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Trujillo Cubillo L, Gurdal M, Zeugolis DI. Corneal fibrosis: From in vitro models to current and upcoming drug and gene medicines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 209:115317. [PMID: 38642593 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Fibrotic diseases are characterised by myofibroblast differentiation, uncontrolled pathological extracellular matrix accumulation, tissue contraction, scar formation and, ultimately tissue / organ dysfunction. The cornea, the transparent tissue located on the anterior chamber of the eye, is extremely susceptible to fibrotic diseases, which cause loss of corneal transparency and are often associated with blindness. Although topical corticosteroids and antimetabolites are extensively used in the management of corneal fibrosis, they are associated with glaucoma, cataract formation, corneoscleral melting and infection, imposing the need of far more effective therapies. Herein, we summarise and discuss shortfalls and recent advances in in vitro models (e.g. transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) / ascorbic acid / interleukin (IL) induced) and drug (e.g. TGF-β inhibitors, epigenetic modulators) and gene (e.g. gene editing, gene silencing) therapeutic strategies in the corneal fibrosis context. Emerging therapeutical agents (e.g. neutralising antibodies, ligand traps, receptor kinase inhibitors, antisense oligonucleotides) that have shown promise in clinical setting but have not yet assessed in corneal fibrosis context are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Trujillo Cubillo
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Charles Institute of Dermatology, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research and School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mehmet Gurdal
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Charles Institute of Dermatology, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research and School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dimitrios I Zeugolis
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Charles Institute of Dermatology, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research and School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland.
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2
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Drzyzga Ł, Śpiewak D, Dorecka M, Wyględowska-Promieńska D. Available Therapeutic Options for Corneal Neovascularization: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5479. [PMID: 38791518 PMCID: PMC11121997 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Corneal neovascularization can impair vision and result in a poor quality of life. The pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of angiogenic factors, notably vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This review provides a comprehensive overview of potential therapies for corneal neovascularization, covering tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) inhibitors, interleukin-1L receptor antagonist (IL-1 Ra), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms, galectin-3 inhibitors, retinal pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor inhibitors, and surgical treatments. Conventional treatments include anti-VEGF therapy and laser interventions, while emerging therapies such as immunosuppressive drugs (cyclosporine and rapamycin) have been explored. Losartan and decorin are potential antifibrotic agents that mitigate TGF-β-induced fibrosis. Ocular nanosystems are innovative drug-delivery platforms that facilitate the targeted release of therapeutic agents. Gene therapies, such as small interfering RNA and antisense oligonucleotides, are promising approaches for selectively inhibiting angiogenesis-related gene expression. Aganirsen is efficacious in reducing the corneal neovascularization area without significant adverse effects. These multifaceted approaches underscore the corneal neovascularization management complexity and highlight ideas for enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Furthermore, the importance of combination therapies and the need for further research to develop specific inhibitors while considering their therapeutic efficacy and potential adverse effects are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Drzyzga
- Department of Ophthalmology, Prof. K. Gibiński University Clinical Center, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
- Clinical Ophthalmology Center Okolux, 40-754 Katowice, Poland
| | - Dorota Śpiewak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Prof. K. Gibiński University Clinical Center, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
- Clinical Ophthalmology Center Okolux, 40-754 Katowice, Poland
| | - Mariola Dorecka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Prof. K. Gibiński University Clinical Center, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-514 Katowice, Poland
| | - Dorota Wyględowska-Promieńska
- Department of Ophthalmology, Prof. K. Gibiński University Clinical Center, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-514 Katowice, Poland
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3
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Zhao JY, He YX, Wu ML, Wang RQ. The application of high-throughput sequencing technology in corneal diseases. Int Ophthalmol 2024; 44:53. [PMID: 38340174 PMCID: PMC10858842 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03049-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
High-throughput sequencing technology, also known as next-generation sequencing technology, can explore new biomarkers and specific gene mutations. It has a pivotal role in promoting the gene research, which can limit the detection area, lessen the time needed for sequencing. Also, it can quickly screen out the suspected pathogenic genes of patients, gain the necessary genetic data, and provide the basis for clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling. In the research of corneal diseases, through the DNA sequencing of patients' diseased cells, it can provide a deeper understanding of corneal diseases and improve the diagnosis, classification and treatment alternatives of various corneal diseases. This article will introduce the application progress of high-throughput sequencing technology in corneal diseases, which will help to understand the application of this technology in various corneal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yi Zhao
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, Jilin, China
| | - Yu Xi He
- The Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, Jilin, China
| | - Mei Liang Wu
- The Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, Jilin, China
| | - Rui Qing Wang
- The Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, Jilin, China.
