Toru Nakazawa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine; Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Daisuke Tomida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Dental College, Ichikawa General Hospital; Chiba 272-8513, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Satake
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Dental College, Ichikawa General Hospital; Chiba 272-8513, Japan
| | - Jun Shimazaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Dental College, Ichikawa General Hospital; Chiba 272-8513, Japan
| | - Yuko Hara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine; Toon 791-0295, Japan
| | - Atsushi Shiraishi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine; Toon 791-0295, Japan
| | - Andrew J Quantock
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University; Cardiff CF24 4HQ, Wales, United Kingdom
| | | | - Masukazu Inoie
- Japan Tissue Engineering Co, Ltd; Gamagori 443-0022, Japan
| | - Kohji Nishida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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22
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Lin JB, Shen X, Pfeifer CW, Shiau F, Santeford A, Ruzycki PA, Clark BS, Liu Q, Huang AJW, Apte RS. Dry eye disease in mice activates adaptive corneal epithelial regeneration distinct from constitutive renewal in homeostasis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2204134120. [PMID: 36595669 PMCID: PMC9926235 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2204134120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Many epithelial compartments undergo constitutive renewal in homeostasis but activate unique regenerative responses following injury. The clear corneal epithelium is crucial for vision and is renewed from limbal stem cells (LSCs). Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we profiled the mouse corneal epithelium in homeostasis, aging, diabetes, and dry eye disease (DED), where tear deficiency predisposes the cornea to recurrent injury. In homeostasis, we capture the transcriptional states that accomplish continuous tissue turnover. We leverage our dataset to identify candidate genes and gene networks that characterize key stages across homeostatic renewal, including markers for LSCs. In aging and diabetes, there were only mild changes with <15 dysregulated genes. The constitutive cell types that accomplish homeostatic renewal were conserved in DED but were associated with activation of cell states that comprise "adaptive regeneration." We provide global markers that distinguish cell types in homeostatic renewal vs. adaptive regeneration and markers that specifically define DED-elicited proliferating and differentiating cell types. We validate that expression of SPARC, a marker of adaptive regeneration, is also induced in corneal epithelial wound healing and accelerates wound closure in a corneal epithelial cell scratch assay. Finally, we propose a classification system for LSC markers based on their expression fidelity in homeostasis and disease. This transcriptional dissection uncovers the dramatically altered transcriptional landscape of the corneal epithelium in DED, providing a framework and atlas for future study of these ocular surface stem cells in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph B. Lin
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences Neurosciences Graduate Program, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Xiaolei Shen
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Charles W. Pfeifer
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences Neurosciences Graduate Program, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Fion Shiau
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Andrea Santeford
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Philip A. Ruzycki
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Brian S. Clark
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Qin Liu
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Andrew J. W. Huang
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Rajendra S. Apte
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
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23
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Tavakkoli F, Eleiwa TK, Elhusseiny AM, Damala M, Rai AK, Cheraqpour K, Ansari MH, Doroudian M, H Keshel S, Soleimani M, Djalilian AR, Sangwan VS, Singh V. Corneal stem cells niche and homeostasis impacts in regenerative medicine; concise review. Eur J Ophthalmol 2023:11206721221150065. [PMID: 36604831 DOI: 10.1177/11206721221150065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The limbal stem cells niche (LSCN) is an optimal microenvironment that provides the limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) and strictly regulates their proliferation and differentiation. Disturbing the LSCN homeostasis can lead to limbal stem cell dysfunction (LSCD) and subsequent ocular surface aberrations, such as corneal stromal inflammation, persistent epithelial defects, corneal neovascularisation, lymphangiogenesis, corneal opacification, and conjunctivalization. As ocular surface disorders are considered the second main cause of blindness, it becomes crucial to explore different therapeutic strategies for restoring the functions of the LSCN. A major limitation of corneal transplantation is the current shortage of donor tissue to meet the requirements worldwide. In this context, it becomes mandatory to find an alternative regenerative medicine, such as using cultured limbal epithelial/stromal stem cells, inducing the production of corneal like cells by using other sources of stem cells, and using tissue engineering methods aiming to produce the three-dimensional (3D) printed cornea. Limbal epithelial stem cells have been considered the magic potion for eye treatment. Epithelial and stromal stem cells in the limbal niche hold the responsibility of replenishing the corneal epithelium. These stem cells are being used for transplantation to maintain corneal epithelial integrity and ultimately sustain optimal vision. In this review, we summarised the characteristics of the LSCN and their current and future roles in restoring corneal homeostasis in eyes with LSCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Tavakkoli
- Department of Community Health, College of Health Technology, Cihan University, Erbil, Iraq.,SSR Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,Centre for Genetic Disorders, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Taher K Eleiwa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Abdelrahman M Elhusseiny
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Mukesh Damala
- SSR Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
| | - Amit K Rai
- Centre for Genetic Disorders, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Kasra Cheraqpour
- Translational Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, 48439Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad H Ansari
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Labbafinejad Medical Center, 556492Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Doroudian
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, 145440Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed H Keshel
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, 556492Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Soleimani
- Department of Ophthalmology, 159636Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ali R Djalilian
- Department of Ophthalmology, 159636Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Vivek Singh
- SSR Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
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24
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Comparative Histology of the Cornea and Palisades of Vogt in the Different Wild Ruminants (Bovidae, Camelidae, Cervidae, Giraffidae, Tragulidae). Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12223188. [PMID: 36428415 PMCID: PMC9687073 DOI: 10.3390/ani12223188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In the study, we data concerning the histological and morphometrical examination of the cornea and palisades of Vogt in the different species of ruminants from the families Bovidae, Camelidae, Cervidae, Giraffidae and Tragulidae, coming from the Warsaw Zoological Garden, the Wroclaw Zoological Garden and the Division of Animal Anatomy. The following ruminant species were investigated: common wildebeest, Kirk's dik-dik, Natal red duiker, scimitar oryx, sitatunga, Philippine spotted deer, Père David's deer, moose, reindeer, reticulated giraffe, okapi, Balabac mouse-deer and alpaca. The cornea of ruminant species such as the common wildebeest, Kirk's dik-dik, Natal red duiker, scimitar oryx, reindeer and Balabac mouse-deer consisted of four layers (not found in the Bowman's layer): the anterior corneal epithelium, the proper substance of the cornea, the posterior limiting membrane (Descemet's membrane) and the posterior corneal epithelium (endothelium). The anterior corneal epithelium was composed of a multilayer keratinizing squamous epithelium, which was characterized in the studied ruminants with a variable number of cell layers but also with a different thickness both in the central epithelium part and in the peripheral part. Moreover, the proper substance of cornea was thinnest in Balabac mouse-deer, Kirk's dik-dik, Natal red duiker, scimitar oryx, Philippine spotted deer, alpaca, reindeer and sitatunga and was thickest in the reticulated giraffe. The thickest Descemet's membrane was observed in the Père David's deer. The corneal limbus is characterized by a large number of pigment cell clusters in Kirk's dik-dik, scimitar oryx, moose, Balabac mouse-deer and alpaca. In the common wildebeest, Père David's deer, moose, reticulated giraffe, okapi and alpaca, the palisades of Vogt were marked in the form of a crypt-like structure. The corneal limbus epithelium in the examined ruminants was characterized by a variable number of cell layers but also a variable number of melanocytes located in different layers of this epithelium. The detailed knowledge of the corneal structure of domestic and wild animals can contribute to the even better development of methods for treating eye diseases in veterinary medicine.
