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McCall MA. Pig Models in Retinal Research and Retinal Disease. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041296. [PMID: 37553210 PMCID: PMC10982707 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
The pig has been used as a large animal model in biomedical research for many years and its use continues to increase because induced mutations phenocopy several inherited human diseases. In addition, they are continuous breeders, can be propagated by artificial insemination, have large litter sizes (on the order of mice), and can be genetically manipulated using all of the techniques that are currently available in mice. The pioneering work of Petters and colleagues set the stage for the use of the pig as a model of inherited retinal disease. In the last 10 years, the pig has become a model of choice where specific disease-causing mutations that are not phenocopied in rodents need to be studied and therapeutic approaches explored. The pig is not only used for retinal eye disease but also for the study of the cornea and lens. This review attempts to show how broad the use of the pig has become and how it has contributed to the assessment of treatments for eye disease. In the last 10 years, there have been several reviews that included the use of the pig in biomedical research (see body of the review) that included information about retinal disease. None directly discuss the use of the pig as an animal model for retinal diseases, including inherited diseases, where a single genetic mutation has been identified or for multifactorial diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Although the pig is used to explore diseases of the cornea and lens, this review focuses on how and why the pig, as a large animal model, is useful for research in neural retinal disease and its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen A McCall
- Departments of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences and Anatomical Sciences & Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA
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2
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Ma J, Fang X, Chen M, Wang Y, Zhang L. Hyaluronan-CD44 Interaction Regulates Mouse Retinal Progenitor Cells Migration, Proliferation and Neuronal Differentiation. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:2929-2942. [PMID: 37707669 PMCID: PMC10661819 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10622-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Cell-based therapies have shown great potential because of their abilities to replace dying retinal neuron cells and preserve vision. The migration, proliferation and differentiation of retinal progenitor cells(RPCs) plays a vital role in the integration of the RPCs into the retina when transplanted into the host. Our study aimed to explore the effects of Hyaluronan(HA)-CD44 interactions on the regulation of RPCs migration, proliferation and differentiation, and investigate the underlying regulatory mechanisms. We found that CD44 was expressed in RPCs, and the HA-CD44 interaction markedly improved RPCs adhesion and migration. The stimulation of microRNA-21(miR-21) expression by the HA-CD44 interaction was protein kinase C (PKC)/Nanog-dependent in RPCs. Treatment of RPCs with PKC- or Nanog-specific ASODN or miR-21 antagomir effectively blocked HA-mediated RPCs adhesion and migration. Moreover, Rho-Kinase(ROK)/ Grb2-associated binders(Gab-1) associated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/AKT signalling activation was required for HA-CD44 interaction mediated RPCs proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Our findings demonstrated new roles for the HA-CD44 interaction in regulating the migration, proliferation and neuronal differentiation of RPCs. HA-CD44 signalling could represent a novel approach to controlling RPC fates, and the findings may be instructive for the application of RPCs for future therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Ma
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
| | - Xiaoyun Fang
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Min Chen
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
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3
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Grotz S, Schäfer J, Wunderlich KA, Ellederova Z, Auch H, Bähr A, Runa-Vochozkova P, Fadl J, Arnold V, Ardan T, Veith M, Santamaria G, Dhom G, Hitzl W, Kessler B, Eckardt C, Klein J, Brymova A, Linnert J, Kurome M, Zakharchenko V, Fischer A, Blutke A, Döring A, Suchankova S, Popelar J, Rodríguez-Bocanegra E, Dlugaiczyk J, Straka H, May-Simera H, Wang W, Laugwitz KL, Vandenberghe LH, Wolf E, Nagel-Wolfrum K, Peters T, Motlik J, Fischer MD, Wolfrum U, Klymiuk N. Early disruption of photoreceptor cell architecture and loss of vision in a humanized pig model of usher syndromes. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e14817. [PMID: 35254721 PMCID: PMC8988205 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202114817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome (USH) is the most common form of monogenic deaf-blindness. Loss of vision is untreatable and there are no suitable animal models for testing therapeutic strategies of the ocular constituent of USH, so far. By introducing a human mutation into the harmonin-encoding USH1C gene in pigs, we generated the first translational animal model for USH type 1 with characteristic hearing defect, vestibular dysfunction, and visual impairment. Changes in photoreceptor architecture, quantitative motion analysis, and electroretinography were characteristics of the reduced retinal virtue in USH1C pigs. Fibroblasts from USH1C pigs or USH1C patients showed significantly elongated primary cilia, confirming USH as a true and general ciliopathy. Primary cells also proved their capacity for assessing the therapeutic potential of CRISPR/Cas-mediated gene repair or gene therapy in vitro. AAV-based delivery of harmonin into the eye of USH1C pigs indicated therapeutic efficacy in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Grotz
- Chair of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jessica Schäfer
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Molecular Cell Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU), Mainz, Germany
| | - Kirsten A Wunderlich
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Molecular Cell Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU), Mainz, Germany
| | - Zdenka Ellederova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Hannah Auch
- Chair of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Bähr
- Center for Innovative Medical Models, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Large Animal Models in Cardiovascular Research, Internal Medical Department I, TU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Petra Runa-Vochozkova
- Large Animal Models in Cardiovascular Research, Internal Medical Department I, TU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Janet Fadl
- Chair of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Physiology, Molecular Cell Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU), Mainz, Germany
| | - Vanessa Arnold
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Molecular Cell Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU), Mainz, Germany
| | - Taras Ardan
