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Arif W, Narendran S, Kannan NB, Ramasamy K, Veerappan M, Chidambaranathan GP. Age-related reduction in the functional properties of adult stem cells located in the peripheral region of human retinal pigment epithelium. Indian J Ophthalmol 2024; 72:S688-S695. [PMID: 38623706 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_2491_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Adult stem cells (SCs) with self-renewal and multilineage potential have been reported upon culturing human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. The current study aimed to identify the location of SCs in human RPE and to elucidate the age-related changes. METHODS Peripheral, equatorial, and central RPE cells from donors of three age groups were analyzed for their sphere-forming, clonal, and label-retaining cell properties. Furthermore, native human RPE flatmounts were immunostained for SC and proliferating cell markers. RESULTS Cells with higher sphere-forming and clonal ability were identified only in young donors (<30 years) and were restricted to the periphery. Upon culturing, cells from peripheral and equatorial regions had the label-retaining cell (LRC) property. With aging, the LRCs were restricted to the periphery and were reduced. In young donors, Ki67 + proliferating cells were not observed in native RPE. However, such cells were observed in the peripheral RPE of older donors correlating with the need for regeneration. The native RPE cells were negative for SC marker expression. CONCLUSION The above findings highlighted the presence of SCs with the ability to proliferate in the peripheral RPE and a reduction in these functional properties of SCs with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseema Arif
- Department of Immunology and Stem Cell Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation -Affiliated to Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
- Unit of One Health, ICMR- Vector Control Research Centre, Puducherry, India
| | | | - Naresh Babu Kannan
- Retina and Vitreous Services, Aravind Eye Hospital and Post Graduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kim Ramasamy
- Retina and Vitreous Services, Aravind Eye Hospital and Post Graduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Muthukkaruppan Veerappan
- Department of Immunology and Stem Cell Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Gowri Priya Chidambaranathan
- Department of Immunology and Stem Cell Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation -Affiliated to Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
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2
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Xiao Y, McGhee CNJ, Zhang J. Adult stem cells in the eye: Identification, characterisation, and therapeutic application in ocular regeneration - A review. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024; 52:148-166. [PMID: 38214071 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14309] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Adult stem cells, present in various parts of the human body, are undifferentiated cells that can proliferate and differentiate to replace dying cells within tissues. Stem cells have specifically been identified in the cornea, trabecular meshwork, crystalline lens, iris, ciliary body, retina, choroid, sclera, conjunctiva, eyelid, lacrimal gland, and orbital fat. The identification of ocular stem cells broadens the potential therapeutic strategies for untreatable eye diseases. Currently, stem cell transplantation for corneal and conjunctival diseases remains the most common stem cell-based therapy in ocular clinical management. Lens epithelial stem cells have been applied in the treatment of paediatric cataracts. Several early-phase clinical trials for corneal and retinal regeneration using ocular stem cells are also underway. Extensive preclinical studies using ocular stem cells have been conducted, showing encouraging outcomes. Ocular stem cells currently demonstrate great promise in potential treatments of eye diseases. In this review, we focus on the identification, characterisation, and therapeutic application of adult stem cells in the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Xiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Charles N J McGhee
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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3
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Fortress AM, Miyagishima KJ, Reed AA, Temple S, Clegg DO, Tucker BA, Blenkinsop TA, Harb G, Greenwell TN, Ludwig TE, Bharti K. Stem cell sources and characterization in the development of cell-based products for treating retinal disease: An NEI Town Hall report. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:53. [PMID: 36978104 PMCID: PMC10053463 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03282-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
National Eye Institute recently issued a new Strategic Plan outlining priority research areas for the next 5 years. Starting cell source for deriving stem cell lines is as an area with gaps and opportunities for making progress in regenerative medicine, a key area of emphasis within the NEI Strategic Plan. There is a critical need to understand how starting cell source affects the cell therapy product and what specific manufacturing capabilities and quality control standards are required for autologous vs allogeneic stem cell sources. With the goal of addressing some of these questions, in discussion with the community-at-large, NEI hosted a Town Hall at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology annual meeting in May 2022. This session leveraged recent clinical advances in autologous and allogeneic RPE replacement strategies to develop guidance for upcoming cell therapies for photoreceptors, retinal ganglion cells, and other ocular cell types. Our focus on stem cell-based therapies for RPE underscores the relatively advanced stage of RPE cell therapies to patients with several ongoing clinical trials. Thus, this workshop encouraged lessons learned from the RPE field to help accelerate progress in developing stem cell-based therapies in other ocular tissues. This report provides a synthesis of the key points discussed at the Town Hall and highlights needs and opportunities in ocular regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Fortress