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25
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Domdey M, Kluth M, Maßlo C, Ganss C, Frank M, Frank N, Coroneo M, Cursiefen C, Notara M. Consecutive dosing of UVB irradiation induces loss of ABCB5 expression and activation of EMT and fibrosis proteins in limbal epithelial cells similar to pterygium epithelium. Stem Cell Res 2022; 64:102936. [PMID: 36242878 PMCID: PMC9582195 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2022.102936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Pterygium pathogenesis is often attributed to a population of altered limbal stem cells, which initiate corneal invasion and drive the hyperproliferation and fibrosis associated with the disease. These cells are thought to undergo epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and to contribute to subepithelial stromal fibrosis. In this study, the presence of the novel limbal stem cell marker ABCB5 in clusters of basal epithelial pterygium cells co-expressing with P63α and P40 is reported. ABCB5-positive pterygium cells also express EMT-associated fibrosis markers including vimentin and α-SMA while their β-catenin expression is reduced. By using a novel in vitro model of two-dose UV-induced EMT activation on limbal epithelial cells, we could observe the dysregulation of EMT-related proteins including an increase of vimentin and α-SMA as well as downregulation of β-catenin in epithelial cells correlating to downregulation of ABCB5. The sequential irradiation of limbal fibroblasts also induced an increase in vimentin and α-SMA. Taken together, these data demonstrate for the first time the expression of ABCB5 in pterygium stem cell activity and EMT-related events while the involvement of limbal stem cells in pterygium pathogenesis is exhibited via sequential irradiation of limbal epithelial cells. The later in vitro approach can be used to further study the involvement of limbal epithelium UV-induced EMT in pterygium pathogenesis and help identify novel treatments against pterygium growth and recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Domdey
- Dept. of Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany
| | - M.A. Kluth
- TICEBA GmbH, Im Neuenheimer Feld 517, Heidelberg, Germany,RHEACELL GmbH & Co. KG, Im Neuenheimer Feld 517, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - C. Maßlo
- TICEBA GmbH, Im Neuenheimer Feld 517, Heidelberg, Germany,RHEACELL GmbH & Co. KG, Im Neuenheimer Feld 517, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - C. Ganss
- TICEBA GmbH, Im Neuenheimer Feld 517, Heidelberg, Germany,RHEACELL GmbH & Co. KG, Im Neuenheimer Feld 517, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - M.H. Frank
- Transplant Research Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA,School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - N.Y. Frank
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA,Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA,Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M.T. Coroneo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of New South Wales, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia,Ophthalmic Surgeons, Sydney, Australia,East Sydney Private Hospital, Sydney, Australia,Look for Life Foundation, Sydney, Australia
| | - C. Cursiefen
- Dept. of Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany,Institute for Genome Stability in Ageing and Disease, CECAD Research Center, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 26, 50931 Cologne, Germany,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMK), University of Cologne, Germany
| | - M. Notara
- Dept. of Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany,Institute for Genome Stability in Ageing and Disease, CECAD Research Center, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 26, 50931 Cologne, Germany,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMK), University of Cologne, Germany,Corresponding author at: Dept. of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany.
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Altshuler A, Wickström SA, Shalom-Feuerstein R. Spotlighting adult stem cells: advances, pitfalls, and challenges. Trends Cell Biol 2022; 33:477-494. [PMID: 36270939 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The existence of stem cells (SCs) at the tip of the cellular differentiation hierarchy has fascinated the scientific community ever since their discovery in the early 1950s to 1960s. Despite the remarkable success of the SC theory and the development of SC-based treatments, fundamental features of SCs remain enigmatic. Recent advances in single-cell lineage tracing, live imaging, and genomic technologies have allowed capture of life histories and transcriptional signatures of individual cells, leaving SCs much less space to 'hide'. Focusing on epithelial SCs and comparing them to other SCs, we discuss new paradigms of the SC niche, dynamics, and pathology, highlighting key open questions in SC biology that need to be resolved for harnessing SC potential in regenerative medicine.
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Menzel-Severing J, Spaniol K, Groeber-Becker F, Geerling G. [Regenerative medicine for the corneal epithelium : Cell therapy from bench to bedside]. DIE OPHTHALMOLOGIE 2022; 119:891-901. [PMID: 35925345 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-022-01674-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In the case of thermal or caustic burns of the ocular surface, loss of limbal epithelial stem cells leads to compromised self-renewal of the corneal epithelium. This results in permanent loss of vision. In these situations, transplantation of cultured limbal epithelial cells on an amniotic membrane or fibrin gel as substrate (Holoclar®) can help to regenerate the corneal surface. The required cells are obtained from the healthy partner eye, if available. Adult stem cells from other parts of the body potentially serve as alternative cell sources: hair follicles, oral mucosa, mesenchymal stromal cells, or induced pluripotent stem cells (originally, e.g., skin fibroblasts). The reprogramming of such cells can be achieved with the help of transcription factors. In addition, work is being done on biosynthetic or synthetic matrices, which not only serve as substrate material for the transplantation but also support the functional properties of these cells (self-renewal, corneal epithelial-typical phenotype).
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Menzel-Severing
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Deutschland.