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Posarelli M, Romano D, Tucci D, Giannaccare G, Scorcia V, Taloni A, Pagano L, Borgia A. Ocular-Surface Regeneration Therapies for Eye Disorders: The State of the Art. BIOTECH 2023; 12:48. [PMID: 37366796 DOI: 10.3390/biotech12020048] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The ocular surface is a complex structure that includes cornea, conjunctiva, limbus, and tear film, and is critical for maintaining visual function. When the ocular-surface integrity is altered by a disease, conventional therapies usually rely on topical drops or tissue replacement with more invasive procedures, such as corneal transplants. However, in the last years, regeneration therapies have emerged as a promising approach to repair the damaged ocular surface by stimulating cell proliferation and restoring the eye homeostasis and function. This article reviews the different strategies employed in ocular-surface regeneration, including cell-based therapies, growth-factor-based therapies, and tissue-engineering approaches. Dry eye and neurotrophic keratopathy diseases can be treated with nerve-growth factors to stimulate the limbal stem-cell proliferation and the corneal nerve regeneration, whereas conjunctival autograft or amniotic membrane are used in subjects with corneal limbus dysfunction, such as limbal stem-cell deficiency or pterygium. Further, new therapies are available for patients with corneal endothelium diseases to promote the expansion and migration of cells without the need of corneal keratoplasty. Finally, gene therapy is a promising new frontier of regeneration medicine that can modify the gene expression and, potentially, restore the corneal transparency by reducing fibrosis and neovascularization, as well as by stimulating stem-cell proliferation and tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Posarelli
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, Department of Corneal Diseases, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8YE, UK
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Davide Romano
- Eye Clinic, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Eye Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester, NHS Trust, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK
| | - Davide Tucci
- Department of Biomedical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Ophthalmology, S. Maria Della Misericordia Hospital, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannaccare
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Scorcia
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Andrea Taloni
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Luca Pagano
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, Department of Corneal Diseases, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8YE, UK
| | - Alfredo Borgia
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, Department of Corneal Diseases, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8YE, UK
- Eye Unit, Humanitas-Gradenigo Hospital, 10153 Turin, Italy
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Sarkar S, Panikker P, D’Souza S, Shetty R, Mohan RR, Ghosh A. Corneal Regeneration Using Gene Therapy Approaches. Cells 2023; 12:1280. [PMID: 37174680 PMCID: PMC10177166 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most remarkable advancements in medical treatments of corneal diseases in recent decades has been corneal transplantation. However, corneal transplants, including lamellar strategies, have their own set of challenges, such as graft rejection, delayed graft failure, shortage of donor corneas, repeated treatments, and post-surgical complications. Corneal defects and diseases are one of the leading causes of blindness globally; therefore, there is a need for gene-based interventions that may mitigate some of these challenges and help reduce the burden of blindness. Corneas being immune-advantaged, uniquely avascular, and transparent is ideal for gene therapy approaches. Well-established corneal surgical techniques as well as their ease of accessibility for examination and manipulation makes corneas suitable for in vivo and ex vivo gene therapy. In this review, we focus on the most recent advances in the area of corneal regeneration using gene therapy and on the strategies involved in the development of such therapies. We also discuss the challenges and potential of gene therapy for the treatment of corneal diseases. Additionally, we discuss the translational aspects of gene therapy, including different types of vectors, particularly focusing on recombinant AAV that may help advance targeted therapeutics for corneal defects and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhradeep Sarkar