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | | | - Amberlynn A Reed
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Dennis O Clegg
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Budd A Tucker
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Timothy A Blenkinsop
- Ophthalmology Cell Development and Regenerative Biology, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Thomas N Greenwell
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | | | - Kapil Bharti
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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4
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Gullapalli VK, Zarbin MA. New Prospects for Retinal Pigment Epithelium Transplantation. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2022; 11:302-313. [PMID: 36041145 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) transplants rescue photoreceptors in selected animal models of retinal degenerative disease. Early clinical studies of RPE transplants as treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) included autologous and allogeneic transplants of RPE suspensions and RPE sheets for atrophic and neovascular complications of AMD. Subsequent studies explored autologous RPE-Bruch membrane-choroid transplants in patients with neovascular AMD with occasional marked visual benefit, which establishes a rationale for RPE transplants in late-stage AMD. More recent work has involved transplantation of autologous and allogeneic stem cell-derived RPE for patients with AMD and those with Stargardt disease. These early-stage clinical trials have employed RPE suspensions and RPE monolayers on biocompatible scaffolds. Safety has been well documented, but evidence of efficacy is variable. Current research involves development of better scaffolds, improved modulation of immune surveillance, and modification of the extracellular milieu to improve RPE survival and integration with host retina.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco A Zarbin
- Iinstitute of Ophthalmology and visual Science, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, US
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5
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Garcia-Ayuso D, Di Pierdomenico J, García-Bernal D, Vidal-Sanz M, Villegas-Pérez MP. Bone marrow-derived mononuclear stem cells in the treatment of retinal degenerations. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:1937-1944. [PMID: 35142670 PMCID: PMC8848608 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.335692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases affecting the outer retina in its many forms (inherited, acquired or induced) are characterized by photoreceptor loss, and represent currently a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the world. At present, there are very few treatments capable of preventing, recovering or reversing photoreceptor degeneration or the secondary retinal remodeling, which follows photoreceptor loss and can also cause the death of other retinal cells. Thus, these diseases are nowadays one of the greatest challenges in the field of ophthalmological research. Bone marrow derived-mononuclear stem cell transplantation has shown promising results for the treatment of photoreceptor degenerations. These cells may have the potential to slow down photoreceptor loss, and therefore should be applied in the early stages of photoreceptor degenerations. Furthermore, because of their possible paracrine effects, they may have a wide range of clinical applications, since they can potentially impact on several retinal cell types at once and photoreceptor degenerations can involve different cells and/or begin in one cell type and then affect adjacent cells. The intraocular injection of bone marrow derived-mononuclear stem cells also enhances the outcomes of other treatments aimed to protect photoreceptors. Therefore, it is likely that future investigations may combine bone marrow derived-mononuclear stem cell therapy with other systemic or intraocular treatments to obtain greater therapeutic effects in degenerative retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Garcia-Ayuso
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Ciencias de la salud; Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Johnny Di Pierdomenico
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Ciencias de la salud; Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - David García-Bernal
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca); Servicio de Hematología, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Ciencias de la salud; Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - María P Villegas-Pérez
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Ciencias de la salud; Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