| | - Kristina Spaniol
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Deutschland
| | - Florian Groeber-Becker
- Translationszentrum Regenerative Therapien | TLZ-RT, Leitung In-vitro-Testsysteme, Fraunhofer-Institut für Silicatforschung ISC, Würzburg, Deutschland
| | - Gerd Geerling
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Deutschland
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Trosan P, Cabral JV, Smeringaiova I, Studeny P, Jirsova K. Interleukin-13 increases the stemness of limbal epithelial stem cells cultures. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272081. [PMID: 35917378 PMCID: PMC9345474 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effect of interleukin-13 (IL13) on the stemness, differentiation, proliferation, clonogenicity, and morphology of cultured limbal epithelial cells (LECs). Human limbal explants were used to culture LECs up to the second passage (P0-P2) with or without IL13 (IL13+ and IL13-, respectively). Cells were analyzed by qPCR (for the expression of ΔNp63α, BMI-1, keratin (K) 3, K7, K12, K14, K17, mucin 4, and MKI67) and immunofluorescence staining for p63α. The clonogenic ability was determined by colony-forming assay (CFA), and their metabolic activity was measured by WST-1 assay. The results of the CFA showed a significantly increased clonogenic ability in P1 and P2 cultures when LECs were cultured with IL13. In addition, the expression of putative stem cell markers (ΔNp63α, K14, and K17) was significantly higher in all IL13+ cultures compared to IL13-. Similarly, immunofluorescence analysis showed a significantly higher percentage of p63α positive cells in P2 cultures with IL13 than without it. LECs cultures without IL13 lost their cuboidal morphology with a high nucleocytoplasmic ratio after P1. The use of IL13 also led to significantly higher proliferation in P2, which can be reflected by a higher ability to reach confluence in P2 cultures. On the other hand, IL13 had no effect on corneal epithelial cell differentiation (K3 and K12 expression), and the expression of the conjunctival marker K7 significantly increased in all IL13+ cultures compared to the respective cell culture without IL13. This study showed that IL13 enhanced the stemness of LECs by increasing the clonogenicity and the expression of putative stem cell markers of LECs while maintaining their stem cell morphology. We established IL13 as a culture supplement for LESCs, which increases their stemness potential in culture, even after the second passage, and may lead to the greater success of LESCs transplantation in patients with LSCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Trosan
- Laboratory of the Biology and Pathology of the Eye, First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Joao Victor Cabral
- Laboratory of the Biology and Pathology of the Eye, First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ingrida Smeringaiova
- Laboratory of the Biology and Pathology of the Eye, First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Studeny
- Ophthalmology Department of 3 Medical Faculty and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Jirsova
- Laboratory of the Biology and Pathology of the Eye, First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
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29
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Palamenghi M, De Luca M, De Rosa L. The steep uphill path leading to ex vivo gene therapy for genodermatoses. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C896-C906. [PMID: 35912986 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00117.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cell therapy, gene therapy and tissue engineering have the potential to revolutionize the field of regenerative medicine. In particular, gene therapy is understood as the therapeutical correction of mutated genes by addition of a correct copy of the gene or site-specific gene modifications. Gene correction of somatic stem cells sustaining renewing tissues is critical to ensure long-term clinical success of ex vivo gene therapy. To date, remarkable clinical outcomes arose from combined ex vivo cell and gene therapy of different genetic diseases, such as immunodeficiencies and genodermatoses. Despite the efforts of researchers around the world, only few of these advanced approaches has yet made it to routine therapy. In fact, gene therapy poses one of the greatest technical challenges in modern medicine, spanning safety and efficacy issues, regulatory constraints, registration and market access, all of which need to be addressed to make the therapy available to rare disease patients. In this review, we survey at some of the main challenges in the development of combined cell and gene therapy of genetic skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Palamenghi
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Michele De Luca
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine "Stefano Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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30
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Kadar T, Horwitz V, Cohen M, Egoz I, Gutman H, Gez R, Dachir S. Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) in rats and mice following whole body exposure to sulfur mustard (SM) vapor. Exp Eye Res 2022; 223:109195. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Zhang W, Lan X, Zhu J, Zhang C, Huang Y, Mo K, Tan J, Guo H, Huang H, Li M, Ouyang H, Wang L. Healing Ability of Central Corneal Epithelium in Rabbit Ocular Surface Injury Models. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:28. [PMID: 35771535 PMCID: PMC9251814 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.6.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Wound healing of the corneal epithelium mainly involves two types of cells: limbal stem/progenitor cells (LSCs) and differentiated central corneal epithelial cells (CECs). The healing ability of CECs is still debatable, and its correlated transcriptomic alterations during wound healing are yet to be elucidated. This study aimed to determine the healing ability and mechanisms underlying the actions of CECs using rabbit ocular surface injury models. Methods A central corneal ring-like residual epithelium model was used to investigate the healing ability of CECs. Uninjured and injury-stimulated LSCs and CECs were collected for transcriptomic analysis. The analysis results were verified by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence staining, and two types of rabbit corneal injury models. Results During wound healing, the upregulated genes in LSCs were mostly enriched in the mitotic cell cycle–related processes, but those in CECs were mostly enriched in cell adhesion and migration. CECs could repair the epithelial defects successfully at one-time injuries. However, after repetitive injuries, the CECs repaired notably slower and failed to completely heal the defect, but the LSCs repaired even faster than the one-time injury. Conclusions Our results indicated rabbit CECs repair the epithelial defect mainly depending on migration and its proliferative ability is limited, and LSCs are the main source of regenerative epithelial cells. Translational Relevance This study provides information on gene expression in the corneal epithelium during wound healing, indicating that regulation of the cell cycle, cell adhesion, and migration may be the basis for future treatment strategies for corneal wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xihong Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Canwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kunlun Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jieying Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huizhen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huaxing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingsen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
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Ruiz M, González S, Bonnet C, Deng SX. Extracellular miR-6723-5p could serve as a biomarker of limbal epithelial stem/progenitor cell population. Biomark Res 2022; 10:36. [PMID: 35642012 PMCID: PMC9153202 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-022-00384-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysfunction or loss of limbal stem cells can result in limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), a disease that cause corneal opacity, pain, and loss of vision. Cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation (CLET) can be used to restore stem cell niche homeostasis and replenish the progenitor pool. Transplantation has been reported with high success rate, but there is an unmet need of prognostic markers that correlate with clinical outcomes. To date, the progenitor content in the graft is the only parameter that has been retrospectively linked to success. METHODS In this study, we investigate extracellular micro RNAs (miRNAs) associated with stem/progenitor cells in cultivated limbal epithelial cells (cLECs). Using micro RNA sequencing and linear regression modelling, we identify a miRNA signature in cultures containing high proportion of stem/progenitor cells. We then develop a robust RNA extraction workflow from culture media to confirm a positive miRNA correlation with stem/progenitor cell proportion. RESULTS miR-6723-5p is associated with cultures containing high proportion of stem/progenitor cells, and is detected in the basal layer of corneal epithelium. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that miR-6723-5p could potentially serve as a stem/progenitor cell marker in cLECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Ruiz
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, 100 Stein Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - S. González
