1
|
Babighian S, Zanella MS, Gattazzo I, Galan A, Gagliano C, D'Esposito F, Zeppieri M. Atrophic Macular Degeneration and Stem Cell Therapy: A Clinical Review. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39259423 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2024_819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of visual loss in older patients. No effective drug is available for this pathology, but studies about therapy with stem cells replacing the damaged retinal cells with retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) were described. The documentation of AMD progression and the response to stem cell therapy have been performed by optical coherence tomography, microperimetry, and other diagnostic technologies.This chapter reports a clinical review of the most important clinical trials and protocols regarding the use of stem cells in AMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Babighian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedale Sant'Antonio, Azienda Ospedaliera, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Sole Zanella
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedale Sant'Antonio, Azienda Ospedaliera, Padova, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Irene Gattazzo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedale Sant'Antonio, Azienda Ospedaliera, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Galan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedale Sant'Antonio, Azienda Ospedaliera, Padova, Italy
| | - Caterina Gagliano
- Eye Clinic Catania University San Marco Hospital, Catania, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Enna "Kore", Piazza dell'Università, Enna, EN, Italy
| | - Fabiana D'Esposito
- Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Group (ICORG) Unit, Imperial College, London, UK
- Eye Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Zeppieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, Udine, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu Q, Liu J, Higuchi A. hPSC-derived RPE transplantation for the treatment of macular degeneration. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 199:227-269. [PMID: 37678973 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Macular degeneration (MD) is a group of diseases characterized by irreversible and progressive vision loss. Patients with MD suffer from severely impaired central vision, especially elderly people. Currently, only one type of MD, wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), can be treated with anti-vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) drugs. Other types of MD remain difficult to treat. With the advent of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and their differentiation into retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), it is promising to treat patients with MD by transplantation of hPSC-derived RPE into the subretinal space. In this review, the current progress in hPSC-derived RPE transplantation for the treatment of patients with MD is described from bench to bedside, including hPSC differentiation into RPE and the characterization and usage of hPSC-derived RPE for transplantation into patients with MD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Akon Higuchi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China; Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Jhongli, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Contreras D, Garcia G, Jones MK, Martinez LE, Jayakarunakaran A, Gangalapudi V, Tang J, Wu Y, Zhao JJ, Chen Z, Ramaiah A, Tsui I, Kumar A, Nielsen-Saines K, Wang S, Arumugaswami V. Differential Susceptibility of Fetal Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells, hiPSC- Retinal Stem Cells, and Retinal Organoids to Zika Virus Infection. Viruses 2023; 15:142. [PMID: 36680182 PMCID: PMC9864143 DOI: 10.3390/v15010142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) causes microcephaly and congenital eye disease. The cellular and molecular basis of congenital ZIKV infection are not well understood. Here, we utilized a biologically relevant cell-based system of human fetal retinal pigment epithelial cells (FRPEs), hiPSC-derived retinal stem cells (iRSCs), and retinal organoids to investigate ZIKV-mediated ocular cell injury processes. Our data show that FRPEs were highly susceptible to ZIKV infection exhibiting increased apoptosis, whereas iRSCs showed reduced susceptibility. Detailed transcriptomics and proteomics analyses of infected FRPEs were performed. Nucleoside analogue drug treatment inhibited ZIKV replication. Retinal organoids were susceptible to ZIKV infection. The Asian genotype ZIKV exhibited higher infectivity, induced profound inflammatory response, and dysregulated transcription factors involved in retinal organoid differentiation. Collectively, our study shows that ZIKV affects ocular cells at different developmental stages resulting in cellular injury and death, further providing molecular insight into the pathogenesis of congenital eye disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deisy Contreras
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Gustavo Garcia
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Melissa Kaye Jones
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Laura E. Martinez
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Akshaya Jayakarunakaran
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | | | - Jie Tang