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Singh MS, Park SS, Albini TA, Canto-Soler MV, Klassen H, MacLaren RE, Takahashi M, Nagiel A, Schwartz SD, Bharti K. Retinal stem cell transplantation: Balancing safety and potential. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 75:100779. [PMID: 31494256 PMCID: PMC7056514 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.100779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell transplantation holds great promise as a potential treatment for currently incurable retinal degenerative diseases that cause poor vision and blindness. Recently, safety data have emerged from several Phase I/II clinical trials of retinal stem cell transplantation. These clinical trials, usually run in partnership with academic institutions, are based on sound preclinical studies and are focused on patient safety. However, reports of serious adverse events arising from cell therapy in other poorly regulated centers have now emerged in the lay and scientific press. While progress in stem cell research for blindness has been greeted with great enthusiasm by patients, scientists, doctors and industry alike, these adverse events have raised concerns about the safety of retinal stem cell transplantation and whether patients are truly protected from undue harm. The aim of this review is to summarize and appraise the safety of human retinal stem cell transplantation in the context of its potential to be developed into an effective treatment for retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandeep S Singh
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
| | - Susanna S Park
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California-Davis Eye Center, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Thomas A Albini
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - M Valeria Canto-Soler
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Research Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Henry Klassen
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute and Stem Cell Research Center, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford and Oxford University Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Aaron Nagiel
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA; USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90007, USA
| | - Steven D Schwartz
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; Edythe and Eli Broad Stem Cell Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Kapil Bharti
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 90892, USA
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Abstract
Purpose Retinal degenerative diseases lead to the death of retinal neurons causing visual impairment and blindness. In lower order vertebrates, the retina and its surrounding tissue contain stem cell niches capable of regenerating damaged tissue. Here we examine these niches and review their capacity to be used as retinal stem/progenitor cells (RSC/RPCs) for retinal repair. Recent Findings Exogenous factors can control the in vitro activation of RSCs/PCs found in several niches within the adult eye including cells in the ciliary margin, the retinal pigment epithelium, iris pigment epithelium as well as the inducement of Müller and amacrine cells within the neural retina itself. Recently, factors have been identified for the activation of adult mammalian Müller cells to a RPC state in vivo. Summary Whereas cell transplantation still holds potential for retinal repair, activation of the dormant native regeneration process may lead to a more successful process including greater integration efficiency and proper synaptic targeting.
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8
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Cell Therapy for Retinal Dystrophies: From Cell Suspension Formulation to Complex Retinal Tissue Bioengineering. Stem Cells Int 2019; 2019:4568979. [PMID: 30809263 PMCID: PMC6364130 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4568979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration is an irreversible phenomenon caused by various disease conditions including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). During the course of these diseases, photoreceptors (PRs) are susceptible to degeneration due to their malfunctions or to a primary dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Once lost, these cells could not be endogenously regenerated in humans, and cell therapy to replace the lost cells is one of the promising strategies to recover vision. Depending on the nature of the primary defect and the stage of the disease, RPE cells, PRs, or both might be transplanted to achieve therapeutic effects. We describe in this review the current knowledge and recent progress to develop such approaches. The different cell sources proposed for cell therapy including human pluripotent stem cells are presented with their advantages and limits. Another critical aspect described herein is the pharmaceutical formulation of the end product to be delivered into the eye of patients. Finally, we also outline the future research directions in order to develop a complex multilayered retinal tissue for end-stage patients.
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9
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Kramer J, Chirco KR, Lamba DA. Immunological Considerations for Retinal Stem Cell Therapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1186:99-119. [PMID: 31654387 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-28471-8_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
There is an increasing effort toward generating replacement cells for neuronal application due to the nonregenerative nature of these tissues. While much progress has been made toward developing methodologies to generate these cells, there have been limited improvements in functional restoration. Some of these are linked to the degenerative and often nonreceptive microenvironment that the new cells need to integrate into. In this chapter, we will focus on the status and role of the immune microenvironment of the retina during homeostasis and disease states. We will review changes in both innate and adaptive immunity as well as the role of immune rejection in stem cell replacement therapies. The chapter will end with a discussion of immune-modulatory strategies that have helped to ameliorate these effects and could potentially improve functional outcome for cell replacement therapies for the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Kramer
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
| | | | - Deepak A Lamba
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. .,Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA.