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore 560099, Karnataka, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Priyalakshmi Panikker
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore 560099, Karnataka, India
| | - Sharon D’Souza
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore 560010, Karnataka, India
| | - Rohit Shetty
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore 560010, Karnataka, India
| | - Rajiv R. Mohan
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
- One-Health Vision Research Program, Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Arkasubhra Ghosh
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore 560099, Karnataka, India
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Weiss JS, Willoughby CE, Abad-Morales V, Turunen JA, Lisch W. Update on the Corneal Dystrophies-Genetic Testing and Therapy. Cornea 2022; 41:1337-1344. [PMID: 36219210 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000002857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT One major purpose of the IC3D Corneal Dystrophy Nomenclature Revision was to include genetic information with a goal of facilitating investigation into the pathogenesis, treatment, and perhaps even prevention of the corneal dystrophies, an ambitious goal. Over a decade has passed since the first publication of the IC3D Corneal Dystrophy Nomenclature Revision. Gene therapy is available for an early-onset form of inherited retinal degeneration called Leber congenital amaurosis, but not yet for corneal degenerations. We review the current state of affairs regarding our original ambitious goal. We discuss genetic testing, gene therapy [RNA interference (RNAi) and genome editing], and ocular delivery of corneal gene therapy for the corneal dystrophies. Why have gene therapy techniques not yet been introduced for the corneal dystrophies?
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayne S Weiss
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pathology and Pharmacology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Colin E Willoughby
- Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Víctor Abad-Morales
- Fundació de Recerca de l'Institut de Microcirurgia Ocular, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Genetics, Institut de Microcirurgia Ocular (IMO), Barcelona, Spain; Dr. Abad-Morales is now with the SpliceBio, Barcelona, Spain, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joni A Turunen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland; and
| | - Walter Lisch
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg, University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Ocular Drug Delivery: Advancements and Innovations. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091931. [PMID: 36145679 PMCID: PMC9506479 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular drug delivery has been significantly advanced for not only pharmaceutical compounds, such as steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, immune modulators, antibiotics, and so forth, but also for the rapidly progressed gene therapy products. For conventional non-gene therapy drugs, appropriate surgical approaches and releasing systems are the main deliberation to achieve adequate treatment outcomes, whereas the scope of “drug delivery” for gene therapy drugs further expands to transgene construct optimization, vector selection, and vector engineering. The eye is the particularly well-suited organ as the gene therapy target, owing to multiple advantages. In this review, we will delve into three main aspects of ocular drug delivery for both conventional drugs and adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy products: (1) the development of AAV vector systems for ocular gene therapy, (2) the innovative carriers of medication, and (3) administration routes progression.
