1
|
Pernomian L, Waigi EW, Nguyen V, Mohammed AD, da Costa TJ, Fontes MT, Kubinak JL, Aitken A, Biancardi VC, Sinclair DA, McCarthy CG, Wang Y, Tan W, Wenceslau CF. A Single-Short Partial Reprogramming of the Endothelial Cells decreases Blood Pressure via attenuation of EndMT in Hypertensive Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.20.595057. [PMID: 38826452 PMCID: PMC11142064 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.20.595057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Background Small artery remodeling and endothelial dysfunction are hallmarks of hypertension. Growing evidence supports a likely causal association between cardiovascular diseases and the presence of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), a cellular transdifferentiation process in which endothelial cells (ECs) partially lose their identity and acquire additional mesenchymal phenotypes. EC reprogramming represents an innovative strategy in regenerative medicine to prevent deleterious effects induced by cardiovascular diseases. Methods Using a partial reprogramming of ECs, via overexpression of Oct-3/4, Sox-2, and Klf-4 (OSK) transcription factors, we aimed to bring ECs back to a youthful phenotype in hypertensive mice. Primary ECs were infected with lentiviral vectors (LV) containing the specific EC marker cadherin 5 (Cdh5) and the fluorescent reporter enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) with empty vector (LVCO) or with OSK (LV-OSK). Confocal microscopy and western blotting analysis were used to confirm the OSK overexpression. Cellular migration, senescence, and apoptosis were evaluated. Human aortic ECs (HAoECs) from male and female normotensive and hypertensive patients were analyzed after OSK or control treatments for their endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) levels, nitric oxide (NO), and genetic profile. Male and female normotensive (BPN/3J) and hypertensive (BPH/2J) mice were treated with an intravenous (i.v.) injection of LVCO or LV-OSK and evaluated 10 days post-infection. The blood pressure, cardiac function, vascular reactivity of small arteries, in vivo EGFP signal and EndMT inhibition were analyzed. Results OSK overexpression induced partial EC reprogramming in vitro , and these cells showed endothelial progenitor cell (EPC)-like features with lower migratory capability. OSK treatment of hypertensive BPH/2J mice normalized blood pressure and resistance arteries hypercontractility, via the attenuation of EndMT and elastin breaks. EGFP signal was detected in vivo in the prefrontal cortex of both BPN/3J and BPH/2J-treated mice, but OSK induced angiogenesis only in male BPN/3J mice. OSK-treated human ECs from hypertensive patients showed high eNOS activation and NO production, with low ROS formation. Single-cell RNA analysis showed that OSK alleviated EC senescence and EndMT, restoring their phenotypes in human ECs from hypertensive patients. Conclusion Overall, these data indicate that OSK treatment and EC reprogramming can decrease blood pressure and reverse hypertension-induced vascular damage.
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu S, Chen H, Xie H, Liu X, Zhang M. Substrate Stiffness Modulates Stemness and Differentiation of Rabbit Corneal Endothelium Through the Paxillin-YAP Pathway. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:15. [PMID: 38466286 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.3.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore the role of substrate stiffness and the mechanism beneath corneal endothelial cells' (CECs') stemness maintenance and differentiation. Methods CECs were divided into central zone (8 mm trephined boundary) and peripheral zone (8 mm trephined edge with attached limbal). Two zones were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and scanning electron microscopy for anatomic structure. The elastic modulus of Descemet's membrane (DM) was analyzed by atomic force microscopy. Compressed type I collagen gels with different stiffness were constructed as an in vitro model system to test the role of stiffness on phenotype using cultured rabbit CECs. Cell morphology, expression and intracellular distribution of Yes-associated protein (YAP), differentiation (ZO-1, Na+/K+-ATPase), stemness (FOXD3, CD34, Sox2, Oct3/4), and endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EnMT) markers were analyzed by immunofluorescence, quantitative RT-PCR, and Western blot. Results The results showed that the peripheral area of rabbit and human DM is softer than the central area ex vivo. Using the biomimetic extracellular matrix collagen gels in vitro model, we then demonstrated that soft substrate weakens the differentiation and EnMT in the culture of CECs. It was further proved by the inhibitor experiment that soft substrate enhances stemness maintenance via inhibition of paxillin-YAP signaling, which was activated on a stiff substrate. Conclusions Our findings confirm that substrate stiffness modulates the stemness maintenance and differentiation of CECs and suggest a potential strategy for CEC-based corneal tissue engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuting Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hua Chen
- Senior Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huatao Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingchang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhu YT, Tighe S, Chen SL, Zhang Y, Chen SY, Kao WWY, Tseng SCG. Manufacturing of human corneal endothelial grafts. Ocul Surf 2023; 29:301-310. [PMID: 37268293 PMCID: PMC10529356 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) play a significant role in maintaining visual function. However, these cells are notorious for their limited proliferative capacity in vivo. Current treatment of corneal endothelial dysfunction resorts to corneal transplantation. Herein we describe an ex vivo engineering method to manufacture HCEC grafts suitable for transplantation through reprogramming into neural crest progenitors. METHODS HCECs were isolated by collagenase A from stripped Descemet membrane of cadaveric corneoscleral rims, and induced reprogramming via knockdown with p120 and Kaiso siRNAs on collagen IV-coated atelocollagen. Engineered HCEC grafts were released after assessing their identity, potency, viability, purity and sterility. Phase contrast was used for monitoring cell shape, graft size, and cell density. Immunostaining was used to determine the normal HCEC phenotype with expression of N-cadherin, ZO-1, ATPase, acetyl-α-tubulin, γ-tubulin, p75NTR, α-catenin, β-catenin, and F-actin. Stability of manufactured HCEC graft was evaluated after transit and storage for up to 3 weeks. The pump function of HCEC grafts was measured by lactate efflux. RESULTS One HCEC graft suitable for corneal transplantation was generated from 1/8th of the donor corneoscleral rim with normal hexagonal cell shape, density, and phenotype. The manufactured grafts were stable for up to 3 weeks at 37 °C or up to 1 week at 22 °C in MESCM medium and after transcontinental shipping at room temperature by retaining normal morphology (hexagonal, >2000 cells/mm2, >8 mm diameter), phenotype, and pump function. CONCLUSIONS This regenerative strategy through knockdown with p120 and Kaiso siRNAs can be used to manufacture HCEC grafts with normal phenotype, morphology and pump function following prolonged storage and shipping.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sean Tighe
- R&D Department, BioTissue, Miami, FL, 33126, USA
| | | | - Yuan Zhang
- R&D Department, BioTissue, Miami, FL, 33126, USA
| | - Szu-Yu Chen
- R&D Department, BioTissue, Miami, FL, 33126, USA
| | - Winston W Y Kao
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati, 2600 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45220, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Khalifa MO, Moriwaki T, Zhang S, Zhou W, Ito K, Li TS. Negative pressure induces dedifferentiation of hepatocytes via RhoA/ROCK pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 667:104-110. [PMID: 37210870 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Biomechanical forces are known to regulate the biological behaviors of cells. Although negative pressure has been used for wound healing, it is still unknown about its role in regulating cell plasticity. We investigated whether negative pressure could induce the dedifferentiation of hepatocytes. Using a commercial device, we found that the exposure of primary human hepatocytes to -50 mmHg quickly induced the formation of stress fibers and obviously changed cell morphology in 72 h. Moreover, the exposure of hepatocytes to -50 mmHg significantly upregulated RhoA, ROCK1, and ROCK2 in 1-6 h, and dramatically enhanced the expression of marker molecules on "stemness", such as OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, MYC, NANOG, and CD133 in 6-72 h. However, all these changes in hepatocytes induced by -50 mmHg stimulation were almost abrogated by ROCK inhibitor Y27623. Our data suggest that an appropriate force of negative pressure stimulation can effectively induce the dedifferentiation of hepatocytes via RhoA/ROCK pathway activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Osman Khalifa
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan; Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt; Department of Molecular Bone Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan
| | - Takahito Moriwaki
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Shouhua Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Cancer Hospital Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Kosei Ito
- Department of Molecular Bone Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan
| | - Tao-Sheng Li