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Veith
- Ophthalmology Clinic, University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Gianluca Santamaria
- Large Animal Models in Cardiovascular Research, Internal Medical Department I, TU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Georg Dhom
- Chair of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hitzl
- Biostatistics and Data Science, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Barbara Kessler
- Chair of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Eckardt
- Center for Innovative Medical Models, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Large Animal Models in Cardiovascular Research, Internal Medical Department I, TU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Joshua Klein
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Molecular Cell Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU), Mainz, Germany
| | - Anna Brymova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Joshua Linnert
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Molecular Cell Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU), Mainz, Germany
| | - Mayuko Kurome
- Chair of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Valeri Zakharchenko
- Chair of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Fischer
- Veterinary Faculty, Small Animal Clinics, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Blutke
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Anna Döring
- Veterinary Faculty, Small Animal Clinics, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stepanka Suchankova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Popelar
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eduardo Rodríguez-Bocanegra
- Centre for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Julia Dlugaiczyk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich (USZ), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hans Straka
- Faculty of Biology, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
| | - Helen May-Simera
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cilia Biology, JGU Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Mass Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karl-Ludwig Laugwitz
- Large Animal Models in Cardiovascular Research, Internal Medical Department I, TU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Luk H Vandenberghe
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Mass Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Chair of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kerstin Nagel-Wolfrum
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Molecular Cell Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU), Mainz, Germany.,Institute of Developmental Biology and Neurobiology, Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU), Mainz, Germany
| | - Tobias Peters
- Centre for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jan Motlik
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - M Dominik Fischer
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.,Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, NDCN, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Uwe Wolfrum
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Molecular Cell Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU), Mainz, Germany
| | - Nikolai Klymiuk
- Center for Innovative Medical Models, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Large Animal Models in Cardiovascular Research, Internal Medical Department I, TU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Wang J, Sun N, Ju Y, Ni N, Tang Z, Zhang D, Dai X, Chen M, Wang Y, Gu P, Ji J. miR-381-3p Cooperated With Hes1 to Regulate the Proliferation and Differentiation of Retinal Progenitor Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:853215. [PMID: 35281083 PMCID: PMC8914042 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.853215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) transplantation has become a promising therapy for retinal degeneration, which is a major kind of ocular diseases causing blindness. Since RPCs have limited proliferation and differentiation abilities toward retinal neurons, it is urgent to resolve these problems. MicroRNAs have been reported to have vital effects on stem cell fate. In our study, the data showed that overexpression of miR-381-3p repressed Hes1 expression, which promoted RPCs differentiation, especially toward neuronal cells, and inhibited RPCs proliferation. Knockdown of endogenous miR-381-3p increased Hes1 expression to inhibit RPCs differentiation and promote proliferation. In addition, a luciferase assay demonstrated that miR-381-3p directly targeted the Hes1 3’ untranslated region (UTR). Taken together, our study demonstrated that miR-381-3p regulated RPCs proliferation and differentiation by targeting Hes1, which provides an experimental basis of RPCs transplantation therapy for retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajing Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yahan Ju
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ni Ni
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhimin Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaochan Dai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Moxin Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiqi Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Ji, ; Ping Gu,
| | - Jing Ji
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Ji, ; Ping Gu,
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5
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German OL, Vallese-Maurizi H, Soto TB, Rotstein NP, Politi LE. Retina stem cells, hopes and obstacles. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:1446-1479. [PMID: 34786153 PMCID: PMC8567457 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i10.1446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration is a major contributor to visual dysfunction worldwide. Although it comprises several eye diseases, loss of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) and photoreceptor cells are the major contributors to their pathogenesis. Early therapies included diverse treatments, such as provision of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor and many survival and trophic factors that, in some cases, slow down the progression of the degeneration, but do not effectively prevent it. The finding of stem cells (SC) in the eye has led to the proposal of cell replacement strategies for retina degeneration. Therapies using different types of SC, such as retinal progenitor cells (RPCs), embryonic SC, pluripotent SCs (PSCs), induced PSCs (iPSCs), and mesenchymal stromal cells, capable of self-renewal and of differentiating into multiple cell types, have gained ample support. Numerous preclinical studies have assessed transplantation of SC in animal models, with encouraging results. The aim of this work is to revise the different preclinical and clinical approaches, analyzing the SC type used, their efficacy, safety, cell attachment and integration, absence of tumor formation and immunorejection, in order to establish which were the most relevant and successful. In addition, we examine the questions and concerns still open in the field. The data demonstrate the existence of two main approaches, aimed at replacing either RPE cells or photoreceptors. Emerging evidence suggests that RPCs and iPSC are the best candidates, presenting no ethical concerns and a low risk of immunorejection. Clinical trials have already supported the safety and efficacy of SC treatments. Serious concerns are pending, such as the risk of tumor formation, lack of attachment or integration of transplanted cells into host retinas, immunorejection, cell death, and also ethical. However, the amazing progress in the field in the last few years makes it possible to envisage safe and effective treatments to restore vision loss in a near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga L German