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10
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Tian Y, Davis R, Zonca MR, Stern JH, Temple S, Xie Y. Screening and optimization of potential injection vehicles for storage of retinal pigment epithelial stem cell before transplantation. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2018; 13:76-86. [DOI: 10.1002/term.2770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yangzi Tian
- Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering; SUNY Polytechnic Institute; Albany New York
| | - Richard Davis
- Department of Retina Research; Neural Stem Cell Institute; Rensselaer New York
| | - Michael R. Zonca
- Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering; SUNY Polytechnic Institute; Albany New York
| | - Jeffrey H. Stern
- Department of Retina Research; Neural Stem Cell Institute; Rensselaer New York
| | - Sally Temple
- Department of Retina Research; Neural Stem Cell Institute; Rensselaer New York
| | - Yubing Xie
- Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering; SUNY Polytechnic Institute; Albany New York
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11
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Fernandes M, McArdle B, Schiff L, Blenkinsop TA. Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelial Layer Model from Adult Human Globes Donated for Corneal Transplants. CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN STEM CELL BIOLOGY 2018; 45:e53. [PMID: 30040247 DOI: 10.1002/cpsc.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
An adult human retinal pigment epithelial layer (ahRPE) model derived from stem cells isolated from native RPE monolayers (ahRPE-SCs) exhibits key physiological characteristics of native tissue and therefore provides the means to create a human "disease in a dish" model to study RPE diseases. Traditionally, RPE lines are established from whole globes dedicated to research. Here we describe a new technique for establishing primary RPE lines from the posterior poles of globes used for corneal transplants. Since tissues from corneal transplants are derived from younger and healthier donors than those used for research, we have hypothesized that RPE cells isolated from corneal transplantation globes will result in improved primary RPE line establishment. Our new procedure increases the rate of establishing successful RPE cultures and improves the total cell number yield. Use of this advanced methodology can provide a new source of high-quality primary RPE line cultures. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Fernandes
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Cell, Development, and Regenerative Biology, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, New York
| | | | - Lauren Schiff
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Cell, Development, and Regenerative Biology, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, New York
| | - Timothy A Blenkinsop
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Cell, Development, and Regenerative Biology, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, New York
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12
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Luo M, Chen Y. Application of stem cell-derived retinal pigmented epithelium in retinal degenerative diseases: present and future. Int J Ophthalmol 2018; 11:150-159. [PMID: 29376004 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2018.01.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As a constituent of blood-retinal barrier and retinal outer segment (ROS) scavenger, retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) is fundamental to normal function of retina. Malfunctioning of RPE contributes to the onset and advance of retinal degenerative diseases. Up to date, RPE replacement therapy is the only possible method to completely reverse retinal degeneration. Transplantation of human RPE stem cell-derived RPE (hRPESC-RPE) has shown some good results in animal models. With promising results in terms of safety and visual improvement, human embryonic stem cell-derived RPE (hESC-RPE) can be expected in clinical settings in the near future. Despite twists and turns, induced pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE (iPSC-RPE) is now being intensely investigated to overcome genetic and epigenetic instability. By far, only one patient has received iPSC-RPE transplant, which is a hallmark of iPSC technology development. During follow-up, no major complications such as immunogenicity or tumorigenesis have been observed. Future trials should keep focusing on the safety of stem cell-derived RPE (SC-RPE) especially in long period, and better understanding of the nature of stem cell and the molecular events in the process to generate SC-RPE is necessary to the prosperity of SC-RPE clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China.,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Youxin Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China.,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
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13
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Zhao C, Boles NC, Miller JD, Kawola S, Temple S, Davis RJ, Stern JH. Development of a Refined Protocol for Trans-scleral Subretinal Transplantation of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells into Rat Eyes. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 28829422 DOI: 10.3791/55220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Degenerative retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are the leading cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide. AMD is characterized by the degeneration of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, which are a monolayer of cells functionally supporting and anatomically wrapping around the neural retina. Current pharmacological treatments for the non-neovascular AMD (dry AMD) only slow down the disease progression but cannot restore vision, necessitating studies aimed at identifying novel therapeutic strategies. Replacing the degenerative RPE cells with healthy cells holds promise to treat dry AMD in the future. Extensive preclinical studies of stem cell replacement therapies for AMD involve the transplantation of stem cell-derived RPE cells into the subretinal space of animal models, in which the subretinal injection technique is applied. The approach most frequently used in these preclinical animal studies is through the trans-scleral route, which is made difficult by the lack of direct visualization of the needle end and can often result in retinal damage. An alternative approach through the vitreous allows for direct observation of the needle end position, but it carries a high risk of surgical traumas as more eye tissues are disturbed. We have developed a less risky and reproducible modified trans-scleral injection method that uses defined needle angles and depths to successfully and consistently deliver RPE cells into the rat subretinal space and avoid excessive retinal damage. Cells delivered in this manner have been previously demonstrated to be efficacious in the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat for at least 2 months. This technique can be used not only for cell transplantation but also for delivery of small molecules or gene therapies.