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Arras W, Vercammen H, Ní Dhubhghaill S, Koppen C, Van den Bogerd B. Proliferation Increasing Genetic Engineering in Human Corneal Endothelial Cells: A Literature Review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:688223. [PMID: 34268324 PMCID: PMC8275833 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.688223] [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: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The corneal endothelium is the inner layer of the cornea. Despite comprising only a monolayer of cells, dysfunction of this layer renders millions of people visually impaired worldwide. Currently, corneal endothelial transplantation is the only viable means of restoring vision for these patients. However, because the supply of corneal endothelial grafts does not meet the demand, many patients remain on waiting lists, or are not treated at all. Possible alternative treatment strategies include intracameral injection of human corneal endothelial cells (HCEnCs), biomedical engineering of endothelial grafts and increasing the HCEnC density on grafts that would otherwise have been unsuitable for transplantation. Unfortunately, the limited proliferative capacity of HCEnCs proves to be a major bottleneck to make these alternatives beneficial. To tackle this constraint, proliferation enhancing genetic engineering is being investigated. This review presents the diverse array of genes that have been targeted by different genetic engineering strategies to increase the proliferative capacity of HCEnCs and their relevance for clinical and research applications. Together these proliferation-related genes form the basis to obtain a stable and safe supply of HCEnCs that can tackle the corneal endothelial donor shortage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wout Arras
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS), Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Hendrik Vercammen
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS), Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sorcha Ní Dhubhghaill
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS), Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Department of Ophthalmology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium.,Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery (NIIOS), Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Carina Koppen
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS), Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Department of Ophthalmology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Bert Van den Bogerd
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS), Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen J, Shi W, Xu Y, Zhang H, Chen B. Hirudin prevents vascular endothelial cell apoptosis and permeability enhancement induced by the serum from rat with chronic renal failure through inhibiting RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. Drug Dev Res 2020; 82:553-561. [PMID: 33345328 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial cells injury and activation contribute to arteriovenous fistula (AVF) stenosis. Hirudin (Hiru) can inhibit the activity of thrombin, which was reported to enhance endothelial cell permeability and promote vascular inflammatory responses. RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway is also important in regulating vascular endothelial permeability. This study aimed to investigate the role of Hiru on the viability and permeability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) following stimulation of serum from rat with chronic renal failure (CRF) and illustrated the effects of Hiru on RhoA/ROCK signaling. Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group and CRF group. Serum from each group was collected to stimulate HUVECs. Proliferation capability was estimated with Cell Count Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Transwell assay was performed to determine permeability. Cell apoptosis was examined using Tunel staining. Telomere length and telomerase activity were determined by qPCR. Moreover, the expression of RhoA, ROCK1 and ROCK2 was estimated via western blot. Results showed that the serum from CRF rat significantly inhibited cell viability while enhanced cell permeability and apoptosis. Different concentrations of Hiru prevented the above effects caused by CRF serum. Additionally, Hiru recovered the CRF serum-induced decreased telomere length and telomerase activity. Hiru also inhibited the protein expression of RhoA, ROCK1 and ROCK2, which were activated by CRF serum. Moreover, the ROCK inhibitor, Y27632, exhibited similar effects with Hiru. In conclusion, Hiru-restored HUVECs cell viability, telomere length and telomerase activity, suppressed permeability and apoptosis in the presence of CRF serum might depend on inactivating the RhoA/ROCK signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Lianyungang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lianyungang, China
| | - Wenbin Shi
- Department of Nephrology, Lianyungang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lianyungang, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Lianyungang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lianyungang, China
| | - Huaming Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Lianyungang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lianyungang, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Lianyungang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lianyungang, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Khalili M, Asadi M, Kahroba H, Soleyman MR, Andre H, Alizadeh E. Corneal endothelium tissue engineering: An evolution of signaling molecules, cells, and scaffolds toward 3D bioprinting and cell sheets. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:3275-3303. [PMID: 33090510 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cornea is an avascular and transparent tissue that focuses light on retina. Cornea is supported by the corneal-endothelial layer through regulation of hydration homeostasis. Restoring vision in patients afflicted with corneal endothelium dysfunction-mediated blindness most often requires corneal transplantation (CT), which faces considerable constrictions due to donor limitations. An emerging alternative to CT is corneal endothelium tissue engineering (CETE), which involves utilizing scaffold-based methods and scaffold-free strategies. The innovative scaffold-free method is cell sheet engineering, which typically generates cell layers surrounded by an intact extracellular matrix, exhibiting tunable release from the stimuli-responsive surface. In some studies, scaffold-based or scaffold-free technologies have been reported to achieve promising outcomes. However, yet some issues exist in translating CETE from bench to clinical practice. In this review, we compare different corneal endothelium regeneration methods and elaborate on the application of multiple cell types (stem cells, corneal endothelial cells, and endothelial precursors), signaling molecules (growth factors, cytokines, chemical compounds, and small RNAs), and natural and synthetic scaffolds for CETE. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of three-dimensional bioprinting strategies and simulation of Descemet's membrane by biomimetic topography. Finally, we dissected the recent advances, applications, and prospects of cell sheet engineering for CETE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Khalili
- Drug Applied Research Center and Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Asadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Houman Kahroba
- Biomedicine Institute, and Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Soleyman
- CinnaGen Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Helder Andre
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Effat Alizadeh
- Drug Applied Research Center and Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lu C, Dong X, Yu WP, Ding JL, Yang W, Gong Y, Liu JC, Tang YH, Xu JJ, Zhou JL. Inorganic phosphate-osteogenic induction medium promotes osteogenic differentiation of valvular interstitial cells via the BMP-2/Smad1/5/9 and RhoA/ROCK-1 signaling pathways. Am J Transl Res 2020; 12:3329-3345. [PMID: 32774703 PMCID: PMC7407741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) currently lacks a highly effective in vitro model. The presence of high concentrations of serum inorganic phosphate in patients with end-stage renal disease leads to calcification of vascular and aortic valves. Therefore, we applied inorganic phosphate to induce the osteogenic differentiation of valvular interstitial cells (VICs) and mimic its in vivo pathophysiological effects. Calcification and inflammatory response assays determined that inorganic phosphate-osteogenic induction medium (IP-OIM) was more efficient than classic osteogenic induction medium (OIM) containing organic glycerophosphate. Levels of BMP-2, RhoA, and ROCK-1 were significantly increased in IP-OIM cells. Knockdown efficiency of BMP-2- and RhoA-siRNA in VICs was evaluated, and expression of RhoA and its downstream target ROCK-1 was decreased after BMP-2-siRNA transfection. Moreover, ROCK-1 was significantly downregulated after RhoA knockdown, whereas expression of BMP-2 was unchanged. Interference of BMP-2 had a stronger anti-calcification effect than RhoA, further identifying BMP-2 as an upstream regulator of RhoA/ROCK-1. Stimulation of VICs by IP-OIM led to increased Smad1/5/9 phosphorylation, which peaked at 60 min, while pre-treatment of VICs with the Smad1/5/9 inhibitor Compound C attenuated VICs calcification. These results suggest that IP-OIM induced VICs osteogenic differentiation via Smad1/5/9 signaling. Knockdown of BMP-2 or RhoA also decreased Smad1/5/9 phosphorylation also decreased. We conclude that the RhoA/ROCK-1 axis participates in VICs osteogenic differentiation as a "bypass mediator" of the BMP-2/Smad1/5/9 signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Lu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchang, China