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, 100 Stein Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - C. Bonnet
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, 100 Stein Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
- Cornea Department, Paris University, Cochin Hospital, AP-HP, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - S. X. Deng
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, 100 Stein Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
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O'Callaghan AR, Shortt AJ, Lewis MP, Daniels JT. Human Oral Mucosal Fibroblasts from Limbal Stem Cell Deficient Patients as an Autologous Feeder Layer for Epithelial Cell Culture. Curr Eye Res 2022; 47:1106-1115. [PMID: 35577415 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2022.2071944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate if human oral mucosal fibroblasts (HOMF) from patients with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) can be used as an autologous feeder layer to support the culture of epithelial cells for potential clinical use. METHODS HOMF were isolated from oral mucosal biopsies obtained from the following groups of patients with LSCD: aniridia, mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and ectodermal dysplasia (ED). The ability of these cells to support the culture of human limbal epithelial cells (HLE) was compared to that of HOMF from non-LSCD donors and 3T3s commonly used to culture epithelial cells for use in the clinic to treat LSCD. RESULTS HOMF were successfully obtained by explant culture for 3/3 aniridia patients, 3/3 MMP patients, 1/3 SJS patients, and 1/1 ED patients. All HOMF cultured from these LSCD groups supported the expansion of HLE with epithelial culture times and total colony forming efficiency (CFE) comparable to those achieved on HOMF isolated from donors without LSCD. PCR showed that all HLE cultured on LSCD donor HOMF expressed p63α, CK15, PAX6, CK12, and MUC16 as did HLE cultured on the control non-LSCD donor HOMF and 3T3s. Western blotting detected CK15 and MUC16 protein expression in all groups. CONCLUSIONS HOMF from patients with LSCD can be successfully used to support the expansion of epithelial cells. These cells may therefore be useful as autologous feeder fibroblasts for the expansion of epithelial cells for use in the clinic to treat LSCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna R O'Callaghan
- Cells for Sight, University College London, London, UK.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alex J Shortt
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mark P Lewis
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Musculoskeletal Biology Research Group, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Julie T Daniels
- Cells for Sight, University College London, London, UK.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
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ROCK ‘n TOR: An Outlook on Keratinocyte Stem Cell Expansion in Regenerative Medicine via Protein Kinase Inhibition. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071130. [PMID: 35406693 PMCID: PMC8997668 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratinocyte stem cells play a fundamental role in homeostasis and repair of stratified epithelial tissues. Transplantation of cultured keratinocytes autografts provides a landmark example of successful cellular therapies by restoring durable integrity in stratified epithelia lost to devastating tissue conditions. Despite the overall success of such procedures, failures still occur in case of paucity of cultured stem cells in therapeutic grafts. Strategies aiming at a further amplification of stem cells during keratinocyte ex vivo expansion may thus extend the applicability of these treatments to subjects in which endogenous stem cells pools are depauperated by aging, trauma, or disease. Pharmacological targeting of stem cell signaling pathways is recently emerging as a powerful strategy for improving stem cell maintenance and/or amplification. Recent experimental data indicate that pharmacological inhibition of two prominent keratinocyte signaling pathways governed by apical mTOR and ROCK protein kinases favor stem cell maintenance and/or amplification ex vivo and may improve the effectiveness of stem cell-based therapeutic procedures. In this review, we highlight the pathophysiological roles of mTOR and ROCK in keratinocyte biology and evaluate existing pre-clinical data on the effects of their inhibition in epithelial stem cell expansion for transplantation purposes.
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da Mata Martins TM, de Carvalho JL, da Silva Cunha P, Gomes DA, de Goes AM. Induction of Corneal Epithelial Differentiation of Induced Pluripotent and Orbital Fat-Derived Stem Cells Seeded on Decellularized Human Corneas. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:2522-2534. [PMID: 35247143 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10356-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Up to 40% of donor corneas are deemed unsuitable for transplantation, aggravating the shortage of graft tissue. In most cases, the corneal extracellular matrix is intact. Therefore, their decellularization followed by repopulation with autologous cells may constitute an efficient alternative to reduce the amount of discarded tissue and the risk of immune rejection after transplantation. Although induced pluripotent (hiPSCs) and orbital fat-derived stem cells (OFSCs) hold great promise for corneal epithelial (CE) reconstruction, no study to date has evaluated the capacity of decellularized corneas (DCs) to support the attachment and differentiation of these cells into CE-like cells. Here, we recellularize DCs with hiPSCs and OFSCs and evaluate their differentiation potential into CE-like cells using animal serum-free culture conditions. Cell viability and adhesion on DCs were assessed by calcein-AM staining and scanning electron microscopy. Cell differentiation was evaluated by RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence analyses. DCs successfully supported the adhesion and survival of hiPSCs and OFSCs. The OFSCs cultured under differentiation conditions could not express the CE markers, TP63, KRT3, PAX6, and KRT12, while the hiPSCs gave rise to cells expressing high levels of these markers. RT-qPCR data suggested that the DCs provided an inductive environment for CE differentiation of hiPSCs, supporting the expression of PAX6 and KRT12 without the need for any soluble induction factors. Our results open the avenue for future studies regarding the in vivo effects of DCs as carriers for autologous cell transplantation for ocular surface reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Maria da Mata Martins
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - Juliana Lott de Carvalho
- Department of Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasilia, QS 07 - Lote 01, EPCT - Taguatinga, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 71966-700, Brazil.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Pricila da Silva Cunha
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil.,Department of Biology, Minas Gerais State University, Avenida Olegário Maciel, 1427, Ubá, Minas Gerais, 36502-002, Brazil
| | - Dawidson Assis Gomes
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Alfredo Miranda de Goes
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
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Torsahakul C, Israsena N, Khramchantuk S, Ratanavaraporn J, Dhitavat S, Rodprasert W, Nantavisai S, Sawangmake C. Bio-fabrication of stem-cell-incorporated corneal epithelial and stromal equivalents from silk fibroin and gelatin-based biomaterial for canine corneal regeneration. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263141. [PMID: 35120168 PMCID: PMC8815981 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal grafts are the imperative clinical treatment for canine corneal blindness. To serve the growing demand, this study aimed to generate tissue-engineered canine cornea in part of the corneal epithelium and underlying stroma based on canine limbal epithelial stem cells (cLESCs) seeded silk fibroin/gelatin (SF/G) film and canine corneal stromal stem cells (cCSSCs) seeded SF/G scaffold, respectively. Both cell types were successfully isolated by collagenase I. SF/G corneal films and stromal scaffolds served as the prospective substrates for cLESCs and cCSSCs by promoting cell adhesion, cell viability, and cell proliferation. The results revealed the upregulation of tumor protein P63 (P63) and ATP-binding cassette super-family G member 2 (Abcg2) of cLESCs as well as Keratocan (Kera), Lumican (Lum), aldehyde dehydrogenase 3 family member A1 (Aldh3a1) and Aquaporin 1 (Aqp1) of differentiated keratocytes. Moreover, immunohistochemistry illustrated the positive staining of tumor protein P63 (P63), aldehyde dehydrogenase 3 family member A1 (Aldh3a1), lumican (Lum) and collagen I (Col-I), which are considerable for native cornea. This study manifested a feasible platform to construct tissue-engineered canine cornea for functional grafts and positively contributed to the body of knowledge related to canine corneal stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chutirat Torsahakul
- Graduate program in Veterinary Bioscience, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Innovation Center (VSCBIC), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nipan Israsena
- Stem Cell and Cell Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Supaporn Khramchantuk
- Excellence Center for Stem Cell and Cell Therapy, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Juthamas Ratanavaraporn
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Biomedical Engineering for Medical and Health Research Unit, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirakarnt Dhitavat