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Ghoraba HH, Akhavanrezayat A, Karaca I, Yavari N, Lajevardi S, Hwang J, Regenold J, Matsumiya W, Pham B, Zaidi M, Mobasserian A, DongChau AT, Or C, Yasar C, Mishra K, Do D, Nguyen QD. Ocular Gene Therapy: A Literature Review with Special Focus on Immune and Inflammatory Responses. Clin Ophthalmol 2022; 16:1753-1771. [PMID: 35685379 PMCID: PMC9173725 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s364200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hashem H Ghoraba
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Amir Akhavanrezayat
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Irmak Karaca
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Negin Yavari
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Sherin Lajevardi
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Jaclyn Hwang
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan Regenold
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Wataru Matsumiya
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Brandon Pham
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Moosa Zaidi
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Azadeh Mobasserian
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Anthony Toan DongChau
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Christopher Or
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Cigdem Yasar
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Kapil Mishra
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Diana Do
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Quan Dong Nguyen
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Correspondence: Quan Dong Nguyen, Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, 2370 Watson Court, Suite 200, Palo Alto, CA, USA, Tel +1 6507257245, Fax +1 6507368232, Email
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Biswas S, Shafiquzzaman M, Yu G, Li P, Yu Q, Zhao P, Li B, Li J. Notch1 signaling in keratocytes maintains corneal transparency by suppressing VEGF expression. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:1442-1457. [PMID: 35623350 PMCID: PMC9214072 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The cornea fends off chemicals, dirt, and infectious particles and provides most of the eye's focusing power. Corneal transparency is of paramount importance to normal vision, yet how it is established and maintained remains unclear. Here, we ablated Notch1 in keratocytes using Twist2-Cre mice and found that Twist2-Cre; Notch1f/f mice developed stroma expansion and neovascularization, followed by hyperproliferation and metaplasia of corneal epithelial progenitor cells and plaque formation at central cornea, leading to loss of transparency. Development of these phenotypes does not involve bacteria-caused inflammation; instead, Notch1 deletion upregulates Vegfa and Vegfc via Hif1α in keratocytes. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor inhibitor axitinib prevented development of these anomalies in Twist2-Cre; Notch1f/f mice, suggesting that VEGFs secreted by keratocytes promote not only neovascularization but also proliferation and metaplasia of epithelial progenitor cells at central cornea. This study uncovers a Notch1-Hif1α-VEGF pathway in keratocytes that maintains corneal transparency and represents a potential target for treatment of related corneal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soma Biswas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Md Shafiquzzaman
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Guo Yu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ping Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qian Yu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Peiquan Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Baojie Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Corneal stromal repair and regeneration. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 91:101090. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Gómez-Aguado I, Rodríguez-Castejón J, Beraza-Millor M, Vicente-Pascual M, Rodríguez-Gascón A, Garelli S, Battaglia L, del Pozo-Rodríguez A, Solinís MÁ. mRNA-Based Nanomedicinal Products to Address Corneal Inflammation by Interleukin-10 Supplementation. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1472. [PMID: 34575548 PMCID: PMC8466377 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The anti-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is considered an efficient treatment for corneal inflammation, in spite of its short half-life and poor eye bioavailability. In the present work, mRNA-based nanomedicinal products based on solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were developed in order to produce IL-10 to treat corneal inflammation. mRNA encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) or human IL-10 was complexed with different SLNs and ligands. After, physicochemical characterization, transfection efficacy, intracellular disposition, cellular uptake and IL-10 expression of the nanosystems were evaluated in vitro in human corneal epithelial (HCE-2) cells. Energy-dependent mechanisms favoured HCE-2 transfection, whereas protein production was influenced by energy-independent uptake mechanisms. Nanovectors with a mean particle size between 94 and 348 nm and a positive superficial charge were formulated as eye drops containing 1% (w/v) of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with 7.1-7.5 pH. After three days of topical administration to mice, all formulations produced GFP in the corneal epithelium of mice. SLNs allowed the obtaining of a higher transfection efficiency than naked mRNA. All formulations produce IL-10, and the interleukin was even observed in the deeper layers of the epithelium of mice depending on the formulation. This work shows the potential application of mRNA-SLN-based nanosystems to address corneal inflammation by gene augmentation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itziar Gómez-Aguado
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de Investigación Lascaray Ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; (I.G.-A.); (J.R.-C.); (M.B.-M.); (M.V.-P.); (A.R.-G.)
- Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Julen Rodríguez-Castejón
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de Investigación Lascaray Ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; (I.G.-A.); (J.R.-C.); (M.B.-M.); (M.V.-P.); (A.R.-G.)
- Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Marina Beraza-Millor
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de Investigación Lascaray Ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; (I.G.-A.); (J.R.-C.); (M.B.-M.); (M.V.-P.); (A.R.-G.)
- Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Mónica Vicente-Pascual
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de Investigación Lascaray Ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; (I.G.-A.); (J.R.-C.); (M.B.-M.); (M.V.-P.); (A.R.-G.)
| | - Alicia Rodríguez-Gascón
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de Investigación Lascaray Ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; (I.G.-A.); (J.R.-C.); (M.B.-M.); (M.V.-P.); (A.R.-G.)
- Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Sara Garelli
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via Pietro Giuria 9, 10125 Torino, Italy; (S.G.); (L.B.)
| | - Luigi Battaglia
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via Pietro Giuria 9, 10125 Torino, Italy; (S.G.); (L.B.)
| | - Ana del Pozo-Rodríguez
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de Investigación Lascaray Ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; (I.G.-A.); (J.R.-C.); (M.B.-M.); (M.V.-P.); (A.R.-G.)
- Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Solinís
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de Investigación Lascaray Ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; (I.G.-A.); (J.R.-C.); (M.B.-M.); (M.V.-P.); (A.R.-G.)
- Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
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12
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Liu N, Wu Q, Liu Y, Li J, Ji P, Fu G. Application of Nanomaterials in the Treatment and Diagnosis of Ophthalmology Diseases. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 16:95-103. [PMID: 32039688 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x15666200210104449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Eye diseases often lead to impaired vision and seriously affect the daily life of patients. Local administration of ophthalmic drugs is one of the most important approaches for the treatment of ophthalmic diseases. However, due to the special biochemical environment of the ocular tissue and the existence of many barriers, the bioavailability of conventional ophthalmic preparations in the eye is very low. Nanomaterials can be utilized as carriers of drugs, which can improve the absorption, distribution, metabolism and bioavailability of drugs in eyes. Nanomaterials have also the advantages of small size, simple preparation, good degradability, strong targeting, and little stimulation to biological tissues, providing an innovative and practical method for the drug delivery of ophthalmic diseases. In addition, nanomaterials can be used as an auxiliary means for early diagnosis of ophthalmic diseases by improving the specificity and accuracy of detection methods. Nanomaterials help clinicians and researchers delve deeper into the physiology and pathology of the eye at the nanoscale. We summarize the application of nanomaterials in the diagnosis and treatment of ophthalmic diseases in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanxin Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - Qingqing Wu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - Yunfei Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - Jiao Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - Ping Ji
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - Gang Fu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing 401120, China
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13
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Feldt J, Welss J, Schneider U, Paulsen F. Gold-based blood serum treatment promotes wound closure of corneal epithelial cell defects in primary in vitro experiments. Ann Anat 2021; 237:151745. [PMID: 33905809 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2021.151745] [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: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wound healing disorders characterised by impaired or delayed reepithelialisation are a serious medical problem. In the present study, we show that gold-based blood serum therapy is a suitable therapeutic approach and shows a supportive effect in wound closure of human corneal epithelial cells (HCE) in primary in vitro experiments. METHODS For this purpose, blood from healthy individuals was incubated without (S.Ctrl) or with gold-microparticles (S.Therapy) for 24 h. Prior to human epithelial cell stimulation (HCE), the gold particles were removed and the serum was diluted in DMEM (10 % or 30 %). Both groups of serum were compared after injury. HCE were cultured and injured (corneal in vitro wound model) and then stimulated with S.Ctrl or S. THERAPY RESULTS Treatment with serum from a gold-based serum therapy (S.Therapy) shows a supportive effect on wound healing in HCE cells in vitro. In addition, gold therapy supports the secretion of important cytokines normally associated with ocular surface wound healing (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and TGF-β) in HCE cells. CONCLUSIONS Therapy with gold-based blood serum significantly promotes the secretion and expression of cytokines and growth factors in HCE cells in vitro. Further preclinical experiments are necessary to demonstrate the influence of this therapy on HCE cells for possible clinical application on the human ocular surface and to prove its function also in poorly healing corneal lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Feldt
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Jessica Welss
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Friedrich Paulsen
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Sechenov University, Department of Operative Surgery and Topographic Anatomy, Moscow, Russia
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14