| | - Xiao Dong
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchang, China
| | - Wen Peng Yu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchang, China
| | - Jing Li Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchang, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchang, China
| | - Yi Gong
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchang, China
| | - Ji Chun Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchang, China
| | - Yan Hua Tang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchang, China
| | - Jian Jun Xu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchang, China
| | - Jian Liang Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchang, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hulshoff MS, Del Monte-Nieto G, Kovacic J, Krenning G. Non-coding RNA in endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Cardiovasc Res 2020; 115:1716-1731. [PMID: 31504268 PMCID: PMC6755356 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvz211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is the process wherein endothelial cells lose their typical endothelial cell markers and functions and adopt a mesenchymal-like phenotype. EndMT is required for development of the cardiac valves, the pulmonary and dorsal aorta, and arterial maturation, but activation of the EndMT programme during adulthood is believed to contribute to several pathologies including organ fibrosis, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, modulate EndMT during development and disease. Here, we review the mechanisms by which non-coding RNAs facilitate or inhibit EndMT during development and disease and provide a perspective on the therapeutic application of non-coding RNAs to treat fibroproliferative cardiovascular disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie S Hulshoff
- Laboratory for Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center of Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Jason Kovacic
- Dept. Cardiology, Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Guido Krenning
- Laboratory for Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tao Y, Chen Q, Zhao C, Yang X, Cun Q, Yang W, Zhang Y, Zhu Y, Zhong H. The in vitro anti-fibrotic effect of Pirfenidone on human pterygium fibroblasts is associated with down-regulation of autocrine TGF-β and MMP-1. Int J Med Sci 2020; 17:734-744. [PMID: 32218695 PMCID: PMC7085270 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.43238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the in vitro effect of pirfenidone (PFD) on proliferation, migration and collagen contraction of human pterygium fibroblasts (HPFs). HPFs were obtained from tissue explants during pterygium surgery. After treatment with pirfenidone, the HPFs proliferation was measured by MTT, cell cycle progression measured by flow cytometry, cell migration measured by the scratch assay, and cell contractility evaluated in fibroblast-populated collagen gels. The expression of TGF-β1, TGF-β2, MMP-1 and TIMP-1 were also determined with quantitative PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Results showed pirfenidone markedly inhibited HPFs proliferation with an IC50 of approximately 0.2 mg/ml. After treatment with 0.2 mg/ml pirfenidone for 24 hours, HPFs were at G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, with significantly reduced cell migration capability and collagen contraction, decreased mRNA and protein expressions of TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and MMP-1, and no alterations of TIMP-1 expression. Thus, we have concluded that pirfenidone at 0.2 mg/ml inhibits proliferation, migration, and collagen contraction of HPFs, which is associated with decreased expression of TGF-β and MMP-1, and pirfenidone might represent a potentially therapeutic agent to prevent the recurrence of pterygium after surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yijin Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Qin Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Can Zhao
- Shandong Eye Hospital, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Qing Cun
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Wenyan Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Tissue Tech, Inc., Miami, FL, 33126, USA
| | | | - Hua Zhong
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hos D, Matthaei M, Bock F, Maruyama K, Notara M, Clahsen T, Hou Y, Le VNH, Salabarria AC, Horstmann J, Bachmann BO, Cursiefen C. Immune reactions after modern lamellar (DALK, DSAEK, DMEK) versus conventional penetrating corneal transplantation. Prog Retin Eye Res 2019; 73:100768. [PMID: 31279005 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade, novel lamellar keratoplasty techniques such as Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK) for anterior keratoplasty and Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK)/Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) for posterior keratoplasty have been developed. DALK eliminates the possibility of endothelial allograft rejection, which is the main reason for graft failure after penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Compared to PK, the risk of endothelial graft rejection is significantly reduced after DSAEK/DMEK. Thus, with modern lamellar techniques, the clinical problem of endothelial graft rejection seems to be nearly solved in the low-risk situation. However, even with lamellar grafts there are epithelial, subepithelial and stromal immune reactions in DALK and endothelial immune reactions in DSAEK/DMEK, and not all keratoplasties can be performed in a lamellar fashion. Therefore, endothelial graft rejection in PK is still highly relevant, especially in the "high-risk" setting, where the cornea's (lymph)angiogenic and immune privilege is lost due to severe inflammation and pathological neovascularization. For these eyes, currently available treatment options are still unsatisfactory. In this review, we will describe currently used keratoplasty techniques, namely PK, DALK, DSAEK, and DMEK. We will summarize their indications, provide surgical descriptions, and comment on their complications and outcomes. Furthermore, we will give an overview on corneal transplant immunology. A specific focus will be placed on endothelial graft rejection and we will report on its incidence, clinical presentation, and current/future treatment and prevention options. Finally, we will speculate how the field of keratoplasty and prevention of corneal allograft rejection will develop in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Hos
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mario Matthaei
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Felix Bock
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kazuichi Maruyama
- Department of Innovative Visual Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Japan
| | - Maria Notara
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Clahsen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yanhong Hou
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Viet Nhat Hung Le
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Department of Ophthalmology, Hue College of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Viet Nam
| | | | - Jens Horstmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Bjoern O Bachmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Claus Cursiefen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wu X, Yao J, Wang L, Zhang D, Zhang L, Reynolds EX, Yu T, Boström KI, Yao Y. Crosstalk between BMP and Notch Induces Sox2 in Cerebral Endothelial Cells. Cells 2019; 8:E549. [PMID: 31174355 PMCID: PMC6628192 DOI: 10.3390/cells8060549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and Notch signaling are critical for endothelial cell (EC) differentiation in vascular development. Recent studies have shown that excess BMP activity induces Notch signaling in cerebral ECs resulting in arteriovenous malformation (AVMs). However, it is unclear how the crosstalk between BMP and Notch signaling affects cerebral EC differentiation at the gene regulatory level. Here, we report that BMP6 activates the activin receptor-like kinase (ALK) 3, a BMP type 1 receptor, to induce Notch1 receptor and Jagged1 and Jagged2 ligands. We show that increased expression of the Notch components alters the transcriptional regulatory complex in the SRY-Box 2 (Sox2) promoter region so as to induce its expression in cerebral ECs. Together, our results identify Sox2 as a direct target of BMP and Notch signaling and provide information on how altered BMP and Notch signaling affects the endothelial transcriptional landscape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiuju Wu
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1679, USA.
| | - Jiayi Yao
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1679, USA.
| | - Lumin Wang
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1679, USA.
- Department of cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China.
| | - Daoqin Zhang
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1679, USA.
| | - Li Zhang
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1679, USA.
| | - Eric X Reynolds
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1679, USA.
| | - Tongtong Yu
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1679, USA.
- Department of Cardiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.
| | - Kristina I Boström
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1679, USA.