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahia blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional del Sur, and Neurobiology Department, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB) Conicet, Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Harmonie Vallese-Maurizi
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahia blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional del Sur, and Neurobiology Department, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB) Conicet, Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tamara B Soto
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional del Sur, and Neurobiology Department, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB) Conicet, Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nora P Rotstein
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahia blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional del Sur, and Neurobiology Department, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB) Conicet, Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luis Enrique Politi
- Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Nacional del Sur, and Neurobiology Department, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB) Conicet, Bahía Blanca 8000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Duarri A, Rodríguez-Bocanegra E, Martínez-Navarrete G, Biarnés M, García M, Ferraro LL, Kuebler B, Aran B, Izquierdo E, Aguilera-Xiol E, Casaroli-Marano RP, Trias E, Fernandez E, Raya Á, Veiga A, Monés J. Transplantation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium in a Swine Model of Geographic Atrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910497. [PMID: 34638840 PMCID: PMC8508834 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to test the feasibility and safety of subretinal transplantation of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells into the healthy margins and within areas of degenerative retina in a swine model of geographic atrophy (GA). METHODS Well-delimited selective outer retinal damage was induced by subretinal injection of NaIO3 into one eye in minipigs (n = 10). Thirty days later, a suspension of hiPSC-derived RPE cells expressing green fluorescent protein was injected into the subretinal space, into the healthy margins, and within areas of degenerative retina. In vivo follow-up was performed by multimodal imaging. Post-mortem retinas were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and histology. RESULTS In vitro differentiated hiPSC-RPE cells showed a typical epithelial morphology, expressed RPE-related genes, and had phagocytic ability. Engrafted hiPSC-RPE cells were detected in 60% of the eyes, forming mature epithelium in healthy retina extending towards the border of the atrophy. Histological analysis revealed RPE interaction with host photoreceptors in the healthy retina. Engrafted cells in the atrophic zone were found in a patchy distribution but failed to form an epithelial-like layer. CONCLUSIONS These results might support the use of hiPSC-RPE cells to treat atrophic GA by providing a housekeeping function to aid the overwhelmed remnant RPE, which might improve its survival and therefore slow down the progression of GA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Duarri
- Program for Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine in Catalonia–P-CMR[C], Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (A.D.); (B.K.); (B.A.); (Á.R.)
- National Stem Cell Bank-Barcelona Node, Biomolecular and Bioinformatics Resources Platform PRB2, ISCIII, IDIBELL, Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Rodríguez-Bocanegra
- Barcelona Macula Foundation: Research for Vision, 08022 Barcelona, Spain; (E.R.-B.); (M.B.); (M.G.); (L.L.F.)
- Institut de la Màcula, Centro Médico Teknon, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gema Martínez-Navarrete
- Networking Research Center of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (G.M.-N.); (E.F.)
- Institute of Bioengineering, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03202 Alicante, Spain
| | - Marc Biarnés
- Barcelona Macula Foundation: Research for Vision, 08022 Barcelona, Spain; (E.R.-B.); (M.B.); (M.G.); (L.L.F.)
- Institut de la Màcula, Centro Médico Teknon, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miriam García
- Barcelona Macula Foundation: Research for Vision, 08022 Barcelona, Spain; (E.R.-B.); (M.B.); (M.G.); (L.L.F.)
- Institut de la Màcula, Centro Médico Teknon, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucía Lee Ferraro
- Barcelona Macula Foundation: Research for Vision, 08022 Barcelona, Spain; (E.R.-B.); (M.B.); (M.G.); (L.L.F.)
- Institut de la Màcula, Centro Médico Teknon, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bernd Kuebler
- Program for Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine in Catalonia–P-CMR[C], Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (A.D.); (B.K.); (B.A.); (Á.R.)
| | - Begoña Aran
- Program for Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine in Catalonia–P-CMR[C], Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (A.D.); (B.K.); (B.A.); (Á.R.)
- National Stem Cell Bank-Barcelona Node, Biomolecular and Bioinformatics Resources Platform PRB2, ISCIII, IDIBELL, Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Ricardo P. Casaroli-Marano
- Banc de Sang i Teixits (BST), Institute of Biomedical Research (IIB-Sant Pau), 08025 Barcelona, Spain;
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Health Science, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esteve Trias
- LEITAT Technological Center, 08005 Barcelona, Spain;
- Advanced Therapies Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Fernandez
- Networking Research Center of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (G.M.-N.); (E.F.)
- Institute of Bioengineering, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03202 Alicante, Spain
| | - Ángel Raya
- Program for Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine in Catalonia–P-CMR[C], Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (A.D.); (B.K.); (B.A.); (Á.R.)
- Networking Research Center of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (G.M.-N.); (E.F.)
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Veiga
- Program for Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine in Catalonia–P-CMR[C], Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (A.D.); (B.K.); (B.A.); (Á.R.)
- National Stem Cell Bank-Barcelona Node, Biomolecular and Bioinformatics Resources Platform PRB2, ISCIII, IDIBELL, Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.V.); (J.M.)
| | - Jordi Monés
- Barcelona Macula Foundation: Research for Vision, 08022 Barcelona, Spain; (E.R.-B.); (M.B.); (M.G.); (L.L.F.)
- Institut de la Màcula, Centro Médico Teknon, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.V.); (J.M.)