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Amador C, Shah R, Ghiam S, Kramerov AA, Ljubimov AV. Gene therapy in the anterior eye segment. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 22:104-131. [PMID: 33902406 DOI: 10.2174/1566523221666210423084233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This review provides comprehensive information about the advances in gene therapy in the anterior segment of the eye including cornea, conjunctiva, lacrimal gland, and trabecular meshwork. We discuss gene delivery systems including viral and non-viral vectors as well as gene editing techniques, mainly CRISPR-Cas9, and epigenetic treatments including antisense and siRNA therapeutics. We also provide a detailed analysis of various anterior segment diseases where gene therapy has been tested with corresponding outcomes. Disease conditions include corneal and conjunctival fibrosis and scarring, corneal epithelial wound healing, corneal graft survival, corneal neovascularization, genetic corneal dystrophies, herpetic keratitis, glaucoma, dry eye disease, and other ocular surface diseases. Although most of the analyzed results on the use and validity of gene therapy at the ocular surface have been obtained in vitro or using animal models, we also discuss the available human studies. Gene therapy approaches are currently considered very promising as emerging future treatments of various diseases, and this field is rapidly expanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Amador
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ruchi Shah
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sean Ghiam
- Sackler School of Medicine, New York State/American Program of Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Andrei A Kramerov
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Alexander V Ljubimov
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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15
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Novel nanopolymer RNA therapeutics normalize human diabetic corneal wound healing and epithelial stem cells. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2021; 32:102332. [PMID: 33181273 PMCID: PMC8107190 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2020.102332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Human diabetic corneas develop delayed wound healing, epithelial stem cell dysfunction, recurrent erosions, and keratitis. Adenoviral gene therapy modulating c-Met, cathepsin F and MMP-10 normalized wound healing and epithelial stem cells in organ-cultured diabetic corneas but showed toxicity in stem cell-enriched cultured limbal epithelial cells (LECs). For a safer treatment, we engineered a novel nanobiopolymer (NBC) that carried antisense oligonucleotide (AON) RNA therapeutics suppressing cathepsin F or MMP-10, and miR-409-3p that inhibits c-Met. NBC was internalized by LECs through transferrin receptor (TfR)-mediated endocytosis, inhibited cathepsin F or MMP-10 and upregulated c-Met. Non-toxic NBC modulating c-Met and cathepsin F accelerated wound healing in diabetic LECs and organ-cultured corneas vs. control NBC. NBC treatment normalized levels of stem cell markers (keratins 15 and 17, ABCG2, and ΔNp63), and signaling mediators (p-EGFR, p-Akt and p-p38). Non-toxic nano RNA therapeutics thus present a safe alternative to viral gene therapy for normalizing diabetic corneal cells.
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16
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Korecki AJ, Cueva-Vargas JL, Fornes O, Agostinone J, Farkas RA, Hickmott JW, Lam SL, Mathelier A, Zhou M, Wasserman WW, Di Polo A, Simpson EM. Human MiniPromoters for ocular-rAAV expression in ON bipolar, cone, corneal, endothelial, Müller glial, and PAX6 cells. Gene Ther 2021; 28:351-372. [PMID: 33531684 PMCID: PMC8222000 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00227-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Small and cell-type restricted promoters are important tools for basic and preclinical research, and clinical delivery of gene therapies. In clinical gene therapy, ophthalmic trials have been leading the field, with over 50% of ocular clinical trials using promoters that restrict expression based on cell type. Here, 19 human DNA MiniPromoters were bioinformatically designed for rAAV, tested by neonatal intravenous delivery in mouse, and successful MiniPromoters went on to be tested by intravitreal, subretinal, intrastromal, and/or intravenous delivery in adult mouse. We present promoter development as an overview for each cell type, but only show results in detail for the recommended MiniPromoters: Ple265 and Ple341 (PCP2) ON bipolar, Ple349 (PDE6H) cone, Ple253 (PITX3) corneal stroma, Ple32 (CLDN5) endothelial cells of the blood-retina barrier, Ple316 (NR2E1) Müller glia, and Ple331 (PAX6) PAX6 positive. Overall, we present a resource of new, redesigned, and improved MiniPromoters for ocular gene therapy that range in size from 784 to 2484 bp, and from weaker, equal, or stronger in strength relative to the ubiquitous control promoter smCBA. All MiniPromoters will be useful for therapies involving small regulatory RNA and DNA, and proteins ranging from 517 to 1084 amino acids, representing 62.9-90.2% of human proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J. Korecki
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Jorge L. Cueva-Vargas
- grid.14848.310000 0001 2292 3357Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Oriol Fornes
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Jessica Agostinone
- grid.14848.310000 0001 2292 3357Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Rachelle A. Farkas
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Jack W. Hickmott
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Siu Ling Lam
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Anthony Mathelier
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Michelle Zhou