- The Molecular Biology Institute at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1570, USA.
| | - Yucheng Yao
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1679, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhu Q, Zhang Y, Tighe S, Liu Y, Zhu Y, Hu M. Human Trabecular Meshwork Progenitors. Int J Med Sci 2019; 16:704-710. [PMID: 31217738 PMCID: PMC6566744 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.32089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Trabecular meshwork (TM) cells are a group of progenitors that have the ability to become adipocytes, chondrocytes and endothelial cells. Therefore, those adult corneal progenitors may be used as an effective therapy for trabecular meshwork diseases such as glaucoma, corneal endothelial dysfunctions such as blindness due to corneal endothelial dysfunction, and similar diseases. In order to promote the understanding of human trabecular meshwork progenitors, this article reviews human trabecular meshwork progenitor therapy and discusses its potential applications for curing human eye blindness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (the Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province); Yunnan Eye Institute; Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province for the Prevention and Treatment of ophthalmology (2017DG008); Provincial Innovation Team for Cataract and Ocular Fundus Disease, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province (2017HC010); Expert Workstation of Yao Ke (2017IC064), Kunming 650021, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Tissue Tech, Inc., Ocular Surface Center, and Ocular Surface Research & Education Foundation, Miami, FL, 33173 USA
| | - Sean Tighe
- Tissue Tech, Inc., Ocular Surface Center, and Ocular Surface Research & Education Foundation, Miami, FL, 33173 USA
| | - Yongsong Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yan' An Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Yingting Zhu
- Tissue Tech, Inc., Ocular Surface Center, and Ocular Surface Research & Education Foundation, Miami, FL, 33173 USA
| | - Min Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (the Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province); Yunnan Eye Institute; Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province for the Prevention and Treatment of ophthalmology (2017DG008); Provincial Innovation Team for Cataract and Ocular Fundus Disease, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province (2017HC010); Expert Workstation of Yao Ke (2017IC064), Kunming 650021, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yao Y, Yao J, Boström KI. SOX Transcription Factors in Endothelial Differentiation and Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transitions. Front Cardiovasc Med 2019; 6:30. [PMID: 30984768 PMCID: PMC6447608 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2019.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The SRY (Sex Determining Region Y)-related HMG box of DNA binding proteins, referred to as SOX transcription factors, were first identified as critical regulators of male sex determination but are now known to play an important role in vascular development and disease. SOX7, 17, and 18 are essential in endothelial differentiation and SOX2 has emerged as an essential mediator of endothelial-mesenchymal transitions (EndMTs), a mechanism that enables the endothelium to contribute cells with abnormal cell differentiation to vascular disease such as calcific vasculopathy. In the following paper, we review published information on the SOX transcription factors in endothelial differentiation and hypothesize that SOX2 acts as a mediator of EndMTs that contribute to vascular calcification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yucheng Yao
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jiayi Yao
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kristina I Boström
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sun H, Zhu Q, Guo P, Zhang Y, Tighe S, Zhu Y. Trabecular meshwork cells are a valuable resource for cellular therapy of glaucoma. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:1678-1686. [PMID: 30659738 PMCID: PMC6378204 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Trabecular meshwork (TM) contains a subset of adult stem cells or progenitors that can be differentiated into corneal endothelial cells, adipocytes and chondrocytes, but not osteocytes or keratocytes. Accordingly, these progenitors can be utilized as a cell‐based therapy to prevent blindness caused by glaucoma, corneal endothelial dysfunction and other diseases in general. In this review, we review in vitro expansion techniques for TM progenitors, discuss their phenotypic properties, and highlight their potential clinical applications in various ophthalmic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qin Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province (Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University), Yunnan Eye Institute, Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province for the Prevention and Treatment of Ophthalmology (2017DG008), Provincial Innovation Team for Cataract and Ocular Fundus Disease, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province (2017HC010), Expert Workstation of Yao Ke (2017IC064), Kunming, China
| | - Ping Guo
- Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Tissue Tech, Inc., Ocular Surface Center, Ocular Surface Research & Education Foundation, Miami, Florida
| | - Sean Tighe
- Tissue Tech, Inc., Ocular Surface Center, Ocular Surface Research & Education Foundation, Miami, Florida
| | - Yingting Zhu
- Tissue Tech, Inc., Ocular Surface Center, Ocular Surface Research & Education Foundation, Miami, Florida
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chen S, Zhu Q, Sun H, Zhang Y, Tighe S, Xu L, Zhu Y. Advances in culture, expansion and mechanistic studies of corneal endothelial cells: a systematic review. J Biomed Sci 2019; 26:2. [PMID: 30609919 PMCID: PMC6320592 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-018-0492-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human corneal endothelial cells are notorious for their restricted proliferative ability in vivo and in vitro. Hence, injury or dysfunction of these cells may easily result in blindness. Currently, the only treatment is to transplant a donor cornea that contains a healthy corneal endothelium. However there is a severe global shortage of donor corneas and there remains an unmet clinical need to engineer human corneal grafts with healthy corneal endothelium. In this review, we present current advances in the culture, expansion, and molecular understandings of corneal endothelial cells in vitro in order to help establish methods of engineering human corneal endothelial grafts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuangling Chen
- Tissue Tech, Inc., 7235 Corporate Center Drive, Suite B, Miami, Florida, 33126, USA
| | - Qin Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (the Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province), Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province for the Prevention and Treatment of Ophthalmology, Provincial Innovation Team for Cataract and Ocular Fundus Disease, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Expert Workstation of Yao Ke, Yunnan Eye Institute, Kunming, 650021, China
| | - Hong Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Tissue Tech, Inc., 7235 Corporate Center Drive, Suite B, Miami, Florida, 33126, USA
| | - Sean Tighe
- Tissue Tech, Inc., 7235 Corporate Center Drive, Suite B, Miami, Florida, 33126, USA
| | - Li Xu
- The Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Tongdao North Rd, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Yingting Zhu
- Tissue Tech, Inc., 7235 Corporate Center Drive, Suite B, Miami, Florida, 33126, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhu Q, Sun H, Yang D, Tighe S, Liu Y, Zhu Y, Hu M. Cellular Substrates for Cell-Based Tissue Engineering of Human Corneal Endothelial Cells. Int J Med Sci 2019; 16:1072-1077. [PMID: 31523168 PMCID: PMC6743271 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.34440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal endothelial tissue engineering aims to find solutions for blindness due to endothelial dysfunction. A suitable combination of endothelial cells, substrates and environmental cues should be deployed for engineering functional endothelial tissues. This manuscript reviews up-to-date topics of corneal endothelial tissue engineering with special emphasis on biomaterial substrates and their properties, efficacy, and mechanisms of supporting functional endothelial cells in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province (Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University); Yunnan Eye Institute; Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province for the Prevention and Treatment of ophthalmology (2017DG008); Provincial Innovation Team for Cataract and Ocular Fundus Disease (2017HC010); Expert Workstation of Yao Ke (2017IC064), Kunming 650021, China
| | - Hong Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Dongmei Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province (Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University); Yunnan Eye Institute; Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province for the Prevention and Treatment of ophthalmology (2017DG008); Provincial Innovation Team for Cataract and Ocular Fundus Disease (2017HC010); Expert Workstation of Yao Ke (2017IC064), Kunming 650021, China
| | - Sean Tighe
- Tissue Tech, Inc., Ocular Surface Center, and Ocular Surface Research & Education Foundation, Miami, FL, 33173 USA
| | - Yongsong Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yan' An Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Yingting Zhu
- Tissue Tech, Inc., Ocular Surface Center, and Ocular Surface Research & Education Foundation, Miami, FL, 33173 USA