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Li SY, Liu Y, Wang L, Wang F, Zhao TT, Li QY, Xu HW, Meng XH, Hao J, Zhou Q, Wang L, Yin ZQ. A phase I clinical trial of human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells for early-stage Stargardt macular degeneration: 5-years' follow-up. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e13100. [PMID: 34347352 PMCID: PMC8450131 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the long‐term biosafety and efficacy of transplantation of human embryonic stem cells‐derived retinal pigment epithelial (hESC‐RPE) cells in early‐stage of Stargardt macular degeneration (STGD1). Materials and methods Seven patients participated in this prospective clinical study, where they underwent a single subretinal transplantation of 1 × 105 hESC‐RPE cells in one eye, whereas the fellow eye served as control. These patients were reassessed for a 60‐month follow‐up through systemic and ophthalmic examinations. Results None of the patients experienced adverse reactions systemically or locally, except for two who had transiently high intraocular pressure post‐operation. Functional assessments demonstrated that all of the seven operated eyes had transiently increased or stable visual function 1‐4 months after transplantation. At the last follow‐up visit, two of the seven eyes showed visual function loss than the baseline; however, one of them showed a stable visual acuity when compared with the change of fellow eye. Obvious small high reflective foci in the RPE layer were displayed after the transplantation, and maintained until the last visit. Interestingly, three categories of patients who were classified based on autofluorescence, exhibited distinctive patterns of morphological and functional change. Conclusions Subretinal transplantation of hESC‐RPE in early‐stage STGD1 is safe and tolerated in the long term. Further investigation is needed for choosing proper subjects according to the multi‐model image and function assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Ying Li
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,National Stem Cell Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Tong-Tao Zhao
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Qi-You Li
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Hai-Wei Xu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Meng
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,National Stem Cell Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,National Stem Cell Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,National Stem Cell Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng-Qin Yin
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
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8
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Zhang CJ, Ma Y, Jin ZB. The road to restore vision with photoreceptor regeneration. Exp Eye Res 2020; 202:108283. [PMID: 33010290 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neuroretinal diseases are the predominant cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, mainly due to photoreceptor loss. Currently, there are no radical treatments to fully reverse the degeneration or even stop the disease progression. Thus, it is urgent to develop new biological therapeutics for these diseases on the clinical side. Stem cell-based treatments have become a promising therapeutic for neuroretinal diseases through the replacement of damaged cells with photoreceptors and some allied cells. To date, considerable efforts have been made to regenerate the diseased retina based on stem cell technology. In this review, we overview the current status of stem cell-based treatments for photoreceptor regeneration, including the major cell sources derived from different stem cells in pre-clinical or clinical trial stages. Additionally, we discuss herein the major challenges ahead for and potential new strategy toward photoreceptor regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Jun Zhang
- Laboratory for Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Ya Ma
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Zi-Bing Jin
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing, 100730, China.
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9
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Huckenpahler AL, Carroll J, Salmon AE, Sajdak BS, Mastey RR, Allen KP, Kaplan HJ, McCall MA. Noninvasive Imaging and Correlative Histology of Cone Photoreceptor Structure in the Pig Retina. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2019; 8:38. [PMID: 31867139 PMCID: PMC6922271 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.8.6.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate different methods of studying cone photoreceptor structure in wild-type (WT) and transgenic pigs carrying the human rhodopsin P23H mutant gene (TgP23H). METHODS For in vivo imaging, pigs were anesthetized with tiletamine-zolazepam and isoflurane and given lidocaine-bupivacaine retrobulbar injections. Stay sutures and a custom head mount were used to hold and steer the head for adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO). Six WT and TgP23H littermates were imaged at postnatal day 30 (P30), P90, and P180 with AOSLO and optical coherence tomography (OCT), and two additional sets of littermates were imaged at P3 and P15 with OCT only. AOSLO imaging and correlative differential interference contrast microscopy were performed on a P240 WT pig and on WT and TgP23H littermates at P30 and P180. RESULTS AOSLO cone density generally underestimates histology density (mean difference ± SD = 24.8% ± 21.4%). The intensity of the outer retinal hyperreflective OCT band attributed to photoreceptors is attenuated in TgP23H pigs at all ages. In contrast, AOSLO images show cones that retain inner and outer segments through P180. At retinal locations outside the visual streak, TgP23H pigs show a heterogeneous degenerating cone mosaic by using two criteria: variable contrast on a split detector AOSLO and high reflectivity on a confocal AOSLO. CONCLUSIONS AOSLO reveals that the cone mosaic is similar to ex vivo histology. Its use as a noninvasive tool will enable observation of morphologic changes that arise in the cone mosaic of TgP23H pigs over time. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE Pigs are widely used for translational studies, and the ability to noninvasively assess cellular changes in the cone mosaic will facilitate more detailed investigations of new retinal disease models as well as outcomes of potential therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison L Huckenpahler
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Joseph Carroll
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Alexander E Salmon
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Benjamin S Sajdak
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Rebecca R Mastey
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Kenneth P Allen
- Biomedical Resource Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Henry J Kaplan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Maureen A McCall
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
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10
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Yeo JH, Jung BK, Lee H, Baek IJ, Sung YH, Shin HS, Kim HK, Seo KY, Lee JY. Development of a Pde6b Gene Knockout Rat Model for Studies of Degenerative Retinal Diseases. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:1519-1526. [PMID: 31009522 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-25556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To describe the phenotypes of a newly developed Pde6b-deficient rat model of retinal degeneration. Methods Pde6b knockout rats were produced by CRISPR-Cpf1 technology. Pde6b knockout rats were evaluated for ocular abnormalities by comparison with wild-type eyes. Eyes were imaged using fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT), stained by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and examined by TUNEL assay. Finally, eyes were functionally assessed by electroretinograms (ERGs). Results Pde6b knockout rats exhibited visible photoreceptor degeneration at 3 weeks of postnatal age. The fundus appearance of mutants was notable for pigmentary changes, vascular attenuation with an irregular vascular pattern, and outer retinal thinning, which resembled retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in humans. OCT showed profound retinal thinning in Pde6b knockout rats; the outer nuclear layer (ONL) was significantly thinner in Pde6b knockout rats, with relative preservation of the inner retina at 3 weeks of postnatal age. H&E staining confirmed extensive degeneration of the ONL, beginning at 3 weeks of postnatal age; no ONL remained in the retina by 16 weeks of postnatal age. Retinal sections of Pde6b knockout rats were highly positive for TUNEL, specifically in the ONL. In ERGs, Pde6b knockout rats showed no detectable a- or b-waves at 8 weeks of postnatal age. Conclusions The Pde6b knockout rat exhibits photoreceptor degeneration. It may provide a better model for experimental therapy for RP because of its slower progression and larger anatomic architecture than the corresponding mouse model. Further studies in this rat model may yield insights into effective therapies for human RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon Hyung Yeo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bok Kyoung Jung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heuiran Lee