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Wyeth W. Wasserman
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- grid.14848.310000 0001 2292 3357Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Elizabeth M. Simpson
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
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17
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Mobaraki M, Soltani M, Zare Harofte S, L. Zoudani E, Daliri R, Aghamirsalim M, Raahemifar K. Biodegradable Nanoparticle for Cornea Drug Delivery: Focus Review. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E1232. [PMID: 33353013 PMCID: PMC7765989 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12121232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
During recent decades, researchers all around the world have focused on the characteristic pros and cons of the different drug delivery systems for cornea tissue change for sense organs. The delivery of various drugs for cornea tissue is one of the most attractive and challenging activities for researchers in biomaterials, pharmacology, and ophthalmology. This method is so important for cornea wound healing because of the controllable release rate and enhancement in drug bioavailability. It should be noted that the delivery of various kinds of drugs into the different parts of the eye, especially the cornea, is so difficult because of the unique anatomy and various barriers in the eye. Nanoparticles are investigated to improve drug delivery systems for corneal disease. Biodegradable nanocarriers for repeated corneal drug delivery is one of the most attractive and challenging methods for corneal drug delivery because they have shown acceptable ability for this purpose. On the other hand, by using these kinds of nanoparticles, a drug could reside in various part of the cornea for longer. In this review, we summarized all approaches for corneal drug delivery with emphasis on the biodegradable nanoparticles, such as liposomes, dendrimers, polymeric nanoparticles, niosomes, microemulsions, nanosuspensions, and hydrogels. Moreover, we discuss the anatomy of the cornea at first and gene therapy at the end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadmahdi Mobaraki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran 15875‐4413, Iran;
- Translational Ophthalmology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran 1417614411, Iran;
| | - Madjid Soltani
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
- Faculty of Science, School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran 19967-15433, Iran; (S.Z.H.); (E.L.Z.); (R.D.)
- Centre for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (CBB), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
- Advanced Bioengineering Initiative Center, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran 1417614411, Iran
- Computational Medicine Center, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran 1417614411, Iran
| | - Samaneh Zare Harofte
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran 19967-15433, Iran; (S.Z.H.); (E.L.Z.); (R.D.)
| | - Elham L. Zoudani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran 19967-15433, Iran; (S.Z.H.); (E.L.Z.); (R.D.)
| | - Roshanak Daliri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran 19967-15433, Iran; (S.Z.H.); (E.L.Z.); (R.D.)
| | - Mohamadreza Aghamirsalim
- Translational Ophthalmology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran 1417614411, Iran;
| | - Kaamran Raahemifar
- Faculty of Science, School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada;
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Program, College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST), Penn State University, State College, Pennsylvania, PA 16801, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoud, Muscat 123, Oman
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18
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Mohan RR, Martin LM, Sinha NR. Novel insights into gene therapy in the cornea. Exp Eye Res 2020; 202:108361. [PMID: 33212142 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Corneal disease remains a leading cause of impaired vision world-wide, and advancements in gene therapy continue to develop with promising success to prevent, treat and cure blindness. Ideally, gene therapy requires a vector and gene delivery method that targets treatment of specific cells or tissues and results in a safe and non-immunogenic response. The cornea is a model tissue for gene therapy due to its ease of clinician access and immune-privileged state. Improvements in the past 5-10 years have begun to revolutionize the approach to gene therapy in the cornea with a focus on adeno-associated virus and nanoparticle delivery of single and combination gene therapies. In addition, the potential applications of gene editing (zinc finger nucleases [ZNFs], transcription activator-like effector nucleases [TALENs], Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/Associated Systems [CRISPR/Cas9]) are rapidly expanding. This review focuses on recent developments in gene therapy for corneal diseases, including promising multiple gene therapy, while outlining a practical approach to the development of such therapies and potential impediments to successful delivery of genes to the cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv R Mohan
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, United States; One-health Vision Research Center, Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States; Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.