| | - Min Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province (Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University); Yunnan Eye Institute; Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province for the Prevention and Treatment of ophthalmology (2017DG008); Provincial Innovation Team for Cataract and Ocular Fundus Disease (2017HC010); Expert Workstation of Yao Ke (2017IC064), Kunming 650021, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhu Q, Zhu Y, Tighe S, Liu Y, Hu M. Engineering of Human Corneal Endothelial Cells In Vitro. Int J Med Sci 2019; 16:507-512. [PMID: 31171901 PMCID: PMC6535652 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.30759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human corneal endothelial cells are responsible for controlling corneal transparency, however they are notorious for their limited proliferative capability. Thus, damage to these cells may cause irreversible blindness. Currently, the only way to cure blindness caused by corneal endothelial dysfunction is via corneal transplantation of a cadaver donor cornea with healthy corneal endothelium. Due to severe shortage of donor corneas worldwide, it has become paramount to develop human corneal endothelial grafts in vitro that can subsequently be transplanted in humans. Recently, we have reported effective expansion of human corneal endothelial cells by reprogramming the cells into progenitor status through use of p120-Kaiso siRNA knockdown. This new reprogramming approach circumvents the need of using induced pluripotent stem cells or embryonic stem cells. Successful promotion of this technology will encourage scientists to re-think how "contact inhibition" can safely be perturbed to our benefit, i.e., effective engineering of an in vivo-like tissue while successful maintaining the normal phenotype. In this review, we present current advances in reprogramming corneal endothelial cells in vitro, detail the methods to successful engineer human corneal endothelial grafts, and discuss their future clinical applications to cure corneal blindness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province (Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University); Yunnan Eye Institute; Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province for the Prevention and Treatment of ophthalmology (2017DG008); Provincial Innovation Team for Cataract and Ocular Fundus Disease (2017HC010); Expert Workstation of Yao Ke (2017IC064), Kunming, 650021 China
| | - Yingting Zhu
- Tissue Tech, Inc., Ocular Surface Center, and Ocular Surface Research & Education Foundation, Miami, FL, 33173 USA
| | - Sean Tighe
- Tissue Tech, Inc., Ocular Surface Center, and Ocular Surface Research & Education Foundation, Miami, FL, 33173 USA
| | - Yongsong Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yan' An Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Min Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province (Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University); Yunnan Eye Institute; Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province for the Prevention and Treatment of ophthalmology (2017DG008); Provincial Innovation Team for Cataract and Ocular Fundus Disease (2017HC010); Expert Workstation of Yao Ke (2017IC064), Kunming, 650021 China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Anticancer Action and Mechanism of Ergosterol Peroxide from Paecilomyces cicadae Fermentation Broth. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19123935. [PMID: 30544579 PMCID: PMC6321734 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Isaria cicadae, a medicinal food fungus, is a fruit from Paecilomyces cicadae. In this study, we purified ergosterol peroxide (EP) from the fermentation broth of P. cicadae and investigated its effects on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells, in vitro. EP was purified from P. cicadae fermentation broth. The human RCC cell line 786-0 was used to analyze the anticancer mechanism of EP and inhibit its effect on cancer cell proliferation, in vitro. EP with a validated structure showed a yield rate of 20.1 mg/L and a purity of 96%. EP significantly inhibited RCC cell growth and clone formation in vitro. In addition, EP suppressed the migration and invasion, triggered the apoptosis, and modulated the cell cycle of RCC cells, in a dose-dependent manner. It also downregulated β-catenin expression. EP could be routinely produced through P. cicadae. It fights RCC cells in vitro through multiple mechanisms, including suppressing cell growth, colonization, migration, and invasion, arresting the cell cycle, attenuating β-catenin pathways, and triggering apoptosis.
Collapse
|
20
|
Isolation and Expansion of Multipotent Progenitors from Human Trabecular Meshwork. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2814. [PMID: 29434243 PMCID: PMC5809375 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21098-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To expand multi-potent progenitors from human trabecular meshwork (TM), we have created a new optimized method on two-dimensional (2D) followed by three-dimensional (3D) Matrigel in modified embryonic stem cell medium supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum (MESCM + 5% FBS). The expanded TM cells were small cuboidal cells expressing TM markers such as AQP1, MGP, CHI3L1, and AnkG, embryonic stem cell (ESC) markers such as Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, and ABCG2, and neural crest (NC) markers such as p75NTR, FOXD3, Sox9, Sox10, and MSX1. Although expanded cells lost expression of these markers after passage, the cells regained the markers when Passage 2 cells were seeded on 3D Matrigel through activation of canonical BMP signaling. Such restored progenitors could differentiate into corneal endothelial cells, adipocytes, and chondrocytes but not keratocytes or osteocytes. Therefore, we have concluded that human TM harbors multipotent progenitors that can be effectively isolated and expanded using 2D Matrigel in MESCM + 5% FBS. This unique in vitro model system can be used to understand how TM is altered in glaucoma and whether such TM progenitor cells might one day be used for treating glaucoma or corneal endothelial dysfunction.
Collapse
|
21
|
Sun P, Shen L, Zhang C, Du L, Wu X. Promoting the expansion and function of human corneal endothelial cells with an orbital adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned medium. Stem Cell Res Ther 2017; 8:287. [PMID: 29262856 PMCID: PMC5738836 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-017-0737-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corneal endothelial dysfunction causes severe impairment of vision. The only solution is corneal transplantation. However, this treatment is hampered by a worldwide shortage of donor corneas. New therapies may replace the conventional donor corneal transplantation alongside the developments in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, but sufficient functional corneal endothelial cells (CECs) are essential. The aim of this study was to promote the expansion and function of human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) in vitro and in vivo. METHODS The phenotypes of human orbital adipose-derived stem cells (OASCs) were detected by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. HCECs were isolated and cultured using a conditioned medium obtained from OASCs (OASC-CM) in vitro. Related cell markers of HCECs were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot, and immunofluorescence. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and the wound healing assay were performed to evaluate the proliferation ability of the cells. The cultured HCECs were then transplanted into rabbit and monkey corneal endothelial dysfunction models by cell injection. RESULTS CD29, CD105, CD49e, CD166, and vimentin were highly expressed in cultured human OASCs. The CEC-relative markers zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), Na+/K+ ATPase, N-cadherin, Col8a2, and SLC4A4 were expressed in HCECs cultured by OASC-CM. The HCECs were able to maintain polygonal cell morphology and good proliferative capacity. In animal experiments, corneal transparency was achieved after the injection of HCECs, which demonstrated the good repair capacity of the cells. CONCLUSIONS The proliferation abilities of the cells were significantly enhanced, and related functional markers were strongly positive, while HCEC morphology was maintained using OASC-CM. HCECs obtained some stem cell-like properties. This preclinical study confirmed the therapeutic ability of the HCECs in vivo. Our findings demonstrated that cultured HCECs with OASC-CM might be a promising source for research and clinical treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China.,The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Canwei Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Liqun Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Thieme D, Reuland L, Lindl T, Kruse F, Fuchsluger T. Optimized human platelet lysate as novel basis for a serum-, xeno-, and additive-free corneal endothelial cell and tissue culture. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 12:557-564. [PMID: 28941176 DOI: 10.1002/term.2574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The expansion of donor-derived corneal endothelial cells (ECs) is a promising approach for regenerative therapies in corneal diseases. To achieve the best Good Manufacturing Practice standard the entire cultivation process should be devoid of nonhuman components. However, so far, there is no suitable xeno-free protocol for clinical applications. We therefore introduce a processed variant of a platelet lysate for the use in corneal cell and tissue culture based on a Good Manufacturing Practice-grade thrombocyte concentrate. This processed human platelet lysate (phPL), free of any animal components and of anticoagulants such as heparin with a physiological ionic composition, was used to cultivate corneal ECs in vitro and ex vivo in comparison to standard cultivation with fetal calf serum (FCS). Human donor corneas were cut in quarters while 2 quarters of each cornea were incubated with the respective medium supplement. Three fields of view per quarter were taken into account for the analysis. Evaluation of phPL as a medium supplement in cell culture of immortalized EC showed a superior viability compared with FCS control with reduced cell proliferation. Furthermore, the viability during the expansion of primary cells is significantly (3-fold ±0.5) increased with phPL compared with FCS standard medium. Quartering donor corneas was traumatic for the endothelium and therefore resulted in increased EC loss. Interestingly, however, cultivation of the quartered pieces for 2 weeks in 0.1-mg/ml pHPL in Biochrome I showed a 21 (±10) % EC loss compared with 67 (±12) % EC loss when cultivated in 2% FCS in Biochrome I. The cell culture protocol with pHPL as FCS replacement seems to be superior to the standard FCS protocols with respect to EC survival. It offers a xeno-free and physiological environment for corneal endothelial cells. This alternative cultivation protocol could facilitate the use of EC for human corneal cell therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Thieme
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen/Nürnberg; Augenklinik, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lynn Reuland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen/Nürnberg; Augenklinik, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Toni Lindl
- Institute of Applied Cell Culture, I-A-Z GmbH, Munich, Germany
| | - Friedrich Kruse