- Biochemistry Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Watchareewan Rodprasert
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Innovation Center (VSCBIC), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirirat Nantavisai
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Innovation Center (VSCBIC), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Academic Affairs, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chenphop Sawangmake
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Innovation Center (VSCBIC), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Regenerative Dentistry (CERD), Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Ramos T, Parekh M, Kaye SB, Ahmad S. Epithelial Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Trigger the Differentiation of Two Epithelial Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1718. [PMID: 35163646 PMCID: PMC8836104 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), specifically exosomes, carry a cell-type dependent cargo that is transported to the recipient cell and translated in the presence of a required machinery. Differences in the cargo carried by the corneal and conjunctival-derived EVs could be the agent that triggers the transdifferentiation of these two cell populations. Therefore, this study investigates the role of EVs in triggering the plasticity of corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells and identifies prospective miRNA and genes responsible for maintaining ocular surface homeostasis. The EVs were extracted from the conditioned media (after starving) of corneal epithelial (hTCEpi) and conjunctival (HCjE-Gi) cell lines using ultracentrifugation. HCjE-Gi cells were cultured with hTCEpi-derived EVs and vice-versa. The EVs were characterized as exosomes using Nanosight and Flow cytometry. KRT3 and KRT12 were used as associated corneal markers, whereas KRT7 and KRT13 were used as associated conjunctival markers with ΔNp63 as a differentiation marker. Shift of these markers was an indication of transdifferentiation. The cargo of the extracted exosomes from both the cell types was explored using next-generation sequencing. The hTCEpi-derived EVs induced conjunctival epithelial cells to express the corneal-associated markers KRT3 and KRT12, losing their conjunctival phenotype at both the mRNA and protein level. Simultaneously, HCjE-Gi-derived EVs induced corneal epithelial cells to express the conjunctival associated markers KRT7 and KRT13, losing their corneal phenotype. This process of differentiation was accompanied by an intermediate step of cell de-differentiation showed by up-regulation in the expression of epithelial stem cell marker ΔNp63, also shown on the ex vivo human cadaveric donor corneas. miRNA molecules (total of 11 including precursor and mature) with significant differences in their relative abundance between the two populations (p < 0.05) were found and investigated. miR-9-5p expression was higher in HCjE-Gi cells and HCjE-Gi-derived EVs when compared to hTCEpi cells and hTCEPi-derived EVs (p < 0.001). The results suggest that EVs released by the two cell types have the ability to influence the transdifferentiation of human conjunctival and corneal epithelial cells. miR-9-5p could have a role in stem cell homeostasis and cell differentiation via HES-1 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Ramos
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (T.R.); (S.B.K.)
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK;
| | - Mohit Parekh
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK;
| | - Stephen B. Kaye
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (T.R.); (S.B.K.)
- St Paul’s Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8XP, UK
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (T.R.); (S.B.K.)
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK;
- St Paul’s Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8XP, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, UK
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Portal C, Wang Z, Scott DK, Wolosin JM, Iomini C. The c-Myc Oncogene Maintains Corneal Epithelial Architecture at Homeostasis, Modulates p63 Expression, and Enhances Proliferation During Tissue Repair. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:3. [PMID: 35103750 PMCID: PMC8822362 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.2.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The transcription factor c-Myc (Myc) plays central regulatory roles in both self-renewal and differentiation of progenitors of multiple cell lineages. Here, we address its function in corneal epithelium (CE) maintenance and repair. Methods Myc ablation in the limbal–corneal epithelium was achieved by crossing a floxed Myc mouse allele (Mycfl/fl) with a mouse line expressing the Cre recombinase gene under the keratin (Krt) 14 promoter. CE stratification and protein localization were assessed by histology of paraffin and plastic sections and by immunohistochemistry of frozen sections, respectively. Protein levels and gene expression were determined by western blot and real-time quantitative PCR, respectively. CE wound closure was tracked by fluorescein staining. Results At birth, mutant mice appeared indistinguishable from control littermates; however, their rates of postnatal weight gain were 67% lower than those of controls. After weaning, mutants also exhibited spontaneous skin ulcerations, predominantly in the tail and lower lip, and died 45 to 60 days after birth. The mutant CE displayed an increase in stratal thickness, increased levels of Krt12 in superficial cells, and decreased exfoliation rates. Accordingly, the absence of Myc perturbed protein and mRNA levels of genes modulating differentiation and proliferation processes, including ΔNp63β, Ets1, and two Notch target genes, Hey1 and Maml1. Furthermore, Myc promoted CE wound closure and wound-induced hyperproliferation. Conclusions Myc regulates the balance among CE stratification, differentiation, and surface exfoliation and promotes the transition to the hyperproliferative state during wound healing. Its effect on this balance may be exerted through the control of multiple regulators of cell fate, including isoforms of tumor protein p63.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Portal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States
| | - Donald K Scott
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States
| | - J Mario Wolosin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States
| | - Carlo Iomini
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States.,Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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Valdivia E, Bertolin M, Breda C, Carvalho Oliveira M, Salz AK, Hofmann N, Börgel M, Blasczyk R, Ferrari S, Figueiredo C. Genetic Modification of Limbal Stem Cells to Decrease Allogeneic Immune Responses. Front Immunol 2021; 12:747357. [PMID: 34956181 PMCID: PMC8696204 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.747357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Limbal stem cell (LSC) transplantation is the only efficient treatment for patients affected by LSC deficiency (LSCD). Allogeneic LSC transplantation is one of the most successful alternative for patients with bilateral LSCD. Nevertheless, the high variability of the human leukocyte antigens (HLA) remains a relevant obstacle to long-term allogeneic graft survival. This study characterized the immunologic properties of LSCs and proposed a genetic engineering strategy to reduce the immunogenicity of LSCs and of their derivatives. Hence, LSC HLA expression was silenced using lentiviral vectors encoding for short hairpin (sh) RNAs targeting β2-microglobulin (β2M) or class II major histocompatibility complex transactivator (CIITA) to silence HLA class I and II respectively. Beside the constitutive expression of HLA class I, LSCs showed the capability to upregulate HLA class II expression under inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, LSCs demonstrated the capability to induce T-cell mediated immune responses. LSCs phenotypical and functional characteristics are not disturbed after genetic modification. However, HLA silenced LSC showed to prevent T cell activation, proliferation and cytotoxicity in comparison to fully HLA-expressing LSCs. Additionally; HLA-silenced LSCs were protected against antibody-mediated cellular-dependent cytotoxicity. Our data is a proof-of-concept of the feasibility to generate low immunogenic human LSCs without affecting their typical features. The use of low immunogenic LSCs may support for long-term survival of LSCs and their derivatives after allogeneic transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Valdivia
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Claudia Breda
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto, Venice, Italy
| | | | | | - Nicola Hofmann
- German Society for Tissue Transplantation (DGFG), Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Börgel
- German Society for Tissue Transplantation (DGFG), Hannover, Germany
| | - Rainer Blasczyk
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover, Germany