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ying Wu
- Alpine BioTherapeutics Corporation, 11107 Roselle Street, Suite 210, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Jiagang J. Zhao
- Alpine BioTherapeutics Corporation, 11107 Roselle Street, Suite 210, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Zhaohui Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Arunachalam Ramaiah
- Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Center at inStem, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Irena Tsui
- Retina Division, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | | | - Shaomei Wang
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Vaithilingaraja Arumugaswami
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Berber P, Bondarenko S, Michaelis L, Weber BHF. Transient Retention of Photoreceptor Outer Segments in Matrigel-Embedded Retinal Organoids. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314893. [PMID: 36499228 PMCID: PMC9739155 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal organoids (ROs) are three-dimensional retinal tissues, which are differentiated in vitro from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), ultimately forming all main retinal cell types under defined culture conditions. ROs show several highly specialized retinal features, including the outgrowth of photoreceptor outer segments (OSs). In vivo, the photoreceptor OSs are enveloped and maintained by protrusions of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, the so-called apical microvilli, while ROs fail to recapitulate this critical interaction in culture development. Here, we define specific co-culture conditions aiming to compensate for the missing physical proximity of RPE and OSs in RO development. Accordingly, functional RPE cells and ROs were differentiated simultaneously from the same iPSC clone, the former resulting in byproduct RPE or bRPE cells. While some co-culture approaches indicated a temporary functional interaction between bRPE and RO photoreceptors, they did not improve the photoreceptor histoarchitecture. In contrast, embedding ROs in a basement membrane extract without bRPE cells showed a robust improvement in the rate of photoreceptor OS retention. RO embedding is a quick and easy method that greatly enhances the preservation of photoreceptor OSs, an important structure for modelling retinal diseases with the involvement of photoreceptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Berber
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sofiia Bondarenko
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Michaelis
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Heinrich Friedrich Weber
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Human Genetics, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liang Y, Tan F, Sun X, Cui Z, Gu J, Mao S, Chan HF, Tang S, Chen J. Aberrant Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells of a Retinitis Pigmentosa Patient with the PRPF6 Mutation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169049. [PMID: 36012314 PMCID: PMC9409096 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-mRNA processing factors (PRPFs) are vital components of the spliceosome and are involved in the physiological process necessary for pre-mRNA splicing to mature mRNA. As an important member, PRPF6 mutation resulting in autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP) is not common. Recently, we reported the establishment of an induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs; CSUASOi004-A) model by reprogramming the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a PRPF6-related adRP patient, which could recapitulate a consistent disease-specific genotype. In this study, a disease model of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells was generated from the iPSCs of this patient to further investigate the underlying molecular and pathological mechanisms. The results showed the irregular morphology, disorganized apical microvilli and reduced expressions of RPE-specific genes in the patient’s iPSC-derived RPE cells. In addition, RPE cells carrying the PRPF6 mutation displayed a decrease in the phagocytosis of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled photoreceptor outer segments and exhibited impaired cell polarity and barrier function. This study will benefit the understanding of PRPF6-related RPE cells and future cell therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuqin Liang
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, China
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, China
| | - Feng Tan
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, China
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, China
| | - Xihao Sun
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, China
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, China
| | - Zekai Cui
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, China
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, China
| | - Jianing Gu
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, China
| | | | - Hon Fai Chan
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Shibo Tang
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, China
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, China
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (J.C.); Tel.: +86-139-2510-0123 (S.T.); +86-186-7583-9029 (J.C.)