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen/Nürnberg; Augenklinik, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Fuchsluger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen/Nürnberg; Augenklinik, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Peh GSL, Ang HP, Lwin CN, Adnan K, George BL, Seah XY, Lin SJ, Bhogal M, Liu YC, Tan DT, Mehta JS. Regulatory Compliant Tissue-Engineered Human Corneal Endothelial Grafts Restore Corneal Function of Rabbits with Bullous Keratopathy. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14149. [PMID: 29074873 PMCID: PMC5658403 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14723-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal transplantation is the only treatment available to restore vision for individuals with blindness due to corneal endothelial dysfunction. However, severe shortage of available donor corneas remains a global challenge. Functional regulatory compliant tissue-engineered corneal endothelial graft substitute can alleviate this reliance on cadaveric corneal graft material. Here, isolated primary human corneal endothelial cells (CEnCs) propagated using a dual media approach refined towards regulatory compliance showed expression of markers indicative of the human corneal endothelium, and can be tissue-engineered onto thin corneal stromal carriers. Both cellular function and clinical adaptability was demonstrated in a pre-clinical rabbit model of bullous keratopathy using a tissue-engineered endothelial keratoplasty (TE-EK) approach, adapted from routine endothelial keratoplasty procedure for corneal transplantation in human patients. Cornea thickness of rabbits receiving TE-EK graft gradually reduced over the first two weeks, and completely recovered to a thickness of approximately 400 µm by the third week of transplantation, whereas corneas of control rabbits remained significantly thicker over 1,000 µm (p < 0.05) throughout the course of the study. This study showed convincing evidence of the adaptability of the propagated CEnCs and their functionality via a TE-EK approach, which holds great promises in translating the use of cultured CEnCs into the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gary S L Peh
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore. .,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Heng-Pei Ang
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chan N Lwin
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Khadijah Adnan
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Benjamin L George
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xin-Yi Seah
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shu-Jun Lin
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Maninder Bhogal
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Corneal and External Disease, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Yu-Chi Liu
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Donald T Tan
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore. .,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore. .,Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore. .,School of Material Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Liu Y, Sun H, Hu M, Zhu M, Tighe S, Chen S, Zhang Y, Su C, Cai S, Guo P. Human Corneal Endothelial Cells Expanded In Vitro Are a Powerful Resource for Tissue Engineering. Int J Med Sci 2017; 14:128-135. [PMID: 28260988 PMCID: PMC5332841 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.17624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human corneal endothelial cells have two major functions: barrier function mediated by proteins such as ZO-1 and pump function mediated by Na-K-ATPase which help to maintain visual function. However, human corneal endothelial cells are notorious for their limited proliferative capability in vivo and are therefore prone to corneal endothelial dysfunction that eventually may lead to blindness. At present, the only method to cure corneal endothelial dysfunction is by transplantation of a cadaver donor cornea with normal corneal endothelial cells. Due to the global shortage of donor corneas, it is vital to engineer corneal tissue in vitro that could potentially be transplanted clinically. In this review, we summarize the advances in understanding the behavior of human corneal endothelial cells, their current engineering strategy in vitro and their potential applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongsong Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yan' An Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Hong Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Min Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, 650021, China
| | - Min Zhu
- Public Health, the University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85709, USA
| | - Sean Tighe
- Research and Development Department, TissueTech, Inc., 7000 SW 97th Avenue, Suite 212, Miami, FL 33173, USA
| | - Shuangling Chen
- Research and Development Department, TissueTech, Inc., 7000 SW 97th Avenue, Suite 212, Miami, FL 33173, USA
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Research and Development Department, TissueTech, Inc., 7000 SW 97th Avenue, Suite 212, Miami, FL 33173, USA
| | - Chenwei Su
- Research and Development Department, TissueTech, Inc., 7000 SW 97th Avenue, Suite 212, Miami, FL 33173, USA
| | - Subo Cai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ping Guo
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry & Ophthalmology of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Xiao L, Dudley AC. Fine-tuning vascular fate during endothelial-mesenchymal transition. J Pathol 2017; 241:25-35. [PMID: 27701751 PMCID: PMC5164846 DOI: 10.1002/path.4814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In the heart and other organs, endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) has emerged as an important developmental process that involves coordinated migration, differentiation, and proliferation of the endothelium. In multiple disease states including cancer angiogenesis and cardiovascular disease, the processes that regulate EndMT are recapitulated, albeit in an uncoordinated and dysregulated manner. Members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily are well known to impart cellular plasticity during EndMT by the timely activation (or repression) of transcription factors and miRNAs in addition to epigenetic regulation of gene expression. On the other hand, fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are reported to augment or oppose TGFβ-driven EndMT in specific contexts. Here, we have synthesized the currently understood roles of TGFβ and FGF signalling during EndMT and have provided a new, comprehensive paradigm that delineates how an autocrine and paracrine TGFβ/FGF axis coordinates endothelial cell specification and plasticity. We also provide new guidelines and nomenclature that considers factors such as endothelial cell heterogeneity to better define EndMT across different vascular beds. This perspective should therefore help to clarify why TGFβ and FGF can both cooperate with or oppose one another during the complex process of EndMT in both health and disease. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Xiao
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Andrew C. Dudley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- Emily Couric Cancer Center, The University of Virginia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Liu Y, Sun H, Guo P, Hu M, Zhang Y, Tighe S, Chen S, Zhu Y. Characterization and Prospective of Human Corneal Endothelial Progenitors. Int J Med Sci 2017; 14:705-710. [PMID: 28824304 PMCID: PMC5562123 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.19018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal endothelial cells play a critical role in maintaining corneal transparency and dysfunction of these cells caused by aging, diseases (such as Fuch's dystrophy), injury or surgical trauma, which can lead to corneal edema and blindness. Due to their limited proliferative capacity in vivo, the only treatment method is via transplantation of a cadaver donor cornea. However, there is a severe global shortage of donor corneas. To circumvent such issues, tissue engineering of corneal tissue is a viable option thanks to the recent discoveries in this field. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in reprogramming adult human corneal endothelial cells into their progenitor status, the expansion methods and characteristics of human corneal endothelial progenitors, and their potential clinical applications as corneal endothelial cell grafts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongsong Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yan' An Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Hong Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Ping Guo
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry & Ophthalmology of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Min Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, 650021, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Research and Development Department, TissueTech, Inc., 7000 SW 97th Avenue, Suite 212, Miami, FL 33173, USA
| | - Sean Tighe
- Research and Development Department, TissueTech, Inc., 7000 SW 97th Avenue, Suite 212, Miami, FL 33173, USA
| | - Shuangling Chen
- Research and Development Department, TissueTech, Inc., 7000 SW 97th Avenue, Suite 212, Miami, FL 33173, USA
| | - Yingting Zhu
- Research and Development Department, TissueTech, Inc., 7000 SW 97th Avenue, Suite 212, Miami, FL 33173, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Senescence Mediated by p16 INK4a Impedes Reprogramming of Human Corneal Endothelial Cells into Neural Crest Progenitors. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35166. [PMID: 27739458 PMCID: PMC5064359 DOI: 10.1038/srep35166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) have limited proliferative capacity due to “contact-inhibition” at G1 phase. Such contact-inhibition can be delayed from Day 21 to Day 42 by switching EGF-containing SHEM to LIF/bFGF-containing MESCM through transient activation of LIF-JAK1-STAT3 signaling that delays eventual nuclear translocation of p16INK4a. Using the latter system, we have reported a novel tissue engineering technique by implementing 5 weekly knockdowns with p120 catenin (p120) and Kaiso siRNAs since Day 7 to achieve effective expansion of HCEC monolayers to a transplantable size with a normal HCEC density, through reprogramming of HCECs into neural crest progenitors by activating p120-Kaiso-RhoA-ROCK-canonical BMP signaling. Herein, we noted that a single knockdown with p120-Kaiso siRNAs at Day 42 failed to achieve such reprogramming when contact inhibition transitioned to senescence with nuclear translocation of p16INK4a. In contrast, 5 weekly knockdowns with p120-Kaiso siRNAs since Day 7 precluded senescence mediated by p16INK4a by inducing nuclear translocation of Bmi1 because of sustained activation of JAK2-STAT3 signaling downstream of p120-Kaiso-RhoA-ROCK signaling. STAT3 or Bmi1 siRNA impeded nuclear exclusion of p16INK4a and suppressed the reprogramming induced by p120-Kaiso siRNAs, suggesting that another important engineering strategy of HCEC lies in prevention of senescence mediated by nuclear translocation of p16INK4a.