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Vattulainen M, Ilmarinen T, Viheriälä T, Jokinen V, Skottman H. Corneal epithelial differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells generates ABCB5 + and ∆Np63α + cells with limbal cell characteristics and high wound healing capacity. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:609. [PMID: 34930437 PMCID: PMC8691049 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02673-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Differentiation of functional limbal stem cells (LSCs) from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) is an important objective which can provide novel treatment solutions for patients suffering from limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). Yet, further characterization is needed to better evaluate their immunogenicity and regenerative potential before clinical applications. Methods Human PSCs were differentiated towards corneal fate and cryopreserved using a clinically applicable protocol. Resulting hPSC-LSC populations were examined at days 10–11 and 24–25 during differentiation as well as at passage 1 post-thaw. Expression of cornea-associated markers including PAX6, ABCG2, ∆Np63α, CK15, CK14, CK12 and ABCB5 as well as human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) was analyzed using immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Wound healing properties of the post-thaw hPSC-LSCs were assessed via calcium imaging and scratch assay. Human and porcine tissue-derived cultured LSCs were used as controls for marker expression analysis and scratch assays at passage 1. Results The day 24–25 and post-thaw hPSC-LSCs displayed a similar marker profile with the tissue-derived LSCs, showing abundant expression of PAX6, ∆Np63α, CK15, CK14 and ABCB5 and low expression of ABCG2. In contrast, day 10–11 hPSC-LSCs had lower expression of ABCB5 and ∆Np63α, but high expression of ABCG2. A small portion of the day 10–11 cells coexpressed ABCG2 and ABCB5. The expression of class I HLAs increased during hPSC-LSCs differentiation and was uniform in post-thaw hPSC-LSCs, however the intensity was lower in comparison to tissue-derived LSCs. The calcium imaging revealed that the post-thaw hPSC-LSCs generated a robust response towards epithelial wound healing signaling mediator ATP. Further, scratch assay revealed that post-thaw hPSC-LSCs had higher wound healing capacity in comparison to tissue-derived LSCs. Conclusions Clinically relevant LSC-like cells can be efficiently differentiated from hPSCs. The post-thaw hPSC-LSCs possess functional potency in calcium responses towards injury associated signals and in wound closure. The developmental trajectory observed during hPSC-LSC differentiation, giving rise to ABCG2+ population and further to ABCB5+ and ∆Np63α+ cells with limbal characteristics, indicates hPSC-derived cells can be utilized as a valuable cell source for the treatment of patients afflicted corneal blindness due to LSCD. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02673-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meri Vattulainen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland
| | - Tanja Ilmarinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland
| | - Taina Viheriälä
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland
| | - Vilma Jokinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland
| | - Heli Skottman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland.
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Tisi A, Zerti D, Genitti G, Vicentini MT, Baccante M, Flati V, Maccarone R. Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Entry Factors' Expression in Corneal and Limbal Tissues of Adult Human Donors Aged from 58 to 85. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2021; 38:56-65. [PMID: 34889660 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2021.0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Recent studies have shown the presence of SARS-CoV-2 entry factors on the ocular surface, identifying the eye as an additional entry route for the virus. Moreover, the coexpression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) with other SARS-CoV-2 entry factors [transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), transmembrane protease serine 4 (TMPRSS4), and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4)] facilitates the virus infection. Methods: Here, we performed a study over 10 adult corneal and limbal tissues from human donors, both male and female between 58 and 85 years of age. Some of the main virus entry factors were analyzed and their expression was quantified and correlated with the age and sex of the donors through western blot. The receptors' localization was investigated through immunofluorescence. Results: Immunofluorescence confirmed the localization of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 on the ocular surface and showed, for the first time, the localization of TMPRSS4 and DPP4 in limbal and corneal epithelial superficial cells. The quantitative analysis showed that the expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry factors on corneal and limbal cells is likely to be modulated in an age-dependent manner, in agreement with the increased susceptibility to COVID-19 in the elderly. Moreover, we found a relationship between the expression of TMPRSS proteases with the activation state of limbal cells in 80-year-old donors. Conclusion: This study provides information on the expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry factors on the ocular surface of 10 adult human donors and is a first observation of a possible age-dependent modulation on corneal and limbal tissues. Our data pave the way to further investigate the susceptibility to the infection through the ocular surface in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Tisi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Darin Zerti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Germano Genitti
- UOSD Eye Bank of L'Aquila - C.R.R. for corneas donation and transplantation for Abruzzo and Molise regions, S. Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Vicentini
- UOSD Eye Bank of L'Aquila - C.R.R. for corneas donation and transplantation for Abruzzo and Molise regions, S. Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Mariangela Baccante
- UOSD Eye Bank of L'Aquila - C.R.R. for corneas donation and transplantation for Abruzzo and Molise regions, S. Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Flati
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Rita Maccarone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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Bonnet C, González S, Roberts JS, Robertson SYT, Ruiz M, Zheng J, Deng SX. Human limbal epithelial stem cell regulation, bioengineering and function. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 85:100956. [PMID: 33676006 PMCID: PMC8428188 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The corneal epithelium is continuously renewed by limbal stem/progenitor cells (LSCs), a cell population harbored in a highly regulated niche located at the limbus. Dysfunction and/or loss of LSCs and their niche cause limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), a disease that is marked by invasion of conjunctival epithelium into the cornea and results in failure of epithelial wound healing. Corneal opacity, pain, loss of vision, and blindness are the consequences of LSCD. Successful treatment of LSCD depends on accurate diagnosis and staging of the disease and requires restoration of functional LSCs and their niche. This review highlights the major advances in the identification of potential LSC biomarkers and components of the LSC niche, understanding of LSC regulation, methods and regulatory standards in bioengineering of LSCs, and diagnosis and staging of LSCD. Overall, this review presents key points for researchers and clinicians alike to consider in deepening the understanding of LSC biology and improving LSCD therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Bonnet
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; Cornea Department, Paris University, Cochin Hospital, AP-HP, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Sheyla González
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - JoAnn S Roberts
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Sarah Y T Robertson
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Maxime Ruiz
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Jie Zheng
- Basic Science Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Sophie X Deng
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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Latta L, Figueiredo FC, Ashery-Padan R, Collinson JM, Daniels J, Ferrari S, Szentmáry N, Solá S, Shalom-Feuerstein R, Lako M, Xapelli S, Aberdam D, Lagali N. Pathophysiology of aniridia-associated keratopathy: Developmental aspects and unanswered questions. Ocul Surf 2021; 22:245-266. [PMID: 34520870 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aniridia, a rare congenital disease, is often characterized by a progressive, pronounced limbal insufficiency and ocular surface pathology termed aniridia-associated keratopathy (AAK). Due to the characteristics of AAK and its bilateral nature, clinical management is challenging and complicated by the multiple coexisting ocular and systemic morbidities in aniridia. Although it is primarily assumed that AAK originates from a congenital limbal stem cell deficiency, in recent years AAK and its pathogenesis has been questioned in the light of new evidence and a refined understanding of ocular development and the biology of limbal stem cells (LSCs) and their niche. Here, by consolidating and comparing the latest clinical and preclinical evidence, we discuss key unanswered questions regarding ocular developmental aspects crucial to AAK. We also highlight hypotheses on the potential role of LSCs and the ocular surface microenvironment in AAK. The insights thus gained lead to a greater appreciation for the role of developmental and cellular processes in the emergence of AAK. They also highlight areas for future research to enable a deeper understanding of aniridia, and thereby the potential to develop new treatments for this rare but blinding ocular surface disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Latta
- Dr. Rolf. M. Schwiete Center for Limbal Stem Cell and Aniridia Research, Saarland University, Homburg, Saar, Germany; Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Saar, Germany.