| | - Lynn M Martin
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, United States; One-health Vision Research Center, Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Nishant R Sinha
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, United States; One-health Vision Research Center, Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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19
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Deng SX, Dos Santos A, Gee S. Therapeutic Potential of Extracellular Vesicles for the Treatment of Corneal Injuries and Scars. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:1. [PMID: 33200043 PMCID: PMC7645240 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.12.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection, trauma, and chemical exposure of the ocular surface can severely damage the cornea, resulting in visually significant stromal scars. Current medical treatments are ineffective in mitigating corneal scarring, and corneal transplantation is the only therapy able to restore vision in these eyes. However, because of a severe shortage of corneal tissues, risks of blinding complications associated with corneal transplants, and a higher rate of graft failure in these eyes, an effective and deliverable alternative therapy for the prevention and treatment of corneal scarring remains a significant unmet medical need globally. In recent years, the therapeutic potential of extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by cells to mediate cell-cell communication has been a topic of increasing interest. EVs derived from mesenchymal stem cells, in particular human corneal stromal stem cells, have antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative effects in injured corneas. The exact mechanism of action of these functional EVs are largely unknown. Therapeutic development of EVs is at an early stage and warrants further preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie X. Deng
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Aurelie Dos Santos
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Serina Gee
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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20
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Baran-Rachwalska P, Torabi-Pour N, Sutera FM, Ahmed M, Thomas K, Nesbit MA, Welsh M, Moore CBT, Saffie-Siebert SR. Topical siRNA delivery to the cornea and anterior eye by hybrid silicon-lipid nanoparticles. J Control Release 2020; 326:192-202. [PMID: 32653503 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The major unmet need and crucial challenge hampering the exciting potential of RNAi therapeutics in ophthalmology is to find an effective, safe and non-invasive means of delivering siRNA to the cornea. Although all tissues of the eye are accessible by injection, topical application is preferable for the frequent treatment regimen that would be necessary for siRNA-induced gene silencing. However, the ocular surface is one of the more complex biological barriers for drug delivery due to the combined effect of short contact time, tear dilution and poor corneal cell penetration. Using nanotechnology to overcome the challenges, we developed a unique silicon-based delivery platform for ocular delivery of siRNA. This biocompatible hybrid of porous silicon nanoparticles and lipids has demonstrated an ability to bind nucleic acid and deliver functional siRNA to corneal cells both in vitro and in vivo. Potent transfection of human corneal epithelial cells with siRNA-ProSilic® formulation was followed by a successful downregulation of reporter protein expression. Moreover, siRNA complexed with this silicon-based hybrid and applied in vivo topically to mice eyes penetrated across all cornea layers and resulted in a significant reduction of the targeted protein expression in corneal epithelium. In terms of siRNA loading capacity, system versatility, and potency of action, ProSilic provides unique attributes as a biodegradable delivery platform for therapeutic oligonucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Baran-Rachwalska
- SiSaf Ltd, Surrey Research Park, Guildford GU2 7RE, United Kingdom; Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Mukhtar Ahmed
- SiSaf Ltd, Surrey Research Park, Guildford GU2 7RE, United Kingdom
| | - Keith Thomas
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - M Andrew Nesbit
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Welsh
- SiSaf Ltd, Surrey Research Park, Guildford GU2 7RE, United Kingdom
| | - C B Tara Moore
- SiSaf Ltd, Surrey Research Park, Guildford GU2 7RE, United Kingdom; Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, United Kingdom.
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