Collapse
|
28
|
Liu X, Tseng SCG, Zhang MC, Chen SY, Tighe S, Lu WJ, Zhu YT. LIF-JAK1-STAT3 signaling delays contact inhibition of human corneal endothelial cells. Cell Cycle 2016; 14:1197-206. [PMID: 25695744 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2015.1013667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) responsible for corneal transparency have limited proliferative capacity in vivo because of "contact-inhibition." This feature has hampered the ability to engineer HCECs for transplantation. Previously we have reported an in vitro model of HCECs in which contact inhibition was re-established at Day 21, even though cell junction and cell matrix interaction were not perturbed during isolation. Herein, we observe that such HCEC monolayers continue to expand and retain a normal phenotype for 2 more weeks if cultured in a leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)-containing serum-free medium. Such expansion is accompanied initially by upregulation of Cyclin E2 colocalized with nuclear translocation of phosphorylated retinoblastoma tumor suppressor (p-Rb) at Day 21 followed by a delay in contact inhibition through activation of LIF-Janus kinase1 (JAK1)-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling at Day 35. The LIF-JAK1-STAT3 signaling is coupled with upregulation of E2F2 colocalized with nuclear p-Rb and with concomitant downregulation of p16(INK4a), of which upregulation is linked to senescence. Hence, activation of LIF-JAK1-STAT3 signaling to delay contact inhibition can be used as another strategy to facilitate engineering of HCEC grafts to solve the unmet global shortage of corneal grafts.
Collapse
Key Words
- BMP, bone morphogenetic protein
- BrdU, bromodeoxyuridine
- CDK, cyclin-dependent kinase
- CKI, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors
- DMEM, Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium
- E2F2
- EDTA, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
- EGF, epidermal growth factor
- EMT, endothelial mesenchymal transition
- ESC, embryonic stem cell
- FBS, fetal bovine serum
- GAPDH, glyceraldehyde-3- phosphate dehydrogenase
- HBSS, Hanks’ balanced salt solution
- HCEC, human corneal endothelial cell
- ID, inhibitor of differentiation
- ITS, insulin-transferrin-sodium selenite
- JAK, Janus kinase
- JAK1
- LEF1, lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1
- LIF
- LIF, leukemia inhibitory factor
- MESCM, modified embryonic stem cell medium
- NC, neural crest
- NFkB, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells
- PBS, phosphate-buffered saline
- RPE, retinal pigment epithelial cells
- Rb, retinoblastoma tumor suppressor
- SHEM, supplemental hormonal epithelial medium
- STAT3
- STAT3, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3
- ZO-1, Zona occludens protein 1
- bFGF, basic fibroblast growth factor
- contact inhibition
- corneal endothelium
- iPSCs, induced pluripotent stem cells
- p120, p120 catenin
- p16INK4a
- proliferation
- scRNA, scramble RNA
- siRNA, small interfering ribonucleic acid
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- a Department of Ophthalmology; Union Hospital; Tongji Medical College ; Huazhong University of Science and Technology ; Wuhan , China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
McCabe KL, Kunzevitzky NJ, Chiswell BP, Xia X, Goldberg JL, Lanza R. Efficient Generation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Corneal Endothelial Cells by Directed Differentiation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0145266. [PMID: 26689688 PMCID: PMC4686926 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To generate human embryonic stem cell derived corneal endothelial cells (hESC-CECs) for transplantation in patients with corneal endothelial dystrophies. Materials and Methods Feeder-free hESC-CECs were generated by a directed differentiation protocol. hESC-CECs were characterized by morphology, expression of corneal endothelial markers, and microarray analysis of gene expression. Results hESC-CECs were nearly identical morphologically to primary human corneal endothelial cells, expressed Zona Occludens 1 (ZO-1) and Na+/K+ATPaseα1 (ATPA1) on the apical surface in monolayer culture, and produced the key proteins of Descemet’s membrane, Collagen VIIIα1 and VIIIα2 (COL8A1 and 8A2). Quantitative PCR analysis revealed expression of all corneal endothelial pump transcripts. hESC-CECs were 96% similar to primary human adult CECs by microarray analysis. Conclusion hESC-CECs are morphologically similar, express corneal endothelial cell markers and express a nearly identical complement of genes compared to human adult corneal endothelial cells. hESC-CECs may be a suitable alternative to donor-derived corneal endothelium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn L. McCabe
- Ocata Therapeutics, Marlborough, MA, 01752, United States of America
| | - Noelia J. Kunzevitzky
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, United States of America
- Emmecell, Key Biscayne, FL, 33149, United States of America
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States of America
| | - Brian P. Chiswell
- Ocata Therapeutics, Marlborough, MA, 01752, United States of America
| | - Xin Xia
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey L. Goldberg
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, United States of America
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States of America
- Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States of America
| | - Robert Lanza
- Ocata Therapeutics, Marlborough, MA, 01752, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Lee JG, Heur M. WNT10B enhances proliferation through β-catenin and RAC1 GTPase in human corneal endothelial cells. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:26752-64. [PMID: 26370090 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.677245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The cornea is the anterior, transparent tissue of the human eye that serves as its main refractive element. Corneal endothelial cells are arranged as a monolayer on the posterior surface of the cornea and function as a pump to counteract the leakiness of its basement membrane. Maintaining the cornea in a slightly dehydrated state is critical for the maintenance of corneal transparency. Adult human corneal endothelial cells are G1-arrested, even in response to injury, leading to an age-dependent decline in endothelial cell density. Corneal edema and subsequent vision loss ensues when endothelial cell density decreases below a critical threshold. Vision loss secondary to corneal endothelial dysfunction is a common indication for transplantation in developed nations. An impending increase in demand for and a current global shortage of donor corneas will necessitate the development of treatments for vision loss because of endothelial dysfunction that do not rely on donor corneas. Wnt ligands regulate many critical cellular functions, such as proliferation, making them attractive candidates for modulation in corneal endothelial dysfunction. We show that WNT10B causes nuclear transport and binding of RAC1 and β-catenin in human corneal endothelial cells, leading to the activation of Cyclin D1 expression and proliferation. Our findings indicate that WNT10B promotes proliferation in human corneal endothelial cells by simultaneously utilizing both β-catenin-dependent and -independent pathways and suggest that its modulation could be used to treat vision loss secondary to corneal endothelial dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Goo Lee
- From the University of Southern California Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033
| | - Martin Heur
- From the University of Southern California Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