| | - F C Figueiredo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - R Ashery-Padan
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - J M Collinson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom
| | - J Daniels
- Cells for Sight, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - S Ferrari
- The Veneto Eye Bank Foundation, Venice, Italy
| | - N Szentmáry
- Dr. Rolf. M. Schwiete Center for Limbal Stem Cell and Aniridia Research, Saarland University, Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - S Solá
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - R Shalom-Feuerstein
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - M Lako
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - S Xapelli
- Instituto Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - D Aberdam
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM U1138, Team 17, France; Université de Paris, 75006, Paris, France.
| | - N Lagali
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Ophthalmology, Sørlandet Hospital Arendal, Arendal, Norway.
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Corneal Epithelial Stem Cells-Physiology, Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Options. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092302. [PMID: 34571952 PMCID: PMC8465583 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the human cornea, regeneration of the epithelium is regulated by the stem cell reservoir of the limbus, which is the marginal region of the cornea representing the anatomical and functional border between the corneal and conjunctival epithelium. In support of this concept, extensive limbal damage, e.g., by chemical or thermal injury, inflammation, or surgery, may induce limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) leading to vascularization and opacification of the cornea and eventually vision loss. These acquired forms of limbal stem cell deficiency may occur uni- or bilaterally, which is important for the choice of treatment. Moreover, a variety of inherited diseases, such as congenital aniridia or dyskeratosis congenita, are characterized by LSCD typically occurring bilaterally. Several techniques of autologous and allogenic stem cell transplantation have been established. The limbus can be restored by transplantation of whole limbal grafts, small limbal biopsies or by ex vivo-expanded limbal cells. In this review, the physiology of the corneal epithelium, the pathophysiology of LSCD, and the therapeutic options will be presented.
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Mini Cleanroom for the Manufacture of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP): Bioengineered Corneal Epithelium. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13081282. [PMID: 34452243 PMCID: PMC8401053 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13081282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Among several requirements for the manufacture of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) are: following the guidelines of a pharmaceutical quality system, complying with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and access to a cleanroom fulfilling strict environmental conditions (Class A work area and Class B environment). This makes ATMP expensive. Moreover, the production of many of these therapeutic products may also be unprofitable, as in most cases their use is limited to a few patients and to a single batch per manufacturing unit. To reduce costs, ATMP may be produced in a scaled-down system isolated from the external environment (isolator), allowing for placement of this facility in a Class D environment, which is much more permissive and less costly. In this work, we confirm that it is possible to manufacture bioengineered corneal epithelium inside an isolator while fulfilling all the safety assurance standards at an affordable cost for patients. This small-scale ultra-clean working environment complies with GMP guidelines and could be a solution for the high costs associated with conventional cleanroom ATMP production.
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Prabhasawat P, Chirapapaisan C, Ngowyutagon P, Ekpo P, Tangpagasit W, Lekhanont K, Sikarinkul R, Matamnan S, Boonwong C, Pinitpuwadol W, Thamphithak R, Sukon N, Neti N. Efficacy and outcome of simple limbal epithelial transplantation for limbal stem cell deficiency verified by epithelial phenotypes integrated with clinical evaluation. Ocul Surf 2021; 22:27-37. [PMID: 34214675 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2021.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy and outcome of simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) for limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) using epithelial phenotype detection integrated with clinical manifestation. METHODS This prospective multicenter study included patients with LSCD who underwent autologous SLET (autoSLET) and living-related allogenic SLET (Lr-alloSLET). All patients were assessed by slit-lamp biomicroscopy, in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), and impression cytology with immunofluorescence staining (ICIF) before and after surgery. The criteria for success were the presence of a clinically non-conjunctivalized cornea and corneal epithelium detected by IVCM or ICIF. Otherwise, the case would be considered a failure. Visual improvement and risk factors for SLET failure were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 28 eyes of 26 patients (11 autoSLET and 17 Lr-alloSLET) were included. The median age was 53 years (range, 35-63), and the follow-up time was 29.5 months (range, 17.5-39.8). The overall survival rate was 89.3% at 2 years and 75.6% at 3 years with no difference between autoSLET and Lr-alloSLET (p = 0.24). Seven eyes subsequently underwent penetrating keratoplasty. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that all corneal buttons had corneal epithelium and limbal stem cell markers. Visual improvement was achieved in both SLET groups (p < 0.001). Failed SLET developed between 5 and 32 months postoperatively. However, absolute risk factors for SLET failure were unidentified. CONCLUSION The efficacy of autoSLET and Lr-alloSLET for LSCD was excellent. Limbal explants can regenerate and restore the corneal surface while maintaining the characteristics of limbal stem cells as shown by epithelial phenotype detection and immunohistochemistry integrated with clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinnita Prabhasawat
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chareenun Chirapapaisan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Panotsom Ngowyutagon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pattama Ekpo
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Research Division, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wimolwan Tangpagasit
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Prathumthani, Thailand
| | - Kaevalin Lekhanont
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Rosanun Sikarinkul
- Department of Ophthalmology, Golden Jubilee Medical Center, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Sutthicha Matamnan
- Research Division, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chawikan Boonwong
- Research Division, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Warinyupa Pinitpuwadol
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ranida Thamphithak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nutchaya Sukon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nutnicha Neti
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Guindolet D, Crouzet E, He Z, Herbepin P, Perrache C, Garcin T, Gauthier AS, Forest F, Peoc'h M, Gain P, Gabison E, Thuret G. Epithelial Regeneration in Human Corneas Preserved in an Active Storage Machine. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:31. [PMID: 34003916 PMCID: PMC7900847 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.2.31] [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: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To characterize the corneal epithelium (CE) and limbal epithelium (LE) of human corneas stored in an innovative active storage machine (ASM) after a period of organ culture (OC). Methods Corneas unsuitable for graft and stored in a standard commercial OC medium for 2 to 5 weeks were transferred into our ASM for 14 days. The ASM actively maintained an overpressure on the endothelial side (20 mm Hg) while ensuring medium renewal. We compared three modalities of storage in the ASM's epithelial chamber: (1) alternating exposure to a supplemental hormonal epithelial medium (SHEM) and air (air-lifting), (2) continuous immersion in SHEM, and (3) continuous immersion in OC medium. Passive immersion of the whole cornea in OC medium or of the CE in SHEM with or without airlifting served as controls. Paired corneas were used for better comparability. Histology, differentiation (by immunolabeling), and ultrastructure were analyzed at the end. Results The ASM with air-lifting was most effective in regenerating a pluristratified and differentiated CE (apical ZO-1 and MUC16 staining and regeneration of the glycocalyx). In addition, the LE was stratified with preserved expression of ABCB5. The ASM with immersion in SHEM or OC medium gave a less stratified and differentiated CE. In the three control groups, the epithelia, when present, were paucistratified and less differentiated. Conclusions In human corneas previously stored in OC, the ASM regenerates a CE with differentiation characteristics close to normal. Translational Relevance Regeneration of the epithelium of human corneas discarded by eye banks will increase tissue availability for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Guindolet