| | - Jiansu Chen
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, China
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (J.C.); Tel.: +86-139-2510-0123 (S.T.); +86-186-7583-9029 (J.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Molins B, Mesquida M, Adan A. Bioengineering approaches for modelling retinal pathologies of the outer blood-retinal barrier. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022:101097. [PMID: 35840488 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101097] [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] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Alterations of the junctional complex of the outer blood-retinal barrier (oBRB), which is integrated by the close interaction of the retinal pigment epithelium, the Bruch's membrane, and the choriocapillaris, contribute to the loss of neuronal signalling and subsequent vision impairment in several retinal inflammatory disorders such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Reductionist approaches into the mechanisms that underlie such diseases have been hindered by the absence of adequate in vitro models using human cells to provide the 3D dynamic architecture that enables expression of the in vivo phenotype of the oBRB. Conventional in vitro cell models are based on 2D monolayer cellular cultures, unable to properly recapitulate the complexity of living systems. The main drawbacks of conventional oBRB models also emerge from the cell sourcing, the lack of an appropriate Bruch's membrane analogue, and the lack of choroidal microvasculature with flow. In the last years, the advent of organ-on-a-chip, bioengineering, and stem cell technologies is providing more advanced 3D models with flow, multicellularity, and external control over microenvironmental properties. By incorporating additional biological complexity, organ-on-a-chip devices can mirror physiologically relevant properties of the native tissue while offering additional set ups to model and study disease. In this review we first examine the current understanding of oBRB biology as a functional unit, highlighting the coordinated contribution of the different components to barrier function in health and disease. Then we describe recent advances in the use of pluripotent stem cells-derived retinal cells, Bruch's membrane analogues, and co-culture techniques to recapitulate the oBRB. We finally discuss current advances and challenges of oBRB-on-a-chip technologies for disease modelling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Molins
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marina Mesquida
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alfredo Adan
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Instituto Clínic de Oftalmología, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kim J, Lee YJ, Won JY. Molecular Mechanisms of Retinal Pigment Epithelium Dysfunction in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212298. [PMID: 34830181 PMCID: PMC8624542 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), situated upon Bruch’s membrane, plays multiple roles in the ocular system by interacting with photoreceptors and. Therefore, dysfunction of the RPE causes diseases related to vision loss, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Despite AMD being a global cause of blindness, the pathogenesis remains unclear. Understanding the pathogenesis of AMD is the first step for its prevention and treatment. This review summarizes the common pathways of RPE dysfunction and their effect in AMD. Potential treatment strategies for AMD based on targeting the RPE have also been discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jongmin Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea;
| | - Yeo Jin Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 03312, Korea;
- Catholic Institute for Visual Science, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 14662, Korea
| | - Jae Yon Won
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 03312, Korea;
- Catholic Institute for Visual Science, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 14662, Korea
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Li J, Chen Y, Ouyang S, Ma J, Sun H, Luo L, Chen S, Liu Y. Generation and Staging of Human Retinal Organoids Based on Self-Formed Ectodermal Autonomous Multi-Zone System. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:732382. [PMID: 34631711 PMCID: PMC8493070 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.732382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Methods for stem cell-derived, three-dimensional retinal organoids induction have been established and shown great potential for retinal development modeling and drug screening. Herein, we reported an exogenous-factors-free and robust method to generate retinal organoids based on “self-formed ectodermal autonomous multi-zone” (SEAM) system, a two-dimensional induction scheme that can synchronously generate multiple ocular cell lineages. Characterized by distinct morphological changes, the differentiation of the obtained retinal organoids could be staged into the early and late differentiation phases. During the early differentiation stage, retinal ganglion cells, cone photoreceptor cells (PRs), amacrine cells, and horizontal cells developed; whereas rod PRs, bipolar cells, and Müller glial cells were generated in the late differentiation phase, resembling early-phase and late-phase retinogenesis in vivo. Additionally, we modified the maintenance strategy for the retinal organoids and successfully promoted their long-term survival. Using 3D immunofluorescence image reconstruction and transmission electron microscopy, the substantial mature PRs with outer segment, inner segment and ribbon synapse were demonstrated. Besides, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) was induced with distinct boundary and the formation of ciliary margin was observed by co-suspending retina organoids with the zone containing RPE. The obtained RPE could be expanded and displayed similar marker expression, ultrastructural feature and functional phagocytosis to native RPE. Thus, this research described a simple and robust system which enabled generation of retina organoids with substantial mature PRs, RPE and the ciliary margin without the need of exogenous factors, providing a new platform for research of retinogenesis and retinal translational application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinyan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yijia Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingyu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lixia Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Surendran H, Nandakumar S, Reddy K VB, Stoddard J, Mohan K V, Upadhyay PK, McGill TJ, Pal R. Transplantation of retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors generated concomitantly via small molecule-mediated differentiation rescues visual function in rodent models of retinal degeneration. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:70. [PMID: 33468244 PMCID: PMC7814459 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02134-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a result of degeneration/damage of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) while retinitis pigmentosa (RP), an inherited early-onset disease, results from premature loss of photoreceptors. A promising therapeutic approach for both is the replacement of lost/damaged cells with human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived retinal cells. Methods The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo functionality of RPE and photoreceptor progenitor (PRP) cells derived from a clinical-grade hiPSC line through a unified protocol. De novo-generated RPE and PRP were characterized extensively to validate their identity, purity, and potency. Results RPE expressed tight junction proteins, showed pigmentation and ciliation, and secreted polarization-related factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF). PRP expressed neural retina proteins and cone and rod markers, and responded to KCl-induced polarization. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated an increase in the expression of mature retinal tissue-specific genes coupled with concomitant downregulation of genes from undesired lineages. RPE transplantation rescued visual function in RCS rats shown via optokinetic tracking and photoreceptor rescue. PRP transplantation improved light perception in NOD.SCID-rd1 mice, and positive electroretinography signals indicated functional photoreceptor activity in the host’s outer nuclear layer. Graft survival and integration were confirmed using immunohistochemistry, and no animals showed teratoma formation or any kind of ectopic growth in the eye. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a unified, scalable, and GMP-adaptable protocol indicating strong animal efficacy and safety data with hiPSC-derived RPE and PRP cells. These findings provide robust proof-of-principle results for IND-enabling studies to test these potential regenerative cell therapies in patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02134-x.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harshini Surendran
- Eyestem Research, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), National Centre for Biological Sciences-Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (NCBS-TIFR) Campus, GKVK Post, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065, Karnataka, India
| | - Swapna Nandakumar
- Eyestem Research, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), National Centre for Biological Sciences-Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (NCBS-TIFR) Campus, GKVK Post, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065, Karnataka, India
| | - Vijay Bhaskar Reddy K
- Eyestem Research, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), National Centre for Biological Sciences-Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (NCBS-TIFR) Campus, GKVK Post, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065, Karnataka, India
| | - Jonathan Stoddard
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | | | - Trevor J McGill
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Rajarshi Pal
- Eyestem Research, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), National Centre for Biological Sciences-Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (NCBS-TIFR) Campus, GKVK Post, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065, Karnataka, India.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Transplanted embryonic retinal stem cells have the potential to repair the injured retina in mice. BMC Ophthalmol 2021; 21:26. [PMID: 33422026 PMCID: PMC7797095 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-020-01795-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Stem cell transplantation has been reported as one of the promising strategies to treat retinal degenerative diseases. But, the application and the role of retina stem cells (RSCs) in the treatment of patients with retinal degenerative diseases have not been fully revealed. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of transplantation of the embryo-derived RSCs into the vitreous cavity in repairing the damaged retina in mice. Methods RSCs were isolated from Kunming mice E17 embryonic retina and ciliary body tissues, and labeled with 5-bromo-2’-deoxyuridin (BrdU). Retinal optic nerve crush injury was induced in left eyes in male Kunming mice by ring clamping the optic nerve. The 6th -generation of BrdU-labeled RSCs were transplanted into the damaged retina by the intravitreal injection, and saline injected eyes were used as the control. Hematoxylin and eosin histological staining, and BrdU, Nestin and Pax6 immunostaining were performed. Electroretinogram (ERG) was used for assessing the electrical activity of the retina. Results Embryo-derived RSCs were identified by the positive stains of Pax6 and Nestin. BrdU incorporation was detected in the majority of RSCs. The damaged retina showed cellular nuclear disintegration and fragmentation in the retinal tissue which progressed over the periods of clamping time, and decreased amplitudes of a and b waves in ERG. In the damaged retina with RSCs transplantation, the positive staining for BrdU, Pax6 and Nestin were revealed on the retinal surface. Notably, RSCs migrated into the retinal ganglion cell layer and inner nuclear. Transplanted RSCs significantly elevated the amplitudes of a waves in retina injured eyes. Conclusions Embryonic RSCs have similar characteristics to neural stem cells. Transplantation of RSCs by intravitreal injection would be able to repair the damaged retina.
Collapse
|