- Department of Microbiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - In-Jeoung Baek
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Hoon Sung
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hae-Sol Shin
- Korea Mouse Sensory Phenotyping Center (KMSPC), Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hong Kyung Kim
- Korea Mouse Sensory Phenotyping Center (KMSPC), Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyoung Yul Seo
- Korea Mouse Sensory Phenotyping Center (KMSPC), Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joo Yong Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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11
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Lorach H, Kang S, Bhuckory MB, Trouillet A, Dalal R, Marmor M, Palanker D. Transplantation of Mature Photoreceptors in Rodents With Retinal Degeneration. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2019; 8:30. [PMID: 31171997 PMCID: PMC6543858 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.8.3.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To demonstrate survival and integration of mature photoreceptors transplanted with the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Methods Full-thickness retina with attached RPE was harvested from healthy adult rats. Grafts were implanted into two rat models of retinal degeneration, Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) and S334ter-3. Survival of the host and transplanted retina was monitored using optical coherence tomography (OCT) for up to 6 months. The retinal structure and synaptogenesis between the host and transplant was assessed by histology and immunohistochemistry. Results OCT and histology demonstrated a well-preserved photoreceptor layer with inner and outer segments, while the inner retinal layers of the transplant largely disappeared. Grafts, including RPE, survived better than without and the transplanted RPE appeared as a monolayer integrated with the native one. Synaptogenesis was observed through sprouting of new dendrites from the host bipolar cells and synaptic connections forming with cells of the transplant. However, in many samples, a glial fibrillary acidic protein–positive membrane separated the host retina and the graft. Conclusions Presence of RPE in the graft improved the survival of transplanted photoreceptors. Functional integration between the transplant and the host retina is likely to be further enhanced if formation of a glial seal could be prevented. Transplantation of the mature photoreceptors with RPE may be a practical approach to restoration of sight in retinal degeneration. Translational Relevance This approach to restoration of sight in patients with photoreceptor degeneration can be rapidly advanced to clinical testing. In patients with central scotoma, autologous transplantation of the peripheral retina can be an option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henri Lorach
- Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Seungbum Kang
- Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory, Stanford University, CA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mohajeet B Bhuckory
- Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory, Stanford University, CA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Alix Trouillet
- Department of Otolaryngology, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Roopa Dalal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Michael Marmor
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Palanker
- Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory, Stanford University, CA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, CA, USA
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12
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Jiang F, Tang Z, Zhang Y, Ju Y, Gao H, Sun N, Liu F, Gu P, Zhang W. Enhanced proliferation and differentiation of retinal progenitor cells through a self-healing injectable hydrogel. Biomater Sci 2019; 7:2335-2347. [PMID: 30907911 DOI: 10.1039/c8bm01579a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Fabrication of self-healing injectable CS-Odex hydrogels via a dynamic Schiff-base linkage for RPC delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai
- P. R. China
| | - Zhimin Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology
- Ninth People's Hospital
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
- Shanghai
- P.R. China
| | - Yuanhao Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai
- P. R. China
| | - Yahan Ju
- Department of Ophthalmology
- Ninth People's Hospital
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
- Shanghai
- P.R. China
| | - Huiqin Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology
- Ninth People's Hospital
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
- Shanghai
- P.R. China
| | - Na Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology
- Ninth People's Hospital
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
- Shanghai
- P.R. China
| | - Feng Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai
- P. R. China
| | - Ping Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology
- Ninth People's Hospital
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
- Shanghai
- P.R. China
| | - Weian Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai
- P. R. China
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13
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Abstract
The retina is a very fine and layered neural tissue, which vitally depends on the preservation of cells, structure, connectivity and vasculature to maintain vision. There is an urgent need to find technical and biological solutions to major challenges associated with functional replacement of retinal cells. The major unmet challenges include generating sufficient numbers of specific cell types, achieving functional integration of transplanted cells, especially photoreceptors, and surgical delivery of retinal cells or tissue without triggering immune responses, inflammation and/or remodeling. The advances of regenerative medicine enabled generation of three-dimensional tissues (organoids), partially recreating the anatomical structure, biological complexity and physiology of several tissues, which are important targets for stem cell replacement therapies. Derivation of retinal tissue in a dish creates new opportunities for cell replacement therapies of blindness and addresses the need to preserve retinal architecture to restore vision. Retinal cell therapies aimed at preserving and improving vision have achieved many improvements in the past ten years. Retinal organoid technologies provide a number of solutions to technical and biological challenges associated with functional replacement of retinal cells to achieve long-term vision restoration. Our review summarizes the progress in cell therapies of retina, with focus on human pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal tissue, and critically evaluates the potential of retinal organoid approaches to solve a major unmet clinical need—retinal repair and vision restoration in conditions caused by retinal degeneration and traumatic ocular injuries. We also analyze obstacles in commercialization of retinal organoid technology for clinical application.