Corneal wound healing is a complex process involving cell death, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Many similarities are observed in the healing processes of corneal epithelial, stromal and endothelial cells, as well as cell-specific differences. Corneal epithelial healing largely depends on limbal stem cells and remodeling of the basement membrane. During stromal healing, keratocytes get transformed to motile and contractile myofibroblasts largely due to activation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) system. Endothelial cells heal mostly by migration and spreading, with cell proliferation playing a secondary role. In the last decade, many aspects of wound healing process in different parts of the cornea have been elucidated, and some new therapeutic approaches have emerged. The concept of limbal stem cells received rigorous experimental corroboration, with new markers uncovered and new treatment options including gene and microRNA therapy tested in experimental systems. Transplantation of limbal stem cell-enriched cultures for efficient re-epithelialization in stem cell deficiency and corneal injuries has become reality in clinical setting. Mediators and course of events during stromal healing have been detailed, and new treatment regimens including gene (decorin) and stem cell therapy for excessive healing have been designed. This is a very important advance given the popularity of various refractive surgeries entailing stromal wound healing. Successful surgical ways of replacing the diseased endothelium have been clinically tested, and new approaches to accelerate endothelial healing and suppress endothelial-mesenchymal transformation have been proposed including Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor eye drops and gene therapy to activate TGF-β inhibitor SMAD7. Promising new technologies with potential for corneal wound healing manipulation including microRNA, induced pluripotent stem cells to generate corneal epithelium, and nanocarriers for corneal drug delivery are discussed. Attention is also paid to problems in wound healing understanding and treatment, such as lack of specific epithelial stem cell markers, reliable identification of stem cells, efficient prevention of haze and stromal scar formation, lack of data on wound regulating microRNAs in keratocytes and endothelial cells, as well as virtual lack of targeted systems for drug and gene delivery to select corneal cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander V Ljubimov
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Departments of Biomedical Sciences and Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Mehrnoosh Saghizadeh
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Departments of Biomedical Sciences and Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Zhu YT, Tighe S, Chen SL, John T, Kao WY, Tseng SCG. Engineering of Human Corneal Endothelial Grafts. CURRENT OPHTHALMOLOGY REPORTS 2015; 3:207-217. [PMID: 26509105 DOI: 10.1007/s40135-015-0077-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human corneal endothelial cells (HCEC) play a pivotal role in maintaining corneal transparency. Unlike in other species, HCEC are notorious for their limited proliferative capacity in vivo after diseases, injury, aging, and surgery. Persistent HCEC dysfunction leads to sight-threatening bullous keratopathy with either an insufficient cell density or retrocorneal membrane due to endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Presently, the only solution to restore vision in eyes inflicted with bullous keratopathy or retrocorneal membrane relies upon transplantation of a cadaver human donor cornea containing a healthy corneal endothelium. Due to a severe global shortage of donor corneas, in conjunction with an increasing trend toward endothelial keratoplasty, it is opportune to develop a tissue engineering strategy to produce HCEC grafts. Prior attempts of producing these grafts by unlocking the contact inhibition-mediated mitotic block using trypsin-EDTA and culturing of single HCEC in a bFGF-containing medium run the risk of losing the normal phenotype to EMT by activating canonical Wnt signaling and TGF-β signaling. Herein, we summarize our novel approach in engineering HCEC grafts based on selective activation of p120-Kaiso signaling that is coordinated with activation of Rho-ROCK-canonical BMP signaling to reprogram HCEC into neural crest progenitors. Successful commercialization of this engineering technology will not only fulfill the global unmet need but also encourage the scientific community to re-think how cell-cell junctions can be safely perturbed to uncover novel therapeutic potentials in other model systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Ting Zhu
- R&D Department, Tissue Tech, Inc., Ocular Surface Center, and Ocular Surface Research & Education Foundation, 7000 SW 97 Ave #212, Miami, FL, 33173, USA
| | - Sean Tighe
- R&D Department, Tissue Tech, Inc., Ocular Surface Center, and Ocular Surface Research & Education Foundation, 7000 SW 97 Ave #212, Miami, FL, 33173, USA
| | - Shuang-Ling Chen
- R&D Department, Tissue Tech, Inc., Ocular Surface Center, and Ocular Surface Research & Education Foundation, 7000 SW 97 Ave #212, Miami, FL, 33173, USA
| | - Thomas John
- Department of Ophthalmology, Loyola University at Chicago, 2160 1 Ave, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Winston Y Kao
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati, 2600 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45220, USA
| | - Scheffer C G Tseng
- R&D Department, Tissue Tech, Inc., Ocular Surface Center, and Ocular Surface Research & Education Foundation, 7000 SW 97 Ave #212, Miami, FL 33173, USA, Telephone: (305) 274-1299
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Hsueh YJ, Chen HC, Wu SE, Wang TK, Chen JK, Ma DHK. Lysophosphatidic acid induces YAP-promoted proliferation of human corneal endothelial cells via PI3K and ROCK pathways. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2015; 2:15014. [PMID: 26029725 PMCID: PMC4445000 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2015.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Revised: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The first two authors contributed equally to this work.Silence of p120-catenin has shown promise in inducing proliferation in human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs), but there is concern regarding off-target effects in potential clinical applications. We aimed to develop ex vivo expansion of HCECs using natural compounds, and we hypothesized that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) can unlock the mitotic block in contact-inhibited HCECs via enhancing nuclear translocation of yes-associated protein (YAP). Firstly, we verified that exogenous YAP could induce cell proliferation in contact-inhibited HCEC monolayers and postconfluent B4G12 cells. In B4G12 cells, enhanced cyclin D1 expression, reduced p27KIP1/p21CIP1 levels, and the G1/S transition were detected upon transfection with YAP. Secondly, we confirmed that LPA induced nuclear expression of YAP and promoted cell proliferation. Moreover, PI3K and ROCK, but not ERK or p38, were required for LPA-induced YAP nuclear translocation. Finally, cells treated with LPA or transfected with YAP remained hexagonal in shape, in addition to unchanged expression of ZO-1, Na/K-ATPase, and smooth muscle actin (SMA), suggestive of a preserved phenotype, without endothelial–mesenchymal transition. Collectively, our findings indicate an innovative strategy for ex vivo cultivation of HCECs for transplantation and cell therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Jen Hsueh
- Limbal Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital , Linkou, Taiwan ; Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital , Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chi Chen
- Limbal Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital , Linkou, Taiwan ; Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital , Linkou, Taiwan ; Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University , Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Sung-En Wu
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University , Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Tze-Kai Wang
- Limbal Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital , Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Jan-Kan Chen
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University , Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - David Hui-Kang Ma
- Limbal Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital , Linkou, Taiwan ; Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital , Linkou, Taiwan ; Department of Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University , Taoyuan, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|