- Corneal Graft Biology, Engineering and Imaging Laboratory, BiiGC, EA2521, SFR143, Federative Institute of Research in Sciences and Health Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France.,Cornea and External Disorders Department, Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuel Crouzet
- Corneal Graft Biology, Engineering and Imaging Laboratory, BiiGC, EA2521, SFR143, Federative Institute of Research in Sciences and Health Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Zhiguo He
- Corneal Graft Biology, Engineering and Imaging Laboratory, BiiGC, EA2521, SFR143, Federative Institute of Research in Sciences and Health Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Pascal Herbepin
- Corneal Graft Biology, Engineering and Imaging Laboratory, BiiGC, EA2521, SFR143, Federative Institute of Research in Sciences and Health Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Chantal Perrache
- Corneal Graft Biology, Engineering and Imaging Laboratory, BiiGC, EA2521, SFR143, Federative Institute of Research in Sciences and Health Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Thibaud Garcin
- Corneal Graft Biology, Engineering and Imaging Laboratory, BiiGC, EA2521, SFR143, Federative Institute of Research in Sciences and Health Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France.,Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Gauthier
- Corneal Graft Biology, Engineering and Imaging Laboratory, BiiGC, EA2521, SFR143, Federative Institute of Research in Sciences and Health Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Fabien Forest
- Corneal Graft Biology, Engineering and Imaging Laboratory, BiiGC, EA2521, SFR143, Federative Institute of Research in Sciences and Health Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France.,Pathology Department, University Hospital, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Michel Peoc'h
- Corneal Graft Biology, Engineering and Imaging Laboratory, BiiGC, EA2521, SFR143, Federative Institute of Research in Sciences and Health Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France.,Pathology Department, University Hospital, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Philippe Gain
- Corneal Graft Biology, Engineering and Imaging Laboratory, BiiGC, EA2521, SFR143, Federative Institute of Research in Sciences and Health Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France.,Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Eric Gabison
- Cornea and External Disorders Department, Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France.,Ophthalmology Department, Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Gilles Thuret
- Corneal Graft Biology, Engineering and Imaging Laboratory, BiiGC, EA2521, SFR143, Federative Institute of Research in Sciences and Health Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France.,Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital, Saint-Etienne, France.,Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
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Yu Q, Biswas S, Ma G, Zhao P, Li B, Li J. Canonical NF-κB signaling maintains corneal epithelial integrity and prevents corneal aging via retinoic acid. eLife 2021; 10:e67315. [PMID: 34085926 PMCID: PMC8192125 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Disorders of the transparent cornea affect millions of people worldwide. However, how to maintain and/or regenerate this organ remains unclear. Here, we show that Rela (encoding a canonical NF-κB subunit) ablation in K14+ corneal epithelial stem cells not only disrupts corneal regeneration but also results in age-dependent epithelial deterioration, which triggers aberrant wound-healing processes including stromal remodeling, neovascularization, epithelial metaplasia, and plaque formation at the central cornea. These anomalies are largely recapitulated in normal mice that age naturally. Mechanistically, Rela deletion suppresses expression of Aldh1a1, an enzyme required for retinoic acid synthesis from vitamin A. Retinoic acid administration blocks development of ocular anomalies in Krt14-Cre; Relaf/f mice and naturally aged mice. Moreover, epithelial metaplasia and plaque formation are preventable by inhibition of angiogenesis. This study thus uncovers the major mechanisms governing corneal maintenance, regeneration, and aging and identifies the NF-κB-retinoic acid pathway as a therapeutic target for corneal disorders.
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MESH Headings
- Age Factors
- Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family/genetics
- Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family/metabolism
- Animals
- Burns, Chemical/drug therapy
- Burns, Chemical/etiology
- Burns, Chemical/metabolism
- Burns, Chemical/pathology
- Cell Differentiation/drug effects
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cells, Cultured
- Cellular Senescence/drug effects
- Corneal Neovascularization/metabolism
- Corneal Neovascularization/pathology
- Corneal Neovascularization/prevention & control
- Corneal Stroma/drug effects
- Corneal Stroma/metabolism
- Corneal Stroma/pathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Epithelium, Corneal/drug effects
- Epithelium, Corneal/metabolism
- Epithelium, Corneal/pathology
- Eye Burns/chemically induced
- Eye Burns/drug therapy
- Eye Burns/metabolism
- Eye Burns/pathology
- Mice, Knockout
- Regeneration/drug effects
- Retinal Dehydrogenase/genetics
- Retinal Dehydrogenase/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Stem Cells/drug effects
- Stem Cells/metabolism
- Stem Cells/pathology
- Transcription Factor RelA/genetics
- Transcription Factor RelA/metabolism
- Tretinoin/pharmacology
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Soma Biswas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Gang Ma
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Peiquan Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Baojie Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
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Can Human Oral Mucosa Stem Cells Differentiate to Corneal Epithelia? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115976. [PMID: 34205905 PMCID: PMC8198937 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Human oral mucosa stem cells (hOMSCs) arise from the neural crest, they can self-renew, proliferate, and differentiate to several cell lines and could represent a good source for application in tissue engineering. Because of their anatomical location, hOMSCs are easy to isolate, have multilineage differentiation capacity and express embryonic stem cells markers such as—Sox2, Oct3/4 and Nanog. We have used SHEM (supplemented hormonal epithelial medium) media and cultured hOMSCs over human amniotic membrane and determined the cell’s capacity to differentiate to an epithelial-like phenotype and to express corneal specific epithelial markers—CK3, CK12, CK19, Pan-cadherin and E-cadherin. Our results showed that hOMSCs possess the capacity to attach to the amniotic membrane and express CK3, CK19, Pan-Cadherin and E-Cadherin without induction with SHEM media and expressed CK12 or changed the expression pattern of E-Cadherin to a punctual-like feature when treated with SHEM media. The results observed in this study show that hOMSCs possess the potential to differentiate toward epithelial cells. In conclusion, our results revealed that hOMSCs readily express markers for corneal determination and could provide the ophthalmology field with a therapeutic alternative for tissue engineering to achieve corneal replacement when compared with other techniques. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to develop a predictable therapeutic alternative for cornea replacement.
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Promoting limbal stem cells proliferation and maintenance using post-thaw human amniotic membranes fortified by platelet lysate. GENE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2021.101084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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