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14
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Tang Z, Jiang F, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Huang X, Wang Y, Zhang D, Ni N, Liu F, Luo M, Fan X, Zhang W, Gu P. Mussel-inspired injectable hydrogel and its counterpart for actuating proliferation and neuronal differentiation of retinal progenitor cells. Biomaterials 2018; 194:57-72. [PMID: 30583149 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Biomaterials-mediated retinal progenitor cell (RPC)-based transplantation therapy has shown substantial potential for retinal degeneration (RD), but it is limited by the poor RPC survival, proliferation and differentiation. Herein, the gelatin-hyaluronic acid (Gel-HA)-based hydrogels formed via moderate Michael-type addition reaction with or without the introduction of mussel-inspired polydopamine (PDA), i.e. Gel-HA-PDA and its counterpart Gel-HA hydrogels are developed, and their effects on the biological behaviour of RPCs, including adhesion, survival, proliferation, differentiation, delivery and migration are investigated. The hybrid hydrogels can adopt the intricate structure of the retina with suitable mechanical strength, degradation rate and biological activity to support cellular adhesion, survival and delivery. Meanwhile, Gel-HA hydrogel can remarkably promote RPC proliferation with much larger cell clusters, while Gel-HA-PDA hydrogel significantly enhances RPC adhesion and migration, and directs RPCs to preferentially differentiate toward retinal neurons such as photoreceptors (the most crucial cell-type for RD treatment), which is mainly induced by the activation of integrin α5β1-phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway. This study demonstrates that Gel-HA hydrogel possesses great potential for RPC proliferation, while mussel-inspired PDA-modified Gel-HA hydrogel with superior biocompatibility can significantly promote RPC neuronal differentiation, providing new insights for developing biomedical materials applied for RPC-based transplantation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, PR China
| | - Fang Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, PR China
| | - Yuanhao Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, PR China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, PR China
| | - Xiaolin Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, PR China
| | - Yuyao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, PR China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, PR China
| | - Ni Ni
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, PR China
| | - Feng Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, PR China
| | - Min Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, PR China
| | - Xianqun Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, PR China.
| | - Weian Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, PR China.
| | - Ping Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, PR China.
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15
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Liu Y, Xu HW, Wang L, Li SY, Zhao CJ, Hao J, Li QY, Zhao TT, Wu W, Wang Y, Zhou Q, Qian C, Wang L, Yin ZQ. Human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium transplants as a potential treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration. Cell Discov 2018; 4:50. [PMID: 30245845 PMCID: PMC6143607 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-018-0053-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell therapy may provide a safe and promising treatment for retinal diseases. Wet age-related macular degeneration (wet-AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in China. We developed a clinical-grade human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line, Q-CTS-hESC-2, under xeno-free conditions that differentiated into retinal pigment epithelial cells (Q-CTS-hESC-2-RPE). A clinical trial with three wet-AMD patients was initiated in order to study the safety and tolerance to Q-CTS-hESC-2-RPE cell transplants. The choroidal neovascularization membrane was removed and then a suspension of 1 × 106 Q-CTS-hESC-2-RPE cells were injected into a subfoveal pocket. The patients were followed for 12 months during which no adverse effects resulting from the transplant were observed. Anatomical evidence suggested the existence of new RPE-like cell layer in the previously damaged area. Visual and physiological testing indicated limited functional improvement, albeit to different degrees between patients. This study provides some promising early results concerning the use of transplanted hESC-RPE cells to alleviate wet-AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liu
- 1Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, 400038 China
| | - Hai Wei Xu
- 1Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, 400038 China
| | - Lei Wang
- 2State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China.,3University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Shi Ying Li
- 1Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, 400038 China
| | - Cong Jian Zhao
- 1Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, 400038 China
| | - Jie Hao
- 2State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Qi You Li
- 1Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, 400038 China
| | - Tong Tao Zhao
- 1Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, 400038 China
| | - Wei Wu
- 1Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, 400038 China
| | - Yi Wang
- 1Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, 400038 China
| | - Qi Zhou
- 2State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China.,3University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Cheng Qian
- 4Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University(Amy Medical University), Chongqing, 400038 China
| | - Liu Wang
- 2State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China.,3University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Zheng Qin Yin
- 1Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, 400038 China
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16
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Lin B, McLelland BT, Mathur A, Aramant RB, Seiler MJ. Sheets of human retinal progenitor transplants improve vision in rats with severe retinal degeneration. Exp Eye Res 2018; 174:13-28. [PMID: 29782826 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Loss of photoreceptors and other retinal cells is a common endpoint in retinal degenerate (RD) diseases that cause blindness. Retinal transplantation is a potential therapy to replace damaged retinal cells and improve vision. In this study, we examined the development of human fetal retinal sheets with or without their retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) transplanted to immunodeficient retinal degenerate rho S334ter-3 rats. Sheets were dissected from fetal human eyes (11-15.7 weeks gestation) and then transplanted to the subretinal space of 24-31 d old RD nude rats. Every month post surgery, eyes were imaged by high-resolution spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). SD-OCT showed that transplants were placed into the subretinal space and developed laminated areas or rosettes, with clear development of plexiform layers first seen in OCT at 3 months post surgery. Several months later, as could be expected by the much slower development of human cells compared to rat cells, transplant photoreceptors developed inner and later outer segments. Retinal sections were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for human and retinal markers and confirmed the formation of several retinal subtypes within the retinal layers. Transplant cells extended processes and a lot of the cells could also be seen migrating into the host retina. At 5.8-8.6 months post surgery, selected rats were exposed to light flashes and recorded for visual responses in superior colliculus, (visual center in midbrain). Four of seven rats with transplants showed responses to flashes of light in a limited area of superior colliculus. No response with the same dim light intensity was found in age-matched RD controls (non-surgery or sham surgery). In summary, our data showed that human fetal retinal sheets transplanted to the severely disturbed subretinal space of RD nude rats develop mature photoreceptors and other retinal cells, integrate with the host and induce vision improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Lin
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of CalifoArnia, Irvine, United States
| | - Bryce T McLelland
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of CalifoArnia, Irvine, United States
| | - Anuradha Mathur
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of CalifoArnia, Irvine, United States
| | - Robert B Aramant
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of CalifoArnia, Irvine, United States
| | - Magdalene J Seiler
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of CalifoArnia, Irvine, United States; Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of California, Irvine, United States.