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14
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Davis RJ, Alam NM, Zhao C, Müller C, Saini JS, Blenkinsop TA, Mazzoni F, Campbell M, Borden SM, Charniga CJ, Lederman PL, Aguilar V, Naimark M, Fiske M, Boles N, Temple S, Finnemann SC, Prusky GT, Stern JH. The Developmental Stage of Adult Human Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells Influences Transplant Efficacy for Vision Rescue. Stem Cell Reports 2017; 9:42-49. [PMID: 28625537 PMCID: PMC5511099 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common cause of central visual loss in the elderly. Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell loss occurs early in the course of AMD and RPE cell transplantation holds promise to slow disease progression. We report that subretinal transplantation of RPE stem cell (RPESC)-derived RPE cells (RPESC-RPE) preserved vision in a rat model of RPE cell dysfunction. Importantly, the stage of differentiation that RPESC-RPE acquired prior to transplantation influenced the efficacy of vision rescue. Whereas cells at all stages of differentiation tested rescued photoreceptor layer morphology, an intermediate stage of RPESC-RPE differentiation obtained after 4 weeks of culture was more consistent at vision rescue than progeny that were differentiated for 2 weeks or 8 weeks of culture. Our results indicate that the developmental stage of RPESC-RPE significantly influences the efficacy of RPE cell replacement, which affects the therapeutic application of these cells for AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Davis
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Regenerative Research Foundation, One Discovery Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - Nazia M Alam
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10605, USA; Center for Visual Restoration, Burke Medical Research Institute, 785 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605, USA
| | - Cuiping Zhao
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Regenerative Research Foundation, One Discovery Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - Claudia Müller
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Cancer, Genetic Diseases and Gene Regulation, Fordham University, Bronx, NY 10458, USA
| | - Janmeet S Saini
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Regenerative Research Foundation, One Discovery Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - Timothy A Blenkinsop
- Cell, Developmental & Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Francesca Mazzoni
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Cancer, Genetic Diseases and Gene Regulation, Fordham University, Bronx, NY 10458, USA
| | - Melissa Campbell
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Regenerative Research Foundation, One Discovery Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - Susan M Borden
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Regenerative Research Foundation, One Discovery Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - Carol J Charniga
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Regenerative Research Foundation, One Discovery Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - Patty L Lederman
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Regenerative Research Foundation, One Discovery Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - Vanessa Aguilar
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Regenerative Research Foundation, One Discovery Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - Michael Naimark
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Regenerative Research Foundation, One Discovery Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - Michael Fiske
- Upstate Stem Cell cGMP Facility, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Nathan Boles
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Regenerative Research Foundation, One Discovery Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - Sally Temple
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Regenerative Research Foundation, One Discovery Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - Silvia C Finnemann
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Cancer, Genetic Diseases and Gene Regulation, Fordham University, Bronx, NY 10458, USA
| | - Glen T Prusky
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10605, USA; Center for Visual Restoration, Burke Medical Research Institute, 785 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605, USA
| | - Jeffrey H Stern
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Regenerative Research Foundation, One Discovery Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA.
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15
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Craft AM, Johnson M. From stem cells to human development: a distinctly human perspective on early embryology, cellular differentiation and translational research. Development 2017; 144:12-16. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.142778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Over 100 scientists with common interests in human development, disease and regeneration gathered in late September 2016 for The Company of Biologists' second ‘From Stem Cells to Human Development’ meeting held in historic Southbridge. In this Meeting Review, we highlight some of the exciting new findings that were presented, and discuss emerging themes and convergences in human development and disease that arose during these discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- April M. Craft
- Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Matthew Johnson
- Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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