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17
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Liu Y, Chen SJ, Li SY, Qu LH, Meng XH, Wang Y, Xu HW, Liang ZQ, Yin ZQ. Long-term safety of human retinal progenitor cell transplantation in retinitis pigmentosa patients. Stem Cell Res Ther 2017; 8:209. [PMID: 28962643 PMCID: PMC5622579 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-017-0661-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 08/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Retinitis pigmentosa is a common genetic disease that causes retinal degeneration and blindness for which there is currently no curable treatment available. Vision preservation was observed in retinitis pigmentosa animal models after retinal stem cell transplantation. However, long-term safety studies and visual assessment have not been thoroughly tested in retinitis pigmentosa patients. Methods In our pre-clinical study, purified human fetal-derived retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) were transplanted into the diseased retina of Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats, a model of retinal degeneration. Based on these results, we conducted a phase I clinical trial to establish the safety and tolerability of transplantation of RPCs in eight patients with advanced retinitis pigmentosa. Patients were studied for 24 months. Results After RPC transplantation in RCS rats, we observed moderate recovery of vision and maintenance of the outer nuclear layer thickness. Most importantly, we did not find tumor formation or immune rejection. In the retinis pigmentosa patients given RPC injections, we also did not observe immunological rejection or tumorigenesis when immunosuppressive agents were not administered. We observed a significant improvement in visual acuity (P < 0.05) in five patients and an increase in retinal sensitivity of pupillary responses in three of the eight patients between 2 and 6 months after the transplant, but this improvement did not appear by 12 months. Conclusion Our study for the first time confirmed the long-term safety and feasibility of vision repair by stem cell therapy in patients blinded by retinitis pigmentosa. Trial registration WHO Trial Registration, ChiCTR-TNRC-08000193. Retrospectively registered on 5 December 2008. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13287-017-0661-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Visual Damage, Regeneration and Repair, Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Shao Jun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Visual Damage, Regeneration and Repair, Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Shi Ying Li
- Key Laboratory of Visual Damage, Regeneration and Repair, Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Ling Hui Qu
- Key Laboratory of Visual Damage, Regeneration and Repair, Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiao Hong Meng
- Key Laboratory of Visual Damage, Regeneration and Repair, Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Visual Damage, Regeneration and Repair, Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Hai Wei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Visual Damage, Regeneration and Repair, Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zhi Qing Liang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zheng Qin Yin
- Key Laboratory of Visual Damage, Regeneration and Repair, Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Tang Z, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Zhang D, Shen B, Luo M, Gu P. Progress of stem/progenitor cell-based therapy for retinal degeneration. J Transl Med 2017; 15:99. [PMID: 28486987 PMCID: PMC5424366 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-017-1183-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration (RD), such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa, is one of the leading causes of blindness. Presently, no satisfactory therapeutic options are available for these diseases principally because the retina and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) do not regenerate, although wet AMD can be prevented from further progression by anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. Nevertheless, stem/progenitor cell approaches exhibit enormous potential for RD treatment using strategies mainly aimed at the rescue and replacement of photoreceptors and RPE. The sources of stem/progenitor cells are classified into two broad categories in this review, which are (1) ocular-derived progenitor cells, such as retinal progenitor cells, and (2) non-ocular-derived stem cells, including embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and mesenchymal stromal cells. Here, we discuss in detail the progress in the study of four predominant stem/progenitor cell types used in animal models of RD. A short overview of clinical trials involving the stem/progenitor cells is also presented. Currently, stem/progenitor cell therapies for RD still have some drawbacks such as inhibited proliferation and/or differentiation in vitro (with the exception of the RPE) and limited long-term survival and function of grafts in vivo. Despite these challenges, stem/progenitor cells represent the most promising strategy for RD treatment in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuyao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingqiao Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ping Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
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Koss MJ, Falabella P, Stefanini FR, Pfister M, Thomas BB, Kashani AH, Brant R, Zhu D, Clegg DO, Hinton DR, Humayun MS. Subretinal implantation of a monolayer of human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium: a feasibility and safety study in Yucatán minipigs. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2016; 254:1553-1565. [PMID: 27335025 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-016-3386-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE A subretinal implant termed CPCB-RPE1 is currently being developed to surgically replace dystrophic RPE in patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and severe vision loss. CPCB-RPE1 is composed of a terminally differentiated, polarized human embryonic stem cell-derived RPE (hESC-RPE) monolayer pre-grown on a biocompatible, mesh-supported submicron parylene C membrane. The objective of the present delivery study was to assess the feasibility and 1-month safety of CPCB-RPE1 implantation in Yucatán minipigs, whose eyes are similar to human eyes in size and gross retinal anatomy. METHODS This was a prospective, partially blinded, randomized study in 14 normal-sighted female Yucatán minipigs (aged 2 months, weighing 24-35 kg). Surgeons were blinded to the randomization codes and postoperative and post-mortem assessments were performed in a blinded manner. Eleven minipigs received CPCB-RPE1 while three control minipigs underwent sham surgery that generated subretinal blebs. All animals except two sham controls received combined local (Ozurdex™ dexamethasone intravitreal implant) and systemic (tacrolimus) immunosuppression or local immunosuppression alone. Correct placement of the CPCB-RPE1 implant was assessed by in vivo optical coherence tomography and post-mortem histology. hESC-RPE cells were identified using immunohistochemistry staining for TRA-1-85 (a human marker) and RPE65 (an RPE marker). As the study results of primary interest were nonnumerical no statistical analysis or tests were conducted. RESULTS CPCB-RPE1 implants were reliably placed, without implant breakage, in the subretinal space of the minipig eye using surgical techniques similar to those that would be used in humans. Histologically, hESC-RPE cells were found to survive as an intact monolayer for 1 month based on immunohistochemistry staining for TRA-1-85 and RPE65. CONCLUSIONS Although inconclusive regarding the necessity or benefit of systemic or local immunosuppression, our study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of CPCB-RPE1 subretinal implantation in a comparable animal model and provides an encouraging starting point for human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Koss
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA.
| | - Paulo Falabella
- USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
| | - Francisco R Stefanini
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo UNIFESP, Rua Botucatu 821, 04023-062, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcel Pfister
- USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
| | - Biju B Thomas
- USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
| | - Amir H Kashani
- USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
| | - Rodrigo Brant
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo UNIFESP, Rua Botucatu 821, 04023-062, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danhong Zhu
- USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
| | - Dennis O Clegg
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106-9625, USA
| | - David R Hinton
- USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
| | - Mark S Humayun
- USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
- Institute of Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033-4682, USA
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Seiler MJ, Aramant RB. Cell replacement and visual restoration by retinal sheet transplants. Prog Retin Eye Res 2012; 31:661-87. [PMID: 22771454 PMCID: PMC3472113 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2012.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Revised: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 06/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP) affect millions of people. Replacing lost cells with new cells that connect with the still functional part of the host retina might repair a degenerating retina and restore eyesight to an unknown extent. A unique model, subretinal transplantation of freshly dissected sheets of fetal-derived retinal progenitor cells, combined with its retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), has demonstrated successful results in both animals and humans. Most other approaches are restricted to rescue endogenous retinal cells of the recipient in earlier disease stages by a 'nursing' role of the implanted cells and are not aimed at neural retinal cell replacement. Sheet transplants restore lost visual responses in several retinal degeneration models in the superior colliculus (SC) corresponding to the location of the transplant in the retina. They do not simply preserve visual performance - they increase visual responsiveness to light. Restoration of visual responses in the SC can be directly traced to neural cells in the transplant, demonstrating that synaptic connections between transplant and host contribute to the visual improvement. Transplant processes invade the inner plexiform layer of the host retina and form synapses with presumable host cells. In a Phase II trial of RP and ARMD patients, transplants of retina together with its RPE improved visual acuity. In summary, retinal progenitor sheet transplantation provides an excellent model to answer questions about how to repair and restore function of a degenerating retina. Supply of fetal donor tissue will always be limited but the model can set a standard and provide an informative base for optimal cell replacement therapies such as embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalene J Seiler
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Reeve-Irvine Research Center, Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California at Irvine, 1101 Gross Hall, 845 Health Science Rd., Irvine, CA 92697-4265, USA.
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Tian C, Zhao T, Zeng Y, Yin ZQ. Increased Müller cell de-differentiation after grafting of retinal stem cell in the sub-retinal space of Royal College of Surgeons rats. Tissue Eng Part A 2011; 17:2523-32. [PMID: 21609182 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2010.0649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In several vertebrate classes, the Müller glia are capable of de-differentiating, proliferating, and acquiring a progenitor-like state in response to acute retinal injury or in response to exogenous growth factors. Our previous study has shown that Müller cells can be activated and de-differentiated into retinal progenitors during Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats' degeneration, although the limited proliferation cannot maintain retinal function. We now report that rat retinal stem cells (rSCs) transplanted into RCS rats slowed the progression of retinal morphological degeneration and prevented the functional disruption. Further, we found that retinal progenitor cells labeled with Chx10 were increased significantly after rSCs transplantation, and most of them are mainly from activated Müller cells. rSCs transplantation also enhances neurogenic potential by producing more recoverin-positive photoreceptors, which was proved coming from Müller glia-derived cells. These results provide evidence that stem cell-based therapy may offer a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of retinal degeneration, and that Müller glia in mammalian retina can be activated and de-differentiated by rSC transplantation and may have therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Tian
- Southwest Hospital, Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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